The Final Florida Photos

So this was our last day in Florida before heading home to Michigan.  Although it wasn't warm enough to go into the ocean, we did take a walk on the beach.

 The water was definitely chilly

 Amanda was teaching me how to take a selfie on the beach.  She obviously has the technique perfected!

 Walking back to Grammie and Grampies

Then it was time to leave for our hotel.  We had an early flight out of Orlando so we decided to spend the night at this Wyndham so we wouldn't have so far to drive in the morning.  While Steve went to fill the rental car up with gas I made the kids get ready for bed.  It was 10:00 and everyone was tired and we had an early morning.  That's when I discovered this little gem on my nightstand.   "Enjoy our complimentary fresh air!"  I was laughing and the kids were laughing.  I think we were all over tired. Nick and I kept taking deep gulps of the fresh air... because it was complimentary after rall.  We could not stop laughing about the great amenities at the hotel!  I wonder when you had to pay for the fresh air and it wasn't always complimentary.  Isn't that the funniest thing?

 This is the final Florida photo... the 2 kids who can never get along.... are getting along playing solitaire on the flight home together.  I just wanted to document the fact that miracles do happen!

So we had a fun time in Florida.  The weather wasn't perfect, but it was great to get away, visit family, and relax.  I'm wondering what the heck I'm gonna blog about now that Florida photos are done.  Until later.....

Food Photos

One weekend Gabby was upset that we didn't get to spend a lot of time together, and it was Monday and back to school.  I told her we would do something special when she came home.  We could do anything.... like make cupcakes. So that's what we decided.  Yummy cream cheese frosting!

Gabby's favorite part was decorating the cupcakes of course.  She requested sprinkles and M & M's.

 And these cute little "Love" toothpicks...

They were so good and Gabby and I had fun making them together.

These photos were from one of our only snow days this year.  School had gotten canceled the night before, so the kids were soooo excited that they could sleep in and we could make breakfast.  We decided to make waffles.  I recruited Nick to help beat the egg whites, Amanda was still sleeping in bed, and Gabby was patiently waiting for me to make whip cream so she could lick the bowl.

Here she is, full of excitement,  that she got to eat whip cream for breakfast.

So those are the few food photos from March.  Exciting right?  What other amazing photos can I find on my phone.... (Do you like my sarcasm?)  Until later.....

Easter Decorating

We always dye Easter eggs.  This was the first time Amanda wasn't around to help, so it was all up to Gabby and Nick.  We have done every kind of egg decorating kit out there:  glitter eggs, tie dye eggs, marble, color resist, painting, princess, I think even dinosaur awhile back.  Nick chose this kit when we were out... weird faces.  Okay.... it looked like fun.  Gabby is a total pro at age 6.  She didn't even crack an egg this year.

 Nick trying a double dip technique.  It came out cool, 1/2 blue and 1/2 orange!

 Putting the faces on the eggs were a little challenging.  You would think stickers were easy, but when the kit only costs $2 what do you expect.  The backings wouldn't come off the stickers and they were a pain in the butt.  The hair was pretty cool though.

 The crazy-weirdo eggs!!!

 And since we are on the Easter theme... while the kids were decorating eggs... I was decorating cupcakes.  They were really good, except for that edible grass.  Next time I'll just have to pipe it.

So there's a little Easter fun and I have much more to come.  I just needed a break from Florida.  It seems like that is the only thing we did in February, and I have to share some March happenings.

Will Florida Photos Ever End??????

So... before March passes by in a flash, I want to post at least 1 blog entry.  Will these Florida photos ever end?  Playing games in the afternoon with Aunt Michele...

 What a cute photo of Gabby and Larry

 A cute selfie of the girls

There was not a lot of swimming this trip, but one day the pool was heated enough to stay in there for a couple minutes.  Here is Gabby showing off.

Out to dinner one night... They look cute!

This was the obligatory photo from Dad.  He said I was only allowed to take 1 picture and no more.  I told him I didn't care, and that wasn't nice.  I like to take pictures to remember us all being together. He just hates when I put him in a photo! Ha!

Nicholas and I getting crazy waiting for our table.  We were HUNGRY  I  guess!

That's better.  They must have called our table.

Poor-Amanda's-Wake-Up-Tackle

She is a little imp... she is just about to go on the attack again.

Steve trying to get poor Amanda up.  She's like every teenager that needs their sleep.  It is an impossible task to get her up.

Day light.... she can't face the day light!

I like this photo of the sisters

Wow... no one is arguing, it's amazing I got this picture.  I want to remember this moment.

On a walk around the block.  They look so cute.

So there you have it.  More vacations photos.  It's too bad I didn't reach my goal this month.  April will have to be better.  Until later....

More Florida Photos

So get ready for a lot of photos.  This was me in the morning, drinking my coffee, looking out the window at the beautiful Florida sunshine. So pretty....

Not fully awake yet.  Nicholas was overtaking my bed.

And Gabby too.... Everyone wants to be close in the morning.

Amanda was off sleeping in the family room. I finally got her in a picture but she would not cooperate.

Well there is a smile...

The smile was fleeting and she is back to looking annoyed doing Perler beads for Gabby

We decided to play putt putt one afternoon.  Amanda stayed back home so it was only the 4 of us.  Gabby is getting really good.

Nick is keeping score from the first hole... talking trash... telling us how close all the scores are on every hole.  Actually,  the scores were close with Steve and Nick... not so much with Gabby and I.

That's a cute photo of the family...

Nicholas getting fed up with all of my photos.  He wants nothing to do with preserving memories for this blog.

Eventually he decided to play along...

Me trying to get in on the action...

She is just adorable.

He is so happy he won at putt putt today!

Remember when I mentioned Amanda sleeping in the family room.  The poor girl got bombarded with pillows nearly every morning.  I think Gabby just tackled her.

And Nick is trying to get her moving.  Not the most pleasant way to wake up!

Nick played tennis everyday because he had a tournament coming up when we returned home.  The girls joined in the tennis nearly everyday too.

Hitting some forehands...

Nick loves this shot.  I got him doing a perfectly timed donkey kick, which Steve hates.... but it makes for a very cool photo.

Taking some serves....

From the front... using his legs

He has the tennis trophy pose down....

Amanda serving from the front...

And hitting an ace...

I didn't play any tennis.  No one likes to play with me anymore.  The kids can kill me and have no patience, and Gabby doesn't like that I can't get every ball back like her dad.  It's not really a good time for me.  I would much rather run and put on my music and get the endorphins flowing.  I can run as fast or as slow as I want.  Here was a slow run....

Showered and done with the run...

So are the Florida photos done yet?  Not quite..... Until later