Last weekend, WE, as in Marcus and I, WITHOUT the girls, loaded up and drove to the other side of the state. Marcus's sister gave him 2 tickets to the UAB game for his birthday (an early present). My parents were already planning on going up that weekend too, because it was parent's weekend. My sister volunteered to keep the girls, and all the pieces just fell into place. It was nice! It was relaxing! It was the first time we have been away from both girls for more than a night. Oh how we needed it! Friday, we got a later start than planned, somebody in our family has trouble keeping a timeline, Im not naming names. That same somebody has trouble packing more than minutes before we leave too. Ugh, how I hate to be off schedule. So back to the trip, we arrived later, MUCH later than originally planned. Partly because of the late departure, and partly because even without kids we still managed to stop 3 (maybe it was 4) times on the short 5 hour trip. The 2nd stop we decided to get a bite to eat. We didnt really "plan" where we were going to eat, and the signs on the highway just werent clear, so when we got off the exit we were supposed to turn left, but were somehow in a right only lane. We go down the road a bit and turn off into a gas station, thinking we will just turn around and go left. Well there was NO LEFT TURNS (I think there was a median), so we both chuckled and went down the outer road and attempted to turn left, so we could make another left onto the main road, but there was NO LEFT TURN again! It was quite comical at this point. So Marcus had to turn right, make a U turn, and then turn left in order to get on the correct road, going the correct direction. After lunch we got back on the road, but not before a few more detours. There was one sign saying 40E turn left and another sign 40E pointing right. We were in the right lane so we choose right. Well that was another WRONG TURN! HA! We were driving down an outer road of the highway and ended up getting on at the next onramp.
The next stop was scheduled. Earlier in the week, I had spotted a deal at Rite Aid that when I combined coupons, the sale, and the rebates I could get 3 packages of diapers for FREE! I tried going to our local Rite Aid, who were conveniently sold out of said diapers, so I figured we would stop in Nashville. After a short detour, we finally found it the place, and guess what......they were sold out too. I was pissed! In part because I was missing out on the free dipes but also because that meant the stop was pointless. UGH! I cant win! We continued on our way, arriving in Knoxville just in time for the 2nd half of the Woman's soccer match. This was about the only thing that went our way that day, they dont charge for late comers, so we didnt have to pay to get in, UT won (with 3 minutes left in the game), my mom caught a tiny soccer ball that she gave the girls, oh and I got to googoo over women's soccer, just enough to make me wish I could still play. Sitting there watching them play on the same field I had played 13 years earlier as my career opener as a University of Memphis Tiger, almost brought tears to my eyes. I still remember that game, I remember our team played like CRAP, everyone, except me (im not trying to be conceited by saying that), I was just the only one who did anything in that game, I was so excited about playing, I just went all out. It was a memorable game for me! Soccer was always such a huge part of my life, I mean I did start playing when I was just 3 years old (1982) and didnt stop until 2006! So for 24 years I played soccer all over the country, indoor, outdoor, competetive, rec, high school, Olympic Development, college, and co-ed, im telling you people I ate, drank, slept and PLAYED SOCCER! It was my life! And I let that part of me die! I feel like my only connection now is watching the World Cup once every 4 years. BOO!
While I was feeling all sad and envious of the girls down on the field I began feeling a little sympathy pain for them, every hard hit, I felt myself cringe. Tackles that used to be so much a part of my life suddenly looked EXTREMELY painful! I was glad i was not playing that night, but part of me wishes that I could kick it around a little every now and then.
After the game we all ate dinner together. Marcus enjoyed the $1 beer special, while I took advantage of the $5 martini. One was enough for me, but it was DELISH! I think my meal would have been better withOUT the gluten! It sure tasted good, but my stomach wasnt too happy the next morning. Thankfully it was just "contamination" mostly likely due to the fact that they fry their french fries in the same oil as other "breaded" items. It took me a couple hours and a few tums the next day to get to feeling somewhat normal. We enjoyed walking down the strip, perusing a few stores to find a couple new UT shirts, and people watching. Knoxville on game day is one of the BEST people watching places around! We made our way to our seats just in time for the pregame festivities, and the game began. It was a GREAT 1st half! My little brother and my parents asked if we wanted to come sit down by them, so at halftime we went down there. Im not sure if it was because we changed seats or our boys got a little tired but the 2nd half wasnt so good. We barely squeaked away with the win in DOUBLE overtime (we were leading by like 20 at halftime). It was a fun time! after the game we stopped at a bar to have some drinks and some appetizers while we watched the other college games. John's roommate and his parents joined us as well. And they are pretty awesome! We had a great time talking with them and are definitely looking forward to the next visit with them. We all went back to John's dorm after that, and hung out for a little while, and let me tell you that did NOT make me miss dorm life! I also got to see how my little bro lives, and met lots of his friends. It was late and we were all so hungry, but mom and dad were too tired to eat, so the 3 of us went to get a bite to eat. I was so tired too, I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow, which NEVER happens! The next morning we got to sleep in and enjoy a fabulous early lunch before heading home. We only stopped once on the way home, which made the trip MUCH faster too! While we both missed the kids, I really enjoyed spending time with Marcus, and wish we could do that more often.
oh and as soon as I download the pictures from the camera I will post a few.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wordless Wednesday
I took a few pictures of the girls today in the new dresses I got them. All i have to say is that I will NEVER be a photographer much less a "child" photographer. I dont have the eye, the patience, or the knowledge of my own camera. With all that said I think I got a few decent shots or my polar opposite little girls
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Our August
Everything happens for a reason...
We were supposed to go to Montreal, via Boston, for the U2 concert in July. That trip was postponed until next summer. So instead of going to Boston we decided to go to GERMANY! I know right.......Boston vs Germany!
But our trip to Montreal wouldnt even happened anyways......it is a long story! After the trip got cancelled and we decided to go to Germany we got busy getting Ainslee's passport. As I filled out her online application, I just happened to get a bit curious and take a look at Kaylee's passport. After that i noticed I had trouble finding mine and Marcus'. After a little searching I found them, and noticed that they both expired 2 days before! Which means even if we wouldve have tried to go to Montreal for the concert we wouldnt have even gotten to go! So I got busy getting our applications filled out as well and all 3 of us had to get our passports. Then the planning really began.....actually it didnt but that sounds good. We had conversation after conversation with Marcus' godparents, who we where going to see, about our trip and what we were going to do. I managed to find a STEAL for a rental car, and then found out my dad paid for like 82% of it. You see while we were going to be in Germany my parents were going to be on a trip of their own to Alaska and the northwest coast. And because they were staying in one of our time shares dad offered me A LOT of money to which we put towards out rental car. Then we got our plane tickets and were on the way.......well kinda......after taking over 9 hours just to get out of Memphis! That's right we were flying standby with 2 young children, what were we thinking, oh yeah we were saving $2000+ in air fare. It was so worth it. We did a LOT of bonding on this trip, starting before we even left our home town. We made memories that will last a lifetime (as long as I have the pictures, hahaha).
We flew into Frankfurt (a day late), and the vacation began by all 4 of us sleeping about 17 hours the first night! Thats right we all 4 slept in until 1pm, and we werent even trying to. We were so worn out from the trip, we needed the rest! So after sleepfest 2010 the fun began. For the girls the most memorable thing was probably the enormous amounts of gummis (and other treats). Bernie and Karl Heinz was spoiling them every chance they got. But the spoiling didnt end with the girls......they completely spoiled us as well. They sent all 4 of us to south Germany, Bavaria to be exact, Schwangau to be even MORE exact, to a resort spa for 3 nights. We had a 4 course meal each night and a buffet breakfast each morning. All while enjoying the exquisite views of the Alps. I can not even begin to explain the beauty that surrounded us! After Schwangau we headed over to the Bodensee and got a room at a guest house. We went to azoo
We experienced so much in Germany, but we felt like we only saw a small (VERY small) percentage of what Germany has to offer! We will definitely be going back. But it is safe to say we will be waiting until the girls get a little older.
We were supposed to go to Montreal, via Boston, for the U2 concert in July. That trip was postponed until next summer. So instead of going to Boston we decided to go to GERMANY! I know right.......Boston vs Germany!
But our trip to Montreal wouldnt even happened anyways......it is a long story! After the trip got cancelled and we decided to go to Germany we got busy getting Ainslee's passport. As I filled out her online application, I just happened to get a bit curious and take a look at Kaylee's passport. After that i noticed I had trouble finding mine and Marcus'. After a little searching I found them, and noticed that they both expired 2 days before! Which means even if we wouldve have tried to go to Montreal for the concert we wouldnt have even gotten to go! So I got busy getting our applications filled out as well and all 3 of us had to get our passports. Then the planning really began.....actually it didnt but that sounds good. We had conversation after conversation with Marcus' godparents, who we where going to see, about our trip and what we were going to do. I managed to find a STEAL for a rental car, and then found out my dad paid for like 82% of it. You see while we were going to be in Germany my parents were going to be on a trip of their own to Alaska and the northwest coast. And because they were staying in one of our time shares dad offered me A LOT of money to which we put towards out rental car. Then we got our plane tickets and were on the way.......well kinda......after taking over 9 hours just to get out of Memphis! That's right we were flying standby with 2 young children, what were we thinking, oh yeah we were saving $2000+ in air fare. It was so worth it. We did a LOT of bonding on this trip, starting before we even left our home town. We made memories that will last a lifetime (as long as I have the pictures, hahaha).
We flew into Frankfurt (a day late), and the vacation began by all 4 of us sleeping about 17 hours the first night! Thats right we all 4 slept in until 1pm, and we werent even trying to. We were so worn out from the trip, we needed the rest! So after sleepfest 2010 the fun began. For the girls the most memorable thing was probably the enormous amounts of gummis (and other treats). Bernie and Karl Heinz was spoiling them every chance they got. But the spoiling didnt end with the girls......they completely spoiled us as well. They sent all 4 of us to south Germany, Bavaria to be exact, Schwangau to be even MORE exact, to a resort spa for 3 nights. We had a 4 course meal each night and a buffet breakfast each morning. All while enjoying the exquisite views of the Alps. I can not even begin to explain the beauty that surrounded us! After Schwangau we headed over to the Bodensee and got a room at a guest house. We went to a
We experienced so much in Germany, but we felt like we only saw a small (VERY small) percentage of what Germany has to offer! We will definitely be going back. But it is safe to say we will be waiting until the girls get a little older.
Here are some of the pictures from the trip. I tried narrowing them down, but fear i didnt do that great of a job. If you are friends with me on FB skip the pictures because they are the same ones i already posted on their.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Tunica
Back in July I received an offer from a casino in Tunica. At first glance I thought it was fake! Here is what the offer stated, you tell me if you would believe it......
3 FREE nights in the hotel (no restrictions on days of the week)
$600 Free Play ($200 in July, $200 in August, and $200 September)
$100 food voucher for any restaurant at the casino
Sounds awesome! Well let me just tell you IT IS! I didnt pay any attention to the offer until the end of July and we were running out of days to redeem my July Free Play before it expired. On July 31st, I left the girls with Marcus and my dad and I headed down south. I gambled my $200 and came home with $220. I was thrilled! Oh and my dad had free buffets, so we got to eat for free too. The next night my parents had already planned on going down there to meet some friends, so I gave my mom my players card and she gambled my $200 for August. I knew i wouldnt be able to get back down there so I figured whatever she won me was better than nothing. She was able to win me $180. So for the first 2 months of the deal I was able to walk out of there with $400. Today we are going down to redeem our food voucher and hotel stay. We are only going to use 1 of the nights though, we just cant justify staying longer, one night is enough at the casino. So I hope that I come home with at least my $200 again, if not more!
I'll let you know how I do......but I have a funny feeling that my husband being there will have a highly negative effect on the amount of money we bring home. (I love you bunches babe, but you cant say no when it comes to gambling. just say NO, its easy, let's practice! No! No! No!)
3 FREE nights in the hotel (no restrictions on days of the week)
$600 Free Play ($200 in July, $200 in August, and $200 September)
$100 food voucher for any restaurant at the casino
Sounds awesome! Well let me just tell you IT IS! I didnt pay any attention to the offer until the end of July and we were running out of days to redeem my July Free Play before it expired. On July 31st, I left the girls with Marcus and my dad and I headed down south. I gambled my $200 and came home with $220. I was thrilled! Oh and my dad had free buffets, so we got to eat for free too. The next night my parents had already planned on going down there to meet some friends, so I gave my mom my players card and she gambled my $200 for August. I knew i wouldnt be able to get back down there so I figured whatever she won me was better than nothing. She was able to win me $180. So for the first 2 months of the deal I was able to walk out of there with $400. Today we are going down to redeem our food voucher and hotel stay. We are only going to use 1 of the nights though, we just cant justify staying longer, one night is enough at the casino. So I hope that I come home with at least my $200 again, if not more!
I'll let you know how I do......but I have a funny feeling that my husband being there will have a highly negative effect on the amount of money we bring home. (I love you bunches babe, but you cant say no when it comes to gambling. just say NO, its easy, let's practice! No! No! No!)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Florida Videos
For some reason I couldnt get my videos uploaded last night, so here are the videos from our trip to Florida
Friday, September 17, 2010
Peek-a-boo
Where have I been for the past.......ugh........(sigh)........3 MONTHS?
Kaylee jumping off the side and swimming BY HERSELF!
The beginning of the jump
Ainslee enjoying being thrown around too
One of the best pictures of Ainslee
Kaylee flying the airplane.....watch out you guys, she might just be YOUR pilot one day
Kaylee swimming 1st time
Kaylee with a crazy look on her face
Mommy and Ainslee at the gator show
Ainslee surfing at Ron Jon
One of the best photos EVER of Kaylee
Kaylee took this lovely pic of her parents, she is a budding photographer
This picture cracks me up everytime i see it! Kaylee all calm as she chokes her sister, so typical! (I promise no one was injured or harmed during this photo)
a rare sweet pic of the 2 of them
Ainslee in her swim suit and sun glasses stealing Uncle Johnny's breakfast before she heads to the pool 
Daddy working, Ainslee showing off her sun glasses
Kaylee eating, besides swimming, this was her favorite pasttime on the trip!
Kaylee and Uncle Johnny in the pool
Kaylee eating her popsicle
Ainslee eating her popsicle
Ainslee on the carousel with Uncle Johnny
The girls on the beach (despite the hugeness of my belly, I am NOT pregnant! Looks like I have some work to do in the belly department)
another impromptu family photo on the beach
At the carnival before getting on the ferris wheel
These are just some fun bath time pics
I dug myself a hole so deep with this blog I dont even know where to begin. Lets just say we have been busy, busy, busy, going, going, going, ALL the time. We have been on many trips, seen new things, learned lots of new things, and grown so much! I cant wait to tell you all about it! I hope I dont leave too much out because it has all been so much fun!
In June/July we went to Florida with my parents (and little bro). Our trip ended up being almost 2 weeks, and it was ever so fun! a few highlights from June/July:
-Kaylee learned to swim
-Ainslee found her LOVE of the water, not quite as much "love" as Kaylee but pretty much "love" (see photos and videos below)
-we conquered another trip with countless hours in the car.......and survived!
-I managed to get Ainslee potty trained during the day
-we had an AWESOME party at our house, with many friends, lots of food, and a super fun water slide
-and thats about all I can remember
here is some of the evidence (thank god for pictures, if not for them I might forget all my experiences!
here is some of the evidence (thank god for pictures, if not for them I might forget all my experiences!
these pictures are completely backwards (I hate how blogger uploads pics!) so you will be taken on our trip but starting from the end going back to the beginning.
kaylee being thrown around the pool
Kaylee jumping off the side and swimming BY HERSELF!
The beginning of the jump
Ainslee enjoying being thrown around too
One of the best pictures of Ainslee
Kaylee flying the airplane.....watch out you guys, she might just be YOUR pilot one day
Kaylee swimming 1st time
Kaylee with a crazy look on her face
Kaylee holding the gator
Family photo at the gator show
Mommy and Ainslee at the gator show
Ainslee surfing at Ron Jon
One of the best photos EVER of Kaylee
Kaylee took this lovely pic of her parents, she is a budding photographer
This picture cracks me up everytime i see it! Kaylee all calm as she chokes her sister, so typical! (I promise no one was injured or harmed during this photo)
a rare sweet pic of the 2 of them
Ainslee in her swim suit and sun glasses stealing Uncle Johnny's breakfast before she heads to the pool 
Daddy working, Ainslee showing off her sun glasses
Kaylee eating, besides swimming, this was her favorite pasttime on the trip!
Kaylee and Uncle Johnny in the pool
Kaylee eating her popsicle
Ainslee eating her popsicle
Ainslee on the carousel with Uncle Johnny 
Family photo on the beach watching the fireworks
The girls on the beach (despite the hugeness of my belly, I am NOT pregnant! Looks like I have some work to do in the belly department)
another impromptu family photo on the beach
At the carnival before getting on the ferris wheel -------------------------------------------------------
I didnt get any pictures during our party, but here are some fun ones of us playing on the water slide the next day
These are just some fun bath time pics
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