The Circus Is In Town

The boys got a great gift from their wonderful uncle. Circus tickets. Uncle Carl saw the tickets go a sale in November. The seats were right in front. The venue was the yellow track of Ringling Brothers Circus. It was called Illuscination. It was slightly different than the traditional three ring circus most of us are used to. I was much more pleased with the one ring and more personal attention we got at this venue. The kids loved the circus. A definite must see again!!!


Trey and Zane got to hold a parrot before the show. The parrot is curious about the sillybandz on Trey's wrist.













Evan trying out the tight rope prior to the show.

















The "real" tight rope walkers.













These ladies are held up by their HAIR ONLY!!! Can you say ouchie!













The lion tamer. very scary stuff!














The man jumped through a fire ring!














AWWWW.....Elephants

Hello SeaWorld...Old Friend

One of the greatest gifts we got for Christmas was from Grandma and Granpdap Donker. It was a year pass for the family to SeaWorld. We love this place. Many people I know do not think this park is worthy of a year long pass. Too boring, no excitement and nothing like the "other" local theme park. But to my kids......SeaWorld rocks!! It helps that they love love love animals...and can watch them for a long time and not get bored. Evan loves the Polar Bears. Mommy loves the Beluga Whales and Trey loves the dolphins. The jury is still out on what Zane likes. He was enthralled with the whole park and kept saying he loves this and loves that. And what does daddy like?? I might have to ask him that when he gets back from his bike ride...I know bad wife.

We first used our passes on New Years Eve. The boys have off from school this coming friday and I am hoping we can go back. So you all know what to expect this year on my blog world.....SeaWorld pics and posts! Oh Yea....exciting stuff around here.












No nothing is wrong with my camera. It was "fake snowing" at SeaWorld that night. But not too cold for ice cream.

















Santa was at the Polar Express. And what a great Santa he was. Did I mention I love SeaWorld.

Welcome to 2010

I am a bit late but at least I am still here. Some of my other blogger pals have dropped out. So.........welcome to 2010!!!

It has been a full month with me working in the week and the weekends keeping us busy.

I will try to highlight the month in the next few posts. So keep checking back.

Christmas

ready for the marathon gift opening!



The boys had a wonderful Christmas. They got all they wanted and then some. Mommy had to talk with Zane after he opened his first present from Santa. He threw the gift down, crossed his arms, scowled and said this was not what he asked Santa for. Obviously Zane had ideas about Christmas and the first present did not live up to what he thought. But after I talked with him about Santa giving him what he asked and then other presents he might like Zane warmed up to the idea of opening more presents. Then he was like a kid in a candy store. Oohhing and Aahhing with every gift.

Jesus Is the Reason

Another family tradition is the annual "Walk Thru Bethlehem" at a local church. This is a free event. All volunteers from the church. It is only for four days. And baby Jesus is always the main attraction.





The Roman guards at the gate waiting to harass those people who need to enter Bethlehem.












The "harlots" at the well with the guards.












Carpenters












Potters












The Shepherds













The Three Wise Men












The kids(with Joshua and Shawn).

Christmas Lane 2009

Ahhh....Christmas! And all the family traditions that come along with the Holiday. The kiddies and I have been going to a place called Christmas Lane for several years now. For my non local readers....Christmas Lane is a personal home that someone has decorated with tens of thousands of lights. They bring in Santa every year. They sell hot cocoa and popcorn. They have a small train ride for the younger folks. Carollers can be heard belting out Holiday tunes. And best of all....it is free!!!

Let's All Go To the Parade!!

Once again we attended the annual Lakeland Christmas parade. The only one not attending this year was Leslie. Darn that job of hers!!! She just was not able to figure out how to skip work. And that was a shame because the parade was excellent this year. Just the right mix of cold air and wind to make it nice but not freezing. Along with some eye catching and fun floats. Take a look below.












This is the start of the parade with the motorcycle cops going in circles with their light and sirens blaring. I like how I captured the moment.












Look!!!!! It's Mickey and Minnie!! Gotta love those mice.












The Golden Arches. I'm Lovin It!!












Let's Get Naughty!!! Who remembers those days???












I do not remember what this represents but I liked how the people were inside the snowglobe. Kinda unique ...huh??












Ohhhhh Look....Can it be???!! Plato the Publixsaurus!! This is the first time my family and I can rememebr Publix being in the parade. Now why you ask is this such a big deal. Ummmm hello....Lakeland is their hometown!!! This is a long time coming....should've been much sooner than later. I hope they keep up the tradition.













May the Force be with you












This got my kids going. It reminded them that it is almost Monster Truck time. Oh yea baby!













This one is for you Les! Missed you. (oh and by the way...another first timer in the parade).












And always last but never least.........."Who has reindeer pull his sleigh"??













Must be Santa......Must be Santa....Must be Santa.....Santa Claus!!! (it's a song people.....geesh!!)