The Cruise

Royal Caribbean - Majesty of the Seas

We got to go on vacation! 5 days, sunshine, no schedule, and no kids! How relaxing! Every year since I've been doing Pampered Chef, I've earned an incentive trip. This year a 4-night Caribbean Cruise; porting out of Miami, we also visited Nassau, Bahamas and Key West, Florida. It was a great trip - and even better because it was free!! The only extra we did was Snuba in Key West. Which is pretty close to scuba - but you don't have the tank on your back, and you don't have to be qualified. They hook you to a tank that floats above water - but gives you the scuba experience of being under water. It certainly wasn't easy - but I figured it out and had a good time. Billy is still needing some more practice.

Bowling

We took the kids bowling for the first time a couple of weeks ago. They have bumpers - so there are no gutter balls. They made it about 4 frames before they wanted to go home, but we managed to keep them interested to get thru the entire game. It was fun and Billy & I enjoyed the help of the bumpers for our game.

First Steps

Okay - so it only took a couple days to out-date the post the other day. She took her first steps last night while as I was at a show and then she showed off again this morning while I was at another show - but daddy got it on video for mama today. Sorry it's turned, we can't rotate videos. We need to remember not to turn the camera when we are taking them. Don't send me your chiropractor bills.

Amelia 11 Months

11 down, 1 more to go - until our baby is 1! Wowzers - it goes so fast! She continues to work on her walking, but is still too timid to let go of anything. Not even for a moment. She'll stand alone, but her feet remain firmly planted. She's started moving along the walls and cupboards - including getting into the cupboards. She also enjoys getting into the toilet (let's hope Ellie remembers to flush!), pulling all the toilet paper off the roll, the cords behind the tv, eating dog food, and any other thing that ISN'T a toy is very enticing.

The most interesting thing, is that we found out that she swoons. When she falls hard, or gets hurt, she cries so hard that she can't catch her breath, and passes out. She's done it 4 times now, including today when she pulled the empty trash can down on top of herself. I picked her up, and tried blowing in her face, but within two seconds her crying stopped, she went limp in my arms, and her eyes rolled back in her head. It's a bit frightening - but the comforting thing is that when she passes out, instincts kick in, and she starts breathing. She comes to - and then starts crying again. I'll have to remember to tell the doctor at her well-check next month. If it's hereditary, then I know she got it from Grandma Barb - she was a swooner until school age!

We are planning a big birthday bash on Memorial Day weekend - Billy will turn 34 that week, my sister's birthday is also that week. I think Amelia might steal the show, but I don't think Daddy or Aunt Nicki will mind!

I'll take that.

When I pick Ellie up from preschool, I tend to hang out for a minute or two talking with other moms or her teacher. Ellie continues to play with her friends that are still there. Last week, while I was talking to a mom, Ellie stopped what she was doing and came over and asked, "Mom, how is it that you're so pretty?"

The other mom and I were like, "Awe, that's so sweet!" I responded, "Thank you, Ellie. How is it that you're so pretty too? Oh - because you're a product of me!" She just smiled, I know she liked the return compliment, but don't think she understood my second comment. I decided that I would take that compliment from my 5-year old daughter. I may need it on a day that I don't feel so pretty.

Other things to share

The snow finally melted - and the temperature is on the rise. Here is one of the first days we felt that it was nice enough out to take Goose out to swing with the big kids. Hopefully this doesn't make you dizzy.

Oh, to be a dog!

Jack Turns 3!

My favorite boy turned 3 - and I think age 3 is going to be a bit more challenging than 2 - as it was with his older sister. He really is a sweet boy, but likes to wrestle around and can be a normal 3-yr old boy that gets into trouble.

Recently, he's started asking me, "Mama, am I your favorite boy?" Since I've been calling him that for the past year - I guess I've started something that will get me in trouble if we get pregnant with another boy.

When asked to do something, he responds, "Sure!" And "See you later!" is pretty common too.
And even at 3, he still loves cuddles, his blanket, & story time. Do we ever really outgrow those things?

Easter

Here are a couple of photos from Easter. It was a quick basket and egg hunt in the basement before getting dressed to go to church. Ellie was to sing with all the children during the service - and so needed to look her best! Unfortunately, it was like 30 degrees out and pretty dresses with tights didn't seem logical!