Springtime

Our spring break trip was so nice.  It was great getting away from the cold.  April was still pretty cool for us.  The kids started track.  It was great because they were in it together.  It's much easier than going in several different directions.  Austin and Sydney enjoy track.  Austin is better at distance and Sydney is faster.  It is a lot of fun to watch them!

Sydney had her first day camp as a daisy scout.  Unfortunately the weather was not the best.  It rained all day and it was cold but luckily we had a cabin.  The mom's put together a nice program for them.  I was responsible for painting bird houses.  The girls had a great time.

Brian has been working hard to get grass planted.  We can't wait for the kids to be able to enjoy our backyard again.  We even planted some grass in the front since there was some moss in there.  Austin enjoys helping with that too.  Brian and Austin got the sprinkler system all set up.

I have been busy with the school.  I volunteer in the cafeteria a few days a month.  Also I have been helping with the fundraiser race.  The weather was also cold and wet for race day.  However it was fun and the kids didn't mind too much.

The weather is finally starting to get warm and sunny.  It makes us all in a better mood. However the kids have been staying up later.  Sydney has to be woken up every morning.  Austin is still an early bird.  I don't even need an alarm clock because he wakes me up every morning.  We are all looking forward to a great summer!

Spring Break Cruise (7 years and 5.5 years old)

For Spring Break this year we went on a Western Caribbean cruise with Melissa and her family.  We were originally considering Iceland for spring break however Melissa wanted to do a cruise.  And we read that it kids should be a bit older before going to fully enjoy it. 

We decided on NCL Getaway ship.  It’s a newer bigger ship.  Similar to the Breakaway we did a few years ago out of New York.  The biggest issue was airfare was not cheap for this time of year.  The best deal we found was out of Akron Canton going to Chicago then to Miami.  We flew a day early just in case of any flight delays.  We did not arrive into Miami until 11pm.  However we flew on American airlines and we were pleasantly surprised with the free soft drinks and entertainment.  The kids watched movies and so did I.  It was great to actually watch a movie. 

Once we arrived in Miami, we got the airport shuttle to our hotel.  It was extremely small room but it appeared clean.  In the morning, we had breakfast.  Then took the hotel shuttle to the port at noon.  Once on board, we waited until our room was ready which was at 1:30pm.  Then we went to lunch.  After lunch the kids went to the splashpad area and played.  Then it was muster drill time.  We got ready for dinner.  Dinner was extremely slow service.  That makes it difficult with 4 young children. 

On Monday, it was a sea day.  We enjoyed breakfast at the buffet.  Austin and Sydney loved their oatmeal.  Then we went exploring the ship.  Austin and I did the rope course.  It was a long line but it was worth it.  Austin is way more fearless than I.  He watched out on the plank no issues.  I was not so sure but finally did it.  Sydney and Graham did the small rope course.  Camden jumped on the bounce thing. 

The kids also went swimming.  The pool was a bit chilly.  Not as bad it usually in February but still chilly.  This cruise made me enjoy going a bit later in the year.  They did the water slides.  Austin even did the bigger one. 

After swimming, the kids did the rock wall.  Sydney was tall enough for it this year.  They both did great and made it all the way to the top.  Everyone clapped when they rang the bell. 

Then we got ready for dinner.  It was formal night so we went around and got pictures taken.    That was fun.  Austin and Sydney did fairly well this year.  The looked at the camera and were cooperative.  Then we had dinner in the big dining room.  Again it took forever! The kids were fabulous considering. 

On Tuesday, we went to Rotan Honduras.  There was a kayaking and snorkeling shore excursion that kids 5 and older could do.  Brian and I haven’t kayaked in years but thought it would be a great adventure for the kids.  They were very excited about it.  We started off on a bus to the other side of the island then we went kayaking.  I went with Austin. I thought he would be able to help me.  He did okay but at times would just put his ore in the water and stop us.  Brian and Sydney did much better. Austin would get sad we were last but I explained that we were not in a race.  If we wanted to race we should be on a speed boat, not a kayak.  After we arrived at the beach, we learned some things about island.  Then we took a quick swim then kayaked back.  Again we were last but we made it. 

Then we had lunch of fruit and quesadillas.  After lunch, we did our snorkel adventure. The kids wanted to use their snorkels which ended up not working out.  Luckily the guides brought more snorkels for us to use.  Austin started to get in and enjoy it.  Sydney did very well too considering how little and young she is. She never got in the kayak and she saw some cool fish.   Sydney and I went back to shore sooner than Austin and Brian.  But I was very proud on how well she did.  She did not like it as much as kayaking though.  That was a very cool shore excursion. 

On Wednesday, we were in Belize.   On the island there was a beach, pool, and splashpad.  It was great for the kids.  We had a water fight at the beach.  The kids throw buckets of water on the adults.  They played in the sand.  Brian and Austin made a big pool with the shower curtain.  We went swimming in the pool.  The kids played in the splash pad.  We had a great day at the beach! 

On Thursday, we went to Costa Maya.  We did the shore excursion of a water park near by the cruise dock.  Kids 5 and under were free. I was nervous there was not much for them to do but it turned out to be great.  

It was not that busy either.  There was an area with kids water slides and a big bucket.  Everyone loved that.  The lazy river was one of a kind and it was fun!  Austin and Camden went zip lining.  Sydney did not want to.   Austin also rode a zipline roller coaster than ended in the water.  That was quite a different experience.  Austin took Brian on some big water slides as well.  Once was like a toilet bowl that you swirled around into a big pool.  It was covered so dark and hot too.  Austin made Brian do it three times!!  It was another great day. 

On Friday, we were in Cozumel.  We went to Playa Mia Beach Break.  It was a beach with water toys out in the water along with a pool and water slide.  It did not start until 11am which was a bit of a bummer since we were up at 6am.  However we made it work.  It was also pretty far from the dock like about 30 minutes.  The kids loved the water toys out in the water.  They went down the big slides and jumped off the things out into the water.  It was a lot of fun!  Austin and Brian played in the sand for a bit.  Sydney wanted to swim so that is basically what she did after the water toys.  We did a little bit of shopping while there too.  The kids got tshirts. Austin got a guitar and Sydney got a spinning things that makes noise.  They enjoyed playing the music together. 

On that last sea day, we just hung out.  We went to organi hat class and made one.  Austin went to towel folding demonstration.  We ate lots of food. Brian took the kids swimming.  Then we all took a nap before dinner.  It was a great vacation with lots of memories made. 

On Sunday, we rented a car and drove to Tampa for our flight home.  Sydney started not to feel well on the last night.  Her throat hurt.  So we found a minute clinic and sure enough she was positive for strep throat.  She got an antibiotic.  We had McDonalds for lunch and we went to the airport for our flight with little time to spare. 

March Fun and Easter

Ever since Austin's birthday he has enjoyed cooking.  So I signed him up for cooking classes.  He is enjoying that.  Austin also had his ENT appointment check up.  That went well.  From physical exam, his ears are doing well.  And we can continue to hold off on ear tubes.  We will get a hearing test before school starts again.

Brian had to go to China for two weeks for work.  It's easier that the kids are older however especially Austin misses him so much.  Austin cries a lot when he leaves.  Once we get into our routine it's fine.  Brian made several daddy stories that we watch on the computer every night.  Most nights the kids have some activity. Austin has soccer and boy scouts.  Sydney has dance, gymnastics and girl scouts.

We also went on our annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge.  It was a nice family get away.  Austin and Sydney loved it.  They also enjoyed the wands and playing that game.  It's crazy because they can now ride everything.  However Sydney is still not a big fan of the big water slide.

Because we went on a cruise on Easter. we celebrated Easter a week early.  That Sunday we went to the Akron Zoo for breakfast with the Easter Bunny.  My mom was supposed to join us but she didn't feel well.  We had breakfast, saw the Easter Bunny, and then went to find the Easter eggs.  Austin once again found the golden egg. He was determined to find it and he did.  He was so happy.  Sydney was even okay with him finding it.

Then we went to my mom's and had our Easter lunch of ham and macaroni salad.  Grandpa came too.  The kids got their Easter baskets from her as well.  They had a great time!

Valentine's Day and Fun in February

This year, Sydney got to make a Valentine’s box for school.  She loves unicorns so my mom helped her make an awesome box.  It turned out great.  Austin made a bag with his 8^th grade buddy at school.  I helped in Sydney’s class for the Valentine’s party this year.  It was fun.  I still don’t know all the kids like a do Austin’s class.  I am working on it though.  I also got the kids a stuffed animal for Valentine’s day with some chocolate.  Also everyday in February I put a heart on their door for a reason why we love them.  Sydney thought that was the greatest thing ever.  Austin was not quite as impressed. 

In February we also went to an ice skating birthday party.  Austin even played hockey a bit.  Sydney was enjoying ice skating.  With the Olympics being on and them learning a lot about it in school, Austin really wanted to go skiing.  I don’t know how to ski but Brian does.  There was a Sunday that was warm so Brian took Austin first. While Sydney and I were at Daisy scouts.  Then we met them skiing.  I decided not to try it since we didn’t think we were going to be there that long.  Austin skied for 6 hours.  He absolutely loved it!   Sydney also enjoyed it too.  They even did the intermediate hill.  I was so proud of them for learning so quickly and doing it.  It was a fun day!!

Austin finished up with basketball.  He really enjoyed it.  Brian enjoyed coaching them too.  Next year Sydney said she would even do basketball if her Daddy would coach.  We will see what happens.

For boy scouts, we had to work a fish fry.  I was not excited to do that.  However it turned out great.  The kids had a great time picking up people's dishes.  They thought it was the best thing ever.  We may even do it again this year they had so much fun.

Also this month, I started working from home.  That will be so great for the family.  I will miss everyone I work with but being able to be at home with be great!

The kids are doing well in school.  Austin is busy learning how to read and spell.  He has a spelling test every other week.  Sydney is good at reading.  She has her little books at home that she reads.  Austin is great in math.  Sydney is working on it.  Austin understands money and he said he will teach Sydney about it this summer.  They do good working together. 

Austin's 7th Birthday

We found out a few days before Austin’s birthday that he was selected for the Padre Pio Award at school.  It’s given out to one school per class per quarter.  We were very proud that Austin had received it.  Brian and I made arrangements for us to attend Mass to watch Austin receive the award.  Austin was suspicious on why we were both attending on a Friday but nonetheless he was surprised to find out it was him.  Once he knew the awards were being announced he figured it was either him or Sydney getting it.  It was a great award for Austin to receive. 

On Saturday, Austin had basketball.  Austin has been playing in two basketball leagues.  One is on Friday nights and the other is Saturday mornings.  Brian is coaching both of them.  They are loving basketball.  Sydney did not want to play. 

  Then we had his birthday party at Young Chef’s.  It was a difficult decision to figure out where to have his party this year.  He wanted it at our house but that was not going to work out with 20 kids.  A bowling place was going to be $600 so we found Young Chef’s.  Austin loves to cook so it was perfect for him.  The boys were a little crazy at the party but after all it is a birthday party.  We then opened his gifts at home.  He got a lot of Pokemon this year.  He was very happy with that. 

On Sunday, we celebrated his birthday with us.  Brian had to fly to LA on his birthday so we made his birthday on Sunday.  We went down to lock 3 for the kids to ice skate, play golf, and sled ride.  They had a lot of fun. Austin is pretty fast on his ice skates these days.  Sydney and Austin did timed races around the rink trying to get faster.  Austin did a great job helping Sydney learn to ice skate.  I also skated for brief time.  Brian took pictures.  They also enjoyed the golfing and sledding.  They still use the golf club like bat at times. We are working on that. 

Afterwards, we went to Steak and Shake for dinner.  That is Austin’s favorite.  He thinks they have the best mac and cheese.  They even got milkshakes.  He had a lot of fun.  Then he open his gift from us which was a star wars droid building kit.  He liked putting that together with Brian . 

On Monday morning (Austin’s actual birthday), he woke up in a great mood. I made him cinnamon rolls.  I took them to school.  Brian was already on a flight to LA.  Austin got to celebrate his birthday at school with an ice cream treat.  Then after school, my mom came over and we went to dinner again at Steak and Shake.  Austin once again got mac and cheese and a milk shake.  He was very happy. 

It’s crazy for me to think that Austin is 7 already!  As my favorite quote goes, “The days are long, the years are short”.

Las Vegas

Brian had to do a lot of traveling in January.  He started off in Orlando and then he flew to Las Vegas.  It just so happened that he was going to be in Las Vegas during the school break for the kids.  Brian asked me if I wanted to come with the kids.  It sounded cool.  I did some research about things to do in Las Vegas with kids.  Surprisingly there is a lot to do.  I was still torn about what to do but I thought it was a good opportunity for them to see something different.  Las Vegas is not on my top places I want to travel with them.  So unless we went now, they likely would not be going anytime soon. 

Brian flew to Las Vegas on Wednesday night and so did we.  Brian arrived about 2 hours before we did.  He stayed at the airport and waited for us.  Austin and Sydney did really well on the flight.  They watched their Kindles. Austin did a little homework.  Sydney colored her My Little Pony coloring book.  Then they watched their Kindles.  Sydney then went to sleep. I took Austin’s Kindle away from him for him to sleep a little bit later.  I woke them up once we arrived.  They walked off the plane and carried the booster seat and a back pack.  They did great walking through the airport.  We got our luggage and then Brian met us at bag claim.  The kids were so excited to see them.  We took a taxi to our hotel the Excalibur.  Brian picked us up Wendy’s and we ate that at the hotel.  

The kids were so excited and were a bit crazy but they settled down and we went to sleep.  Thursday morning Brian went to the CES convention.  We walked to New York New York and found a donut shop with very large donuts.  I let the kids share one.  We ate that then walked down the strip.  We stopped in Paris and looked the Eiffel Tower. We considered on going up in it but it was $50 and Sydney did not want to.  So we found the Monorail that took us to the Flamingo. We stopped at lots of stores along the way too.  At the Flamingo we saw the flamingos and fish and turtles.  They liked that. 

Then we took the Monorail back to our hotel to take another Monorail to Monalay Bay.  At Monalay Bay, I consider the aquarium but again the kids decided they did not want to do that.  It was so much walking!  Sydney laid down for a little break.  Austin tried to carry her but she was too big.  She would walk with her eyes closed and Austin would guide her.  We just briefly stopped at the Luxor. I was hoping to see the Blue Man Group later in our visit but it did not work out. 

We went back to our hotel for a break.  I rested and kids watched some TV.  After a hour break, we went down to the arcade.  They shared $5 and played games.  They loved that.  Afterwards we walked to M+M world near our hotel. We explored the 4 floors.  We watched a 3D movie that they loved.  They picked out the item they wanted to buy but didn’t buy anything until they made sure since it was only day one.  I let them buy ice cream bar there though. 

While eating ice cream out on the strip, they found out the characters in Las Vegas are not real.  A Mickey took off his head right in front of them. Austin was in shock but I explained we are not in Disney and these characters are not real.  He understood that and went along with it.  I am not sure Sydney put it all together so I did not push the issue of what she did or did not see.  

Brian met us back in the hotel and we went to Johnny Rockets for dinner. 

On Friday, we started our day back at the New York New York donut shop.  This time Sydney got a small donut and Austin got a chocolate milk.  They were happy.  So was I.  Then we got on the Monorail down to towards the Venetian.  We walked around there for a bit.  We ended up in Treasure Island.  We went to the MARVEL Adventures.  I did not know what to do. Austin enjoyed playing with the stuff in the store.  So I did the tour. I got a coupon on travelzoo so it was somewhat reasonable. Sydney was not a fan for most of it but went with it.  There was so cool things.  They don’t know the Adventures so it made it hard for them to really understand/appreciate.  But it gave us something to do for a bit. 

Afterwards I was going to the Mirage but Brian called and he was taking a break. We went to Denny’s for lunch. It was a nice visit with him.   Afterwards he went back to CES and I took the kids over to the Mirage.  We went into the Siegfried and Roy Secret Garden.  Austin and Sydney loved the dolphins.  We watched them for about an hour.  There was a training show and underwater area we could watch them swim by. It was cool. 

We went back to our hotel. Brian was on the Monorail behind us so we walked over to our hotel together.  We decided to take the kids to see the Bellagio Fountain which they enjoyed.  Then we raced over to see the Mirage Volcano.  They loved that too.  Then we went back to our hotel to eat.  Sydney fell asleep on the walk over and Austin went to sleep waiting for food.  Brian and I had a quite dinner.

On Saturday, we were going to Adventure Dome but decided against it based on some of the reviews.  We took a bus to The Children’s Museum.  The problem was we got there an hour early. We walked to Container Park.  It was a great outside park for the kids.  They played for over an hour.  It was only about 50 degrees but sunny.  Austin and Sydney had a lot of fun.  They played and build a fort with some blocks with other friends.  Afterwards they were hot so we let them get gellto.  They loved it.  We are likely going to Europe in the fall so it was a good start for them. 

We waked down Fremont Street.  Las Vegas is very interesting place.  A lot of different people.  I think Austin and Sydney did not notice a lot but they did somethings.  Then we took a bus back to the Children’s Museum.  That place was awesome.  Austin and Sydney loved it and did not even get to do everything.  They started in the water area which they played there a while.  Then they climbed up the big playground in the middle.  They found a ball area that you placed balls in and they went down different things.  That was their favorite.  They played there for a very long time.  They even braved a hurricane stimulator machine.  They worked on making a track for a ball to go down.  It took them a while but they did it.  They made parachutes too and tested them.  There was a royal castle there they played in.  One of their favorite areas was the supermarket.  They worked hard in there and had lots of fun.  There was also an airport and car repair play area.  It was definitely a fun place for them. 

We had not eaten all day so we walked over to a food court near by.  We had dinner.  Then we waited a bit for our bus back towards our hotel.  Austin and Sydney played airplanes running up and down a ramp near the bus stop. Brian would be air traffic control.  After the bus ride back, we went to M+M world for Austin to get his one thing.  Last night Sydney got a yellow M+M suitcase.  Austin wanted a M+M sorter.  Then he got come dishes.  The bowls were cool and I think will be great cereal bowls. 

We went back to our hotel for the kids to cash in their arcade tickets.  We also had diary queen ice cream.  Austin and Sydney got a bunch of plastic jumping frogs.  We went back to the room and they played a bit before bed. 

On Sunday morning, we got up early and went to the airport.  Brian has to go to Austin Texas for work.  So I traveled home with the kids.  It was amazing because our gates were right across from each other.  We got some breakfast then walked to our gates.  Brian left first and that was difficult for the kids.  They cried for a while on how they missed daddy.  We watched his plane take off.  Then we went to our gate and started boarding soon after. My biggest fear was they would cancel my flight.  Brian would be gone and I would still have to be in Las Vegas.  I am definitely glad we went but I don’t want to be there all alone with two little kids. 

The three days were perfect length.  We didn’t get to see any shows but that was the kids request.  I hope if we do come again we could at least see one show.  I am more familiar with things now so that helps too.  I did like the Exculibar as a hotel for us.  Austin and Sydney are great travelers.  They worked on homework and watched their Kindles on the plane.  

Christmas

Christmas Eve we made our annual Christmas cookies.  I buy the premade dough but they kids roll it out and make cut out cookies.  They use a lot of flour.  They made several dozen cookies.  Then because Brian no longer eats high fructose corn syrup we made our own icing.  It was easy.  We had 4 colors of frosting.  Austin and Sydney really enjoyed frosting them.  They developed a system and they had fun with it.  Austin’s favorite show right now is cake wars.  He started watching at my parents house and now Brian brought him it on Amazon.  He loves cooking right now. 

We went to Christmas Eve mass.  It was busy but we got seats.  Austin and Sydney fell asleep during Mass.  My mom decided to meet us at McDonald’s afterwards.  For the past several years, we go to McDonald’s for dinner on Christmas Eve.  It all started when there was nothing to do on that day for us.  This year I was fine cooking dinner but we wanted to keep the Christmas Eve McDonald’s tradition going.  The kids played at McDonald’s for a bit then we got home.

Austin and Sydney made reindeer food and put it out.  They put out the milk and cookies for Santa.  They also had to call into the North Pole and see where Santa was on the TV.  It was a fun and exciting night for them.  When it was time for bed, they had a difficult time falling asleep.  They were excited and also had a brief nap at church.  Brian and I wanted them to sleep.  We knew we had a lot of work to do. 

After they were finally asleep, we wrapped their presents and put them under the tree.  Then we went to bed and waited for Santa to come.  Austin woke up early because his tooth fell out at 4am.  He was so excited he could not go back to bed. Sydney got up at 6am and we went and woke up my mom.  The kids got some pictures and then started to open their gifts. 

Austin got a race track and a drone.  Sydney got a big my little pony and a flip a zoo.  Sydney also got a doll and slippers.  Austin got emoji pillow.  They both got robes that they love.  Also got some slippers. 

After presents were opened, I made breakfast.  I just made some pancakes and eggs with cinnamon rolls.  The kids love cinnamon rolls.  Then they were ready to play with their toys. Austin’s gifts took some time to put together.  The drone had to charge and the race track needed put together.  Sydney was able to play with her stuff a bit sooner.  But finally we got everything put together for them. 

They enjoyed the day playing with their stuff.  Then we went down to my mom’s for dinner and for the kids to open their stuff there.  They got a lot of stuff there too.  Austin got another electric race track that he loved.  Sydney got some games and shopkins.  They had fun. It was a great Christmas but we missed my dad a lot! 

Brian was off during Christmas break.  He took the kids to the Globetrotters game.  They really enjoyed that.  I took them to Sky Zone, Fun N Stuff, and Chuck E Cheese.  Most of them were with their friends that they enjoyed. 

For New Years Eve, it was really cold.  We made appetizers like usual for dinner.  We went over to our friends for a bit.  Then we came home and let the kids watch a movie.  Brian got the projector set up downstairs and the kids love watching movies down there.  They watched several movies during break. 

When it was time for them to go back to school, it was really cold so they called off school for 2 days.  Then it was the weekend, but on Monday morning, we got an ice storm.  They were off another day.  They were going a bit crazy and always bothering each other.  It was a good relaxing break but it was good for us to get back into our routine too.