Florida 2016

Every July we pack up and head to sunny, hot and humid Florida to visit family. We have been making this trip since I graduated college and it is so great to see everyone. I am not sure how in the world they live there. I hear the winters are nice but I am not sure that cancels out the summer heat. Eric went tot he gym and was sweating so bad that I thought his "butt sweat" was pee! NASTY! I tried to run but made it to the door and turned right back around. I give props to those that are able to workout in that environment because I just cannot do it. I usually get a sweat level of 10 but intensity level of 2. My body just shuts down when I get too hot which is immediate there! If I wanted the beach I would move to California ... not that I could afford anything there. 

Day 1 at that pool and the boys are having a blast. This is the place that has luke warm water in the pool so it like jumping in a bath. I am not sure how clean that sucker was but at least this year the ocean was seaweed free and we were able to enjoy it. With that said, my kids were way more interested in the pool then the ocean. I don't blame them but just thought it was odd. 

Papa came down with us for the first half and the boys loved having an extra roommate. It actually was nice to have 3 adults because that meant someone always got to have a break. Luckily the boys are good swimmers and make better decisions so watching them is not as hard as it used to be on these trips. 

Worst picture because obviously the sun was in everyone's face (DOH)! Nani was so excited to see the boys and they were happy to see her in person vs on the computer!

Taber an Nani snuggles 

Taber bonked his noodle and was totally pouting. I thought I would just join in on the pitty party. 

The boys really took to boogie boarding this year and were great at it. The waves were perfect and they have no fear. 

 Just sticking our kids in holes and watching them try to escape.

This was Eric's solution to beating the heat yet sill enjoy the sun. During the afternoons the tide went way back and a cool sand bar would appear. 

Taber was stuck after boogie boarding so Eric had to help him to dry land.

Swim lessons finally paid off as the kids can FINALLY back float.

4th of July fun with sparklers and helmets with head lamps. 

I think they had a good time at the beach ... including Papa. 

I feel like this picture sums us up in a nut shell. 

This is my fake family. Never believe what you see in pictures. Everyone is not always happy!

 Dinner with Papa at a restaurant with the best bread ever! So much for gluten free that night. Gotta live a little. 

Boys had fun playing on the boardwalk and eating ice cream. This prompted Eric to buy his own cornhole game. Ugh!

He is my lobster. We are coming up on our 10 year wedding anniversary and I like him better now then when we first got married. The man makes me laugh!

The experience is far better then the food. 

The last day the ocean turned into a lake. The boys had a great time trying to catch the fish at our feet! Until next year!

Summer Break - Part 1

In reality it is the middle of August and the kids have gone to school (post to come later) but I am just now getting to part 1 of our summer vacation. This was a big year for me, both kids were home all day, every day. I have had the boys in some form of school or daycare since the day I left my job so this was a true test. Luckily I picked the summer that had no naps, they are capable swimmers and I do not have to hoover. Don't get me wrong, it was not all sunshine and kitty cats but overall I would say it went well! I have more appreciation for those moms who have stayed home from the beginning because this job is freaking HARD! Having to provide entertainment for 77 days is a challenge and I think the kids were actually looking forward to school because mom is just not that much fun! But now that they are gone and I have the days to myself, I miss them. We always want what we cannot have. 

Deegan started the summer by finishing the spring season of soccer. It was a cold one with lots of snow. These boys did amazing and won the championship. Coach Joe, the nice one and Coach Eric, the mean one did a great job this season. I can officially say I am a soccer mom and man, I get all worked up in games. I need to take a chill pill. 

We went to a birthday party and they had a face painter. Taber actually picked something manly vs a kitty. Best part was, after looking at himself int he mirror, he said he looked like Uncle Evan! 

Deegan earned a night out at Vandamere to watch a Jet car race because he read so many hours. I was really proud of him and excited to watch him earn his reward. Then we got to the track and I took one look around and decided I was no longer excited. That was not my crowed to say the least. Not sure where these people come from or how they afford a ticket because they obviously cannot afford a dentist. We stuck out like sore thumbs ... mostly because we had teeth and no tattoos. It was loud, stinky and even the kids were not too thrilled with the conditions or crowed. With that said, they were super sweet to each other that night and supportive as they cried together because of the noise! Never again!

Field Day for Deegan and his 1st grade class. So cute!

We flew out to Utah to celebrate Brenden's high school graduation. I love when we get to have some good family time with our nephews. They are such good kids with bright futures and we could not be more proud. They have been thru so much adversity and to see their accomplishments is inspiring. I love that my boys have them to look up to. 

At dinner, Deegan went Rambo and yanked his tooth out. It was pretty amazing!

 The boys. This is a tall group of men!

My boys

Taber turned 5 in June. Not sure why this age hurt me but there is something about your baby turning 5 that makes them not a baby anymore. I officially have kids. They smell like puppies, talk back, know how to pour cereal and tell me they love me all the time. I have officially entered a new phase in life. I will forever miss them as babies and toddlers but I am excited to mold them into little gentlemen. 

Super man loved his new costume. He wore this thing everywhere for a week. So adorable!

Karli stayed with us for a week while she danced. Her schedule was totally different from last summer so we were able to take advantage of the days and get some activities in. We drove to Kansas, not really ... just Aurora, to go to the reservoir. It was an interesting crowed with cold water but the kids had fun and Deegan actually caught a fish with his bare hands. That may have been the best moment of his life. 

The fish died because he showed it to too many people but hey, he found a bucket instead. 

I have finally found a group of gals that I can be myself around. I have my old High School and College friends but time and distance always seem to keep us apart. I have old work friends but most are moving in another direct vs this stay at home mom over here and that is okay. I get to see these ladies every day at the gym and once a month for book club. I have never found working out to be so enjoyable because of the people there. I laugh thru most work outs and during book club we seem to all understand its not about the book. I love laughing and love to surround myself with people that make me laugh ... I am finally in my element. 

Toothless wonderD! So cute!

Thank goodness these boys won the championship because they worked hard for it. They practiced from January thru June. Deegan made huge improvements in his throwing and batting and we were very proud. Somehow Eric was roped into helping coach but he totally enjoyed it. I think he really likes yelling at little kids :)

Pool days or the pool for days? It is a blur because we were there ALL.THE.TIME. It was a great way to burn time, make the kids tired and catch up with friends. By the end of the summer my tolerance for the sun became less and less. We started off going for 5 hours and by the end I was usually ready to leave after an hour. I am kinda ready for fall. Wait, that is followed by winter ... never mind!

Long Winter; Short Days

Winter days always make me appreciate the summer. Our family thrives on long days and outdoor activities. I am sure any family with boys appreciates the ability to get outside and run off some energy. The Deegan and Taber last 5 minutes coloring, I hate arts and crafts and I try to limit screen time to preserve their little brains. These factors combined give me the gumption to bundle up and head outside any time it is over 38 degrees to get these boys tired. You would think baseball, soccer and gymnastics would accomplish this 6 days a week but it just is not enough! 

At last we have entered into spring! Daylight savings has run its course (why the hell do we still do that), the days are warmer and snow fall is less and less. I am so looking forward to summer! With that said, I better catch up on Winter blogging. 

Anytime Deegan is on break we must make a visit to his favorite pizza restaurant here in Castle Rock. Those 2 pieces are for him! He has turned a corner with food and is open to trying anything and when the kid finds something he likes he will eat a man sized portion! I am going to go broke on groceries soon!

I did a terrible job taking pictures of Christmas activities this year. Most of the ones I did take turned out blurry with all the commotion, too dark or just not flattering! Santa brought Taber a SpiderMan costume in hopes that he would prefer it over dresses. It seemed to work!

Eric and I look dog-tired ... maybe because we were! Its the best picture I have so it will have to do. 

Yup, still tired but we are happy!

My dad and I surprised Eric with a big present this year. We usually do not exchange presents but he had an amazing year at work, makes an effort to be with his family as much as possible and is just flat out the best. How could I not reward him?!

Spider man costume was all the rage until the Elsa dress was unwrapped! HA! If you cannot fight them, join them. 

After Christmas we headed to the cabin for snow time and ski lessons. Nothing like putting your kiddos in their first ever lessons when it was -22 degrees out. The air was frozen along with everyone's toes!!! They did great and I am certain I complained the most!

.Marshmallow break

Cousin Brenden came out for the week and joined us at the cabin. My boys just adore him to the max. He is such a good kid and we are so proud of where he is heading. Clearly in this picture, Grandma Foo is just as excited (HAHAHA!)

New Years tradition with the Chapla's! Hard to believe we have been friends for 10+ years!

Playing footsy while eating breakfast and watching some TV. Brother love!

Deegans first day of baseball practice. He looks so darn cute!!!

No denying we are a Bronco Family. 

My life with boys. At a radio controlled RC track before a major storm. All three have their own cars. Super exciting for them, boring to this mama. I don't understand why we cannot get pedicures. That is FUN!!!!

This is how we roll on snow days! Movie cuddles!

Indoor soccer for Taber! He is gong to be really good. He is super fast and is not afraid to throw an elbow. I call him the tank which is hilarious because he is usually the smallest out on the field.