A day in Mystic {Part 3}..and some big news

We started off our third day in Connecticut by heading over to Mystic.  Yes, the same Mystic as in Mystic Pizza, the movie starring Julia Roberts (though most of the movie was not filmed there.)  Anyway, we first hit the aquarium.  This is what I saw as I stepped out of the car in the parking lot.

We were all looking forward to seeing the Beluga whales, as we had never seen them before.  Then we enjoyed the sea lion show.  I don't think any of us will ever mistake a sea lion for a seal and vice versa after that show. lol  After a bite to eat, we made our way to the sting rays.  The tank was a little deep. So it made touching the rays a little hard.

Thankfully, there was a step up for the little ones.

And, of course, the day wouldn't be complete if Madeline passed a hand sanitizing station by without helping herself.

We also got to see some sharks, sea horses, eels, lots of crustaceans, tons of jelly fish, and the list goes on.  We had such a fun, educational morning.  Gotta love those kinds of hands on learning field trips as a homeschooler.

After the aquarium, we headed over to the Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can catch a glimpse of what New England life was like in the 19th century.

We stopped by the Visitor Center before heading over to the Sabino for a steamboat ride down the Mystic River.

Lots of other boats are also docked there.

One of the best parts of the boat cruise was getting to check out the engine.  Those are some pretty hot coals you see.

After our boat cruise, we strolled around the Village Green and Seafaring Village.

The kids enjoyed playing in the fall leaves.

And we enjoyed watching them have so much fun.

Well, as I promised, I do have big news to share.  As much as I'd love to share that we have accepted a referral for our precious daughter, that is not the big news....though one day soon, I'm sure.  Sorry to disappoint those of you who were hoping for that.  Believe me, we are itching to know just who she is!

The big news is that, last week, on our 10th wedding anniversary, we made an offer on a house.  Earlier this week, the seller countered and we accepted!  Yesterday, we had the home inspection.  And while the seller knew that there were a few things that needed to be repaired, the repairs are going to cost more than he anticipated, we're sure.  So...we're hoping he's willing to make them because we really like this house.  It's just a few miles up the road (and actually quite close to friends of ours.)

I could really write a whole separate post about what the Lord has taught me about house hunting, but suffice it to say that this house meets all our needs.  And while it wasn't a "need" "but more of a "want", I was really hoping for a house with more natural light.  And this house has it!  Now, it's not as bright at the hotel we stayed at in Miami, but I couldn't believe how low I could set my ISO and take photos indoors .("Hello low ISO indoors.  Nice to meet you. Stay as long as you like.")

So the bottom line is that we are really hoping the seller will make all the repairs.  There are four biggies.  The inspector didn't even talk about the small ones.  If all goes well and we move forward, we could be moving as soon as the middle of November.  Patrick jokingly wrote in my anniversary card, "If someone asks you what your husband got you for your 10th wedding anniversary, you can tell them a house!"  I sure hope that's true. lol

And on a completely different note, the kids and I will be walking with the rest of Team Gina at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this weekend.  These last few weeks have been so tough for me, I'm not gonna lie.  I miss Gina.  And walking without her just plain stinks.  But that's a whole 'nother post. Sigh.

That's enough rambling for now. Be sure to stop by Lisa's blog for some fabulous photos.  And be sure to wish her an early Happy Birthday!  

Our trip up north {Part 2}

Our first full day in Connecticut was a very relaxing one.  The dumplings played a lot in the backyard, despite the rain that fell on and off.

While Lydia was in school, we headed over to Bammy's place to hang out for a bit with her and Patrick's Uncle Steve.  We had to stop off at the grocery store for a few things, and while Patrick ran inside, Madeline told Aunt Chele knock knock jokes.

Caleb couldn't help but listen in while he played on the iPhone.

Madeline apparently cracked herself up.

We passed a very pretty spot on our drive over to Bammy's place.

After hanging out a bit, we headed out to lunch.  We ate at this tasty Thai place.  One thing I could never tire of is spicy eggplant.  After lunch, we said goody-bye to Bammy and Uncle Steve and headed over to Milford Pond to feed the ducks.  It was fun to see the Canadian Geese again.  Last year when we read the Burgess Bird Book for school, I intentionally chose to read the chapter about them because of our trips to Milford Pond.

And here's proof that the kids really do get to experience the season of fall, if not in Florida, at least somewhere!

After returning home from feeding the ducks, the kids couldn't wait for Lydia to come home from school.  They anxiously awaited her return.

Lydia was so funny when she stepped off the bus.  This was exactly the reaction I was expecting from her as she looked over Madeline's clothes and thought surely they looked like her old ones.  Yep.  They sure are!  Thanks so much for passing them down.

Naturally Caleb and Madeline wanted to play outside with Lydia, but as you can see, the rain kept falling on and off.

But the kids were armed with a towel and ready to wipe up any drops that fell, even if it was just for a quick swing or slide.

When Uncle John came home, he whipped out some fun flying planes for the kids to play with.

The kids also watched a little bit of tv as the grown ups prepared dinner and conversed.  If you look closely, you can see Madeline has stripped her pants off.  Why?  Who knows! She is so stinkin' funny!

Well, I told you I was going to share a lot of photos, and I wasn't kidding!  And I still have several more days of vacation to share.  So hang tight.  And no, I haven't forgotten about the big news.  That'll be next time.

A special trip up north {Part 1}

We recently had the chance to travel to Connecticut to help two special people celebrate two very special birthdays.  Just like last year, we wanted to celebrate our niece, Lydia's birthday with her.  We hit the road without any trouble, and our flight was great, unlike last year.

 Since Lydia is in 1st grade now and at school all day, we had a little bit of time to hang out with my sister-in-law, Michele (aka Aunt Chele) and mother-in-law Barbara (aka Bammy) before she came home. Madeline LOVED playing with Lydia's toys, especially her ponies.

Before the birthday girl returned home from school, my brother-in-law John made it home from work, as well has his parents, Bill and Elaine, and his sister, Grace.  Lydia was surprised to see us all there.

And the cousins couldn't wait for a big group hug.  (Yep, that's Madeline between Lydia and Caleb.)

Lydia's Cake Boss cake was absolutely delicious.

And in case you're wondering what that is to the left of the cake...well, it's a hamster!

He goes by the name of Buttercup Peaches.

Lydia was absolutely thrilled.

And Madeline? She also loved Buttercup.  But just as much, she loved wearing Lydia's old dance recital costumes.  She is all girl, indeed!

Well, we truly had a great vacation.  And helping Lydia to celebrate her 6th birthday was just the beginning.  I took a ton of photos that I am working through and will be sure to share in the next few days.

The one thing I learned on this trip is that I desperately need to dust off my old (5yo) laptop and find some space to put my photo editing software on it.  It would've been nice to download my images while still away, instead of having to wait until we returned home.  As soon as we got home, I caught a rotten cold and didn't feel like doing much of anything.  So, I'm working to fix that workflow problem.

Anyway, stay tuned for more photos and other exiting news.