DC Here We Come

On Thursday I went to Washington D.C. with my fifth grade class. It was so much fun! We saw Mount Vernon and The Arlington cemetery on Thursday. Then on Friday we saw a lot! We looked at Jefferson, Lincoln, World War 2 and Vietnam Veterans monuments. Fords theater and the Peterson house. It was weird to be in the same room were the President died. There was too much to see for just one day, but over all it was really fun.

Up Up and Away

Madison and Emma had the opportunity to go up in a hot air balloon during their Family Fun Night at school. The wait was long and the ride short but they had lots of fun. Special treat for Madison because this is her last year in elementary school.

April Fun

We have had a very fun Easter/Spring Break Vacation. It started out with a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. Shortly after that we got to enjoy our shortened Spring Break (due to some unexpected snow days.) We got to go to the N.C. Zoo. It was the first time I had ever been. The girls had gone as part of their 2nd grade field trip. We had lots of fun I had my four plus Maddy brought a friend and we meet up with Emma's friend Katie and her family. What a big zoo! It is probably the most spread out zoo I have ever been to. Lots of walking, the kids were exhausted after our big day but not to tired to stop off for some milkshakes and slushies at Sonic.
The Saturday before Easter we went to some friends house for an Easter Egg hunt and BBQ. They just bought a new house with lots of land so the kids had lots of room to run and look for eggs. By this time Easton had gotten the hang of the whole Easter egg candy thing and enjoyed helping prepare for the hunt. He probably spent 20 minutes (more than any of the other kids) helping me stuff the eggs with candy. He does LOVE candy. He's a fan!! Easter day was great, the Easter bunny was good to everybody. We enjoyed going to church and dressing up in our new clothes. It was nice to spend some time reflecting on the real reason we celebrate this holiday. This gift does not come stuffed in an egg or taste like chocolate but is the best gift of all and for that we are so grateful!!

Graham turns 5

The day after we got home from Disney we celebrated Graham's 5th birthday. A big year ahead for him starting kindergarten and all. He keeps asking me what 5 year olds get to do, go to bed later, walk to the park on their own? So far for him I am afraid 5 has been very similar to 4. He keeps trying though.

Disney World

We headed off to Disney World for a little rest and relaxation, ok maybe not a whole lot of rest or relaxation but we did have a lot of fun. We went to Disney for a whole week and had a blast. Easton got to meet his favorite character Mickey Mouse, Graham got to go on Buzz Lightyear, Maddy went on the thrill ride Expedition Everest (and yes I did say Maddy), and Emma got to see Tinker Bell fly. Jason and I had the joy of watching the kids enjoy themselves and we had some fun along the way too.
It was a little cold when we first got there about 39 degrees in the morning so we would wear our winter coats into the park but towards the middle of the week we were enjoying 80 degree Florida weather. The Park wasn't too crowded but we did hit the beginning of Spring Break for the Mid-west it appeared. Lots of Canadians too. Over all the lines weren't bad about a 20 minute wait on average unless you fast passed, and thank goodness for that system. What I did learn, for all of those who are planning on going to Disney with small children, is to explain to your children that they will have to wait in line before they can get on the rides. Graham in particular had a hard time with this. Towards the end of the week he was starting to catch on. As we were leaving Orlando Jason and I patted ourselves on the back to congratulate ourselves for successfully taking 4 kids to Disney World. Check!! Thank you Grandpa for the accommodations and Marmee for all your help.