Jack's Birthday Vacation

Here it is April 13th, 2015 and my eldest child turned 8 years old today!  It has been so amazing to watch him grow this past year.  I've seen so many changes.  He's more mature {many more things are considered "babyish" here lately}, he's smarter {could that even be possible}, and he just gets more and more handsome with each passing year {call me biased}.

So when we started chatting up our birthday plans, which we do months in advance around here, Jack announced he wanted to take a trip as opposed to a big birthday party.  His destination of choice was Legoland in Orlando with "only" his Mommy.  I can't deny my heart skipped a beat...he truly loves me.  And I can't deny party planning nostalgia took over for a moment.  But, I was thrilled to grant his birthday wish.

So this past weekend, Legoland Florida is where you could find this birthday boy and his Mommy.  We had a "Bricktastic" trip {as they like to say down there} with what I hope are many lasting memories for him.  I know they were for me.

On Friday we flew out pretty early in the day to the Orlando Airport.  Legoland and our hotel was a good 45 minutes away so I had a nice afternoon planned for him in Orlando before we took off to Winter Haven.

We arrived in Downtown Disney for a birthday dinner at the T-Rex Diner and a coveted trip to the Lego Store.

Jack was serenaded with a Happy Birthday tune and a whopping cookie ice cream dessert.  Not a bad start to the trip.

Saturday morning we woke at our hotel which was only 2 miles from the park.  We grabbed the shuttle and were on our way.  The anticipation nearly did us in!

We arrived right at park opening and pretty much had the place to ourselves for the first hour or two.

Guest services gave Jack a Happy Birthday pin to wear.  Everywhere we went the staff was greeting him with Birthday wishes.

Jack asked me on several occasions to "take his picture" with this or that.  You know you don't have to ask me that twice!  This was one of his requests.  The Lego Movie characters...it doesn't get any better than that!

We rode every single ride he wanted to. And some more than once. The crowds were very light and we hardly had more than a 5 minute wait at each ride.  It was absolutely incredible!  That's my idea of a theme park visit.

This was Jack's favorite ride... The Flying School roller coaster in Lego City.  Add that his favorite Uncle Jon and Aunt Bailee drove 3 hours from Jacksonville just to come celebrate with him and he was a very happy birthday boy!  After Uncle Jon arrived, I quickly became plan B.  Jack wanted to ride everything with Uncle Jon.

I have to admit that "Plan B" business did come in handy on rides like this.  I'm not one who actually loves getting soaked.  The observation deck was a perfect seat for this one.

We even grabbed a show before heading off to what Jack considered the "best part" of Legoland.

The best part?  Legoland Water Park.  Again, I was beyond thrilled to have Uncle Jon with us.  I lounged with Bailee while these two got soaked, went sliding, and swam around a pool of bricks.  I had all intentions of hitting the Water Park with Jack the next day.  But, with possible bad weather in the forecast and the fact that Jon was willing and able, I happily tweaked our agenda.

Post water park, we said goodbye to our family and Jack and I finished off the rest of the park.  We saved Miniland until the end.  It was a great way to wind down and allow Jack some time to dry off.

This kiddo could have spent all day observing these amazing Lego cities.  He was in complete awe.

We wrapped up our day at park closing time.  Jack came home with a giant grin and another bag full of Legos.  The best part was listening to him on the phone with his Daddy giving him a play by play of every last detail of our day!  I wish I could have bottled up that conversation.

We had a pretty late return flight on Sunday.  With the Legoland Water Park out of the way, it freed up another entire day.  Per Aunt Bailee's recommendation we decided to give Disney Quest a whirl.  Now, I have to say this is something I wouldn't have had on my radar, but I was pleasantly surprised.

It was the perfect indoor {air conditioning!} way to spend our day before having to head out of town. It is 5 stories of interactive games.  I mean amazing things like build your own roller coaster and then test ride it.  Incredible.  And a rafting Jungle Cruise ride with real rafts and paddles.  It was pretty cool and normally this is not my thing.

Obviously, a 7 {going on 8} year old LOVED it!  And this was his Birthday Vacation after all.

We both came home with bags full of Legos and fabulous memories!  He woke up the morning after his vacation as a real live 8 year old!  Way to send 7 out and welcome 8 with a bang.

I have to admit I'm starting to dig this whole Birthday Vacation idea.  But if you know me, you know I can't let go of some sort of party.  

But, that's for next weekend...

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter!  What a joyous way to start off the month of April.

We had a bit of a wonky day {for lack of a better word}.  Lots of ups and downs and a few in betweens.  Just for example we started the day with Maggie waking her siblings before sunrise so they could go find their baskets.  And swearing to them "it was okay".  Somewhere in the middle we showed up for Mass only to find the Easter schedule was altered.  And we ended it with a little lesson in life for Jack.

I chalk it all up to life with three kids.  Somehow we managed to get a few staples in there and enjoyed each of them to the fullest.  Like Easter baskets, two egg hunts, prayer, and one decent meal.  Speaking of meals, oh my, how I need to make a serious grocery store run.  Saving that for my Spring Break kick off.

Until then, here are my little Easter bunnies who continue to entertain, enlighten and exhaust me even on Easter.  A true gift that I am forever grateful for.

The front yard Easter egg hunt is always a fan favorite.  I mean can this face get any cuter?  Is that Easter excitement or what?

I had to cut Jack off at one point..."save some for your sisters!".  It's tough being so grown up and sooooo fast.  I'm foreseeing an "over 8" age group next year.  This Easter Bunny stuff is a tricky job.  {and no, Jack did not wear those shoes to church}

The front porch family picture-not so much a fan favorite.  But, I'll give it to them, they always handle it with grace {and squinty eyes this year...poor little ones}.

I sure do love my Cibula kids all jazzed up in their Easter best.

I was really missing my Mom this year, not only for the family picture she could have taken, but for the buffering of the "ups and downs" and the love she brings.  Daddy was behind the lens and I hated not having him in front of it.  This was a quicky as we raced off to church {at the wrong time}.

Happy Easter to all!  I pray your day was filled lots of ups, joy, and love.  Let us not forget the amazing reason we celebrate.

Forty -Five

The love of my life turned forty-five years old today.  You would hardly know it.  Clay amazes me with his ability to keep on going.  He's an incredible father, wonderful husband, and my 45 year old love.  Lucky me.

There was no way I could let this semi-biggie pass without some sort of celebration.  And let me tell you celebrations are right up Clay's alley {no pun intended}.

I gathered a few friends, family, and neighbors together for a Friday night of "Upscale Boutique Bowling" at The Painted pin.  Oh, but this joint had so much more to offer.  A little bocci ball {a family favorite}, basketball, shuffle board, skee ball, and so much more.

Of course, I kept the plan hush hush.  However Clay claimed he was suspicious and then quickly recanted.  Hmmm...  Regardless a great time was had by all and most especially the birthday guy.

Happy Birthday Clay!  I'm thinking 45 will be one to remember...

Back home, Saturday morning, we continued the celebration with our sweet trio.  Lucy and I made a bakery stop yesterday to grab cupcakes for Daddy. She was very deliberate in her selection for everyone.  Chocolate Carmel for Daddy, Orange-sicle for Jack, Strawberry Shortcake for Maggie, and Vanilla Bunny for herself.  I'm thinking the line forming behind us was practicing some serious patience.

The kids showered Daddy with gifts that they had each wrapped and picked out themselves.  Okay, maybe wrapping is a stretch...I wrapped, they decorated.

The sweet time each of them took to decorate Daddy's presents was beyond precious.

Between these amazingly sweet kids and the family and friends from last night, I just know Clay had to feel like one special 45 year old!   And rightfully so.

Heres to many more...

Eggs & Lessons

We set up shop on the back porch this afternoon for Easter egg dying.  It was the perfect day to do so.  The weather was glorious and Jack didn't have baseball or karate.  It was an opportunity I had to seize.

The eggs were dyed and decorated to the nines, there were spills and mishaps, lots of giggles and grins, and severely stained fingers and hands by the time it was all complete.

But, above all that, I learned one very valuable lesson.  Or maybe "was reminded" is a better choice of words.  My kids are always teaching me something.  And today was no different.

I was reminded of how fleeting this time is.  Obvious...yes.  But not always remembered.  I sat there and watched my 7 year old sit down to this highly organized and supply filled table, decorate three eggs, and then announce, "I'm going to play".  What?!?!

What happened?  He used to by my baby boy or at least my little guy.  He loved decorating eggs, and baking cookies, and all the other holiday traditions we have.  And now, just like that, three eggs later, he was off in the back yard.  Doing what boys do.

I didn't argue.  I get it.  He's growing up.  And I must allow him to do so.  But, !slam!, what a lesson {or reminder} that was.

Right then and there I had to thank my lucky stars for my little girls.  All the while pushing back thoughts of Maggie ever growing out of this stuff.  Surely not?

And if that day shall ever come, I've always got little Lu...because there is no chance I'm EVER letting her grow up.

How could I?  Look at her go to town.  I found these nifty egg holder painting contraptions at the Dollar Store.  They were one time users as would be expected from the Dollar Store.  And I probably could have gotten away with only two, seeing as how Jack was on the run so quickly.  But, it certainly added a twist to the standard dip and dye.

This kind of project is so up Maggie's alley.  She was having the grandest time experimenting with colors and tie dying.  This was one of her faves.  See...no chance she will ever grow out of this.

I'm thinking Lucy's fingers and fingernails may be permanently stained.  Needless to say, I'm sending three kids to school with rainbow hands tomorrow.  I've already had them practice the explanation in case they are questioned about their hygiene.

My heart skipped a beat when I uploaded this picture of Jack this evening...he looks so much like his Uncle Jon here.  Which, I assure you, is never a bad thing.  So much growing up going on!

I asked Jack to take a picture with his favorite egg before he scooted off.  {and one with his sisters too}  Anyhow, he suggested this...."me eating an egg and looking like I'm not supposed to be".  Mind you this is also the egg he peeled the shell off of and then dyed, just to see what would happen.

And then I got the real deal.

And my favorite...all three of them.  Gotta make the memory last while I can.

On another note, I threw these little Happy Spring/Easter gifts together for the teachers very last minute this afternoon .  A two dollar splurge per teacher.  I found the water bottles and the chocolate carrots at the Dollar Store.  {And in case, you are wondering, yes, I am in there way too often lately.}

I added a bit of Easter grass and a cute note.  Hope it brings a smile to their faces.  They are beyond appreciated in my eyes.

Next up...Daddy's birthday, Easter, and Spring Break...we can hardly wait!