more Florida fun

Ok.  So this post took a little bit in coming (much to catch up on while back at home).   Here is how my sis and I ended our final days together!  We decided to be brave and took the kids on more outings than we had planned... and surprisingly they (and we) did great with all five! On Tuesday we took the kids to a nearby Water Park.  Although the water was a bit chilly, this didn't stop the kids from have a blast and trying every water slide they could get on!  Wednesday we had a fun day at the Miami Zoo.  We did the "express" version since their zoo is so big.  We rented an 8 seated bicycle and Monika and I peddled the kids around, stopping occasionally to feed giraffes, see the elephants, visit the kids petting area, and a little fun in the splash pad!  The weather was great!
On our final day, we met up with my Aunt Becky and Uncle Miguel for a trip down memory lane and went to the Dade County Youth Fair and Exposition!  I haven't been back to the fair since I graduated from High School!  The kids had a BLAST.  Despite the intermittent rain (you will see a pic of me under an umbrella... and the 5 kids are under the poncho in a wagon!) What a fun trip.  All the kids (minus Andrew) tried the Bungy Jumper.  For her age.. I think Gabi had the best time!  We ended the night on the "BIG" Ferris Wheel!  Monika and Iholding tight to the kids and praying for the ride to be over! The kids loved it!  What a wonderful and special time we had.  As always, the kids wished they lived in the same state!

 

 

Our special visit with Tia Cathy =)

 

 OK... so here is the explanation for the next 2 pics.  Isa and I are contemplating donating our hair this summer.  Isa has had a hard time understanding the concept of a wig... so when we saw this wig stand... we let her see them in person. The lady was so excited with Isa's curiosity that she asked Isa if she wanted to try one.  Of course Isa picked the dark purple one!

morning cereal buddies!

 

a little bit from Florida

Yep.  The kids and I are in Florida.  It was kind of a last minute trip, but so far a nice one.  We had intended to come down and visit when the kids were on spring break in April, but since Monika and the kids would be in school and work... we decided to come down and spend THEIR spring break with them.  My sister would be alone with the kids because my mom was headed out to Peru and Arnold would be at work on a buisness trip.  It is meant to be sister time. 
So far we had a jam packed weekend catching up with family.  We spent time with my mom, and family.  We also headed out to visit my uncle Miguel and Tia Becky.  We met their new grandson Theodore (of course Isa loved him!).  Then on Saturday we attended my cousin's daughter's 2nd birthday party followed by an adult dinner out to El Novillo (a Nicaraguan restaurant).  Sunday we took the kids to the pool and hung out. 
Here are a few pics from our time so far.

 Today, Monday, it's just me and my sis with the kids. Lots of laughter, some relaxing moments, and lots of talking. We took a bike ride to one of their community parks. We are loving this weather and the time together. In the evening, we took the kids to the theaters to see The Lorax.  WOW.  The movie was fantastic and they kids came out saying it was their favorite movie ever.  There were even some tears shed by a few of the sentimental lil ones =).
The cousins get along so well and are having a blast.  We are looking forward to more relaxing days like this. 

winter?

The kids woke up today to a nice snowfall!  This winter has been so mild that the kids have barely been in their snow gear and have only been sledding 2 or 3 times.  But today, they were eager to head outside right after breakfast to enjoy the snow!  Love their smiles and how much fun they had together!
They sure enjoyed it while they could...it's suppose to be back in the high 50's tomorrow.

 Gabi mostly wanted to EAT the snow!

 

 

 Then we were joined by Chloe and the gang to hang out a little and dinner.  Gabi and Chloe sure do get along well and love dancing together.  Love when these 2 get together!

 here is a little bit of them dancing....

 One other neat thing today was the Cooper's Hawk that landed in a tree in our yard.  I love that I was able to get a shot of him flying away!

another great week

So far this week has proven to be another great one.  We started off with Gabi's 2nd birthday and end it with what is suppose to be a beautiful 50-60 degree weather day (we will be out later!). 
On Tuesday, Gramma joined us with the kid's preschool for some old school bowling!  The kids all had a great time, and we had a laugh ourselves!  It was hilarious to watch lil Gabi Rose picking up and trying to bowl herself!  Will and Isa did fine, with a little assistance every once in a while!

 

 

Later that day, our playgroup friends got together for a play date and to celebrate Gabi's 2nd and Natalie's 4th birthdays.  I can't say enough how much fun we all have together.  The kids get along so well, that the adults even have time to just chit chat while they are playing.  awesome.

 i've heard of a bubble bath... here is Isa's bead bath =)

 On Wacky Wednesday (the kids have been celebrating Dr. Seuss week) we took a little trip out to see Grandma Thomas.  The kids looked pretty silly, but still had a nice visit taking Grandma for a little spin around the home and sharing some cupcakes with her!

 Later that night Will and Isa got even more time with Gramma and Bapa during their sleepover before Gabi's surgery.

Thursday morning we had Gabi at the hospital by 6am for her ear tube replacement.  It's a pretty simple procedure which is done in about 10 minutes, but it's still hard for parents.  Gabi was a great little patient waiting to go in.  After the surgery she had a little harder  time.  They ended up removing a little scab in her ear (some granular tissue from scarring) and it really hurt her.  She was not happy.  However, after getting home and a good nap, she was back to her usual fun loving self!
I love these pics of what she does when you tell her to say cheese... (Cathy, I am sure you are smiling!)

 Finally... last night I had a little girls night out.  Megan and I headed out to get a mani/pedi and dinner afterwards.  It's funny how we became friends.... I remember the first time I met Joe, Megan and their little strawberry haired boy at Matt's house back in the winter of 2003.  Who would have known that 8 years later they would have made it almost every one of our kid's birthday parties (they have only missed 2).  As for Megan and I, this was a wonderful evening.  It was so relaxed and time seemed to be endless.  We chatted for what seemed like forever.  It was real nice.  The funnies part was at the restaurant.  We had been chatting and lost track of time... unbeknownst to us, they had actually closed 30 minutes ago and we were the last ones out of the restaurant! opps!  We'll have to do it again soon!