Photo drop spring break

Isaac has been off this last week on spring break.  It has been so nice to spend some time with him.  Here are some photos with what we have been up to this week.

Sunday we headed up to the Kings Mountain area, just by the North/South Carolina border.  We intended to do Kings Mountain Military Park and Kings Mountain State Park.  We started at the military park by having a look at their museum, then did the battlefields trail.  This is a 1.5 mile trail around the battle field from the Revolutionary war.  There were many informative boards on the way, and you can get a tour on your phone if you wish.  There are many monuments along the way commemorating the people who took part in this important battle.

The boys did really well walking this trail, and hardly got carried at all.  We did it in about an hour, and thoroughly enjoyed our walk in the sun.

By the time we returned to the car, we were all pooped, so decided to give the state park a miss, and save it for another day.

Monday we met up with some friends, before atrocious weather set in for a few days.

Wednesday Isaac and I went for breakfast at IHOP.  I like doing this with my boys when they are off.  Now Seb is in school 3 mornings a week when the other 2 are off, be it separate or together, it is nice to do things just us.

Thursday morning Seb was off, so we headed to the zoo.  In the summer, they open at 9am, though all animals are not on display.  It turns out this is temperature dependent.  It was cold Thursday morning, and I did not dress myself or the boys appropriately.  I think we were the first ones in the zoo!  It was lovely.  The lemurs were playing, there was a snake up close to the glass, and the lions were roaring.  It goes to show, you can got to the zoo numerous times, and still see something different

Still take the same pictures though!

It was so cold, that I was not up for supervising the boys in the park.  We headed up to Pelham Road to meet Paul for a coffee.  My car has been in the garage for about 2 weeks following my run in with a deer.  I have had an X3 in the meantime, an alright car, but not my beast.  Paul had to had his car back on Thursday, and had decided on a Mini.  So I went to meet him to pick it up

It is an alright little car.  I quite like it.  A few differences to the X5, size being the most obvious. But......it has no sun blinds in the back and no heads up display.  Hopefully my car will be fixed soon (it's supposed to take 4-6 weeks)

 Good Friday I spent most of the day lying on the sofa watching HGTV, while Paul built  this

It was a full on pajama day, as the weather was supposed to be atrocious.  It wasn't too bad, but we enjoyed the down time as a family.  The boys watched a film or 2....

Having been cooped up all day Friday, we had to get the boys out today.  Unfortunately it had been raining again, for most of the day, so we decided to take them to Monkey Joes.  I had a coupon to get one in for free, so it wasn't too busy, and I was suprised how quiet it was.  They had a few electrical issues, never good in a room filled with bounce houses....  But they sorted it out, and the kids had a great time.

Then it was lunch at Twin Peaks.  What's nice about this place is the fact kids eat free Saturday and Sunday, making it a reasonably priced meal out. 

Today is  Easter Sunday, we are going to do our first ever egg hunt for the boys. Paul watched the Liverpool game this morning, followed by the F1, then a nice roast, and I think a day around the house.

Happy Easter everyone!

My first Five on Friday

Hey y'all

So this is a new thing for me.... One of the blogs I follow does a 'Five on Friday' post every week, and I love reading them!  I have been wanting to join in for a while, but never had the determination to do so.

This week is different.  I am looking for help and advice.  We are planning a BIG road trip in June.  I have been researching hotels, rental houses, things not to miss, and other things to take in when planning a 3000 mile drive.

Below are five of the destinations we want to hit on our road trip. I have ideas about what to do in each of them, but I would love some input from those who have been there, done that.  My biggest dilemma is accommodation.  There are five of us, so it is tricky.  At least we have a decent car with entertainment....

Here goes:

1. Washington D.C.

Photo credit here

There are so many things to do in Washington D.C. and the majority of them appear to be free!  The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must for us.  Obviously we want to see the monuments and the White House.  The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is another one I would like to hit, as long as the boys have the stamina....  I am having trouble deciding where to stay.  We either hit the bank account, and stay down town, where we can walk to most places.  Or we stay a few miles out, it is a lot cheaper, and there is a greater chance of a pool. Decisions, decisions


2. New York

Photo credit here

Who doesn't want to go to NYC?  We want to see Lady Liberty.  I have been advised Times Square is great for the kids to see.  And Central Park.  A friend has recommended a carriage ride.  But is it any good for 3 boys who would rather spend their time glued to a Kindle???  We want to go to the zoo, who doesn't? The prices of the hotels though, they scare me slightly.... I have looked in to airbnb.com, but am unsure.  Has anyone used this site before??


3. Boston

Photo credit here

I have been slightly infatuated with going to Boston since watching Larry the Cableguy's series on America.  It looks like such a historically rich diverse city.  And very beautiful in places.  Rizzoli and Isles has also added to my infatuation.  We would really like to stay on a house boat. I have found some on VRBO.com, but again, they are not cheap.  We feel it would be worth it, and the boys would love it.  So, what should we do there, and are there any family friendly, local restaurants you would recommend?


4. Chicago

Photo credit here

So this came into our itinerary quite late.  Paul has already been here, and says it is a great city.  He does not want to stay in the city itself, maybe somewhere a bit further north, near where the picture is.  It would be great to have a lake beach for the boys to play on.  Hotels are a bit more reasonable, but it depends on the type you want.  Any recommendations gladly accepted!  And what would you do, other than the beach with an eight, five and three year old???



5. Kentucky

Photo credit here

Ok, on our way back south, we are going to stop somewhere in Kentucky, after stopping at the  Indianapolis Motor Speedway for some pictures. We are not sure where in Kentucky to stop, heck, I don't even know much about the state!!!  Suggestions welcome, the more the better.  Hotels, vacation rentals, resorts, restaurants and things to do.  These are all things I need to look into....


So there you have our holiday plans, so much to do.  We have actually booked one place so far, a resort in New York State, which we booked through Living Social.  I have been keeping my eye on LivingSocial.com and Groupon.com  So far, none of their 'deals' have been terrific, so I am putting off booking.  Paul has just sold his golf clubs, so I actually have some cash to start booking now....

My friends say I am great at planning trips and vacations.  There are so many options and variables in this one, I feel completely bogged down in it all......

Thanks for reading, I hope to get some comments and suggestions from the lovely people on the Link-up

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Hilton Head - part two

The day dawned nice and sunny, and not too early for us.  We headed for the complimentary breakfast.  This was nothing special, no hot food, just toast, pop tarts, cereal muffins fruit etc.  didn't stop our boys from filling up on about 5 breakfasts each.  At least we got our monies worth....

Considering the weather report said it was going to be raining and thundering, we did not see any rain all day.  After breakfast we headed to walmart to stock up on beach essentials, you know, those things I stupidly forgot to pack cos I believed the weather forecast.

Once they were purchased, we headed back to Colligny Beach.  The facilities are good, so we parked in the same car park, and headed to the restrooms/changing facilities right on the beach.  It was still lovely and sunny....

The boys had great fun splashing in the little pool of seawater, before heading down to the waters edge.  The cold of the sea did not bother them at all, and they had great fun playing in the waves.  A group of kids were making their way along the beach. And stopped by the boys.  Here's why....

See the dolphin, no more than 20 meters from the boys?  Amazing.  By now it was rather cloudy, and the wind was starting to pick up.  Isaac was complaining of being cold, and so was I.  It was nearly lunch time so we headed back to the changing facilities.

We decided earlier in the day to pay the $5 entrance fee to get into the Sea Pines resort.  This was the first resort founded on Hilton Head back in 1956.  It is fairly large at 8 square miles, so takes up a good chunk of the island.  It consists of houses, golf courses, tennis courts, stables and shopping/leisure/dining areas, plus a few marinas thrown in for good measure.

In the whole time we have lived in South Carolina, I have never seen an alligator in the wild.  I was adamant this was going to happen in Hilton Head.  And I was right

After driving round Sea Pines, we spotted this little beauty, and her little beauties!  We stopped to take some photos then continued our drive.  Of course, once you have seen your first, you can't miss them.  We must have spotted at least another 10, of varying shapes and sizes.

We headed on to the Harbour Town area, Seb was determined he wanted to see the 'ight ouse'.  We parked up, right by a large playground and went for a stroll to find something to eat.  Harbour Town is a lovely little area.  It kinda reminded us of La Palmyre in France, a town we know very well.  This made us feel fairly comfortable.  Sebastian was estactic once he spotted the light house, and kept pointing it out to us.  We took a walk round the harbour wall and saw all the boat excursions.  There is even a boat done up like a pirate ship, and others with guaranteed dolphin watching.  Maybe next time.....

Of course, when you take 3 boys to a town two hours after they usually have lunch, you are going to get some stupidity

We eventually decided to eat at Harbourside Burgers and Brews, an out door, up market burger joint.  This was lovely.  Not too hot, and the boys ate their food quite well.  Isaac did fall off his chair, and throw a mini paddy.....

After lunch the boys had a play in the park before we decided to move on.  By now it was mid afternoon, and we were all starting to feel tired.  On the way out, we stopped at Lawton Stables.  They offer the opportunity for adults to go on trail rides through the resort, pony rides for kids under 7 and a free petting farm.  The kids loved seeing the animals, and it was really well laid out, lovely and shady and cool.  The sky had cleared again, and the day was really heating up.

Ever since the boys knew we were going away on holiday, they have been going on about playing crazy golf.  Hilton Head has two mini courses, and we went with Pirates Island Adventure Golf.  Seb doesn't normally play, but we decided to let him this time, and he was free!  The boys went so fast around the course. They skipped, a couple of people, and caught up to others right near the end.  They don't take it seriously, which I don't mind, but I think they are going to have to start soon.  Next time we play, I will be keeping score and we will be playing by the rules (I hate mini golf....)

As we had a late lunch, we decided to head back to the hotel, so the boys could try out the un heated pool.  Don't think anyone got in further than their knees.  Paul went in the hot tub with them, while I watched from the side in case anyone got brave enough to go in.

We had a snacky dinner, and settled down to watch Rio in the evening.  10 minutes into the film, Seb was asleep on the sofa.  We rearranged the furniture in our room to get his crib out, and away from the tv, and transferred him into in.  He didn't make a sound.  The boys were already in their pajamas, and thoroughly enjoyed the film.  This did mean that they ended up having lights out at the same time, never an easy feat.  Oliver feel asleep before Isaac, though he wasn't far behind.  It is actually quite nice to watch them sleep, it gives a real feeling of calmness and serenity.

Hilton Head - part one

Friday morning we packed up the car and headed to Hilton Head.  We managed to leave the house by 9am, thats early for us!  We wanted to make the most of our time there, especially as the weather was not looking too great.  We stopped for an early lunch, and the kids watched plenty of films on the way. We were making such good time, that we decided to take a detour through Beaufort.

Beaufort is the second oldest city in South Carolina, and is the home of the Marine Corp Air station.  We drove right past the front of it, and the boys loved the planes on display

We got to Hilton Head early afternoon and had a little drive around.  Most of the island are resorts, there is even a Disney resort.  We found a public beach, Colligny beach, and some free parking a short walk from it.  

My first thought when I walked on to the beach was Wittering.  It really reminded me of the beach there, with a little shallow pool before you enter the water when the tide was out.  Apart from the dolphins.  We had been on the beach about 20 minutes when we saw one.  So amazing to see them up close.  Typically I had looked at the weather, seen thunderstorms forecast, and not brought any beach stuff, apart from a towel.  The boys took one look at the sea, and off they went.

It was only going to be a matter of time before one or all of them were completely  soaked.  Seb and Isaac.  Despite the sky looking very grey in these pictures, it was really very warm.  

We managed to drag the kids off the beach, with the promise of coming back the next day despite the weather report.  We headed to our hotel, which was pretty central on the island.  We booked this hotel through a Living Social deal.  We got 2 nights for under $80 in a suite that slept 6.  We checked in to the Park Lane Hotel. The receptionist was very helpful, told me about a local restaurant, and that the pool was open, but not heated, though there was a hot tub.  We travelled to our room, on the ground floor in the block away from the pool.  It was sufficient, though they had forgotten the travel cot for Seb.  A quick visit back to reception sorted that.  We put away all the food in the kitchen area, and let the boys play their kindles while we decided what to do for dinner.  

We went with the restaurant the receptionist had recommended, The Smokehouse.  It specialized in BBQ, and it was delicious.  Everyone did really well with their dinner, so we took the boys to Frozen Moo Ice Cream for dessert.  

It was just trying to rain by now, so we headed back to the hotel to indulge of that lovely thing of all five of us sharing a room.  To be honest, it's never too bad.  Seb and Isaac get put to bed first, while Oliver reads, then he goes to bed, and Paul and I continue to read or play games on our phones.  We had a fairly early night, all ready for the next day

Apologies

I have been a very bad blogger, and have not posted in nearly 3 weeks.  This may bite me on the arse. I will try and keep this short and entertaining......

 It was Paul's birthday on the 18th.  This was his present pile.  It mainly consisted of clothes, beer and English food.  Thanks to all who sent gifts, cards and well wishes.

Sebastian is loving school.  By Wednesday he is running down the corridor to get to his classroom.  I am so pleased about this.  His talking is getting kinda better.  He is trying to tell us more stuff, more expressive, but still in vowel sounds.  Oliver had a ENT check up last week, he is fine, but I got the doctor to check Sebs ears.  I explained that he wasn't talking, just like Oliver wasn't at this stage, and as Oliver's  cholesteatoma was congenital, what are the chances?  He had a look, and referred him for a hearing test.  There is no chloresteotoma, but at one point he thought one of his ear drums wasn't reacting as well as it should have been.  The hearing test is the beginning of May

I also took Seb for a haircut.  After out last disaster at Great Clips, where he refused to get in the chair. I thought it was time to go down the kids hair salon route again.  We ended up at Snip It's, using a voucher to get a first hair cut for $10

Well worth it.  There normal prices of $17.99 are not unreasonably steep, they have straps on the chairs, always a nice when you have a child who tries to wriggle.  Seb was really good, and the hair dresser was awesome, very patient and knew exactly how to deal with him.

We made it to the zoo last Friday, as it was a beautiful afternoon. Unfortunately, so did half of Greenville... We had to queue 15 minutes to get in.  Once in, it wasn't too bad though.  Isaac and Seb seemed to have a good time.

Now, I am no helicopter parent.  In fact I try to keep my distance when the kids are on the park (having at least 2 at a time, I often have no choice).  I got pretty miffed though with the kids in the zoo park and Cleveland Park who insisted on trying to push Seb off everything, despite the fact he was there first.  Be it bouncy things, the fire truck, there were kids there trying to push him off.  Give Seb his due, he stood his ground firm, and would not move.  Guess having 2 older brothers does pay off, even when you can't express yourself properly.

Baseball season has begun with a vengeance!  Isaac had his first game Monday night, which we all went to watch.  A 7pm game for 5 year old, seriously?!?  The worst thing is he only has 2 games at 6pm, the rest are at 7.... Something wrong with the scheduling, particularly when Oliver has at least 4 games at 6pm, often on the nights Isaac's are at 7.... I digress.....  I was so pleased for him, he hit the ball first time (he often misses in practice, and has to hit off the tee).  He got a bit upset in the field, as the ball was coming near him, and one of his team mates ran to get it first.  Next time round, another team mate got it, and gave to Isaac to throw to first base.  So cute.  Luckily it is pee wee baseball, so no one gets out, and everyone wins.

Tomorrow is Oliver's first game.  Think Paul will be taking him on his own.....  The season actually starts properly on Saturday, with a big thing at Heritage Park, and team photos being taken.  Typically, we are away this weekend, so both boys will miss it.....

Any whooo sorry it has taken me so long to blog.  If you know me, you will know that I have been up to loads.  I regularly think about things I could blog about, but then life happens, and I have to deal with things, and I forget, or think better.  I have been venting a lot recently.  Things annoy me.  And it's just little things.  I am incredibly grateful for my family, and to be living this life.  Still does stop the annoyance creeping in, the what ifs, the irritations.

The kids are hard at the moment.  Oliver has strops, and cries over the littlest things.  Isaac is a winge bucket, and overly sensitive.  half the time you can't hear him properly cos he is wingeing too much.  Sebastian needs to find his voice, and stop throwing himself at things (us and his brothers) head first.  I love them though.  They are my babies, even if they are getting old and smelly.....

I reckon I only talk about a third, if that, of what actually goes on in our lives in this blog.  None of us are perfect, that would be too boring.  There are so many more things I could write about, but you probably wouldn't want to hear them, they would bore you, and they are the more mediocre day to day shit that we all go through.....   As the kids get older, and time seems to be moving faster by the day, you come to appreciate the little things you are grateful for, and the things and people you miss.  You learn over time how to make life easier, so you can spend more time doing things you want to do, the things you enjoy doing and the things that make yourself and those around you happier....

And on that note, we are off to the beach......

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Thursday is the new Monday (for me, anyway)

I don't moan on here usually, but I feel the need to vent today.  This is a completely selfish post, and although most things are going well I have had a few things that irk me this week....

For my recent OU course, I have to come up with a project on a current environmental issue, and design some web pages regarding the issue.  My great title was 'Will America run out of water?'.  I had begun my research and it was looking promising.  My tutor requested we sent her ideas so she could vet them, and make sure they are appropriate.  She responded to my proposal, after being in touch with the markers.  Turns out my topic is too closely related to the course content (I only recently looked at all the blocks and realized the last one is on water, and the USA features quite prominently in it).  So now I have to come up with a new one.... I want to do something related to America.  I have come up with: bear habitat versus human habitat, and waste in the marine environment, but not sure where to go with either of them.  Dams is another topic that interests me, possibly in china?  Suggestions welcome!

Thursdays are beginning to be the new Mondays for me.  I had a diabetic appointment this morning, and my HbA1c has gone up slightly.  My diabetic nurse is not too worried, she still says it is better than it was, and it is fairly consistent.  She then did the usual feet inspection, and feeling of my glands in my neck.  Then she went and got the doctor.  He also had a feel of my neck.  Turns out I have an enlarged thyroid gland.  My last thyroid level was low, almost worryingly low.  So she sent me for a blood test, I am now awaiting her phone call.  I have stupidly done a little self diagnosing (thanks google), and I reckon I will probably end up on yet more medication for the rest of my life....

I was driving to get Oliver this afternoon, about three o'clock.  Nice bright sunny day, busy road.  I glimpse a deer out of the corner of my eye.  Then I hear a great big Whack.  Look round behind me to see the head of  a deer against the far back window.  I pulled over 100 meters down the road at a driving range and get out to survey the damage.  Fur and a dent.  I am shaking like a leaf, about to call Paul, thinking the worst, when another car pulls in.  A lady behind me had seen it happen and pulled over to check I was ok.  I thank this lady.  She was very reassuring, and even recommended a good dent guy.  I thanked her and got back in the car, then called Paul.  

These are photos I took when I got home.  See the fur?

That's the dent.  It is not too bad, just in a difficult place to repair.  I feel exceptionally lucky to have got off with a dent.

The lady told me the deer had run off in to the grass area.....

Baseball season begins....

Howdy

Isaac's conference went well, his teacher is impressed with him, and thinks he is more than ready for kindergarten.  They are going to try and change one of his lunch and learn afternoons into an afternoon on the kindergarten classroom.  They feel it is the right thing for him.  I have open with him about it, as I didn't think he wanted to be a kindergartener, turns out he does.  I think he is a little bored in lunch and learn now.......

Seb is doing good in school.  He only cries for a minute, and the teachers are very happy with how he has settled.  They send at least one picture of him a day, they are so cool.  It would appear he likes the puzzle boards, cars and the painting they do.  He is trying to tell me every day what he is doing, he just doesn't quite have the words yet.  Below is him packing his bag with snacks......

Isaac had a donk with another lad on Friday morning,  he has a beautiful shiner.  We are watching it change colour by the hour......I took Isaac to the doctor on Friday for his cough, which he has had for over a month.  The doc gave him an inhaler and nebuliser for when he coughs a lot, or is doing physical activity.  We have not had to use it very much.

Baseball season has begun in earnest.  Isaac had a practice on Tuesday night, it was very cold.  Oliver had one on Wednesday, which he did very well in.  Both of their coaches seem nice.  Oliver's Friday practice was cancelled due to sodden fields, but Isaac had his on Saturday afternoon.  The practices are certainly tiring Isaac out, don't know about Oliver yet...  We have 4 practices a week between the boys, at least season is only till July, and all the fields are relatively close to the house.

Oliver has had spring break this week.  So he has had 2 1/2 weeks off.  We managed to get in to see his ENT doc last Friday.  His ear is healing well.  He has antibiotic cream for the scar, and drops to dissolve the wadding in the ear canal.  The scar is impressive, it runs from the top of his ear, all the way down behind it.  It is about 2 inches long.....  He is going back to school tomorrow.  I am so looking forward to it..... Time to myself again, and I can clean the house and do my Uni work in peace!

The weather this weekend has been glorious.  We have spent most of the weekend out side, with the boys playing in their new sand box (will do a separate post about this shortly).  It is awesome 

This week the boys are all back to school, which means I get 3 mornings to myself.  Baseball practice on Wednesday, Thursday and 2 on Saturday.  I have to finish my first assignment for my course, and get the house ready for the land lords visit at the weekend.  The weather is going to be warm for the first few days, hurrah

I am so ready for summer.....