Here Comes The Sun...Finally!

After all the cold and rain, we couldn't wait to get to the Florida sunshine! And boy did it feel good! Our first stop in the Sunshine State was Orlando - we stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacation Club Tuscany - we have stayed her before and we loved it. Once again it didn't disappoint - everything was just perfect - the pools, our suite, the play ground and the customer service!

Mom drove down and joined us at the resort. Arabella could hardly contain her excitement for Grammie's arrival. As soon as she woke up from her nap, she wouldn't sit still - Grammie couldn't get her fast enough and she was waiting to go swimming with Grammie! So as soon as Grammie arrived, we ran down as fast as we could to meet her in the parking lot!

She was so excited, she was jumping up and down in the elevator!

We unloaded the car as quick as we could and then we went straight down to the pool! Arabella loved swimming at "nighttime" (as she called it) and the pool was so warm. It was wonderful!




The next day we enjoyed more sunshine! Arabella had a blast at the splash pad and the second pool. Mom, Jay and I took turns in the pool with Arabella - which was great. We even enjoyed lunch poolside - YUM!







My Cinco de Mayo Margarita!


After dinner we decided to head to the playground and then back to the pool for the Dive-in Movie. We watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua - which is a cute movie - for a while Arabella had fun playing on the side of the pool and when she was done, she decided to snuggle with me in a lounge chair. It was so sweet. On the walk back to our room after the movie, we saw a frog jump across the side walk - it was so funny because he just froze, but Arabella wanted him to jump so she decided to give him a little boost. It was so cute to watch her telling him to jump!






We had pretty low key day on Friday - pool time again and while everyone else took a nap, I decided to go to the outlets that were right next store. I managed to score a few deals, which is always nice! That evening, we decided to go to Downtown Disney for dinner. We figured it was a way to get some Disney in without having to go to the parks - I know that sounds horrible, but we just don't think Arabella is old enough yet. Besides, it is so expensive that we really want her to be able to remember it and enjoy it! Downtown Disney was crazy - lots of people and lots going on - be we still had a great dinner at Wolfgang Puck and a fun time walking around. Arabella also broke a geode at the T-Rex store - she loved it and it is beautiful inside.







After Downtown Disney, it was time to hit the hay, but not before eating some goldfish and having a story with Grammie!

Fitting Tribute

As we were walking into the airport in Columbus, I noticed the following tribute to the brave men and women who fight to keep the United States safe. I thought it was fitting to post since I saw it only days after Bin Landen's death and I wanted thank all of the men and women in uniform - you are appreciated more than you know and thank you for all that you do.

Playing In Puddles

During one of the rainy days at Dennis & Ricki's, I decided to see if Arabella wanted to go for a walk. There was only a very fine mist coming down, so it seemed like the perfect time to get some fresh air. Arabella put on her wellies and I borrowed a pair and off we went. It was so quiet and beautiful out. She loved exploring in the yard and I think she jumped in every puddle in the driveway. I loved being able to watch her and see her sense of wonder when she would find something that caught her attention. Thank you for taking a walk with me Arabella and for opening my eyes to all the beauty around us.

More Rainy Ohio

After Ashlee's wedding, we packed up and drove to Dennis & Ricki's house. The dreary weather made the drive seem longer than it was - it was nice to see the Ohio countryside again and Arabella loved seeing the horse farm near Grandpa Dennis' house.


As soon as we arrived, we warmed up by the roaring fire and Arabella made herself right at home. She loved exploring the house and playing with Blix (who also had fun playing) and Babe.




We enjoyed great food, including homemade croutons, and Arabella even had a few cooking lessons with Grandpa Dennis. She also checked out the tractor and enjoyed the fresh air, blooming trees and flowers and the garden!







We had a great time relaxing and spending time with Grandpa Dennis and Grammy Ricki that before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head back to the airport for the next part of our journey. As much as we hated to say goodbye, we were ready to leave rainy Ohio behind!