When we arrived at Everglades NP it was shortly before midnight and raining quite hard. Scott got out of the van to attempt to put up the tent, but when he remembered the top of our tent is open screen (which we then put a cover over after set up) he realized it would be futile as the entire inside of the tent would be soaked before we even set it up.

Because we were only planning to do one day in Disney (I hope to take the whole family back later for a longer Disney vacation when all of the the kids are old enough to truly enjoy and appreciate it. This day in Magic Kingdom was just to hold them me over for the next 5 years or so) I didn’t even try to pretend we’d be able to do or see it all in one day.

We chose this year and even this specific week to take our Florida trip because the Space Shuttle Discovery was supposed to make it last launch into space. Both Scott and had always wanted to see a shuttle launch and being as it is one of the last launches ever, we really wanted to take the kids to see this historical event. The launch was originally planned for Mon Nov 1st.

Normally, I consider myself pretty laid back. Messy faces, germs, they all go with the territory of life with small kids and I don’t sweat em. Then last year we took our grand Texas vacation… during which you may recall I caught the circus children licking the airplane window. Then we spent our grand Texas vacation with multiple ear and sinus infections, suspected pink eye, laryngitis, and asthma episodes culminating with a day at a clinic in downtown San Antonio.

I’ve always wanted a little Yoda for Halloween. Queen Amidala made an appearance We also had Padme Amidala And, of course,Luke Skywalker. We’re pretty much, eating, breathing, sleeping Star Wars…24/7 round here these days

I didn’t really know my great grandparents. All but one had passed away before I was born and my GG died when I was 2. I have one fleeting memory of her sitting in a chair in my grandparents dining room, but the rest I get from stories and pictures. October could have been deemed “Great Grandparent Month” at the circus. My children are so blessed to have 4 living great grandparents in their lives today.

I got my love of sports from my dad. I can remember watching Pirates games at 5 when he was out of town, just to make me feel closer to him. In high school, my dad would take me to Penn State Football games to watch my cousin play in the Blue Band. I think my dad made sure that we attended every kind of professional sporting event at least once.

Today I had planned to write a sweet and nostalgic motherhood type post about my littlest cast member. But, when quiet time rolled around my head was aching, my mind racing, and the right words and sentiments weren’t coming to me. Because today… *Today I tried to do 2 days worth of school in one morning since we’ll be out of town on Monday *Today I made banana chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast

The outing started out so beautiful and picturesque. The drive there was lovely… leaves just starting to change, sipping my pumpkin spice latte, even the clouds looked “fall like” (amazing how everything looks lovely when the kids aren’t requiring you to referee from the drivers seat…thank you Psalty the Singing Songbook) We got to the farm and the kids happily ate their lunches while I nursed the baby. Then we were off to pick apples.

I love my daughter. Obviously, I know, but I love the head first approach she takes at life. She dives in, full force with no fear. And if she falls, it doesn’t bother her, she’ll pick herself up and dive again. She hasn’t had it easy in the health department. At 6 mths she had her first asthma episode. Since then, she’s dealt with nebulizer treatments with very little complaint. It’s a fact of life for her and she handles it well.