Virginia Beach

Right before our Virginia Beach trip, Sydney got strep throat again.  Luckily she recovered fast.

We decided to leave Friday night, drove to Breezewood, stayed at truck stop, no electricity.  We heard you could stay at Walmart parking lots too however the Breezewood truck stop worked for us.  It was not too bad.  We got up Saturday morning and finished driving.  We stopped at McDonald's to play and eat.  Right before we got to Virginia Beach we stopped at Wendy's for Frosty's.  We finally got there after 8 hours.  There was a lot of traffic.

We set up camp at KOA in Virginia Beach and then went swimming.  The pool was nice because it has a water slide the kids liked.  We went to Pizza Hut for dinner.  That is Austin's favorite.  We drove down to Beach Street.  We were all tired but did walk around for a bit.

On Sunday, we figured out the public bus system to and from our campsite.  It worked out nicely.  We went to the beach then went swimming at the pool, bounce house water slide.  Brian had to go down with Sydney because she was not tall went.  That night we went down to beach street and saw fireworks.  We even had Sweet Frogs ice cream.  Austin and Sydney were very happy.

On Monday, we went on the pirate ship ride.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed that.  We like it too.  We enjoy it more than the one in Myrtle Beach.  We rented bikes and biked the boardwalk.  That was fun and a lot of work.  Then we brought body boards for Austin and Sydney.  They were a huge hit.  They loved them and played for a while.  We went back to our campsite to eat dinner.  Then back to Beach Street for street performers at night.  We love it there!

On Tuesday, we went to the pool in the morning then went to the beach.  Austin and Sydney found so pirate treasure on the beach that is a tradition for us.  We had fun playing at the beach.  We packed up our campsite.  Then ended our trip with Beach Street and ice cream.

On Wednesday, we drove home. Luckily we made better time however we did not stop unless it was for gas.

We ended our week at the Cleveland Zoo for Cavs night.  It is a nice event the Cavs did for season ticket holders.

More Summer Fun

* This post I made myself notes in an outline however I did not write this post until a few months later therefore it's not a detailed.  How I normally handle this blog is type up outline, write post, enter pictures several months later, then publish.  Life is crazy with two little kids.

Brian had to go to China again.  It wasn't ideal but didn't have too much going on so it is what it is. Picture is of his pancake he got for breakfast.  They wanted to make sure he did not overeat.  :)
On Monday we went swimming.  I have to assume it was Wildwater and likely Tutta's pool as well.

On Tuesday we went to park, library (we do the summer reading program), went down to see my dad and took the kids swimming at a pool near there then played at Kaitlyns

On Wednesday we worked outside, then went to Tutta's to swim (kids don't even need life jackets to swim there anymore) then more swimming in the evening

On Thursday was a work and school day.  My only notes were it was a rough evening.

On Friday it was another work and school day.  We had McDonald's for dinner then went swimming.
On Saturday we went down to see my Dad.  The kids got to see Brian.  I paint inside the house and Brian cleaned the garage.  We are trying to work around the house to get ready for Sydney's party.

We also checked out Solon Home days on Sunday.  The kids always have fun there.

Other notes from the summer.  The kids finished the 1000 book challenge before kindergarten at the library.  Austin started soccer and loves it.  Getting ready for him to kindergarten.  I have mixed emotions.  I know he is ready and I am excited but a little sad he will in school everyday.

Summer Fun

In the summer, we loved Wildwater.  We went as much as possible.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed the slides on the play area.  Sydney was barely 40 inches so unless Brian and I would go she would usually get turned away.  However if we went she could go down.  If she had shoes on she would be 40 inches for the slides.  Then they would go down the slides time after time.  The kids also enjoyed wave pool.  Especially going out the the deep deep end.  Brian would take them out there since I could not touch at all.  I can swim but it's tiring after a while.  We also spend lots of time in the lazy river and crocodile pool.

At home we have a small blue pool that the kids like to play in.  I put water in it in the morning so by lunch time it's warm for them.  I also got them a slip and slide this year.  They love that too.  It took a bit to understand how to do it but once they got it they played for hours.  They also like to go down the green slide on the playground while wet.  We had lots of fun with water this year.

We went to a few splash pads too.  Again great fun for both of them.  We also did the summer reading program at the library.  They would get Popsicle and food coupons each week for reading 20 minutes a day.  They enjoyed that.

Austin went to Safety town this year.  It was the first time that I only had 1 child at home with me for a few hours.  Austin did great with it.  He learned all about safety and enjoyed it.  I volunteered the first day.  Sydney was with me and she did great.

Austin was in the explorer program at daycare at school.  It was great.  He got to go to movies, bowling and Lowes and built a project.  Austin really enjoyed it.  Sydney was sad she didn't get to do it but maybe next year.

Sydney and I have been busy planning her birthday party.  We are having Anna and Elsa coming to our house.  She is so excited.  Let's hope for good weather!

We went camping at Yogi Bear.  It's a very kid friendly camp ground.  They had playground, mini golf, hayrides, fire truck rides, swimming pool with slides, special swings.  Austin and Sydney had a lot of fun!  They definitely can't wait to go back.  We have been getting use to our camper and glad we got it.

4th of July

I had vacation the week before the 4th of July.  I took the time to get ready to go camping.  We decided to camp at Punderson.  Brian got home in the early afternoon so we could get there in a reasonable amount of time.

When we arrived at Punderson our campsite was on a hill.  It took us a while to get the camper level.  However our location was perfect because there was a loop that the kids could ride their bikes.  They loved it!  They rode their bikes a lot!!  That evening we had a campfire.

On Saturday we went for a hike to the beach.  We didn't bring sand toys with us.  And we didn't have our bathing suits.  It was a very long walk.  Brian decided for us to take a short cut on the way back to the camper.  However it was on a major road.  It was dangerous for us to be walking there but we finally made it back after we followed a trail though the woods.  Austin and Sydney did great with all the walking.

The afternoon included more bike riding. the playground, basketball, sand by playground.  Austin enjoyed basketball and Sydney enjoyed the sand.  I made dinner and we had smores for dessert.

On Sunday we did bike riding, basketball and playground sand before heading home.  We didn't want to stay 3 nights with fireworks.  We went to fireworks in Bainbridge.  This was the first year we did that.  They had bounce houses and a balloon clown that Austin knew from school.  The kids waited an hour for the balloon clown.  They both got a basketball hoop with ball balloon. It was really cool.  They waited so patiently in line.  By the time they got their balloon it was time for fireworks.  We enjoyed the show.

On Monday we went to the parade.  I always went as a kid and love it!  We brought donuts to the parade with us.  The kids loved that.  We played with balls and Frisbee before the parade started.  We enjoyed ourselves.  After the parade, we took a nap because knew it was another late night of fireworks.  We went to my parents for dinner.

 Then went to Fairlawn's fireworks.  We rode the bus from the mall parking lot.  Austin loved that!  Then they played in the woods area with glow sticks.  They ran around the gazebo and listened to the band play.  The fireworks were great and we enjoyed watching them as a family. Austin and I skipped back to car.  It was great because I didn't pick anyone up.  Austin weighs about 44 pounds and it's difficult for me to pick him up.  I still do it but it's hard.

On Tuesday to took the kids to the summer $1 movie program.  They watched the movie Home.  They liked it!

Sesame Place

One of our favorite places to go in the summer with the kids is Sesame Place.  We made sure we made reservations after NBA Finals were over.  We left a little after 9am on Saturday.  I drove all way.  I like driving since I can't really do anything else in the car.  We had one stop at a rest area for a potty break.  The kids do great traveling and always let us know with plenty of time if they need to go potty.  We checked into our hotel.  We were hungry so ran over to McDonald's across the street for dinner.  Austin and Sydney ordered pancakes.  That is one of their favorite foods.  They love that they can get pancakes for dinner there.

After dinner, we went to Sesame Place.  We got there around 6pm.  We rode the rides.  We got Sydney on the roller coaster.  She really wanted a piece of candy.  We said if she tried the roller coaster she could have candy.  She was scared at first but Brian told her to scream if she was scared and then she loved it.  She loves to scream.  She is definitely loud.  She even rode it again.  This was a big step for her.  She's never was a big fan of bigger rides until now.  It turned out to be her favorite ride.  She also tried the Elmo drop and was scared at first but loved that too.  We ended the night watching the night parade with some popcorn

On Sunday, we got to the park when it opened.  We listened to the Star Spangled Banner.  Austin and Sydney know most of the words because of the Cavs games.  The first ride we went on was the roller coaster.  Again everyone loved it.  Then we went on more rides at the back of the park.  Another favorite ride is the swings.  Austin wasn't feeling well so I took him to minute clinic.  Brian stayed with Sydney and watched a show and rode some rides.  Austin and I were gone for about 2 hours.  I brought Austin and activity book at CVS for something to do while we waited.  Austin did a great job waiting.  He was placed on antibiotics.

I picked up lunch on way back, chicken nuggets and milkshake.  Kids were super happy especially about the milkshake.   Then we went to water park in Sesame place, lazy river, water slides with double tube. Sydney loved that ride.  Austin went down big water slide and liked it.  Sydney was sad she was not tall enough. Hopefully next year she will be tall enough.

That night we had dinner reservation at Elmo and Friends.  We got dinner, pictures with characters then interacting with characters.  Kids decided to honk characters noses.  They thought it was so funny! Sydney loved the dinner and danced with characters.  Austin still wasn’t feeling that well and wasn’t as interactive. We rode rides until the night parade.  We all like the night parade.  

On Monday we had breakfast at our hotel.  Once again we did the roller coaster first when we got the the park.  However we decided by 11am that we wanted to do the water park.  We changed and went to the big duck water slide first.  The kids loved it.  They wanted to do it again but the line was too long.  Then went back of park and did other water slides.  Sydney enjoyed the double inter-tube slide.  Austin had issues with life jacket needing to be off for one of the bigger water slides and he cried.  He was really tired.  We played in the big bucket area then played in the splash pad.

We were down swimming by then so we changed back into dry clothes.  The kids played in the train car area.  This was the first time the kids played there even though it was our 3-4th time to Sesame Place.  They really liked being in charge and pushing other kids.   They saw a kid doing that so Austin really took charge and played there for a long while.

We watched the Abby art show.  It was cute.  We rode more rides and ended the evening once again a the parade.  We decided to go to Friendly's for dinner.  We don't have one near us so we decided on that.  We even order ice cream for dessert.  It was a great way to end a fun trip.  

On Tuesday, we left at 730 am.  However there were traffic problems for about 30 minutes.  We got home around 3 pm.  Once we got home we had to grocery shop and Brian cut the grass.  And that evening kids had T-ball.

Cavs are Champions

On Father's Day, we went to Wildwater in the morning to wear out the kids so they would take a nap.  Brian drove around for an hour trying to get them to sleep.  Austin and Sydney have always went to sleep easier in the car.  Sydney finally feel asleep but Austin barely got any sleep.   My parents stopped by for a bit in the afternoon with Aunt Betty and Jeff.  We visited then we got ready for the important Cavs game.

We were nervous when the watch party tickets went on sale.  We really wanted to make sure we got them and we did.  We've loved the watch parties this year and this was the most important one.  We considered leaving the kids at home but knew they needed to be there.

We got there in plenty of time and stood in line for an hour to get in the door.  Brian was at the front and I went to the walkway.  I thought the walkway would be quicker.  I was wrong however Brian and Sydney had already came over.  It seemed to take forever to get in.  Finally we  got in.  We ran to our normal section and it was full.  I ran upstairs and got seats.  Not the best but seats with a front view of the screen.  Then we realized the Cavs were not giving out free food to Wine and Gold members.  This was the one game I didn't cook dinner because we have got free food for all the other ones.  Brian went to buy hot dogs.  They were sold out.

It wasn't turning out to be a good night.  The floor of the Q was all under construction for the RNC.  It looked funny.  There wasn't the normal entertainment on the floor like the past.  The game started and during a time out, I went out to find hot dogs to eat.  I finally did.

The last few minutes of the game were so intense.  The kids were getting tired.  Brian and I were so nervous.  The kids were into cheering.  Then Lebron got hurt.  Brian and I were convinced he was out and somehow we were going to loose the game.  However he was fine and the Cavs won the championship.  We were so excited.

Here is the link to our video of our reaction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fimwvoEqttU

We celebrated downtown for at least an hour with kids.  Then they fell asleep on us. Austin fell asleep on Brian's shoulders and I was carrying Sydney thoughout downtown with two hands because she got so heavy.  It was truly amazing experience.  It was awesome!

We got home around 2am.  Brian wrote himself a note by his alarm clock that it wasn't a dream the Cavs really won.  It was funny. Brian went to work that next morning.  I was lucky I was off with the kids.  Brian had the idea to meet the Cavs at the airport.

I met Brian at work  so we all could see the Cavs come in from the airport. That day it was hot and sunny.  I was not prepared for that.  I didn't bring much water or snacks.  But luckily they were handing out free water.  I did bring their Kindles so they had sometime to do while waited and they did not fight.

We were 4 rows back and it was hard for me to see.  The kids could see great on shoulders.  I had Sydney on my shoulders for a bit.  It's hard for me to do it but I for a bit.  It was really cool when the Cavs players got out of the plane.  They were in disbeilef on the number of fans there.  It was really cool.  We stayed for about 45 minutes after the players landed.  Then I took Brian back to work.

On Wednesday it was the parade.  That is what we've been waiting for.  We left house at 5:30am
I was sitting on Ontario St. at 6am with Sydney.  I brought their Kindles and lots of snacks for them.

Brian and Austin walked around to Rally area.  They came back and then Brian took Sydney for a walk.  We all waited together with my friends Dawn and Erin.  It was fun!  It didn't seem like it was hours of waiting.

The parade finally started at 11:30am.  We were front row until people kept getting closer and closer.   Kids were getting tired but enjoyed seeing the players and getting free stuff.  Austin got 2 t-shirts, bracelets, and bead necklaces.  Sydney need to be held a lot and was tired but she enjoyed some parts of it.  The parade would stop because they couldn't get though in the street because so many people were in the street.

It was after 1pm it was done by where we were.  We were at the beginning.  I can't imagine if we were at the end of it.  We walked to Rally.  The parade wasn't ended yet and still a long way to go. Brian walked around to see what was going on.  Then we decided to leave.  We were all tired.

We got home around 3pm.  The kids fell alseep in the car.  We took them to their rooms when we got home for a nap.  Brian and I watched the rally on TV while kids took a nap.

It was awesome!!!  We are so proud of the Cavs and to be from Cleveland!

Kindergarten Graduation

Austin graduated on Thursday night.  I picked the kids up by 4pm so we could get home and get dinner and ready for the big graduation ceremony.  Austin was tired and cranky.  He was pulling on Sydney dress and just being difficult.  It drives me crazy.  This was such an important day and don't understand why he makes it more difficult.  My parents came over to go to the ceremony.  They brought them balloon 3 and 5 balloons for their ages.  They were very happy.

We ate dinner and then Brian and Austin left for graduation pictures.  Brian takes great pictures and he decided to take pictures for the school.  He needed to get there early to set up.  The rest of us got there pretty early too and got front row seats.  We then walked around a bit to keep Sydney entertained.  She was complaining she was hungry because she did not each much of here dinner.  Luckily she was easily distracted.

Brian and I were more sad about this day then Austin.  He didn't understand that he will likely never see some of these kids again.  We've gotten to know a lot of families and it's sad we will now go on our separate ways.  Austin will be at school all summer so he is not really saying good bye but several kids are saying good bye.

Then the ceremony started.  It was nice because Austin was in the front row so we could see him well.  They said the Pledge of Allegiance.  They sang and performed the ABC's in sign language.  Then they did the best song which was the Dino-mite song.  He has been practicing it for months so we kind of knew about it.  Nevertheless it was awesome!  

They called the kids up for their diploma.  Each child got an award.  Austin got the Wiz Tech Award.  That suits him well.  We were so proud of him.  Austin has come such a long way.  He's started coming out of his shell.  He's not as shy.  He loves playing sports especially basketball at school.  He likes to observe first but then gladly joins in and plays with everyone.  He never had a "best" friend at school.  He had several good friends.  Everyone at school liked Austin and Austin likes everyone too.

After ceremony gather in hallway for more pictures.  We talked to some families.  We had some cake.  Then it was time to say good bye.

We came home and had cookie cake that Austin picked out yesterday at store. He wanted graduation cupcakes but we couldn't find them.  Then I also got him a stuffed animal smiley face with graduation hat saying 2016.

Austin was very happy.  We are too!  We are excited for what the next adventure brings.