Wilmington

Last weekend our family headed to Wilmington, North Carolina, for a short getaway.  Ford was so excited to be heading to the beach (Wrightsville Beach) and to stay at a hotel.  He talked about it all week.  Not only was he excited about our hotel stay, he was super excited that our hotel had a tennis court, basketball court, swimming pool and hot tub.  On our drive up (about 3.5 hours) Ford took a nap in his car seat.  Naps are extremely rare for him these days so we were surprised when we looked back and saw him sacked out.  Meanwhile, Crews was in his car seat talking/singing/being loud.  Ford didn’t stir with all of his brother’s noise, and Crews eventually took a short nap himself.  Both boys did extremely good on both of our drives.  Although the nap was nice for Ford on our drive, it proved to be a big mistake come bed time.  He seemed tired when we put him to bed, but at 9:00 he called for us, waking Crews up.  I got Crews back to sleep, Ford ended up in the bed with me, and at 10:00 he was still stirring and not able to sleep.  Needless to say it was a late night for us all.  Ford slept in on Saturday though which helped and he was happy as could be when he woke up.  After breakfast he and Jeff played tennis and basketball while Crews took a nap.  We headed to the beach after Crews woke up.  It was a beautiful day and the beach was gorgeous.  We were by a big pier and the water was a greenish blue.  Crews seemed to like the beach (his first trip!) and smiled as he watched and listened to the waves.  He wasn’t a huge fan of the cold water coming on his feet though so his time in the water was limited this trip.  Ford and Jeff played in the sand while Crews played in his stroller and also was in my arms.  Ford also played football with his Dada.  On our way home we stopped for a Rita’s Italian Ice which was a fun surprise.  Ford and Jeff went swimming (in the hot tub because the pool was freezing) for a short bit while I put Crews down for a nap.  Then Ford and I were able to go in the hot tub together for quite a while while Jeff and Crews played once Crews woke up.  Ford liked “swimming” to me and also throwing the frisbee to each other.  After swimming we all headed out for a very late lunch at Sweet N Savory, a bakery recommended to us.  All of our food was amazing and we took home some desserts from the dessert cases.  I took Ford in the hot tub again and then we headed up for a bath.  I kept my suit on and we ended up taking Crews in the big bath with us.  Crews thought it was such fun to be in the water with Ford. 

 

On Sunday Ford and Jeff played tennis again after breakfast.  We asked Ford if he would rather go back to the beach or go to the aquarium.  He chose the beach so we headed back.  It had rained Saturday night and was overcast, but it actually made for a great time on the beach.  It felt like we had the beach basically to ourselves.  Crews smiled as he watched the waves and had fun playing while Ford and Jeff played next to us in the sand.  When we headed back to the hotel Ford and Jeff went in the hot tub one last time while Crews napped and I packed up.  When Crews woke up we headed out to drive home. 

We had such a great time.  We didn’t see much of Wilmington, but enjoyed getting away and experiencing another beach.  We would love to go back next spring and hit the beach again, see the aquarium, the battleship there and the children’s museum.  I am very thankful for the time our family was able to have together away from home/work/chores etc., and to be able to introduce Crews to the beach!

Day 4, Epcot and Magic Kingdom

Our last day was spent at both Epcot and Magic Kingdom.  We started our morning at Epcot riding Journey into Imagination and letting Ford play in the imagination area after.  We also met Chip and Dale.  Then we headed over to Test Track.  I fed Crews while everyone rode.  Ford loved it!  It was his first time as he was not tall enough last year.  Once I got back Jeff, Ford and I rode it together while Crews took a nap in Gramma’s arms.  More than any other moment during our trip, I wish I had my camera on me during this ride.  Especially when the car went on the outside track and went 60 miles per hour.  Ford smiled with his entire face he loved it so much!  He definitely loved Test Track.  We decided we had done everything we had wanted at Epcot this trip so took the Monorail over to The Magic Kingdom.  When we got there we decided to ride the train.  We got off at Frontierland and while Crews napped in my arms the rest of the group went on Splash Mountain. It was Ford’s first ride on that ride as well, and he liked it (even though he initially didn’t like that he got wet).  We were also able to watch the afternoon parade on Main Street.  Before heading to Tony’s restaurant for a delicious early dinner we went on Carousel of Progress.  Ford sat through it all and later in the day he told Jeff “it’s going to be beautiful tomorrow.  That is what they said on the Carousel of Progress!”  He was obviously listening and caught on to the song “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow!”  that is played during the “ride.” 

At Tony’s Ford liked that it was decorated with pictures from Lady and the Tramp.  As we finished dinner another little parade started right outside of the restaurant that we watched.  We rode some more rides before my mom, dad, Crews and I headed back to the resort.  Ford and his Dada got to spend a little more time in the park together, just the two of them.  They had a great time and I am glad they had that special time. 

Our trip was definitely a magical one.  Ford absolutely loves all things Disney.  I loved watching him with the characters and on the rides.  I loved seeing him stretch out his arms towards each character as he walked up to meet and hug them.  I loved that most characters also got a kiss from him as well.  I loved that he truly believes the Mickey he saw is the “real” Mickey and that there is only one.  I loved watching him on the rides whether it was one that he was so excited and happy to be on, or one that he was more cautious about.  The boy truly loved every minute of his Disney trip, even at the resort.  I loved that Crews was a sweet and pretty flexible baby.  I loved that he hardly fussed at all.  I loved spending time with my two little boys, Jeff and my parents.  It was just a great and special time and one that I am very grateful for!  Since getting back Ford has continued to play “Disney.”  From being the jungle cruise driver, to one of the bus drivers for the Magical Express Bus or one of the park buses, to putting on “Dreaming Shows” like we saw in front of the castle, our four-year old has used his great imagination to imagine he is back at one of his favorite places.  And he is already ready to go back…     

During our trip Jeff joked about how we looked like Gypsies.  Half of the time Ford wasn’t in his stroller, and if you look in the back you will see my Dad pushing Crews’s stroller, but Jeff carrying Crews.  However, even if the boys weren’t in their strollers, they came in handy to hold our stuff.

Waiting for our Magical Express Bus back to the airport

Day 3, Hollywood Studios

Day 3 started out with a delicious and extremely fun breakfast at Chef Mickey’s inside the Contemporary Resort.  We rode the monorail after taking a bus to the Magic Kingdom and Ford was happy to finally get to take a ride.  During breakfast Ford loved having his favorite characters come by our table.  He hugged every single one of them and gave many of them kisses as well.  Donald came by first and then Goofy.  Ford said “I love that Donald was so nice and that Goofy was funny!”  Many of the characters also said hello to Crews, who had started out the breakfast sleeping, but then woke up.  Crews was definitely trying to figure the characters out and  I love his facial expression in the picture below with Minnie.  We also were able to see Pluto, Mickey and Minnie during our breakfast.  We also were able to participate in the dance party.  Ford definitely had a blast and it was a great way to start our day. 

After our breakfast we hopped on the monorail to the transportation center and decided to go to Hollywood Studios.  That was the one park that we did not take Ford to last year so it was his first time.  We ran in to Tigger and Eeyore and then Ford was able to meet Jake (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates) and Handy Manny.  Then while I went to feed Crews everyone went to watch the Little Mermaid play/show.  Ford has never watched The Little Mermaid movie so was pretty unfamiliar with the story (although he does know “Ariel”).  He wasn’t a fan of the show as they apparently focussed more on the more frightening parts. 

After Little Mermaid we all watched the Disney Junior Live show which Ford enjoyed.  Then we decided to wait in line for the Toy Story Mania ride.  It was the longest wait we had our entire trip, but worth it.  Ford really wanted to ride it, and we are all glad we waited.  I was able to ride with Ford and Crews and we had so much fun.  The wait was 50 minutes and Ford did a great job in line.  During our four days in the parks we were very lucky with wait times.  It was definitely a great time to visit as the crowds were not bad at all.  Between short lines and using Fast Passes we really didn’t have to wait much at all, except for the Toy Story ride.  After riding Ford met Buzz and Woody before heading out to find Lightening McQueen and Mater.  He met both of the cars and then we decided to get a late lunch.  We lucked out and right as we sat down outside to eat the parade started.  It went right by the restaurant so we had a great view.    Ford was able to wave to some of his favorite movie characters, even seeing Remy from Ratatouille! 

After the parade Ford played on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground set.  He loved it!  I fed Crews and when I came back, he was still as happy as could be playing.  In fact, he was so happy we let him continue to play while Jeff and I had a roller coaster date to ride Rockin Rollercoaster.  We appreciated my parents watching the boys so we could ride one of our favorite rides together!  After riding we all met back up and decided to head home.  Ford decided he wanted to spend his evening on the playground at the resort rather than in the pool like the night before.  It was another fun day.   

Ford and Goofy:  http://youtu.be/kfHBRKZcsbU

Dance celebration at Chef Mickey’s:  http://youtu.be/rgvO_W9pyRc

Crews, Ford, and Pluto:  http://youtu.be/QTnkAv_2dZQ

Playing at Hollywood Studios:  http://youtu.be/gFs_3yYpiZY

Day 2, Epcot

On Saturday we headed out to Epcot.  It was a beautiful day, as were all of the other days we were there other than the first day.  We met up with the Everlys when we got there and all went on Spaceship Earth.  This was Ford’s first time to go on that ride as we skipped it last year.  He rode with Papa and ended up on Papa’s lap for the ride.  My dad said that it didn’t take long before he thought it was a good ride and wasn’t scared.  All of us grabbed breakfast together and then Jeff and Joseph rode Soarin while the rest of us went to Norway to ride the log ride.  After that it was time for me to say good-bye to go feed Crews while everyone else said good-bye as well.  Our family headed to the Coral Reef Restaurant for our lunch reservations while the Everlys finished a few things before leaving for the airport. 

Our lunch was awesome.  Ford loved the huge wall that was an aquarium and he even spotted a huge sea turtle.  And the food was incredible!  We rode on the Nemo ride, went into Turtle Talk with Crush, saw a few fish and the manatee and then headed on to Soarin using our fast pass.  Jeff, Ford and I rode first while Gramma and Papa waited with Crews.  After we rode the ride my parents took the infant rider swap card and were able to ride.  Crews was able to go on most of the rides with us, however, the ones that had a height minimum (like Soarin) he waited with one of us and then we were able to get an infant swap card which let the ones waiting back with Crews go on the ride without having to wait in the line.  We thought Ford would really like this ride as he loves to go on airplanes.  During the ride Ford sat between us and held my hand with both of his hands and let Jeff’s hand remain on his thigh.  He didn’t say he was scared, but after the ride he said he didn’t want to ride again even though he could have gone with Gramma and Papa.  We also went to Mexico to ride on the Three Caballeros boat ride which Ford loved.  It has Donald, who Ford loves, so it was a hit.  Before the ride Ford was able to actually see and hug Donald in Mexico which made him so happy.  The Mickey ice cream sandwhich he had as a snack also made him happy.  We then decided to head to the character meet and greet area so Ford could see more of his Mickey friends.  He loved seeing Mickey, (skipped Minney), Donald, Pluto and Goofy.  We then decided to head back to the resort, having an earlier end to our day in the park, so that Ford could go swimming.  There were four pools, two with slides, and even great parks too. So, we headed back “home” and Jeff, Ford and Papa headed to one of the pools with a slide where Ford had a blast going down the water slide.  It didn’t end up being an earlier to bed night for Ford, but definitely a great night for Ford.  Like day one, day two was awesome.  Crews continued to do great, but continued his trend of mainly napping in someone’s arms.  On our trip he did take a few naps in his car seat, but mainly in arms.  Crews also celebrated his four-month birthday on day two, January 28!          

Jeff trying to get Crews to take a nap.  Makes me laugh everytime I look at this picture. 

To see Ford meeting Mickey at Epcot:  http://youtu.be/DEvcOZBcSGQ

Seeing Donald: http://youtu.be/D47Ue6JBROs

Meeting Pluto:  http://youtu.be/uceOQY7Dbmk

Our Magical Trip, Day 1!

The last week in January we were lucky enough to get to go to Ford’s favorite place on earth…Disney World!  We met my parents in the Orlando airport on January 26.  We found really cheap tickets out of Charlotte and opted out of the 8 hour plus drive with a four-year old who doesn’t care for car trips, a Momma who isn’t a big fan of long drives either, and an almost four month old who most likely wouldn’t like it either and who would require frequent stops for feeding and diaper changing.  It was a very good decision as our trip there was very smooth. 

After meeting up with my parents we all boarded one of the “Magical Express” buses that took us to our resort, Saratoga Springs, or “Taradoga” or “Taradoda” Springs as Ford called it.  Ford was so excited to be on the bus and to be watching things about the Disney Parks on the TVs in the bus.  Ford decided rather quickly that he liked our hotel, as did the rest of us, and told Jeff multiple times “I like this place Dad!”  We had a two bedroom suite that had a kitchen, washer/dryer which came in handy a couple of times, and family room.  It was nice to have space for everyone.  The rooms even had pack-n-plays so we didn’t have to lug one for Crews.  My parents brought Ford’s mini blow up bed (that has “rails” of sorts built in) from their house which worked perfectly for him.  Once we checked in we were taken on a very big golf cart to our room.  Our luggage was unloaded and we headed out to Downtown Disney which was literally across the lake from our building.  We decided to go eat at Rainforest Cafe thinking Ford would love it.  Well, he loved the animals, but did not love the “rain storms” that came every thirty minutes, complete with “thunder.”  Oh well.  We had fun none the less and then found Ford a t-shirt to wear to Magic Kingdom the next day.  Ford did a great job picking out a fun Mickey shirt that also looks like a baseball jersey.  We were home for a decent bedtime so that we could get up Friday morning and head to the Magic Kingdom! 

Friday morning we headed out and got on a bus to the Magic Kingdom.  The first thing Ford wanted to do when we were inside the gates was to go see Mickey and Minnie.  So that is just what we did.  We spotted Mary Poppins, but Ford decided he didn’t want to wait in the line to meet her.  A few days before we left for our trip we checked out the movie “Mary Poppins” from the libaray.  Ford absolutely loved it and watched it twice in the two days before we left and was excited when he recognized her!  He wanted to know if the children, Jane and Michael were also there.  Then we ran into Pinocchio (who had a short line) so decided to meet him, before finding Pluto under the train station.  Ford was so happy to have not only started the day with Mickey, but also with his pal, Pluto. 

We headed down Main Street into Fantasy Land to start riding some rides.  Going to Disney when we did was great.  It was not very crowded at all and we didn’t have to wait long for rides.  The only down side was that quite a few things were closed for refurbishment, including Dumbo and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which Ford would have been tall enough for this year.  However, the lack of people was well worth missing out on a few rides!  Once in Fantasy Land we all rode on the Carousel and then Peter Pan, even Crews.  He rode most of the rides that day, sometimes sleeping in my arms, other times awake.  When we got off of Peter Pan we met up with the Everlys!  Yep, our friends the Everlys from Texas were also at Disney that week and we were able to overlap all day Friday, and then Saturday morning as well.  It was so fun to see them and especially fun for Ford to see Charlotte.  The two have always had a special friendship and it didn’t take long before they were holding hands, running around, laughing and just having a blast together as always.  We all went on It’s a Small World, the Tea Cups, and Winnie the Pooh.  It did end up raining that day as the weather had said and our ponchos came in handy not only to keep us dry, but the strollers as well.  Ford and Charlotte loved playing in the tree house that was in front of the Pooh Bear ride and were content there for quite awhile.  I left to go feed Crews in the Baby Care Center while everyone else went on the race car Speedway ride.  Ford rode with Papa and was so excited to get a “driver’s license” as he got off.  Each of the four parks has a baby care center, complete with a private room for moms who need to nurse their little ones, a room with lots of soft (and clean) changing tables, a place to buy baby items if needed etc.  They were so wonderful and made the times I had to feed Crews in the parks each day (two to three times depending on the day) much easier and relaxing. 

Next we headed to Adventure Land where they rode Aladdin’s Magic Carpets and then went on the Jungle Cruise.  Both Crews and Juliet were asleep in their Momma’s arms so Amanda and I were able to chat on a bench.  Ford and Charlotte continued to have a blast and were dancing their way through the park.   Literally.  If they weren’t holding hands walking, they were running and dancing after each other.  To catch a glimpse of what I am talking about go to:  http://youtu.be/L6CMiI8Onag and http://youtu.be/UlSL9JRtErY.

Over in Tomorrow Land they also went on the People Movers which they both liked, and then Buzz Lightyear.  We were able to see a “Dream Show” in front of the castle that had all of Ford’s favorite characters in it.  Since seeing that show Ford now puts on his own “Dreaming Show” at home and apparently at school as well.  We had dinner reservations for all ten of us at The Crystal Palace restaurant where Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore came by our table to say hello.  After quickly eating their meal Ford and Charlotte played around our table, continuing to have a fabulous time.  At one point Ford was playing ice cream parlor and taking our orders for what kind of ice cream we wanted.  Ford is notorious for asking what we want and then telling us they are all “out.” While playing ice cream Ford came up to my mom, put his hand on her forearm, looked at her and said “be sweet. be careful… for goodness sakes!”  We all burst out laughing as he was so serious when he said it to her and weren’t sure where he was pulling that from.   

After dinner I fed Crews while the rest of the group went on the People Movers and Buzz Lightyear again.  We met up in front of the castle to watch fireworks, but Ford decided he was OK to skip them and go home.  This didn’t surprise me as he is not a huge fireworks fan.  Although he likes to make loud noises himself, he doesn’t like hearing loud noises.  So we headed down Main Street and Ford was able to go pick out his new stuffed animal.  Since planning this trip back in October Ford said he wanted Pluto, and he stuck to his guns.  He walked in, found the Plutos on the shelf, grabbed one and was all set.  He was so happy to show his new Pluto to his Mickey back at the hotel.  I heard Ford introducing Pluto and telling Pluto that he would love all of the other friends back at home.  All in all, it was a great first day.  Ford told us “I love this place!”  And he really does.  Watching him there is so wonderful and it was fun to be able to go back. 

Magical Express!

Crews was excited about heading into The Magic Kingdom!

To see Ford and Charlotte on the Tea Cups go to:  http://youtu.be/QqmhG2_I6lY

One last getaway as a family of 3

On Friday night the three of us were able to have one last getaway before Peanut joins our family.  Jeff had a free night at a Marriott so we headed to Charlotte to swim, eat, spend a night at a hotel which Ford loves to do, and just have fun together.  We swam Friday before heading to P.F. Chang’s for a yummy dinner.  After dinner we were able to watch some of the TCU football game (Jeff watched all of it while Ford and I slept). Saturday morning we ate breakfast and watched some of Ford’s shows before heading down to the pool again.  Ford was a fish as always and it was great for Jeff to be able to see his latest tricks and swimming skills!  Ford loves to jump off the side of the pool or stairs (doing a belly flop dive of sorts) and swim to one of us.  He has gotten so great at kicking and sometimes even scoops his arms too.  He likes to play under the water and pretend to be a mermaid or dolphin and loved when Jeff would throw him in the air.  He is so much fun to watch.  After a long swim we headed upstairs to get ready and we watched some of College Game Day.  Ford decided he would watch his Backyardigans DVD from the library and use Momma’s big tummy as a nice back rest as he watched his show and we watched football.  For lunch we headed to Cheesecake Factory at the mall across the street and then went in a store or two before it was time to go.  After lunch Ford and I dropped Jeff off at the Panther’s stadium for the Gamecocks first football game which was later that evening and then drove back to Columbia (Jeff rode the staff bus back to Columbia after the game).  We had such a great time and were glad we were able to getaway one last time, just the three of us.  

To see some of Ford swimming go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih_IsWdQr54

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2IEj4Lnpbc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z71LdrhIBcs

Litchfield Beach

The weekend of August 5 our family headed to Pawley’s Island/Litchfield Beach for a long weekend of fun and relaxation.  We spent half the time with just the three of us and half the time our friends, the Scotts, were there with us.  It was the perfect combination of family time and having friends with us.  Although the weather called for scattered thunderstorms every day, we lucked out and it only rained during nap time or during the night.  One day it was completely overcast the entire day which turned out to be wonderful (nice and cool!).  We were able to get the same house we did last year with the Cranes and Ford was happy to be able to spend time on the hammock every day.  Ford and Jeff had some quality time together playing on the beach while Momma sat in the chair, usually in the water, trying to stay cool while watching the boys.  I was able to participate some, but definitely not like I could even earlier this summer.  Jeff and Ford built all kinds of sand castles, train stations, marinas, volcanoes etc.  They also flew a kite, played chase, went on the “buggie” board as Ford called it, and rolled in the waves.  The waves were pretty big and strong this trip (tropical storm Emily was occuring during our trip) so Ford wasn’t able to get in as far without holding on to someone.  He  loved being out there with Jeff and although I went out a few times with them, the waves were so strong I usually didn’t make it long before feeling like I was being tossed around too much (even with holding on to Jeff and Ford holding on to me).  We spent each morning on the beach and came back to the house for lunch and nap time.  Two evenings we went back to the beach.  On the overcast evening we went in our regular clothes and just walked and chased and raced.  Two afternoons we were able to catch the ice cream man which Ford loved.  We had such a wonderful time and are so thankful we were able to get away to the beach one last time as a family of three and create some more wonderful memories.    

Ready to “Race”

Riggs, Ford and Charlie enjoying a morning hammock swing

Ford and Dada covering Mommas feet

Colorado

Ford and I spent a week in Colorado while Jeff was in Texas visiting donors and attending meetings.  Ford was so excited to head out to Colorado.  Every day he talked about when he was going to Gramma and Papa’s and how he was going to be so happy to see Bailey.  In fact, he talked about it so much that his teacher at our church’s school camp that he went to for a total of five days knew where he was going, who he was going to see, how many airplanes he was going on, and through what airports we were flying.  The boy was excited.  The day before we left he walked right into class and immediately started telling Isabel that he was going on two airplanes in the morning to see Bailey and Gramma and Papa. 

On Thursday morning I had to wake Ford up a little early to get him ready to head to the aiport.  When I walked in he woke up, sat up in bed and excitedly said “I’m ready to go to the airport!!”  He was in a great mood and wide awake with excitement.  As always, our boy was an incredible traveller who was such a joy to be with.  He played a lot with his toy airplanes that we brought as well as some of his cars.  We flew through Chicago which Ford loves.  They have an awesome play place where he can pretend to be a pilot of the big airplane the kids can climb in, the pilot of a helicopter, he can drive the fuel truck, or “work” from the control tower.  The boy was in heaven and played non-stop the entire time we were there.  I had to pry him away to go grab lunch and head to our gate.  At the end of our second flight Ford told me (as he usually does) “I’m a good traveller!”  My mom met us at the airport and we headed to pick up Bailey from my dad’s work.  Ford and Bailey were equally excited to be reunited and ran up and down the halls and Ford threw the ball for Bailey before we headed home (my dad was with my grandma at a dental appointment).  Once we got home Ford had a ball looking at his new “big boy room” at Gramma and Papa’s and checking out all the toys.  He loved his new big boy bed (a toddler blow up bed with sides that act as rails to keep him in) that had sports-themed sheets and lots of stuffed animals sitting on top.  Papa came home not long after we arrived and Ford was excited that everyone was home to play for a bit before dinner. 

Friday morning Ford continued to play with all his toys, especially loving his football and goal post he had from Christmas.  After breakfast we headed to the park and enjoyed playing on the soft green grass.  Lots of golf and soccer and some swinging and climbing on the playground too.  Friday afternoon we headed over to see my Grandma and Ford showed G.G. his favorite cars and airplanes.  Ford also got to take Bailey to the dog park and he was able to help Papa throw the ball for Bailey to chase.  This is the first time Ford has been strong enough to get the ball out of the chucker by himself.  And he was pretty proud of himself.  Another fun stop that day was to a cute store where Ford “found” the cow he had been wanting “for weeks and weeks” as he told us.  It is the softest stuffed animal and one that Ford had literally picked out on line months ago when we were looking at possible animals for Peanut.  He saw the cow on the computer and told me he wanted it and from then on every so often he would remind me that he really wanted the cow.  Luckily Aba Tina had the cow, Gramma bought it for him, and he was so happy!  We also picked out Peanut’s animal, a very sweet monkey.  The rest of the trip Ford carried his cow around the house and of course cow was with him at naps and night-nights. 

Saturday morning we all went to the Farmer’s Market and picked out delicious fruit and veggies before going back home to play for a bit.  For lunch we went to NOSH and since it was Patio, Pools and Pups day Bailey got to join us.  Ford loves going to this.  There are so many friendly dogs running around and playing and jumping in the kiddie pools to cool off.  The food is great too, but Ford especially loves the “pups” and “pools” part.  He got to jump in the pools too (feet only) and loved getting in and out of the pool with Bailey and throwing Bailey a ball to chase.  After his nap my dad, Ford and Bailey went to the dog park for a bit again.

Sunday Ford was up pretty early and it was so nice and cool out that we went for an early morning dog park trip before hitting Starbucks and a doughnut shop.  Once the zoo was open we headed there.  Ford’s favorite was the fast carousel (no surprise there) that he got to ride twice.  His least favorite were the three peacocks that we of course ran into.  Ford is deathly afraid of peacocks.  It is the craziest thing.  He will talk about Gramma and Papa’s zoo and then will always say “I do not want to see the peacocks.”  Well, they roam freely and we were just lucky enough to run into all three!  One of them had their feathers completely out and was gorgeous, but Ford fell apart as we had to walk by.  Even with Papa holding him in his arms and racing by the peacock Ford freaked out a tad.  Ford was definitely in a more sensitive mood that day which didn’t help.  Poor guy.  We got to see G.G. before naps and this time Ford brought his new construction tractors.  Another fun activity at the house that he loved was playing and “building” in the dirt on the deck.  My mom left a big rectangle planter empty for Ford to be able to play in the dirt.  He loved it!  He brought his cement truck and tractor out there and his shovels and rakes and would build and build.  The planter was the perfect height for him too.  Such fun to be a boy with dirt at your disposal!  After dinner the weather was so nice all of us (including Bailey) went down to the park for a bit.  It was so wonderful and Ford loved it. 

Monday we spent playing at home for the most part.  Ford enjoyed building with his legos, playing ball, and he even painted with pudding (and tasted it as he painted).  It was a relatively low key day that Ford really enjoyed. 

Sleeping with his new cow

Tuesday morning my mom and I took Ford to see Winnie the Pooh at the movies!  It was his first time to go to the movie theatre and it was the perfect movie for him to see.  It was only an hour and was a sweet and easy to follow movie.  Ford really enjoyed it!  He also enjoyed the popcorn and skittles he was treated to as well.  After seeing the movie we went home and Ford was able to swim in his pool out on the deck.  He kept going “under water” and then popping up out of the water with wide eyes and smiles.  He enjoyed kicking and splashing and playing with some of his bath toys.  He also had lunch poolside which was not so shabby.  That afternoon we went to visit G.G. again with Papa.

Wednesday my dad took Ford to the mall to play on the indoor climbing/play place that he loves.  Apparently he played extremely hard, met a friend or two, and had a blast.  They took a break to eat lunch at Chick-fil A before returning to play some more.  My mom and I ran a couple errands while they were at the mall and met up with them once they were back at the house and Ford was already asleep for a nap. 

Thursday morning the four of us headed back to the zoo.  Ford was in a great mood and loved everything at the zoo!  We tried to steer clear of the peacocks but he saw a couple, but didn’t fall apart.  He was so much braver than he was on our first visit.  Ford was able to ride the carousel again and the most exciting thing for him was the train was open.  Not only did he get to ride, but he got to sit in the front and “drive” it.  Made the boys day. 

While we were in Colorado my parent’s basement was being worked on.  It is now finished and will be the perfect play area for Ford.  He got to test it out a couple times after the workers were gone and loved it.  He and Bailey chased eachother around the empty room, played ball, and Ford even got to ride a bike.  The basement will be wonderful, especially in the winter when it isn’t so fun to be running around outside as much as it is in the summer.

We had a great trip and enjoyed the cooler, dryer weather and being with family.  It was a little strange knowing it was our last trip with just me and Ford.  Next time we travel Peanut will be with us!  I am thankful Ford and I were able to get away together one last time.

Getaway to Myrtle Beach

The weekend of July 8-10 our family went to Myrtle Beach.  We stayed with a friend who has an incredible resort like pool right on the intra-coastal waterway.  It was gorgeous!  The pool also had a water slide which Ford soon grew to love!  It took seeing his Dada go down it once before he said he wanted to go too, and took maybe two or three slides with his Dada before he wanted to go by himself!  We had his life jacket for when we went on the boat and it came in handy for the water slide as well!  He had so much fun going down the slide over and over and over again.  He loved being in the pool swimming and diving for his Toy Story and Cars dive sticks.  Ford also enjoyed the wade-in area of the pool.  Both mornings we ate our breakfast outside and spent the mornings swimming until lunch time (and until nap time on Saturday).  Sunday afternoon we took a long boat ride after lunch (and Ford actually fell asleep for a bit on the ride) before having to pack up and head home.  It was such a fun and relaxing weekend and was so nice to getaway together.

To see Ford on the water slide go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScmY0rYYDsg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVxe0jjbp6o

Fun at Karin’s

A week ago Tuesday I picked up Ford from camp and we drove down to Mt. Pleasant to see Karin.  Ford was excited to see her and Logan (her sweet and huge Great Dane), and to go to the beach and pool.  We decided to hit the beach shortly after we arrived.  It was overcast for most of our time there and although we thought it might rain, it stayed dry and cool!  Perfect beach weather.  Ford and Karin made some castles in the sand and then Ford hit the water.  The boy loves the ocean.  He loves running in and out of it and laughing and smiling the entire time.  He is so much fun to watch.  After tiring himself out he went back to digging and then decided he needed a “moat” so he kept filling up his bucket with water and hauling it back to his “castle” area and dumping the water out.  I wish I had counted how many times he did this.  He was so determined and was content bringing bucket after bucket over to where we were and dumping it on the sand.  Before leaving we went back in the water for a bit and then headed back to Karin’s for dinner and bedtime.  After Ford was asleep Karin and I watched what ended up being the last game of the College World Series.  It was fun to have a friend to watch and cheer with.  Wednesday morning we played at Karin’s for a bit before heading to the community pool.  When we arrived we were the only ones there which was great.  Ford loved showing Karin how he goes under water to “swim” to me and how he dives (with my help) for his Toy Story Dive sticks.  Ford has really loved swimming lately and we have been trying to go to the gym pool often so he can practice and have fun (and it feels awesome for me to be in the pool too).  After swimming we headed back to the house to get ready and packed up and headed back to Columbia to pick up Jeff at the airport.  It was a fun, but short, trip and we are thankful we were able to see Karin and to do such fun things together. 

It was a little windy so Ford kept holding on to his hat, afraid it was going to blow away