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!

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.

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

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!