boating through the bay

 We boated to the Dock for lunch.  YUM!  Fun to be on the boat again.

Checking out the pelicans in the bay with Henry.

cloudy with chance of fun

 We sent Daddy a picture letting him know we were thinking about him while on the beach.  I am sure it made him feel better that he wasn't there, aren't you?

 The clouds did not stop the fun.  Patrick and Henry were out on the boat with their dad and Papa, so Charlie and Kate played on the beach.  Always a great time for taking pictures.

Playdate with the Wings

 Shannon brought Patrick, Henry, and Charlie down for a long weekend -- just to be with US!  We could not have been happier to see them outside of summer and spring break!  What a fun time.  Though the ocean was too cold to swim in, the kids enjoyed the sunshine and sand every bit as much.  They immediately picked up where they left off, and it was mama time for Shannon and me.  Ok, Shannon had to help build sandcastles and play touch football (I was the pregnant photographer), but we had a fantastic time getting caught up.

 The big kids were able to walk down the beach and think they were soooo far away.  It was funny to see them go and watch them chatting.

girly girl

 Kate has begun showing her "true colors," and they are all girl!  I love it!  Flowers are the latest thing to draw and she is drawing them in all colors.  I appreciate that.

 Kate had some "Florida money" from mom to spend how she wanted.  We went to a jewelry store where things are relatively cheap.  45 minutes after arriving, we had purchased two necklaces, two bracelets, two rings, a headband, a watch and a purse to keep the treasures in.  That purse went everywhere we went, too.  After that stop, Kate went with me to the Apple store to make my "big girl" purchase of a new laptop.  Such a quick purchase, too!  Wow!  Then we ran to Gap/GapKids so I could see about a robe that I had wanted in Chicago (no luck), but Kate found this maxi skirt and sparkly shirt and had to have it.  Girls trip, after all, so we got it and now can't wait for spring in Kentucky!  Kate wore the skirt out three different nights (and would have been more if I had not said NO!).

Kate took this picture of her treasures.

parkin' it

 Cambier Park is still so fun!  And sweaty!

 For some reason, Kate really liked the tire swing and going for a spin in it.  Made me want to vomit, but she just closed her eyes and loved every minute of it!

still sunny...

Sunny Naples

Dinner at Tommy Bahama's.  Saw the horse carriage after.

windy city Sunday...

The Sunday before Kate and I left for Florida, we had many signs that this trip might not be the best.  Timing of baby aside, I fell down the stairs just being clumsy.  Matt and I went to the hospital to monitor the baby for about three hours and all was good, so we continued on with packing when I got home.  That night the storms came.  And came.  It was dark when I left, so Kate and I did not see the wind damage to the swing set before we left (thank goodness).  Crushing for a sweet girl.  Maybe after the beach it won't be so bad.  :-)

Chuck E. Cheese

 Matt and Jason are in a new grad class this spring, and they had to meet all day last Saturday.  Kelly and I decided to take our show on the road and went to Chuck E. Cheese with the kids.  We weren't sure how it would go, but what the heck?  We loaded up and headed to Evansville with all kids.  The kids had a ball.  We enjoyed being together, too.  Stopped by Krispy Kreme to get the kids hyped on sugar and then proceeded into Fresh Market.

I love that Kate has her hand on Annie's leg on the ride.  She wanted to be with her so bad...and all was great until ten minutes from home when Annie asked Kelly why she had been seated between two toddlers.  We had a great time listening to the sibling fighting...maybe Kate won't be part of the Powers' Christmas picture with Santa next year.

Oh sunny day

Yesterday was sunny and windy, but we decided to brave it and get outside for a little while. After weeks of rain, we needed to feel the sun. All of us. Kate was so excited to play outside she didn't know where to start: swing set, trampoline, scooter, walk, slide...all of it was done.

Drake was happy to roll in the grass and scratch his back. He enjoyed everyone being outside together and getting some vitamin D, too!

I made Kate wear my ear band because she was anti-hat. It actually worked out well for her!