Monday, February 23, 2009

Catching Up

It has been forever since I blogged, and I really need to get back into it.

Last Saturday we took the kids to SeaWorld. We met up with some friends that I have 'known' for 4+ years, but have actually never met in person. Lisa Arthur and Grace flew in from Canada for their family vacation. And Lindsay, James and the kids live near Orlando.

We left bright and early for our 3 hour drive there. Once in the park, we posed for a pick while waiting on our friends to arrive. John John was insistent that the map was Dora's map.


John got some great shots of the sea lions sunning on the rocks.



We tried to get a kid group shot, but failed miserably.


We ate lunch and lost John John for a bit, LOL. Then we made our way to the Shamu show.





Then we let the kids play around in splash park. It was warm, but the water was still freezing. The kids were super cold but had a great time. John made the comment later that you could totally tell which kid was from Canada.






Then we did a few more things, and took the kids to look at the dolphins.



And had the all important Shamu Ice Cream


Sunday, John and I drove out to the beach to pick up a dresser for Aliya. We got it home and Monday I sanded and painted it.

Everything was pretty normal until Wednesday. It started off great. I sent the kids to school and got to work on Aliya's room. I was moving her into the boys' room so they could have the bigger one. So, I moved furniture, with the help of Joshie and when he went down for a nap, I started painting.

After it was all dry, I finished the afternoon moving her furniture back into her room and organizing the boys' room. They currently have a pink room that John John LOVES!



Around 6:20 I got a call from John that he was heading home. 20 minutes later the phone rings again. I didn't recognize the number but the voice I did. It was John, he told me he was okay, but he flipped his truck and needed me to come and get him. I, of course, panicked and ran out the door with the kids in tow. Pulling out of the driveway I realized Aliya was crying, and I wasn't sure what the scene would be like so I called Cassie and prayed she didn't go to church that night. She hadn't, so I drove the kids to her and then met John.

When I got there, John was standing on the side of the road, truck on it's side with several guys. Apparently, a dog catcher was out in the highway trying to catch a dog that got away from him. John came up on them and went to slow up and his brakes locked. He spun and hit the shoulder and flipped on his side. Thank goodness her was wearing hi seat belt. He opened up the passenger door and got out.



That was the end of the Ranger. We couldn't get it to start and it was over 15 years old. It was time to say goodbye. I told John a few days later "You know that we had our first date in that truck?" awww, sad.

Thursday, we went out to buy him a new truck. We didn't have much time to look. John's boss was coming in from California on Monday and they had projects that needed to be complete. He didn't have time to take off and look. Thankfully, we found a great truck in our price range at the first place we went. He got a Dodge Dakota with a club cab. The boys loved riding in Daddy's truck, they never really got to ride in John's since he didn't have a back seat.


So, yesterday we said goodbye to the old truck. I listed it on Craigslist and within an hour I had 15 buyers (guess I should have asked for more, LOL) The guy came and took it last night.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Trouble



Disclaimer: I do realize Joshie has been the focus of the last few WWs. However, he is the only kid here on Wednesdays when I remember to take a pic.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Random, Cute Pics

Aliya dressed up for Rachael's 7th Birthday party.



John John cheesing before his birthday party


Sharing the Smart Cycle


My Super Boys


And some of Joshie being cute


Sunday, February 15, 2009

Pirate Valentine Party

Yesterday, we had John John's Pirate Valentine Birthday Party.

Waiting for his guests

There they are!!!


A little pre party entertainment, the Smart Cycle


Time to eat!


Blowing out his candles



Ready for presents


Friday, February 13, 2009

Happy Valentines Birthday John John

Today, my middle child, my first born son turns 4.

I cannot believe how fast time has flown. How much has changed in the 4 years he has been on this earth.

5 years ago, this was our family


We lived in a little house in Murray Hill


And we couldn't anticipate what was in store.

4 years ago



3 years ago


2 years ago


1 year ago


And, here is our birthday boy today!


Let me just give you a rundown of John John

He loves
playing video games
watching movies
his sister
cars and trucks
his blankie

He dislikes
getting up in the morning
Joshie playing with his toys

He can
this is the part I get teary eyed on, it may not seem like big accomplishments for a 4 year old, but for us, it is fantastic!
run, jump, ride a bike
count to 20
say his ABCs
tell us he is hungry, thirsty, tired, happy, etc.
use the restroom
almost beat Super Mario Bros.

4 years ago, we could not anticipate John John having a speech delay, or any delays for that matter. 2 years ago, I could not anticipate John John ever expressing his feelings though words. 1 year ago, I could not anticipate John John saying "I have to go potty!" and actually going.

John John has given me the ability to show patience when dealing with my children.

I love you Big Boy! Happy Birthday!!

Birthday Bouquet

John John's birthday is tomorrow, and we are having his party also. He has never really liked cake, and always scowls at me when I offer it. So, I decided to try to attempt an edible bouquet, since they are so dang expensive to buy.

So, Cassie came over and it took us about 3 hours to cut and assemble it. Joshie also helped, by eating the scraps.

Anyway, I think it turned out great. I can't wait to show him when he comes home from school.