Rain, Rain. and more Rain!

We had some serious rain hit really fast today--I don't know that I've ever seen this much water in our area!

We normally have a small stream with a few inches of water.  Today we have a rushing river.  I wouldn't let the kids come out to look because I didn't want to take the chance of them falling in!

 This is from our side...the water is at the top of the bank. That bank has a 5-6 foot drop!!  CRAZY!

There has been a lot of flooding and damage around us.  I am so very thankful that we didn't have anything more than this (and some water under our house but I think that will be okay!).

Dirt

We had a preview of spring last week with temps hitting 75-80!!  Mason was so happy to be back out in the dirt!

Disney

These are just a few of my favorite pictures from Disney World!

 Suzanne and Grace

 Nolan--who never wanted to have his picture taken!

 Wyatt and Natalie

 Natalie

 All of the Kids!

 Elizabeth really wanted a bite!

 Elizabeth

 Mason

Mason

Disappointments :(

Apparently I just don't deal well with them.  

Ben and I have talked for a few years about MAYBE getting a pop-up camper.  We really like to tent camp but it just feels like so much work and we find ourselves not going as much as we'd like to.  

We finally agreed that we'll look for one, but it has to be at a really good price.  Like cheap.

I was finding a lot listed for sale on craigslist, but they were outrageously priced for older ones. 

Then last night I came across one that was local and $500---and nice!!  I called, set up a time to come by.  Called again this morning to confirm, showed up 1/2 hour later, and someone was there buying it.  AGH!!!

I had prayed about it and said Ok, God.  If it's not right for us then make it obvious.  I think He did but man I was still frustrated!!!  More at the people for not telling me someone else was coming.  Maybe there is something better (and cheaper!) for us out there.  Who knows.

Not So

You know how "they" say that Disney is the happiest place on earth?  It's not true.  

Sure, the employees are all happy.  They get paid to be. 

Our first day at Disney I couldn't believe how many crying kids and arguing parents they were.  Not to mention the rude people on motorized scooters who would run over your 2 year-old without a thought.

Our second day at Disney--we joined the ranks.  

Ben and I hardly ever argue.  Sure, we disagree often.  

But on that second day we all lost it in the middle of Hollywood Studios.  We fit in with most everyone around us.  This vacation brought out the worst in our entire family!

This is Mason after he got his arm stuck through the neck of his shirt.  Not sure how it happened, but at this point we all cried over anything that went wrong!

Vacation Part 1

We're home from our trip to FL and are trying to get unpacked and back into the swing of things!  Hopefully I can get all of our pictures posted over the next few days.  I'm suprised I didn't take a lot more than I did :(

 

Our first stop was to visit Ben's Nana in Ft. Myers. She lives in a beautiful retirement community and our visit with her was wonderful!  The kids had so much fun touring the island and seeing some really neat things!

We haven't seen Nana since 2005 and that is just way too long!  Hopefully we can make this trip again next year!

This is the lagoon on the island.  We got to see Manatees swimming around!!  When we came home we learned that Manatees were created on Day 5, they can weigh 70lbs at birth, and have an amazing ability to heal very quickly from injuries.

Beautiful flowers everywhere!  It was so nice to take a break from the cold weather and see green grass and everything in bloom!

 We walked down to the bay and looked for dolphins, but instead had a fun time watching a pelican!

 We stopped in at the Orchid House for a bit...aren't these flowers gorgeous?

 Natalie and Nana

 We also got to watch dolphins up close!  How fun!!

 All three kids loved playing in the sand!

 Thank you so much Nana for opening your home to us!  We made many memories that we will treasure so much!

Breaking the Bank

I had to break open the change jar today and head to the laundromat.  Not.  Fun.

Just over a week ago our washing machine started giving us an error code telling us that the drain line was clogged.  We have (or Ben has!) cleaned it out numerous times and it's still acting up!

So in one week's time I've managed to get 3 loads of laundry done. 

That isn't good, especially since I was already backed up on laundry from being sick the week before.

SO...this morning I got tired of looking at it all so I sorted everything, loaded it into my van, and went to the laundromat.  

 I was able to fill 9 washing machines before I ran out of coins and cash!!  I had 2 more loads that I just brought back home. 

That was not fun!!!  

My plan is to have Ben help me bring it all home, then we are going to sort, fold, and fill a bag for Goodwill!!!