Vacation - So Happy To Get Away!

We're baaaaaaaaack! Vacation was a blast! I'm pretty much the least spontaneous person I know, but we kind of winged this trip. I booked our trip to Myrtle Beach months ago, but the forecast looked horrible for the time we were supposed to be there - rain, 50s and wind chills. Uh, no thanks. So, we cancelled on Friday (yes, two days before we were supposed to leave) and rebooked a trip to Florida!

We stayed at the Innisbrook Resort, just north of Clearwater. I've always stayed on the beach, but I have to tell you, this place was awesome. It was on a golf course (four courses, actually) and was just immaculate. There were six pools, a wildlife preserve, nature walk, mini golf course for the kids, tennis courts, fishing ponds, playground and more. The big pool was made to look like a beach and had sand, etc. Who needs the beach when you have all that? We may stay there again next year. It's cheaper too, because it's not on the beach! Not very crowded either.

Here are some pictures from our adventures!


Taylor on the plane ride down. Both kids did great!


Michael in our rental van. Yes, I drove a van. Yikes!

Michael liked playing in the sand at the pool.

She's too much. She wore these sunglasses day and night, haha.

The Pear and I at the beach. Do not let my attire fool you. The wind was cold!!

Mike had his shirt off for all of about three minutes. Brrr.

Cutie ready to go out for dinner.

We had a one-bedroom condo and Taylor claimed it as hers! Here she is in her king-size bed. Lanie made her third beach trip. The bear's been on more vacations than I went on in the first 20 years of my life!

We went to Chuck E Cheese's one night. Here Michael is taking pointers from Daddy.

Taylor whacking the crap out of some game.

I usually buy healthy snacks for the kids, but Mike picked up a bag of Lay's one night. Michael was addicted! He'd see the bag and shriek with his little arms stretched out. Here, Taylor is feeding him. This picture cracks me up.

Michael at the playground.

The Pear running around like a madman. He did that a lot during our trip.

Taylor on the nature hike.

The gang ready to start the nature hike.

Breakfast! Something about this picture looks 70s-ish.

Michael flashing his fine physique.

My natural sunblock.

My boys. Check out the cool waterfall!

The Worm showing off her new tankini.

Cool water spout thingies.

The Worm and the Pear goofing off at dinner on our last night.

Gotta go prepare for the Easter bunny. Take care!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

Life's a Beach

The warmer weather and our recently booked Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach have inspired me to change the blog colors to something a little more beachy. Hope you enjoy.



We had a good weekend. Mike was crazy busy with basketball (game Friday, scout Saturday and tournament draw on Sunday) so the kids and I were a team. We played outside some and visited Grandma yesterday. It was nice to get out of the house (I think we all felt that way!). Mike's team won Friday (15-1) and earned the No. 1 seed in their sectional. They took the bye and play on Wednesday, March 4th. Go Cane!



I haven't taken any pictures lately, so I'll share some from this time last year. Can you believe how much the kids have grown?




Have a good week!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

July 4th Weekend Part II: Grandma N's House

I got really lucky in the in-laws department. I hear so many horror stories about controlling mother in laws, hags who criticize, judge and bully. My mother-in-law Marilyn is a lovely person, as sweet and supportive as they come. She's a free-spirited artist who accepts my anal-retentive, Type A personality for what it is. She and her husband, Rich, always make us feel welcome in her home.


I like the whole crew. Mike's dad is a good guy and his sisters and brother are great. I've always liked visiting Pittsburgh because they are all fun to be around. They've accepted me as one of their own from the get-go. You don't always see that nowadays.


We arrived at Grandma N's Friday afternoon and after a short nap for Michael, we headed out to D'Amico's for Taylor's birthday dinner. D'Amico's is a cool little Italian joint that we've gone to several times while in Pittsburgh. I like the ambience of the place and the food is good, too. Afterwards, we had cake and ice cream at Grandma's house and watched fireworks from the deck. It was a great end to a long day.


Taylor cheesing during the drive. The kid had it made - snacks, drinks and a DVD player.


Michael was great, especially considering the fact that he's getting his top two teeth and was forced to stare at the seat the entire drive. I'm looking forward to when we can turn the carseat around!

Ready to blow out her candle.

Taylor with Grandma N and Aunt Linnie.

The yummy cake. Rich's brother's birthday was two days earlier.

My pretty FOUR-YEAR-OLD!

Michael chilling with Grandpa N...

...and Sophia. Check out the flowin' river o' drool!

The flood has been plugged and the slobbery shirt removed.

Michael so wants to be able to walk. He easily takes steps while holding onto people's hands.

Baby blues x 2.

Watching fireworks in our jammies (Mike hadn't changed yet). My kids have some long legs!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel