Sunday, March 29, 2009

That other park...

Things 1 and Things 2

Yes, I'm talking about Universal. I've only been once about 15 years ago and even then it was to Halloween Horror Nights. I wasn't impressed at all then, but I was willing to try again. Last June at the girls dance recital, Riley won tickets in a raffle. It took quite awhile to figure out a time I could take the kids. I had pondered taking Riley and a friend (along with their parent) or just taking Riley twice. Anyway, it finally all fell into place Friday while my dad was visiting. It was a good thing since the tickets expired Tuesday. Both girls had Friday off of school and my dad likes to ride just about anything so we were set. We chose Islands of Adventure because it looked like it had the most to offer for our group (turns out we could have done both but one was good). I wasn't sure if I would like it, but we really had a good time. I think the favorite place was Suess Landing, but they really enjoyed all the rides. Riley was excited to ride the coasters and it would have been her first time on a big one that goes upside down. We went to Dueling Dragons and ventured through the creepy hallway in the castle thing (those that have been know what I'm talking about) and made it all the way to the coaster. We chose to ride Ice and got in line and were fortunate to get on pretty quickly because we were a party of two. Well, we were on the coaster all strapped in when the "coaster police" came by to check to make sure you were secure. They decided Riley needed to be measured...and she came up short by 1/4 of an inch. They had us get off and we excited. It was such a bummer. The rides we did go on were fun and Kamryn was able to ride everything we did (Spider Man was down and Hulk was out due to the height thing too). Now I know Disney isn't cheap by any means, but I was surprised at how much it cost us to eat lunch and get treats later. I honestly think the prices were higher than at Disney (some may disagree). We got to see the Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the Grinch. Plus, we got totally soaked on the Popeye raft ride! It was a complete day and lots of fun. I still prefer Disney, but I think my kids might be swayed to the "dark side."
The girls and my dad as we waited in line for the Pteranodon Flyers (Kamryn's favorite ride)

Kamryn trying to get her hair even wetter after we got off the raft ride
Riley now realizing mom was right and she shouldn't have worn her new outfit to the park since she is now SOAKING wet
We tried to spin dry on the Storm Force Accelatron


We brought this book with us for a picture for something Riley is doing at school - it couldn't have turned out better!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Grandpa!!

We've been fortunate to have a visitor with us this week. My dad (Grandpa John) came into town Sunday night to visit us for a week. The kids were super excited for him to get here, especially Kamryn. He has been to dance, soccer, and a school awards program. He has also gotten to play golf with Doug twice and watch all kinds of new shows (kid ones of course). He still has a few days during which time he'll play golf again (in a scramble with Doug) and be my other set of eyes as we attempt Universal. I'm looking forward to going to Universal with him since he does like roller coasters and stuff (and Doug can't stomach those rides very well). That way, we can hopefully take turns riding things with Riley (if she gets on any of the big rides) and Kamryn. I haven't taken any pics yet of his visit, but I'm sure that will change tomorrow. We're just glad he was able to make it down. The only sad part is that Grandma Jayne couldn't join him this trip. Hopefully we'll make it to NC this summer and can see them both (if they can make it down from VA).

Riley did a marathon!!

OK, she didn't do a "real" marathon, but she did walk/run 26 miles. Of course, she had four months to do this. During this time she also read 26 books. It was something Lake County schools did to get kids to read and also to keep them active. Riley enjoyed it. Today was the award ceremony at school. She was the only one from her class (there were only 4 first graders total). The biggest group was from fourth grade and mostly all from one class. Riley didn't know we were there so I had to snap her picture quick. Doug and I are just proud that she finished her goal.


Lizards!

As many of you know, there are lizards all over the place here in FL. Well, the other day, I saw one in my car. Soccer season has started again and it must have been on a chair I put in my car to take to the field last week. I tried to get him out, but to no avail as he darted into the space below the seats. Anyway, I figured I would find him sometime (dead) and then promptly forgot he was there. Well, driving home from church on Sunday the girls go, "Mom, there's a lizard in the car." I say I know but how do they know. They then tell me he is on Kamryn's door by the window. I take a quick glance over my shoulder (I'm driving after all) and sure enough, there is a lizard. Not sure what I should do, I keep driving. We talk about what we should do. So, I end up pulling over onto the side of the road and roll the van window down. Well, since we're in the van, the back windows don't go down all the way so it doesn't help at all and the lizard stays perfectly still. So, I continue to drive home. Then the girls start saying that he's moving. Moving where? Closer to the front of the car. I just keep reminding myself that it's only a lizard and that it can't hurt me, the whole time hoping it doesn't jump on Kamryn, or me. I contemplated pulling over again and opening the door this time, but decide to wait. So, our plan is that when we get home, Kamryn will go out Riley' side of the car and I'll open the door and the lizard will go out. Well. it all works except the lizard. It doesn't seem to want to go anywhere. Luckily, my neighbor was out and he helped "catch/chase" off the door and out of my car. It was really funny. I'm just glad that he got out before he croaked in there and I hope he was the one I had seen a few days before. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Happy St.Patrick's Day!!
The girls woke up saying that this morning. Well, at least Riley did. It takes Kamryn a few minutes to wake up, but she came around. Yesterday, a friend turned us onto this really cool site that has fun things to do with girls hair. It was really cool and even had suggestions for other sites to look at. Anyway, I wanted to do something fun with their hair for St.Patrick's Day, especially since Kamryn can't wear green to school. So, I tried making four leaf clovers in their hair. I think I got them a little big, but it's still cute. Plus, the girls loved it! Hopefully they'll hold up at school!


Kamryn's hair

Riley's hair

Monday, March 16, 2009

Garden Update

Total garden view

I'm happy to report that the garden is growing! Here are some pics to prove that!! I was surprised to see green coming up already (it hasn't been that long since Kamryn and I planted). Of course, the real test will come as the plants grow more and produce (hopefully) some vegetables!! Yeah!

That is peas in the front and corn (I hope) in the back


These are pole beans

Fun in the Yard

Saturday, we had a nice day. We met with some friends (the Lugos) who moved to another small town here in Florida and had brunch, yummy cupcakes from the downtown bakery, and then enjoyed a walk down by the lake. When we got home, the girls played with their friends who live in the house directly behind us. It was such a nice day and kinda warm (low to mid 80's) that the kids asked if they could run in the sprinkler. We said sure and then they convinced me to get out the slip-n-slide. So, I complied. They had a blast but the neighbor kids got cold rather quickly. It didn't seem to bother the girls though, they could have kept going forever I think. But, I convinced them to change clothes and they went inside and watched a movie. At least they were outdoors most of the day and had a blast!
Cartwheeling in the grass!!

Lovin' the water on the slide!

Spring Program

Thursday night, the first grade at Riley's school put on a program about Spring. It was fun to watch and the kids really got into it. The teachers had sent home a note a month or so ago asking if your child could participate, etc. From the looks of it, most of them did. Since all the kids had to be there early, the families got to watch a nice video presentation of events from the classes this year. It was fun to see the different pictures. I tried to video the program, but I was a little too far back and there seemed to be a glare. So, you'll have to settle for just a picture or two. It really was a nice way to welcome spring.
Riley's class - she is in the top row, second one from left

All the classes together - they all learned songs that went with each class presentation

Recovery

Kamryn's lip healed surprisingly fast. It looked normal size within a day and a half and the color was back to normal shortly after. I'm sure if it had been me (or another adult) we would not have fared so well. I guess kids are just resilient!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Swimming perils..

How about that lip!?

I know the picture is a little fuzzy, but I think it's a pretty good shot. Kamryn is now the owner of a big, fat lip. Who knew swimming could be so dangerous!? After I got back from a church meeting, it was so nice and the kids really wanted to go swimming. So, we got everything together and headed to the gym. We had planned on staying about an hour, but didn't make it that long. We swam for a little and picked up rings and stuff (the usual) then I brought Kamryn over to the deeper side so she could jump to me and swim back to the wall. Riley had been swimming around on her own but decided she needed to swim through my legs. So, they were kind of taking turns, but we all know how that can work out. So, Riley had just swum through my legs and was now behind me and I told her to wait so Kamryn could jump to me. Riley either didn't hear or didn't listen and came through anyway. Kamryn, thinking Riley was out of the way started her jump (more like a belly flop/dive thing). Well, their heads got to the same spot in the water at about the same time and I ended up with a screaming little girl. I knew it was going to happen, but I could do nothing to stop it either. After the collision, I got Kamryn (a good thing since she was not swimming but screaming) and headed to the side of the pool. I instantly saw blood but figured out it was only her lip. I jumped out and took her over and grabbed a towel for her to put over her mouth. One of the lifeguards came over to look at her and another parent ran inside to get some ice. So, I wrapped Kamryn up in her towel and got her ice all squared away so she could keep it on her lip. Riley knew they had bumped, but didn't really know that Kamryn was hurt. So, I got back in the pool and gathered up all our rings and stuff and let Riley know what happened and that we had to leave. It was while we were drying off and getting changed that Riley realized she had a sore spot on her head. I don't know if it will turn into a bruise or not, but she got some ice too just to be safe. So, 30 minutes into our swimming we were already leaving. Kamryn plans on telling everyone that Riley hit her. I've tried explaining that Riley didn't "hit" but rather they just crashed into each other. We'll see how it works out tomorrow. I also had to explain to each of them why it's important to LISTEN in the pool and to LOOK before you leap. Hopefully, they'll take the lessons to heart and the rest of our pool adventures will be less exciting.
I don't know if you can see the red spot, but it's there

Planting Time

We planted our garden on Friday! And by "we" I mean Kamryn and I. While Doug was getting ready for work (and that includes the nap beforehand), Kamryn and I got the few items we needed and planted a garden. This is the third time we've planted, but I think this is the earliest. I would have done it earlier, but the weather kept being weird. I can only hope that it stays warm now. Kamryn liked to help dig the holes and put the seeds in, but I think her favorite part was watering everything after we were done. We kind of stuck to the basics this time...tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini squash, beans, peas and eggplant. I'm also trying corn again to see what happens. The tomatoes are the only actual plants we planted. Everything else is starting from seeds. Now, we just have to make sure we water the garden and then wait. I can only hope we'll have success! Once we have some growth, I'll take a picture.

Field Day!!


Kamryn's K3 Class waiting for the events to start!

Kamryn's school had Field Day on Friday. since Riley went to school here when she was little, Doug and I knew what to expect. Kamryn, however, didn't want any clues or anything. She wanted to be surprised. So, Friday rolled around and she knew they would be playing games and wearing regular clothes, but that was about it. The kids had so much fun! They keep the K3-K4 group together, but they compete only with those in their class and by genders. The events were things like baseball toss, broad jump, bunny hop, simon says, egg and spoon race, etc. Everyone gets a ribbon and they also give out ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each event. Kamryn did a good job and really tried. She got some good ribbons (she won Simon says for the girls in her class after she finally realized NOT to do everything her teacher said and focus on what "simon" said), but our favorite part was that she was recognized for her good sportsmanship. We told her that award was better than any ribbon she could get. The day ended with the kids (and parents) getting a lunch of pizza and cookies. It was really fun day! While I know it seems a little early for field day, I'm glad that it's done and it wasn't too hot. I'm guessing that is why they always choose a Friday in early March. Or, maybe it's to give the older kids a break before FCAT testing starts later in the month. Either way, it was great!

Getting ready to throw it as far as she could

Jumping

Kamryn and her best friend Taylor and her friend Peyton

Monday, March 2, 2009

Dance, dance, dance

Saturday was the first dance competition for Riley and the studio where she and Kamryn take lessons. Luckily, it was in Orlando and not very far away. This is the second year Riley has been fortunate enough to be on their competition team. The comp was only one day, but that meant it was a long day (think 9am-8pm). The studio really tries to emphasize the team so we are there to support everyone that is dancing from our studio. Riley (and Kamryn) really enjoy this because they love to watch the older kids and their friends dance. The studio did really well and the kids had a lot of fun. My mom came down to watch and help with Kamryn. Of course, she found out she had broken her foot right before she was leaving so the big boot made it a little difficult to get around. She found a seat and pretty much just stayed there all day. While Kamryn didn't always sit with her, she would check in with her Mimi every now and then. There was a moment I had to be in back to help out with some of the big kids and another mom graciously kept an eye on my two kids. We are lucky to dance where we do and that everyone is so nice and looks out for each other. Because I was backstage for a little bit either helping get Riley and her group ready or helping get someone else ready, I missed some of my favorite numbers. I really like all of the numbers we have at competition and watching the kids (some of them would probably be offended I was using that term for them) from the studio dance. The older girls are good role models for Riley and Kamryn. We have two more regional competitions this spring and then we should head to nationals in the summer. While we can't take pictures of them dancing, I will try and remember to take my camera and get some good pics of the group just hanging out.
While we were there, Kamryn asked me when she would get to dance. Since we were at the smae venue where their dance recital will be held, I told her that she would be dancing there in June. She asked me the question again and again I explained that she would be dancing in the recital in June. She then replied, "I know mom, but when do I get to dance up there for competition." What can you say to that? I just said when she got bigger.

Kamryn's Party

The birthday girl in her Hello Kitty shirt and Crown getting ready for her cake

We were finally able to have Kamryn's party. Luckily, it was only a week later. She and her friends seemed to have a good time. They all did a great job! I know some of them were using a ramp and they all were using bumpers, but they did great. The funny thing was our two youngest party guests (by young I mean they are still 3) had the highest scores. i think the kids had just as much fun getting entertained by my father-in-law and brother-in-law as they did bowling. Kamryn still talks about how much fun she had! I want to thank my friend Stacy for taking pictures for me so I could help facilitate the bowling (making sure they knew when their turn was) and keep the kids off the ball return machine. I did end up making another Hello Kitty cake (see previous post for picture) and the everyone seemed to like it. I didn't know two hours could go by so fast. We ended up opening the presents at home and Kamryn loved everything. She is lucky to have such fun friends! We just can't believe she's four!

Kamryn setting up her shot with her friend Bella watching.

Lindsey posing for a quick pic before her turn

Riley trying to bowl the "correct" way...it didn't always turn out too good for her, but she kept trying!
Joe getting ready for his shot

Lash, Tavin and Joe waiting to see their score and figure out who got to go next


Hailey trying out the ramp. She eventually decided to go old school and ditch the ramp

Kamryn and Jake

Kamryn and her favorite person...Uncle Vic