Destin 2015

What a week we had in Destin.  My original plan was to blog a few times this week about everything we did.  But by the end of the day I was so tired each night it didn't happened.  So instead I am going to try and cram everything into one post.  Lol. We started the week with perfect weather.  The first few days at the beach were perfect.  The water was pretty shallow far out and there was no undertow.  So the kids could venture out far without us having to worry.  Of course Caden spent most of his time trying to see what he could find under the water.  There were a ton of little fish so the kids made it their mission to catch them.  Paige loved riding on her boogie board over the waves.  We did have one little exciting thing happen.  Paige and I were out pretty far just wading around and floating around on her board.  All of a sudden she jumped up on her board and wouldn't get off.  I asked her what was wrong and she told me something big and scratchy just bumped her legs.  I told her it was probably nothing but she was really scared and would not get off.  I had just gotten the words out of my mouth when I saw a something long with a big shadow swim in front of us.  I kind of froze.  There were some people next to us and they saw it too.  One lady yelled what is that?!  Everyone started to scatter and Paige was climbing me like a cat.  We all made our way back to the beach and just like that whatever it was was gone.  I told myself it was just a really big fish.  Lol. The people next to us said it was a small shark.  Needless to say Paige didn't want to go out that far again.  Too much Shark week made us all jittery.  Ha! 

We did the usual things we love like hunt for crabs at night.  But this year we did something new and scheduled a fishing trip for the kids.  I had read great comments about Captain Robby and he didn't disappoint.  He was really friendly and even Paige warmed up to him.  He took us to some great hotspots and the kids pretty much caught fish the entire time.  Both the kids and the adults that went said it was one of the highlights of the trip.  As a bonus we saw dolphins and a huge stingray jump out of the water.  Even Captain Robby said he had never seen a stingray do that before.  He said something must have been chasing it.  It was a great day. 

When we needed a break from the water we ventured out and ate at some great places.  They also have a place called Maragritaville.  It is kind of like a bigger Kemah Boardwalk.  Caden has been wanting to zip line since last year so we had to go back so he could do it.  He loved it.  He is my brave one for sure.

Of course we went back to crab island.  It is Caden's favorite thing to do there.  We came back with tons of hermit crabs and the kids love the jet skis.  Later that night we all went bowling.  I just love that bowling ally.  Non smoking and such cute decor.

There was a new place that opened that had an arcade, putt-putt golf and a ropes course.  Paige and Caden decided they wanted to do the ropes course.  Caden loved it but poor Paige had a rough time.  We quickly realized after the kids started that they had little instruction and that it would be difficult for Paige to navigate on her own.  She made it half way and I knew it was more then she had bargained for.  Poor thing got stuck and she was shaking like a leaf.  When we realized she was crying Jimmy got one of the workers attention and they went up and followed her the rest of the way.  I felt so bad for her.  But everyone cheered her on and in the end she said she hated it but she was glad she tried.  Thank goodness the rest of the night went smoothly and Paige even one the jackpot of 1000 tickets on a game.  

We had a wonderful week.  I am already looking forward to next year! 

Painting with at Twist

One of the moms at church put together a party at Painting with a Twist for the girls at church.  Paige had never been before and she was very excited about it.  All the girls were so cute concentrating on following the instructer.  It was very hard for me not to step in and correct her mistakes but I did it! Lol. You could look around and see some of the moms couldn't take it and we're stepping in to help at times.  Overall I think she did a great job.  She can't wait to hang up her painting in her room.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship for the little girls and the moms.  We will definitely be doing this again!  

Summer fun

I can't believe it is already July.  For me summer is a tricky time.  It is definitely more laid back which can be good and bad.  Jimmy has been working 6 nights a week since May so I have been on my own with the kids.  It makes working a little tricky.  We have somehow managed to fit in some fun activities though. We went to Discover the Dinosaurs which all the kids enjoyed.  

I have to laugh at some of the ways the kids have been entertaining themselves while I work.

And no, Caden and Paige did not suddenly gain weight.  Lol. They each have on about 15 shirts.  Ha!

We just finished up swimming lessons and I can officially say Paige is finally floaty free in the pool! 

We spent the 4th of July swimming with Amy and the boys and having fun.  

This Friday we leave for Destin!  We are ready to get away and have some time with daddy.  We have missed him!

VBS 2015

The kids were away at their grandparents this year during VBS but I still volunteered to help in the preschool department.  Camp VBS was the theme this year.  Every year I try to venture out on new ways to get the lessons across to the little ones.  My group of helpers were great and we all had a blast.  I changed things up a little this year and we did not take part in the beginning singing with the older kids.  In years past there have been so many that cried and I felt like we had little to no control at times.  We did our own pledges and new songs that the kids really enjoyed.  I did not feel rushed and overall I thing it went much better that way.  

Last day of school 2015

I officially have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader!  Ahh!  The last day of school is always a blast.  Caden woke up and the first thing he said was, "party time!"  Lol. At school you can just feel all the excitement in the air.  I could definitely see a difference this year in Caden's party.  It was less about the goodies and treats and more about hanging and saying goodbye to friends.  I always go to the party but I am beginning to wonder why.  Ha!  They were running around exchanging signature books and socializing.  I could tell Caden had a fun group this year. 

Paige's teacher has some personal struggles this year with a sick child but she still managed to make it a great year for the kids.  Paige really loves her.  It is only a few weeks into summer and she already misses school.  

Of course I have to post the first and last day of school picture.  Not as much change this year as last year.  They are definitely looking older though!  

School awards 2015

Today was awards day at school.  Both Caden and Paige have worked so hard this year.  Paige got the Good Citizenship award, Acedemic Excellence, and the Reading award.  She loved first grade and she told me she is already excited for 2nd grade next year.  It was just icing on the cake that her best friend was in her class.  They had so much fun together!

Caden got the Good Citizenship award, Acedemic Excellence, and a gold medal for excelling in both the reading and math portions of the STARR test.  We were not really sure what to expect since it was his first year taking the STARR but he did great!  We are so proud of them both!

It's Almost over!

We are wrapping up another school year.  That means awards and end of the year fun for the kids.  Friday I attended Sam's Pre-k graduation.  He seems to love school and I can't believe he will be in kindergarten next year.  Caden and Paige are excited that he will be at their school next year.  He did so good during his performance.  He put on a show for all of us and I loved it!  We are so proud of you Sammy!

The weather has been horrible the past couple of weeks.  Both the kids were nervous that all the rain might cancel their water days on Monday.  But the sun finally came out and they were able to continue with the fun they had planned.  1st grade has water day at school with slip and slides and water slides.  They had a picnic outside and Paige said she had a blast.  Caden has been waiting for his trip to the wave pool since school started.  It is a big deal with the kids since you have to be in third grade to be able to go.  Caden said it was the best day of his life!  Lol!  I mean, a bus ride, concessions, swimming all day and no school work?  How could it not be?  I love how excited and happy he is about these things.  I think he also loved the feeling of being a big kid.  He was excited to bring me back his change and let me know exactly how much money he spent.  It was a great day for both of them.