Destin Beach...mini vacation

Just look at the view.....need I say more. Well of course I need to say more cause well it's just me for one. Anyway we meet up with some friends in Destin beach FL and it was one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen in a long time, we were lucky enough to be able to stay there Thursday to Saturday. I had such a great time and the kids did not want to leave, Alyssa actually asked me yesterday if we could go back...I wish.
Just look at this beautiful beach, which I took this picture from our balcony.

Alyssa enjoyed being in charge and making sure the boys held hands.

Ethan and Tucker, Ethan is a hugger and Tucker had no choice!

Ethan and Tucker, I know Ethan would have been happy just to play in the sand all day.

Alyssa was trying and trying and finally caught a wave all on her own.

I had to try and get a "professional picture" which came out ok

Of course after a long 3 days at the beach the kids passed out on the 6 hour ride home!!

I wish they would have slept the whole way home but oh well. We had so much fun good times with good friends!!!

Meet the newest member of our family

This is Jasmine(Alyssa named her after Princess Jasmine). Ok So we now have 2 kids, dogs and a hamster...I am at my max. I was very hesitant in getting Jasmine because we are so busy and always seem to be on the go I thought it would not be fair to her, but then again poor Belle is alone alot and could use a friend too.

Jasmine was given to us because a woman that Kyle works with had a living situation change and was going to have to take her to the animal shelter, and I just could not let a cute little mini pincher(pure breed by the way) be sent there. So Saturday Kyle went and picked her up and surprised the kids. She is only 9 months old so we still have time to train her.I am glad now that we did decide to take her in, she is actually a very good dog so far and Alyssa and Ethan love her!!

Saturday Father's day boating with my Dad

Saturday the kids and I headed over to Daytona to meet up with my Mom and Dad. They stayed at a Marina sleeping on their boat enjoying Father's day weekend in peace. We took a boat ride to disappearing Island(it's a sand bar) and then docked at a local hang out and had some lunch. We had a great time. The kids loved jumping off the back of Pa's boat and I think Pa like catching them.
Ethan hanging out with Pa in the water
Ethan and Alyssa yelling off the back off the boat

Ethan just loved jumping off the back of the boat to Pa J

After a long day of boating Alyssa was very tired.

All in all we had such a great day and glad to spend the day with my parents, I am sure they were tired but enjoyed watching the kids have fun.

A family day at Aquatica

It seems sometimes family days are far few and between, I mean we See each other everyday between we get caught up in the routine of things, that it's nice when we can take time just to....be together. Kyle was out Friday night with some friends celebrating another year of school down and one more year to go. He surprised the kids and I by getting us all ready @ 10:00 to go spend the day in the sun! We bought annual passes to Aquatica/Sea World and since it is just to HOT to do anything that does not include water or air condition, we spent the day at the water park together. It was so much fun laughing and playing not a worry in the world. The day was just GREAT. The kids had a great time for sure we did not even got out of the parking lot before they were passed out!

Happy Birthday Mom!! 50 and Nifty!!

Well I am sure everyone thinks "their" Mom is the best, but I know 100% my Mom can do anything your mom can do and better!! haha JK. I can't always say that my Mom and I saw eye to eye but I do know that I could not have asked for a better Mom. I know we have have our faults myself included but no matter what nothing can take away a Mother's love. I know more now then ever since I too have children the love a Mom has can not be measured, I think all the teenage years I put my Mom through it can be tested but a Mom's love will always prevail!!

All the things I learned from my Mom:
1) Be patient
2) If you want it done right do it yourself
3) Family is #1 and always there when you need them
4) The last thing you always say mad or not is I love you!
5) "If you are right, I will defend you, if you are wrong I will support you"
6) Life is to short not to go to the beach every chance you get
7) Give, give, give...and expect nothing in return
8) Do as I say not as I do
9) Try and get along with your sisters, they will be all you have some day
10) No matter what happens you MOMMY is ALWAYS there for you!!!

I could actually go on and on about how great my Mom is and also go into to details on how much I wanted to move out when I was 18 years old and how I begged Kyle to "save me" one time, but at the end of the day she is my Mom and I would not be here with out her and I do love her, I want to be the best mom I can be and that means learning from the good things I had growing up, and also thre not so great things. I came from a great family and although it was crazy at times it's "my family" and I would not change it for the world.

I love you Mom and trust me 50 is the new 30!!!

Alyssa finally lost a tooth!!!!

So it finally happened! Alyssa has been so upset the past couple of months since "everyone" is losing their teeth at school. I would ask Alyssa "how was school?" and her response would be "Abby lost a tooth today!" or "Maddie lost another tooth!!" and a sad face to follow. As a parent you think the most important things would be playing with your friends, but no its losing a tooth in our house! Alyssa had been working on that tooth for months and finally while watching TV...her tongue won!!! Alyssa of course could not wait to get it under her pillow and have the tooth fairy come for a visit. I thought since she got her first tooth when she was only 7 weeks old that she would lose them quick, but she is one of the last ones in her class to lose one, well better late then never!

Here it is...or there it was!!!
The next morning she woke up and checked under the pillow and the tooth fairy brought a DOLLAR??!!! Well I guess keeping up with the times I use to get a quarter! I think the tooth fairy and I will have a talk!

Alyssa's Dance recital 2009

Family photo!!!

Alyssa had her first dance recital this past weekend, and they did months of the year. Alyssa danced to Four leaf clover, and celebrated the month of March. We all enjoyed her performance, and I was so happy when Alyssa told me she wanted to dance again next year!

Alyssa of course had to "strike a pose" but then again she does it so well.

Although the whole make up part was a little nerve recking I think I did a good job and she looked great on stage.

Ethan was so excited to give Alyssa the pink roses he had picked out for her, and of course she loved getting the flowers from everyone.

Ethan gave Alyssa the pink roses....he is good. I think I should dance so someone will give me all those flowers.