Sea World

We rounded out summer vacation with a few days away to Orlando spent at Sea World.  It's been years and years since I'd been to Sea World, and the boys had never been.  It was typical steamy Florida-in-August weather (h.o.t.), but we split it up into two days and the boys had such fun.

We ended up being able to get passes that are good for the rest of the year, so we're hoping to make another trip in the fall (with Daddy in tow) when the weather's better.  And just maybe we can talk him into Disney too!  (shhh!)

 

Sea World - Day 1 (with matching applique shirts, naturally)

 

Briggy and B watching the dolphins

 

Say "cheese!" -- waiting on the Shamu show to begin

 

Riding Sea World's version of the "teacups"

 

Joe Kool

 

View from the Sky Tower

 

Sea World -- Day 2

One Last Summer Hoorah!

We spent Saturday at our church's annual "Family Fun in the Sun Day" celebrating the final weekend of summer break before school starts.  Though the heat was...well, hot...the kids kept their cool on a total of 4 water slides, lunch, snow cones and ice cream on our church grounds.  We headed home around 1:30 and both boys crashed in the backseat.  We all took a nap when we got home.  What is it about the heat that just makes me exhausted?? 

Special thanks to our awesome church family and the Children's Directors that give 110% every day for our kids -- We are so very blessed!

"Chillaxin out max and relaxin' all cool..." (Yes.  Fresh Prince of Bel Air throwback)

This picture cracks me up!  The look on Brig's face is terror, but Harrison's got that evil grin because he just pushed Brig down the slide -- they are brothers for sure.

Snow Cones!

Fun at the MOSH

A lazy Friday morning itching to get out of the house, we found ourselves at the MOSH.  I have to say this was my first time there in a very long time and the boys' first time, and we quite enjoyed it.  After our morning at the museum, we had lunch with the Thomas bunch at one of our favorite places to eat -- Cracker Barrell.

Playing in the Water Exhibit

Soaking Wet from the Water Exhibit

Logan, Meghan and Harrison

So interesting...

Water Balloons!

Harrison got a ginormous container of water balloons as part of a birthday gift from the Thomas family.  On a steamy July morning, I pulled them out and patiently filled 50 or so for the boys to play with.  I figured it'd buy me an hour minimum of play time.  What-ever!  Those things were g.o.n.e. in about 48 seconds!  Partly thanks to Brig, who just wanted to pick one up, pinch it til it bursts, repeat.  They still had fun and there are still hundreds left in the container to fill!

Memory Monday

It's been a true-blue Florida heatwave of a summer...and we're right in the thick of it.  I have a handful of close friends that are pregnant and I feel so miserable for them.  Not the being pregnant part, but the being-pregnant-in-the-heat-of-summer part.  Ick.  In fact, after growing my hair out for what seems like forever, I've come *this close* to hacking it off just simply because it's entirely too hot for long hair.  BUT come dreary, gray January, there's only one thing I'll be missing?  The precious heat of summer. 

As of now, it's officially too hot for any activity outside that doesn't include water.  So, in true Memory Monday fashion, we're going back to last summer for a look at how we keep our cool. 

Let's take a trip, shall we?

Definition of "Chillaxin:"  Briggy D on the beach.

Pool fun!

Mama's Littlest Fish (who's not so little anymore)

Even Mama & Daddy gotta cool down once in a while!

Those arm floaties are no good this summer...that boy's a-swimmin' now!

Look Who's a Big Swimmer!

What better way to officially kick off summer break but with a few weeks of swimming lessons!  Harrison had the most fun and I was shocked at the how quickly he took to swimming...with no reliance on water wings/swimmies.  It was fun to watch the kids day by day get more confidence and by the end of the two weeks, Harrison had learned so much.  He had gone from being a fraidy cat who wouldn't take off his water wings to a fearless kid jumping off the diving board and swimming (underwater) the length of the pool.  He had learned -- obviously -- swimming basics, but had also learned how to tread water and the "bat strope" (backstroke). 

And on the last day, his class was even awarded certificates for such good work.  It worked perfectly that we left for our vacation to Sanibel the following day after swimming lessons were over, so Harrison had a full week to polish those swimming skills.  (And Mama didn't have to worry about him so much!)

Best Buds Logan and Harrison

Ready, Set, Go!

So proud!