OUR VERY SPECIAL ADVENTURE FRIP

We were blessed to be able to go on a small family vacation last week. Tyler called it our adventure and Zachy called it our frip (trip). We went to Naples, which is approximately 3 hours away, and had an absolutely wonderful time.

We visited the Naples Zoo. It was incredibly hot, but we still enjoyed the giraffes, monkeys, lions, zebras, sloths, vultures,etc. Yes, I did say vultures. We went to a special presentation and learned that vultures are practically disease proof. That's why they can eat a variety of "goodies" without keeling over. Another little vulture fact, do you know why vultures have bald heads? After they finish eating their "goodies" they just have to bury their heads in the sand to scrub it clean, no shampoo needed. I wonder if that's why I keep catching Jonathan with his head buried in the boy's sand box...he's busy cleaning his balding head. :) I personally love the zoo its a great time for me to reflect on what an incredible God we serve. He created each animal with a purpose in mind, and made them each beautiful and unique in their own way.

We also went to a restored train station/depot. The boys were in heaven. They were able to ride on a mini train, walk through old train cars that had been restored, and enjoy a small train "village".

We also went down to the Naples pier/ beach. It was beautiful. Unfortunately, we forgot to take our camera with us to Naples. So all of our pictures are from our phones. I really wish that our beach pictures could have been taken with our "true blue" camera. On the bright side, at least we have pictures to document the occasion.

We attended both Sunday Services in Naples, and it was neat to see how different churches worship. The morning service we went to a very large church. We found out that it was the church Chuck Colson attended before he passed away.  Tyler took it upon himself to inform one of the ladies that he and Zach were twins. If that's the case, I had one of the longest labors in history. It lasted approximately 26 months  in between birthing each child. :) Sunday evening was a completely different story. We knew the church would be smaller and thought there would approximately be fifty people in attendance.  We pulled into the parking lot, and there were 2 cars. I repeat 2 cars. We walked in the church, and more than doubled the congregation. There were four of them and five of us. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a small church, and loved chatting with the "fill" in Pastor and his wife.  They assured us that the Pastor would have loved to have met us, but he was in rehabilitation after a hospital stay. He just so happens to be 83 years old. I would have loved to have met him.

We made some very special memories on our FRIP. Looking forward to the next time Hubby, myself, Carter and the TWINS take another ADVENTURE.

DISCLAIMER: No feelings were hurt in the writing of this post. In other words, my husband is not sensitive about the fact that he might be just slightly balding. His dream is to shave his head in the near future. This is one dream that I hope takes him years to fulfill. Although, I may be one of the main reasons his head is scantily clad with hair. Six years being married to the likes of me, yep, I'd say I've killed a few of his hair buds.

Tyler's First Day of School!

First Day of School poem ::Author: Unknown/// He started school this morning, And he seemed so very small. As I walked there beside him In the pre-Kindergarten hall. And as he took his place beside the others in the class, I realized how all too soon Those first few years can pass. Remembering, I saw him as He first learned how to walk. The words that we alone made out When he began to talk. This little boy so much absorbed In learning how to write. It seems as though he must have grown To boyhood overnight. My eyes were blurred but hastily I brushed the tears away Lest by some word or sign of mine I mar his first big day. Oh how I longed to stay with him And keep him by the hand To lead him through the places That he couldn’t understand. And something closely kin to fear Was mingled with my pride. I knew he would no longer be A baby by my side. But he must have his chance to live, To work his problems out, The privilege to grow and learn What life is all about. And I must share my little boy With friends and work and play; He’s not a baby anymore – He’s in pre- Kindergarten today.//// If you hadn't already guessed, Tyler started Pre-K this week. He loves it! He is very proud of the fact that he now knows how to sit criss cross applesauce. His favorite part of the day would probably be snack time. He can't wait to find out what has been packed in his lunch box..its like buried treasure to him. When asked what he had learned today, he said, " Lots of stuff".//// I have to admit, I cried. When I saw him slip his backpack on I felt a lump form in the back of my throat, and it was all down hill from there. Earlier this summer, Tyler and I were talking about baby Carter (or as Zachy says Baby Cars) and I told Tyler that I had three babies: Tyler, Zachy and Carter. Tyler was very offended that I called him a baby, and quickly informed me that he wasn't a baby anymore. They grow up way too fast!//// Much to my chagrin, Tyler has been a bit obsessed with burping lately. At first we just made sure he said excuse me, but then it become a lovely past time. Jonathan explained to him that if he absolutely had to burp then he could do it under his breath. Tyler was very confused, and kept saying how do I hold my breath and burp at the same time. I instructed Tyler that he is absolutely not allowed to burp at school because it is rude. A little while later he looked at me and said,"Mommy, I can't go to school because I can't burp." Boys will be boys. For the record, he has happily been attending school without burping.//// Excuse the fact that this whole post is in one large paragraph the new blogger format is giving me fits. I ended up using the backslash lines to help differentiate paragraphs. GRRR, blogger.

FAMILY TIME!

Where have we been?? Why making priceless memories, of course. We went on a great road trip, got to spend time with lots of family, and to sweeten the deal a few outlet mall stops were made along the way. :)  The only downer to our trip was the boys getting sick the last leg of the journey. So we are now quarantined until we get over hand, foot and mouth disease  and a dollop of strep throat to make life a bit more interesting. Let the good times roll...:) Instead of me prattling on, I will let the pictures do the talking.