Just Livin'

The kids got scooters for Christmas and have been riding them every chance they get. We have instituted a helmet rule because these guys really get going...

Victoria went with me to the doctor to see baby sister on TV. I don't think she was impressed with the quality of the picture.

I scheduled a little fire station visit for O'Neill and his friends. So fun! V was able to come too since her school was off for MLK Jr day and she was recovering from the flu.

V has had a rough two weeks - first the flu then she had ear tubes and adenoids removed. She was such a brave patient and did amazing. Friends Dr Kenny and Dr Merch did the surgery and anesthesia. She is great at taking her medicines and ear drops - such a good patient. The doctor said her adenoids were covered in mucus and her ears where filled with puss - so he said the surgery was a success and she will now be able to hear better and pass her hearing tests.

She recovered beautifully and loved getting to eat popsicles, ice cream, gummy bears and watching movies. We had such a great second day of recovery just playing that we almost forgot to pick brother up for school.

JZ's office sent over a little bear for V. And the grandparents adorned V with gifts. Surgery isn't so bad when you get to eat and do what you want and get presents!

New Years and Birthday

We spent New Years with the Davises in Austin. We drove off the boat to meet them and Papa and Cecie in Austin. The kids loved seeing Kate and Ali's new toys from Christmas. It was a low key New Years Eve and perfect for the mama to be of three.

The girls performed a dance for us complete with costumes.

The girls wanted to make those rainbow loom bracelets but didn't know exactly how so we put the entrepreneur, the surgeon and super dad to task - notice the girls are nowhere to be seen. They did end up making a few but the novelty had worn off at that point.

Tyler and Juliet made a great end of year dinner!

The evening was complete with poppers, confetti, and all the bells and whistles for New Years 2014!

Back home and lovin' it!!

Happy Birthday Dad! We had a little family birthday party which turned into a dance party.

Love!

Disney Cruise

2013 ended with a great trip aboard the Disney Wonder with all the cousins, aunts, uncles and Papa and Cecie. The kids enjoyed doing all things Disney and playing with the family. This was Uncle Todd's and JZ's first cruise experience. Everyone survived with no crazy hiccups - even the 32 week pregnant person - although JZ did experience some allergic reaction all over his body! The theme of the trip was Dance Party as most of the family time was centered around dancing…or having three hour dinners. The kids were all out of whack, off schedule, and running on sugar and excitement. We thank Cecie for organizing us to take this trip and getting us together - truly a once in a lifetime experience. The four night cruise took us to Mexico for a day; Victoria thought we were sailing to DisneyWorld. Instead of quieting their urge to visit the Disney castle, I think this trip only flied the fire to do more things Disney! Oh dear.

All aboard the Wonder!

The welcome aboard dance party! I must say - we all busted some moves...

Camille was walking the cat walk, Char was doing some gymnastics tricks, Kate was flipping over the bars, Elise was be-bopping around and V and O were jumping.

The cousins first princess sighting on the way to dinner! 

Cecie's birthday party surprise! Her gift was a ring with all 10 grandchildren's birthstones. So meaningful and beautiful.

First night on the ship! V got the top bunk and LOVED it - wants one in her room

Playing in the Mickey shaped pool. Everything was Mickey inspired - right down to the way they poured the ketchup on the children's plates! 

O'Neill loves William and loved playing with him.

Victoria purchased THREE Lion King stuffed animals at the gift shop with her money Papa, Cecie and Nana, Abuelo gave her for Christmas. O'Neill purchased all the car figurines from the Cars movies. They still love playing with them almost a month after the trip.

JZ's leg after he woke up the first night. JZ might be allergic to cruises.

V and her baby Simba!

Their first character encounter. O was super excited about meeting Mickey but wondered where all the cars were. 

On the beach in Cozumel. 

The whole crew doing the dolphin encounter - they got to touch and kiss the dolphin and see all the cool tricks Trixie could do. 

So proud of V for sticking with the dolphin encounters and being so brave

The girls in line to meet the princesses!!! V was dressed up in her Ariel costume and was excited, overwhelmed and a little shy. Tiana, Ariel, Rapunzel, Cinderella were there but Victoria wondered why some of the princesses like Belle and Snow White on stage for the shows but not in the lobby  - very confused. 

Dance Party with the Disney Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale. - the whole gang

Aunt Shannon signed the girls up for Tea with the Princesses. The princesses taught them a few manners to have at tea parties - Victoria could've used a half day manner course. 

Impromptu dance party at the tea party...

Family Dance Party - so cute to see everyone's little personality 

The gang's all here

Pirate Night