Another Birthday...

So this is a little late, but I liked some of these pics...so I wanted to put them up. I went to Disney World again for my birthday this year and once again Stuart was out of town. That makes 5 years in a row for anyone keeping score...oh wait, that is probably just me. So a sweet friend checked us in for free and we were able to make it a special day.

The kids love the play lands scattered all over the park, so it was a very laid back day. Waiting in line with 2 kids along is not an easy task to rides were pretty much off the to do list. We did go on Gracie's favorite ride, It's a small World and about 5 minutes in the ride broke and we sat there for 15 minutes. Of course the song did not break...my Dad shuttered when he heard this story. The kids didn't mind of course and it fun to be stuck right by Ireland and the can-can girls.

Gracie and I by the Castle, Zach was passed out by this time...it was a fun day. So I am a year older and a little wiser too. I can't believe how fast this year went by, I still feel like we just moved here and I was pregnant. I really hope this year is filled with growth and adventure, but mostly a lot of time with my family near and far and friends.

Birthdays!

Well my babies are 2 weeks apart, and although I really don't like combining the parties (I always had to share with my sisters and resented it), they are so young and don't know yet. So we had a BBQ and some cupcakes and called it good. Zach was not too impressed with his cupcake because it fell apart too easily, but he had a good time with the frosting. Gracie really liked that the cupcakes came with rings on them...she had to wear them all. She really wanted the princess cupcakes but I had to remind her that she was sharing with Zach, so we compromised with Nemo. Fun times!

Gracie's goes to Red Robin

My parents took us to Red Robin for Gracie's birthday dinner. Burgers and fries are her favorite food, as well as ice cream so what a winner. Plus they had balloons, so she was very happy! It didn't scare her this year when they sang to her like it did last year, so that was good. She was very spoiled this year and got a homemade quilt from Meemaw this year, lucky girl! It is beautiful and we can't wait to take it home and put it on her own bed. Hmmm...we are very sad to be going home after such a good trip, but all good things must end right? We will have to start planning another trip soon, we all had such a great time!

Houston Zoo

We also had the chance to go to the zoo. I know, we got to do so much fun stuff besides hang out with family...what a good family we have! The zoo was very fun The fish were a big hit of course.
There was a petting zoo, but those pictures are on my camera so there will probably be a zoo 2 post. It was a nice and sunny day so a perfect day to get out and play. Alex was a very good sport to go out with us and push a stroller. There was also a tube that ran through the pirahna tank, so it was very fun to go into. I was a little surprised that we got Gracie to go in, but she followed Alex once she saw him inside. Zach kept going back for more, I finally had to drag him away. I distracted him with the bats, which is also liked. What a boy!

A Texas Beach

We went to the beach at Galveston, Texas the first Saturday that we were here. It was pretty chilly, but the kids did not seem to mind at all. Zach was having the time of his life, and got soaked in the process. I realized while playing with him that this was the first time that he has gone to the beach and played in the water. Sad to say since we live in Florida, but true. Gracie was having a very good time helping to throw the ball for Rio, she thought it was great that he would go way out in the waves and swim back. Max is not the biggest swimmer, he is pretty heavy. So it was a good time for all and it will be very fun to take them back tot water when their feet aren't bright red from cold after 5 minutes.

More Houston Pictures

So like I said, it has been cold and rainy here, so we have been indoors a lot. With indoors have come lots of movies, books and some fun inside play with playdoh. It was good o have a good run through here to see how well Gracie played with it before I get some at home. I was very worried about my carpet and her eating it, but she did pretty good. Zach likes to smoosh it in his hands, but then it goes right to the mouth of course. She mostly likes us to make things for her and then she gets to pound them down into nothing. I think Grandpa taught her this.
We also had fun playing at a mall one day, thank goodness for indoor playgrounds! The kids also like my parent's dog, Rio. Gracie espcially likes chasing him around, which he is not happy about, but he is a very good sport when she sits on him. She misses Maxx.

So we got the opportunity to visit my family in Houston Texas for a couple of week and boy have we been having fun! They have a big house so the kids have loved having lots of room to run around, which has been a great since it has been rainy and cold here. Not that I am complaining, it has been a great break from the never ending heat of Florida.
Zach decided that an empty milk carton was more fun than any toy brought out for him.



Also walking on the dinner table was a big hit for some reason! Oh what they get away with at Grandpas house!
And lots of fun singing. Gracie loves singing, so she was not apprehensive at all about going to a new nursery while here, she saw the play kitchen and knew there would be singing, so she was sold. It is so nice hen you don't have to deal with a crying child in a new ward.
By the way, I love a little boy in overalls, they are just too cute! And my mom commented that he looked very Texan in his overalls. Now all he needs is some boots and a hat and we may have to leave him here. Although Daddy may not be too happy about that arrangement.