Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Don't feed the WHAT?!?!?!?

After arriving in Orlando and finally getting all of the details worked out for our rental car (a whole other story one that I will spare you the details) we headed for the house that my parents had rented looking for a quick nap before dinner and Universal that evening. Mayce however had other plans so we decided that it would be best to allow her the opportunity to run. The "backyard" at the house was a LAKE!! It was beautiful, calm and relaxing with ducks to boot! The only drawback was the sign...needless to say it left us shaking our head for a few moments.
Mayce loved feeding the ducks and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Funny isn't it how you can go to theme parks, aquariums, baseball games, water parks, and malls but the moments most distinctly remembered are those spent sitting on the grass feeding ducks? Whoever said the greatest treasures in life can't be purchased was wise beyond the years for the only thing we paid for this simple pleasure was $1.89...the price of the loaf of bread.
The lake actually was home to around 15 ducks but our very favorite was this momma and her babies. There were seven little ones and when asked Mayce would say without fail "They're mine".

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Up, Up, and Away!!!

As you can imagine it took some true arm twisting to convince Buck and I to brave the Florida sunshine and spend some time with both of our families. So we reluctantly packed our bags (before midnight mind you) and headed to El Paso at 5:30am with a very sleepy Mayce in tow. Sparkles of course was our honored guest and we were just thrilled that she was accompanying us instead of Pinkie Pie (she talks...LOUD). The trip to the airport was uneventful at best except to say that we were running slightly behind thanks to yours truly but we made it and thats all that really matters right?

Mayce LOVED the airplane and seeing as the first leg of our flight was only to San Antonio we busted out the toys in an effort to save the secret weapon, otherwise known as the laptop, for the longer flight to Orlando. Everyone at work laughed at me when I told them of the treasures stored away for this grand adventure. In her Ditty Bag was a brand new baby doll complete with two changes of snap on clothing, two hats, one blanket, one teddy bear, and a crib. Two Pop-Tarts, 4 Fruit Roll-Ups, 1 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse book, and a My Little Pony. In my purse was another new book and Mayces infamous trail mix (with just enough candy to keep her digging). And finally Buck's bag contained a coloring book and markers, the laptop with 4 different movies, and more fruit roll-ups. If nothing else call me prepared.

She did great on the flight with the only mishap occurring when the gentleman seated in front of her layed his seat back. She had tried so hard throughout the trip to keep her feet off the back of his seat that when he did this I have to admit that I no longer cared. (I know that this sounds awful but he was well aware of how small she was and this was entirely inconsiderate.)

The highlight of the travel experience for both Buck and Mayce took place during our layover. Mayce kept peering into the cockpit after we relocated to the front of the cabin and the pilot was kind enough to not only let them look around but to also have a seat!! Much to Mayce's delight he also allowed them to "Pushey the buttons!"

After going to the "Car-Pit" the early morning caught up with our girl and the flight to Orlando was blissfully quiet.
Upon our arrival Buck went take care of the rental care while Mayce and I were left to claim the luggage. Buck had still not returned by the time our bags were off the belt so we decided to brave the crowds ourselves. Picture this Mayce pushing her stroller in front of me while I carry my purse, her ditty bag, the large and small suitcases, AND the duffel bag. not only did we manage the straightaways but we also took on the elevator! If only I had an extra hand for the camera!!!!


Saturday, April 12, 2008

Green and growing...for now!


In our latest attempt at home improvement we decided to plant a flower/vegetable garden in the backyard. Much like everything else we have taken on it turned out to be far more work than anticipated. Thankfully the end result has exceeded my expectations and the efforts were well worth it.


We chose the south side of the house for the plot and then proceeded to dig out, level, border, and plant. Buck has turned out to be quite the handyman and as you can imagine Mayce was into and on top of everything....literally! Cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cilantro, basil, parsley, oregano, sage, snapdragons, sweet peas, and more are waiting to die. I have to admit that I am more than a little skeptical of this project as I have killed everything that I have ever planted. Thank goodness for self drip systems!! Here are some pictures of the adventure.

Savannah wanted to get in on the action...


Just chillin'...


Praise God that He made them washable!!

The first day that we worked on the garden Savannah got so dirty that she needed a bath before being allowed in the house. Apparently Mayce thought that she needed one today too and yes I do realize that it the middle of April. But it is cold out there!

Big helper...or hindrance, you decide!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Easter Eggs and Life Lessons

It's amazing how much each holiday changes as the years pass by. Last Easter Mayce and Jasmine had an Easter egg hunt in our backyard and Trish and I ended up picking up far more than the girls did. This year things were drastically different and about as much fun as you can imagine.
Our morning started off at home where Mayce's basket was waiting on the kitchen table. It had everything a girl could want...a bucket, a spade, a cultivator (all pink mind you), panda bear gloves, an Easter pony, and of course CHOCOLATE!! After a quick perusal of the basket we were off to the sunrise service and breakfast at the church before going to Grandma's house for lunch and a hunt. The child ran, and ran, and ran, until all the eggs were found and no more candy was in sight. It was a great day filled with family, friends, love, and the story of Christ's resurrection. The best part of the day without a doubt was wrapped up in 3 words. After the hunt, the food, and the fun we asked Mayce what the real reason for Easter was. Her answer..."Jesus holds me."