Very true indeed. Especially for anyone that has ever taken their children to Florida. We have been doing this for 7 years now. Yep – real beggars for punishment aren't we. Dave and I have been run ragged and were looking forward to some family time. We have always been parents who try not to over schedule the kids but for some reason it caught up to us a bit this winter. Skating, Skiing, TOYS choir, school, work it seemed never ending. Up to and including the night before we were to leave where both the girls had skating and Erin competed in the district finals of the local public speaking competition all of course on the worst snowstorm night of the year. Why does it always happen that way? Anyways, Erin placed 2nd in her age group and is going onto multi-district finals. Erin has this incredible ability to jump up in front of people and speak – we are proud of her and although I know that I spend a significant amount of time asking her politely and not so politely sometimes to be quiet we love that she can do this.
Back to the vacation that we were in such desperate need of. We returned 3 days ago exhausted and couldn't figure out why until I started going through the photos. The weather left a lot to be desired and we spent a few too many days at the amusement parks (animal kingdom, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove etc.) At the same time sneaking into sports bars and watching the Olympic Hockey Games incognito :). Our favourite experience by far was this year's day at Discovery Cove. Unbelievable and definitely well worth it.
These photos were taken by "Discovery Cove", we weren't allowed to take cameras in the water with the dolphins and we paid for them as well as buying the DVD. Definitely a treasured memory.
A few from my camera. Unfortunately the underwater camera was left in Grandma's purse – it has some interesting photos on it as well as some of me taken by Erin. Proof that yes I actually do exist.
Dave bought me a Blackberry for Valentine's Day. Something about being able to get a hold of me but that really only works if you remember to turn it on or charge it. The girls know how to use it better then I do. Note the war wound on Erin's forehead. The first day there she hit it on the side of the pool. If it is going to happen to one of them it will happen to Erin. (heavy sigh)
This innocent looking bird stole french fries right from Erin's plate, brazen little birdy he was.
Caitlyn fought tooth and nail for facepainting around the eyes. I hate these ones because one hand swipe and they rub off into the eyes and there you are in a public washroom going through millions of those crappy paper towels trying to get the remainder off. She obviously won and true to her word did not touch her face all day. She proves me wrong every day!
And Lastly – my henna Tattoo – representing "dream". Erin asked me why I picked Dream, my response was "what an empty life it would be to live without dreams".
