Where, oh where have we been?

Family vacation: Jon and I always joke that we could spend a week at a local hotel,and the kids would be happy as clams and content to swim in the pool and ride the elevator to the ice machine. One day, we are going to try it, but this year we drove south along the coastline just a few miles to get away. Its tempting when you take a break from the demands of life to pretend all those expectations and responsibilities won't be waiting to devour you upon your return. This same time last summer I spent at least part of our vacation feeling like someone was missing and mourning his absence. Don't think it didn't cross my mind several times again as we were all finally together on this year's family journey. I caught myself smiling over and over as I reflected on the faithfulness of our God. (Count it all joy, right?)

Taking a break. Landon,Wilson, Austyn and Stephen had a blast walking on the boardwalk, going to Ripley's Believe or Not (Wilson's taste in fun) and visiting a sandwich shop that Jon and I used to visit as children.

Check out those socks! I love my girl and her lack of concern for what others thought as she was sportin' tie-dye red socks with leather flip-flops. Now, I also know that you are jealous that you were not able to attend the annual Snead's Ferry Shrimp Festival that she was wearing these great socks to... Well, we were fortunate and managed to attend. Next year, you should join us. Who knew shrimp could be cooked so many ways?

One of the hazards of having friends with a large family: taking up the entire space you are visiting. Here, the Lucas kids and the Murray children are all enjoying a day at the beach on Camp Lejeune. This particular area of the beach is reserved for officers only. My friend Julia (also known as Mrs. Lt.Colonel Murray) was gracious enough to allow us to accompany her family. We were honored and felt like celebrity :-) Gracias, mi amigo!



Nothing special here. I just love this shot of Wilson sailing through the air. I remember when I used to be able to send him flying, too. Hmmmm..what happened? Don't answer that.

Anyhow, we have certainly been busy and when we have a spare moment we will try to catch you up on all of the many happenings with the "never a dull moment" family.

We have missed you. Where have you been?

More SB fun...

This is turning into the sermon that spans the season. Here are just a few more clips from our much needed travels back to the place we have called home for most of our lives. These photos are just pieces of what we did during the middle of the week. One might think that sweet Maia spent the whole time with us...Stephen just loved her and we took LOTS of photos. Of course, I sure did not mind spending time squeezing her and telling her how happy we are since she joined the Edmisten family.

We also spent a wonderful morning at my grandmother's home. The kids always love to see their MeMe. It reminds me of when I was a child. I loved to go visit my great-grandmother's house because there was so much to do. She had great places to explore and even better stories to tell about the treasured things in her home. The same is true for them...they had a wonderful time just visiting and exploring the backyard. We love you, Meez.

Stephen and Maia sliding (sort of..)

My sister just started a new business (bleaching teeth) inside the mall. We were so excited to finally be able to check out her set up. The kids begged me everyday to just go and hang with her while she worked. I finally figured out that they had the 4-1-1 on the video game store. She has gotten to know the owners quite well and they have allowed Ethan to spend a good deal of time playing computer games... It took me a moment to catch on..see, they thought I was just going to drop them off and let them veg out while playing video games endlessly. Sorry, not happening. :-) Her kiosk is probably the cutest and most inviting one I have seen in some time. Go Mel, go!!

Getting sugar from Maia

She must have kissed him twenty times. It was the sweetest thing, for now :-0

Dana refers to Joy and me as her "detergent friends".

I also managed to spend an evening alone with some of my friends (Mika, Liz, Cheryl and Julie). We ate dinner together and laughed until we cried. It did my heart so good to see them again and actually spend time catching up with them. When I returned, the kids were still awake..my poor mother had shown them such a fun evening that they couldn't wait to tell me all about it. Yikes!

Spring Break continued....

Here are a few more highlights from our trip back "home".

Tuesday Austyn and I took Stephen to the local Korean restaurant since we do not have anything resembling one in our small city. He managed to eat until he was sick. Poor baby. He was in heaven. I have really grown to love not only the Korean culture, but the cuisine as well. On the way out the door we purchased a big package of pickled radishes and Stephen Baby (his new name for himself) was all smiles. Once they were opened..we had to purchase an air freshener. P-U! From there we swung by the adoption agency to meet a few of my co-workers that had not met the radish eater in person. Naturally, he wrapped each one around his little finger and was just a doll.

When evening fell, we found ourselves visiting with Aunt Mary and Madison and Hampton, affectionately known as Mae and Hamp.

It has been quite a while since we had visited with them, and the kids were beyond excited.

We celebrated some of the birthdays that had passed in the recent months. Mary made one of her scrum-delicious cakes and was quite the hostess.

It was so good to see each one of them again and introduce them to their newest cousin as well.

For some reason I am hearing the words..."...now they work for me. My name is Charlie."

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It doesn't take Wil and Hamp long to pick right up where they left off...they are truly great pals..and wiseguys :-)

One must not forget that the evening should end in a pretty good talent show of sorts involving some whimsical clothing changes and several Hannah or Troy/Gabriella tunes. These girls were hilarious and we thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment.

Thank you Mae and Hamp. We miss you!!

PS. Mary, I am so sorry about that tree (don't ask..it involves a little misfortune involving Wilson and his inability to hang upside down from small branch for very long)

Spring Break Visit-a-thon

There's no place like home....

The kids and I have just returned from a week long visit to Grammy and Papaw's house (over the river and through the woods in April, no doubt). We had sure been missing them and were looking forward to spending the week with them. How wonderful it was for the kids to have some much needed time off from school (Spring Break 2008)... We actually had time to visit with some friends and family that we miss so dearly these days. Believe it or not, after all of the running around, we still did not manage to squeeze in all of those that are so precious to us.
I had an itinerary all set up just to make sure not one moment was wasted. The verdict is still not in on whether or not we actually accomplished this goal...I mean, hey, there were four kids to dress and feed every time we left the house. We had an absolute ball and thoroughly exhausted ourselves in a good kind of way (?) I wish you could have seen little Stephen jumping right in on the action and going with the flow...it was as if he could sense that all of these people and places were familiar to us and that was enough for him. Amazing.
I have decided not to chronicle the whole journey, but figured I would share at least few highlights from each day. Words cannot express how happy it made us to be around those who bring us so much joy...it was so nice to be "home" for a short time.

Dinner at the beach with the Thompsons and a walk on the pier.

Like father, like sons...Jon and the boys "check out" the sharks that were being caught in Emerald Isle.

First Stop: The Wooten's

Oh how I miss my Mariel. Such a wonderful hostess. Breaking bread with her family was a neat treat on the way into town on Sunday.

....some of the boys take 5. We managed to squeeze in some "girl talk" even though there were 8 boys and 2 girls running about.

Austyn getting some hugs on our first quick stop to see sweet Maia Faith.

Monday night: Papaw Gary's new place. His bachelor pad was equipped with six new puzzles that kept the littles entertained. Stephen's was a small Disney "Cars" puzzle..Perfect. You would never know Papaw Gary had only met Stephen briefly one other time. Good call, grandpa!

That's it for Sunday and Monday! Sheesh...I am already tired just reliving it.

Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg

Over the Winter break our family took a little adventure to Williamsburg, VA. We were on a mission to scope out this indoor waterpark that my kids had been hearing about from the neighbors. The kiddos had a five day weekend from school, daddy took a few days vacation (boy, did he need it!), we packed up the vehicle and we were off to Virginia. This is the second year in a row we have suprised all of the children with a mini vacation. They had no idea where we were headed until they got in the car. It makes it all the more fun. The idea of wearing a bathing suit in January, however, was not a happy thought for me, though. :-)

The Great Wolf Lodge

Meeting the Bear Cub!

Dad and his royal subjects learning the rules to the Magic Quest treasure hunt. They were each issued a wand and a treasure map to complete throughout the lodge.

Each room is fashioned after a lodge with sort of a "Northern Exposure" motif. Our room included a bunk bed in this wolf den cave complete with a flat screen for the kiddos. I can't believe all six of us fit comfortably in such a small space...it was a wonderful "together" feeling and I should get fairly used to it, I suppose.

From the lobby

Cozy Resting Spot

Water Fun (In January, no doubt!)

Stephen loved the water. I am not sure if he has ever been swimming, because he had no fear and no concept of drowning for the first few moments. His ability to swim (or not) developed so much over the week, that you could almost witness the learning process second by second. Each of the kids took turns giving their brother a ride in the wave pool or on the "big boy" slides.

I am not sure, but I think this photo captured turn number 999 on this slide in the kiddie area. His first few times we were there to catch him, and once he figured out how to stay upright at the bottom..he was hooked on sliding alone and saying "yay!" each time.

Landon taking her turn on the surfing machine..I always love the way she will try anything that resembles adventure (wonder where she gets this? Hmmm..) The strength of the current was fascinating and would literally throw an adult male backwards up the slope. I could have watched the kids on this one the whole time.

One, two, three, four...yes, they are all present and looking cuter and wetter than ever!

Tons of Crafts

The girls had a blast with all of the crafts that were available in the Cub Club room. We spent an entire morning in there one day. They made lotion, colored t-shirts and backpacks and even tye-dyed a pillow case (which turned out nice). The staff was very helpful and super kid friendly.

Taking time out to rest a moment before the evening fun!
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We spent one day in Jamestown, VA visiting the museum and the ships that landed there (we had to squeeze some type of education about our country in there, ya know?) Here, the kids are posing in front of all the state flags..hard to believe how far we have come since 1607.

Needless to say, the snow on the ground and the thirty something degree weather made for one miserable three year old. By mid afternoon, he was "hanging on" to daddy and ready for a nap.

We learned so much that day. They fought all the way there to go back and swim, but once we got into the tour they were in the front of the line with their attention glued to the guide and speakers. We even had a pop quiz in the car on the way home (once we defrosted!). It was a wonderful memory for our family.

Vacation, part II

The Peabody, Orlando, Florida

Our first thoughts upon arrival in Orlando were "Oh no, we should have never left Sanibel". What a world of difference! Fortunately, we were staying at the Peabody Hotel and the kids got a huge kick out of the ducks swimming in the lobby. That is what this hotel is known for..the ducks are paraded in and out of the fountain in the lobby by way of a red carpet leading to the elevator. It is a huge deal, complete with honorary duck guests.

Over the past few days we have worn ourselves out on Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet-n-Wild and Sea World, oh yes, and any kind of amusement park food or paraphernalia. No, we did not do any Mouse House activities..we were just here in February for a long weekend and decided not to visit Walt and his magical kingdom.

We did, however, meet our oldest daughter's request to take her to Downtown Disney so she could check out Planet Hollywood. She had never been and had a blast. Yep, we are her favorite parents for right now, tomorrow we will resume the meanest parents role. Right where we usually are...

Taking a break outside the Bubba Gump Shrimp store.

Definition of precious: When your seven year old son thinks that the dinosaur sounds in Jurassic Park are really coming from some plant eaters in the laboratory behind the high fences and foliage.

Knee boarding! Landon was our adventurer at Wet N Wild. She is shown here kneeling just before her zip cord came jerking her off this platform. She was so brave, she just sat there and rode that puppy clear around to the buoys. She was the youngest one attempting this for sure and the smallest..the guide let her go even though she was just shy of the height requirement. My camera battery died just as she pulled away..of course!

Here is Austyn smiling as she catches a mean wave!

OKAY. You have to grasp this whole concept. We are in a kiddie play area in Camp Jurassic. My husband and the kiddos are missing on the lower level and here is where I found them. Jon and Wilson are SOAKING wet and firing water out of these guns down below on Austyn and Landon and some other innocent children. It got to be such a war that the boys from down below would come up and kick more water on Jon just to get him back. They had water guns as well, but just could not compete with the sharpshooting ex-Marine! I had to stand on a wall just to snap the photo and not drench my camera. I was ducking in and out watching for angry parents and just waiting for some kid to start screaming and crying in protest!

Did someone say Parrot head? Here is the ending to the last post's title. Once I managed to get this crew out of the water war..we headed for some dry ground at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. We figured it only fitting since we had just been to Paradise. It was a great way to end our perfectly exhausting day and besides, we were sure it was 5 o'clock somewhere.

This photo was taken especially for our neighbor. Remember Dickie? Well, when we first moved to Jacksonville, he would show up at our door wearing any number of costumes, and most of the time he was Captain America. It got to be a joke at our house. When the doorbell would ring, we would say "Wilson, its Captain America, he would like to play with you". Precious memories. It is only fitting that we honor him in this way. We love you, Richard (Dickie :-))!

Anyway, we had a wonderful time and we are exhausted to say the least. Can't wait to be home and see our furry family again.