Florida July 2009

We had our family vacation in July at Disney World and Clearwater Beach. The kids loved Disney and I loved the beach!

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!

Alex driving the Jungle Cruise.

Wheeee! Mad Hatter Teacup Ride

Looney Toons blanket

All three of my kiddos have loved their baby blankies. Rebekah had a "squares blankie" that she used until it finally fell apart. (Jeff still carries a tiny piece of it in his wallet. The remainder of it is in a ziploc baggie in her baby box.) Emma still has her 2 yellow blankies - one of which is just a mass of threads. Alex loves his Looney Tunes blanket. It was a receiving blanket and somehow he clutched on to this particular one. It has diminished in size, been sewn several times, has frayed edges and is almost see-through. He isn't as adamant about having it to go to sleep as the girls were at his age but he still loves it nonetheless.

Rain today

Either we had a lot of rain today our else our yard has some serious drainage issues! This was taken in late afternoon after a full day of heavy rain. Jeff pulled out his kayak and let the kids goof around in it.

Kimberly

The name Kimberly is of English origin and means From the Meadow of the Royal Forest. I've always liked that "royal" part!

Growing up my mother was adamant that people call me Kimberly. "I did not name you Kim. Your name is Kimberly." I can remember having this one friend who would call the house and ask for Kim and my mom would tell her that no one lived here by that name and she would say good-bye. I told you she was adamant!

Even to this day if someone calls me Kim I will consider correcting them if it is someone I think will get to know me well. It's funny to be that for 2 of my own children I have shortened or nicknamed them. Alexander goes by Alex and Rebekah is frequently called Bekah. (mostly by her dad and friends).

Julie

Julie is my older sister and is such an incredible person. She is a natural born leader with a passionate personality. Currently, she works outside the home parttime, works in the home parttime (providing before and after school care for neighborhood kids), parents two wonderful kids, is a loving and devoted wife, President of the PTO, need I go on?!

She inspires me to be more self-confident and forgiving on one's mistakes. Julie is a true blessing in my life and I am honored to say she is my sister.

I scream you scream

We all scream for ICE CREAM! Baskin Robbins mint chocolate chip is my favorite. Short of spending $3 for a teeny tiny scoop I will go with Blue Bell (keep in mind I'm a Texas gal!) or Dreyer's Slow Churned (lower in fat but still all the flavor).

Hairspray

Of my many hair and beauty essentials hairspray ranks pretty high on the list. I do not leave the house unless my hair is "done" and the only way for that to happen is with a great hairspray. I like for the top of my hair to stay put while the rest has the volume and swish. I have used many brands over the years (anybody remember AquaNet?!) and am currently using Kenra Hold #25.

H is also for husband (so glad to have a good one!), hugs and happiness.