DISNEY!!!!!

First, we arrived around 11 AM at Weeki Wachee, FL, the city of Mermaids. They have real LIVE mermaids. It is about 2 hours outside of Disney. Gabriella enjoyed the shows and boat ride. At this point she still had no idea about Disney, she thought we drove all that way to see the Mermaids.







After a fun day of Mermaids we headed towards Disney and Gabriella passed out in the car and slept the whole way. We stopped to eat and then headed to the resort. When driving through the gates she knew. Gabriella doesn't quite know to read yet, BUT she does recognize symbols and logos. So when we went through the gates of the resort she knew. Of course I did the video camera wrong but I did get a clip of us driving to the hotel.

We're at Disney World!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPyMojMDVJI





We got up early again Sunday morning, Gabriella's Birthday, and headed to the Magic Kingdom. I think Brian and I were so giddy. My heart was racing with excitement. We try to do it all in the two days we spent there. We had lunch at Cinderella's Round Table, AMAZING! Totally worth it. Gabriella met all of the Princesses, got a wand and a Wishing Star. The food was incredible! I wish I took pictures of our 3 courses that was included, simply delicious! I am going to do a character meal again, whenever the next time will be, it was perfect!












I think we got most of the big name charcter autographs and pictures. We did miss Pluto and Daisy.






Gabriella did pretty good about not being too scared. We did have to leave before the Tiki Birds came on, because she was scared, but we returned later and she loved it. That was pretty much the case for anything she did not know the outcome, except the parade and fireworks. Gabriella wanted nothing to do with those events.

Gabriella on Goofy's Barnstormer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E2z04co2xw

Gabriella on Tea Cup
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QTk9WCQeNE

It was so hot! We were only there from Saturday-Tuesday and all of us went through all of our clothes, showered or bathed at least 2-3 times a day. Not only was it HOT, it did rain everyday, which is normal for Florida. We only got caught in it once, the other times we were back at the room resting.








The last morning we rode the Ferry Boat and the Monarail around to Epcot, so Gabriella could see the giant Spaceship Earth. After that we headed back home. It is two days after our return and I am still tried for the trip. All and all, FATASTIC time. I can't wait to share more memories with Brayden when he is old enough.

Happy Birthday Gabriella!!!!

My "baby" girl is 4! Gabriella is 4 Already!!! I really cannot believe it! WOW, time does go fast! Every seasoned mom out there will tell you, in those first weeks of parenthood, when you can hardly keep your eyes open, that time will go by fast. Yes, they were so right!

We will hit the pediatrician next week for her 4 year check. That should be interesting, at Brayden's 18 month check she told Dr. Gadea that she "hit and scream and run away" if she gets shots. Oh joy, something I am going to really enjoy! I will post physical stats later.

Some of Gabriella's current likes/loves...Princess Tiana, singing in the car and all POP music, trying to spell words, read books with the help of mom & dad, dancing, ballet (always practicing ballet), Brayden, socializing with friends, fairies, princesses, puzzles, board games, swimming (the girl is a fish), goldfish, chocolate milk, pizza, key lime yogurt, and her favorite colors right now are pink and purple.

Gabriella celebrated a birthday week instead of a birthday. First, some of our Pool Tuesday gang help celebrate with pizza, cake and swimming. A really casual not really thought out party. Gabriella didn't notice, she was just happy to have friends swimming at her pool.



Later in the week we had the family celebration. Our guests, Mimi & Poppy, Cici, Grandma, and even Auntie Lou showered the little princess with wonderful gifts and love.



We did the small week long celebrations because we celebrated Gabriella's birthday by surprising her with a trip to Walt Disney World. Brian, Gabriella and I headed out the door 4 AM Saturday morning. "Little Guy" Brayden stayed back with Mimi, Poppy, & Auntie Lou. What an amazing trip! The moments and memories Brian and I shared with Gabriella will forever be cherished.

Happy Birthday Olivia!!!

Yesterday was Gabriella's cousin, wink, wink, Olivia's 4th birthday. What a better day than to spend it at the GA Aquarium. The Vo Family, Mimi, & the kids and I enjoyed the day by walking (Brayden running) around and enjoying the views. Thank goodness for Mimi, because Brayden was all over the place, hence the Monkey on his back. Poor guy, at 18 months, it is really hard to have a lot of patience and look at the sights and really take his time.


MiMi & Brayden, hope she wasn't too tired after chasing him all around





MiMi sliding down the slide trying to convince G & O to come down, unsuccessful!



Brayden 18 mos, Olivia 4(11 days older than G), Brenden 19 mos (3 wks older than B), Gabriella 4 on 8-22


Thao & I, hard to see but oh well!

Water, Water, Everywhere!

We enjoyed last Saturday morning at Riverside Park, in Roswell. They have two awesome playgrounds that both of the kids really enjoy and then the park also has a splash area. Great way to beat the heat at 10 AM on a Saturday morning. Our free Saturdays as a family are coming to an end with football season approaching quickly.

18 Month Pictures

We went to have Brayden's 18 month pictures taken today. Of course I had to buy more than one pose but I think they turned out great.

Gabriella ON A BOAT!!!!

This past Sunday we made a special trip to Lake Lanier with Gabriella in tow, compliments of Justin and Kempten. They were so nice to invite Brian and I as well as Gabriella.

This trip could go two ways, Gabriella loving the boat & lake and having the time of her life, or completely the opposite. Thankfully she loved it!!!! At first when leaving the marina she became very nervous with the waves in the no wake, but once out in more open water she enjoyed herself. Brian and I were very pleased with the whole experience and also we were some proud parents!

Thanks Justin and Kempten for a memorable day!



Kempten & Gabriella, driving the boat

18 months old...Where has the time gone?

18 months old...Where has the time gone? I will tell you. Toting around a very active and social 3, almost in a couple of weeks, 4 year old and her very energetic brother. Brayden is 18 months old today. We went to the doctir for his well check. Everything is great.

STATS

Weight 28 lbs 8 oz 75%
Height 34.25 in >95%
Head 19 in 55%

Words & phrases
mamma, mommmeeee, dadeeee, siseeeee (sister), mimiiiii, poppiiiiii, cici, papa, granma, shoes, coo coo ( Cici's coo coo clock). cook (cookie), crack (cracker), gofish (goldfiosh), ouuside (outside), that, what is that?, this, waa waa (water), down (w/a pointing motin), tha oooo (thank you)...and many more just cannpt think right now

He understands everything, I mean everything you tell him. He is a great listener. Today I made him throw his own diaper in the trashcan. He was so proud when he came back to sit in my lap.

I think this child, but I am sure I will be wrong, will be easier to potty train. He already sits and tells me what he want to do, so now I have to be consistent and just do it. I have no idea what to do with a little boys sprinkler. I am sure it will be a learning process for all of us.