A few weeks ago we took a family vacation to Florida. We decided to drive since it was about 1/4 of the cost of flying and we would have a car that fit us all while we were there. The 29 hour drive was pretty uneventful. We picked Blake up in Dallas and decided to drive the rest of the way there that day because the kids (Billy) didn't do so well in the hotel the night before. So when we got there at 10 am the next morning we were pretty tired and ready to just hand the kids over and sleep! Mikey and James were really excited to be at Grammy and Grandad's though. James pretty much immediately got his swimsuit on and jumped in the pool, and basically didn't get out until two weeks later when it was time to leave.
James, Michael and Billy swimming in the pool
I think this is the happiest I saw Mikey in the water the entire time
They also quickly discovered Grammy's treadmill and it became a source of entertainment when swimming was not allowed.
On Monday after we got there Doug and I left the kids with Grammy and Grandad and went on a cruise. It was something we both definitely needed and very enjoyable. Except for the day I got seasick. While we were gone the boys had some swimming lessons, that didn't really work because Michael wouldn't get in the water and James wouldn't take off his life jacket. But the rest of the time we were there James kept pretending he was at swim lessons. They also got to see the sea turtles and swim to their hearts content (ok maybe not that much, I don't think James would ever stop swimming if we didn't make him).
On Friday Grammy, Uncle Blake and the boys picked us up at the pier. James and Billy were so excited to see us. Michael had conflicting emotions and didn't know how to deal with it. He was happy to see us but mad at us for leaving. So we got the silent treatment for awhile. After they picked us up we went to my favorite place, Robert is Here. It is just like a fruit stand with all different kinds of fruits. Mikey and Billy LOVED the mangos they had to sample. They also had a petting zoo and a splash park so the boys loved it too. We got to try Dragon Fruit this time, it was really interesting and Mikey practically ate the entire thing.
Saturday we spent the day mostly on the water. Grandad was home from work so we took the "water scooters" (wave runners) out for some fun. James didn't like it too much. Mikey was too much of a wimp to get on until I forced him, then he loved it, and Billy fell asleep.
James was pretending to ski behind the wave runners
In the afternoon the boys went golfing and found a little turtle, I didn't get a good picture of it, but Mikey loved his "black turtle" and had to ask about it every morning. Although he never wanted to touch it.
Mikey and his black turtle
That night after the boys were asleep we got a baby sitter and went out for Sushi. It was the best sushi I have ever had. The we went for a walk on the beach and while we were standing by the water just talking a couple came over and asked if we wanted to watch a sea turtle laying eggs. So we went over to watch, didn't see much she was still trying to dig and they said it could take an hour or more so we decided not to stay to see her finish.
Sunday afternoon we took a walk to the beach. James hated Sundays because no swimming, but he did really well staying out of the water.
James and Mikey going to the beach
The boys loved the caves that the waves had made out of the rocks
James in his cave
Helping Mikey find shells
Searching for more shells
Billy loved playing in the sand
Billy got buried, he loved it.
So Mikey and James wanted to get buried
Monday we just played in the water again. I think these pictures are out of order, but that is ok.
Everyone else playing in the ocean
Mikey's first trip to the ocean, he wouldn't get near the water
James loved his "ski board" and had no fear of the water
Grandad finally got Mikey in the water
Grandad putting Mikey to bed
After the ocean we always had to get right in the pool. James usually spent at least 5 hours in the water every day. He got really brave and had no problem getting his face wet.
Tuesday we went to Disney World. It was so crowded. After only a few hours James was ready to just go home and kept asking if we could go to the van. We rode the cars at least 4 times, it was the boys favorite. They also liked Buz Lightyear, the Jungle Cruise, The Laugh Floor, and Tom Sawyers Island.
Dad and James driving the car
Mom and Mikey
The rest of the time we just spent at the beach and in the pool. It was over all a very fun trip and the boys are begging to go back.
The dog hates thunder storms and will go sit on anyones lap during one. I just happened to be feeding Billy during one and so Billy got to hold the dog while he ate.
Mikey trying on Grandad's snorkel equipment
James headed out to catch some waves
He loved the ocean.
Billy also loved the beach
Dad giving Billy a ride
Friday we packed up to head home. The plan was to only drive part of the way and stay in a hotel. But about 10 pm came when we would have stopped and all the kids were asleep. We decided that because they do so poorly in hotels if we stopped we would be getting much sleep anyway. So we kept driving. We said if we got too tired we would just pull over and sleep in the car, but we never had to. The boys were pretty excited to be home, but James definitely misses the water.
Last weekend we went to Colorado. It was a fast, very busy trip, but lots of fun! Our main reason for going was the annual Autism Walk. We went last year also and it was fun, so we thought we would do it again.
First thing Friday morning James asked if we could go "to the Great Granny's house". Doug's Grandma has a trampoline and some really fun toys so James loves to go there.
First thing Saturday morning we took "Grandpa's Ship" (James' name for the boat) out to Cherry Creek. Mikey talked and made up songs the entire way there about the boat. When the boys saw the reservoir they immediately thought it was the ocean. Once we actually got on the boat Mikey got pretty nervous and didn't say a work the rest of the time. James thought it was the best thing ever! Uncle Tim and Dad went water skiing even though the water was freezing. While Doug was skiing I asked James if he wanted to try. He didn't even hesitate. Once Dad was done James just stood up and went to get in the water for his turn. We strapped him on the knee board and Doug held on to the back. He LOVED it. When he got back in the boat he proudly said "I skied!"
Later that day we went to the Autism Walk. It was at Mile High Stadium this year and the big boys couldn't be more excited about that. I will admit it was pretty cool to see since we have never been there. The boys loved the bouncy castles, but they were so crowded I think they could have done a better job running them, but they boys had fun. Mikey threw himself halfway down the slide before he even started sliding.
James got his face painted with a green balloon. I don't think he really understood what was happening, he just wanted the green paint.
After we looked at all the booths they had, and bought James an awesome centipede thing we though would be perfect for church (He lost it the next day at church) we decided to look around a bit until the walk.
Dad and Mikey
James wishing we could go back to the bouncy castles
Me and Grandpa and the boys waiting for the big boys
The walk was around the stadium then it went into the stadium and around the field. Again the bigger boys were in heaven. They all took turns taking pictures of themselves Tebowing.
That night we went to an open house for Doug's little brother who just graduated. And Sunday night there was an Eagle Court of honor for him.
Scott getting his Eagle
Grandpa telling about Scott's Eagle project which was titled "Project James" They did a book drive for the Autism Society of Colorado and collected over 1500 books.
Doug reading the Eagle Charge
Monday Doug went golfing with his Dad and brothers and we packed up, made a feast for lunch then headed back home. Overall it was a super busy but fun weekend.
