Putnam County Fair...

The fair was in town last week and of course that made me very happy. I have loved the fair for as long as I can remember. When I was younger as soon as the fair people would get to town I would beg my mom just to drive by the fairgrounds so I could see it being put up. I guess I just love all the lights and noise. It's always nice for there to be something going on in town.

This year was really the first year that Kady was able to ride everything. Her absolute favorite thing was the giant slide. She climbed those stairs and went down the slide over and over. Her other favorite ride was the Ferris wheel. The overview picture was taken from the top of the Ferris wheel. I also rode the Ferris wheel with Eli & Luke and they all really enjoyed it. My favorite part...FUNNEL CAKES! That's always my last stop at the fair. I get a funnel cake to go and take it home and enjoy it. Another fun year at the fair and I'm already looking forward to next year.

Twilight DVD...

I went to Wal-Mart last Friday night at midnight to get my copy of Twilight. I had my movie and was back in the car by 12:15AM. The store was crazy and I loved being in the middle of the action.

The movie is good but not nearly as good as the book. The book has so much detail and you get way more involved in the characters. The movie leaves a lot of that and gives you the bare minimum of all the people involved.

I have already watched the movie a few times and also got Jamie and my Mom to watch it. They both enjoyed it. The extra features on the bonus DVD are also interesting. There is a seven part documentary that details all the major scenes in the movie along with lots of interviews with the cast.

I already can't wait to see the next movie - New Moon - in November!

Cruise...Part 4

We had such a good time on our cruise! Kady turned out to be no trouble at all and we are already looking at another cruise to go on.

In our room she had a bed that folded down from the wall and had a ladder. She thought this was the best thing ever. Climbing the ladder and then jumping down to our bed kept her busy 50% of the time. The first night we got back home Kady said she didn't want to sleep in her bed she wanted to sleep in the cruise bed.

I still have to get my formal pictures scanned so I can post them.

Cruise...Part 3

On this cruise we had two "fun days at sea". We don't really mind the days at sea because it gives you an opportunity to explore the boat and relax. Our particular boat had a special water area for kids called Waterworks. This was a splash area that was about ankle deep with several spouts and spickets that squired and dumped water. There were also smaller slides just for little kids. It was great for Kady because she could splash around without us worrying about her in a pool. We were at the water park most of the days at sea with her.

During our cruise it was the first week of college spring break so there were a lot more young people on the boat than the normal older crowd. All of the college kids at the table across from us commented every night on Kady's dresses and bows. Kady ate up the attention and smiled and waved at all the boys. One boy even asked if he could take a picture with her. Guess she gets that from her mama. ha ha. Overall we had a great cruise and we are looking forward to the next one.

Cruise...Part 2

While in Cozumel, Mexico we took an excursion to their local beach, the Playa Mia Grande. It again was a really good trip because everything was included. Transportation, lunch on the beach, free drinks, 2 freshwater pools, all the beach stuff & entertainment. We let Kady play on the beach but she preferred the pool to splash around in.

The pool was great because half the pool was around ankle deep so Kady was standing and jumping out to me in the deeper end. She was counting to 10 and then jumping. I told her that since we were in Mexico she should be counting in Spanish like she does at home. So at least Kady was able to use her Spanish skills while in Mexico.

By the time we got back to our bus after a day in the sun we all took a long nap before dinner.

Cruise...Part 1

While in Grand Caymen Island we took a tour of the island. It was a nice bus ride and took us to several different tourist attractions. We stopped at their local beach named Sea Grape beach. It was really pretty and the sand was very soft. Then we went to the shop where they make the Tortuga Rum cakes. They had a really pretty patio out back that looked over the ocean. The picture posted is where it was taken. We thought it was neat that up in the trees we seen wild iguanas and they were huge! I loved seeing them in the trees but was hoping they didn't decide to climb down.

Our next stop was Hell. Hell, Grand Caymen. When we arrived at the intersection to get to Hell, the other side of the road was lined with churches. I thought that was really funny. We arrived at the Devil's Hangout Gift Shop and Post Office. I could not resist sending postcards to the family from Hell. In Hell there was also a pit of natural limestone rock formations.

Finally we went to the Boatswain Turtle Farm. This was a place were they raised sea turtles. There were sea turtles of all sizes and Kady loved this place.

Dora Update...

After much speculation and quite a few upset parents, Nickelodeon and Mattel have finally revealed the new and improved Dora the Explorer. While the sillohouette of the character that was recently released made it appear as if the new Dora would be more like the infamous Bratz doll than the cute little toddler we've known for years, the final reveal shows that her makeover isn't quite as bad as some had expected.
The new Dora sports longer hair, a cute little dress with leggings, pierced ears, and ballet flats. This is quite the change from the girl's former attire of shorts, a tshirt and athletic shoes. The new Dora has also shed a little baby fat and grown a few inches in height. Mattel claims that while the new Dora looks older, she doesn't wear any make-up. This however, doesn't look to be the case with Dora's carefully lined eyes and pink-tinted lips. Nevertheless, it could have been much worse. At least she's not sporting sky-high heels and a short mini-shirt. The new Dora does appear to be a natural progression of a young girl.

(This article copied from the Cleveland Insider)

Chrisitan the Lion...

I had to share this with everyone. It may take a minute to load but it is such a neat story. I could not get the video to embed so you will have to click on this link to get to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDZaWgf_bk0

After you watch the video click below to read a recent article written about Christian. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29751849?GT1=43001

Azalea Festival...

Me, Mom and Kady went to the Azalea Festival and it was great. There were so many vendor booths this year. There were way more than are normally at the Blue Crab Festival. We went to the parade that morning and Kady loved it. She waved at all the people on the floats and loved getting candy.

Her favorite part of the day was getting to ride a pony and then getting to jump in big bouncy house. She finished off the day with a big ice cream cone with candy sprinkles. The weather was so nice that day. I didn't even realize that I was getting a sunburn till I took a shower that night. I looked like I was wearing a white shirt with red arms and neck. Guess that's the nice thing about Florida you can start your tan in March.

Azalea...

I took this picture of Kady in our yard. I submitted it to the newspaper for their picture of the day. It ran on Thursday, March 12th. The picture ran in black and white which did not do it justice.

Poor Little Dora...

I read an article about Dora the Explorer the other day. Nickelodeon has decided that little girls that grew up with Dora want her to age with them. According to a press release Dora is moving to the big city and starting middle school and this new Dora will be more "high fashion". OMG!

Why are these companies so persistent is changing what is good. Kady loved Dora when she was smaller and granted we have grown out of her now it's still crazy to me that other little girls won't have the authentic Dora the Explorer. The new Dora will debut Fall 2009.

Now all I need is Big Bird and Cookie Monster to decide to move out of Sesame Street and go to the hood to pursue their rap career.

If you would like to read the article you can click here: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090213005672&newsLang=en

Another article was released on 3/16/09 about the subject:
http://tv.msn.com/TV/article.aspx?news=357010&GT1=28103

Gacky's 78th Birthday...

Gacky celebrated his 78th birthday the week before we went on our cruise. I'm a little late getting the picture posted. He asked for a new violin bow and that's what we got him. Kady seen me wrap it a few days prior so she knew what he was getting. Kady ended up telling Gack that he was getting a stick in a bag for his birthday. He thought it was so funny that he got her to tell him what he was getting.

Cruise Day 5

Our last day on the boat! I guess we will soak up the sun and fun today because tomorrow we will be back to real world! I'm gonna be sure to order room service tonight...

Cruise Day 4

Our Excursion for the day:

PLAYA MIA BEACH BREAK DELUXE

Enjoy a fun-filled worry free day at one of Cozumel’s beach club.
On this excursion you will:
Board an air-conditioned bus at the pier for a short ride to Playa Mia Beach.
Enjoy the white sand beach, turquoise waters, a fresh water pool, beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks.
Be served your favorite soft drink or cocktail from the domestic open bar and enjoy the buffet, plus there are three restaurants at an additional cost.
Try the kayaks, pedal boats, water trampolines, and the “water iceberg” all included in the price.
Note: A beach towel, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionDetails.aspx?region=CW&portcode=CZM&excursionname=Playa+Mia+Beach+Break+Deluxe&excursioncode=304043

Duration: 5 Hours

Pricing From:
Adult: $69
Child: $64

Cruise Day 3

Today we are in the Grand Caymens and are going on and excursion. Here is the information:

Explore the island of Grand Cayman in air conditioned comfort and visit the island’s hot spots.
On this excursion you will:
Listen to your knowledgeable tour guide as he/she informs you about the island’s history and culture as you drive through George Town, the capital.
Drive past historic buildings and landmarks, including Fort George, and the beautiful Seven Mile Beach lined with luxurious condos and hotels.
Have a brief photo opportunity outside of the Governor’s Residence before continuing to the district of West Bay where you’ll see a historic Cayman house resembling a gingerbread house.
Stop at the Cayman Turtle Farm where you will have the opportunity to hold and photograph turtles and see a turtle weighting in excess of 600 lbs.!
Continue on, and sample rum cake and fruit juices at the famous Tortuga Rum Cake Outlet before proceeding to the town of Hell where you’ll see an interesting rock formation.
Conclude your excursion in George Town, next to the pier; browse the shops and enjoy duty free shopping before returning to your ship.

Duration: 3 Hours

Pricing From:
Adult: $46
Child: $46
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionDetails.aspx?region=CW&portcode=CAY&excursionname=Best+of+Cayman+Island+Tour&excursioncode=417009

Cruise Day 2

We are on a day at sea today so we are probably just kicked back by the pool relaxing.

Cruise Day 1

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_inspiration/default.aspx?shipCode=IS

I'm on my cruise!! Click the link above to tour our boat. While you are reading this we are probably eating, or playing mini-golf, or swimming, probably eating.

Bizkit the Sleepwalking Dog....

Beware! You will laugh till you cry....

Can You Hear It??

I read this article and I thought it was funny.

Click on the green box at the bottom of this blog. Once you do that you will click to play a tone that is generally only heard by people under the age of 25. It has been used as a deterrent device to keep teenagers from loitering in malls and shops, and sounds similar to a buzzing mosquito. Typically the longer you listen to it, the more annoying it gets.

In case you are wondering, I did hear the sound and I can see how it would be annoying. Let me know if you could hear it.

Created by Train Horns

Play Date...

On Saturday me and mom took Kady to the Ravine Gardens so she could run around. The flowers are all in bloom and it was a really pretty day. I also wanted to play around with my new camera and I knew there would be plenty to take pictures of while we were there. I'm still learning all the features of the camera but i'm excited to see what kind of pictures i'll be able to capture.

There were a ton of people at the Ravines that were there for the "Air Potato Rodeo". They were hoofing it around with 5lb bags over their shoulders and leaning down picking up the potato's. While we rode around with the windows up and the air conditioning on we commented on how nice it was they were volunteering to do that.

When we were leaving there was a couple walking up the big hill right at the end. I was thinking poor girl because she had on a button up dress shirt and jeans. As we got closer I noticed that she had on 3 inch heels and she was talking on a cell phone. I can barley make it up that heel with sneakers and workout clothes on. She is my new hero.

Cookout...

We had a cookout at our house recently and it was really fun. We rented a big bouncy slide and all of the kids loved it. It was a great way to keep kids of all ages occupied. I even had to take my turn going down a few times. It takes so much upper body strength to climb 10 feet up that slide.

By the end of the night all of the kids were exhausted and it was easy to get them to bed. Everyone bought a covered dish and we ended up having a good selection of food. With the weather slightly cool it was fun to gather around the fire and fellowship.

Back to Normal...

Last week was a blur. Me, Jamie & Kady were all sick last week. For me it started Friday evening and then I woke up that Saturday with full blown symptoms. I struggled through the weekend and then by Tuesday I was somewhat back to normal.

Jamie and Kady were both sick starting Sunday and then Kady was better by Wednesday but still had a little cough. Jamie fought it the worst and just got over his on Friday. It was a miserable couple of days in our household and I hope that everyone else out there is dodging whatever it is that is going around.