Vacation Time for Mom & Dad

Chad and I were fortunate to get some time away on a very well deserved break. We set sail on the Carnival Liberty Saturday 2/26/2011 and enjoyed nothing but sunshine (seriously, not a drop of rain the entire time) for 7 full days. Our adventures were shared with our good friends, Mike and Tracy Lee.

We had food at our disposal, service at our call, naps when we choose, and best of all…we did things when we wanted to do things. I cannot remember the last time we had the availability to just do anything without a schedule.

We had a few “fun” days at sea and stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios Jamaica. We had a great time in each port:

Cozumel: we booked a dune buggy tour. It took us all over the island, stopping so we could snorkel, swim in the ocean, and shop in a few villages. We were prepared a delicious lunch on the beach…and I mean delicious!!! Our dune buggy was stocked with adult beverages (we even made our tour guide purchase more adult beverages…twice). Then a quick stop at a local tequila plant, where we paid a dollar each to enter and have 7, yes 7 shots of tequila. I have never had such good tequila and did not know there were so many different flavors!

Grand Cayman: we visited the local turtle farm where we saw the largest turtles I have EVER seen. Not only were they HUGE, but there were hundreds of them. After the turtle farm we headed to the famous Seven Mile Beach, where we soaked in some rays and enjoyed the ocean.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: we booked an excursion through the ship. The tour was to a trip to Dunn’s River Falls and a ride on a Jamaica bobsled. I was a bit leery of Jamaica as many people told us time and time again…be careful, there is a lot of theft, robbery and drugs. But once on the island, I never once felt unsafe. The Jamaican’s were happy, outgoing and full of energy. And what an absolutely beautiful island, with greenery every where. Dunn’s River Falls was quite the adventure. We climbed 900 feet up a waterfall as rushing water ran past us. If you ever go to Ocho Rios, Jamaica…Dunn’s River Falls is a MUST! After our climb to the top, and after Chad was offered some wacky tabaccy…we headed towards the second part of our excursion; the Jamaica bobsled. This was AWESOME. We were strapped into a bobsled on tracks and the ride took us through the jungle. Twist, turns and abrupt stops. It was GREAT! And soooo beautiful.

Oh…I almost forgot, we tried and purchased the best rum I have EVER had in Jamaica…Appleton Rum, made right in Jamaica. Very good…totally recommend it.

As you can see we had an amazing time. Before the trip began, I thought we would miss the girls terribly…but knowing they were in good hands (thanks Grandma Karen and Grandma Shelley), our minds were at ease. The girls did miss us and for a few days after our trip wouldn’t leave our sides.
We had such a GREAT time, I’m already thinking of our next trip…probably not for a couple years though!

Checking In...

Well, it's been a while since I've updated our site. Since the holidays, life has calmed down a bit. We seem to have things going on every weekend, but it's been pretty low key.

The girls are doing great. Testing us each day...how far can they push Mommy and Daddy today. Being 3 is hard, being 3 is REALLY hard on Mommy and Daddy. The girls are trying to find out who they are, what they can do and what is this world all about? I try to remind myself when we are having one of those kinds of days that yes it's hard on me, but it's just as hard on them. Easier said than done, most times.

Our new daycare has truly made a difference in the girls. Even though we miss Erin like crazy and the girls still ask to see her from time to time, Michelle's structured preschool is making a huge difference in the girls. Just in the short time that they have been at Michelle's, I am amazed at how much they have learned. As they say, everything happens for a reason!

Kendall is and will continue to be our stubborn child. We found this out before she even left the hospital after birth...and we are reminded each and every day. It's her way, in her time and boy can she put up a fight. Mommy usually has a little bit more control over her than Daddy...but there are days that even I can't handle it. She is still in pullups and does not care one bit. And yes before you even ask...we have tried everything under the sun. Stickers, reward charts, special underwear, privileges, you name it has been done. The girls got bikes for Christmas and before then we'd talk to Kendall...telling her that only big girls that use the potty get bikes. Her response "That's okay, I'll just use Sydney's." Yes I can see a life time of this...oh boy!

Sydney is our sneaky child. She knows how to love you up...hugs, kisses, cuddles, but when you are not looking she gets what she wants. With Kendall I know she will be stubborn, but she will tell me everything. Sydney will make sure to leave bits and pieces out...I will be depending on
Kendall to get the truth! She is our little helper too. Loves to clean, hmmm wonder where she gets that. Everything has it's place, again hmmm wonder where she gets that. Sydney is most definitely our little drama queen. Especially if she has a scratch, bruise or something hurts...the
world is collapsing around her.

Kendall our stubborn child and Sydney our emotional child. It amazes me how different they truly are. They look different, they act different, they may be twins, but they by far are their own person.

First Dental Appointment (1.4.2011)

The girls had their first dental appointment. They did fabulous!!! Their teeth were counted, checked and cleaned. The doctor said that their teeth will continue to change as they continue to grow...so what will happen in the future is yet to be determined. But for now, all looks great!

Kendall

Sydney

Christmas Day Part 2 (12.25.10)

After a BIG Christmas breakfast made by Grandma Shelley, we spent the day just hanging out. Grandma Karen came over later in the morning...which meant a day of being spoiled for Kendall and Sydney...two grandma's together. Later that day we took the girls outside to try out their new sleds, that Santa brought. Boy, did they like that. Mom and Dad were a bit tuckered out...trying to carry one of the girls and a sled up a hill in knee deep snow is not easy.

The evening ended with some homemade taco pizza and popcorn later in the night. It was a perfect Christmas Day!

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well!!!

Christmas Day Part 1 (12.25.10)

I guess Santa figured the girls have been good this year since he brought them a BIKE! They were soooo excited to see their NEW BIG GIRL bikes.

In their stockings, Santa left many things...their favorite was purple, princess chapstick. Most of which ended up all over their face. The least about ended up on their lips! This picture of Kendall is one of the VERY few that we got of her actually putting it on her lips!

Besides Santa bringing the girls gifts, the girls enjoyed opening a few from Mommy & Daddy and Grandma Shelley as well. Sydney is proudly displaying her new sweatshirt from Grandma Shelley. If you look closely, you'll see that her face looks a bit purple...that would be the chapstick that Santa left. Santa, maybe not such a good idea! hee hee

Christmas with Grandma Karen & Family (12.24.10)

Christmas Eve was spent with Grandma Karen and Family. After lunch we headed to church, then came home to watch the kids tear their gifts open. After a little fun for the kids, us adults enjoyed couple games of the "dice game." This is the first year that Mommy and Daddy were able to just let the girls go and have fun, without having to tag team on keeping on eye on them.

We had a great Dobbelaere Christmas...as you can see from the pictures!

Christmas with Papa Mike and Grandma Elaine (12.18.10)

This past weekend we spent enjoying the holiday season with Papa Mike and Grandma Elaine. It started off Friday night with a quick stop at the house by them, to give the girls their birthday gifts. And boy did they have them spot on.

A trunk filled with dress up clothes for Kendall and a box that contained a baby and all her necessary furniture for Sydney. Kendall quickly put on one of her new dresses, lifted her wand and made us all beautiful...as she says. She must like the movie Cinderella. Sydney immediately became a mommy with her new baby as she kicked daddy out of his recliner so she could rock her baby.

The next day was spent Papa Mike, Grandma Elaine and the rest of the family at a local hotel. We enjoyed some lunch, a bit of swimming, more presents, and just had a wonderful time with good company.

The Birthday Cakes

Our good friend Tracy offered to make and decorate the girl's 3 year birthday cakes for us...and boy did they turn out good:


























Unfortunately due to the HUGE amount of snow that fell on us and the bitter cold...Tracy and her family were unable to make the party.


Our backup plan:

Yeah...not as cute!!!! But they tasted okay. And the girls were excited that they got birthday cake, had a group of people singing to them and got to blow out the candles!

So, you ask what will she do with those cakes. Well at first it was thought they would be used for her son's birthday, which is 3 days from the girl's. He wouldn't mind having crown cakes that were purple and pink, would he? Ah, he's only 2...he won't know. Plus he's a boy, he just wants to eat the dang thing anyhow. Right?!?!


The last I heard Tracy was going to try and freeze the cakes. We'll see them for New Years and can enjoy her masterpieces then.

Tracy, they look GREAT...thanks so much for all the love and care you put into them!!!

Happy Birthday!!! 12.12.2010

Another year has passed...and very quickly it did. It amazes me the girls are 3. You look at them and it's almost impossible to remember that they were 7 weeks early. Kendall weighing in at 3 pounds 9 ounces and Sydney weighing in at 4 pounds 3 ounces. They most definitely are our miracles.

Mother nature was not the kindness to us...dumping 20 inches of snow. We spent the day before their birthday watching the snow fall, and fall, and fall...would it ever stop?!?! As we watched the snow continue to rise on the ground, we took advantage of this and made the entire day a "family day." Working on art projects, playing games and just relaxing.

We woke Sunday morning to sun and LOTS of snow. All the news channels were saying to stay off the roads. The plows need time to clear the roads. The city buses were not running...and good luck getting out of your garage with snow that came up above your thighs. We pondered, should we or should we not have the girl's party.

We told the girls that we may need to cancel their party, which brought sadness to them. The sad frowns quickly turned around when we received word that most of our guests were still coming.

Even though mother nature decided to put a kink in our plans...it didn't stop us from having the BEST 3 year old party EVER!

Happy birthday to our beautiful girls! We love you to the moon and back!!!

Dobbelaere Family Christmas

Today we spent our Christmas with Chad's extended family. We were able to capture a moment with Great Grandma Dobbelaere.

It was wonderful to see family that we are unable to see very often. The girls had a blast running around with their cousins. While the adults enjoyed a little catching up.




Later that afternoon, Santa paid us a visit. All the kids stood still with big eyes and jaws dropped. Santa knew everything about each kid...names, birthdays, age...he even shocked Mom and Dad with all that he knew.

The girls were able to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Kendall asking for a Doll and Sydney asking for a bike.

Kendall had us all laughing when she said "Santa, I've seen you at the bar." As Mom's face went from white to red, everyone started laughing out loud. I guess she remembers his visit up at the lake...when he visited us to celebrated Christmas in July.

12.5.2010