Summer Vacation 2011~ New Smyrna Beach, FL~ Part 1

Our family vacation to New Smyrna Beach was lots of fun and full of new memories. We decided to try out New Smyrna this year beacause Terrell and I decided we really wanted Garrison to experience Disney World this summer while he's still an only child and he could still get in free. We knew a day or two at Disney World would be about all he could handle (not to mention his 7 months pregnant mama!) so that's why we decided to find a beach somewhat close to Orlando so we could make a day trip to Disney... all for the little man. We joked about how much money all of the adults had to spend for our free 2 year old! (In an effort to cut down on picture overload and this post being the longest ever, I've decided to divide things up.) Here's part 1 of our vacation...

Saturday, June 25th:

My 2 babies in the back ready to get on the road to the beach

Garrison and Bailey both did really good on the trip down even though Garrison only napped for about 45 minutes. Terrell and I were just really thankful we didn't have any major meltdowns or potty issues in the car. It's pretty intimidating to take a newly potty trained 2 year old on a 7-8 hour car drive, but he did great!

Once we arrived and got all of our things unpacked and situated in our condo, we all went down to the beach to check things out. The little man loved the water and the sand and was pretty excited to finally be at the beach. Right after we got to the condo he was so funny because he asked where the "cation" was. I guess he had just heard so much about vacation the past couple of days, plus in the car on the way, that he couldn't believe we were finally at the beach on vacation.

Sunday, June 26th:

Sunday morning the little man woke us up full of energy. I think he was mainly excited about waking up in the same condo as Granna, Papa, and AnAn. Again I tried not to take it personal that he preferred them for everything. =) Sunday turned out to be a really good day. We finished breakfast and went straight down to the pool and then a little later went down to the beach.

He loved jumping to daddy in the swimming pool

He also had fun riding in his turtle

At the beach he was completely entertained playing in the sand. It felt like he could do that for hours. It really was one of his favorite things to do on vacation I think. He also had fun playing catch with daddy.

After going in for sandwiches for lunch, me and the little man stayed in so he could take a nap and I could rest some too before getting ready to go out to eat for supper. After supper we spotted a "Brusters style" Dairy Queen that we just couldn't pass up. You walked up to a window to order and just ate outside. It was so yummy. Ice cream is becoming a very regular part of my diet! We also made a couple of pictures of just the girls. I couldn't get any good ones of Garrison because he was too concerned with eating his ice cream. Plus he's also in this stage of disliking the camera and saying "no take Garrsin picture mama!". Lately it's hard work getting a good picture of him!

Our first day at the beach went perfect and the little man did great going to bed. Time to get ready for Disney World!

Monday, June 27th: Disney World!

We woke up bright and early Monday morning in an attempt to get to Disney World when the gates opened. I think we were pulling out around 7:20. So, so early for all 6 of us to be up, ready, and on the road. We finally arrived at Disney about an hour and 20 minutes later after dealing with the Monday morning commute in Orlando. The little man was really excited, a little apprehensive, and SO ready to see Goofy. Goofy was all he talked about on the way there and once we finally made it inside the Magic Kingdom. I think I heard "Where Goofy, mama? Garrsin ready see Goofy." 20 times.

Finally there along with half the vacationers in the country I think!

Group shot with Terrell as our photographer

Our very first ride was the carousel. Garrison rode with AnAn and loved having the whole family riding with him.

Terrell also decided to get pictures of me and Granna...

After the carousel we walked over to Dumbo since they were right across from each other. I would say this was Garrison's first true ride since he's been on lots of carousels in the past. He rode with daddy and Granna and AnAn rode together. Me and Papa decided to watch and make pictures.

Ready to take off!

Mid-flight

All done and loving Disney World so far!

After Dumbo we went to ride Snow White together since all of us could fit on the same ride. Terrell got this picture as soon as we sat down and right before he jumped in. While we were waiting in line we decided to ask Garrison who he wanted to ride with since we knew we'd be sitting two by two, and he chose Papa. I have now officially accepted that when the grandparents (or AnAn) are nearby, Terrell and I just aren't that special. I actually think I accepted this a long time ago, I was just reminded of it again this past week. ha!

Snow White was a little dark and scary for the little man, but he handled it great. His eyes were really big as he took everything in but he never got upset or cried. There were a couple of points during that ride when I wouldn't have blamed him if he did get upset. I had definitely forgotten how scary that ride was.

After Snow White it was time for lunch. We decided to make reservations at a sit-down, air condidtioned place on Main Street. I'm SO glad we did. It was a much needed break from the heat and crowds... and the food, while outrageously priced, was really good. Garrison loved his grilled cheese and grapes. On the way to The Plaza (the restaurant we ate at) we ran into a parade coming down Main St. Garrison stuck close to daddy but seemed totally fascinated. This is when he finally got to see Goofy. It was a big deal.

After lunch we went to ride the Aladdin magic carpet ride. The 3 of us actually squeezed into 1 seat and rode together. This was our attempt at a picture of ourselves. Granna, Papa, and AnAn rode in the carpet behind us.

Once we left Aladdin we went and got a fast pass for the Jungle Boat Cruise and then got in line for Pirates of the Carribbean. This is one of my favorite rides and waiting in line for it is so easy. It was good for me because I got to be out of the heat for a while and the line moves almost continuously. Here's a pic of my boys while we were line.

Garrison sat between me and Terrell and did really good... especially during the part when everything goes pitch black and the boat you're in goes down a hill. We held on to him tight!

Next it was time for the Jungle Boat Cruise. Garrison really liked seeing all the animals and riding on the boat. This was probably his third favorite ride. Once we got off the Jungle Boat we went and got on the Choo Choo Train. We knew riding the train was an absolute must. Garrison loves choo choo's and our timing worked out so good. It started raining while we were on the train so we just stayed on and rode around the Magic Kingdom 2 times until the rain stopped. Perfect timing. After the train we thought about riding Peter Pan and maybe the Teacups but changed our plans after seeing the wait time for Peter Pan (75 minutes) and most of us not being up for spinning around and around and around on the Teacups while we were so hot and tired.

The last ride we rode was It's a Small World and the little man loved it. It was perfect for him. Fun sweet music playing, bright and colorful little people and toys to look at, a nice smooth boat ride. He was completely fascinated with everything about it.

This was the amazed look on his face as we rode through

After It's a Small World we got ready to wrap things up and make our way to the monorail. Before we could leave, my parents just had to buy Garrison this stuffed Goofy. It's almost as big as he is. He loved it immediately. They also bought him a really cool Mickey Mouse balloon that's now in his room almost a full week later and looks exactly the same. Garrison has even been asking to see Mickey Mouse on his balloon like he's checking to make sure he's not going away or getting smaller yet.

We had a fun-filled day at Disney and Garrison (and mama and Austin) handled everything great. Toward the end of the day I started feeling the effects of being on my feet in the sun all day, but I never had any crazy episodes. Thank you Lord for taking care of us. I really, really did not want to ruin everyone's day because of passing out or throwing up or having contractions!

Garrison also did SO good with the potty. We were prepared with an extra pair of big boy underwear and a second outfit, but he did great. I'm so thankful my mom pretty much took over with the potty duty. It gives me a workout and a little bit of a backache every single time I have to take him by myself to a public bathroom.

The day wore all of us out, but we had a sweaty fun time and enjoyed experiencing everything with Garrison. Terrell and I decided one day at Disney with a 2 year old was enough and that we'll be planning another trip to Disney when the boys are older. Garrison and Goofy were sound asleep about 5 minutes into our ride back to New Smyrna. So adorable.

We got Taco Bell take-out for supper and all crashed early after our long day. Part 2 (and maybe 3 depending on how long things get) coming soon!

Beach Bums

We are currently mid-vacation and enjoying the life of beach bums. Ahh. It's so nice to be lazy and have time on your hands with nothing to do but eat, sleep, and hang out at the beach. My little man is having a ball playing in the sand, swimming in the pool and ocean, riding and pushing buttons in the e-vader (elevator) and just enjoying the cation (vacation) with the whole fam. Here's a little preview into our week so far...

Ready to head down to the beach on our first full day

This is SO fun

Playing in the sand is one of his most favorite things to do!


Walking out to the ocean with daddy

Doing his most favorite thing again

Those waves are looking big...

My two guys in the ocean (little man decided he wouldn't be intimidated by those waves after all)

Look mama! I have sand in my cup and this cation is just the best!

..... lots more fun to have and memories to make before we head home! And don't worry, I'll be sure to document it all. =)

28 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 28 weeks~ yay for the 3rd trimester!

Size of Baby: About 15 inches long and 2-3 pounds. He is growing and I can tell (along with everyone else)! He's still about the size of an eggplant. =)
Total Weight Gained/Lost: Now I'm at 16 lbs total because I went down a pound at my appointment. My guess is that it's because all I could have for breakfast was dry toast and water (for my glucose test). I was starving by the time I left the doctor's office!

Maternity Clothes: A must!

Gender: A little brother for Garrison!

Movement: Baby boy is moving a lot. His favorite times of the day to be active are first thing in the morning, mid to late afternoon, and once I'm finally sitting still and relaxing after Garrison goes to bed.

Food Cravings: Popsicles and ice cream

What I Miss: Being able to do normal things around the house like vacuuming or dusting or taking care of Garrison without it wearing me out or feeling out of breath!

Sleep: I've now gone from sleeping good, to just okay. Terrell had to find my boppy cuddle pillow for me to sleep with this week because I've just been uncomfortable and tossing and turning a lot. The pillow helped with my pregnancy with Garrison and it's helping with this pregnancy too, thank goodness!

Symptons: Feeling tired and sleepy, being hot, and making lots of trips to the bathroom

Best Moment This Week: Garrison placing his little hands on my bare belly and saying, "move around Ausin, move around" and him giving my belly kisses. So sweet. I have tried my hardest to get Garrison to feel Austin move, but so far it hasn't worked out. Hopefully one day soon. I can just imagine the precious look on his face!

What I'm Looking Forward To: The beach, pool, Disney World, family time, and new memories

The big brother who now pretty much requests to have his picture made by the door just like mama

Father's Day Weekend

We had a great Father's Day weekend and enjoyed spending time with both of our families. The weekend started for us on Saturday at lunch. The Selph side of the family all met at a Mexican restaurant to celebrate Father's Day and Kara's birthday together. It was so good to see our nieces and to have some to time to catch up with everybody.

I love that my baby loves babies!

"Baby Shannon" as Garrison likes to call her

Garrison with the birthday girl

The 3 cousins (Can you tell Garrison has mastered the fake smile?)

These two were so happy to see each other and looked precious as they left the restaurant holding hands.

After lunch we went back to Terrell's parents house and got the little man settled down for a nap. Lately he's been doing really good with taking naps away from home. I guess we'll see how things go on vacation. I'm not sure if naptime will be a priority or not. A part of me thinks it will be really dangerous to basically do away with naptime for a whole week, but another part of me says it's vacation and we'll be out of our routine anyway and he'll be fine getting back into a routine once we're home. I think I'm just going to see how each days goes. Anyway, back to Father's Day... after Garrison's nap we gave Pops his cards and gift.

We told Garrison to go give Pops his present and so he carried it over to him, opened it right up, and handed Pops his present. Oh well, I guess we need to be more specific next time.

After the present was opened, they read the cards together.

Saturday night, Terrell's mom cooked a yummy meal for us and then we enjoyed hanging out and watching the Braves game... and eating a Dairy Queen blizzard once the little man went to bed. So good. Garrison wanted Nana to give him a bath and put him to bed, so it felt like a lazy night for me! We really enjoyed our low-key, relaxing evening.

Sunday morning we woke up and got ready for church. I loved being back at my home church and enjoyed the service so much. Unfortunately, Garrison did not handle going to the nursery/Sunday School very well. It's such a shock to me when I have to leave him crying because he just hardly ever does that. Like I think it's happened 2 or 3 times in his entire life. Terrell checked on him about 2 minutes after I left and he was fine... but we found out after church that Terrell's mom had to get him early because he wasn't playing or interacting with anyone. He was just sitting by himself. I felt so bad when I heard that. It makes me really sad to think about him sitting by himself not doing anything, and it's just not like him at all. Hopefully this isn't going to become a recurring thing. At least I'm praying it's not.

After church we went over to my parents' house for a Father's Day lunch with my family. My mom cooked a feast for us and my grandparents, aunt, and cousin came over to eat. When it was time for us to say the blessing we were telling Garrison that Papa was ready to pray and he said, "God is great, Papa", so an entire dining room table full of adults said the prayer, "God is great, God is good..." before we ate. It was sweet and funny at the same time.

Before everyone came over, Garrison gave Terrell his Father's Day present and cards. I am so thankful for Terrell and for what a great dad he is!

Then after lunch Garrison gave Papa his Father's Day present and cards. He loves opening up the present for Papa or Daddy or Pops (whoever), but he also really loves opening up the envelope and hearing what the card says now.

We had a great weekend with our families are so thankful for our dads and their examples. Both of my boys are going to have great men to look up to in their dad and granddads. Happy Father's Day!!

Special Thanks

As you've noticed, I have a brand new blog look... finally!! I am SO excited about how it turned out and absolutely in love with the new design, header, background, fonts, everything! One of my very good friends (going all the way back to childhood) Megan, designed it for me. She got my input and ideas, which were limited, and then ran with it... and totally exceeded my expectations. Graphic design is her thing and she can work wonders! She is extremely talented and creative and I'm blessed to have her as a friend! (Not just because of all the cards and invitations she does for me! ha!) She is so easy to work with, so reasonable, and so good at what she does I just had to give her proper recognition! Thanks again Megan!!!

Our Trash Man

Garrison has loved helping Terrell with the trash every Wednesday night for quite some time now. It's become part of our Wednesday night routine. He has always loved going with Terrell around to all the rooms with trashcans and bringing them to the kitchen to be emptied out. He has loved walking with Terrell outside to take the big trashcan to the road so the trash can be picked up the next day. And he even loves putting a new trash bag into the trashcan when he comes back in.

Well, we now officially have a new trash man at our house. After supper for the past 2 Wednesday nights, Garrison has gone and collected all the trashcans in the house by himself. Terrell and I are usually cleaning up the kitchen while our 2 year old takes care of his favorite chore. He brings them to the kitchen one at a time, and with a little help, dumps the trash into our kitchen trashcan and then returns the trashcan to it's appropriate room and location. Tonight when he finished emptying out the last one and Terrell got ready to take out the big trash bag, Garrison insisted on carrying it himself. It was so funny. He struggled with holding it by the strings at first, and then just decided to grab the whole thing. I had to run and get the camera because he looked so cute!

Then, he wanted to lift it up into the big trashcan

Next, it was time to pull it down to the road

Once it was safe and secure at the road, he ran back up the hill/driveway to head inside and put in a new trash bag.

He has got to be the cutest trash man ever!