Thursday, April 12, 2012

SeaWorld - Surprise #3

The kids love animals and water so Surprise #3 was SeaWorld. We picked it over Universal Studio & Harry Potter World and I think we made a good choice. The kids loved all the animals, rides, and shows. It also helped that they picked up a few cool stuffed animal as souvenirs.



The kids outside SeaWorld with their new friends.


The family before the dolphin show. Yes we got there early enough to set in the soaked zone!





Shamu during her famous show. We did not get to set in the soaked zone for this show and I am really glad too. Big difference between the dolphin soaked zone and Shamu's soaked zone. (About 1000 gallons!!)


The final moments of the Dolphin Show!


Aedan after he survived the Manta roller coaster! Harrison initially did not qualify for the ride but after a few hours, a new ride supervisor and a few extra toe lifts he got to go as well. This ride really made you feel like you were flying! Jamie went with the boys while Monique stayed safe and sound on the ground with Keean & Ireland.

Surprise # 2 - Medieval Times

Surprise # 2 was having dinner at Medieval Times. The kids have always wanted to see live jousting so we decided to make the night memorable. The food was great, the entertainment was outstanding, and the kids really loved it and got really involved in it. I did not know how Ireland would handle the evening, but she was the one yelling and screaming for our Red / Yellow Knight!




The family outside the castle!




Bring on the food & entertainment!
Yes - Ireland's face is painted from Legoland




The King with the knights! Go Red & Yellow!!




Let the jousting begin!




Legoland - Surprise #1

While we were in Florida as a family we decided we surprise the kids with a few fun adventure trips. Surprise #1 was Legoland! All four kids love playing with Legos and have for some time. We decided it would be great to take them to Legoland that just opened in Florida in October. It was amazing how many things were made out of Legos. There must be over a billion Legos in the park. It was just amazing doing the rides, walking the park, and viewing all the items and places they have created out of Legos.



The kids outside of Legoland. All were extremely excited. Aedan was not too happy at first because we were planning on missing a day of school for our extended trip and he did not that idea. He cheered up after we adjusted our schedule so he could be back for school.


Jamie and the kids outside the BIG Lego store.



Lego Kingdom was the kids favorite land at Lego land



What? We can't take this Lego car home!


Harrison & Keean with the Lego man at the Pirate Cove Show!


Ireland poses with the princess made out of Legos.


The kids in the Botanic Gardens. Only place not entirely made out Legos.


Jamie & Monique. Aedan took a really great shot.



Washington DC in Legos. Just one of twenty displays in Lego city.

Fort Walton Beach Trip!

This year for Spring Break, Jamie had to go TDY to Fort Walton Beach, FL for meetings at the local air force base. We decided to take the whole family with him so we could spend the days at the beach while Jamie worked and do family things at night. We had a great time traveling there and playing in the water and beach. We were able to see a great science center, play mini golf, visit friends from Springboro now living in New Orleans (The Stices), and work on our tans. Let's hope Jamie has more meeting there this summer so we can go again!!


The three younger kids on the beach!


The boys loved playing in the white sand and emerald water!


The family on the Okaloosa Island Pier!


Here is a shot of our hotel on the beach. The kids loved it because it was so close to the beach and still had a swimming pool and palm trees or should I say palm grass.


Help me!! I guess it is not a good time to watch Jaws!

President's Day

This year for Presidents Day, we traveled to George Washington's birthplace. It is located just across the river from us in Virginia. Aedan was doing a school project on President Washington, so it made perfect sense to go there on the holiday. We arrived just in time for the "birthday party" and got to have free birthday cake! The kids loved it and want to go back each year!














Early Easter

This year for Easter we celebrated a little early and purchased new Church clothes for the kids. It took some work but we finally found new suits for the boys and a new dress for Ireland at JC Pennys. I think they look really great,
















Our family Easter Bunny!

Ireland's Birthday

Ireland celebrated her 5th birthday by having a birthday party at the pool house. She had ten friends come and they had a great time playing games, eating food, and having a rainbow treasure hunt!



Happy St. Patrick's Day!




The kids had lunch on the decorated plates.



Ireland's birthday cake this year was comprised of birthday cake pops!


Monique leading the treasure hunt!