Trip to Disney World

Last weekend we took a trip to Disney World. We had a wonderful time even if the weather didn't fully cooperate. I checked the weather in Orlando a few days before and it said the high would be 84 and sunny. So we packed shorts and t-shirts. On our way up there on Thursday evening, we stopped at a rest stop and I noticed it was a little cooler out. I figured maybe it would warm up the next day. When we got to the hotel it was downright cold outside. I checked my phone and it said it would be 65 the next day with 40% chance of rain. We had to go buy jackets and pants for the kids on the way to the parks the next morning. Of course it rained all day and never made it to the 60s, but we had an amazing trip and actually it's better than going in the summer when it's in the 90s and exhausting.

Brody's Birthday Party

Brody had his birthday party at Bayview Park last weekend to celebrate his 5th birthday. He had a great time playing with his friends from school and friends outside of school. The theme was Disney's Planes. We made paper airplanes and had a tons of fun playing on the playground. We enjoyed pizza from Galaxy Pizza and chicken tenders from PDQ.

Last week, Brody had his annual checkup. He weighed in at 38 lbs (50th percentile) and measured 43 inches (29th percentile).

Brody has been doing a great job with learning to read. He gets new books each week from school. The key is that he has memorized most of the sight words with the help of a few DVDs, school activites, and Mom's hard work over the summer using flash cards.

Here are some highlights from Brody's party:

Merry Christmas

We had a great holiday season although it was much too short. There were some great family events and some great holiday parties as well. The boys loved all of their gifts. We continue to be blessed and we look forward to a wonderful 2014!

This is Chase's Christmas Program

Visiting Santa Claus at James' Birthday Party

Opening presents with Grandma

Christmas Day

Halloween 2013

This year Brody and Chase were Jake and Cubby for Halloween. They both love the Disney show Jake and the Never Land Pirates. The weekend before Halloween we went to a terrific block party in the Victoria Park neighborhood. There were great subs from PrimoHoagies, food trucks and plenty of candy for the kids.

On Halloween night, we went Trick-or-Treating with the cousins near Coral Ridge Country Club. Those houses on the golf course really know how to celebrate Halloween. One house had a SkeeBall carnival truck. Most of the houses had elaborate decorations.  We had a fun night.

Sports at Holiday Park

Brody has been taking part in the instructional sports program on Thursdays at the Holiday Park gym.  The recreation staff does a great job with the kids ages 4-5.  Each sport has a 6 week program.  So far he has played golf, basketball and flag football.  The next sport is soccer.  Brody also does an instructional tennis class on Saturdays which is terrific as well.

Dentist Visit

Brody really enjoyed his visit to see Dr. Colleen at Hambrook & Spitzig Dentistry. He won't stop talking about the Jeep matchbox car that he got at the dentist.  The kids know that I am a big fan of Jeeps, so they love to point them out while we are on the road.  Brody knew I would love the Jeep and was so excited to show me.