8.27.2009
Preschool
I'd decided to keep Bailey home this year rather than put her in preschool as my boys have all done the year before kindergarten. I'd done some planning which included some resources from a website I've used before for a some activities with my kids. A few weeks ago I was back on this website and discovered it had tons more stuff that I'd overlooked before. It has 3 years worth of preschool curriculum all planned out (2, 3, 4-6 year olds). It is Christian based with weekly character traits mixed with academic work and it's completely free! How much better can it get? Check it out, the link is on the right.
8.26.2009
A Picture Request
So, a few more pictures...
I had talked to our photographer ahead of time and had a few specific shots that I really wanted her to get. I wanted one of Peyton with each of his siblings. Regardless of what happens to Peyton, these pictures will be a special reminder of this road they are traveling together.
I had talked to our photographer ahead of time and had a few specific shots that I really wanted her to get. I wanted one of Peyton with each of his siblings. Regardless of what happens to Peyton, these pictures will be a special reminder of this road they are traveling together.
8.19.2009
Family Pictures
After the news of Peyton's drastic tumor growth, we knew we needed to do family pictures sooner than later. The last time we had family pictures done Bailey was Jack's age. So I guess we were a bit overdue anyways. We have a good friend/fabulously talented photographer that met us at the Houston Temple on a steamy hot day and still managed to get fantastic shots. We thought this would be a good setting. Aside from the grounds being beautiful, it is because Robert and I were married and sealed in the temple (the Dallas Temple) that we know our family will be together forever. The knowledge of this is what has sustained us through our recent trials.
Thank you so much Stephanie. We love them!
Thank you so much Stephanie. We love them!
8.17.2009
Make-A-Wish Trip (part 2- Disney)
We were able to spend a couple of days at the 4 Disney parks. This was the older four's second time so we asked each one which ride was their most favorite so we could make sure they got to ride it. We were worried that time and heat would be issues since it was quite toasty and during the summer the lines can be very long so we figured as long as the kids each got to ride their favorite once, we'd be doing okay. When we went to will-call to pick up our tickets we were given a special guest assistance pass. This allowed us nearly immediate access to every ride. It was crazy! We didn't wait for anything! We were able to do everything at all of the parks we wanted to.
Jack had a great time. He was able to go on lots of rides and when he couldn't he was content hanging out in his stroller or picking flowers for me. Lots and lots of flowers. He's quite quick!
Bailey was able to meet all of the princesses. And what was it she asked each of them? "What color are your p.j.s?" Yep, that's what she really wanted to know. Tyler wanted to meet them too so Bailey did a picture with the princess and then Tyler would have a picture with both Bailey and the princess. When he stepped up to meet Belle, Bailey started singing "Tyler is a girl, Tyler is a girl." Belle sweetly knelt down, held both of Bailey's hands and told her that she's so lucky to have a brother and that she can tell that he takes good care of her and that she should be nice to him, etc. While that is all very true, I did mention that she has three more brothers. Belle looked at Bailey, shrugged her shoulders and said "guess you've gotta be tough" then told her that princesses are still nice, even when they're tough. Bailey missed the 40" height requirement for some rides and at first was really disappointed until she realized that the waiting time could be used for picture taking. Lots and lots of picture taking. We have a picture of Bailey with nearly every character both live and statue plus tons of random things she thought were cute to stand by.
Trey made the 40" cut which let him go on nearly all of the good roller coasters. He loved it! He felt so big. He now spends his days drawing remarkably accurate renditions of all of the different Disney vehicles and rides. I always hear him talking to one of his siblings about how fun the different rides were and all of the things he like about them.
Peyton had a great time. He walked ahead with a map spread out in front of him directing us which way to go. We hadn't seen him have so much energy and endurance in over a year. Guess that does it, we need to go to Disney more! He wore his dark glasses and hat anytime we were outside and that worked great for his eyes and he was really able to enjoy himself. A few times he commented on what a good wish he made because he got to see the manatees AND go to Disney World.
Tyler was so great and helpful. This time he and I rode the Rockin' Roller coaster. He hadn't before. While we were waiting in line he was lightly bouncing up and down with anticipation. He slid his hand into mine and when I looked down, he was smiling ear to ear. I don't think I've ever seen him so excited. After the ride he literally bent over and let out a couple of big 'ol belly laughs. He couldn't believe what he had just gone on. It really is a great roller coaster.
We were able to eat at T-Rex. This was being built last time we were there. It's done by the Rainforest Cafe folks and is super cool. Loud. But very cool. The entire place is loaded with animatronic dinosaurs.
We couldn't have had a more enjoyable trip. We are truly grateful for the Make-A-Wish organization and for all of the different groups that made our trip possible. It was perfect and something we'll always remember.
Jack had a great time. He was able to go on lots of rides and when he couldn't he was content hanging out in his stroller or picking flowers for me. Lots and lots of flowers. He's quite quick!
Bailey was able to meet all of the princesses. And what was it she asked each of them? "What color are your p.j.s?" Yep, that's what she really wanted to know. Tyler wanted to meet them too so Bailey did a picture with the princess and then Tyler would have a picture with both Bailey and the princess. When he stepped up to meet Belle, Bailey started singing "Tyler is a girl, Tyler is a girl." Belle sweetly knelt down, held both of Bailey's hands and told her that she's so lucky to have a brother and that she can tell that he takes good care of her and that she should be nice to him, etc. While that is all very true, I did mention that she has three more brothers. Belle looked at Bailey, shrugged her shoulders and said "guess you've gotta be tough" then told her that princesses are still nice, even when they're tough. Bailey missed the 40" height requirement for some rides and at first was really disappointed until she realized that the waiting time could be used for picture taking. Lots and lots of picture taking. We have a picture of Bailey with nearly every character both live and statue plus tons of random things she thought were cute to stand by.
Trey made the 40" cut which let him go on nearly all of the good roller coasters. He loved it! He felt so big. He now spends his days drawing remarkably accurate renditions of all of the different Disney vehicles and rides. I always hear him talking to one of his siblings about how fun the different rides were and all of the things he like about them.
Peyton had a great time. He walked ahead with a map spread out in front of him directing us which way to go. We hadn't seen him have so much energy and endurance in over a year. Guess that does it, we need to go to Disney more! He wore his dark glasses and hat anytime we were outside and that worked great for his eyes and he was really able to enjoy himself. A few times he commented on what a good wish he made because he got to see the manatees AND go to Disney World. 
Tyler was so great and helpful. This time he and I rode the Rockin' Roller coaster. He hadn't before. While we were waiting in line he was lightly bouncing up and down with anticipation. He slid his hand into mine and when I looked down, he was smiling ear to ear. I don't think I've ever seen him so excited. After the ride he literally bent over and let out a couple of big 'ol belly laughs. He couldn't believe what he had just gone on. It really is a great roller coaster.
We were able to eat at T-Rex. This was being built last time we were there. It's done by the Rainforest Cafe folks and is super cool. Loud. But very cool. The entire place is loaded with animatronic dinosaurs.
We couldn't have had a more enjoyable trip. We are truly grateful for the Make-A-Wish organization and for all of the different groups that made our trip possible. It was perfect and something we'll always remember.8.13.2009
Make-A-Wish Trip (Part 1- Manatee Swim and Sea World)
We just got back from Peyton's Make-A-Wish trip. His wish was to swim with manatees. That's it. Simple, right? Well, I guess the folks at Make-A-Wish thought it was a little too simple. They went ahead and threw Disney and Sea World in too. We didn't know about this until we got our travel plans 6 days before our scheduled departure. Our trip was perfect.
We were welcomed at the Orlando Airport by a greeter from Make-A-Wish with a sign with Peyton's name on it. She escorted us to the rental car area and we were on our way.
This was on the property of our hotel. We were walking distance to Sea World and 10 minutes from Disney at the largest Marriott Residence Inn in the world. The kids were each in their own queen size bed, even Jack.
Our first full day we drove to Crystal River where we met up with the folks at Manatee Tour and Dive. There we were suited up and taken out on the bay with Captain Mick. This is NOT the best time of the year to do this. We knew this. During the winter there are far more manatees and they are in the crystal clear parts of the river. Being the summer we had to find them in the murkier waters of the bay. The kids were having a good time spotting little manatee heads that would occasionally bob up for air. They were on and off the boat a couple of times before we decided to just send Robert in to go chase down the manatees and see if he could convince them to stay and play. Finally we found one willing to oblige and all the boys were able to pet it. Bailey and I didn't make in time but no worries, she was perfectly content playing mermaid with her pink fins. After Peyton had officially swam with manatees, our captain told us he would take us somewhere to rinse off. He took us down the river where the manatees are during the winter and dropped the anchor. We all jumped in the water, even Jack, and we were directed to go through a passage, stay clear of the rocks on either side, and keep going. Um, okay, I guess. What could possibly go wrong with Robert and I toting 5 little kids down the real life equivalent of Disney's Jungle Cruise? We did as instructed and ended up in a 45foot deep, crystal clear natural spring called Three Sisters. Holy Cow, I'd never seen any thing like it. The water even smelled like the bottled water I buy. We have pictures but they were done with our underwater cameras that haven't been developed yet so hopefully the turn out well. It was such a fun experience for all of us and something I never thought I'd ever do let alone as a family vacation. We will try to make it back for peak swimming time it was that fun. I highly recommend it!
We were welcomed at the Orlando Airport by a greeter from Make-A-Wish with a sign with Peyton's name on it. She escorted us to the rental car area and we were on our way.
This was on the property of our hotel. We were walking distance to Sea World and 10 minutes from Disney at the largest Marriott Residence Inn in the world. The kids were each in their own queen size bed, even Jack. Our first full day we drove to Crystal River where we met up with the folks at Manatee Tour and Dive. There we were suited up and taken out on the bay with Captain Mick. This is NOT the best time of the year to do this. We knew this. During the winter there are far more manatees and they are in the crystal clear parts of the river. Being the summer we had to find them in the murkier waters of the bay. The kids were having a good time spotting little manatee heads that would occasionally bob up for air. They were on and off the boat a couple of times before we decided to just send Robert in to go chase down the manatees and see if he could convince them to stay and play. Finally we found one willing to oblige and all the boys were able to pet it. Bailey and I didn't make in time but no worries, she was perfectly content playing mermaid with her pink fins. After Peyton had officially swam with manatees, our captain told us he would take us somewhere to rinse off. He took us down the river where the manatees are during the winter and dropped the anchor. We all jumped in the water, even Jack, and we were directed to go through a passage, stay clear of the rocks on either side, and keep going. Um, okay, I guess. What could possibly go wrong with Robert and I toting 5 little kids down the real life equivalent of Disney's Jungle Cruise? We did as instructed and ended up in a 45foot deep, crystal clear natural spring called Three Sisters. Holy Cow, I'd never seen any thing like it. The water even smelled like the bottled water I buy. We have pictures but they were done with our underwater cameras that haven't been developed yet so hopefully the turn out well. It was such a fun experience for all of us and something I never thought I'd ever do let alone as a family vacation. We will try to make it back for peak swimming time it was that fun. I highly recommend it! 
Part of our trip included a day at Sea World. Unique to the Orlando park is the manatee exhibit. What this meant for us was that Peyton could kiss the manatees as he had hoped to do. Granted this was done through glass (thankfully making the interaction a bit more sanitary) but none the less he was thrilled to kiss each of them 3 times. 
Downtown Aquarium
We celebrated cousin Aimee's 8th birthday at the Downtown Aquarium, always a bit hit!
Monterey Bay
My side of the family had a reunion on the Pacific Coast where my grandparents live. It was absolutely beautiful and so nice and cool. Here are some of our visits:
The world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row
Our hotel the first night right on Cannery row
A visit to my grandparent's house in Salinas
17 Mile Drive (aka the closest my husband will ever get to Pebble Beach golf course)
Dennis the Menace Park
Asilomar Resort, where the reunion was
Asilomar Resort, where the reunion was
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)