There is Good in the World

Thursday and Friday, we spent in Myrtle Beach at an Embassy Suites.  What was amazing was there were pools, a waterpark, and the beach within a few feet of each other.  Besides gettting our meals, we could have any activity we wanted.  The waterpark was exciting, with slides, buckets, and fountains to cool off with.  There was even a lazy river,  The beach was fun to walk on.

Andy has enjoyed waking up crazy early to walk on the beach. Saturday, he got up (before the sun) to walk.  He would hide his flip flops in the grass while he walked, and then pick them up on the way into the hotel.  Saturday am, he came back to pick up his shoes and ...they were gone!!  Someone had taken his shoes.  He looked all around, but they were gone. Plus they were his favorite pair.  Feeling completely bummed and at a loss, he got onto the elevator.  There was a dad, taking a load out to his car.  He asked Andy, "Do you have any kids?  Do you want a couple of boogie boards?"   So, Andy lost his flip flops, but was given a couple of boogie boards to take to the beach house.  There is good in the world!!!

Addyson is definitely in her element with water. She has grown so much as a swimmer.  She swims back and forth, doing handstands, and diving under the water.  We are so proud of her accomplishments.  She lost interest in the water park, and preferred to swim in the pool.  It gives her more freedom to stretch herself.

Austin is  Mr. Adventure.  He loves the thrill of trying different positions when going down the slide.  Front, laying down, backwards...he even would have his goggles on top of his head, then when he hit the water, down they came.  He must always be doing something new and excititng.

Saturday, we drove to Oak Island.  A remote beach on the coast, which is quiet and family-oriented.  Just our speed.  We are having a great time, but are completely disconnected from the internet.  I'm in a coffee shop typing this because my online class was today.  Pictures and postings will have to wait until I get back home.  It's been 90+ all week here and we're using tons of sunscreen. 
Keep Smiling!!!

Off We Go...

We are heading to Myrtle Beach and Oak Island for vacation.  Andy found a great deal on airline tickets, so we are flying and then renting a car once we get down there.  Packing has been interesting as my goal has been to pack all carry-ons, and not check a bag.  (I refuse to pay check-in fees!!!!) We are almost finished packing and I think we'll be able to do it. 

Since I need to log-in for my sign language class on Mondays, we'll be taking a computer and I'll be posting updates throughout the week. 

Keep Smiling!!

P.S.  Check out Addy's braid.  I finally learned how this summer!!  Her front tooth has been hanging on by a thread.  I was hoping that it would fall out by vacation, but no such luck.  She's hoping the Tooth Fairy follows her to NC this week!!

Our Dad

Our Dad

We like camping with our dad.

He puts up a tent,

and builds a campfire.

We eat smores and read by the fire.

We love our dad.

Our dad likes adventures.

He enjoys planning trips for us.

But, most of all, he loves being together 

as a family.

We love our dad.

Our dad is very special because he loves us!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Love, Addyson and Austin

 

The Ants Go Marching One by One...

The ants are once again in our house.  We had a problem early spring, but they soon moved outside.  Ants are one of my "issues"!  I can handle most creatures somewhat, but ants send me flying!  It doesn't matter how clean I am, they still come and I can't stop them.

Since the onset of the ants, we decided food only at the table.  Before, crackers and dry cereal could go into the great room while watching tv.   We also have instilled in the kids to clean up after themselves (crumbs and dishes), so they become more aware of the ant problem and take responsibility for their things.

After dinner, I looked where they had sat and the infestation was huge, in part because of crumbs they had not cleaned up.  So, I gave them lysol wipes and they began cleaning up the ants.  After a few minutes, Austin began singing like only Austin can.  "The ants go marching one by one. Hurrah, Hurrah!"  Andy and I could barely keep it together we were laughing so hard.  Guess it's not only, Whistle while you work.  But Sing while you work and sing an applicable song!!! 
Celebrate the small moments, because one day you'll look back and realize they were BIG.
 

Family That Plays Together...

Last week, I devoted the week to welcoming summer.  Very little was accomplished in our home, besides playing, pool, friends, library, and fun.  I needed to decompress and so did Addyson and Austin.  But, today I began to feel a need to "accomplish" something.  I cleaned the kitchen and began "purging" my closet, while the kids cleaned their bathrooms, emptied the dishwasher, and their rooms.

Every summer, I try to learn something.  I've taken rowing and sailing classes, and trained for duathlons and races.  This summer, I'm taking an online sign language class through Ashland University.  I need to "chat" from 12-1 every Monday and have various assignments to do throughout the week.  I'm enjoying it and already thinking how to incorporate it into my classroom next year.  Plus, I'm enjoying writing about our family adventures on this blog.

Later, we went to the pool.  Some days it can be a total social event as they see their friends.  Today, they played with each other.  As a mom, I sat and watched my two children challenge one another in cannonball contests, dance to their favorite music, and have "pretend" swimming lessons.  They laugh, giggle, help one another, but most of all, they love each other.  Austin is learning new "swimming" tricks from Addy, and Addy is working on her swimming stamina waiting for praise from Austin.  Watching my children accept each other and learn from each other filled my heart with gratitude.

The family that plays together, 
stays together.

Happy Anniversary!!

Sunday evening, we headed down to the Columbus Clippers game for family night to meet up with friends, a great way to celebrate 11 years of marriage!  None of us had ever been to the game, so it was a new adventure.    We packed snacks, drinks, and walked in to the park.  We had lawn seats, with the sun beating down.  It was hot, and neither kid knew much about baseball.  There were fountains for the kids to play in, so that cooled them off.  But, enthusiasm was lacking for the Great American Pastime.  I found post-it notes and pens, so the kids and I entertained ourselves by playing Hangman and ISpy.  We lasted until the 7th inning, packed up our stuff, and headed home.

Family is the most important thing in the world.  
Princess Diana

Puppy Place and the Pool

Since the library visit yesterday, both kids have been reading the Puppy Place series non-stop.  When we ran some errands, Austin brought a book in the car and both placed books in their pool bags.  Before and during the breaks, Addyson and her friends were reading! 
What a wonderful day!

Summer At Last...?

     Addyson's friend came over to spend the day, with plans to go to the library and the pool.  However, the weather didn't cooperate...pouring rain until 2pm.  We headed to the library in the afternoon for some great summer reads.  Addyson and Avery looked all the over the library to find the Puppy Place section.  (They are all the rage in first grade.) It's a series about puppies that move into foster homes for training.  Addy's been reading quite a few, and loses all sense of time when she reads them.  I love it!  Anyway, Austin was the one who finally found the section.  Both girls spent a long time, deciding which book to get and Austin even came home with a few to read together.

      Whenever he goes to the library, he is always thinking of books to get for Addy.  He knows she likes the Rainbow Fairies and Puppy Place, along with some picture book characters.  I love that about him!  He is constantly thinking about the other person.  Whether it's bringing books and pictures for his Tutor Time friends or finding books for Addy, he is thinking about others.  He hasn't recognized that he's making a difference but he is!

     After the library, I decided to take the "Three Musketeers" to McDonalds for ice cream cones and to play on the playland.  When we got our treats, looked at the door, and it said, "CLOSED!"  What a bummer!

     I took a few pictures of our adventure!  Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow!

The Last Day 2010

Seven years ago, Andy and I made the decision to live in a different district than I teach.  It can be tricky meshing the two school calendars together, but we've made it work.  For us, it's been a good decision.  Our children go to the school latchkey program before and after school, but my district finished earlier and I was able to drive them to school on the last day.  What a treat!

It was a relaxing morning!  We slept in later than normal, had a leisurely breakfast, and packed up.  Addyson and Austin were having a Last Day Luau, hence the grass skirt and lei.  Austin was fine with his shorts and shirt.  They packed their backpacks with their lunch and cards for their teachers.  Both children have been blessed with special teachers this year and I wanted to share my appreciation.

We were going to walk, but then I remember everything that comes home on the last day, so I opted to drive them.  The buses were lining up as we were waiting.  As they got ready to walk, I grabbed my phone for a quick shot. (I'm not always good at remembering cameras!!)  As we walked the sidewalk together, it was time for them to walk in.  They stopped hugged and kissed me good-bye.

As a family, we've been talking about making a difference daily in someone's life.  As they turned one last time, they yelled, "Bye, mom.  We'll make a difference!" Today, I was "just" a mom walking their kids to school and cherished every moment!!