St. Augustine Done Right

Our summer excursion to St. Augustine this year was the best one ever! I attribute it to my dad's retirement and the fact that I'm not pregnant or nursing a new baby! Seriously, it was awesome.
We saw friends, family, and my dad cooked dinner every night! That, in and of itself, was amazing. Jared doesn't cook at all, so I do ALL the cooking around here. It was nice to have a break from that and having to think about it. Instead, my dad just cooked my favorite meals ever and I overindulged because... VACATION!

I spent some time next door with my dear neighbor, Miss Carmina! She taught me how to make pastellios. They are a fried pastry with meat and cheese in the middle! So very delicious. It was even more wonderful to be in her kitchen once again. Many childhood memories here!

Just because I was on vacation, I still worked my business. Got to meet up with my newest coach, Janeen. I love hanging out with friends!

Naps were all over the place because we were maniacs and swam every day! My mom brought me a book so I could enjoy the nap in the van! She's the best!

Weston took a spill because he is a clumsy baby. You should see the other guy.

Poolside! This is the life.

We enjoyed tons of delicious foods! Dad even helped me throw a pizza party on Saturday. I didn't get any photos, but it was awesome!!!!!!!!!

Every morning the children ended up in Papa and Gigi's bed!

Workout in every day! Woot Woot!

Spent some time at the Rype and Readi Farm when Jared joined us after his three days at Scout Camp. Yummy veggies and baked goods. Cute animals too!

Jared and I learned from the master, Uncle Lonnie, how to boil shrimp! Seriously, the food we ate this trip was beyond delicious! So good!

There's No Place Like Home

I'd been trying to plan a time to go to St. Augustine this summer and it really wasn't coming together for me. I had this perfect week planned where Jared would be off and we'd go to the beach and O'Steen's and the lighthouse and maybe even on a date just the two of us to the Purple Olive.  That week was not meant to be, but the week I got was pretty amazing too.

Grayson had gone up to spend his one-on-one weekend with Gigi and Papa, so we joined him on Monday evening and stayed through Thursday evening. On Tuesday morning, Aunt Teresa kept my older boys and Lauren kept the younger two so I could attend a funeral. The funeral was actually very uplifting and I cried tears of joy and sorrow. The mother of some dear friends passed away suddenly last week. My heart continues to go out to the Loveland family. The whole family was integral in my conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are kind and giving and such strong examples of integrity. I was privileged to know Christine and glad I could be there to support the family earlier this week. Hugging Ian reminded me what a real hug feels like! He is a professional hugger, I think.

We spent the rest of the week visiting with friends and family and swimming. I was able to see another childhood friend of mine, Jennifer Henry, now Lawrence. I should have taken a picture, but I forgot. We caught up in a short visit, too short really. I also spent time with cousins, Lauren and Amy. I love those girls. They are the older sisters I never had. The Russell's are always on my list to see and this trip was no different. Catie and I have grown to be great friends. I just love that girl!

Most of all I enjoyed taking a break from all my laundry (although I did two loads while I was at my parent's), cooking, and cleaning. And, visiting with my wonderful parents. Mom and I got to sit on the porch and visit for about an hour and a half after the children were in bed on Monday night. We talked about all sorts of things. I am so grateful I have a mom I can talk to. I love you, Mom!

We even got to see my hard-working brother a couple of times. Thanks for dinner on Thursday night, Tony. We love you so much. Here are some photos from the trip. We had a great time, but we missed Jared. Glad to be all together as a family again.

Enjoying her first ice cream cone. Peanut Butter Chocolate and so delicious!

 

Snuggle-time on the porch swing with Gigi and Papa.  Poor Miriam was sick the entire time. She had been sick and recovered over the weekend and got something new the second day we were there. I was really worried about her, but it's just a severe cold and we're powering through.

Landon dancing at the concert in the park in downtown St. Augustine.

Ancient City Slickers provided the music at the concert. I think their most recent song played was from 1929. Kazoos and Washboards were played. It was amazing.

Just sitting on a cannon.

Swinging at the park.

On a hike at the park.

Grayson in action at the park.

One last thing. This conversation happened and I am still chuckling about it.

While watching my dad push out pizzas, the boys had the following to say. 
Ethan: Wow, he's fast!
Grayson: He doesn't even make any holes in it.
Grayson: (in a whisper) He's a real chef and Mom's a pretend chef.
Ethan: Shhhh. He can hear you.
Me: (from the other room) I can hear you!
Grayson: Oh.

Eternal Weekend

A friend of mine dubbed summer the Eternal Weekend. I kind of love that! The only bummer part is, it feels like Jared should be home to play with us. And, he's not. Because he's a real grown up and has a job and takes care of us.

 

I began our first Krause Summer Camp this year. I have a schedule we stick to; although some days we are flexible due to weather, spontaneity, etc. We get up and have breakfast, do chores, have a reading, writing, exercise component, mom sponsors one activity per day (think splash pad, IKEA free breakfast, time with friends, painting, etc). The remainder of the day is spent playing their little hearts out and they do get to watch TV during our daily afternoon thunderstorms. After a week, I feel pretty good about our summer camp. I feel less stressed and less guilty about how everyone is spending their time. It's really been great.

 

This past weekend we went up to St. Augustine and enjoyed my parent's pool, food, and company. It was so fun! I even got to jog through my old neighborhood. Ah, the memories. I really had a great childhood. I roamed the neighborhood with my friends and hadn't a care in the world. I wish I felt safe enough to let my children roam the neighborhood. Oh well.

 

 Saturday, Tony, Dad, and Jared attended the pre-World Cup match up between the USA and *Nigeria. The game was in Jacksonville and Tony organized this little outing. They had a great time. Not sure if you can tell, but Tony's mustache is dyed red, white and blue. It was a huge hit at the game. People were thanking him for his mustache. Hilarious.

Miriam wins everyone's heart. Papa loves this little girl. She spent Sunday morning bringing him car after car after car. He would put them back in their original pile when she wasn't looking. It went on for a long time.

On Saturday, while the men were at the soccer game, I took Grayson and Landon to the Showtime USA end of the year show. Showtime was a huge part of my life as a child/teenager. I loved seeing old friends and watching the younger generation perform. Landon and Grayson had a blast. Grayson keeps asking when we can go back to the "dance party." He also refuses to believe I have "moves" and wants to see proof. It's a little less musical theater than when I was in the group. The show was great and I had a smile on my face the entire time. Miss Pam gave my boys their very own Showtime t-shirts! They love them.

 

*I feel I'd be remiss not to mention something about Nigeria. What has been happening at the hands of Islamist Group Boko Haram is heart-wrenching. I pray for the release of the hundreds of school girls that were stolen from their families. I also pray that the war-torn country can find peace. #Bringbackourgirls

Spring Break, Part One

It's our first official Spring Break! And we started off with some fun in St. Augustine. I actually surprised Ethan on Thursday and checked him out of school early to head up to my parent's house. I felt like a really cool mom. We spent the next four days having fun with my mom and dad and Uncle Tony and the Russell's. I love my hometown and hope my children cherish the memories we are making there as a family.

 Playing in the cedar tree in the backyard. This cedar tree was given to my parents by my Nana and Granddaddy when they built our house back in 1987. We love this tree.

 

 Grayson really wanted chocolate milk and became impatient when I didn't hop to. He decided to move the process along by bringing me the ingredients. Yum!

Going to church alone with four children is so hard! We only lasted an hour. But at least I looked cute in my new skirt.

 Lunch at Gas. This is a fun restaurant in St. Augustine. Delicious burgers and the Salted Caramel Brownie is unbelievable.

 

 "Hiking" near Moultrie Creek with my boys. I love these guys.

 Uncle Tony made us a fire in the fire pit.

 So we took advantage and roasted marshmallows.

So we took advantage and made S'Mores!

 We also enjoyed dinner and fun with the Russell's. I love Catie and Will and I am so glad that we are friends. They also have four children and my children love playing with them. They are a great family.

One of the boys favorite things to do at Gigi and Papa's was playing in the leaves and digging holes in Papa's dirt. I tried my best to fill them in before we left. Sorry, Dad.

Last stop was at the Cheese Wheel for some lunch. Had to get there one last time before they close in the summer. I'll have to dedicate an entire post to the Cheese Wheel later. I sure am going to miss that place.

 

A photo diary of St. Augustine

The boys and I spent an entire week in St. Augustine to celebrate summer and birthdays. Jared joined us halfway through the week and we really enjoyed the down time with our little family. Monday was my 33rd birthday. It really blows my mind that I'm so grown up. We spent the day at Washington Oaks State Park just south of St. Augustine. It was one of those days that was simply perfect. I kept watching my children and my husband and I couldn't even find the words for the depth of my love for them. I tried so hard to memorize their voices and the way their little bodies moved as they ran with pure joy in their hearts. I never want to forget that.

 Grayson found a mushroom big enough to be an umbrella.

 Miriam and me! This girl is such a trooper. She lets us drag her anywhere and she rarely complains. You know you love my dollar bin sunglasses.

 

 Our family on the beach side of Washington Oaks. The weather was perfect. In addition to watching the children, I enjoyed watching two little crabs peep in and out of their homes. They were delightful.

 

 Grayson and Ethan flying their kites. This was a very fun activity. Thanks, Gigi and Papa.

In addition to celebrating my birthday, we spent some quality time in my parents' new pool and snuggling. We are a family that LOVES to snuggle. I probably drive my children crazy because I am always touching them. They can't walk by me nor I by them without patting a head, squeezing a shoulder, smooching a cheek, or giving a hug. I love them so much. Ethan told me today at church, "Our family is sweet." He is right about that.

 

Uncle Tony spent some time with us too. He works so much, our time with him always seems so short. Here he is pushing Landon around the cul-de-sac. We love you, Uncle Tony. We also spent quality time with Aunt Stacey, Lyla and Logan, but I failed to capture those moments with my camera.

Why I will always love St. Augustine

We spent a few days in St. Augustine this week and I was reminded once again why I love it. For those of you who haven't been, you really must put it on your list.  St. Augustine is a beautiful coastal town in northeastern Florida.  I was born and raised there and my mom's side of the family has lived their for generations.  In fact, their family names are amongst those that settled St. Augustine in the early 1500s.  I guess the main reason I love St. Augustine is that my family is there.  On Monday, I spent the day with my cousin, Lauren and her two children, and my Aunt Joanna.  When we went to lunch, I ran into two other cousins.  I love that!  I hardly even run into people I know in Orlando.  I love that I was in town three days and ran into two relatives.  It happens to me everytime and I love it.  My mom took the day off today and we went to the zoo.  We had a blast (except for Landon--he was a cranky-crank the whole day.  I have evidence below.)  We met up with my sister and her family at the Fort and showed the children how to play St. Augustine style.

Riding the "The General" at the zoo.  We saw giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions, snakes, kangaroos, and apes.  It was super fun and the boys loved it (except for Landon).

Running with Gigi at the Fort.

He is super fast!

Lyla rolling down the Fort hill.

Ethan's turn!  We used to love doing this as children.  We would run to the top and roll all the way down.  Stacey and I taught Ethan, Grayson, and Lyla to do it today and they had a blast.  We tried to join in and could only roll a few times before we wanted to throw up.  I guess we're too old to roll down the hill properly.

Logan, Aunt Stacey, and Grayson picnicing.

Here is how Landon spent most of the day.  I'm pretty sure he was super tired and he was inconsolable.  At one point, I just put him down and let him cry.  He was so pathetic and heartbreaking.