One of my favorite times!

The girls have always loved going to the library, and I find it to be a magical experience each time.  Of course they always run to the DVDs first and insist on grabbing a few.  Then it's off to the books!  They fill up our library bag in no time, check out the books by themselves, and then I find them doing this:

They could just sit on the couch all afternoon reading their new books.  Of course they're begging me to read each and every one of them to them, and although I really want to, there's just not enough time in a day for that (and I have to refuse the Barbie books, because let's face it...they're just awful!)  

I love that they are captivated more by a new book than a fancy toy.  I love the questions they ask about the new books.  And I love that now Brooklynn tries her best to read the books herself.

Get to Know Our Boo Bear

Brooklynn -
Although I could never summarize your personality or sassiness in a short blog post, I'll go ahead and try.  Just a little way to remember you at 6 years old!

Height:  48 inches (finally tall enough to ride on water slides, but will you be brave enough?)  (91st percentile - still taller than most kids in your class)
Weight:  50 lb. (77th percentile)

Here's your favorites (as told by you):
1.  Color - pink
2.  Toy - Frozen Barbie (you saved your gift cards for the Elsa Barbie when we find it)
3.  Fruit - apples
4.  TV show - Ellen (maybe she wanted to appease mom)
5.  Snack - cheese
6.  Book - Barbie books (we'll be working on her literature choices)
7.  Friend - Chandler (awwww......)
8.  Outside activity - soccer
9.  Holiday - Halloween
10.  Food - pizza (this is a new addiction for you and we're happy!)
11.  Subject - writing


When you grow up you want to be a Musketeer.  When you first said this I thought you meant "mouseketeer", but you proceeded to explain to me what a musketeer is, and surely, that's where your passion is right now.  Keep dreaming big!

Birthday Girl!

I just can't believe our little Boo Bear is actually 6!  Of course I felt like she was really grown at "5", so "6" doesn't seem "that old".  All she wanted for her birthday was a Frozen party.  The girl is obsessed!  The music is constantly playing on the laptop, in the car, and there's always talk of Anna and Elsa in the house.  

So we did our combo Brooklynn/Hazel party at the library again with a new theme and some fun games.  I really enjoy throwing parties like this where we get to be creative and entertain the kids.  Of course it's getting to be challenging for 3 kids and very time-consuming.  The kids had fun and Frozen was a success.  Woohoo!

Blue drink!

Making snowflakes

Pin the nose on Olaf

 Always has to be some wrestling around

 Relay race dressing the adults for winter!

 Time to eat

 Birthday girls

 Wow...lots of kids!  They sure do outnumber us now.

 Brady's Sven antlers

 Making their Elsa crowns

The next day was Brooklynn's family party.  Just long enough to breathe before we're back at it throwing another party.  Of course it's always nice to have everyone over for breakfast, presents, and some quality time.

She just had to wear a tank top (she's a little anxious for summer)

 Cousins (love love love this pic)

 She knows how to model

 Anna doll - all she really wanted!

 No birthday cake but rather homemade cinnamon rolls

 On her actual birthday we went swimming at the rec center (her choice) and came home for some pizza and presents.

 New bike from mommy and daddy

Then she was off to the Avs game with daddy in a suite.  What a suite life this girl has!  

I have to say these girls are very spoiled for their birthdays, but they absolutely deserve it!  Brooklynn, we are so very proud of you and the little person you've become.  You're one of the sweetest kids ever - always thinking of others and including everyone.  You are the best big sister anyone could ask for and that's why Chandler and Adaley adore you.  Now quit growing up so fast!

A Little Beach Vaca

Monday morning we left on a long drive to Clearwater Beach (any amount of time over 20 minutes feels long with 3 little ones).  We wasted no time at all and headed to the beach, which was walking distance from our hotel.  The weather finally felt like Florida - warm and sunny!  Steve and the girls took a little dip in the frigid water, while I just laid out with a cold one made sure little Bug didn't eat sand or drown.  They absolutely loved playing at the beach - I always think they are raised in the wrong state.

After the aggressive seagulls attempted to snatch our lunch we moved to a more remote location and then walked the area for a while.  We decided we'd go back to the hotel and try the "heated" pool, since we hadn't gotten much pool time on the trip.  The girls, again, didn't mind the frigid water and had a blast.

That evening we picked up grandma Fran for dinner and then stayed awhile at her house.  It was so nice to see her but bittersweet to not be able to see grandpa.  Miss you pops!

As we were leaving we saw a gecko and were showing the girls (they're everywhere at the house).  Steve was able to catch the guy.  The gecko released his tail, and the rest was a memory maker.  We were all so grossed out by the whipping tail, which kept going for minutes.  Pretty cool science experience for the girls though!

Tuesday morning we left for home - ready to go.  The flight back was easier than the first with 3 tired girls passed out!

The vacation trip was awesome - so much fun packed into 6 days, but now I feel like I'm ready for an actual vacation!

Staying in the Swamp

 

After 2 long days at Disney World we were ready for some R & R in beautiful Dunnellon, FL to visit grandma.  The girls were almost as excited to spot some gators as they were to meet Mickey.  Of course we had to reassure them the alligators would not eat them!

 

We pulled into Dunnellon early Saturday afternoon, and after a quick visit with grandma we were off to our singing boat tour.  The girls were excited to get on a boat and be serenaded in the river.

 

 



Enjoying the sun on grandma's deck

We found a gator just off the deck.  Check!

And we spotted one sun bathing from the boat.

Just love her picture pose!

 

Having a fun time, can't you tell?

We're on a boat!

The weather was promising when we arrived, fairly warm and sunny but late afternoon it changed - cool and windy.  It was seeming like the cool weather followed us from Orlando.  Good thing we packed all our summer attire and didn't get out of our jackets!

 

 

The next morning we drove to Rainbow Springs Park, which is just a few miles from grandma's house and it's always one of our favorite spots.  The girls were excited to run around and burn off some energy.  It was too chilly to go swimming, but a few locals were brave enough to go swimming in the crystal clear spring.  I used it as a beautiful place to attempt a few good pics with the camera.  

 

As good as it gets with 3 (and an active toddler)

They absolutely love to pose for pics!

Lots of running, which we encouraged so we'd have less energy when we visited grandma.  So many knee ouchies from the falls!

Again, as good as it gets with 3 (with grandma)

Grandma and Chandler having a good time!

Eating some gator at the Blue Gator restaurant.  So yummy!

Chandler actually fell asleep at dinner in her seat.  These kids are exhausted!

We pulled out of Dunnellon Monday morning after 2 nights at the sketchy local motel.  We always love visiting grandma and having her meet all the girls.  She's such a spunky lady, so no wonder her and Chandler hit it off instantly!  Next up......beach time!