Another Day of Firsts - Downtown ATL and centennial Park

Well, we had intended on a trip to the GA Aquarium today however, by 11am the wait time in line to go in was about 2. 5hours so, we readjusted our plans while enjoying a Coke (in a glass bottle) and a few strawberry minute maid ice treats.

Colten had free run of the park between the aquarium and Coca Cola Museum.

 We decided to take advantage of the nearest playground where Colten climbed up steps for the first time and used a slide for the first time - weeee! 

We also took a family photo op:

and Drake just hung around...

Afterwards we walked to Centennial Park just in time to see the fountain musicals and the joined in the fun!

 

Southern Summer Fun!

Bird Caged ! - Preseason at the GA Dome

Today was for us, a day of firsts:

- Our first trip as a family to Atlanta.

- Our first time watching a game in a dome.

- Our first Falcons game.

- Colten's first professional football game. 

- Our first time sitting in a section that actually won a prize during the game we were watching.

        (We won Georgia Lottery Falcons scratch off tickets... which REALLY paid off for us!)

Avery had her favorite thing while at the game...                                

cotton candy:                                                                                                                         

Drake enjoyed the seats!

It has been several years since he has seen a Pro Game

I thought it weird to watch the game in the Dome, I kept waiting for the wind to blow or something but it never did of course.



Crystal River Pictures, cont'd

Crystal River Pictures

Crystal River with the Fam

Jason & Kerri invited us on a family weekend getaway - it was a great time! 6 adults and 9 children.. yes, NINE! 1-10yr old: Christian, 2-7yr olds: Alyssa & Drake, 3 5yr olds: Brooke, Avery & Emily, 1-3yr old: Benjamin, 1-18mth old: Madison, 1-9mth old: Colten (and one on the way: Ashley)

Our trip started off with a boat ride, Captained by Jason. We went to the 3 Sisters Spring, looking to swim with a manatee or two - No such luck but it was very pretty there. Unfortunately, we have no pictures of that because we balked on getting an underwater camera and we had to swim to the springs. The water was SO cold. Each kid had an intertube and we all held hands to form somewhat of a floating train so we could all stay together, it worked more often than not but it surely was a sight to see.

Day 2 was some of the same. Jason Captained a bigger boat and attempted to take Andrew and I scuba diving. The kids swam all day, using the boat as a diving board. The water at the first dive site was a bit murky so we went back to 3 sisters springs and played around there. the water was crystal clear.

We docked the boat and had a nice lunch, then it was back to the hotel to relax and play games. The restaurant/bar was right next to our room and draft beer was only $1 so, you can imagine Andrew and I couldn't pass up a good deal!

All in all it was a great trip and to have so many children it went so smoothly, we couldn't have asked for a better time.

Day2 Alpine GA: tiny bubbles

The jacuzzi tub was a hit and a great way for the kids to top off the evening.

Again, Mommy & Daddy had alot of fun and laughs spending time together once the kids went to bed!

Day2 Alpine Ga: Downtown HELEN

Here are a few pictures of our day in Helen after lunch... I just wish I had a picture of the Chocolate Apple Drake and I shared ~ not soon to be forgotten!

Day2 Alpine GA: YUM!

We have found it! BBQ Heaven - this place had THE BEST ribs we have ever eaten

 we all agreed.. even Colten 

 

Day2 Alpine GA: Now we know where babies come from...

Babyland General Hospital, of course!

After about 2.5 hours, a live birth and a few small heartattacks from the cost of some of these "babies" , Avery adopted a little girl and named her "Violet" (although the name has changed about 10 times at this point).

Time for lunch!

Day2 Alpine GA: Mayday! Mayday!

After a WONDERFUL 1.5 hour massage/facial, a relaxing cup of hot tea while gazing at the beautiful mountain morning view and half an hour later- Andrew and the kids arrived to pick me up. Next stop: The Hospital!  On the way there, I learned of the mischief Andrew and the kids got into (which is why they were late) - apparently they took a helicopter ride and had to make an emergency landing in the middle of a State Park due to lightning. It eventually past and they got a 2 for 1 on their tickets + the t-shirts to prove it.

Afterwards, they got a free ride in a monster truck 

Our first night in the Alpine Mountains of Georgia...

S'mores!!!

The original plan had us outside at the firepit roasting marshmallows til the early morn, unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans. As soon as we reached the cabin it was like the bottom dropped out and it rained and rained. So naturally we improvised and turned to the fireplace in the great room - hey! a hot marshmallow is a hot marshmallow and it melts chocolate just the same.

The kids were happy and so was Mommy and Daddy once they were asleep. With a hot tub off of our room with a wooded view we enjoyed some wine and had some great laughs!

Happy Birthday to Me !!

Thanks to my loving family we will be taking a long awaited trip to Helen, Ga as a gift to me - YAY!!!

We are going to stay in a beautiful cabin and I have a massage scheduled first thing Saturday morning at Mandala Wellness Retreat and Spa!

Happy 4th of July!

Giddy up girl!

Avery's wish has finally come true - she is taking riding lessons!

          

Havin' a ball

       

The kids had a great time at Johnny G's in Warner Robins, GA (though I wasn't that impressed) - we spent about 4 hours there and it was a nice escape from the heat.
Drake built this huge "house" and then all of the kids jumped on it to demolish it.

Fun Fun Fun!

Yankees last stand

     

Today Avery's team played a GREAT game -

too bad it was the last one.