The Final Countdown

The kids and I are in our final week here in Tampa. We have truly loved our time here! We have been very fortunate to be able to stay for as long as we have. Lots of fun activities and trips as a family. We came at the perfect time of year; not too hot, lots of area activities (hello... Gasparilla, SuperBowl, etc.) and plenty of holidays to spend together as a family.

I cannot believe how resistant I was to come out here at all. I was sure we (the kids and I) would not enjoy it as much as we have and that we would be far too homesick to stay as long as we have. Well, I have gladly been proven wrong. That being said, it will feel good to get home. However, it makes me wonder how many other experiences I have missed out on due to fear. What other decisions or actions did I make in a place resistant to change that prevented me from an event or challenge that would have left me in a better place than I was before? Who can say... I hope to remember this experience when facing changes and try to stay a little more positive about the possibilities.

Swimming class was a big highlight for Isabel. She loved her teacher "Miss Sasha" and discovered a real love of swimming. It is definitely something we will keep up in Cali!

We were here for Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day. Very fun. However, our biggest event had to have been our DisneyWorld trip. Very fun, very tiring, and very expensive! Yet, soooo worth the effort! Ava seemed to just be along for the ride, but Isabel really enjoyed her time with the characters and on the rides. She already wants to get on the big roller coasters, which makes mom and dad happy since we enjoy riding them as well. However, she was still pleased with the little ones and now tells me when she eats or does something that seems especially "older" that she is getting bigger to ride the roller coasters. We look forward to our next family trip and the adventure that will be.

7 MONTHS!!!

Our beautiful baby is already 7 months old (as of yesterday)... It truly does go by too fast. This week she decided to prove her independence and age by sitting up straight on her own. She is already an avid roller and is very talented at rolling and kicking her way to whatever part of the room she decided she wants to be in. However, after sitting up, I believe crawling will not be far behind!


Ava Marie was 7lbs, 13oz. at birth and has been off the charts ever since! We think she is off-the-charts for many more special and blessed reasons than size... Her smile, calm demeanor and adoring manner make her a loved one of all who meet her. She loves to play drums, dance, and read books. Her most favorite thing in the world? Her sister, Isabel. Ava absolutely lights up when she walks in the room!

We are so very thankful for our girls. They bring so much joy and life to our family.

Our Little SUNBEAM!!!

Isabel is now a Sunbeam in our church primary. She made the transition flawlessly from the nursery. I heard from several reliable sources that she is one of the most obedient and reverent children in the class.

Last Sunday (Feb. 15), Isabel gave the scripture in primary. This is a big step for a new three-year old. She was to stand at the podium with the microphone in front of the entire primary and say, "Families are ordained of God." Not a huge line, but difficult enough that her father went to the front of the class with her. Isabel confidently stood in front of the room and initially began to talk gibberish. Her dad leaned down and whispered the words she was supposed to say in her ear. She, quite shyly, whispered them back to the class. Well, as you can imagine, it was pretty darn cute! However, when the other children started to laugh she took this as an assault and started crying and left the podium quite unhappy, explaining to me how mean the other kids are. Isabel has always been my sensitive girl and has often felt betrayed by a giggle at her expense. So, long story short, not the most successful attempt at public speaking; but, we shall get back on the horse, as they say. As for her confidence, we will continue to work on that as well.

Happy Valentines Day and OPA!!

After much deliberation (and procrastination), I have finally decided to join the vast world of blogging. I have put it off thinking that I really don't have much to share with everyone. However, I so enjoy the blogs of a few close friends that I would like to give it a whirl and share my family with others; as "others" have so graciously done for me.

Today is Valentine's Day. We are still in Florida with Nathan and decided to enjoy the beautiful area by a boat ride in Tarpon Springs. The girls LOVED it!! The weather was beautiful. Just right with a nice overcast so as not to get too hot (as many of you know, I greatly appreciated this). Tarpon Springs is a small greek community founded for its sponge harvesting. The area is filled with manatees, dolphins, osprey, and even eagles! We saw all of the above, minus the manatee. We were told where we would be sure to see some, however, a long day of eating greek food, boat riding, and bird watching wears on a three year old quickly. We will be sure to see the manatees next time!

Overall a fantastic day. Definitely one to go down in the books!! Now if I could just quit eating the greek pastries we brought home...