And the trap was set on the floor with care.....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Jack devised this home-made Leprechaun trap in the hopes of catching one of the sneaky little buggers as he slept last night. 



Alas, despite the lure of a "gold" coin and a sign that read, "I don't want the gold you can have it," (I know it doesn't look like that's what it says, but trust me) the trap was empty this morning.  Much to Jack's chagrin.  He was very disappointed....BUT, all was not lost because some green milk for breakfast seemed to cheer him right up!

A new set of wheels and a trophy!

I'm guessing that based on the title of this post many of you assume that we purchased a new car...given Jay's propensity for trading in vehicles! But no - our new mode of transportation only has two wheels...sort of!! Take a look.....

I can't tell you the last time I was on a bike but I have never seen more people out riding bikes than they do here, so we're joining the masses!  Plus, Jack's school and our awesome Rec center are only a bike ride away. :)

Nathan & Matthew love to ride in their trailer....although they are right next to each other so occasionally some personal space issues arise.

Over the weekend Jay & Jack built and raced Jack's first pine wood derby car....and he won 3rd place/best in show!!!  Here is the ecstatic winner with his very first trophy!!

The Rocket car Jack created (with Jay's help!) complete with flaming asteroids across the bottom.

Disney World and Jack Turns Six!!!!

So since Disney World is only two hours away, we decided to celebrate Jack's birthday by spending last weekend with Mickey.  It was an easy drive and we stayed at Shades of Green which is a resort specifically for service members and their families (and maybe retirees??) located right on the Disney World property.  While it was wall-to-wall bodies in the Disney parks we all still managed to have a great time!  Let me tell you, this is the time of year to visit Disney because the weather was superb.  After two parks in three days with three kids, Jay and I came home exhausted...but it was worth it. :)

 Disney World!!



Strollers had to be stowed on the short bus ride to the monorail station...and the twins took this freedom seriously.  I know the bus drivers were always glad to see us get off. 

 This is the only napping that occurred during the trip!

 Dino-rama (at Animal Kingdom) was a huge hit!

Watching...what else...the Disney channel while waking up. 

Inside Disney's Polynesian Resort which was beautiful. 

The Tomorrowland Speedway was hands down Jack's favorite ride! 

Jay and his mini-me Matthew. 

The birthday boy before going to school to celebrate!

Note: While in the clip Nathan refuses cake, upon seeing the rest of us savoring the deliciousness he quickly changed his mind. :)

St. Augustine

Last weekend we decided we had enough unpacking (although we are now officially all unpacked!!) and wanted a little road trip.  So we headed a short distance down 95 to St. Augustine.  And boy was it worth it!!  Wow.  Lots of charming shops and cafes mixed with a whole heaping helping of history - complete with an old fort.  Here's a glimpse of our adventure:

Making a wish.

This is downtown...SO charming!!

Another view of downtown.  I'm smitten. :)

Just to prove they were along too.  :)

Castillo de San Marcos (really old fort).

They actually fired the cannons.

Firing the cannons.

The coolness factor multiplied significantly upon the realization that there was a real drawbridge.

Progress

We made it to Florida!!!  Despite somehow contracting two cases of pink eye while staying at the hotel in VA, us and all our stuff made it to the Sunshine State.  We've made some significant progress on unpacking the boxes and our new house is starting to feel like "home."  Jack seems to be liking his new school although going all day (vs half day in VA) has made him one tired kiddo!  Here's a glimpse into some of our progress:

This is what VA looked like two days before we were to be packed up!

We had visitors on our 1st day in the new house!  Aunt Annie & Uncle Sam!!

Jack's new room.

Plenty of space to play.

And plenty of space for all his stuff.

My beloved green slipcovers are no more since Ikea no longer makes that color.  However, Jay picked out this blue color when he and Jack were in DC and I think I really like it!

Now we really feel like grown-ups because we have a formal dining room complete with new furniture. :)