California Summer Vacation

We recently visited California for a week of fun and relaxation.  The weather was cool (maybe a little too cool) but we enjoyed every minute and reminded ourselves that it would be much hotter at home when we returned.  We spent some time on the beach and in the condo pool (it was heated).  We also visited LegoLand for 3 days - lots of fun.

As usual the kids had a blast...and as usual the parents had fun watching the kids have a blast.  Enjoy some memorable, cute, and funny photos from our adventure!

Maddie and Luke in flower garden

Pretty as a flower

Luke, don't pick the flowers!

Ahhh the sweet smell of flowers...

Angela and kids pose at the start of another fun day at LegoLand!

Maddie, Harry Potter and Hagrid

Maddie and Luke on safari car ride... Luke checks the seat belt for proper tightness

Same ride... different day.  This was Luke's favorite ride!

Oh no.. Maddie has been eaten by a giant Lego lion!

Luke climbs railing at the pier.. notice the rules!

Luke gets messy sharing a banana split with Dad

 

Maddie enjoys a brownie sundae

Dad is a passenger while the kids fly this plane!

Maddie pilots her boat smoothly... Mom struggles with Luke (no seatbelt on this ride!)

Pausing for a picture at LegoLand.

The most fun way to go "shopping" for strawberries

Luke and Dad pick the perfect strawberry

Maddie waist deep in strawberries

Luke picks flowers for Mom and Maddie

Luke plays in the sand

Maddie finding critters on the beach

Luke and Dad rinse off in the water

Luke empties the sand bucket for Maddie

Maddie and friends at the beach

An after dinner walk on the beach becomes messy (mostly for Maddie)



Two huge fake smiles

The two cutest kids at Legoland

Kisses and Hiding in Bed

It's hard to tell who gets the most enjoyment out of this... Maddie or Luke (or maybe it's Mom and Dad)?  These two are so cute together.  Scenes like this are a daily occurrence... so cute!

Maddie's First Piano Recital

Today was Maddie's first piano recital.  She played "Musette" by Leopold Mozart.  We're so proud of her.  Watch, listen and enjoy.

And a few photos of Maddie in her new fancy dress and shoes.

New shoes (high heels) and a fancy new dress

All smiles after a successful recital performance

Maddie and Mom pose after the recital

It was a great day!

Maddie Earns Her Yellow Belt!

After 2 months of karate classes, Maddie tested for and earned her yellow belt today!  She has worked very hard to learn the required skills and memorize the different techniques.  She really enjoys the classes and feels very proud of her accomplishment.  Mom and Dad are proud too!  Next goal: orange belt!  Go for it Maddie!

Maddie warms up for her belt test (notice the white belt with 2 blue tips)

Maddie kicks during belt testing - check out that form!

Maddie after belt testing (notice the new yellow belt) - don't mess with this girl!

Pictures in the Peach Grove

We recently had some photos taken in a nearby peach grove.  We had to walk through waist-deep grass and our shoes got really muddy.  The kids just wanted to leave and we were certain that we hadn't gotten a single good picture.  We were wrong!

Florida Spring Break

In March we enjoyed a wonderful week on the beach in Florida.  Besides playing in the ocean (and pool), we also visited several theme park tourist attractions and had several days of visiting with Mimi.  The kids did great and Luke especially did great on the long plane ride to and from Florida.

Luke works on his sand castle... not sure if he's building or knocking down?

Maddie takes a break from splashing in the ocean for a quick photo

Hurry and take the picture, Mom... we want to play in the sand

Dad and Luke find sea shells in the surf (say that 5 times fast!)

Luke runs to rinse the sand castle bucket

Maddie enjoys a roller coaster ride at Busch Gardens

Family photo at Busch Gardens

Luke in Sesame Street Safari at Busch Gardens

Luke, Maddie, and Dad stop to watch lizards along the walkway

Mom with kids

Big sister rides with Luke - his first ride without Mom or Dad!

Luke enjoys (we think) a ride

Maddie gives Luke some love at lunch

Maddie helps us navigate through the park with her excellent map reading skills

Luke really liked these flamingos

Maddie and Luke rest on a bench

Maddie poses in front of the Giraffe Garden

Maddie does her best Pharoah imitation!

Water ride - warning you might get wet!

Luke and Dad after splashing in kids area

This photo is too cute!

Mimi and Maddie enjoy the beach

Family fun on the beach

Mimi with Dad and grandkids

Luke gives seashell to Mimi

Luke celebrates the setting sun by tossing sand into the air (and into his hair)

Maddie and Mimi enjoy dinner

Enjoying a night of putt-putt golf

Luke seems confused, but Mom and Maddie enjoy the evening at the putt-putt golf course

A visit to the aquarium to see "Winter"

Luke loved watching the fish at the aquarium

Winter gets ready for some therapy training

Winter uses "noodles" to float with her prosthetic tail

Sunglasses required

Luke laughs on the balcony

Maddie and Luke enjoy sunset on our last night in Florida