I just left you hangin'

Sorry 'bout that...

I have many good excuses/reasons for my non-blogging this week.

1) Trying to get back into "real life" gear
2) Getting 2 children to transition to school after bliss at the beach for 10 days
3) Falling apart because of the transitions
4) Catching up on work, laundry and cleaning
5) Stressing about whether or not the bank of the second mortgage on the short sale house will finally return a phone call so we can (hopefully) close by March 14th
5) Planning a photography opportunity at our old neighborhood Valentine's Dance
6) Sleeping as much as I can squeeze in after a fun-packed Florida Vacation
7) Turning 35 (That took the most work)

So, there you have it.

I have a lot to catch up on but I will not start on that tonight. Instead, I will show you some of the pictures that I love from the trip that I never posted.

Some random favorites

Berry and Sister were, basically, inseparable the entire trip so Tynelle just couldn't resist buying them matching outfits...

Kilwin's has the BEST coconut icecream you will ever have! We just had to go there twice (smile)

The flight home went really well and all the kids survived. Marc really had a good time sitting with Sister
(she would even hold his hand)

Me with the other two! I was really proud of all of them, they did so well! Even my dad survived.

Florida Family Photos

Tynelle was kind enough to bring her cool camera to the pier and we took eachother's family photos.

This first one is actually my favorite of us because... well... it just is...

Canoeing on the Ocean

I never thought about canoeing on the ocean, but today Daniel introduced it to us and we loved it!

Baby, Sister, Brother, Marc, me and my dad all got a turn in the canoe.

Did I say my dad?

Yep.

My dad has been here with us! His first time in Florida and he is having a great time, mostly excited to be here with his son.

I had a lot of fun... obviously!

Marc is pointing at the dolphins! We saw lots of them but I didn't get any pictures, just video...

My dad in shorts (smile)

my dad and Daniel taking the canoe out

this is my favorite picture of the whole day - Dad and Daniel out on the canoe and a beautiful sunset

A video just for fun!

This just makes me smile.

And I really like the song.


the song is "It's Real" by Real Estate

Beautiful Florida Beach

... it happens, even on vacation...

We went to a really cool park yesterday, one of the coolest ones I have ever been to.

Or so I thought until a bird pooped on my head.

Yup, right on my head,

that splattered on my camera,

that splattered on my thumb,

that splattered on my shirt,

and, of course, down my shirt.

Now I don't think the park was cool anymore.

My kids had fun though.

And later we went to the pool and the beach so I am still having a great time.

It was really windy at the beach so we had a great time flying kites.

A Vacation from The Vacation

Isn't Li'l Mr just so cute! It has been so fun getting to know him.

Daniel and Tynelle live at an amazing resort and we just have a blast everyday!

In fact we have so much fun that it really wears some of us out...

You know I have to say that the kids have been doing great considering, but I do have to say that Sister does have the hardest time. It breaks my heart to see her come apart during transition points from one activity to the other. We make it through with different techniques so it isn't unbearable. It just really hurts my heart knowing that she is dealing with so much. My brother-in-law, Joel sent me a link to this video. I had seen it before and I have even read the blog a few times, but watching it again really rang true some of the feelings that I know Sister goes through. I am so proud of her for doing as well she does, she amazing.

You know how when you get home from your vacation you really need another vacation to recuperate from your vacation... I wish that Sister had the capability of taking a vacation from her anxieties of vacation.

Maybe her naps with Dad are as close as she'll get.