Pool Time

I asked the kids what they wanted to do on Monday and they both agreed that they wanted to go swimming. So, we decided to go to the pool in Oviedo. We had to wait for the swim lessons to be finished before we could go in. It gave the kids a good time to play on the little playground while we waited. We splashed for about one hour before getting all pruney. I was completely amazed at how well Thomas was swimming. He's a little fish now! This was Nathan's first time in a pool since he's had ear issues every summer. He liked it but wanted me to let him go so he could swim like Thomas. It was a fun way to spend a Monday morning before heading to the grocery store. Plus, it made for some good naps in the afternoon!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

Our little Nathan is three! THREE!!! How did this happen? Time is flying and we have been blessed to see this little guy turn into such a sweet, ACTIVE, big boy. For his party, we chose the theme based on his favorite book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. He loves reading it and has most of it set to memory. Thinking of ideas for the party was a bit of a challege since no party company sells items for this book. I found most of my ideas online and by talking with friends. It was fun seeing all the little ideas come together on his special day. Here are some of our favorite highlights of the day...

Nathan woke up and wanted to wear his shirt right away!

Party Favor Table

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Cake

Coconut tree sugar cookies with royal icing

My sweet birthday boy

Papa and Nathan both excited to see each other! xoxo

Time to splash!

A wild attempt to capture all the children in one picture. (Note: not photoed...Nathan!)

Happy Birthday to You!

Playing with daddy

"I'm three!"

Playing with Uncle Mike

Playing in the wagon with all his presents.

A fun family photo

One last cupcake before bed. We sang again and used the special candle from Nana that says "I"m 3".

What a fun day!

Polka Dot Circus Movie

Today after running all of our errands, we took the kids to see the new Madagascar 3 movie. The theater wasn't too crowded which means we didn't have to sit in the third row! Both boys LOVED the movie! I love these summer days! We are getting to do lots of fun things without worrying about chores or school projects!

Happy Anniversary!

Today we celebrated our ten year anniversary. It's hard to think that 10 years has already gone by so quickly. Mom and Dad watched the boys so that we could go out to dinner. We decided on The Cheesecake Factory. While the hostess was sitting us she asked if it was our first time there and of course it wasn't. I mentioned that it was our anniversary. After we finished our meal, out came a special treat from the hostess! The plate said in chocolate sauce, "Happy Ten Year Anniversary!" It was very sweet! It was a great way to end the night.

Puppet Show Time!

Nana came with us to the Altamonte Mall to the Pinocchio Marionette Theater. We have never been there before. We thought it was so cute! (and so out of place, too.) Mom thought it should be in Maitland instead of in the mall. We saw Rupelstilskin. Thomas sat better for it than Nathan but in Nathan's defence the storyline was a little over his head and it was during his naptime. Afterwards, Nana treated us to some ice cream. It was such a fun way to spend the afternoon. We are going to check out other shows they will be performing. I'm so glad that we decided to go!

Zoo Time!

The Coffaro and Rhodes family hopped in one car and went for our first "family outing". ha! We went to the Sanford Zoo so the kids could splash. Thomas was excited to see the animals and I think that Nathan was just excited to wake up and put his bathing suit on! The weather was overcast which worked out great for splashing. We had some raindrops along the way but found some shelter until the drops stopped. On the way out we visited the bug building which I think the kids could have stayed in all day. They had fun touching a snake, coloring pictures, doing puzzles and looking at bugs. We are excited to go back over and over again since we got two family annual memberships. There are many more splashing days in our future.

Our attempt of a group picture.

Leu Gardens

Hip Hip Hooray for Summer! To officially kick off summer we attended story time at Leu Gardens. Emily and McKinley went too which was even better! The kids had a fun time listening to the stories. We stayed for two age groups and by the end of the second one we knew it was time to go outside and play. We walked the grounds and saw the butterflys. We sat on a bench and had our lunch. It was a nice way to spend the morning.