Finding us a church home....

I have been promising Aubrey (forever) that we would go to church.  Our schedule's (Tommy and I's), just haven't allowed it to happen, until yesterday!  We both have searched through the internet to find a church that would be great for us as a family, and for the kids to grow and learn.  We randomly passed one on Saturday that was on my list to "try," and so we said "lets do this one first."  Can I say WOW, we picked the perfect day to go!  It had a great message for us, and the kids loved it too.  We will be going again next weekend, and going to try to make this a "thing."  I meant to take a pic of the kiddos dressed up in their Sunday clothes, but I failed :-/ haha!

Tommy's Bday week and stay-cation

Tues Feb 14- Sun Feb 19 2012

So last week I headed to Orlando late Tuesday night.  I had to bring the kids some clown fish that I had been promising them for the saltwater aquarium that we have started.  Wednesday I had class, and then we headed to Tommy's parents timeshare at the Marriott Grande Vista that night.  It was a wonderful place.  We packed in a hurry, because it was a last minute thing that we got the kids that night.  In fact, we got them for the entire week, which was great!  Thursday, Tommy and I had to make a quick trip home to grab a few things that we had forgotten in our hurry the night before.  You know I am new to the "kids" thing, so I am slowly learning as I go!  At least I will be ahead (hopefully) when I have my own!  After returning to the Marriott (with forgotten items), we enjoyed a nice relaxing afternoon.  We had lunch by the pool, took naps, and then enjoyed the pool.  The kids seemed to really enjoy the time in the water.  It was great watching Jacob get so excited when splashing around!  I can't wait to get him swimming on his own...

That night we had dinner at Benihanas for Tommy's birthday.  It was (as usual), a great experience and delicious food.  When we returned to the hotel, we got the kids in bed and Tommy and I headed to the pool. We had a couple of birthday beers and enjoyed a relaxing evening in the hot tub.  Before we left, we let the bartender surprise us with a shot, and we had "sex with an alligator."  Never had it, but it was pretty tasty!

The next morning we surprised the kids with a trip to Disney.  Although it was overcast, it turned out to be a pretty decent day.  We only were rained on a few times.  Oh, and we bought ponchos, which I thought must have been made of gold considering the price of them! haha Aubrey had another surprise, and it was getting to see her cousin!  Tommy's cousin was able to join us for the magical day, along with her 2 daughters.  I believe everyone had a fabulous time!  I know I sure did!  We tried to do as many rides as possible, while keeping the kids in chipper moods :)  Tommy and I stayed in this night (we were both pooped), and just enjoyed a movie night and popcorn (in our room). I am not sure how we will have the energy in a few years to add a couple more youngins' to the family and do Disney (nor the money haha).

Saturday we went to the mall and ventured around, and then headed to Fun Spot in Old Towne.  The kids had a blast on all the kiddie rides.  Of course, brave little Aubrey wanted to do the "big kid" rides, but unfortunately was not tall enough.  I stood her next to a sign with all rides and height requirements, and was shocked to see she was tall enough for the sky coaster!  I mentioned it to her and she was all in for it!  My anxiety and heart rate skyrocketed!  When we had first arrived she had stated "No way jose!"  Tommy and I had both done this thrill before, and had said if she would do it, we would do it... So we were soon (all 3) being towed up to the tippy top of that tower!  Wow, what a rush!  Aubrey said she enjoyed it also... We have it on video for proof too :)  Tommy and I did another hot tub night to "chillax" before our weekend together was over.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and we had to end our stay-cation.  We also (unfortunately) had to let the kids stay at their mothers for a couple nights :(  Tommy and I were able to go to my parents that afternoon/evening, and have dinner with them.  I enjoyed the time that I was able to spend with them.  Tommy and I also did some 4-wheeler riding :)  It was his first time!! hehe Needless to say, I was exhausted when I returned home to Gainesville Sunday night.  I am sure Tommy slept well that night too.

Salt Water Aquarium...

Not sure if we are ready for this or not, but we had decided to start a saltwater aquarium... I think back in January sometime!  We finally added clown fish, or "nemo" fish as the kids call them :)