6 years and counting

We just celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. We took a long weekend and enjoyed being alone.

We rode all the rides we want to ride when we go to Disney but can't because we've got kids. That was a blast.

On our way to dinner & fireworks at EPCOT.

We relaxed at the spa for several days. Fabulous.

The highlight was dinner at Emeril's at the chef's table. The table was located in the kitchen where we got to watch all the action. The chef cooked a special 6+ course meal designed just for us. It was so incredible. I ate so much that I hurt in the middle of the night.

Brad & me with the chefs.

Milestones

Our little girl is moving along so good, now 7 months old.

We just discovered her third tooth. Now 2 on the bottom, one on top. She's getting ready for steaks in June with Uncle Steve & clan! She's heard her daddy talk about the 'Grill Master' in Illinois and wanted to make sure she got in on the goodies.

She's trying so hard to crawl too (pics below). She can get her knees up under her body and push. But big girl can't hold up her torso at the same time. I find it amazing how she is growing so quickly.

I don't know if I'm the only mom that does this, but I find myself not wanting her to grow so quickly. I remember with William being so anxious for him to go to the next step. He started to drool and I kept checking for teeth. Then he got one, and I kept looking for the second one. Then the third one, etc. Once he started to crawl, I couldn't wait for him to walk. Then I couldn't wait until he was tall enough to ride the kiddie rides at Busch Gardens. Then I couldn't wait until he could talk in full sentences. Then it was carry on a little conversation. I didn't stop to enjoy the stage he was in, I was always looking for the next one.

With Madelyn, I'm totally different. I am slightly disappointed as she moves to the next stage of development, looking back often. I don't know why. It's so odd to me.

Either way, anxious for the next stage or slightly saddened by the new stage, it doesn't seem to stop or hurry along development. My little people are developing at the rate God himself intended.

Here are some pics of Maddie trying her hardest to crawl.

Ahhhh, Home Sweet Home

Have you been away from your bed for a couple nights and when you get back home and sink into your comfy cozy bed, you realize how good home is and how great your bed is? If you pay attention, you might even catch your body saying, "Ahhh. This is good."
Last night was that way for all 4 of us. We were in Miami for 3 nights and Orlando for 2 nights. So by night 6 - we were all so happy to be back in our own beds. So happy that we slept an hour later than usual.
We beached it for 3 days in Miami. Fabulous. It was so nice to be with Brad. We had dinner each night by the pool that overlooked the ocean. Then we packed our bags and headed to Orlando for some Disney park fun. The Flower & Garden show is going on at EPCOT now so we wanted to do that. And William is tall enough to ride Test Track and Thunder Mountain Railroad, so we had a lot to do in 2 days. It was great.

I didn't pack enough clothes to get us through the weekend, but I decided we could find coin laundry. Surely there is coin laundry near the hotel or the parks, I thought! That's a joke! If anyone is interested in a business in Orlando - that's it. Coin laundry close to the theme parks. There's not one within, oh probably, 13 miles of Disney.

Fun times. Though so nice to be home. So nice that I don't think we're leaving the house today. I know your question . . . not even to party for Cinco de Mayo, you ask? No, not even.

EPCOT "FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW" PICTURES:

Brad and William taking time to smell the flowers.

Me and Maddie in front of the giant butterfly made out of flowers. This was at the entrance to the 'Butterfly Garden'.

One of the hundreds of butterflies inside the "Butterfly Garden".

William had said several times, "I'm hungry". So in the middle of the Nemo ride/exhibit he plopped down, popped open his Pringles and ate.

MAGIC KINGDOM PHOTOS:

In front of Cinderella's Castle
(Click on the picture to zoom in)

Family photo shot at the wishing well.

William's FIRST COCA-COLA!!!

This is Brad asking, "Where is my Coke!!!???"

For those of you who have spent time with William know that he and sugar don't mix.
Putting it nicely, he turns psycho. The general rule is . . . If YOU give him sugar, he's yours until after he's crashed. For that reason, he rarely has sugar. Brad let William have a little of his Coke. And the little psycho was quite fond of it.

This is William's answer to Brad, "Right here in my belly."

William's first time on Thunder Mountain Railroad . . .

On the way up the ramp to Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Almost to the train.

Not so excited now that he's on the ride. But we did it anyway.

Miami Pics

Pics from our recent 'spur of the moment' trip. Not so 'spur' for Brad. But 'spur' for the rest of us. The late afternoons/evenings ended up being vacation-esque.

Brad and his babies.

On the South Beach boardwalk. This is not a new hair style for me . . . the wind was blowing pretty hard.

The view in the morning from our room.

William kept entertained in the pool. Whether it was making friends with German girls or playing with buckets - he thoroughly enjoyed the water.

While big brother played, Maddie discovered bubbles.

Ready. Set.

Jump!

The evening air was too cool for me and Maddie so we sat on the deck and watched the boys play in the pool.