The shipyard

The kids loved visiting Uncle Billy's work. They were amazed with the big ships, the cool planes and the awesome helicopters.

Our historical visit

Today was our trip down American History Lane. After rounding up the kids, feeding them, getting dress and loading up into two cars, we drove roughly 45 minutes to Jamestown and Williamsburg.

Our pilgrimage started at Jamestown, where if don't know, was the start of our fine nation! After navigating the parking lot, exploring treacherous landscapes, we finally made it to our destination...the ticket counter.

Onward now to our settlement. Now, being that they were new (to us!), we proceeded to explore each of the huts, learned how to crush corn for flour and cook over a fire. This was an exciting time to teach our kids what life was like when the Pilgrims settled and had to start fresh.

Once we had or fill of the huts, we set off toward the ships. The kids had a great time exploring the ship, especially when the guide was teaching the kids about the cannon. Austin was very interested in what could be fired out of cannon.

To cap of Jamestown, we went into a mock village with buildings that represented that time. On stage was a village man speaking about the history of the Musket and demonstrating how to load and fire it. Ok, so we all know about Austin and wanting to be a policeman, he was so fixed on what was happening and what it sounded like when the gun was fired; priceless.

After a few bites of home-grown food (cheese burgers), our journey took us to Williamsburg. The day was growing long and the kids were starting to wear. Luckily it was the season of celebrating. There was people all over, walking around, singing and eating. As we made it into the main square, there was a one man play acting out the Ebeneser Scrooge, all in 15 minutes. Boy, were all the kids in awe. When was the last time you had five kids under the age of 7 all sit still for 15 minutes....never, so we were blessed with sitting kids and laughs.

After the play, we hiked on over to the working settlement of Williamsburg. We were able to see carriages, shops and most of all, we got to lock the kids up in shackles. We wish we had more time in Williamsburg as there is so much to see and do; maybe next trip. All in all, we had a great day with the kids exploring what was once the new frontier.

Just havin' fun

Loving every minute of watching the cousins having fun together!

We made it!

We are here! And we are very excited to spend an entire week visiting with Kevin's brother and family. Uncle Billy, Aunt Suzzy, Izzy (4) and Mason (19 months) live in Suffolk Virgina. Travel across the country with 3 small children can be a little difficult but our kids did great! 2 suitcases, 4 backpacks, 1 stroller, 3 car seats, 1 flight to Newark, 1 flight cancellation, 1 long layover, 1 flight to Virgina Beach, and a 30 minute drive to their house is all it took to enjoy 5 days together. We began our journey by waking the kids up at 4:30am and ended at their house at 11:00 pm. During that time only one child took a nap, Kadin for about 40 minutes.

We are having a great visit. It is fun to see where Billy and Suzzy live and were they hang out. Instead of hitting Starbucks for coffee we go to Wee Wee. Yep-you read that right...Wee Wee. They do make good coffee though.

The kids are having a blast getting to know each other. Izzy and Emma became best friends instantly. They would hold hands, play games, sing, dance, and even get into a little trouble together!

One of Austin's favorite activities is playing "baby" with Mason, and Mason was more then willing to comply. Austin would gather all the necessary supplies, take Mason to the couch, wrap him up with a blanket and pillow, then cuddle him and love him.

Kadin and Mason were so funny to watch. They started the visit with side-by-side play. Which progresssed to occasional play together. Then treating each other like brothers involving some pushing and stealing of toys.

Of course where would we be without McDonalds!

time to update

I just posted 6 new entries! I am so proud of myself.

Happy Birthday Austin!

Austin had his 7th birthday today. We celebrated by eating pizza for dinner and then took the family to Jamba Juice for shakes. Austin spent some time highlighting all of his favorite memories from when he was 6 years old. He talked about the camping trips and going to the ocean. Kindergarden and the little chick that pooped on him.

Tonight I want to remember the day we first met him.

On December 4th, 2001 I spent the day working. We were very excited to have friends from out of town spending the night with us (Kelly and Ryan and their 6 month old son, Tucker). I was 39.1 weeks pregnant.

We played games together for a while, then the ladies decided to get some sleep while the men stayed up to play some more. I hit the bed at 11:00 pm and almost instantly had my first contraction. Then the next one 5 minutes later. I sat up in bed, made myself comfortable, turned on the TV and started watching the clock. My contractions were 5-7 minutes apart and noticeable; not painful...but noticeable.


Kevin quietly came into the room at 1:00 am. With a surprised look on his face, he asked me why I was still awake. I smiled at him and told him that I thought I was in labor. He could hardly contain his excitement! He wanted to wake the world and tell everyone that he was about to be a daddy. We waited about one more hour and the contractions were about 3-5 minutes apart, then off to the hospital we went.


When we arrived at about 2:30 am I was dilated to a 3 and progressed to a 4 within about 1 hour. I spent some time in the tub and the painful contraction began. After being up for 24 hours and contacting for 7 hours, exhaustion set in and I was more then ready to get the epidural by around 7:00 am. Instant relief. That is what I remember feeling. I was finally able to rest. It didn't take more then a couple of hours before I felt the urge to push. 10:00 am-10 cm.


1 hour and 55 minutes later we looked into the eyes of our first born son. A moment that I will never forget. I remember feeling his little body placed on mine and and a mother's love instantly find it's way into my heart. An amazing moment.




Little Austin James Currey arrived on December 5, 2008 at 11:55 am weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Shhhh

I can't believe that I am posting this. Please don't tell my darling husband. He will kill me if he knew that I even took these...not to mention posted them!

Yep- that's our little man. All decked out in a pink ballerina outfit!