Rain, Rain Go Away!

The second day in Florida started and ended in rain. I was watching the radar this morning and it looked like it would pass by noon. However, it was one of those growing, stationary storms if you know what I mean. Long story short, it lasted the entire day!!
The big boys (8 & 9 yrs old) woke up around 8:30 and started their day with a cup of coffee. That still cracks me up to watch them drink coffee and have small talk on the balcony first thing in the morning. It is almost like seeing in the future of two old men shooting the shit at a general store someday! Whatever, at least it keeps them out of trouble.
I talked the boys into going swimming in the rain (no thunder or lightening). Don't worry, we could see them from the balcony but they still felt a little freedom. This swimming fiesta lasted about 2 hours and then........a rumble of thunder!!! Out of the pool, per me, and the boys headed back upstairs. After they changed into dry clothes, Mike took all of them to the arcade to placate them for a while.

Mom and I took this opportunity to escape and go shopping. There is a huge outlet mall called Silver Sands just 1 mile down the road. This mall is humongous. To get a taste of what it has to offer....visit this site....http://www.silversandsoutlet.com/ and check it out. Hog Heaven would be a proper description of how we felt. Stride Rite shoes for 29.00, Bass and Geoffrey Beane had everything 70% off. No, that is not a typo!!! We are going back tomorrow to visit more stores. Discounts galore....Nirvana!!! Ok, Ok I am digressing. I would stutter if I knew how to type that!
When we returned from the mall, Mike had all the boys bike riding. They came back , watched TV for a while and then went swimming again. This was finished with salad, grilled grouper (fish) and rosemary potatoes. The boys ate hearty and then headed down to the movie theater to screen SpyKids 3D. Marshall is asleep and the boys are watching the movie. Mom and I are watching Doctor 90210!! What a bunch of narcissistic people!! How hypocritical of a statement is that!!

End Of The First Full Day

What a wonderful first, full day in FL. After the boys enjoyed their 'cup of coffee' this morning we walked (they rode) to the wharf to play on yet another playground. A stand up game of checkers and a walk around the bay later......we decided to get back to the condo and swim for a while. The only problem was, the pools were freezing. I convinced the maintenance man to turn the heaters on which killed the chill after about an hour. By this time it is after 1:00 and the big boys are begging to go to the beach. I continued to lounge in the sun with my ipod (Deep Forest and The Art of Noise) while Mike took the kids to the beach. This was cut short by a Normandy type invasion of jellyfish on the shore. Luckily, the boys were able to play for about an hour before the attack.
They came home, ate lunch, and headed to the arcade. This area is totally happening since it takes 0 (zero) quarters to operate any of the games or air hockey. Also totally cool for adults. Either that or I am easily entertained!!!
The condo we stay in has a movie theater on the first floor and you can request movies to be seen. The theater has a huge screen and seats 50. We decided to screen Open Season. I have never seen this movie and admit to laughing way loud at certain points of the movie. Too funny if yo have never watched it. The finale included spaghetti with garlic bread f0r dinner.

This Is A First

Happy Monday....for me anyway because I am not at work! Don't get me wrong, I love my job but everyone needs to get away.
Mom and I enjoyed our morning cup of coffee on the balcony overlooking the bay while the kids slept in. Lovely, darling. Afterwards, Mom took Marshall for a walk and a romp on one of the many playgrounds. While they were gone, the boys were sitting on the balcony and both requested a cup of coffee! Ben's mom warned me about his request for coffee in the morning but it is still weird to see an eight and nine year old sitting outside enjoying cups of coffee! Their actual ages crept back to reality when the coffee was followed by heaping bowls of Cocoa Pebbles.

We Made It

Safe and sound we arrived in Sandestin at about 2:30 p.m. just shy of 8 hours. Not too shabby considering we had 3 kids in tow. I woke everyone about 5:30 a.m. and no one slept the entire way here. Holy Crap, I just wanted my name to not be spoken from mouths of babes for at least 98 seconds. Mrs. Bregenzer this, Angela that, Mom and/or Mommy this and that....
AAARRGGGHHH.!!!!! Could everyone just pretend I am invisible?? This was topped off with Michael spilling an almost entire can of V8 juice in the truck. Now, answer me this....I have a brand new Tahoe with at least 10 cup holders...why in the hell was that can not in at least one of them??? After biting my tongue until it bled and cleaning up the mess, I carefully and patiently (as I could possibly muster) pointed out some empty cup holders that needed love!!
Needless to say, seeing the Publix on HWY 98 is like the gate to glory land. I know it is only one mile away from the resort and I swear it waves to me as I pass!! How can a grocery store possibly excite some one that much? Who cares, I just know I love to see it. Sidenote: They have the best horseradish cheddar by Boar's Head you have ever tasted. REGROUP>
I unpacked all the suitcases and separated everything into the drawers. This has to happen as soon as I get anywhere. I cannot stand the feeling of living out of a suitcase. We then changed clothes and headed to the pool. After an hour or so of swimming, Mom and I went to the grocery store (Publix, woo hoo) and stocked up the condo. We chowed on grilled hamburgers and french fries. Yummy!! Marshall has finally gone to sleep in the playpen beside me and I am exhausted. For some reason I could not sleep last night and finally dozed off at midnight, only to get up at four this morning. I feel like an old hag settling in at 8:30 but I don't care. I will be refreshed and renewed in the morning in order to hit the gym. Fitness never sleeps.

And We're Off

So, as if no one knows....we are off to Sandestin tomorrow EARLY. I am so excited I could just poot! Just kidding. I'm ready, Mike is ready, Michael is ready the only problem is not one thing has been packed! I get off on these cleaning tangents at times and today's tangent was cleaning the windows on the first floor! BOTH SIDES! It is not my fault that I started this. It is the sun's fault. I was up extra early this morning and when the sun shone through the windows I was mortified. So, off the clean I went and let me tell you it was worth every minute. I think is is brighter downstairs today!! Just so you know, this is not a small feat to perform. The first floor has just shy of two dozen windows (22 to be exact) and despite my best efforts to stay in shape, my arm is already killing me. What a loser!! Maybe I should work out a little harder.
I guess I should not dilly dally anymore with the blog and get my butt in gear to pack. I hate to pack. While we are gone, I will try to keep the blog updated of our Florida adventure but no promises. If you check my blog daily, don't get frustrated, I will be having a too good time!

First Day Of Fall

Yes, I know. Today is not the official first day of fall but for me it is. I love to decorate for Halloween. I buy lots of mums and make real pumpkin topiaries in the planters on the front porch. We have all kinds of lighted decorations (much to my neighbor's dismay, I'm sure), fake tombstones, and ghosts. What can I say, I love Halloween. However, I do have a modicum of decorum. (Did I just cuss?) I will only start decorating after October 1st, just like I don't start decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving....sorry different blog, different time.
I cannot wait to get the boxes out. I would start now if is was not so cold outside! Tonight's low is in the 40's....buuurrrhhhhh!
I would then put it off until tomorrow but we have Girl's Night Out (Darn It All) to celebrate September birthdays. I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!! OMG I still need to buy gifts...damn it I hate waiting until the last minute.
I welcomed the first day of MY fall with a pedicure and a highlight. Must get ready for Florida, ya know. I wish I had time for a Botox injection but I don't, oh well!! I will wait until spring.
Did I mention only 3 more days until Florida? Did I mention my parents are going so Mike and I will actually get a night of married going out to eat without food left on the floor/table after we leave (sans children if you need a hint). Very excited about that.
This day also marks another momentous event. My Mom and Dad's anniversary is today!
Thirty-One years today! For those of you who know me and can subtract...this is a second marriage! However, this is such a part of my life, I truly have two Dads.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!!!

Check Up

Marshall went for his two year check up today. I know it is over a month late but his 18 month was a month late and so the story goes. What a boy he is. Weighs in at a smidgen under 35 pounds and almost 3 feet tall. Did I mention he can do a chin up? Or hang from his swing set with his elbows slightly bent and support all his weight with his biceps? I don't mean to brag, but you get the point! Oh, did I mention he giggled when the nurse stuck the needle into his meaty quadriceps?? LAUGHED....AS IN THAT TICKLES!!! What the hell is that about? If that one statement does not give you any insight into my life with Marshall then nothing will!! The doc said he is not worried about his weight (I am) as long as he is eating healthy food. We told him we could make a bowl of green olives, tomatoes and green beans and he would think we served him a bowl of candy! I am so thankful both of my kids are not picky eaters.