Catch a Tiger by His Toe...

Vera's sweet friend Charlie gave her Mr. Tiger as a present because she knows her Daddy likes Clemson. Vera loved his bright color and his ability to be kicked across the room and thrown down the stairs.

Mixing up some dinner for Mr. Tiger; she loves playing with my pots and pans

Making sure it is to Mr. Tiger's taste. She kept offering him bites

Ve insisted that Mr. T join her in the bathtub, and why the heck not? Here she is scrubbing him down so he is squeaky clean

So happy with herself

She rinsed the soap off a billion times. I think she like being in charge of the water pouring

Giving Mr. Tiger a sweet kiss. We love Mr. T, ROAR!

Everything is Better with Daddy

It's Saturday, so we once again headed to Disney. I don't think I could ever get tired of the Magic Kingdom; there is so much to do and see. Of course we did Small World and Dumbo, but we also tried our hand at Peter Pan's Flight, the Mickey Express, and the Teacups. Vera would be fine just dancing to the music in FantasyLand, but the rides make her day even better.

Dancin' to It's a Small World. I can't get enough of this ride, and it's a good thing because neither can Ve.

Liam loved it too! He's all smiles

Vera her took her first ride on the teacups with Matthew. I thought this was going to be a huge mistake, but she loved it! She stood up the entire time and was waving and clapping away. Good call on that one Matthew

We all took a ride on the Mickey Express. Vera loves trains, and had a blast on Daddy's lap

Checking out Main Street USA with Dad

We got there just in time to see the start of a parade. Ve loves the music and just dances and claps her hands. I was super excited to see her point out the characters this time. Perhaps she is beginning to warm up tp them.

Just another magical day at Disney

Art Projects

This Summer I am making an attempt to do at least one fun thing with Vera a day; something where she can get dirty and creative. In general, our life is totally fun, but this just makes our time together a little more special. I have a list of things to try ranging from corn painting and eggshell sensory games, to making "clean mush". We'll see how they all go and have a blast in the process.

This was my first attempt...frozen finger paint stars. They turned out pretty well, and the kiddos had a great time painting with them in this heat

All the kiddos were striped down to their diapers to avoid a hot mess. It didn't work

Jessica and sweet Liam

Charlie and Vera painting away. It was a great way to get artsy and crafty!

Vera Does Epcot

Vera and I headed to Epcot this morning because why not? We had a fabulous time and road on the Nemo ride, Vera was not a huge fan, got a frozen lemonade, and visited some countries of the world.

I think I still have little fingernail marks around my neck from Ve clinging so tightly

She did muster up the courage to give Pluto a high-five. Baby steps

Minnie did a sneeky picture, and Vera was none the wiser. Love it, even though I look nervous as all get out praying that Vera wouldn't turn around

Our sweet friends and neighbors Mrs. Angie and Charlie. I love that we get to do Disney with them

Vera's crying/banshie screaming made DOnald Duck run and hide. I feel you Donald, I've wanted to do that before too.

Just trying on a hat in the Mexico pavillian. Buenos Dias Mama! Great first trip to Epcot, but next time we'll go in the evening when it is cooler outside

One Good Thing About Rainy Days

I'm always amazed at how good Holly is with Vera and how much effort she puts in everyday to help Vera get the most out of each day. A good example was this evening after I got home from work. Holly took Vera outside once the rain stopped so she could play in a puddle even though she was fresh out of a bath and just put her pajamas on. Vera loves jumping in puddles. I couldn't believe how much joy it brought Vera and all it cost was a quick pajama change at the end.

Here Vera is standing at attention when I asked her to let me take a picture. Fake picture smiles is not in her bag of tricks just yet

I caught a good smile as Holly was counting 1, 2, 3, JUMP!

This is her spin routine. The best part is when she walks sideways after a long spin routine.

This was started with "1, 2, 3, GO! GO!" from Holly. Vera says "go . .. . . .go . . . .go" as she runs back and forth.

But there is always time to stop and smell the flowers.

Vera's First Mini-Disney!

When Vera and I got back from our beach trip, Matthew surprised us with annual passes to Disney. I just about died! I love all things Disney and now we can go to any park as much as we want, and I plan on trying them all. We immediately jumped in the car and headed to the most magical place on earth, The Magic Kingdom. I was literally shaking with excitement to take Vera there. Disney is fun no matter what age, but it is truly amazing to see it through your child's eyes. We knew we would only have a hour or so in the park thanks to Tropical Storm Debby, but it was fun nonetheless. Vera loved riding the Monorail and made "woot woot"   nosies the entire time we were on the train. We hit the park just as a show was going on at Cinderella's Castle. All the little kids in the crowd were chanting "We believe in magic" as instructed by Mickey Mouse. That was the first time I teared up. I believe too Mickey! I'm thirty-two and I believe!

Our first stop was my personal favorite, and Vera was mesmerized by It's A Small World. Her eyes were as big as quarters and she just couldn't take it all in fast enough. I actually cried a few tears, Matthew just rolled his eyes, because she was just plain happy and in awe. It reminded me of being a kid and going with my mom and grandma. Just beyond magical. Ve would wave at all the  little people and say "hi" as we floated by. She pointed up at the flying carpets and clapped at the jungle scene. It melted my heart and I can't wait to go back every week.

Then Matthew and Ve jumped on Prince Charming's Carousel before the rain hit. My price charming is riding a white horse, just like in Sleeping Beauty.  Here a staff member is telling Matthew to buckle her in. She was not at all happy about this, but she calmed down when the ride started to move.

And they're off! We then headed home because of the rain, but I just had a blast. How lucky are we to get to live by, and go to the coolest place ever? Thank you Matthew! You are making memories that Ve will remember for a lifetime.

John's Pass Beach, Days 2 and 3

After a good nights sleep we were up and at it again. The kids did well and slept till at least seven-thirty every day. 

For some reason we thought it would be a good idea to let these two try to take a nap together. Bad idea. When one would go down, the other would tickle, jump, or giggle them up. It went on like this for a half an hour, mainly because we thought it was so darn funny. Vera remembered all her cousins and would even say "Ackson and Uke" She was just generally giddy to see them again

Jackson drinking out of his coconut monkey which also served as his treasure box for shells and coins

The two that were left behind when the older kids got to go on a pirate ship cruise. Look how sad they look

We can hold hands and get through this together. Luke would reach over and sweetly take Ve's hand

Watching the pirate ship sail off into the sunset with her Guga, Uncle Dan, Jackson, and Reece

Ahoy there Veve!

Our buccaneers with their pirate hats and beards

Rrrrr! Us with our best pirate faces

All of us with Stan the bird

Ve loved her Guga and held on super tight when sand was involved

Guga and her crew. This is the best we could do

Playing tea set on the beach

Hooray for Madeira Beach

Chubs loving life and the sand

Just us girls

Annoyed that he had to stop swimming and take a picture

Snack break. Vera was sitting on the cooler to avoid the sand

All the second cousins in a rare picture where everyone is still and together.

An attempt to capture a Kodak moment with Guga and her grand kids. Failed, but nice try

Almost.

Guga and Ve right before we went to dinner and Vera had a massive breakdown. I had to take her out of the restaurant which caused Luke to melt down too. In her defense it was forty-five minutes into the meal and she wanted to get up and play with her cousins. Hysterical.

Showing Reece everything her ipad can do. That things kept Vera awake and quiet the entire way down to the beach. Amazing piece of technology

Giving Chubs a great big snuggle. Spider Reece can be seen in the background

Still best buddies looking for what to get into next. Despite all the chaos and commotion four kids under the age of 6 brings, it was a great time. Ve and I already miss these guys and can't wait to do this again next year.