Hard to believe I have already been in Florida for two weeks! Since my last post I did more unpacking, straightening and re-arranging with Mom. I think it was Wednesday we took just about everything out of the garage, re-arranged and put it back it. It was like a big, messy jigsaw puzzle. Or remember that game Tetris? Like that, too.
Wednesday afternoon we also made it over to Cocoa Beach. It was a little cool, but the kids did not mind at all. They were just in awe of the sand, didn't matter that they didn't have their swim suits on. A little bucket and shovel, along with a few other toys, made for perfect beach play. They got their feet wet with the waves, as they approached the shoreline. Little Major was trying to run toward the waves once, I think he tripped and fell right on his face. He was so upset, and wet. It really didn't take long for him to calm down, but he sure was a mess to try to clean up and change before we headed back home.
a beautiful scene at Cocoa Beach last Wednesday
Their excitement and pure joy was beautiful, too.
Thursday we dropped Mom off at the airport pretty early. The kids and I drove around a little while, found the mall and a few other things. I was able to go to MOPS at the church we visited Sunday. They called the night before to let me know space had opened for both of my kids, so this made it a nice morning. Afterward, a new friend (Kelly - wife of one of Jeremy's new co-workers) came over and we went to lunch (yes, with the kids). Kelly stayed and played until around 5:00. We had a busy day and I was so glad to see bedtime.
Friday morning we prepared for Daddy to come home for the weekend. The kids were so, so excited to see him. I took the kids back to church to see the Strength Team perform. As the four members were introduced, Major noticed the big kids in the aisle holding out their hands. So, he joined them. Only #2 hit his hand and he was pretty upset the other two didn't notice him. Poor little man! They broke blocks with their arms, lit fire in the church, it was really neat. It was 9:00 pm before we left. After rushing home to change the kids into their pj's we headed to the airport. On the way, Ella Grace cleared space in the middle of the backseat for Daddy to sit beside to her. So sweet! She had also said she wanted Daddy to hold her. Then Major said he wanted to be first. After arguing back and forth a couple of times, Major finally piped up with "I think Daddy can hold two kids at one time!" They think so much of their Daddy and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Saturday we got busy with our to-do list. Two ceiling fans were installed (with a trip back to Lowe's in between due to the wrong parts in one of the boxes!), plywood nailed down in the attic with our baby things and holiday decorations stored, and the dryer vent got a little attention. Then, it was playtime. After searching for a while, and with only a little help from Suzie (the GPS), we did find the local zoo and are now officially members! Our kids have always loved the zoo - ever since their first trip back in early spring 2008. The local zoo also has a splash pad. Likely we will get our money's worth before summer is over!
Just looking over the rail with her Daddy holding her tight, Ella Grace was scared of the alligator she saw (below).
While it was my turn for Daddy to hold me up, I snapped this picture of the gator below.
As we said our good-bye's to Daddy yesterday morning, I know the three of us left in the car each shed a few tears. Ella Grace argued with me about going to church after we dropped him off. It was hard for her to understand church would be over by the time we got there, so we couldn't make it. She thought since we made it after we dropped Nana off at the airport on Thursday (it was 8:00 am) that we could make it Sunday morning, too. I am so glad she has a sweet heart and loves going to church, but she is very persistent!
Just off the overflow parking lot at this church is a city playground - a HUGE playground. To help us move on with our day, we made a visit there before returning home. With sweaty faces and the smell of outside in our hair, we finally made it home for naps around 1:00. More cleaning and cooking this evening and we are ready for a fun day today.
Doesn't this ROCK? And it has artificial turf underneath!
Have you ever seen one of these? I have now been to two local parks with one of these. And right next to this is a "log rolling" thing! Cool! I may find myself on it if I ever find the park vacant!
She did such a good job on this!
We had our first company today. The kids and I were all excited to see Mrs. Sandi and Mr. Brown. One night while Nana was still here, Ella Grace said the bedtime prayer and then Major wanted to say one. He prayed specifically, and only, for Mr. Brown who had been sick. It was so sweet! Mrs. Sandi and I got to catch up, Mr. Brown played with the kids - or maybe the kids played with Mr. Brown.
This afternoon was great. While I was doing some work, I received a call on my cell phone from a number I didn't recognize. It turned out to be someone I met at MOPS inviting me and the kids to the park. Honestly, I was so excited. Work didn't matter anymore at that point. It felt good to be called, for someone to ask me personally to do something as opposed to a group event. Ella Grace, Major and I met Amy, Jonah and Jared at the park. It was no pressure. It was comfortable. It was fun.
Can you see the owl in this picture?
As the boxes are taken away by the recycling truck, our things are stored in our new closets and rearranged furniture, and the kids and I begin to make new friends; we start getting involved in a church and other things in the area, I keep thinking of the words in the theme song to The Mary Tyler Moore Show:
You're gonna make it after all!!
Then we waited outside.
And we had a little fun while we waited, too!
And then here he came!
Air Force-1 landed with ease. We watched as the plane maneuvered around the tarmac.
Hey! Who put those there?! ha! ha!
The stairs were pulled up, the media moved in and...
Out came the President! Hello, Mr. President!
"The" wave.
Right here (the picture above) he was shaking Ella Grace's hand. He commented to her "I see that flag you brought with you. Thank you for bringing it!" yea!
And here he was shaking Major's hand!
And here!
Moving on, now...
Adios!
See the flags on the front? Mr. President is inside this one! (Really this time)
And the motorcade takes off!
The three Amigos in front of Air Force - 1.
