The Last Hoorah!

We went back to the Gaylord Palms on Wednesday for our last hoorah of the summer. We took Michelle with us and had such a good time together. We swam a bit Wednesday afternoon before a storm came in. We got changed and headed down to Wrecker's for dinner. After dinner, we found some ice cream for dessert and explored the hotel. We went back up to the room just in time to put our pjs on and watch the women's beach volleyball gold medal match. We were rooting for Misty and Kerri of course. We are so happy they won! We were all asleep by 10 that night. We woke up Thursday morning and went straight to the pool after breakfast. We stayed there until about 3:00, then went back to the room for showers. We went to the Mall at Millenia next for dinner and some shopping. Ben was so tired that he fell asleep immediately in the car on the way to the mall. I think a 10 minute cat nap was just what he needed. Michelle and I got to shop while Jeremy and Ben rode the escalators. I found some cute new preschool clothes for Ben and Michelle found some things for her nieces. We made it back to the hotel in time to explore a little more before bed time. Ben loved showing Michelle the fish, snakes,turtles and alligators at the hotel. We slept in this morning and made it back to Bartow around lunch time. We gave Michelle lots of hugs before leaving. I'm going to miss her so much. I won't see her again until next summer since she lives in Germany with her husband now. I'm so thankful for this little trip and the time we got to spend with her.

ice cream break!

Frozen Key Lime Pie Popsicle....so yummy!

proof of a fun day

Ben loved sharing a cookie pizza from Mrs. Field's with Michelle

showing Michelle the fish

cute baby gators!

Ben's Preschool Check-Up

I took Ben to Dr. LaRue's office for his preschool physical and check-up this morning. Our appointment was at 11:30 and we were there for almost 4 hours! Ben was such a trooper! Here are Ben's stats at 3 years 10 months old:

• weighs 33 and 1/4 pounds
• blood pressure 92/62
• height 40 and 1/4 inches (was 38 inches at three years old)

Dr. LaRue said his heart and valves sound perfect! His height is around the 75th percentile, so we still think he will be on the taller side. Ben had to get a shot today, too, but did not cry at all! I was so proud of him. We got really bored, so here are some pictures I took with my iPhone today.

poor baby.....so tired of waiting

London Baby!

My best friend from high school and college roommate is heading off to London soon for the 2012 Paralympics. Her mother threw a surprise send-off party at her home in Bartow this evening. We really enjoyed getting to see Michelle and celebrate her hard work and exciting adventure. Her first game will be August 31st vs. China. She flies back to Oklahoma on Sunday for a few last minute training sessions, then will fly to Amsterdam on Friday for some scrimmage games. She will officially be in London on August 26th. We are so proud of you, Michelle! Bring home the Gold!!!

enjoying a cupcake with Mrs. Phillips

Michelle and me

getting some Chloe and Ben lovin'

Michelle and her niece, Chloe

Go Team USA!

Legoland!

We had a super fun day with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rick at Legoland today! Ben was too afraid to ride most of the rides, but he loved driving the little lego cars and the water park. It was a really hot day, so it was nice to cool off at the water park after lunch. Ben really loved the lazy river and wave pool. Jeremy, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rick braved the big water slides.
Here are some pictures from our fun trip! Thanks for a great day, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Rick! We love you!

Ben was fascinated with "mini land"

Bok Tower!

Aunt Lisa and Ben checking out the pirate ship

Ben standing in front of mini land's Tampa

Ben's favorite part of mini land: the NYC garbage truck

Uncle Rick, Jeremy and I after riding the roller coaster. Whew! I was terrified!

iPhone picture of us before the roller coaster ride, haha!

I love Uncle Rick's face in this picture! I think this is us on the big drop down.

Last Week Randoms

It has been a week since my last post, and we have had a busy 7 days. I had a girls night out Thursday night. Natalie, Elya and I enjoyed a delicious dinner and Carraba's and lots of girl talk. (I have been cooped up with two boys all summer, you know) Jeremy installed wood flooring in his parents' bedroom. It looks fantastic! We took another trip to the mall in Brandon. We visited Papa Stone on our way home and had dinner at Palace Pizza. Jeremy and I got new cell phones....go Team iPhone! There sure is a lot to learn. I am loving the camera phone and Instagram. I've downloaded a few games for Ben that he is really enjoying. We went bowling with Laci, Marlee and Easton on Tuesday. I got a pedicure. Jeremy borrowed Papa Stone's pressure washer this morning, so we treated ourselves to Fred's breakfast buffet this morning ($5 per person Mon-Thurs. Can't beat it!).

I cannot believe today is August 1st! Summer is flying by. We've had such a great time. We have a little over one week left and have a few more fun things planned for Ben. I cried when his preschool packet came in the mail last week. This day is approaching quickly and I'm just not ready. Can you guys believe he will be FOUR in two months?!

The man-child wearing mama's glasses

I took Marlee to ride the carousel. This is her saying "cheese"

playing with Instagram

L.O.V.E. this sweet babe

The day I realized Ben's art skills will very quickly surpass mine. My hungry caterpillar didn't turn into such a beautiful butterfly after all.

pinterest-inspired craft for Olympics Opening Ceremony