Fourth of July 2009

For the 4th of July this year, we spent afternoon with Bridget and her family swimming and eating. Then as we were on our way home, we stopped at the firework tent to get Daddy some fireworks (one of his favorite things to do). That night we sat outside with the neighbors and enjoyed a great show with friends. Pretty relaxing and easy day.

You and your buddy Bridget

Daddy and his little girl.

Mary and Madeline

Lets watch some fireworks

Setting off fireworks of our own

Tarpon Springs

This morning I thought that it would be nice to do something a little different. Since Daddy works from home he seldom gets a change of scenery. So I suggested that we go to Tarpon Springs for some Greek lunch and then be home for nap time. Well.... when we got there we found a place to park and the gentleman had said that it was $3 to park or we could take a boat ride for $12/adult and you and Vaughan were free and the parking would be free. So I asked him, "How long is the boat ride and when does it leave?" He told us that it leaves at 1pm and its about 1.5 to 1.75 hours long. So I thought, "Lets do it!" You have to understand that I am a stickler about nap schedules and sleeping in your bed for naps (although this rule effects more so your brother than to you because you are starting to drop your naps altogether). So for me to do this is something out of the ordinary.

So glad that we did. First we had lunch at Mykonos, then took the boat ride out to view gorgeous homes on the water and ended up in the Gulf of Mexico and finding a whole slew of dolphins. We were able to get 3 dolphins to follow us and play in the wake that the boats were creating. After docking, we then had dessert at Hellas bakery. What a fantastic, unplanned day. Couldn't have asked it to be any better. One day you will know that this is completely out of character for me. Everything is always planned in my life. But after today, I have realized that sometimes spontaneity is a good thing.

Fathers Day 2009 - Naples

This Father's Day we decided to meet our friends from Miami half way in Naples. We found a hotel that had a 3 bedroom suite, Bellasera, and all the families were able to be together. This is quite helpful when traveling with little ones who's bedtimes are early and the adults want to be able to spend time together. On Friday, the Zervos' and Mike met us there and we relaxed by the pool and had dinner and had a low key night.

Then on Saturday, we made our way to Naples Beach.

The beach was somewhat short lived.
We decided that hanging out by the pool was going to do the trick.

For some odd reason, you decided to get out of the pool and perform some Tai Chi moves.

Movie Night with all the kids.

Angelo, Ava, Zoe, You, Gloria, and Sylvia

What a fun way to spend Father's Day weekend.

Explora Shore

Decided to head over to the Florida Aquarium today to spend some time in the explora shore area and a quick tour of the aquarium.

Its Show Time

Here you are all dressed up in your tutu for your recital at the Performing Arts Center. You sure did an amazing job. During one number you were certain that you were suppose to be standing in the 4th spot and poor Mackayla was standing in your spot. You were showing no mercy and stood your ground. For such a small little package you sure are stubborn, just like your momma.

Here is your costume for your Tap Recital. Once you completed your recital they gave each of the students a trophy and a sunflower. They played the last song that you danced to in order to prompt you to come out on stage again to take a bow. Well, you heard your song and walked out on stage waiving your trophy and sunflower around dying for someone to take it out of your hands so that you could do your number one more time.

Have I ever told you how adorable you are???

First Eye Exam

Today I took you to get your very first eye exam.

I figured since we have the insurance minus well get your eyes checked out.

Yes, that is one of the doctor's bulldogs that she brings to the office that likes to sit on the step of the chair when she examines children.

She says that you have a moderate astigmatism that she wants to monitor and not prescribe for yet. However Daddy and I question that because we feel that your eye sight is impeccable. You are able to see things that Daddy nor I can see clearly. So we are really questioning how accurate the testing really was. But according to the doctor, she has a machine that reads the curvature of the eye which can give a reading of the astigmatism. Hmmm... to be continued.

Memorial Day Weekend at Disney with the Marino's

This weekend we decided to meet the Marino family at Disney World.

Friday

We spent the day at the pool at Saratoga Springs and had dinner at Shutters, a restaurant located at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

Saturday

We spent the day at the Magic Kingdom. Started out by having breakfast at the Crystal Palace where you were able to see Pooh and all of his friends, then rode rides and enjoy a pleasant day at the park. Tammy and I had made arrangements to have you and her Ava transform into princessees in the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique inside Cinderella's Castle. Of course, you choose your new favorite princess, Jasmine. Then we had dinner at the Castle and there we met Cinderella, her fairy God Mother and the mice. After dinner, we split up from the Marino's so that we could do a few last things before heading home and just as we were about to leave it started to pour down rain. So we made a pit stop at the Starlight Cafe right by the Buzz Light Year ride and decided that we should wait out the rain. About 2 hours went by, now being 9:30 or so, and the rain wasn't letting up any so Mommy and Daddy decided to put you and Vaughan into your strollers, cover them up with our poncho's and make a run for the exit. By the time we reached the exit of the Magic Kingdom you and Vaughan were sound asleep. So Daddy and I, boarded the monorail and even when we reached the trams you were still asleep. So being the loving parents that we are, we decided to let you two sleep while we walked the rest of the way to the car in the pouring rain. That way you two could stay dry and sleeping. The things we do for the ones we love.

Sunday

Everyone woke up and we had another pool day with the Marino's.
This time it was bright and cheery skies.

Below are some photos of this past weekend.

Pool Day at Saratoga Springs

Pinocchio

Madison, Ava, You and Gillian


You and Gillian

No one at the table thought that you would be able to get the spoon to dangle from your nose. But once again, we should learn never to doubt you.

You and Madison

Daddy, Vaughan, Piglet, Gillian, You, Ava and Madison

Asking Aladdin all about Jafar, Boo and the movie with such intensity.

Mommy is in the picture for once.

Bibbity Bobbity Boutique getting your hair done

Nails

Lips

Eyeshadow

Of course you had to be Princess Jasmine

And your Big Reveal.

Family Portrait with Cinderella at the Castle just before dinner

Getting an autograph

Love those Mice