Universal Studios

After several years of seasonal passes to Disney and Sea World, we switched to Universal passes. Gabriel and Alex were less interested in Disney so we decided to take a break from it. Universal is less expensive for the five us for a year which is an advantage as well. 

The kids are older and taller, so able to go on rides that are for bigger kids at Universal. The boys also have different interests that include the Minions and Harry Potter. We went for the first time last Sunday and even with Gabriel's rough transitions lately, we managed to have a nice time.
We explored the children's area of Universal and that included a Woody Woodpecker roller coaster. Gabriel had no interest in riding it but Alex and Lane wanted to do it. The attendant suggested that Gabriel wait at the end of the ride for the four of us since Lane and Alex need to ride with an adult. I felt nauseous at the thought. There is no way Gabriel could handle standing in one spot waiting for us but he looks like a typical kid with a little anxiety to the average person. 

We were able to explain that Gabriel is incapable of waiting during a ride for us and learned about the child swap. Andrew took Lane through their express lane. (not sure what it's called) I waited with the boys and Andrew was able to switch kids in order to take Alex right after Lane went on the roller coaster. It worked well.
We found the Curious George area where there is a ball factory. Gabriel's eyes lit up when he saw it! There are tubes and bins full of balls. We were able to throw balls at each other and launch soft foam balls from the guns. We spent a lot of time beaming each other with balls and it was a blast!
We still have a lot to explore at Universal and we haven't been to Islands of Adventure yet. So on with the adventures at a new place! Mai family is very lucky to have this time in central Florida. We are certainly never bored, we just never know how to spend our time in order to enjoy it all!

Valentine's Day 2014

Happy Valentine's Day! 

I assembled bubbles for the boys to give to their classmates. They still aren't interested in helping me but maybe that will happen with time. Or maybe not. Lane, on the other hand, was excited about the Valentines I made for the classes. She asked if she could make some for her friends as well. 

I printed more tags from this site: http://www.trishabdesigns.com/2012/02/class-valentines-bubbles.html , drove 40 minutes to the nearest Target to get more bubbles (we checked two other stores but couldn't find any bubbles), and we cut, wrote names, and added ribbon. Lane enjoyed handing her Valentines to her friends at the school and at the dance studio. 

I bought chocolate for everyone in our home and a small gift for Andrew. Every year Andrew tells me that I do not need to buy anything for him and I know he means it. However, we have been together for 22 Valentines days in a row and I haven't missed one yet. I wonder if he will say the same things next year? At least I know what to expect from my sweetheart.
Lane and I helped the PTO at the school in morning and then met some friends for lunch. It was such an easy, sweet holiday for us.

7.5 Years Later

Alex is almost 7 1/2 years old.  It baffles my mind. What a fascinating little guy he is turning into too 

Alex finally lost his first tooth last month. A couple days later, his second bottom tooth fell out.  On true Alex fashion, he asked for my help to get his first teeth out.  It is very strange to twist and turn someone else's teeth. 

Alex continues to excel at school and his second grade teacher finally sees it.  After years of teaching him that it is important to show a teacher "what he knows", he finally is doing it.  He earned his first honor roll.  It honestly felt like a victory for all of us   

Andrew was able to go with me for Alex's  Shorthorn roundup.  The kids raised their hand when their name was called.  Afterward, they were given ice cream.  Alex told me that he didn't realize he would get a treat, he thought the adults would just talk on and on. 

Alex is reading and comprehending at an early fourth grade level. He enjoys complicated math problems that are one to two years ahead of his grade level. It's fun to see him excel and enjoy his accomplishments. 

Since the boys wear uniforms to school, we don't do much clothing shopping. I've learned that my little guy really enjoys shopping for clothes. He has great (expensive) taste too. Alex and I had a conversation about an appropriate amount to spend on each item of clothing. A sweater for $64 is too much for a sweater for a growing child, besides he can get many more things if he heads to the clearance rack. 

He continues to love dance, both ballet and hip hop.  He would take classes every night if I took him. His love of ballet began when he saw guys lifting ballerinas  in a video. Alex wants to be around the girls. 

One late evening on the way home from ballet, I heard a crash in the back of the van. I pulled the van off the busy road and asked Alex what happened.  This is what I saw: 

Apparently Lane or Gabriel unlocked the seat. When I pulled away from the stop sign, Alex flipped backwards.  He thought that it was hilarious while my heart was in my throat. 

He is still attracted to girls with long black hair. When he sees one, he gets a shy smile and immediately strikes up a conversation with her.  He has also been known to ask for a hug.  

Here we go toward the last part of his seventh year.  I want time to slow down yet it is so fun to watch him develop into an intelligent, talented, athletic boy. 

Influenza Is In The House

Poor Lane and Andrew have been extremely sick for a couple days.  As soon as our active four year spent the morning barely moving, we made a doctors appointment.  I knew in my mama heart that something stronger than a cold invaded our immune system. 

There is a new physicians office in our community and I meant to fill out paperwork this summer. However, it was a large pile of papers and I procrastinated.  We drive to specialists all the time but rarely need a general practice physician.  When the choices are to drive an ill child 45 minutes to our beloved pediatrician who is always busy or fill out a pile of papers, you can guess what won. My head was pounding from my illness, but I was able to sign my life away to another doctor.  

Andrew tested negative for influenza and the doctor gave me a little look. You know that "hmmm, maybe they are exaggerating" look.  She doesn't know me yet and she doesn't know that I don't run to the doctor for every illness.  It turns out 30%!of flu tests have false negatives. Since Andrew was negative, she has to test Lane.  Poor screaming child tested positive and we all received Tamiflu and cough medication for the adults. She determined that the three of us have the flu and the boys should take the medication since they have been exposed. 

$350 later and we are seeing slight improvement. Lane is staying hydrated and that Is important since she is still at risk for getting dehydrated quickly.   Her weak little voice would make anyone cry. It's so pathetic.