Father’s Day 2012

Thanks to Pinterest and my own creativity Mickey received a basket full of his favorite things and a “gift certificate” to purchase a golf club he has been eyeing for quite a while now!

Mackaylan personalized a card with her own voice and Lydia signed it with a few lines here and there!  As you can see by the pics the card was a huge hit!

And, of course, I love this……… SiLlY ShOt!! 

Mickey is such a wonderful daddy to these 2 little girls!  He laughs.  He listens.  He plays.  He disciplines.  But most of all he LOVES!!!!  Happy Father’s Day, Mick!  I can’t imagine this journey of parenthood without you!!!

Great Wolf Lodge 2012

Monday morning we headed out for a mini-vacation to GWL!  We enjoyed our time away with my sister and her boys, my mom, and my cousin and her son.  We stayed for 2 nights so we were able to enjoy the waterpark to the fullest, and we also were able to take advantage of the local shopping and “Lady KK” was able to try her hand at MagicQuest.  We had a great time and are already looking forward to returning again soon!  

Peanut and Mac-a-doodle

Mom, Lydia, and Sissy headed to the FUN!

“The Aztec Princess” and “Lady KK”

Lydia was all smiles as long as she was near the action!

These 3 took a break from the fun to pose for a shot.

Lydia’s favorite spot was at the edge of the wave pool.

Mackaylan and Isaiah after the “Mat Race.”

Isaiah’s favorite= COFFEE

Lydia and Granny on the jet ski.

My little waterbug…

You know it’s going to be a fun day when it starts with a chocolate covered doughnut and a glass of cold milk!

Mackaylan and Lydia with Wiley

Granny and her girls

Mac sportin’ her feather:

The McCools (minus Uncle G)

Me and my girl!

Granny and the Grandkids

Me and my baby girl!

The kiddos with Peanut at the arcade.

Cheers! 

Mackaylan and I won the game.  Guess who got to keep the $5 prize?

Mackaylan on the carousel.

Lydia’s first time on the carousel. 

Mackaylan LOVED MagicQuest.

Until next time…..

Things I LOVE about Vacation!

After a week at the beach it is back to the real world for this family!  The good thing is that Mackaylan and I  are on summer break from school so besides moving to a new school and a few training classes that I have for my new position I am off until the end of July!!  Next summer I will not have as much time off so we are planning on enjoying every minute of summer this year!  I would say we started it off right with a trip to the beach, wouldn’t you?! 

After downloading hundreds of pictures from the week, I decided to journal the week by listing a few of the reasons I love vacation.  Beware:  picture overload!!  Here we go….

1.  An oceanfront house with pool access large enough for 17 people (even if the boardwalk did collapse one afternoon while a family member who will remain unnamed walked across.. haha!)

2.  Walks on the beach

3.  Searching for the perfect seashells

4.  Free haircuts courtesy of Caroline!

5. Plenty of free time to visit the salon for a new mani and pedi

6.  Lazy mornings

7.  Playing in the sand

8.  Swimming

9.  Spending as much time as possible on the beach

10.  Quality time with family

11.  Lots of time to read and get lost in a good book

12.  You can be silly

13.  Lots of good photo opps

14.  Naps!

15.  Good food

and the list could go on!

Somehow I do not think this post would be complete without thanking the two ladies who make this trip happen every year… Grams and Aunt Kathy. 

Thank you both for your planning, organization, and realization that there is no price tag that can be put on the memories and bond that are created during this annual trip year after year.  We love you both!!