Life as a Family of Four

Saturday, June 30, 2012

One Last Visit

We were very lucky that my sister had time to come home for a week to visit. We squeezed in as much time with her and activities that we possibly could. We took my mom to IKEA for the first (and probably last) time. We were there for 4 hours and left with a van load of stuff. She also helped me with projects for the birthday party and sewed some new pillows for my classroom. (Thank you Pinterest for the idea.) On Saturday after everyone got some rest after the birthday party, we met up with her and my mom for dinner in Winter Springs so we could see each other one more time. We're not sure when we'll see each other again. She'll be busy studying over Christmas break and probably won't be able to come home. She's got her mind set to graduate next spring allowing her and her husband to graduate at the same time, one after the other! Awesome!

Thomas did pretty good taking our picture.

my new pillows for my reading area!

New shelves from IKEA for Nathan's room. Another pinterest idea.

Super Mario Kart Party

Thomas loves Super Mario! It was a no-brainer that he'd have Super Mario as his birthday party theme. He originally wanted to go bowling with his friends. We had already been to three parties at the bowling alley and I think he wanted to do the same thing as the other boys. I told him that Super Mario raced go karts and that it would be fun to have the party at Lil 500. He was so excited!! He asked if only boys could come to the party and Abby from his class (his unannounced girlfriend). We were thankful that we picked the weekend of the party that my sister was in town. Having her there was an added bonus. Everyone had a super fun time even though it felt like 200 degrees outside. All the kids got 5 racing tickets. Thomas talked to himself with each lap around the track and Nathan got to drive the cart, too. During breaks, we had pizza, cake and lots of water. Too bad the chocolate mustaches barely made it through the heat. It was the funnest party (in my opinion) since the kids were old enough to enjoy rides without their parents help and they got to "hang out" like big kids.

The birthday group!

The cheering crowd

Nathan found a way to cool off!

Friday, June 29, 2012

Vacation Bible School

This summer I signed Thomas up for Vacation Bible School. He had so much fun! We were hoping that Thomas would be in the same group as his friend Jayden, but Jayden is a year older than Thomas and the groups were split by grade level. Fortunately, his friend Daniel was in his group. Daniel was in his class last year. Thomas got a CD of songs to learn as well as an iron-on transfer to make a VBS shirt that all the kids wore on Friday. This week long camp was perfect. They had a rotation of activities and snacks each day. On Friday they had a snow cone truck and a pizza lunch. We were so impressed at all he learned and how much fun he had in three hours each day. We'll have to sign up again next year, too!

Pizza Party Time

Daniel and Thomas

Jayden and Thomas

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Time at Papa's House

With my sister in town we have been spending lots of time at Nana and Papa's house. Nathan got in my dad's lap and their cat hopped up there, too. (Of course, Thomas had to sneak in the picture.) There were a few nights that my brother and his family came over to visit and we got a good picture of my dad and his three grandsons. Good times!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Trip to Disney

Disney is such a magical experience everytime we go. We started the day off at Animal Kingdom. Thomas was looking forward to seeing the gorillas. This time we also saw the Lion King show. Wow~ what a show! Afterwards we waited in line to meet Goofy and Donald Duck. Nathan's favorite character is Goofy so he was so excited! We then went to Magic Kingdom around lunch time since Thomas and Nathan wanted to ride the Toy Story ride. We were lucky that it didn't pour down rain like the weatherman warned would happen. It only drizzled for about 20 minutes but it turns out we were in the gift shop anyways. Thomas got his very first Mickey watch and Nathan picked out Donald and Goofy figures. He said that they were "friends" which is why he wanted both. We actually didn't stay as long as I thought we would. Thomas was tired from walking and Nathan was getting overtired and had stroller "issues". It was a very fun filled day and we are very thankful that we were able to go!

The Lion King show at Animal Kingdom

I love his changing smile!

So cute!

At Animal Kingdom

Thomas was in love with a rabbit he saw.

Thomas and his new watch.

SnowWhite is missing one of her dwarfs....Grumpy.

"Ok Nathan, Smile!" Slump. (on purpose).

Friday, June 22, 2012

Bowling Tournament

Well, I use the word "tournament" very loosely. Thomas and Nathan have been wanting to go bowling so we waited until a Friday so that Ken could go with us. Nathan surprises us by being able to pick up the 6 pound ball and throw it down the lane. He certainly knows how to keep up with his big brother! We all had a lot of fun and can't wait to go again this summer.