We had a great time in Georgia this year while visiting Nana, Poppa, Aunt Kelly, Mitch and Gavin. It was different from years past in that I had to be the "fun" parent since Neil was not able to play or rough house with the kids much but he enjoyed watching me do my best. The flight to Georgia wasn't too bad. I usually fly by myself with the kids on the way there so I was excited to have Neil's help although he wasn't much although he tried. Bless his heart. The story of our trip. We were supposed to leave at 2pm but got a call that morning asking if we could catch an earlier flight. That was actually good for us since our layover in Houston would have only been 35 minutes and we would never have made our connection. Kim and Linda met us at the airport and helped us with our luggage and 4 car seats. Lucky for us they put us in the bulkhead so we had a little extra room. The man sitting next to us never looked at us. Conner and Sam were angels but Lucy and Mikey were pretty bad but we all survived and only bugged a few people.
Thank goodness for all the electronic gadgets that kept the kids happy for most of the flights and during layovers. We arrived in Atlanta around 11pm and out of the airport by 11:30pm. I think we arrived in Adel about 3am. Looking back we should have spent the night. It was a killer drive for my mom.
Memorable Moment: Swimming at Nana and Poppa's
Here's their first jump into the pool. Oh the anticipation was killing them.
We usually left Lucy inside because at first she really didn't like the water so this is how she spent most of her day: looking out the door longingly at her brothers.
She finally started warming up after a couple of days.
This year it was all about snorkeling. Conner and Sam always had a snorkel on. Sammy was so funny about it. He'd use a snorkel but go all the way under the water so it did him no good yet he always had to have it. I don't know how he didn't swallow a ton of water. He actually probably did.
Mikey earned the name of Crazy Mike two years ago and he is still living up to it. He loved to fall off the diving board backwards. He'd have us laughing so hard. When he'd come out of the water he'd either yell "shake it off" or "just smack me in the face". I can just see it now. He'll be the kid to do the stupidest things just to make someone laugh regardless of the consequence.
It's amazing how much the boys grow up in a year. Last year Sam would only get in the pool if he was wearing both his life jacket and sitting in the baby float and this year he was jumping off the diving board doing canon balls. He even got into the shallow end without any life preserving equipment many times.
You could not pull Conner out of the water. He was just so happy. I made the mistake of saying one day that I'd stay out with him as long as he wanted and he made me own it. No matter how much I pleaded he kept reminded me what I said. The only thing that got him out was his growling tummy.
Memorable Moment: Church
I love going to our ward and seeing a lot of the people I grew up with. Sunday School is always amazing. Neil said he's never had a better lesson in all his life. When I picked Mikey up from Primary he grabbed my hand and said, "Mommy, some of these guys talk like Mater! (from Cars 2)" I laughed so hard and am still laughing over that one. It's amazing to me that he made that connection.
Memorable Moment: Jacksonville Beach
We went to the beach for three days. We stayed at a hotel that had the most awesome pool with lots of rock waterfalls. The kids couldn't decide what was better the ocean or the pool. Neil had fun digging in the sand with the kids.
Neil helped Mikey build this fortress but all Mikey wanted to do was smash it with the mallet.
Daddy buried Mikey
Catching our first waves.
Lucy finally warmed up to the pool at the beach and loved to be thrown in the air. She would just squeal. Too bad for me the other boys always wanted to be thrown too and my wimpy arms couldn't get them too high but I gave it my all.
Kelly tried her hardest to get Lucy to fall asleep in her bed but that girl will only sleep in a crib by herself and the hour of 11pm proves it.
Conner loved playing in the sand as well and as he would dig Neil would ask Conner what are you making/doing and he'd respond just digging.
Love birds on the beach
Our awesome beach set up. It was so hot that the canopy was the only way to go.
Our room had two queen beds and Lucy's pack and play fit in the bathroom and then there was this chair and ottoman. When Mikey saw it he got so excited and said, "It's a little bed just for me!" It was perfect. Our hotel was right on the beach so we were able to come back in the afternoon for naps.
The kids would always fight over who got to push the buttons in the elevator. Here they are all suited up for the pool.
Goofy Lucy.
All the boys digging.
Memorable Event: Killer Bunnies
Neil brought Killer Bunnies to play with Mitch and Gavin, much to my disapproval (too many pieces and heavy) but I am so glad he did. Mitch and Gavin loved it and we played almost every day. Neither Kelly, Nana or Poppa would ever join in. They thought the game was stupid just from listening to us yell "Die, Die, Die" or "Feed Your Bunny"
Here the boys are playing at the beach in the hotel until midnight.
Bat Girl
Memorable Moment: The Georgia Rain
There are so many country songs about Georgia rain and they are all so well deserved. You've never experienced rain until you've been in Georgia rain. It will be pouring down rain on one side of the freeway and the other side will be completely dry and when it rains it really pours. I've never seen anything like it. It's so bad you can't drive in it. Well we had our fair share of the rain while we were there. After one of the down pours, Sam and Mikey went out to jump and run in the puddles.
Mikey reminds me of Dash from the Incredibles here.
The island is almost underwater.
Sam just getting his Saturday bath just in time for church. Now that's how we do it in the South. Sam after jumping awhile exclaimed, "This is so fun! I've always wanted to do this!"
Mikey was covered with mud afterward so Nana hosed him down and then Mikey had some fun spraying all of us through the window. He said afterward, "This is the best day ever!"
Memorable Event: Wild Adventures
We bought two tickets to Wild Adventures. It's pretty much like Lagoon but with a better water park. Neil couldn't ride any of the rides so I got stuck. I'm too old for all those jerky, twisting, make you want to throw up rides.
Gavin came with us the first day. They have a couple animals you can hold as you enter.
Conner and the baby alligator.
Lucy was just along for the ride.
Mikey would only ride the train/car rides. Luckily there were 7 or 8 of these so he was in heaven. Here he is riding the Fiesta Express. He rode it 9 times in a row. Neil got to tag along with him and Lucy while I went on the big kid rides.
Here we are taking a much needed break waiting for Nana and Poppa to bring us lunch and pick up Lucy. She was getting to be a pill by the afternoon.
This is Day Two. We didn't come until after lunch.
I finally talked (forced) Mikey into riding something other than a vehicle ride and he ended up liking it at the end.
After being at the park a couple hours it started to pour. The park kept the kiddie rides open until there was lightening. We left and went to Walmart to get our treats for our return flights as well as slurpies. We went back that evening and went to the water park. They closed the park early because of the rain and as we were leaving I heard someone yell, "Last call for riders!" I wasn't sure what it was for but I ran and told Conner to hurry. It was called the Sidewinder. It was a ride that combines Tilt a Whirl and the Scrambler plus goes up and down. Needless to say you could easily get sick. Halfway through the ride Conner says, "Mom I feel like I might throw up." Oh no. I tell him to make sure he turns his head so it doesn't get on me. Then I feel bad that this last ride wasn't that good for him so I tell him sorry and asks if he hates it and he says with the biggest grin on his face, "No I love it!"
Memorable Moment: Aunt Kelly
I think Mikey got another fan while we were in Georgia. Kelly just ate him up and Mikey loved all the attention. The day we were leaving I was trying to prep him by explaining we were leaving and such and he got real sad. He looked up at me and said, "But Mommy if we leave Georgia, I'm going to miss Aunt Kelly." The boys got to spend the night at her house and they loved playing the wii and with the lego Bionicles. A funny conversation Kelly had with Mikey
Kelly: Mikey I bet you help your mom out a lot with Lucy. Are you a good helper?
Mikey: Well sometimes. But sometimes I'm mean to Lucy
Kelly: You're mean to Lucy? I bet it's an accident.
Mikey: No I'm mean to her on purpose.
Kelly: Why would you be mean to Lucy?
Mikey: Because she breaks my lego ships I make and stuff.
One last snuggle
Memorable Restaurant: Pizza Hut Buffet
Valdosta has the best Pizza Hut Buffet. As you walk in they ask if there's any pizza you'd like on the bar so I am able to eat all the Meat Lover's Pan pizza I want. Kids eat free on Tuesday so we went twice. I just love their pizza, especially their crust!
Memorable Moment: Conner's Dream
On our way to Wild Adventures out of the blue Conner said he'd like to tell us about the dream he had the night before. He began talking and it was the sweetest thing ever. I have to document it just in case there's some truth to it. He said in his dream he was on vacation and he went for a walk and met a kid and she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. They had so much fun together. They would just talk and play all day long and he was sad when we had to leave. They grew up and they met each other again and remembered each other. We asked him if that was it and he shyly replied you know what happened next. We got married and had kids, 3 boys and two girls. He began to tear up and we asked him what was wrong and he said he just loved her so much. She had brown hair but not as dark as mine. It was so cute.
Memorable Moment: Spoiled by Nana
While Sam was at Kelly's he earned a dollar for cleaning up the toys and was so excited so when he got back to Nana's he asked if there were any jobs he could do to earn money. She told him if he could learn any article of faith she'd give him a dollar. Conner already knew five so she gave him five dollars and then ended up giving the other two boys five dollars as well. Conner saved his money because he wants to buy a wii, Sam saved up his and was able to buy a Lego Bionicle and I'm sure Mikey lost his. On our way to the airport we stopped at Walmart and Nana bought each of the kids a new toy to take on the plane. That was a lifesaver. Nana also cooked delicious food for us the whole time we were there. It was so nice not to have to worry about what's for dinner for two weeks!
It took Neil 3 hours to solve Conner's Rubic 360. Mikey played the whole time with his new Diesel 10 and Sam played with his Bionicle. The flights home were awesome. Lucy fell asleep after about 30 minutes and stayed asleep most of the flight. When she woke up she had a fever and was so mellow. She just wanted to be held. I think a lot of late nights finally caught up with her.
We were in Georgia for two weeks and that wasn't quite long enough for us. I'm sure it was long enough for my parents though. I regret that I didn't get any pictures with my parents and my kids. Somebody wasn't thinking. We're not sure if we're going to be able to go next year but looking at this post I think how can we not. I wish it didn't cost so much to fly.
Thank goodness for all the electronic gadgets that kept the kids happy for most of the flights and during layovers. We arrived in Atlanta around 11pm and out of the airport by 11:30pm. I think we arrived in Adel about 3am. Looking back we should have spent the night. It was a killer drive for my mom.
Memorable Moment: Swimming at Nana and Poppa's
Here's their first jump into the pool. Oh the anticipation was killing them.
We usually left Lucy inside because at first she really didn't like the water so this is how she spent most of her day: looking out the door longingly at her brothers.
She finally started warming up after a couple of days.
This year it was all about snorkeling. Conner and Sam always had a snorkel on. Sammy was so funny about it. He'd use a snorkel but go all the way under the water so it did him no good yet he always had to have it. I don't know how he didn't swallow a ton of water. He actually probably did.
Mikey earned the name of Crazy Mike two years ago and he is still living up to it. He loved to fall off the diving board backwards. He'd have us laughing so hard. When he'd come out of the water he'd either yell "shake it off" or "just smack me in the face". I can just see it now. He'll be the kid to do the stupidest things just to make someone laugh regardless of the consequence.
It's amazing how much the boys grow up in a year. Last year Sam would only get in the pool if he was wearing both his life jacket and sitting in the baby float and this year he was jumping off the diving board doing canon balls. He even got into the shallow end without any life preserving equipment many times.
You could not pull Conner out of the water. He was just so happy. I made the mistake of saying one day that I'd stay out with him as long as he wanted and he made me own it. No matter how much I pleaded he kept reminded me what I said. The only thing that got him out was his growling tummy.
Memorable Moment: Church
I love going to our ward and seeing a lot of the people I grew up with. Sunday School is always amazing. Neil said he's never had a better lesson in all his life. When I picked Mikey up from Primary he grabbed my hand and said, "Mommy, some of these guys talk like Mater! (from Cars 2)" I laughed so hard and am still laughing over that one. It's amazing to me that he made that connection.
Memorable Moment: Jacksonville Beach
We went to the beach for three days. We stayed at a hotel that had the most awesome pool with lots of rock waterfalls. The kids couldn't decide what was better the ocean or the pool. Neil had fun digging in the sand with the kids.
Neil helped Mikey build this fortress but all Mikey wanted to do was smash it with the mallet.
Daddy buried Mikey
Catching our first waves.
Lucy finally warmed up to the pool at the beach and loved to be thrown in the air. She would just squeal. Too bad for me the other boys always wanted to be thrown too and my wimpy arms couldn't get them too high but I gave it my all.
Kelly tried her hardest to get Lucy to fall asleep in her bed but that girl will only sleep in a crib by herself and the hour of 11pm proves it.
Conner loved playing in the sand as well and as he would dig Neil would ask Conner what are you making/doing and he'd respond just digging.
Love birds on the beach
Our awesome beach set up. It was so hot that the canopy was the only way to go.
Our room had two queen beds and Lucy's pack and play fit in the bathroom and then there was this chair and ottoman. When Mikey saw it he got so excited and said, "It's a little bed just for me!" It was perfect. Our hotel was right on the beach so we were able to come back in the afternoon for naps.
The kids would always fight over who got to push the buttons in the elevator. Here they are all suited up for the pool.
Goofy Lucy.
All the boys digging.
Memorable Event: Killer Bunnies
Neil brought Killer Bunnies to play with Mitch and Gavin, much to my disapproval (too many pieces and heavy) but I am so glad he did. Mitch and Gavin loved it and we played almost every day. Neither Kelly, Nana or Poppa would ever join in. They thought the game was stupid just from listening to us yell "Die, Die, Die" or "Feed Your Bunny"
Here the boys are playing at the beach in the hotel until midnight.
Bat Girl
Memorable Moment: The Georgia Rain
There are so many country songs about Georgia rain and they are all so well deserved. You've never experienced rain until you've been in Georgia rain. It will be pouring down rain on one side of the freeway and the other side will be completely dry and when it rains it really pours. I've never seen anything like it. It's so bad you can't drive in it. Well we had our fair share of the rain while we were there. After one of the down pours, Sam and Mikey went out to jump and run in the puddles.
Mikey reminds me of Dash from the Incredibles here.
The island is almost underwater.
Sam just getting his Saturday bath just in time for church. Now that's how we do it in the South. Sam after jumping awhile exclaimed, "This is so fun! I've always wanted to do this!"
Mikey was covered with mud afterward so Nana hosed him down and then Mikey had some fun spraying all of us through the window. He said afterward, "This is the best day ever!"
Memorable Event: Wild Adventures
We bought two tickets to Wild Adventures. It's pretty much like Lagoon but with a better water park. Neil couldn't ride any of the rides so I got stuck. I'm too old for all those jerky, twisting, make you want to throw up rides.
Gavin came with us the first day. They have a couple animals you can hold as you enter.
Conner and the baby alligator.
Lucy was just along for the ride.
Mikey would only ride the train/car rides. Luckily there were 7 or 8 of these so he was in heaven. Here he is riding the Fiesta Express. He rode it 9 times in a row. Neil got to tag along with him and Lucy while I went on the big kid rides.
Here we are taking a much needed break waiting for Nana and Poppa to bring us lunch and pick up Lucy. She was getting to be a pill by the afternoon.
This is Day Two. We didn't come until after lunch.
I finally talked (forced) Mikey into riding something other than a vehicle ride and he ended up liking it at the end.
After being at the park a couple hours it started to pour. The park kept the kiddie rides open until there was lightening. We left and went to Walmart to get our treats for our return flights as well as slurpies. We went back that evening and went to the water park. They closed the park early because of the rain and as we were leaving I heard someone yell, "Last call for riders!" I wasn't sure what it was for but I ran and told Conner to hurry. It was called the Sidewinder. It was a ride that combines Tilt a Whirl and the Scrambler plus goes up and down. Needless to say you could easily get sick. Halfway through the ride Conner says, "Mom I feel like I might throw up." Oh no. I tell him to make sure he turns his head so it doesn't get on me. Then I feel bad that this last ride wasn't that good for him so I tell him sorry and asks if he hates it and he says with the biggest grin on his face, "No I love it!"
Memorable Moment: Aunt Kelly
I think Mikey got another fan while we were in Georgia. Kelly just ate him up and Mikey loved all the attention. The day we were leaving I was trying to prep him by explaining we were leaving and such and he got real sad. He looked up at me and said, "But Mommy if we leave Georgia, I'm going to miss Aunt Kelly." The boys got to spend the night at her house and they loved playing the wii and with the lego Bionicles. A funny conversation Kelly had with Mikey
Kelly: Mikey I bet you help your mom out a lot with Lucy. Are you a good helper?
Mikey: Well sometimes. But sometimes I'm mean to Lucy
Kelly: You're mean to Lucy? I bet it's an accident.
Mikey: No I'm mean to her on purpose.
Kelly: Why would you be mean to Lucy?
Mikey: Because she breaks my lego ships I make and stuff.
One last snuggle
Memorable Restaurant: Pizza Hut Buffet
Valdosta has the best Pizza Hut Buffet. As you walk in they ask if there's any pizza you'd like on the bar so I am able to eat all the Meat Lover's Pan pizza I want. Kids eat free on Tuesday so we went twice. I just love their pizza, especially their crust!
Memorable Moment: Conner's Dream
On our way to Wild Adventures out of the blue Conner said he'd like to tell us about the dream he had the night before. He began talking and it was the sweetest thing ever. I have to document it just in case there's some truth to it. He said in his dream he was on vacation and he went for a walk and met a kid and she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. They had so much fun together. They would just talk and play all day long and he was sad when we had to leave. They grew up and they met each other again and remembered each other. We asked him if that was it and he shyly replied you know what happened next. We got married and had kids, 3 boys and two girls. He began to tear up and we asked him what was wrong and he said he just loved her so much. She had brown hair but not as dark as mine. It was so cute.
Memorable Moment: Spoiled by Nana
While Sam was at Kelly's he earned a dollar for cleaning up the toys and was so excited so when he got back to Nana's he asked if there were any jobs he could do to earn money. She told him if he could learn any article of faith she'd give him a dollar. Conner already knew five so she gave him five dollars and then ended up giving the other two boys five dollars as well. Conner saved his money because he wants to buy a wii, Sam saved up his and was able to buy a Lego Bionicle and I'm sure Mikey lost his. On our way to the airport we stopped at Walmart and Nana bought each of the kids a new toy to take on the plane. That was a lifesaver. Nana also cooked delicious food for us the whole time we were there. It was so nice not to have to worry about what's for dinner for two weeks!
It took Neil 3 hours to solve Conner's Rubic 360. Mikey played the whole time with his new Diesel 10 and Sam played with his Bionicle. The flights home were awesome. Lucy fell asleep after about 30 minutes and stayed asleep most of the flight. When she woke up she had a fever and was so mellow. She just wanted to be held. I think a lot of late nights finally caught up with her.
We were in Georgia for two weeks and that wasn't quite long enough for us. I'm sure it was long enough for my parents though. I regret that I didn't get any pictures with my parents and my kids. Somebody wasn't thinking. We're not sure if we're going to be able to go next year but looking at this post I think how can we not. I wish it didn't cost so much to fly.
1 comment:
Amy, I love all the Georgia pics. SO fun! I wish we could go with you! I'm glad you had a good vacation. Regarding Sundays, they have been my least favorite day for a long time. It only gets worse. Neil will be the bishop one day and you will be doing it all yourself on Sundays. Every time I try to get my kids to do anything to clean up on Sunday they accuse me of breaking the commandments and act like I am such a hypocrite. I've learned to just let it all go and recover on Monday. Even if you do prepare a ton on Saturday, it will be trashed again by Monday. Hang in there- you are wonderful. Our most successful job chart is found at http://www.myjobchart.com. I've had amazing success with it. Love you!
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