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

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

School Field Trip....to Sea World!

Friday, the entire first grade from Riley's school went to Sea World on a field trip. I was lucky enough to be a chaperone for Riley's class (or unlucky depending on how you view it). We all had to be at school before 8:30am and then off we went. It took 3 buses to get the seven classes and the adults there. We had 15 kids from our class (only 1 didn't make it) and 4 adults, including the teacher. We were on the move from the moment we got there. We really wanted to maximise our time there and get the kids to as many shows as possible. So, off we went to the seal and otter show which was across the park from where school groups enter. Then, we had to race to meet our Sea World guide who was going to take the kids on a backstage tour of the shark exhibit. They had so much fun there and several told me it was one of their highlights. then, we saw the Shamu show (can't miss that at Sea World, right?) and then hit the Dolphin show. We also went to dolphin cove, the sting ray area, saw the alligators and hit the penguin encounter. Our last stop was the dolphin nursery before heading to the bus. On the ride home several kids fell asleep which is understandable since we walked so much. The kids loved all the shows and touching the sharks, even though they all also said they were tired. I don't know if all the classes got in as much as we did, but it was fun. The only sad part was we couldn't ride any rides while we were there. Now, of course, Riley wants to go back and spend more time there and take Kamryn. I guess we'll have to work that out.

The Shark Encounter

The tour guide or education person talking to them about sharks

Walking through a "tunnel" and being surrounded by sharks

Riley actually touching a shark! According to the kids, they are rough and one even said their backs felt like teeth.

Boat Fun

We had so much fun on the Disney cruise! The girls were in heaven from the moment we got on the boat. It was raining when we first got on, so we walked around a little bit and made sure we had the girls checked in for the kids activities on board. They have three areas for kids on board - one for 3-7 year olds (activities often divided between 3&4 and 5-7), one for 8-12 year olds (again activities divided by age) and then one for teenagers. In these areas they have supervised, planned activities that the kids LOVE. Our kids usually went to their area at least once a day if not more. The other thing the kids love is the pools. So, they begged us to go swimming after we got them all set up for their clubs. Again, it wasn't really warm since it had been raining, but the water was nice and kids had fun. They love the Mickey pool (kids) simply because it's shaped like Mickey and has a cool slide. They also liked the Goofy pool (family) and the hot tubs that were there (a hot bathtub according to Kamryn).

The other cool thing is being able to see Disney characters while you are on the boat. We didn't wait in too many lines since we can go to the park to see them, but here are two of our favorite pictures - formal night family pic with Mickey and then the girls with Captain Jack at Castaway Cay (Disney's island). Kamryn HAD to see Captain Jack so we made sure we were off the boat and in line in plenty of time!

Every night there was something to do on the boat. There were Broadway style shows, Bolt in Disney digital 3D, and a Pirate party. Plus, there were even fireworks one night (after the Pirate party). I think Disney is the only cruise line that is allowed to shoot fireworks off a moving vessel. We loved everything, but I think the favorite was the Pirate party. Most guests dress in some kind of Pirate gear and they do a big show out on deck and all the characters come out and they have you dance along with them. It's tons of fun, even though it's WAY crowded.


There were so many things to do each day. That was part of the fun...you could do as much or as little as you wanted. We stopped in Nassau but had decided to skip the excursions and just stay on the boat. The girls spent the day playing in the pool and in their club. They were perfectly happy and we knew the water would be warm, something we weren't sure of on the excursions. On Disney's island there were also activities - snorkeling, bikes, games, etc. There is a family beach, an adult beach, and a teen beach. Kamryn spent a little time with us but eventually decided that the water was too cold (she listened to her dad) so off to the kids activities she went. Riley went there first thing. Doug even got in on the fun - he won the free throw contest that day beating out several guys who were much younger. He got a little medal and everything.

While we did have a ton of fun, Kamryn has already told a relative that she missed seeing snow and going skiing this year. Oh well, what is a parent to do?

Cruisin' Surprise!

My grandfather generously gave us money for a vacation this year. As I think I've mentioned before, we took a family vote and flipped a coin to decide - Disney Cruise. Well, the kids knew we were going on the cruise, but we had never told them the date we'd be leaving (Feb. 15th). So, during the week, I started setting aside clothes and making lists in my head. I somehow had to pack on the sly for all four of us. I was able to somehow get the kids packed and their suitcases ready to go without them being aware. I though for sure Riley would realize she was missing outfits and come ask me where they were, but she didn't. Then, I also had to get the cake made and get everything ready for the party (that didn't happen). So, I spent Saturday doing a lot of laundry and stuff and was able to get Doug and I packed as well (I ended up forgetting a few things, but nothing of serious consequence). That night, I got most of the bags packed in the car. I only had to pack those last few things after church on Sunday and even got those bags into the car undetected. We told the girls we were going to see grandma for lunch. Well, they realized it was taking longer to get there than normal and that we weren't going the right way. Doug was quick and told them we were going to meet her at a dinosaur museum that we thought they would like - he even pretended to talk to her on the phone updating her on where we were. It was so funny.

When we knew we were close and they'd be able to see the boat (you top this bridge and can't miss it) we told them to start looking for the dinosaur. This was their reaction as they saw the boat and figured out what we were really doing...

Looking out the window and seeing the boat and saying "I don't see a dinosaur, I see a boat...the Disney boat"

The screams that erupted when they realized WE were getting on that boat and going on the Disney Cruise!!