Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Sun and Sand (part 2)

More photos from our trip

View from our balcony

Best use of a pool float EVER

Trying out his new boogie board

It also doubles as a pool float

This kid used to be afraid of the ocean

Running on the beach

Kayaking

We (meaning I)decided to try something new at Hilton Head this year. We went kayaking in the Broad Creek. "D" wants to call it sea-kayaking...but seeing as how none of had kayaked before and my last canoeing was done some 22 years ago....we opted for the safety of the sound. And we decided that we should go on a guided tour. The tour was a nice introduction to kayaking. Next time I think we will rent kayaks and go it alone. Our Tour Guide, Kent, talked a little too much about oysters and cordgrass for my taste.

"J" was an aggressive kayaker....she demanded that I paddle faster and that we be in the front of the group, even ahead of the guide. "But "J", I pleaded, I don't know which way to go if I don’t follow the guide.” She was not in the least bit bothered at the thought of getting lost. She just wanted to be fastest. Later however when she discovered a small crab in the kayak, and when I refused to let her stray from the group, she refused to paddle at all leaving me to do all the work.

This was a fun family activity and we will definitely do it again.


Leaving the Marina
they call this "nature"



"T" and "D"
"J" and I
Oyster Beds

Savannah

On the way to Hilton Head this year we decided to make a quick stop in Savannah. Our stop-over was limited to walking along River Street, buying candy, and having lunch. Lunch was excellent by the way. If you ever find yourself in Savannah I highly recommend Vic's on the River. It was so good that "D" even enjoyed his shrimp and GRITS. "D" despises grits, but after dining at Vic's he declared that he'd gladly eat grits more often if they all tasted that good. You can't get a more ringing endorsement than that.


mmmmm candy!
Striking a pose on River Street
River boat in front of the convention center

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Someplace New

We went someplace new. It was a natural science museum in the city that we had never visited. We had a great time and I hope the kids learned something too.



Creating Giant Bubbles

Fun with electricity

ROAR


AGHHHHHHHH
I can't believe my eyes.
Worn out

Softball

We tried a new sport this spring. It all started when a friend asked us to join softball so her daughter would know someone on her team. Well, that friend ultimately opted for spring soccer. "J" still ended up with a friend on her team and she discovered a new sport to love.

What's to love about softball you may ask....well there is lots of down time for twirling in circles and playing in the dirt.

Oh and there is a cool uniform. And perhaps….the sport itself is a little fun too.


Fielding the Ball

Splashing water in her "pits" to cool off.  I am NOT pround.
Hi Mom

Even though it is technically T-Ball, the coaches give each girl a few pitches and "J"
has neen been hitting from the pitches with great success.
The kid has quite an arm on her...don't tell her coaches...but she aims for
peoples heads.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Par-Tay

Poor “T” hasn’t had a “real” birthday party in 4 years. So this year we went all out. OK maybe “all-out” isn’t really the best way to describe a Chuck E Cheese party. But what we did was let “T” make all the decisions about this party. It’s very hard for a control freak mom to relinquish all party planning to an 8 year old but I did.

“T” decided that he wanted a Chuck E Cheese Party. Don’t think I didn’t try to convince him otherwise. I don’t hate Chuck E Cheese with the same passion that many parents do, but I can think of a few dozen venues where I would rather spend a Sunday afternoon. “T” also decided he wanted a Dinosaur theme. I let him pick (the ugliest) Dinosaur cake, dinosaur invitations, party favors etc. I think the funniest thing about the cake was how every dad said “it’s awesome” but I thought it was hideous.

The cake actaully had his name-I just obscured it for the web.

The Rat (aka Chuck E Cheese) was packed today. However, despite the chaos, we had a great time. I think part of the fun was the amped up atmosphere that is created when about 10 kids are having parties at the same time.



Both kids said it was the best day of their lives. I survived. “D” is watching hockey in an attempt to recover.

Happy 8 “T”

I'm going to eat it all.


Ummmm Pizza


Always posing...even while eating


This is what PURE JOY looks like

The Ticket Blaster Experience (highly over rated in my opinion)

Pinata Time!

Our family party is on his actual birthday.  It will consist of left over cake, kid type dinner and family gifts.


Father Daughter Dance

Our first ever Girl Scouts Father Daughter Dance.