Beach Day

We live in Florida and the first time we have made it to the beach this year was the middle if October! We had a great time though. We tried out a new beach on Anna Maria Island and the water was so clear and it was such a beautiful beach and day. We saw dolphins jumping, caught a jellyfish we were worried would sting the kids, saw lots of fish (one nibbles on my toe) And we think we some stingrays. We went with our friends the Coxs and the kids carved a face in the sand. It just might be more fun than carving a pumpkin in October.

The girls both loved the water and were playing in it for hours as well as building sand castles, more like hills, and playing with their friends

It was the perfect day!

Look who joined the cool club

Brad and I are both sight challenged, and we knew when we had kids it was only a matter of time before at least one of them joined us. Brooklyn has had some trouble seeing the board this year so we took her to the eye doctor and today her super cute glasses came. We let her pick her own frames and she loved the "big frames" (plastic). She made such a great choice and she is so beautiful with or without them.

CHARGE

So my friend Ryan and I were driving to Home Depot today and traffic was stopped for a rogue cow in the road. We thought it was funny so instantly pulled out our cameras. Ryan said she kind of hopes it would come in the road for a better pic. Then what do you know it did! I got a pic of what I thought was going to be the cow crossing the road but as it hit the center of the road it rounded towards us and seriously charged toward my car!! (Thanks Ryan for the charging pic.) I totally thought my car was totaled and we were sitting ducks with toddlers in the car. It veered away literally at the last second and know we have a great story to tell. Ha!

Disneyworld!!!!!

We had passes to Disney that we had to use by the end of September so we took the last two Saturdays of September and played at Magic Kingdom!! It truly is one of the happiest places in earth. Lexi could not wait to meet all her princess friends and Brooklyn was itching to get back on Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain. The princesses did not disappoint and Lexi was able to meet Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel, Merida, Ariel and Jasmine. Definitely made her trip. We were also lucky enough to meet Peter Pan!

Brooklyn's favorite rides were Peter Pans flight, the Barnstormer, Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain. We rode jungle cruise both days. The second time she wasn't too jazzed and then ended up being the guest skipper and driving the boat. She was definitely glad we went then! Brad was also called out as the "cool guy" for being the only person not willing to repeat after the tour guide. Ha!

Lexi loved Dumbo, Aladdin's Flying Carpets, Small World and the carousel. She did not like Peter Pan the first time. She isn't the thrill seeker Brooklyn is but the second time she loved it.

We were also lucky enough to get picked to "test" the Belle experience that won't be open until December!! It is in a new part of Fantasyland and it was so fun. The girls got to go through Belle's cottage and take a secret mirror passage into the Beast's castle the night Belle and the Beast fell in love! As a surprise the "audience" put on a play with Belle. Anyone that wanted was given a part. Brooklyn was a dancing plate. They told a short story of how Belle came to be there and had such a fun time. At the end all the kids were able to take their picture with Belle and get a bookmark. The girls LOVED it and it was so fun to get to try it before anyone else.

Day of Service

One of the items on our bucket list this summer was a family service project and we were lucky to help package meals for needy children in August. We had a great time and both girls were able to help. It was a great time together as a family and a wonderful learning opportunity for the girls. Brooklyn worked the whole time and we couldn't have been more proud. We were also lucky enough to have grandpa Beckstead in town so he got to come too!

Zoo and Aquarium

Brad took Friday off and we let Brooklyn play hooky from school and we all went to the zoo as a family. Brooklyn always loves learning and trying new things and touching the stingrays was her favorite part. Lexi just loves animals and did not want to leave. Brad and my favorite part was the monkeys. They were swinging playing and hollering. I've never seen monkeys so active. It was a great day!

Then on Saturday we were able to go to the Florida aquarium. The girls love it too! Lexi was very afraid anytime we encountered a shark. The inky time she for close to the glass where there was sharks was when she thought it was sleeping. Then she said, "shh, shark sleeping." I liked that it was indoors and air conditioned. It's a great aquarium and we finished the afternoon in their outdoor water play area.

NOLA baby!

The second weekend in September I was blessed with the opportunity to go to New Orleans to see 6 of my best friends. We all became friends in Texas 6 years ago and talk and text daily. We also set aside one weekend a year to get together. This year was no exceptions. We had 3 days of blissful bonding, primping and gabbing. I love these ladies and all their talents and I am so blessed to have them in my life. We all shared some favorite things and favorite recipes, got shellac manicures, Brazilian blowouts, ate yummy food , shipped and had a great time being together!