We can't stop traveling!! Adventure 1: The Aquarium

We went to Cincinnati the weekend of Alexa and Ella's Birthdays.  I am so thankful for Lauren, who accompanied us on the trip.  Without her, I would not have gone.  She is such a blessing and the kids love her.  Lauren was our Nanny for about 6 months and we are so glad we have remained friends.

We went to the Aquarium and had so much fun.  It was such a delight seeing all the cousins together.  We had an action packed weekend.  So I will have to break up the posts.

Adventure 1 :  The Aquarium

 Not hard to tell Gina is a teacher...

 Measuring up...

Ok, I am pretty sure these next pictures would have gotten us kicked out, but I couldn't help but photograph instead of discipline.

Si is trying to, with some success pretend to be swimming in the water.  He is so creative.  I keep telling him to slow down, as it pertains to growing up.  He just replies, "Mom I will be with you for a little bit, but I have a lot more to grow before I become big like you and Daddy."  I think he inherited Kirk's realism.

Thanks Lauren!!

Anna is so full of life.  She is sweet, but has a flare for the dramatic.  At this point, she is my opposite in many ways.  She is such a girly girl and thinks she is a princess.  She has hopes of becoming a mermaid someday.  She wears a lot of bracelets and necklaces at the same time.  Pedicures are required as soon as her polish starts to wear off.  I am guessing her teenage years will be interesting.

Relaxing at the end of a busy visit to the Newport Aquarium

Paducah Bound for Memorial Day

I once again braved solo travel with my brood.  It went well, for the most part.  We had a great time!  It definitely was a fun-filled weekend.  We went downtown and enjoyed live music.  We took a train ride around downtown.  Met a 15 year old balloon animal entrepreneur.  Sidewalk chalk in the streets.  We went to a splash park and enjoyed the sprinkler in the almost 100 degree heat.  Si got to jump at the mall.  The mall has a new candy store, which I crazily agreed to a bag each...  What a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning to be a Mermaid

The highly anticipated day has arrived!  Anna Kate is now on her way to becoming just like Ariel.  She was so excited before we left.  The coach didn't show... but, thankfully another coach volunteered to take over the lesson.  Earlier in the week, I took Si to group lessons.  Yeah, that didn't go so well, or should I say that didn't go at all.  So, it was very surprising that in the half an hour we waited for Anna Kate's lesson, Silas decided he wanted to have a lesson.  I did not bring his swimsuit, but the coach overheard our conversation and said he can take in his shorts.  It was the Friday before Mother's Day.  What a nice gift.  I was amazed that Silas was floating on his own at the end of the lesson.  Believe me, that is quite an accomplishment given Silas' fear of swimming pools.  Anna, on the other hand, was so excited, but once in the water was quite afraid.  She warmed up toward the end.  What a great day!

 

 

 

Congratulations Steve and Meredith!

 The ceremony was beautiful!  Meredith looked like a "princess"  per Anna Kate.  We are so happy for them and wish them a smooth transition to married life.  The reception was a lot of fun.  Photo booth, candy center, sparklers, great music, and more.  My kids were in paradise.  Both Anna and Silas danced from the time the music started until 11pm when we left.  I loved watching them dance.  Anna and Adeline danced together which was sweet.  Silas and Ella slow dancing was so sweet.  Silas had a lot of great moves.  I was thinking Kirk showed him a you tube video... Break dancing, pointing... It was fun to watch...  We loved spending time with everyone.