Halloween

Its been over a month since my last post -- we've (really just me) been busy -- Leighton's Birthday, Vacation to Wine Country in California, I had a week in Boston for work, week in Chicago for work -- and magically now it is November!  Two days away from my - (cough) - 35th birthday, I sit here wondering how did I get to be 35, so fast, it seems like yesterday I was turning 25. The time just flies by the older I seem to get.  This "birthday weekend" is not being spent on living it up but spending a Saturday trying to encourage two little boys it IS pretty cool to pee in the potty and not a diaper.  I figured in between "pee pee time outs", I would posted a few pictures.

Halloween was enjoyed by all this year!   A last minute decision by the bossy one in the house, the kids became Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the parents were not given a costume assignment. I think we were both a little bummed out that we weren't apart of Leighton's family costume idea.

We (Randy and I) carved pumpkins -- the boys were ok getting their hand dirty -- Leighton really wanted no part of it.  Next year we may just paint them.

The kids enjoyed Trick or Treating, we let them do a few house on the street and they seem pretty content with that set up.  Leighton was more interested in handing out candy once she got home and sat out there for until we ran out of candy.  We had over 150 kids -- crazy huh??

The boys checking out their loot

Patiently waiting for her next trick or treater

We got a lot of compliments on our scary pumpkins.

Florida -- part 3

Its been a crazy work week -- somewhat planned on my part due to the end of the month and Randy and I are heading on an adults only vacation today...actually vacation has started, not favorably mind you.  We are currently waiting out a 2 hour delay here in Cedar Rapids, so I figured this gave me ample time to get a blog up for you all to enjoy. 

Day 3 of Florida took us to SeaWorld.  It was again hot and I think the theme park, heat and being on the go was wearing on everyone at this point.  Luckily, SeaWorld isn't huge and we were in and out in a matter of a few hours.  The adults actually got to enjoy a ride or two here -- they have some super coasters that are pretty cool to ride.

The kids of course enjoyed it -- the dolphin show was a hit, the LOVE the penguins and the kiddie ride/splash pad area always entertains.  We did catch a glimpse of Shamu, however, the kids weren't too interested in the killer whale.



Fit #1

Feeding/Petting the stingrays

Fit #2 -- same buddy

Fit #3

Live Penguins -- man was it cold in there

Why couldn't the other 2 be this happy?

First of 5 rides on this one for Mommy and Ryan

This is 5 of 5 -- see the excitement on my face

This is the worst creation by man to put in a theme park -- especially on a 90 deg day -- and chasing after a 4 yr old

Once we breezed thru SeaWorld we decide to hit the awesome pool at our resort.  This pool (one of 3 on the grounds) was just perfect for families with young kids.  The kids could of spent all day here.  It was fun to watch them play.

Our little fish

Going down the slide

Bubbies got a turn or two too!

A little game of tag

Let dunk Daddy!
 

I've got one more post on Florida -- will probably be next week -- as it will have video and I don't have my camcorder. 

Day 2 -- DisneyWorld

Our 2nd day in Florida we took on DisneyWorld!  Leighton has actually talked about going back to the "Princess Castle" pretty much the second we left there last year.  All she has wanted to do for the last year has been to "show bubbies the princess castle" and "ride the Peter Pan ride".

Our experience of DisneyWorld was a bit different than last year...this time it was hot, I mean Florida Summer Hot, and it was a bit busier than when we went last year...the difference about a week makes.

The kids actually all considered did really good -- they all loved the rides and couldn't wait to meet the next character.  Suffering thru the lines and heat was well worth seeing all their smiles and excitement.

We've also decided (now that no one is free to get in) this is our last trip to DisneyWorld until they are a bit older.

Riding the monorail to the Park

An attempt at a nice picture

Taking in a show

Leighton was a part of the ho-down

Snack time!

Taking in a ride

It isn't a day without a Leighton fit!

The boys cooling off in the splash park

Our last stop before leaving the magical world of Disney was a stop at the Princess hall and see Mickey Mouse.  Everyone was totally excited to see the princesses, Ryan so much so he didn't want to let them go.  Yes, he hugged Cinderella for what seemed to be the longest 3 minutes ever ... cute but got a little awkward. 

We didn't make it 2 minutes out of the parking lot and the kids were out.  My only request was I wanted to see the fireworks at Disney, so we took Leighton back later that evening went on a couple rides, hunted down Minnie Mouse and saw fireworks...WHAT A DAY!

Wednesday will bring another update on SeaWorld!  Check out the Beach in case you missed it.