Swimming, Fish and Dancing

Every morning at 7:30 we have the opportunity to feed the fish in one of the Lagoons. The girls love to see the fish and get close to them. This year we were able to see a few turtles and several crabs which the girls loved. Sam has her fish card to help find out what kind of fish we are seeing.
Morgan, Sam and Alex feeding the fish and getting closer to the turtles. (We are going snorkeling tomorrow and have an underwater camera so hopefully we can get some great photos of the turtles!!!)

Michael didn't know what to think about the sand. He did okay for a while, and then was ready to take a nap. The 5 hour time difference is not to nice with his sleeping schedule. I am not looking forward to getting him home and seeing what his sleeping will be like then.

Our little chipmunk storing up for the day with her chocolate muffin for breakfast. She can't hide anything as it all shows up on her face.
While we were swimming there was another family with 2 great girls from Cypress TX. What a small world. In the photo from left to right are Kate (9 1/2, 5 months younger than Morgan but a good foot taller) Sam, Morgan, Allie, (6 months older than Morgan) and Alex. Kate really adored Sam and Alex and became their best friends. Almost like a built in babysitter. It was so nice having someone to play with the girls and not have to worry about them. Kate is very tall and could carry the girls around the pool which they loved. They ended up coming with us to the preview/welcome meeting tonight. We look forward to spending more time with them this week.
The torch lighting ceremony with a story of fire and Hawaii. The girls were up front and center watching and enjoying every minute.

The chief who is a great entertainer climbing the coconut tree. Once he got to the top all the kids below started chanting "Jump, Jump, Jump" They really enjoyed the entertainment and are looking forward to the luau tomorrow night with the Chief.
The beautiful sunset from our window right before dinner. We could get use to a view like this.

Family Vacation in Hawaii!!!

v Last year we were suppose to go to Hawaii with all of Chris's family and 2 weeks before we were scheduled to go, the airlines went bankrupt so we didn't get to go and we were all so disappointed. We were very excited to be able to go this year. The girls couldn't wait and have been so anxious to get here and spend time in the pools and on the beach. In preparation we all got our nails done. (It works great as a bribe). They love to get their nails done and find it a great treat. On Friday I was on a quest to get the girls some new flip flops (as Alex never has shoes, nor does not care to wear them. She takes them places and then frequently looses 1 of the pair so she needed some new shoes). After searching, I finally found some cute, simple flip flops at Old Navy. We got the girls up way early (4:30 a.m.) so that we could get to the airport early. They all got dressed (actually they slept in their dresses to make it easier) and got their shoes on. I had them all ready at the front door so there wouldn't be any mistakes, or so I thought. We get to the park n' fly to drop off the car and as we are waiting for the shuttle, I look down and find that Alex had 1 new pink flip flop and 1 old Dora flip flop on. So much for the great new shoes. Luckily we found another Dora flip flop in the car that she could wear(not the other matching pair, but at least it was Dora). Who knows why we try so hard sometimes.

We were looking forward to spending time in Hawaii with Chris's mom and dad, but unfortunately Margo (Chris's mom) spent Friday night in the ER with difficulty in breathing. She is feeling better, but was not able to come and we are missing her greatly. Ron was able to come and the girls are enjoying seeing their grandpa and love playing with him in the pool and on the beach.

The Beautiful sunset tonight (Sunday night). We went to the swap meet today to get souvenirs for the girls etc. and had to have the traditional shaved ice. I didn't get a picture of that, but am sure to get some later. Can't miss out on photos of shaved ice in Hawaii. One of our favorites.

Chris and Michael (this was Michael's fist plane ride and it wasn't the best. Long flight, tired baby, no need to say anything else). This is Micheal's first time in the pool and he seemed to enjoy it. He is going to be a water baby after the week is over. He was just chilling with dad watching the girls play in the pool. What a great background!!!

Morgan playing Uno with grandpa in the hot tub. He got this great game of water Uno. The girls are looking forward to playing many games with grandpa (Grandpa and Sam both love games, maybe that is where she got her game obsession from)

Sam and Alex swimming in their new bathing suits from Grandma and Grandpa Boyer (Thanks so much, they love them). The resort got a great new pool and the girls absolutely loved it. It had several areas were Sam could touch and she thought she was something else. Alex actually had to be nice to Sam so that Sam would carry her around and help her swim. It was great to watch them get along and enjoy each others company. I'm sure it will not last long. I can't count how many times people have asked us if they are twins in the last 2 days. What cute girls, but definitely not twins.

Toothless Sam

My dear Sam had a run in with Alex today. They were at a friend's house and the next thing I know they were coming out of the house and Sam had a tissue to her mouth and Alex was holding her head. Alex got the better deal, her head was just slightly red. Sam on the other hand had knocked her 2 front teeth loose, almost out. Being the hygienist mom, I knew right away that we were going to lose them. She couldn't close her mouth or talk due to the 2 front teeth. Thank goodness she has a great Dentist (Dr Griffith on Fry and Westhiemer Parkway, strongly recommend to all) who met us up at the office to take a look at her. Even for being a Sunday afternoon, they were there within 45 minutes of me calling them, very impressed. They worked their magic tricks on Sam and she enjoyed her trip to the dentist, even if it meant getting the front 2 teeth pulled. Sorry for the up close pictures, but that is kind of what I like!! It's a good thing that she is a little ahead of schedule when it comes to teeth. Maybe she will have her 2 front teeth for Christmas!!!
Sam after the dentist. All smiles and feeling much better. I offered her $5.00 for her teeth compared to the $2.00 that the tooth fairy would leave for her, but she opted for the tooth fairy. Her first lost tooth, she was pretty excited. 2 for the price of 1. Unfortunately the tooth fairy couldn't find her teeth that she said she put under her pillow, but still left money. I have a feeling that in the morning, she is going to hit me up for the other $5.00 to buy her teeth from her. I guess she deserves it plus more for being such a brave girl. I don't know many kids who enjoy going to the dentist for cleanings, let alone extractions! She now has a real reason to eat ice cream for breakfast. She better enjoy it now, because it will not last long.

Dinner with Chris's New Diet

Chris had to start an Iodine Free diet for the next 2 weeks for his testing with MD Anderson. Try cooking/eating anything without salt. That means no canned anything, no store bought bread, no frozen meals etc. This is actually making me think about cooking and menus. It Sucks!! He can have veggies/fruits and other things that take much preparation. So for dinner we had hamburgers (without the bun, his favorite seasoning and no KETCHUP). They actually turned out great with a lot of onion,garlic and iodine free salt!! One of Chris and Morgan's favorites is artichokes. Lucky for them, artichokes were on sale this week. They were the hugest ones I've ever seen. Sam and Alex decided that they would try them and realized they really liked them too. It helps having butter to dip them in. Morgan was teaching Sam how to eat them, what a great big sister. Alex decided to share with me. They all really enjoyed their artichokes and were wanting more. Maybe we will have to go back and get more for tomorrow. It does keep them quite busy and quiet at the dinner table.

Morgans choir concert

It was so much easier when only 1 kid was involved in things. That way we could make sure we attended everything with the whole family. I now have a slight view as the chaos and struggle several of you deal with when kids are in all directions and you wish you had several of you to go around. Sam had her pre-school graduation the same time as Morgan's final choir concert. Who do you choose? Lucky for us, we had already seen one before and they were going to do a performance for the school during the day!!! That means that we can catch both kid's activities. We were able to go to the earlier performance and watch Morgan sing and then attend Sam's program later (without Morgan. she insisted on attending her choir concert due to a song about friendship and that would mean her partner would be alone. What a great friend. We did miss her at Sam's program). Here is a little clip of one of the songs. They did a great job with all their songs. She has really enjoyed choir, except for the early morning choir practice. Thank goodness they didn't kick them out after their 3rd tardy, or she wouldn't have made it past the 2nd week. (like mother like daughter). We are very proud of her and her ability to learn new things and enjoy life.

Sam Pre-School Graduation

Sam was so excited for her graduation from Pre-School. She has come so far and has thoroughly enjoyed learning. I had Chris run to the store to get her some flowers (Yes, he can walk without crutches now. I might have a little more patience for him now that he can help a little. I was getting very short on patience and very frustrated without his help, I am sure there are several out there who understand). Anyways, Sam LOVED her flowers. It amazed Chris that such a little thing went so far with her. I guess she is like the rest of us girls, something so small goes a long way. She still comments on how much she loves her flowers and how they are so pretty. What a great, innocent kid.
Sam and Miss Tina, Sam's teacher. We have loved Miss Tina and she has taught Sam so much. We are hoping that Alex gets her next year too (knowing Alex, Miss Tina might request that she is in the other class!)
Here are all the graduates from both pre-k classes. What a great bunch.
Sam was so proud to go up and get her 'diploma' from Miss Tina. They had asked all the kids previously what they wanted to be when they grow up. Sam's answer was a teacher. She will make a great teacher one day.
Alex wanted to get a picture with her big sister and Sam kindly obliged. Alex really does adore her sisters. They wouldn't know as much as Alex torments them.


Sam was very excited to share with us her little song that she learned. She thought she was something wonderful in her cap and gown. The cutest graduate I've seen in a long time.

Catch up with Kids

These are the moments that are few and far between of Alex and Sam actually enjoying each other's company. They found these towels that Grandma Boyer sent and decided they would finally play with them. They really enjoyed being witches. They have a lot of practice at that with each other, just without the costumes....

My dad came down to do more of my "Honey Do list, or Daddy Do List" so that I can get this house on the market. The kids sure love Grandpa coming because he always brings great treats (his fantastic jerky) and will always share his Pepsi with them. They have learned to bring him their cup and wink and he will share with them. Who can say "no" to their cute faces. Grandpa and Michael enjoying each other. Dad didn't take too many breaks while down here, but when he did he was smothered with kids. Who knows if he would consider that a break?
What a great little smile. Talk about some chunky cheeks. He is almost 6 months old and time has flown by. He is growing up so fast.
I love this stage. He finally enjoys laying on the ground and has discovered his feet. Sorry for the upside down photos. If anyone knows how to rotate photos once in here, please let me know.