Days 3 and 4

On day three of our vacation (Tuesday), Gianna and I stayed home and relaxed while everyone else went out to celebrate Jared's 10th birthday. They played mini-golf, drove go-karts and went on water bumper cars. Not really a fun place for a 3-year-old. Unfortunately, I forgot to send the camera with David so I have no photos - but everyone had a ton of fun. We capped off the night with cake and ice cream and then a fire in the back yard complete with s'mores!!!On Wednesday, we all went to the local water park for some fun. It was hot day, and the best place to be was in the water. Gianna was having fun with the sprinklers.
I didn't take many photos, but I tried to get a few. Here is Gemma trying the lily pads. It took her several tries, but she finally made it all the way to the other end of the pool. She was very pleased with herself.
Here is Spencer just as he completed his turn. I love how he has his goggles on.....just in case he falls in and gets a face full of water!
Gianna asked Spencer to play in the kiddie area and happily obliged. Again - with the goggles!
During one of the hourly water breaks, the kids decided to "lay-out"!

Day 2 - Legoland & Nickelodeon Universe

Today we headed for the Mall of America to visit Legoland and Nickelodeon Universe. The kids were more than excited!We grabbed a quick lunch at the food court and then went down to play in the land of Lego's. The great part of the store is they have areas for the kids to play.
Spencer was looking at the computer while he was working. The table he was at was round and had 10 computers and building areas. Kids were able to go to the Lego website and use it to help build a creation.
Gemma was busy putting her final touches on her creation. After this, we headed over to the amusement park and get on some rides.
Since Gianna can't go on many of the big-kid rides, she and I separated from the group and went on the little kid rides.
Clearly she was OK with this plan!
After a few rides, we met up with the group again and ran into Dora! Gianna wanted Gemma to be in the photo with her!
Then it was time for everyone else to go on the Log Ride. Gianna was clearly not happy with this decision. I managed to talk her into walking around and finding other things to do.
This time we ran into the hamster from the show "Wonder Pets".
Then we watched the kids go on a roller-coaster. Sophia was too short to go on this ride, so she sat with Gianna and watched.
Spencer giving us the "all clear" sign. The smiles never left their faces while riding.
After the rides, they all decided to go on this ginormous climbing structure. Here is David looking at me thinking, "What the hell am I doing up here?".
Gemma did awesome. She was nervous, but she didn't let that stop her!
The climbing took a while, so Gianna and I found the bumper cars to pass the time.
Here is a picture of Spencer at the highest platform. He was the only one in the group to get to it! He was so proud of himself and had no fear!!!
And finally here we are on the carousel. It was a long and busy day, but the kids had a great time. Can't wait to see what we'll be doing next!

Stay-cation Day 1

Good friends of ours from South Carolina came to stay with us for 10 days. On our first official day together, we decided to go to Minnehaha Falls. While we were there, we decided it would be fun to rent bikes and explore.
Little did we know the hills would be a killer!
Gemma rode in the front of our bike with David while Georgia and I peddled in the back. I should note that Gianna sat comfortable in the very front of the bike and didn't have to peddle at all!
We accidentally took a path we shouldn't have. We crossed over a bridge and it wasn't until we were on our way back that Gemma pointed at the map on the "dashboard" that specifically said not to cross the bridge! Oops!
And just before we returned the bikes, we took family photos.
This is John and Georgia with the kids Jared and Sophia. David and John worked together in DC last year and became close friends. When the kids and I were there last summer, Georgia was there with their children. Everyone got along very well, so a vacation together seemed like a good idea.
After biking Gemma, Gianna and I went to the playground while the rest of the crew was playing in the park.

Gianna decided she wanted a shot at playing soccer.

Our first day together was a lot of fun.....a great start to the week of vacation.

Playland

I had some errands to run today, so I decided to treat the kids to McDonald's for lunch. However, I chose one with a play land - that's a real big treat. I'm not a fan, but I thought since it's summer vacation, why not! The kids played for 45 minutes while I read - a win for both!

Then, just before we left, Gianna spotted Ronald and wanted a photo.
She climbed up on his lap all by herself and posed!
Then she asked for Gemma and Spencer to get into the next one.

I love this one. I sent this photo to David and he asked if she was "throwing gang signs". I guess he had a hard time making out the peace signs she was "throwing"! : )

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the man of my dreams!

Day at The Park

David had an appointment this afternoon that just happened to be down the street from a park. The kids played and I took pictures while David took care of some business. An almost perfect afternoon!

Taylor Swift

Not only was today the last day of school, but it also happened to be the night Gemma would be going to see Taylor Swift! We had wanted to buy the tickets in February to give to Gemma for her birthday in April, but they sold out in just minutes.

Last week more tickets were released and David was able to get two for my girl and me! Gemma had no idea that we were ever trying to get tickets. Though, she did know about the concert because of all the commercials she heard on the radio.

I brought the kids lunch to school today and surprised Gemma with a card saying she and I were going to the concert. Needless to say she was speechless - that doesn't happen often!
Here is Gemma with her daddy and tickets!!!!

And here we are at the concert. They had a bunch of stuff to take photos and keep the girls occupied before the show.
We were waiting in line for a "make-over" and we made friends with Abigale. She and her father actually met Taylor Swift backstage earlier that night. Abigale showed us a picture of her with Taylor. Gemma immediately asked if she could hug her since she hugged Taylor - that would almost be like Gemma hugging Taylor. I love 10-year-old logic! Anyway, I think Abigale's father got a kick out of Gemma and Abigale, so he gave Gemma an autograph card that was given to them backstage. It's not an actual autograph, just a stamp, but Gemma was so thrilled. And I thought that was so sweet of him and his daughter to do that!
Finally our wait in line was over. Gemma was in the make-up chair getting pampered just like the stars! Since the tour is sponsered by Cover Girl, that was the make-up used. We were also given a free lip gloss!
And here is my pretty girl with her make-up artist. She was really sweet with Gemma; asking her if this was her first concert and making her feel really comfortable.

And here we are in our seats just before the show. The concert started at 7pm, but Taylor didn't start until 8:30. Gemma couldn't wait!
And here she is! We had great seats and Gemma was able to see everything - even with everyone standing!
Here are Gemma and Taylor - Taylor is the little dot on the left!

I love this photo - too cute!

For the finale, Taylor sang "Love Story". She climbed into a mini balcony that went over and around the entire audience. Gemma was singing her heart out during this song - and I think I may have been too!
And here is the happy girl after the show. It was a two hour concert with lots of young girls screaming, but it was so worth it. Gemma loved and I think it was a night she'll remember for a long time!