Florida, Day 5

Day 5 did not start off so well. Daniel was feeling really bad, so I took him to an UTC. Turns out he had a sinus infection (which he had already known) and got an antibiodic and some steriods. We had to wait an hour at the pharmacy! That was crazy and the longest I have ever waited! Once we got back to Mimi's, the girls were there (they stayed with Aunt Katie) and we were ready to head to Lakeland to pick up Nanny. We got to see her new apartment, which was really cute! She was proud to show it off! We then went to a park to walk around and let the kids get their wiggles out before heading on to Orlando. Mindy was hosting her annual Christmas Eve Eve party. It was lots of fun with good wine, good food, and catching up on family! We got to meet Anthony and Darius' older brother, Dean and Anthony's girlfriend. I sadly did not remember to take any pictures!!! I was so mad at myself, but at least we have the memories!

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Florida Day 4

Today we decided to take it easy. We went shopping while Daddy played golf with Uncle Jimmy. The mall wasn't too crowded, so that was nice and found some good things on sale...which was even better! After shopping, we came back and the cousins (minus Rori) all went swimming with Mimi! It was about 76 degrees and they have an outdoor heated pool in their neighborhood. The kids swam for an hour and didn't want to leave! My kids are fish! I didn't go, so no pictures...this time! We just hung out and had supper at Mimi's. A very low key day, but also fun!

Florida Day 3

On Tuesday, we went to Busch Gardens for free! They have a program called Salute to Heroes and allows military members and their families to get complimentary tickets to their park once a year. We have used it before to go to Sea World (3 times) and to Busch Gardens (in 2005). It was such a beautiful day. The temps got into the 70's and it wasn't too crowded. It was nice to not be sweating and waiting in long lines! A great day!

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Florida trip, day 1 & 2

After leaving Navarre, we traveled along the coast to get to Tampa. It was a nice drive and lots of pretty scenery. We got to Mimi's house just in time to see the first annual caroling on her street. There were four sets of carolers walking around the block. Everyone had luminaries set up lining the sidewalk and chairs set out to listen to them sing. It was about 40 degrees and it was funny to see all our Florida family bundled up with hats/gloves and my kids running around with lightweight coats on. We went to the power plant on Monday morning to see the manatees, which was so much fun. I couldn't believe how many there were! That night, we went to Christmas Lane, which was a walk around light display. They had lots of cute things....some snow (which was acutally soap), and a train for little ones to ride on.

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Side Trip in Florida!

We left on Friday the 17th for Florida. We left earlier than planned just because the roads were kind of iffy. We didn't have any issues, thankfully, weather-wise. Our first stop was in Navarre, Florida to surprise Meghan with a visit to her friend, Jordan who had moved down there in June. It was so much fun to see the family and their new house/church. They even grilled out for us for lunch....which was sooo yummy! We went to a party at a church members house that evening and had lots of fun.

Snow Days 2 & 3....and a Christmas Party

So the last week of school was very short. We ended up with a "mini" ice storm over night into Thursday, so no school. It was not fun to play out in, but Trey helped me shovel the ice off the drive way. They canceled school that night for Friday by about 5pm. Good thing too. Our roads in our neighborhood were awful! I was sad that for Lily...she was very sad to be missing her Christmas party, especially since we made our cute reindeer cookies. Trey's private preschool was only on a 2 hour delay. I called his teacher to make sure they were still having the party and she said they were. I didn't take him until about 10 and stayed the whole time. It was kind of nice to be a "mom" at a Christmas party and not the teacher! Trey got to play while they set up the party in the art room. He had a great time showing his sister around the room. They had food, and then opened a present (they had drawn names), and then had a cupcake and cookie after singing happy birthday to Jesus and blowing out a candle. He had a great time!

First Snow Day of the School Year

Today was our first snow day of this school year. I was really hoping not to have one right before our Christmas break, but since I can't control it, I will enjoy it. I am getting caught up on laundry (which was much needed!) and the kids and I played outside for a little while. It was very cold! It was only about 16 degrees and with the wind blowing, who knows what the windchill was! BRRRRRR!!! Trey could talk of nothing else since getting up about 7am this morning. He couldn't wait to go outside and throw snowballs. Luckily, we found out last night that there was no school today, so I didn't have to wake up at my usual 5am to check for closings on the TV. We had some hot chocolate and a yummy Christmas cookie to help warm us back up and have snuggled down to watch Shrek the Final Chapter (Daniel and Meghan went to Redbox after the youth party last night). Happy Snow Day!

Annual Christmas Cookies

Every year, we head over to Heather and Jimmy's house for our annual cookie making. This is such a fun tradition that was started back when Lily and Camden were just babies! This year, the kids were popping out cookies so fast....it won't be long until Heather and I can sit and let the kids be in charge of the whole thing! :) After making cookies, we opened presents, ate together, then frosted the cookies. The kids changed into pjs and played a game before we headed out to our annual trek to a local drive-thru Nativity. It really feels like Christmas once we have made our cookies!

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Christmas Variety Show/Pageant

This year's variety show was a lot of fun...with many different acts! Lily did her Irish dance and I was so proud of her! She does not typically like to perform, especially alone, so this was a very huge deal for her! She really wanted to do it and I think I was nervous enough for the both of us! Meghan organized a flash dance to Do Re Mi at the end that was a total surprise to the audience. I knew about it because I danced in it too. Daniel didn't get any pictures of it though, but it was fun! After the variety show, our church always has a Christmas pageant telling the story of the birth of Jesus. Trey was very excited about being a sheep again this year. I actually got to sit in the audience for once! He did so good...I was proud of him. I wasn't sure how he would handle it just because he had been sitting for so long during the variety show and he needed some movement, but he went out there and did his sheep thing! It was a fun night, but I am so tired. After a busy weekend, I need one more day to recuperate! Only two more weeks of school!

Parade Time!

Lily danced in a parade on Saturday night (we have had a very busy weekend!!). It was very cold, but they were half way through the parade, so it was quick. Afterwards they had an award banquet and Lily got an award for "highest on her toes"! She was excited and got a ribbon! It was a busy Saturday, but lots of fun!

Military Christmas Dinner

Daniel's unit had their annual Christmas dinner this past Saturday. The kids had a great time...they had a room set up just for them with crafts, games, and movies. Of course, after dinner, Santa came with presents! Trey did a great job sitting on Santa's lap...but refused to smile! He commented how he wasn't the real Santa because he didn't get the Nemo phone he has been wanting! Needless to say, Christmas can't get here soon enough for him!

Thanksgiving....better late than never!

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Thanksgiving this year was held at Alyssa and Andy's house...which I loved better than being at the church. It just seemed more homey and comfortable. The kids all played so well together...which was huge! We had a great time!