Taking It Easy

The kids love playing together. We just roll out of bed on Saturday mornings and spend time just having fun. I do try to get in some cleaning, but mostly I just spend time with the kids. They are both growing up so fast. I have decided that having a clean house is over-rated these days. I have time to to have a clean house later in life. For now... I am going to enjoy my kids and their messes.

Swinging

LOVE this time of year!!! The weather is perfect for playing outside. Everyday we have gotten home, opened the back door, and let the kids loose in the back yard (although we have had to watch more closely since Mackenzie has learned how to climb up into the clubhouse). Bike riding, jeep riding, sandbox time, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles are just a few of our favorite things to do.

The Picadilly Circus

As some of you know, we live right around the corner from the fair grounds. This comes in handy a few times of the year. The circus set up their tent this past week and we couldn't help wanting to take the kids. When we arrived, there were a few animals for the kids to interact with. Hunter actually rode both the ponies and the elephant. He is starting to be a little braver these days. When we walked into the tent, I was amazed at the seating they had. The bleachers were tiny and everyone was squeezed together. I was worried about Mackenzie's attention span. So, we sat at the bottom just in case. She was antsy, but as soon as the show started, her attention went directly to the acts. She watched the whole show sitting in my lap. I was amazed at her interaction with the acts. Adam and I enjoyed sharing the looks that the kids had as the show unfolded. I enjoyed watching the kids more than the circus.

Just look at those eyes.  She was in amazement.

Hunter enjoying a Snow Cone.

Taking on the ponies.

Taking The Day Off

This week we had a short week with the kids. Friday was an Early Release Day, Monday was MLK Day, and Tuesday was a Teacher Work Day. I took some time off to enjoy my parents. On Tuesday, I sent the kids to school and loaded the car with our bikes and took off. We drove around town enjoying the area. We stopped at the Pier and took a small walk on the beach. It was nice to enjoy some time with my parents alone. That afternoon, Adam and Dad played golf. Mom and I found a good bike path and enjoyed the afternoon discovering some of the wildlife in SW Florida (alligators, turtles, and birds).

This bird decided to take on a fish about the size of its neck.  We sat and watched it try to digest it in one gulp.  He wasn't successful, but he did work on it for a while.

Enjoying the Naples Pier for the first time.

Spending the day with my parents was priceless.  Mom was worried because I was so quiet, but I told her that it is not often I get to enjoy them without kids.  I was just enjoying sitting and listening to them. 

Site Seeing

I love when we have company. We end up taking a vacation with them. I knew that at the top of my list to take my parents was The Naples Botanical Gardens. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Hunter was in charge of the map and guiding us through the gardens ;) It amazes me all of the plants that can grow in this tropical environment. The kids had a blast in the Children's Garden. Afterwards, we took a little trip to Tin City, a local tourist attraction. For dinner we had Fish and Chips at The Pub. Yummy!!!

Hunter was real hesitant to touch the alligator, but with Nannie holding him, he decided to give it a small touch.

In this particular garden, they turned different items into planters.  This golf shoe looks identical to one that Adam has had in the past. 

Loving the hammock under the palm trees.

Sitting under the water falls.

My dream one day is to have a hammock under a palm tree in our backyard. I guess we need to plant some trees in order for that to happen.

In the Children's Garden, there are several places for the kids to explore.  One of the favorites is the little Key West house with planters and watering cans.

Using sidewalk chalk and making a design together.

Our little map reader

Acting like tourists can be fun. 

Hanging around

We decided to enjoy a day at home with Nannie and Papa. Just sitting and watching the kids enjoy Nannie and Papa in our home was a treat. I think we all needed a day of relaxation.
Daddy made us laugh a few times by running into the sliding glass door, of course by accident, but he laughed with us. We ended up putting some masking tape on the window to help him recognize that there was a door there. What a good day.

Mackenzie wearing Adam's handing him the remote. 

This hat was one that Mom bought for me in high school.  It was from the Limited and quite pricey, but I HAD to have it.  I think I only wore it 1 time.  However, now Mackenzie is enjoying it :)

Daddy's girl

X marks the spot :)

Visiting SW Florida

Nannie found good prices for airline tickets and jumped on the opportunity. I was so excited that they were going to be able to visit. They arrived in Ft. Lauderdale and rented a car to drive over. On their way, they stopped to have lunch in Ava Maria, the small Catholic town around the corner. We are looking forward to seeing some more sites over the next week.

Dad enjoying lunch at Tropical Cafe. 

The Ava Maria Cathedral