Alligator Angels

Our Memorial Day was spent partly by enjoying this great land -- the Everglades of Florida. We headed over to St. Cloud to Wild Willy's Airboat Tours. The folks there were very nice. The girls donned their life jackets; we all put on our hearing protection; and off we shot across the lake. We managed to see a momma alligator and her babies, various birds, snail kite hawks (endangered), an eagle, flowers, snails, and swimming rabbits (although they were on dry land at the time). We even got to hold, pet, and kiss Thunder (the "pet" alligator) when we were all done. The girls loved it. They were able to bring home flowers, snail shells, and one of the boat captains even drew pictures for the girls.

School's Out, School's Out!

2010 May 466 edit, originally uploaded by counsel14.

Olivia had her last day of school this week. We celebrated with a fun lunch at her school. We will truly miss Miss Elaine, who made Olivia's first school experience great. She is ready to tackle Kindergarten next year!

Head of the Class

Olivia's class photo. She has thoroughly enjoyed going to school (most days). Hopefully, that will continue as she starts Kindergarten next year!

Cat Days of Summer

Yesterday was a relaxing day of church, Japanese grill for lunch, hanging out at the pool, and an early bedtime. Ahhhhhh, good times.

Sisters

Pet the Belly

I could get used to this.

I could get used to this, too!

Final Mission -- Atlantis

We decided we needed to watch the space shuttle launch since we are so close and will not likely have the opportunity again. We were warned the traffic would be horrific. They were right! We left Orlando a little before 10:00 a.m., and we reached the Space Coast about 3 hours later. It is normally about an hour. We really weren't sure where to park or view the launch, so we just kind of followed the crowd for the most part. We ended up in front of a hotel or retirement home with a packed lawn of spectators. The crowd cheered as the shuttle started its ascent, and another cheer went up as the rumble of the rockets reached us. Of course, then we jumped back into the flow of traffic heading back to Orlando. All in all, it was a fun family adventure of historical proportions!

Happy Mother's Day

Courtney enjoyed a good Mother's Day, complete with gifts, good eating, great pampering, and gobs of love. She was immediately showered with a homemade gift from Olivia -- a lovely hand-painted sun catcher. It is currently hanging on our patio door. Then, we went to church. After church and starving, it was time to introduce mom to Five Guys Burgers! She was a light-weight and only ate half of one, but I think she ate a full cup of fries! Then, time for some pampering at the Salon next door -- pedicures and paintings for all the girls. Courtney was treated to a pedicure while Olivia got her fingernails and toes done (a beautiful blue). Katelee opted for a powerful pink. Of course, the Vietnamese women loved the girls. How to you top off a pedicure? Ice Cream! (Cold Stone to be specific) Finally, we made it home, where gifts awaited Courtney, and the rest of the day was spent basking by the pool.

Out of the Mouth of the other Babe

Courtney had a new story for this morning. It goes a little something like this:

Katelee brought Courtney a baby doll. Then, she proceeded to play for a while. Before long, she returned to Courtney to express her frustration toward her big sister for not moving over in the chair. Courtney explained to Katelee that Olivia did not have to move since Katelee got down from the chair and was playing.

At this point, Katelee took the baby doll back from Courtney and declared, "Baby is mad at you! Baby does not want you anymore."

Then, she walked away with her baby in tow.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Courtney tells the story of Olivia asking one of her typical questions.

She asked, "How big is the baby now?"

Courtney showed her with her fingers.

Olivia continued, "And where is it?"

Courtney showed her by pointing to her lower belly.

Olivia responded by aking, "Then what is all this fat up here?"