First Clark Christmas Surprise

As I mentioned in an earlier post, this year Graham and I decided to do four fun Holiday outings with Ellison and Dylan during December instead of giving gifts to them.  Santa still plans to bust through our front door (we don't have a fireplace), so no worries there! (There have been a few concerned people)

Our first surprise stop was Legoland. I can tell you that I immediately questioned our "surprise" plan about 5 minutes into the journey when the kids were crying and begging us to tell them where we were going. We held out and surprisingly they did not figure it out until we were inside the Legoland grounds. Of course, Dylan was slightly depressed for a second because he had decided the surprise was the "North Pole" and did not understand why that was not possible.  Luckily he quickly overcame the depression and we all set out for a fun day.

It was the perfect day to venture to Legoland.  The park was empty. Dylan magically grew over night (plus with the added help of tall flop flops) and was able to ride the roller coasters.  

 The kids have been to Legoland a few times this year, but we wanted to get one last go around with our Annual Passes.  And due to the light crowds, we went on several rides that we had never been on.  Basically, we did everything in the park and there is no reason to renew those passes for a while :)

 The horse ride has been Dylan's must ride.  It has taunted him because you must be four.  Aunt Ashley and Uncle Andy took him to the park, one day before he turned 4 and they chose to not lie.  So this trip was a real thrill.  He was SO EXCITED to hop on the horse!

 The kids were very excited to show Graham and I the huge tree on the Cypress Gardens grounds.  They had discovered it with their Aunt and Uncle.

 No lines = as many rides in a row as your little hearts would like!  Win - Win!

Before we realized that Dylan was tall enough to ride the roller coasters, Ellison and Graham headed off to do "big kid" rides and Dylan and I found some turtles to watch.  I could not break this kid away from his new friends.  We came back to this spot 2 other times during the day.  Plus at the end of the day, he wanted to go back and see his friends... but my feet could not handle the trek. 

It was a fun 1st Christmas surprise!

Winter Park Christmas Parade

I have been receiving weekly emails from a website called This Life.  It sends me photos that were taken 4 years ago.  Last week's photos were of Dylan's first EVER outing (besides the Doctor)- the Winter Park Christmas Parade.

Perfectly timed email, fast forward 4 years and we are now staking out a spot, watching Ellison walk, and enjoying the wonderful Winter Park Parade.  Something tells me that if I rewound about 30 years ago, we could reminisce on my childhood and watching the parade.

So Pretty!

Clark Christmas Plan

So this year, the Clarks are doing things a little different!  The kids will continue to get presents from Santa.  However, instead of getting presents from us, we will be doing 4 fun family things during the month of December to celebrate the season.  Ready, set, go... it should be fun!  I just hope I find time to do my Christmas shopping for everyone else.  'Tis the Season!

Literally Stuck...

As the Thanksgiving Feast wrapped up, as usual we found ourselves on the dock.  I had the brilliant idea for Dylan to ask Graham to take him on the paddleboat.  Note: I did not offer to take him.  

 Like a great dad, Graham obliged.  The boys took a little spin on the boat.  Ellison came out and wanted on... until this happened...
 

They got stuck! Literally Stuck!

We eventually threw out a line, had a few laughs, and got them back to shore.  Meanwhile, Ellison still wanted on.  So back out they went.

 Then Olivia wanted on..

 And then eventually Andy caved and took them all out!

Plots, Plans, Sneak Attacks

One of the funniest things from Thanksgiving came from sitting at the table with Dylan and Olivia.  Right in front of them was the swimming pool and the only thing blocking them was glass and a door.  Oh yes, and ME!  So they plotted on how to get to the pool and what they would do once there.

Can you tell the plan involved some karate moves and a few sneak attacks? There were tons of laughs by both as they came up with their plan. 

Thanksgiving Feast

 Our Thanksgiving tradition has always been to gather with family and friends at my parents house. We usually have high attendance, several turkeys, sometimes a ham, and fun.  This year seemed like an especially great time.  It may have been because we were savoring our last Thanksgiving at Lake Waunatta or because my children are finally old enough to that I don't need to helicopter them at all times.  Whatever the reason, it was a lovely day.  In fact so nice, that to do it justice, I need to split the post up into several :)

The place to be pre-supper! This is where the boys gather. As my Dad carves the turkey, he has plenty of guys (and girls) willing to "test" it. Those first few bites are the best!

A little hummus and crackers to tide them over. Olivia kept being a sweetie and delivering more to Zain (whether he wanted them or not).

Our newest addition to the Ackley clan. 

Sweet moments.

Don't you love when someone interrupts your Thanksgiving meal to take a picture. Sorry about that!

I let her have Sprite. I really hung the moon that day!

The Blondies in the family!

Pow Wow

The week before Thanksgiving was filled with celebrations at both schools.  Our first stop was Ellison's school for a breakfast with pilgrims and Indians.

For lunch, we headed over to All Saints for the Thanksgiving Feast and Show.  Dylan had been practicing and keeping it a secret from me for months.  He was adamant that I not know about the songs.  However, we were counting down the days.  

Trouble!

To excited to swallow a bite and say cheese.

No luck.  Family picture a no-go.

Yum!