Never Before, Definitely Again

My kids have never been the bravest in the bunch.  Thunderstorms...result in sleepless nights.  The cute cow at Chick-Fil-A...we're not hugging her, but instead we're on the other side of the restaurant.  Doctors and dentists...I break into a sweat when I think about how they are going to react when we get there.  So when we made the plans for our adventurous, thrill-seeking 'family-day-out' today, I'm not gonna lie and tell ya I wasn't a little nervous. 

We packed our bags, through naps out the window, and off we went to Kings Island for a big day of fun...it was our first time taking them to any type of amusement park and having them ride on any type of ride (it sounds like we've kept them under a rock, doesn't it?!).  Considering the fact that Bug didn't go down a slide by herself until after she was two (due to pure fear) and for those of you who know Kater-tot and how she is basically my third leg, I pictured myself being the mom of the 'screamers' on all the kiddie rides. 

But thankfully, I can say I was worrying for no reason.  No whining, no fussing, no nothing.  They absolutely loved every second!  You name it, they rode it...

Their first pick!

Bug's 1st roller coaster ride

Of course she would be in the pink car!

These faces sum up the whole day!



 After we finished with all the rides, we headed over to the enormous water park, where they continued on with no fear to the water slides, raft rides, & pirate ships...so much fun!  Not only was I so glad they enjoyed themselves, but I think I had more fun today than I did when I was a kid myself and I can't wait to take them again!  Who would have ever thought?

And just a little something to keep your mind wondering until next week...new bedding arrived today...yay!

Happy weekend, friends!  Be safe!

The Real Deal

I just finished reading a book about a couple who was sending their last child off to college and the parents were scared to death to be by themselves, alone without their children.  They didn't know what they would talk about or what they would do together because their children were their lives. 

We all love our kids.  They make us laugh.  They bring us endless joy.  They complete us.

There is no denying any of the above.

TOH and I just returned from a weekend away...minus the children.  It was fabulous in every way.  On the drive back, he confessed this to me...

"I love our kids to death and would not change anything about our lives...but this weekend of 'you and me' was one of the best weekends I've had in a really long time."  (see why I love him so much?!)

I couldn't agree more...our girls are our number one priority...there is nothing we wouldn't do for them... however, having a strong foundation with your other half is a key factor when you become parents and it's easy for many couples to lose track of this after having children.  If there is any valuable advice that I could give to soon-to-be moms it would be just that...it's so easy to get all caught up in your kids...but in between it all, make sure you take time to focus on the two of you.  Frequently remind each other of the reasons you came together in the first place.  Reminisce about all the funny times you've had together and the hopes you both have for your future. 

I couldn't be more thankful to be going through this journey in life with someone as amazing as him.  He completes me, which in turn, makes me the wife, mom, and friend I am to those around me.  We laugh together, play together, and are all sorts of crazy together.  I love him for all of these reasons and more...and wish for nothing but the same for our girls...many, many years down the road!

A Spell

For those of you who know us well, you know we tend to be 'go-with-the-flow/fly by the seat of our pants' people.  Always have, always will.  I try to plan, but that never seems to work out in my favor.  Drama has a way of finding me and causing all sorts of chaos.  I've now become accustom to it and wait for it to happen. 

Bug's 1st dance recital was this past week.  We had carloads of people coming down to celebrate.  Hotel rooms were booked, menus were chosen, activities were planned.  I put together a time schedule and left lots of time for drama to include itself.  But for the first time in as long as I can remember, we were 'drama- free.' 

I think it's thanks to this girl...

Bug's Godmother

that the whole 'production' went A.mazingly perfect.  Ironically, Bug danced to Cinderella and I think it's safe to say that her own real-life fairy godmother cast a little spell on us which helped to make everything better than we could have ever ask for. 

We had grandparents...

And even Great grandparents...

It was a gorgeous day outside, we were (unusually!) early and even had time to take pictures outside (which never happens!) and our little Bug got her second chance on stage and didn't have a moment of hesitation (unlike chance number one)!  Her whole class did awesome~dancing, smiling, waving, and having the time of their lives!

She is the first one on the right

And if you wouldn't have already guessed, as she was literally having a ball up there, I was in my seat bawling all on my own.  She is not allowed to be this old.  I know I keep saying it, but I hope the more I say it, maybe time will somehow start to slow down.  As I watched her up on that stage, all I did was stare at her sweet little innocent face and think, 'she is still supposed to be an 8 month old little baby!'  But there she was dancing away, showing us all the things she has learned over the past year and I just lost it.  (and yes, even having trouble typing this!) 

Then came the finale, and she gave me this...her signature smile and wave and that was all I needed.  I love her to pieces and could not be more proud of our little bug.  As much as this was her dream come true, it was totally mine too.  Now if only I had some way of casting a spell to slow down this whole time thing...

And We're Off!

Sorry friends! Since summer (nice weather, that is...) has hit, I've been lazy with the posts, but so many great things have been happening that there needs to be a quick update post!

The past six weeks have been crazy...we kicked off Summer 2011 with our trip to Cali...one word-SUPER.  It was the best vacation I've had in a really long time and with two kids in tow-who would have thought? 

The trip crossed off a lot of 'firsts' for the girls...it was Kater-tots (*yes, she has changed names yet again!) first time on a plane and her first trip to Napa, their 1st time at the beach, 1st (big) boat trip across the Bay, 1st time for all four of us to stay in a hotel room for a whole week (success!), and K.T's first time to meet her great grandparents. 

So many memories were made...can't wait for our next trip together!

April and May were filled with bridal and baby showers, weddings, and birthdays, including baby girl's 2nd Birthday.  Two.  Not possible! 

When you're two, there is no holding back.

And yes, she thinks she is every bit as much of a princess as her big sister.

In between the monsoon rains and hiding out in the basement from the tornado warnings, the awesome weather over the past two weeks has blessed us with zoo trips, baseball games, parades, and lots of backyard fun...

And best of all...the neighborhood pool and swim club's doors are open!  We've been there five out of six days...and we plan on living in our suits for the next 12 weeks!!

Apologies for not having much depth to this one...but after days like these, my brain doesn't have much to give by the end!  The summer is off to a fantastic start and here's to a great weekend ahead!!