Grandad Visits Frigid Florida!

Grandad came to visit this past week. We had a long weekend and some special school events so it was great timing for a trip to Florida. Except for the weather. The last couple of days here it was actually cold enough for snow. The girls have been anxiously awaiting the snow, but there is little to no chance of any precipitation! Grandad got in Thursday night and Friday was a student holiday so he stayed home with the girls while I completed report cards at work. During that Friday poor Noah was attacked by a tree. They came over to play at our house later that day. Somehow they all ended up in my bed....



Paige and Grandad became very close this past week. She snuggled with him every chance she had!


Granddogs.


TACO night!!! As part of our promise to not make 5 dinners each night, the girls have been eating some form of what Mike and I eat each night. I didn't think they'd EVER eat a taco, I knew they wouldn't put meat on it. I didn't push the meat, but I stayed strong and insisted they make their own tacos. Although they told Jen the tacos were awful and it was the worst meal ever, they DID enjoy making them and did clean their plates. The girls loaded up their shells with black beans, corn, lettuce and cheese. Sure a lot of it fell onto their plates but NO TEARS!


Yum, I want tacos right now!


We enjoyed beef tacos and enchiladas with the girls.


Soph at the inlet.


Monday we took a trip to the inlet. I know Dad isn't a beach person but he came along...in his jeans, socks and sneakers. He was a good sport. What an afternoon. Although I don't have proof I was there with my girls and both my parents. That was nice. I wish Uncle Greg could have been there too! The beach was beautiful and we stayed for hours.

Mom and Soph pose in front of the lighthouse.


Finley at the inlet, watching for sharks.


Grandad and Grandog.


Dad and the girls at the shark bite capital of the world.


Paige giving Fin some love.


Kissing on the dunes.


It was very windy.


VERY windy.


AAAAWWWWW yeah. Not looking my best but I was having a good time.


Please. Just give me ONE bite.


The girls had some lunch on the beach blanket before it blew over them!


Yeah. It's not that easy to read a newspaper on a very windy beach.


Staring at Grandad trying to read the newspaper.

Stupid rocket

Chris and I were going to go take pictures of the night launch, but it was moved over and over again throughout the week. Then Saturday they decided to try for a 7:33 launch. After MORE delays and a couple of useless trips to the river to try take our pictures, it finally launched at almost 10:00 Saturday night.

This one is a fish eye shot that I took after the initial launch picture. The rocket was moving away from us out over the ocean.


Here is the launch and first 65 seconds of flight time. This is about 35 miles from the launch pad.

More weekend pics

The tide had just gone out so the island was still really wet sand.


Paige is a supermodel!


The girls didn't mind the cold water at first...


The kept jumping in until they realized the water was only 65 degrees.

New Years Weekend Boating

Paige posing.


Soph trying to steal the Posing Crown from Paige.


Slow zone!


Yep, that's the ocean! Barely out of the inlet and it's about 65 feet deep.

Happy Birthday to Emma!

Happy Birthday to my first born, Emma! Em turns the big EIGHT today! This time eight years ago, Em was just one hour old! We are currently celebrating her birthday with a sleepover. I can say with certainty that this will be the last group sleepover of hers. No one is getting along. Certain kids are driving other kids crazy. And they are ALL driving me crazy. One girl already left because she had a headache! I felt so bad for her, there was no way she was getting rid of that headache by staying at THIS house. Twelve more hours and it will be over. At least my house is still in decent shape. Here are some pics of the party in progress...

Blowing out the candles on the old Rice Krispy Cake.


Group shot.


My friend Sam brought over her baby, Josiah. Sorry I'm making such an awful face. Try to avert your eyes and just look at the cute baby.


Sammy and Paige.


The Schraders bought Em this really cute book about girly things. It's pretty funny.


We bought Em a pink monopoly set. She is really into board games. Since I wasn't allowed any board games when I was young we have bought just about every board game available for the girls.


Greg in his new Christmas present shirt from the Eagneys. He really likes it.


Cutey again.


Opening some Webkinz!


Pizza for dinner.