First Day of School

And summer is over just like that!  With the kids in school, I have a new appreciation for summer.  It's my favorite time of year.  The schedule relaxes.  We do what we want.  Stay up late.  We do lots of fun things like outdoor movie nights and traveling.  It's great.  But all great things, come to an end and now it's time for school again.

Sydney was really excited for school.  She loves it.  Austin was kind of indifferent of it.  He likes school and enjoys being with his friends but also understands how much fun summer is.  But we were all ready for school to start and excited to see what this new year brings.

Austin is now in 2nd grade.  Sometimes I wonder how that is possible.  There is definitely more work and learning going on in second grade.  Sydney is in 1st grade.  She was excited to have Austin's teacher from last year.  We were too.  She's great.   It's nice to know what to expect.

Sydney loves reading.  Austin loves math.  Austin enjoys helping Sydney.  Sydney also helps Austin with reading at times.  They are enjoying their new desks this year.  They have all their own school supplies on their desks.  I am so happy we did the addition when we did.  For them to have their own space to work is priceless.

We are hoping for a great school year!

Myrtle Beach and Hershey Again

We drove down to Myrtle Beach for a long weekend to visit Brian's family.  Usually I drive down myself and Brian fly's and joins us.  However this year, Brian drove down with us.  He worked in the car while I drove.   It's definitely not a fun drive but it's great once we get there.  Nana has a pool and the kids love that!  They swam everyday.

We went to the beach one day.  There was a stingray warning so we didn't go in the ocean much. The kids wanted to play in it a bit though.  Luckily no one got stung.  We also went to their membership pool area.  That was a big hit!  Everyone loves the pool.

We hung out at Melissa's house and the kids played in the water bounce house/slide.  That was a lot of fun for the kids.  We also went to the Pirate Voyage dinner interactive show.  That was really good!  Melissa even knew people so Austin and Sydney were in the show and so us Melissa, Jonathan, Brian and I.  Austin and Sydney won their challenge.  However us adults did not and we actually got booed.  Melissa spoiled the kids and brought them all kinds of pirate stuff.  It was a fun night.

We also went to the water park there.  It was a little rainy of a day which was perfect because it was not crowded at all.  We had a lot of fun.  Austin rode some crazy water slides.  He loved it.  Sydney enjoyed the lazy river and a few smaller water slides.

On our last night, we went to Lulu's for dinner.  They have a kids play area with water and sand.  The kids got soaking wet and had sand everywhere.  They enjoyed it though.  I was a little stressed about the mess but I guess it was worth it for them.

We had a great time there!  Then we drove to Hershey to try and make up some of the rain days from July.  We went that evening after we arrived at our hotel and it was great.  We rode several roller coasters as a family.  We even got to ride the racing roller coaster which was a big hit for everyone.  I am usually not a fan of roller coasters but the kids were having so much fun it made me like them too.  Poor Brian had to ride the Hershey Tower like 3 times with Austin.  We are not a fan of that ride but Austin absolutely loves it.  I have to say my favorite was the racing roller coaster.  But Comet and Super Dooper Looper is cool too.

Then next morning we checked out of our hotel, then went to the Park for a bit.  Again we started with roller coasters.  Then we went to the water park  It was insanely crowded.  In fact, Austin and I waiting like 45 minutes just to ride one slide.  Unfortunately we didn't get to do much.  Then we had to drive home.   It was a great family vacation though.

End of Summer Fun

Brian had to go to China for a week at the end of July.  It's not ideal for him to be gone during the summer but it had to be done.  Austin and Sydney get so sad when he leaves.  They miss him.  It's hard.  I try to keep them busy while he's gone so they aren't as sad.

I took them down to the Science Center.  We had a lot of fun.  We don't go there as much as we should.  Austin loves it there and Sydney likes it too.  They had a duck tape exhibit which was a lot of fun for them.  They made shoes, hats, and smiley faces with duck tape.  They played in the tape slide too.  We watched the bubble show and Sydney was even selected to go up on stage.  She was so excited.

We also went to Cedar Point while Brian was away.  Austin enjoyed riding the big roller coasters.  Sydney had fun riding the eagles and things in Planet Snoopy.  We definitely used our passes a lot this year.  During the week, we also hung out with friends which is always fun.

Once Brian got back from China, he's always jet legged.  He makes sure he stays up during the day to try and get back on normal schedule.  The kids said they wanted to put a roof on the playground so the weekend he got back they worked on that.  I thought he was crazy but like he said, it kept him awake.   Then we went back to Cedar Point to the waterpark on Sunday.  Austin wanted the family to ride the family waterslide which we did twice.  It was fun!  It was very hot so it was a great day for the waterpark.  The kids also used their small pool a lot this summer.  It was worth setting it up.

Austin and Sydney went to cooking camp for a week in August.  Austin loves cooking and Sydney was old enough to attend as well.  They had a lot of fun.  They made several different types of cupcakes.

We went to annual Wine and Gold night at the Cleveland Zoo.  We love that event.  The Cavs rent out the zoo for season ticket holders.  Sydney loves to get her face painted.  We ride the train.  We get free food and drinks.  The zoo was set up for Asian Lateran festival so it was cool to see that too.  We also saw the new Asian animal exhibit.  We had a great family night at the zoo.

Hershey

This year we decided to get season passes to Hershey Park instead of Sesame Place.  We loved Sesame Place for years but we feel the kids have outgrown it.  Especially for as far as it is for us.  Last year, we had a great time in Hershey and we wanted to go back for several days.  Melissa and the boys met us in Hershey on Saturday evening.  Our plan was to go to the park, however it was raining heavy so we decided not to do that.  We went to Target and then to Friendly’s for dinner.  Jonathan was supposed to fly to meet us however his flight was cancelled. 

On Sunday, we went to Hershey Park.  We rode the Super Dooper Looper which is an upside down ride that all kids can ride.  They love it.  Then Austin went to the Hershey tower.  He rode the Kisses one first then the Reeses one.  He loved it.  I am not into rides but I did ride the Kisses Tower with him.  The little kids rode kiddie rides.  We got a meal plan with a drink package.  Austin and Sydney enjoy picking the drink.  Then Jonathan arrived from the airport. 

We then rode the Comet roller coaster.  That is a wooden one.  It was fun.  I thought it was a bit intense however Austin quickly reminded me that Millennium Force is intense and Comet is not.  Then it was back to Super Dooper Looper and Hershey Towers.  Austin even rode the big Hershey Tower with Auntie Melissa.  He loved it!  They even did it again. 

It rained for a little bit.  We used that time to eat lunch.  Then after lunch the kids played in puddles.  We tried to explain to keep their feet dry but they did not listen.  Graham even sat in the puddles.  We rode the water ride since everyone was already wet. 

We rode some cars.  We also enjoyed Trail Blazer roller coaster.  However Sydney cut her finger on it.  She needed a band aide which fixes everything.  We were making our way towards the back of the park when we realized it was going to rain again.  We did not notice with too much warning.  Then it started to pour down rain.  We took shelter under a table umbrella until it slow down a bit.  Then we decided to leave the park for the night.  It was after 9pm anyways. 

By the time we got to the car, we were very wet.  However all and all we had a great day at Hershey. 

On Monday morning, we went to the park around 10am to find out the park was closed due to flooding.  We were shocked.  We did not realize the park would be closed.  It was a bummer because it was not raining either.  We had several hours of no rain.  We were hoping to take advantage of it.  We went to the gift shop since we were there however so many other people did too! 

We didn’t know what to do, however Brian thought it would be cool to do the Caverns near by.  We went there and brought tickets.  While waiting for our tour, the kids did a sample of mining for rocks.  Then we went on our tour.  It was interesting and Austin and Sydney enjoyed it.  Cam and Gram were a bit young for it and wanted held a lot.   They left the tour a bit early.  Austin and Sydney were cold during it but will likely remember it. 

Then we went to Chick Fil A for lunch so the kids could play.  It was sometime for them to do.  Then we came back to our hotel and went swimming.  Afterwards we went to Chuck E Cheese.  It was a surprise for them.  Austin and Sydney loved it.  Especially because Auntie Melissa got each of them 2 hours unlimited card.  They had a lot of fun.  Even the adults played some games since it was an unlimited card.  It was a great night.  We made the best out of the situation of the park being closed. 

We decided that we are going home early.  With all the rain, it makes it challenging for doing the park and we didn’t know if the park was going to be open.  Melissa and Jonathan decided that were going to check out Washington DC early too.  We went to Hershey Chocolate Factory in the morning.  Then Melissa and family left to go to DC.  

We decided since we have passes to go into the park for about an hour.  It was raining but the kids did not mind.  Brian and I tried to stay dry with umbrellas. Austin and Sydney rode the little carousel that Sydney really wanted to ride.  Then they did the scrambler.  Austin rode the big pirate ship.  Then we walked for Austin to ride a roller coaster with Brian.  It was raining so they got wet.  They enjoyed being in the front car in the rain.  Sydney wanted to ride the water ride.  However Brian and I did not want to ride it.  Austin said he would ride it with her.  They loved it and got soaked.  Luckily I had a change of clothes for them in the car. 

Austin convinced us to allow him to play a game for a stuffed animal.  He won a stuffed Hershey bar and then played again to win Sydney a stuffed Hershey Kiss.  They had fun and were happy with their stuffed animals. 

We left and park and kids got changed.  We stopped at McDonalds for lunch and then drove home.  It was only about a 5 hour drive however it seemed much longer.  When we got home, Brian took the kids to the drive in.  I was happy to stay home and grocery shop.  I needed to unpack and clean up the house.  The kids enjoyed the drive in.  They even got concessions because we didn’t have time to go to the store before the drive in.

Sydney lost first tooth and July Summer Fun

Sydney had a loose tooth and she was so excited.  Austin has lost 6 teeth and Sydney none but finally she knew it was her turn.  She had a loose bottom tooth for a few days before it finally fell out.  The interesting thing is when it fell out she did not notice.  She was going to bed and then she realized her tooth was gone.  Unfortunately we never found it.  Brian even took the drain apart hoping to find it from her brushing her teeth but it was never found.  However the tooth fairy still came that night and gave her $5.  She was so excited!

The kids went to Cavs basketball camp the first week in July.  Austin loved it!  Sydney enjoyed it too.  I was proud of her because she went without knowing anyone.  She even met a new friend for the week.  However the timing of the basketball camp was not good.  Lebron announced the night before basketball camp that he was joining the Lakers.  Austin was devastated.  He cried for an hour.  That made us sad too.  Sydney was also a bit sad but not as much as Austin. She didn't enjoy the games like he did.  Austin loved the playoffs.  He loved to scream and be into it.  He liked fan fest downtown.  Brian and Austin really enjoyed it.  They know how lucky they were to experience it for all the years but they are going to miss it terribly!

We also took the kids to see fireworks with some friends.  They enjoyed watching them.  They got a balloon animal as well.  Sydney got a unicorn and Austin got an emoji person.  Those are their favorite things right now.  They played in the bounce houses for a bit too.

We went to the 4th of July parade.  It was very hot this year!  We found a small piece of shade.  It was a good thing.  The kids sat up by the street under an umbrella.  They got so much candy.  It was ridiculous how much candy they got.  We always have a good time there though!

Austin and Sydney started doing the Home Depot kids workshops again.  Austin requested we start doing it again and I looked it up for them.  And we went that Saturday.  Austin really enjoys it.  Sydney has also gotten good at using a hammer.  They enjoy projects like that.

We also went camping at their favorite campsite Yogi Bear.  They have a great pool with a slide and diving board.  Brian taught the kids how to dive.  They had a gaga pit that Austin played with the older kids.  He used to be shy but now he's fine just going to play with other kids.  It kind of makes Brian and I sad how he doesn't need us as much anymore.  However it's great seeing him interacting and playing with other kids.  They had crafts that Austin and Sydney enjoyed.  Sydney also liked the movie in the barn (even though it was so hot).  We had a great weekend camping there.

Sydney also learned to ride her bike.  She was not as interested in riding her bike much.  I really wanted her to learn to ride 2 wheel bike.  I would tell her this summer she was going to learn.  Austin and Sydney decided together that he would teach her.  She didn't want Brian or I to do.  Austin did amazing with her and taught her how to ride a bike.  They spend an evening in the driveway and she learned.  It took a little bit but she finally got it.  We were all proud of her and Austin too for teaching her.

Start of Summer - June

As the kids are now in school, I have decided my favorite season is summer!  After this school year (which it was very good) but a lot of work, I am so happy for summer!  Summer is our fun chill time.  There are no sports activities and our schedule is relaxed.  No more 8pm bedtime!  It's great!

My mom had a total hip replacement once we got back from Disney.  She has not been able to walk well for a while now.  She's been using a walker.  I was at the hospital for her surgery.  I worked on my continuing education credits that I have put off doing for the past 5 years.  It's been a busy 5 years!  But now, I must get them done.  My mom's surgery went well.  After a few days at the hospital, she went to rehab then back home.  

The Cavs were in the Finals and we enjoyed this run as we know it could be our last time.  Brian took Austin to the first home Cavs game.  They had a great time!  Then Brian and I went the second game.  Unfortunately they did not win.  It was sad and especially watching Lebron walk off the court, for the last time.  Sydney did not want to attend the game so that's why we didn't go as a family.  Plus the games don't start until 9pm which is late for them.  Austin does love the playoffs though!  

We went to our local carnival.  The kids had fun riding the rides and Sydney getting her face painted.  She loves her face painted.  Austin does not.  We stayed for the fireworks too.  We watched fireworks in the rain.  It was a cool experience.  

Sydney also had her first dance recital.  She was very excited about it.  She loves dance but sometimes does not like going to the dance class.  In fact, she said that she won't do it again next year.  Her outfit was so cute.  She enjoyed dancing with her friends.  And she did a great job.  We were there for rehearsal on Thursday night.  On Friday, was the recital and Brian and Austin met us there to watch Sydney's one dance.  Then on Saturday Brian took Sydney to the recital since I had to work.  Sydney did a great job and we were proud of her!

On Father's day, it was very hot. I suggested to Brian to take the kids to store to get something water fun for them to play.  They had small blow up pool for cheap so we got that.  When we got home, we realized our yard was not level.  Brian said he would build a deck for it to go on.  The wood for the deck was not so cheap.  Then we worked the rest of Father's day building this deck so the kids could swim.  It was so much work, he didn't even get it done on Sunday.  He had to finish on Monday.  Finally when it was done it cooled down and it was too chilly for the kids to swim.  A few days later, it warmed up and the kids loved their pool.  It's was lots of entertainment for them.  

We went on our first camping trip of the season with some of the kids friends and parents.  It was a lot of fun.  Austin and his friend have been best friends since kindergarten.  They also have a girl the same age as Sydney.  They play together great and we had a lot of fun.  We went cherry and strawberry picking.  It was supposed to rain all weekend but there were only a few scatter thunderstorms.  The kids loved playing in the field next to our campsite.  They played gaga ball and basketball.  They went swimming in the pool as well.  It was a great weekend!

We have went to Cedar Point several times this year as well.  Austin loves the roller coasters.  Sydney is fine either waiting for Austin or riding little kid rides if their are other kids to ride with.  We have also enjoyed their water park a bit.  

Disney

This year, we decided to go to Disney the day the kids got out of school.  When we booked the trip, we didn’t think the Cavs would make the finals.  And if they did they surely wouldn’t have home court.  So we made our trip, plans to ensure we would be back in time for the first home game.  Our plan worked out great. 

Sydney graduated Kindergarten on Wednesday.  It was crazy to think we no longer have a kindergartner.  My favorite quote it, “the days are long but the years are short”.  And that is so true.  Sydney did fabulous in kindergarten.  She excelled in academics and always got a good report on behavior.  Sometimes we wonder about Sydney’s behavior but she did really well in school.  After the graduation ceremony, Sydney and I went home and got ready of our Disney trip. 

Austin got out of school at 11am on Thursday. I picked him up and went home and loaded the car.  Then we were off to the airport to Disney.  This year we stayed at Pop Century.  We got one of their new rooms.  It was great.  The kids were so excited to be there.  And honestly Brian and I love Disney too! 

We didn’t get to our hotel until around 7pm.  We let the kids go swimming and then got ready for bed.  This trip was only 4 days in the parks so we had to make the most of it. 

On Friday, we started at the Magic Kingdom.  We rode some rides including goofy roller coaster several times.  Then we rode the Thunder Mountain railroad.  That is one of our favorites.  Then we went to Sydney’s mermaid make over experience at Pirate Adventure.  Austin didn’t want to do it.  Brian and Austin went to Tom Sawyer island instead.  Sydney loved her mermaid make over.  After the make over, we met Brian and Austin at the island.  We played over there for a bit.  One thing I forgot this trip was their autograph books.  Luckily they didn’t mind.  They made their own books with white blank paper.  The characters actually enjoyed the homemade autograph books.  They did a great job with that. 

We went back to the hotel and swam and then the kids took a nap.  They learned this trip about the greatness of naps.  Naps are not punishment.  They really do allow you to stay up later.  Then we went back to the Magic Kingdom for fireworks.  We also rode the 7 dwarfs mine train.  Other favorite family ride.  We were not in the best spot but we didn’t want to hold them in the heat. 

On Saturday we started our day at Hollywood. I was unable to get a fast pass for toy story so we got there early to try and ride it.  We had to wait about 40 minutes but the kids did enjoy the ride.  We watched the first order Star War march.  Sydney is still scared of Star Wars characters.  Austin and Brian went to ride the rocken roller coaster.  Sydney and I went to see Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid.  Austin and Brian also saw Indian Jones.  We split up a lot.  

Then we met for lunch. After lunch, we stop at a store and the kids learned all about pin trading.  Austin really wanted to get started.  Then of coarse Sydney did too.  We brought them each a starter pack.  They were so happy. That night after our nap and swim we went to Animal Kingdom for their night show. It was our first time seeing it.  We all really enjoyed it. 

On Sunday we went to Epcot. We got their before it opened so we could go start to Soarin.  That is another one of our favorite rides.  Then we rode living off the land, figment ride, and saw Mickey and Pals.  Kids also did some pin trading. 

We had reservations for our princess character breakfast.  Sydney was so excited.  She had a great time.  Honestly it’s way over priced for the food but Sydney loved it so that’s all that matters.  Austin was a bit cranky about the princess breakfast however he was aware of all the rides he got to ride.  Sydney isn’t into rides as much as him it all worked out. 

After the character breakfast, we rode Fast Track.  Brian also saw his electric car there too.  So he checked that out.  He wants an electric car just not sure if Tesla or Chevy yet. The kids did some pin trading as well.  They really love it!  At the hotel, they played ping pong and swam at the hotel.  It was hotter than our liking but kids didn’t mind with all the swimming they could do. 

 On Monday, we went to Animal Kingdom.  We started by pin trading.  It was a bit of a disaster because Austin traded one of his favorites.  It was an important lesson for him.  We did some of the wilderness explorer program.   It was so hot we could not do it all.  We went on the safari.  Austin rode Expedition Everest.  It amazes me how he’s not scared on this ride!  I was scared.  Then we all rode the Avatar ride.  I was nervous on how Sydney was going to do.  We prepared her and she loved it.  It is really the best ride! 

That night we ended at Magic Kingdom.  Austin rode space mountain.  That is his favorite ride.  We did the jungle cruise.  And we got a perfect spot for fireworks. Our Disney trip was short this year but we had a great time!  We can’t wait to go back!