Sea World Season

It's been a few years, but we once again are happy to have Sea World passes. The kids and I enjoyed a very full day at the park. Both kids love animals and interesting facts about animals.

Ellison has begun to comandeer my phone to make videos. This one has a funny ending.

We spent over an hour at the Dolphin nursery.  Dolphins are Ellison's favorite animal.  Dylan spent time exploring the map and figuring out where he was.

The Turtle exhibit was Dylan's favorite spot minus the 3-D movie, which sent him into tears.  I guess 3-D is a little to real for the little guy.

It's a Christmas Wrap..late

So I am a bit blog-strated.... My new term for frustrated. I can not get my Christmas photos to load to my computer. After two unsuccessful tries, my camera is dead and my charger is missing. So in an effort to move forward and begin my 2015 blog posts, I am moving on and just posting the few photos I have.

Christmas was great this year. The kids were very thankful and happy for the items they received. I have to state how proud I am of both children, because they have stopped expecting so much and really appreciating the smaller things. I think the change is a culmination of several things andI am very proud of them. This year our family shopped for several others that could not afford Christmas. Both children were affected by the thought that others are not blessed as we are.

Thank you for our many blessings. 

Ackley Christmas Fun

I really did not realize how far behind I was on blog posting.  Oops!  We had a great time at our Ackley Family Christmas party this year.  

We were one of the first to arrive and were able to take a spin on Uncle Said's new and very fast boat.  My uncle chose to rev up the engine and show us what 80 miles per hour feels like on a boat. Well, lets just say my hair never recovered.  

Someone was refusing to cooperate.  Any guesses?

After the boat ride, we enjoyed a delicious meal, fun family time, and then presents!

Just don't want to smile for me today!

Last Stop on the Clark Family Christmas Surprise

So obviously this post is very late, but I thought I would still account for our wonderful 4th and final stop on the Clark Family Christmas Surprise.  The final stop was a train ride on the Cannonball Express.  Over the years, I have heard rave reviews about their holiday ride packed with a trip to the North Pole, a visit with Santa, and some hot cocoa.  I don't know if the North Pole won my children over (so completely lame), but give them some sugar, a funny elf, and a train ride and they are in! It was a fun time and even Ellison thought Santa may actually be the real one.  So overall it was a goof final stop on our Clark Family Christmas.

Tea Time Tradition

 Last year, my Mom began a new tradition of taking Ellison and I to tea over the holidays. Living in Central Florida provides us with the opportunity to take tea at some very fabulous places.  This year, we enjoyed the Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea.

My very fancy child, Ellison, started the morning off by telling me that she is no longer fancy.  After arguments over wardrobe, questions as to why I am the way I am, and the promise that she could choose my outfit, we settled on a black dress and some new black heels (her first, but definitely the game changer).

As soon as we were inside the Ritz Carlton, Ellison took the pearls and headband off and proceeded to explain to me that she is not like me.  She does not like to be fancy.  Well, I saw another glimpse into her teenage years... lets just say I left a little (ok, a lot) freaked out.

Part of the Tea included a stop by Santa.  Ellison was not buying it! Frankly, I don't blame her.  First, I highly doubt that this particular Santa celebrates Christmas.  His think rimmed black glasses were an odd choice and leads me to believe that Santa's sleigh must have broken down and the Ritz Carlton manager filled in.  (Add in a very obvious wig and well it was not pretty!)

No when Santa handed Ellison a boy bear, she was done! In fact the picture below, says it all.  I think her words were "really? A boy?!?"

 Luckily Grandma had a discussion with a few elves and Santa quickly found Ellison's girl bear.  Phew!

 A few quick stories and Christmas songs to top it off!

 The Teddy Bear Tea was a treat.  Thank you Grandma!

Cutest Little Angels

 The cutest little Angels performed in this years All Saints School Nativity Pagaent.

Ciao 2014, Welcome New Year and Fresh Starts!

I was never an over believer of the New Year. I always saw it as a fun night, a quick woo-hoo at midnight, and a possible tune-in to watch the ball drop.

This year was different and I finally get it. I needed 2014 to be over.  I am so happy to see 2015!

There are so many wonderful memories from 2014, but there were also a lot of struggles.  I had to find more strength then I ever knew I had.  I am happy 2014 is over.

Cheers to 2015, fresh starts, and making this year better then the last!