Hoppy Easter

The hunt





The loot

Break out the bikes

Finally after snow last week (depressing) it is a whopping 60 degrees, so we broke out the bikes! I love our bike trailer, and so do the kids. There are some great trails pretty close. Last year we put Jozie in it just for short little rides, but she was still little. This year it is pretty crowded in there, but they are both so happy to be in it. They laugh and giggle the whole ride it is so fun! Brax now has his own bike, and we are working on that. Jozie has a little tikes one that is the low rider three wheeler, but just likes to sit on it at this point. I am just happy that it is getting nice. I have high hopes for easter egg hunts tomorrow, unlike last year where we hunted for eggs in a few feet of fresh snow. Did I mention I hate snow!

CHI-TOWN

After a much needed vacation for us and our good friends, the Pacheco's, we decided to go the Chicago and we had a fantastic time! I have not been there since I went on a travel study in college and it still looks the same. We went the the museum of natural history, millennium park and the bean, Navy pier, and of course walked the magnificent mile, and just took in the sites from the elaborate Picasso's creations to the ever famous Sears tower! We also had to take a bite out of authentic Chicago style pizza at Giordano's, delicious.

Just to post

I just wanted to post something since it is now April, March flew by way to fast. My Mom came which is always the best! Brett has been in his hospital rotation and is consequently so busy, not getting home til' very late. We have just been so busy I don't even know with what! I promise pictures and more of an extensive update at a later date.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

That is an Old Irish blessing, one of my favorites! Ahh gotta love this day! My kids were both decked out in their green today! Brax especially liked it, he is funny. At preschool today they got to find the gold coins, he loved that (thanks Beth)! We had a special lunch with Dad today and then we played OUTSIDE yippee! It was 66 last I checked and it is about time! Jozalyn loved her baby swing and Brax thinks he is so big to be in the big boy swing. As I gave them underdog after underdog, I thought what a simple joy a swing is to a child. It gives you that funny feeling in your tummy that makes you smile and laugh. Jozalyn was giggling hysterically! So hopefully this is not just a tease of sunshine and it will stay for awhile!
I was thinking I would make corned beef and cabbage tonight for a traditional Irish meal and then I thought no way no-one in my family would eat it, so I will make green things that are yummy instead! I will end with an Irish prayer also a favorite!

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Trip pics-way more than one would care to see...but I couldn't choose

Bahama Mama

I am now a converted cruise-aholic! We just got back from the Caribbean and before and after cruising, all of Florida's attractions. We had such an amazing time, words could never do justice, so I won't even try to describe my experience in that way, just a run down.
We got to Florida and went to Seaworld, which is always a treat! Brax insisted on sitting in the soak zone for the Shamu show, so we did indeed get soaked from that gigantic fin. Another favorite part was touching the sting rays, which Brax loved last year, but was not to fond of this time, however Jozalyn was all for it!
After a good nights rest, we then set sail out of Port Canaveral on the Disney Wonder! And the ship name says it all, it was indeed a wonder! The minute we got on the ship my eyes about popped out of my head with excitement! We had lunch and we all enjoyed a round of Bahama Mama's, an amazing tropical drink (unleaded of course). We visited the Bahamian islands, including Disney's own private island, Castaway Cay (where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed). And yes, it is exactly what you are picturing right now! We went jet skiing, and glass bottom boating, and visited Atlantis, and just played on the beach all day! Which the kids loved! They were completely exhausted most of the time, but it was so worth it! You can never go wrong with Disney, Brax loved all of the guys, as he calls them, on the ship. Mickey&Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald&Daisy, Chip&Dale, Lilo&Stich, all of the Toy Story characters, The Lion King gang, all of the Disney princess', you name it, they were all there and we got pictures with nearly all of them! Jozalyn was pretty hesitant, the furthest she got was giving Mickey and Belle high fives! Everyone says you have to take a cruise without your kids, but it was so incredible to have them with us. My parents were there so they volunteered to watch them a lot of the time. Big thanks to them for the wonderful memories they helped to create! The ship had explosive Broadway style productions every night, they are amazing! Let me tell you that the food was out of this world and I am not big on food, but man I was on this trip. It is non-stop eating, my favorite part was of course the dessert bar! Some nights were formal and some casual, so it made for a great mix. Kids loved the pool and the room with a view! After sadly saying bon voyage to our ship we went to Disney World's Hollywood studios where all of the Pixar characters live. So Brax got pictures with The incredibles, Bolt, and Lighting McQueen and Mator. We then went to Magic Kingdom and the next day to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure were the highlights were Brax getting a shot with Spiderman and Brett, myself and my Dad riding the insane Dueling dragons coaster, while my wonderful Mom watched my two kids while they slept soundly in their strollers, thanks Mom! We just did so much, and I have already said too much! It was beautiful each day and I am in sun depression now, because I am back to the miserable cold! I must admit I am already planning our next cruise, I am obsessed! Well I filled an entire 2GB memory card with pics so I will go through and pick our some favs!