On Taki's birthday (July 9th) we boarded a plane for our trip to Florida and Disney World. Isn't that what every 34 year old male wants for their birthday - a six hour plane flight with a toddler and a newborn? Ha.
For those counting, this would be Olive's 4th round trip flight (not bad for not even being 4 months old yet!) I lost track of what flight number it is for Nikos but I do know it was his 9th state - I think that makes him even with Taki. 33 more and he will be even with me.
The flight went relatively smoothly. This is the second long flight that we have been on this summer where we bought Nikos his own seat. The first one we didn't bring his car seat, which was basically an exercise in harnessing Houdini in order to keep him in his seat. This time we brought along his carseat, which, although cumbersome, at least kept him in one place. Of course, as my friend Jocelyn warned me, it also decreased the proximity in between his feet and the seat in front of him, making it that much easier for him to kick the seat...but I digress.
We arrived in Orlando late Thursday night and drove out to the timeshare to meet up with my parents, who had settled in earlier that day. They had stayed at the timeshare a few years ago with Mel and family and we all agreed it was the perfect place for kids. We decided that the following day would be a pool day - wahoo!
Nikos was a little wary of the pirate ship and water features so he convinced Pop-Pop to explore with him.
Next up, talking Daddy into the waterslide.
Retired life is rough.
While Taki and my Dad went grocery shopping for food for the week, my mom and I (and the kids) stayed home and enjoyed a thunderstorm. Well, most of us enjoyed it, one of us liked it for awhile but then got a little freaked out. California boy.
Saturday morning we drove to the park. So excited I wanted to take our pic in front of the Transportation Station.
On the ferry on the way over to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday. I know you can't tell, but Taki is wildly excited.
In front of the MK landmarks.
We headed straight to Fantasyland and Nikos started his fun in Pooh's Playground.
I was so excited for the kids first character meeting. I remember getting so excited to meet them when I was little. Luckily, it went okay. Nikos wasn't over the moon about it, but he wasn't scared either.
Yes, that is my mom with Olive. Apparently Taki IS scared of the characters.
On the 6th of this month the kids and I headed out to Antioch (actually Brentwood) to celebrate Maile's 6th birthday!
Since we were in the far east bay it was HOT. Good thing the Roberts planned Mai's bday party at a fabulous park that had some really cool water features. Here is Nikos enjoying/being pummeled by one of said features.
Soaked and waiting for the birthday girl to blow out candles.
Mel's awesome cake (and cupcakes to the left.)
Birthday girl!
Love this pic of Kira! If you look closely, you can see the ice cream dripping down the side of the bucket and onto the table. You would think they never feed this kid.
Speaking of Kira and eating, this week when we went out to meet at the Roberts' house before Kindermusik we cruised through the Starbucks drivethru (per usual) and I bought a piece of lemon pound cake (in addition to the chais for Mel and I.) When we were driving over to Mel's house and I was handing Nikos pieces of the cake he told me - direct quote here "bite for Kira. She likes to eat." HA! I asked him who else liked to eat and he said: Brookie, Marco...and Sarah. Of course, I think that he just added Sarah since he loooves her and wants to constantly talk about her.
Nikos partakes in his first ice cream cone (and brainfreeze.)
Kiwi.
Marisa and Sierra.
Sadie.
Sarah.
Braden (and Sierra.)
Miles.
Mackenize.
Pop-Pop keeps Nikos amused with a skateboard - which Nikos was obsessed with. He probably named it Sarah.
Pop-Pop chaperones Nikos while Kira chaperones Pop-Pop.
(Who else is thinking how CUTE this outfit will look on Olive? Hee hee!)