Sliding Away

What do you get when you have 38 people who are all some how related and a 22 foot slide???

You get hours of laughter, worn out kids, flips and flops, a little competition, vinyl slide burns.... and a really good time!

{a lot more people can actually fit on the top than you would think.... although it's probably not advisable}

We chanted and cheered for Connie on her way down!!

 All the dads were going up and down to help the kids.... push them down the slide

 Bouncing just right... and you would catch some air!

 My brother Rodney showing all the kids a new way to go down.... pretty sure some of them tried this.

For the first little bit kids would grab who ever was there to go down with... Eliza had an empty hand to help.

Cousins racing each other

 Grandpa was a definite favorite to ride with.

This is how we were able to Benji up the first couple time.... then he did it himself but he caused a long line as he slowly climbed up.

Children may or may not have been thrown down the slide....

 Mom and Dad even took the plunge!

 I love this picture of my brother, his wife and one daughter... it reminds me of the roller coaster pictures where only some know the camera is there.

 My sister and her family. I put my vote in for this being the Christmas card this year!

 Steve and the boys { I love this picture!!}

 And this is pretty much what all the kids looked like by the end of the day.

I think we have decided that next time we are getting the bigger one.

Offcial Beach Olympics

This past week in honor of this grand Olympic time of year we celebrated with friends and held our own Olympics on the beach. the kids participated in many of the same events that the are held at the Olympics, but there are some that are different... better.

 We had relay races.

 There was soccer.... I don't think Benji understood the rules.... but he plays by his own rules anyway.

 Everyone had a practice kick, and then it was a go.

 We had javelin throwing.

 Cute boy looking.

 And long jumping.

 There was a potato sack race, which I totally think should be in the Olympics every 4 years! This is a serious sport!

 James is getting his game face on for the hurdles.

 Tommy jumping hurdles in his own style.

 And James giving it a try. He cleared every herdle

And here we have the team photo. We had such a great time. All the kids came away as winners and beisdes all the fun that was had we learned that you really do need to train for your events.... and that chocolate does not do well in the Florida heat.

LegoLand

The first part of December we were able to go to LegoLand. It was great. It had opened in October and we went just a few months later. Going to LegoLand this time was way better than the first time. And thanks to the FAITH Co-op, we were able to go for a whopping $5 a person!!

It was a fun day! And although Steve wasn't able to come with us, we had a really good time!

Getting close, and getting so excited!

Once we got close the boys needed to climb on something.

Practicing a force choke.

I was in awe the whole time I was there at what one could make with legos. When I pull out the legos I always have such a blank as to what I should build... apparently possibilities are endless!

I love this picture of the modeling lego firemen! I think they are getting pictures taken for the calender... which I will totally pre-order

Clearly someone did not check his restraint.... he stood up pretty much the whole ride.

James is driving the boat... it's a lot harder than it looks.

After getting stuck twice and going the wrong what nad needed help turning around again, he finally made it back.

Tommy was happy to press all the buttons that were on board.

Tim was able to do a little driving, which he was really excited to do.

He drove all on his own, and I think he loved having the wind blowing through his hair.

Tommy and James were able to go to "Driving School'. It was really cool they had a little road way set up with a round-about and stop signs and stop lights.

James was a much better driver on the road than in the water.

Again... in awe... a car built in legos!

Benji did really well. While we waited in line for the other boys to ride Benji would get out of the stroller to walk around and play. He was really good all day.

This is great picture of James, I love the pure joy that is on his face.

My adrenaline junkie boys. All were tall enough to ride the roller coasters and so it was... off to all the roller coaster.

I love this look in Benji, he's not totally sure what to do with the dinosaur.

It took him a good while before he would touch it, and then he was so very careful when he did.

Once all was deemed safe... he was ready to conquer the beast.

This is a funny ride... It just went up and bounced on down... there was nobody in line so the boys just road it again and again... And the kind woman and her child road with them over and over.

We found a friend that was the sames size as Benji.

It was a long day. Made even longer by the fact that my poor body still hurt. But after a power nap all was well.

The boys also needed a quick nap, as they were worn out as well.

My crazies and I. We had so much fun!!

We went into one of the stores and this is what I found... Ever single lego! Binds and bins of Legos!! Every size, and shape that you could want.

One last time for a force choke... Darth is a strong one and the boys will have to practice hard to take him down next time. {Did you notice Tim??}

We don't buy a whole lot of souvenirs but we do get the smooshed pennies. They are a fun reminder of our travels.... and they are only 51 cents! you really can't beat that. 

A couple parting pictures of our great day!

I was sad that Steve missed it.... but I am happy that we had such a fun time. They boys were tall enough for all the rides and rode them until the park closed. I'm sad that LegoLand is 2 hours away... it makes it a bit far to go to often... I hope we will be back before we leave.

{parenting tip #54.... put your number on your kid just under the sleeve on the arm. That way if someone wanders away, you can get a call right away. This is especially helpful for those that walk but don't speak... although I never lost Benji, this would have been good for Tim... as he was the one that wandered away... twice!}