Vaca #2: Sebring

For the second half of the trip, we went to visit Uncle Russ and Aunt Pam at thier lake house in Sebring. It was a rocky start that day, re-packing the fam and making the trip over to Sebring with 2 weary, post-Disney kiddos. (And parents, too!) But once we arrived we soaked in the view from the back porch (below) and decided quickly that it was the *perfect* spot to rest, chillax, and enjoy the rest of our trip. We jet-skiied, swam, napped, cocktailed, went on sunset cruises across the lake, read, built sand castles, and enjoyed friends and family. Icing on the already-delicious-vacation-cake? Ashley found the best deal ever on some havaianas right across the street while on a quick mint-for-mojitos run. Thanks again, Ash! Still living in mine!

I'm such a poser Fla girl now!

The back yard... ah.... welcome home.

The walk to the dock...

Of course, we spent most of our time on the beach because we didn't trust C.C. not to dive off the dock! She's up for anything, that one! I fear she'll be the one with her tongue frozen to the flag pole one day!

Tired Disney princess...

Mom & Dad with the Hayeses. ....And little Miss Attitude.

...Not sure what this is about, but hey! Cheers!

View off the end of the dock. One of my favorite things was coming down here during the girls' naptime with Ashley and enjoying some rays and some peacefulness. Gorgeous.

Something was very interesting.

Strike a pose!

"Exploring" the beach!

The water was sooooo clear and so shallow, it was *perfect* for little ones! It was also as warm as bath water, which was perfect for wimpy me! Way out past the deck it wasn't even up to the tops of our legs and it was crystal clear as far as we could see which made me feel *much* more confident that my little girls wouldn't be alligator bait!

Kate was busy building drip castles with Hayes and Bandaddy all morning. Poor thing, no amount of sunscreen can protect that fair skin. She's the t-shirt-on-the-beach-kid.

And the girls did a great job driving the jet ski for the first time! ....Kidding!

C.C. had a permanent smile plastered on her face all day as she just floated and bobbed in her raft. Since the water was so shallow we could turn her loose a bit and just let her walk around herself in it and she was in heaven.... independence is bliss for that one!

....Kate's Jackie-O look.

C.C.'s "gimme that camera" look.

Fun morning, ready to head in for lunch and naps.

Bandaddy walking the girls down to the dock after naps.

Discussing religion and politics, naturally!

Hayes. Hayes-n-heimer. Purple Hayes. Hot-N-Hayes-ey. Hazel-nut. Hayes-ee-o. The list goes on and on... I call him bro.

Fellas heading out. My turn to drive was next. My guess is that Hayes had never gone that slowly around the lake!

A shirt blew off the end of the dock and BD went to fetch it. I took a pic just to show the water - I couldn't get over it. It was so warm, beautiful and clear!

Right before I went inside to pack I turned and took a quick "good-bye" pic with my phone. Ah, palm trees, crystal water, lazy days... we'll miss you so.

I realized as I was looking through pics at home that I didn't take a single one inside of the beautiful house! That pretty much sums up the trip, though.... we were outside enjoying the (hot!) sun morning, noon, and night. Thank you, Russ & Pam, for a fabulous visit!!! It was so dreamy!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

We are so thankful. So, so thankful. Humbled. Blown away. Thankful for family and friends, OH yes, but most thankful for the ah-mazing sacrifice made on our behalf and that we have such an incredible, praise-worthy Creator! Words cannot express His goodness...

Playing outside after church.

C.C. not in a picture-taking mood. Oh well!


That Daddy is hilarious!

Taking a little swing break.

Loooooove my sister!

Hunting for eggs with SC...

I got one!!!

Enjoying Easter treats with some dear neighborhood friends.

Gran's

The girls and I headed to Princeton for a quick trip to give Granny her "Happy Easter!" hug in person... Sarah and Axel were down from Chicago and the kids had a great time playing outside.

"Keep your eye on the call, Carter Caroline."

Sweet Bandaddy.... trying to foster C.C.'s competitive spirit.

Kate was not loving the idea of actually putting the baby (Naomi Katherine) down to swing the bat. She clearly inherited her mother's athletic drive.

The kids looooooooove the golf cart! Kate gets to drive (with a grown-up pushing the pedals of course!) and she is hilarious. There is a sound-effect and commentary for every turn of the wheel and she is large and in charge. C.C. insisted on driving this time, too, and never really did get the hang of actually looking forward while moving. Oh well.

We couldn't really take the kids on the course over the weekend for many reasons, but mostly because of C.C.'s teradactyl squeal. So I think we killed a ring of grass circling Granny's entire house with how much we rode the cart around her yard and her block.

"Axel, tell me when they aren't looking and I'll take you for a joy ride through the neighborhood."

"If only my feet could reach the peddles!"

Kickball!

The girls. (Some of them.)

Easter Party

Kate's Easter party at school was last week, and was such a fun day!

C.C. and Charlie waiting patiently for the big kids to come out of the Jesus Walk.

On the hunt!!!!!

Checking out the candy selection inside.

C.C. watching the big kids hunt for eggs... happy as long as she has her graham cracker!

Debriefing on the spoils... Kate, Luke & Jack.

"I can't wait to be a big kid!"

After the festivities Kate's teacher decided to wind the kids down with a story. C.C. went right up front and perched herself in the throne. "Don't mind if I do!"