A little getaway

Life isn't always easy, and it certainly isn't guaranteed!  After loosing my mom a couple weeks ago (officially making me an orphan in my very early 30s), this past weekends wedding festivities couldn't have been more needed than they were!!! (I'm not ready to discuss the sad depressing stuff right now-so moving on)

We were able to travel to Clearwater Beach, FL to celebrate the marriage of my husbands cousin.  We began the adventure with the kid's and my very first ever plane ride!!! Everything suprisingly went fairly smooth, we arrived and parked in plenty of time, checked the bags quickly, and got through security with plenty of time to take a seat and enjoy breakfast before boarding the plane.  We arrived in Tampa in just under 2 hours of flight time! After a couple rental car mishaps we loaded into our vehicle and began our adventure.  With check in time being later in the afternoon we had time to stop in a shop, grab some lunch and do a little driving explore time. 

We chose dinner at the famous Frenchy's Cafe on the waterfront.  It didn't disappoint (even if it was a little too loud for the kids liking with us getting sat right next to the live band.) The crab fries and fish tacos were on point! The next morning we grabbed breakfast then loaded up to hit the beach!   This was another first for the kids and I, we have visited a "beach" and ocean before but had never touched or played in the ocean waters nor had we sat and hung out on a beach before.  The kids absolutely loved it! They were able to play in the sands and shallow waters and have an amazing time with a lot of their cousins that we dont get to see very often! The adults even got to stop in on the beachfront bar and enjoy a couple beverages.  After the beach day we grilled out and swam at the resort with the family and hung by the private tiki bar.  All the family had the resort to ourselves, it was perfect! That evening we were able to grab some delicious ice cream before helping to set up for the wedding reception which was also at the resort we all stayed at!

Saturday the gorgeous bride walked the beautiful, white sand aisle with an amazing water view backdrop to say their "I do's."  Everything turned out beautiful and perfect!  After the ceremony the wedding guest all received a stone to line the ocean and throw in together to symbolize best wishes for the bride and groom.  Then followed was the party back at the resort.  The BBQ was so tasty and the family and friend time was perfect!  The best part of course was the donuts in place of a traditional wedding cake...delicious!!!!!

Our last full day there we went out to lunch with an aunt and uncle who live within an hour of the wedding location, and of course it was the famous Frenchy's again!!! I'm guilty of indulging in the crab fries and fish tacos again... so yummy!!! We drove and explored some more and spent time at the resort so all the kids could swim and hang out!  We got all of our children together in their matching clothes to get a beach photo done for their grandparents and great grandparents.  9 kiddos from ages 5 months to 12 years old was quite comical! We then visited the famous Pier 60 and got to see some dolphins swimming in the distance and a crazy seagull up close and personal! On the way out we ran into a street performer who actually pulled chloe out in his stage to perform with him! He was hilarious and it made her day! (he even tipped her $5 for playing along)  I hope the experiences will be far greater memories than any monetary objects for our children!!! Getting caught in the show called for a random late pizza place on the way back to the resort.  Then the dreaded packing and cleaning up began for a morning departure the next day. 

We were packed and ready to go, returned the rental with time to spare for some food and boarding our plane back home! Another fairly easy return flight and we were back to reality! Next time the trip definitely needs to be longer but I know the kids were ready to get home to their dog and finish out the school year for summer break!   It was an amazing break from all the stress at home and work and much needed! Cherish every moment you get with your families because you never know when that will be the last moment.

Spring-ish Break

Well that flew by so fast!!!!  This past week we got to enjoy a week at home for spring break!  In Kentucky spring break doesn't always mean "spring"- around here you never know what mother nature is going to bring.  Since official "spring" we have seen beautiful, comfortable, warm days, we have seen several inches of snow and ice, several inches of rain and thunderstorms, and just some really strange weather days!

Unfortunately I started break with being sick for a few days (still not completely better) and the husband of course worked! We didn't plan any "away" trips due to schedules and going to an out of town wedding soon.  So instead of completely ruining break with our only planned routine dental appointments, the kids and I were able to enjoy a lunch and play time at our local Dave and Busters.  If you have never been it truly is a really fun time when the crowds are low but you definitely have to save for it, make it a special occasion trip or request gift  cards for holidays/events!! I also recommend checking for deals and downloading the app as well!

"C" FINALLY got to have her first soccer practice for spring after being cancelled so many times for bad weather, and "Z" got to have his first T-ball game.

On our last day of break the husband was off work and we were able to load up as a family and explore!  We have been wanting to take the kids hiking to see how they would do with it and also check out some new campgrounds to hopefully stay in soon.  We loaded up and headed to an area of Kentucky's Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest.  Our goal was to introduce hiking to the kids and test them to see if they would be as into as we are and luckily the test I would say was successful! Both kids seem to really enjoy the adventure and stayed excited most of the day! I have lived here forever and this was sadly my first time to the gorge even though I have wanted to go but was too nervous with small kids, I'm so glad they are at that age to start having more adventures!  The husband has always loved the gorge and used to go with a good friend but having careers, wives, and kids the guys dont get to go near as often as they would like (hopefully there will be joint family trips in the future now!) Our first stop was the Natural Bridge State Resort Park- obviously a big tourist sight in the area but amazing to see such wonderful creations! The trails leading to the bridge itself we had no idea if the kids could handle so we opted to pay and ride the Skylift to get to it.  The boys of course loved it and made it without trouble, the girls... let's just say we were very nervous but beat our fears and made it up! (the Ride down in our opinion was easier since we knew what to expect, but those heights and the steepness are not for the faint of heart) Once we made it up the giant hill we were able to explore the natural bridge and hike on some of the trails for a while.  After that area we headed down to the truck and grabbed lunch at the local but famous Miguels Pizza.... DELICIOUS!!!! This "hole in the wall" place is so popular for a reason, nothing like a great pizza pie and an Ale-8 in a glass bottle!! We left lunch with full bellys and drove the area for a bit going through the Nada Tunnel into the forest and headed to a couple more trails (Chimney Top Rock, and Princess Archways) before headed back home.  The day was so simple and amazing, the time together as a family was much needed and so nice to have been mostly tech free and just simple! We have discovered a new family "thing!"

But all good things must come to an end, and here we are Monday morning with SNOW!!! and back to Real Life! The countdown to summer break is on!!!!!!!

waiting on spring

Here we are already in the month of February and we have already missed 6 days of school total for snow days! Now, Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a snowday, It actually really helps to break up those long weeks with some of the pre-teen/teenagers I work with BUT its not going to be so enjoyable when we are trying to figure out when summer break will start (which is much more of a needed break ;) )

A little bowling action lol 

 I think the family is more than ready for spring and summer! Before we know it, it will be soccer and baseball season for the kids and camping/cook out weather!!!!! I have an extensive list of research and "dream" locations to haul the camper to this year and the years to come!  We intend to hit up Red River Gorge this year and hopefully hit a few other campgrounds we've never been to in KY (near the bourbon trail possibly) and of course Halloween has been booked since last October ;)  We also get to head to the beach to watch our beautiful cousin get married this year! I am ready and excited for a year of adventure and change!

C is nearly finished with basketball for the season and she has loved every minute of it (I think) That kid has learned and grown so much since she started, we are so proud of her.  She puts her heart and soul into whatever she has her mind set to and I know she will accomplish big things in her life! She's even working on her back tuck in gymnastics, even after injury she doesnt want to give up! 

Of course today adds a winter weather advisory so its looking like another cold day stuck inside tomorrow, which means some Instant Pot cooking!!!! I got this little magic machine for Christmas and that little guy has gotten a workout! It's so amazing what you can cook in it for less time, less prep, and less dishes!! I still love my crock pots, but its been so nice to be able to throw a meal together last minute!! Below is just one picture of a recent dish we loved, LASAGNA! Yes, you can literally make a little tasty lasagna!!!! #AMAZING! I'm really hoping to utilize it for meal prepping and getting myself back in shape!

so tasty, after cooking throw under broiler to crisp up! 

Snow for days ;)

Oh Kentucky weather.... where its in the 60s one day and you get a snow day from school the next! The kids certainly didn't mind, any day off school to them is a good day (lets just hope we wont be going to school in June this year!)  The kids took full advantage of playing outside in the cold and cuddling up with hot chocolate after.. and of course TONS of board/card games and no cleaning ha!!!

Sadly basketball was cancelled due to the weather so we were pretty bummed about that but with just a 3 day school week well be back at it with a couple practices and a couple games this coming weekend.  of course we bought a new "sled" (snowboard) and then we get sent to school... so hopefully the kiddos can try it out in between gymnastics and ball practices before the Kentucky weather changes this weekend and we loose the snow up on our hill!

This winter weather makes us pretty boring overall (beside all the usual running with school, work, and sports) we certainly cannot wait until spring and summer to enjoy our camping and outdoor adventures!

Hello 2018

Well I have say I'm glad 2017 is over.... It wasn't as bad as the way 2016 ended but it really wasn't amazing for my mental health either... 

 off the top of my head I will do a little recap of the year (and I'm sure I will remember later other events that happened, that's just how my brain works) 2017 was filled with the usual many visits to the firehouse, C made her first blanket with her sewing machine at sewing lessons, both kiddos got to try karate out, soccer, gymnastics, flag football, basketball, fish fry nights, trips to rabbit hash, parks, gardening, holidays, pool days, me coaching softball, Z had his tonsils/adenoids etc removed, we bought a camper, lake and camping trips, movie theaters, trips to the ER for Z and the hubs, lamb shows at the fair, demolition derby, visiting family in W.V, pumpkin patches, birthdays, and many more! In an effort to make myself a more positive and happy person this year I do have to admit that there is more good than bad and I need to learn to see that better!!!

I am not one for "resolutions" however, I will give myself some goals for the new year.  The biggest and most important is to work on my mental and physical health.  I have truly let myself go in more ways than I should and have got to fix me in order to be able to the best for my family.  I am full of negative self talk, doubt, fear, misery, anxiety etc you name it, it's me.  I don't want to see my kids turn out like this so I have got to fix it no matter how hard it may be and how long it will take me. I also need to remember that I am not here to please everyone. If I can fix this, the rest of the list will fall into place.

Another goal is to simplify life in general, we need to de-clutter our home, minds and schedules.

I need to work on my relationships with family and friends. 

Take more trips!  Things don't last but memories will, and I want my family to have great memories, not the ones of mommy being sad and not going anywhere.  We will camp/trip as often as possible and not always have to be tied down to an itinerary.  I need to learn to go with the flow in some aspects.