Florida Vacation 2010

This year we were very blessed with the opportunity to go to Florida as a family with Grandma Sears. Our first stop was in Daytona Beach, where we got to see lots and lots of family including my Granny Rice, Aunt Fran and lots of cousins and extended family! We spent several days swimming in the very cold ocean, building sand castles, searching for sea shells, walking the boardwalk, fishing, and seeing the sites. The girls loved seeing the "beach trees" (palm trees) and the "salt water" (ocean). We also took an excursion to Cocoa Beach where we stopped at Ron Jon Surf Shop (my favorite since childhood) where the kids got their first "surf boards" and then we ate lunch at Dixie Crossroads (a favorite of my Mom and Dad) in Titusville. It rained almost every day but luckily we were still able to enjoy Daytona. After a few days in Daytona, we drove to Orlando where we stayed in an awesome 2 bedroom condo at Bonnet Creek Resort. We spent the first day at Disney's Hollywood Studios where the kids met some Playhouse Disney, Monster's Inc., and Toy Story characters. They also met Mickey here for the first time. Brianna was more interested in meeting Mickey than Bailey was as Bailey often shied away from the characters. It rained off and on this day as well but it didn't stop us from enjoying everything! Thanks to Grandma Sears, we all covered up in rain ponchos and kept going. And so did everyone else in the park. Rain or shine, the park was in full swing. We even went back that night for the nightly show and fireworks! The second day we were in Orlando, we went to Disney World! And yes, it rained! Again, nothing was stopping us. We did everything we set out to do that morning and by late afternoon, the sun came out and it was hot! By this time, everyone was beat. We got one last ride in, shopped for some souvenirs in the cool stores, and went back to the hotel for some rest and pool time! The last day we spent in Orlando, we went to Downtown Disney. There we went to my favorite store, Once Upon a Toy, and got a box full of new Mr. Potato Head parts for the kids. Then we ate at T-Rex, which is a dinosaur version of the Rain Forest Cafe. We had never been to T-Rex so we really enjoyed watching the animated dinosaurs and meteor shower. Of course, when it was time to leave Florida the kids were very upset. Bailey tried to reason with me, telling me that the condo was "already decorated" and that she didn't need any of her toys from home because she could just buy new ones. She really wanted to live in the condo, which when you think about it, was like a 2 bedroom house. And I must admit I didn't want to leave either and I still wish we were back there now. We had an amazing time and we can't wait to go back! Maybe next year! ;)


My cousin Josh from Pennsylvania with Bailey

Yes, that is blood running down her leg. Both girls fell on the rocks when they were searching the beach for sea shells. They are OK!


Did I mention it was race weekend!

Nika' and Brianna at Ocean Walk, no they did not plan matching outfits!

At the Daytona Beach boardwalk.

On the Ferris wheel at the boardwalk.

They were so funny on the Ferris wheel!

First "surf boards" from Ron Jon Surf Shop!


Future surfer girl???

Feeding the fish at Dixie Crossroads.



The kids finding seashells!


Bailey was so tired that she literally passed out sitting up in the Walmart shopping cart. Poor baby!


That's right, she's 7!

As usual, Bailey not wanting to admit her real age!

Daddy keeping Bailey entertained in the Toy Story ride line.

We never want to leave Florida!!!


On our way to Disney World!


The girls making plans.

Brianna on the ferry ride to Disney.


So much excitement pooped her out.


We must get a Mickey hat for Bolt too Mommy!



Good Daddy!

June 2010

This month we went to our first Build and Grow event at Lowe's. The girls got wooden kits, nails, aprons, a hammer and a badge and certificate for completion. I was really surprised at how well they both did hammering the nails and building a frame. Since then we have been back to make a monster truck and we hope to continue going as often as we can. I really enjoyed watching the kids learning and seeing how incredibly smart they are!


On the way to Lowe's.


Brianna in her apron.


Bailey hammering away, deep in concentration.


The finished products! Amazing!




The girls are signed up for soccer! This will be a first for both of them. We are all very excited to start practices in August. So of course we had to get them both a new soccer ball for home practices. Brianna got a pink ball and Bailey got a green ball. Needless to say, they LOVED them.



All decked out in their new gear, ready to start practice!