Monday, July 27, 2009

Christmas in July

From one campground to another. This time we went to one of our personal favorites for an annual tradition. We got up there early Friday and were able to take the girls to the splash pad before the rest of Chad's family got up there.
Saturday morning the girls helped Mawmaw decorate a snowman and ended up getting an award.
We got to visit the splash pad again, this time with cousin, Gabi.
Could this bathing beauty with chubby legs be any cuter?
I think not. Reese was able to enjoy her favorite "yellow bubble" again.
Her sisters love it too.

After lots of golf cart rides, nap for Reese, corn hole games, sleigh (wagon) rides, and a yummy dinner it was time for our gift exchange. Reese got several cute onesies and was especially loving the baby that Tyler got her.

Addison was thrilled with the ocean toys and ponies that Gabi got her.
And Presley was thrilled (can't you tell?) with the Jasmine princess and Ariel bubbles from A.Cindy. Seriously, they were perfect gifts for her. I'm not sure what was up with her smile. And Chad's gift from Trenton was great - a germ kit. He's always worrying about the girls getting germs from anywhere we go/anyone we play with.
His fishing gear was a great gift too. And my gift from Ben was perfect for me - ice cream scoop, waffle bowls and a gift card to Dairy Queen! Does he know me well, or what? :) Thanks everyone.
Sunday was a lazy morning eating breakfast and packing up slowly. We met up with the bears for picture time. Presley was a tad upset that Cindy Bear and Ranger Smith didn't make it to pictures.
After a couple more trips on the golf cart and one more visit to the splash pad it was time to load up and head home. Thanks family for the fun weekend. Let's do it again next year!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Ludington State Park

We left for Ludington State Park last Thursday for 5 days. For the first 3 days it was just our family of 5 and then on Sunday we were joined by our good friends, Bob, Nikki, Grace, and Ryne. The weather was a bit chilly the first few days we were there. Unfortunately it was too cold to go swimming in the lake, but we did get to put our feet in. We took lots of bike rides and walked up and down the sand dunes to pass the time. We also REALLY enjoyed the fire at nights. The weather finally did warm up just about when the O'Hara's came to join us so we were able to go to the lake a few times.

We also took bike rides together to a smaller lake, Hamlin Lake and found a little playground there.
Then it was back to the camper for a yummy dinner followed by some leftover "snapper" fireworks.
After our fireworks we gathered around the fire for lots of good laughs.


Thanks friends for a good time camping. Let's do it again soon!

fish-face

A.Hildy helping Reese practice her "fish-face" that Tinkerbell taught her.fisy

friends

Last week we went over to our friends, Roxy and Brian's house for a play-date. Unfortunately Brian had to work, but Grayden assured Chad that he was a "guy" and could talk to him. We ordered pizza and then the kids PLAYED. Lots of fun playing on Grayden's new playplace and running around their huge yard. Then we went inside to tear up Grayden's room. Addy cried when we left and I hear Grayden did too. :( Thanks guys for a fun night. We'll have to do it again soon.

Last Day

Sad, sad day. We had to pack up all of our stuff. We had a evening flight, so we were able to spend most of the day still around Disney. We decided to head over to Downtown Disney via the water taxi. We did a little more shopping and walking around. We ate lunch and then headed back to the resort to wait for our shuttle back to the airport. This time we had a little more time to relax before boarding our flight. We grabbed a quick drink and a little snack. The girls were all so good on the plane. The played with their new toys in their backpacks the whole time. Addy found her new coloring book and crayons.
Chad kept occupied by watching a movie on his computer.
Reese and A.Hildy were working on their fish-faces that Tinkerbell taught them.
Presley worked on her new pre-school workbook, writing her letters.
All 3 girls were awake for the entire flight and were soo good. We had another very smooth flight back and came back to a cold wave. :( It was a late night for sure by the time we pulled into our driveway, but oh so worth it.
We had a FABULOUS trip. From Day 1 right up to the last day. Every day was so great. The girls were wonderful and kept up with little sleep. The weather was great. Very warm, but with just enough sprinkles to cool us down. We are so thankful to Mom and Dad B. and A.Hildy for going with us. Chad and I said several times that there was NO WAY we could've taken this trip by ourselves. What do you guys say we try again in a few years?! I can't wait!

Night 6

After a fun day at Hollywood Studio's we headed back to the resort for a break. That night we headed back to Magic Kingdom to try out a few more rides, get some souvenirs, and watch the parade. First up was the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. The girls had saw this ride earlier when visiting with Aladdin and Jasmine, but it had started to rain and the wait was too long, so we decided to come back later. After that ride, we grabbed a few fast passes to the Jungle Cruise for later on that night. Then we went to find a spot to wait for the SpectroMagic Parade. While we waited we got some yummy ice cream.

The parade was great. The girls really enjoyed it and were able to see lots of their favorite characters again. After the parade, Mom and Dad. B. took all 3 girls back to the resort so Chad, Hil and I could go out by ourselves. We really appreciated having so much help with us. The first place we went to was the Jungle Cruise. After that wen saw a little of the fireworks and did a little shopping. From there we decided to jump on the monorail and head over to Epcot to try out Soarin'. LOVED it. So much fun. We did a little more shopping and then by this time it was after midnight and we were flying out the next day so we decided to head on back.