We had one of the most memorable vacations last week. (I actually think this was the first vacation we've ever taken as a family, it gave me a glimpse of all the fun that we are going to have in the years to come). Scott was on spring break and it so happened our good friend Justin had his spring break on the same week, so we headed to Cleveland to hang out with the Heaton's (Justin, Stacey & Jack). We had such a relaxing and fun vacation! Justin and Stacey are such fun hosts. It's so nice to hang out with friends that you feel so comfortable with...every time we get together we have such a great time. We kept busy just the right amount and we were able to also relax...the best part of it all was being able to spend the whole week with Scott!!! It's so nice when he's home and doesn't have to worry about school. The kids and I love the time we get to spend with him! We did all sorts of FUN stuff while we were there...we got there Friday evening and we just hung out until very, very late...not such a good idea when you have 3 little kids that wake up early in the morning...but nonetheless, it was fun to catch up with Justin and Stace...On Saturday, we went to the zoo and rainforest, which the kids LOVED! Brielle was asleep for the first part and then woke up and enjoyed seeing all the cool animals...Braden and Jack were up the whole time and they both had a lot of fun watching the orangutans...
I love going to places like the zoo with children...I think it's such a great opportunity to expose them to real animals which they read about but then they get to actually see them...it's so exciting for them and so fun to watch their reactions...the orangutans put quite the show for us! Jack and Braden were definitely entertained!
It turns out that most of the pictures we took of our trip were of Braden and Jack...those two are sure cute!
Eating lunch after Church on Sunday...and Justin making faces...:) ha ha ha! this is one of the FEW picture we have of the adults...and the ONLY one I look half descent in...Scott is taking the picture...
Later that day, we went to a Bronze Sculpture Exhibit at the Kirtland Visitor Center. All I have to say is that it was AMAZING!!!! Every time I go to Kirtland it's always so spiritual. I just found out that the exhibit will be coming to Washington D.C.! We will definitely go see this exhibit again! Anyway, right outside the Visitor Center there is this little red building...I had to take some pictures of the kiddos in front of it! Brielle was really feeling a lot of love for her brother at that moment...wish it was always that way...it was pretty cute.
My Scottie and Braden getting ready to go play at the indoor water park.
On Monday, we headed to Sandusky, Ohio to the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. We had such an amazing time!!! We all enjoyed it so much! Both Scott and I think this was so worth it! We got there mid-afternoon, played for a few hours, went to dinner and stayed the night at the lodge, then played the next day until about 2pm, we could have stayed longer but we were all exhausted! Playing in the water and making sure kids don't drown sure takes a lot of energy!!!:) But it was a blast! All of this fun was $100 per family, which if you ask me it's an awesome deal! Water park and hotel for one night both included, you can't beat it!
This little guy absolutely LOVED the water! He played hard the whole time we were there and cried when we left...Needless to say, Brielle and Braden were out on the drive back to Cleveland!
They were worn out!!
This is how much they've changed...this picture was taken last year in July on our way to D.C... and this is them now...just a week ago:
Are these 3 children ADORABLE or what? I can't resist but post a bunch more pictures of these three...my posts are always long anyway...what's a few more pictures right? of adorable, squeeeezable children...:)
And last but not least Braden showing us his belly...:) isn't he squeeezable?
Thanks for a fun vacation Justin & Stace! We had a blast!
Oh! and I also have a Brielle story: this happened a few days ago...
Braden did something naughty (I can't remember what he did right now) but Scott told him that he needed to go in time out. Brielle was right there and said to Braden: "Bwaden, you need to go in time out right now!" and then turns to me and says, "Can I put him in time out! I know how to do it!"
