Jax and the climbing wall...

We took Jaxon to the new Rec Center and he got to try out the climbing wall! Since he has already zip lined twice (once by himself) we knew he would love it! He had a blast, went up three times (three different sides of the wall) and did awesome on the rappel down as well, a natural I tell ya!! Next it's my turn!!!

Gearing up to go!

The first trip up, got about 1/2 way up the wall!

Rapelling down!

Introductions...

Today my heart is warm. My boys got to meet their miracle baby cousin Raylee for the first time!!! Raylee is my cousin Jane's little girl and was born June 26, 2009 at only 26 weeks (I'm guessing, maybe it was 25... way too early anyway)... she was 1.6 pounds and 12 inches long.

After a four month stay at the hospital she was able to go home and while I got to meet her when we were in town last year, the boys could not as she was extremely susceptible to germs and dripping, sniffing, oozing things that typically accompany children:)

Raylee had her first birthday party over the summer and is doing great. She is so happy, her beautiful smile could cheer anyone up. She managed to sleep thru the first half of our visit so she must be a great sleeper! When she awoke we seized our opportunity to play with her and she was more than happy to join in!

Fondoo-doo

Last night I took fondue to game night at Judy's... hells yes, fondue, it's been far too long. Around these parts, chocolate and peanut butter don't come cheap so its a very special occasion - especially to see them mixed together!

Given all the leftovers in my fridge and my every effort not to grab a straw to suck up every ounce of chocolatey peanut buttery goodness, I was ever so kind to allow my children this one small delicacy...just this once...for lunch. Hey - there was fruit involved, don't judge me!

Jax didn't really know what it was, but as I was warming the fondue he decided there must be chocolate chips involved because he could smell them. Yes, he is my child after all!!!

And here he is... first bite - gotta load up that pineapple!

A very happy Riley - pre-chocolate inhalation

Mmmmm...oh yes mom. You ARE a good cook!

A marshmallow AND a coconut cookie - it really IS the best!

Sweet love - I want to lick his face off.

After "lunch" Jax ate an apple, a ham/tortilla, yogurt and a box of milk - guess chocolate isn't that filling...as for Riley, he is still napping so I did my job:)

For Grandma...

Just a shameless photo share for my mom who can't get onto Facebook to see more pics at work... darn government office rules! Here ya go ma - all of your grandchildren!!

Miss Stella

Roxanne Brown Chilaxin

Sweet Lil

Mmmmm...Peanut Butter

Buds.

Big Boy Bed!!

Riley made the big move last week into the "big boy bed" which in reality is just his crib minus the front rail. It wasn't one of those big hoopla's that needed to happen due to him monkey climbing out of it and plummeting five feet onto the tile floor. He didn't even try it once. I just wanted to move him and get him used to it before we head to the states in a couple of weeks...

It ended up being a very anti-climactic event, we converted the bed, put the sheets on (Elmo, thanks Mom!!) and ten minutes later it was nap time. He climbed on it, we went about our normal routine, he put his head down and went to sleep...done!

Excited about the new bed!

Climbing in and out, in and out... because he could!

Lights out!

Family Trip Part 3

The rest of the family trip was a blast...Here are some photos of us riding horses, at the beach and more!! Their 10 day trip was over before we knew it. We were so happy to have them visit and can't wait until the next time!!

HUGE iguana at Judy and Giffs.

Traditional Coffee service at a touristy restaurant.

Heading out for a ride!

Handsome Riley!

Kids enjoying the surf.

Dad rocking it at the beach!

The end...for now!!

Family Trip Part 2 - Zipline Edition

I know I know, you are probably sick of seeing photos of us zip-lining... Well get over it. If you come visit I will take you and you too, can be zipping for all the world to see.

We took the kids to the Congo Trail Canopy Tour located near the beach. I chose this place b/c you get to play with the monkeys afterward! To my surprise (and tremendous anxiety) Jax and Carlee did several of the lines ALONE!!!! I didn't even know they were going to send them off but before I knew what was happening, we were at the first platform and the guides were hooking them up and throwing them down the line. It really wasn't THAT intense and the kids didn't even blink an eye, so turns out it was completely awesome!! I was so damn proud of Jax, the kid is seriously fearless.

In our group there were four other people who were in CR for a wedding, they were a lot of fun and we all had a great time! In the middle of the tour we came upon a large group of howler monkeys which was fun for everyone to see. After zipping my sister and I went into the monkey cage and played with the monkeys. They had two spider monkeys and about 10 or so white-faced Capuchin monkeys. The monkeys are always a blast, if you don't like monkeys jumping on your head I don't recommend entering the cage but if you enjoy them poking around grooming your hair in order to eat the bugs on your scalp, then this is for you!

After the monkeys we checked out the snakes and the kids got to hold one...they had a blast!

Chris and Carlee ready for the adventure!

No fear Carlee!!

My superstar son zipping upside down!

I TOTALLY wish I could take this girl home - she obviously loves me.

Mmmm...bugs!