1. We had a great weekend! It all started off on Friday afternoon. We took a mini-staycation at Coco Key in Independence, MO with my side of the family. (We've gone to Great Wolf Lodge for years previous to this one. However, our experiences there last year were NOT GOOD. Hence, we tried something new.) We were slightly skeptical but thought we had nothing to lose so we gave it a shot. I'm so glad we did. Most of us enjoyed it MORE than GWL!
All six kids loved swimming - and I think all six adults did, too. The set up was great - even better than GWL. The bar/restaurant area was really nice. And I thought the pool set up made great use of the space. I tried all three waterslides and the one in the middle was my favorite - fast and dark. The older two girls loved the big slides and big pool, #3 loved the slides in the middle section, and #4 just liked running around and checking things out. Plus, she opened and closed one of the gates no less than 56 times.
The older three girls stayed with my parents and my sister and her family for the night. The hubby and I decided #4 sleeps best in her own bed, so we headed home for the evening. (We're not taking her out of her element until she's in a real bed - we value our sleep too much to risk it anymore!) The hubby headed back out to Independence in the morning so he could help with the kids. All in all, everyone had a great time! We'll definitely do it again next year.
Here's the group, getting ready to head to the pool on Friday. I'm so sad #4 and my nephew are slightly blurry. I had my aperture cranked up and they just couldn't sit still. Oh well. Memory captured? Check.
2. We took advantage of built-in babysitters again this weekend! The hubby and I headed out for a 10 mile run this morning. It was such a beautiful morning but the trails were slightly treacherous in some areas - lots of ice. We still had a really nice time and I am convinced he will leave me in the dust during the half marathon. Oh well. At least he is starting to understand how great it is to start the day with a long run!
We came back (via Starbucks drive-through, of course) to a hot breakfast, courtesy of my dad. His breakfasts are my favorite - better than any restaurant in town. My sister and her family were over, too. It was a perfect start to the day!
3. Valentine cards. What can I say? I'm a procrastinator. I waited until last night to think about them. So I took pictures of #2 and #3 right before they headed to bed. Mind you, it was in my kitchen, the light was terrible, and they hadn't bathed since the water park. Oh well. I've long ago given up any idea of perfection. I got the shots and they worked. #1 did not want any part in having her picture show up on her valentine's cards, so she made her own tonight. And I used a shot of #4 that I took at the hotel. All in all, I'm just glad we finished!
These are now signed by the girls and they have a sucker sticking out of them. I did not think up this awesome idea. I found it here.
On that same website, I found the template for #4's card. I actually printed these as 4x3 so I could fit two on a 4x6 print. Genius.
4. This next week is big for 4 Inspirations Photography. I donated two sessions and the disc of high res images to two different causes. I am nervous. What if no one buys them? Or what if they only pay $5? Yikes. I don't even want to think about it! I really, really hope they manage to bring in some revenue. Both of the causes are good ones. Cross your fingers!
5. #4 is talking now. Not much, mind you. But she is making a little bit of progress. She says: mommy, daddy, doggy (sounds a lot like daddy), more, MINE (always yelling that one!), no. I think I caught her saying "coat" tonight. The best? When we ask her something and she answers in the affirmative, she doesn't say yes. She doesn't just nod her head, she does several little mini bows where it's almost as if she bends at waist. It's so cute - I don't want it to ever stop!
6. I am so excited for the gorgeous weather. Get out there and enjoy it because I am sure it won't last. At least not yet.
Have a great week!
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