Kayla Fuller

ThanksDisney

The 2nd half of our Florida vacation was spent at Disney. Its almost becoming an annual Thanksgiving tradition. We were in Disneyland 2 years ago so we figured we needed to see what Disney World had to offer for the holidays. The short answer: Disneyland does Christmas better. Anyway, back the rides! You can tell your kids have gotten older between trips to the Magic Kingdom. Things that excited them the first time around like seeing characters are not as cool this time. This time it was all about roller coasters! Reagan and Sydney were tall enough for the biggest Disney had to offer so we spent a lot of time riding the same rides, over and over and over.

Interestingly, we didn’t even carry our camera this year. With 3 kids to worry about and having been there many times before, we focused on our own moment instead of capturing them on film this time. It was an enjoyable change. But I had my iPhone and Nana had hers so we got a few.

Kayla got to ride a handful of rides. Its a Small World seemed to take the award for the “What is it?” and “Ah’s.”

However, Winnie the Pooh won the prize for having the best “in-line” entertainment. They had a whole play yard full of instruments to play or disappearing rabbits to keep an eye out for. Much appreciated by parents trying to keep a one year old in line.

Other lines were made easier by the fact that we had our very own babysitter, I mean Nana, along for the ride.

Posing for pictures along the way helps too. As long as its daring.

Kayla was able to ride a handful of other rides as well. Such as Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. That’s the good thing about Disney in that they have rides for all ages.

But she always spent a majority of the day napping in her stroller while being watched by Nana and Papa while the rest of us rode till we puked. We couldn’t have enjoyed the park without them.

She was a little young this time but I bet the next Disney trip will be pretty exciting for Kayla! This is the first Disney trip ever that we didn’t get a photo with the big Cheese himself. I feel a little bad about that but then again I think the big girls would have revolted. It was all about the roller coasters this time. Poor Kayla’d better catch up.

The next morning we were up at the crack of dawn to catch our flight back home. Everyone had to carry their own carry-ons. Baby included.

Venice Beach

On our last day in Venice we decided to go check out the local beach. We had read that Venice Beach is home to lots of prehistoric shark teeth. Unfortunately, we found no shark teeth. Luckily there were literally thousands of great seashells for the taking. We spent a couple hours searching the sand for shells and were able to come home with a great little collection. Apparently you have to go out into the water to find the shark teeth. Maybe next time.

Grammy and Papa’s House in Venice

Later in the week we headed down to Venice to stay a couple nights at Grammy and Papa’s new villa in Venice. It was our first trip to Venice Beach so we were really excited to check out the area. Although, the kids only really wanted to play in the awesome pool. Can’t say that I blame them. It was really a great pool complex.

They had a little splash area which I was sure the kids wouldn’t like. But, to my surprise they all loved it. Especially Kayla.

Papa started off by running Kayla in and out of the mushroom water fall.

Next, Kayla was walking up to the falls herself but not quite all the way in.

Not far after that she was running all over the place. She didn’t seem to mind having the water splash in her face at all.

Believe it or not she actually begged Sydney to do THIS to her.

Later Daddy was able to join the party and take his turn with Kayla in the pool.

This was no easy task as the kid would not sit down. She would climb up the pool stairs, run around the stairs, get out of the pool and run around the deck, then come back and try to climb into the pool herself. If ever there was a water baby this kid is it.

Good thing Grammy was there to warm up the little ones when their lips were turning blue.

Once we convinced the kids that pool time was over we started walking back to the villa. Our walk was disrupted by some loud whooping noises. We carefully walked over to where the noises were and spotted these guys. I believe they were sandhill cranes which are local Florida residents of this area.

Here’s the whole gang!

Soon after arriving back at the villa I snapped this shot. I think its pretty safe to say we wore these kids out.

Siesta Key

This year for our Thanksgiving break we decided to take the family down to Florida for about 10 days. The first half of the week we planned to visit Aunt Sara, Uncle Michael and Cousin Isaiah. This would be our first visit to their new home in the Sarasota area. Later on we found out that Grandpa and Grandma Coburn would also be down at their Venice condo for the week. The more the merrier. On the first morning we asked the girls what they wanted to do…BEACH…of course. So we packed up and took the whole gang down to our old favorite Siesta Key Beach. We were surprised to see how busy the place was. But, we still had a blast. Wherever there is sand. Kayla is happy.

Kayla, Isaiah, and Papa spent some good time with the buckets and shovels.

Kayla’s favorite activity was running around on the beach.

Her sisters did a great job keeping tabs on their baby sisters whereabouts. And Kayla liked the game of chase.

Then Kayla started doing this…I guess she was hungry.

Papa was always right on hand to keep her from eating too much.

Kayla next discovered that she could climb in and out of these beach chairs. I think it made Papa nervous because he was on constant guard.

Thanks to our hosts! We all had a great time.

Yum

Previously.

103 Degrees

This works perfect for babies!

Leaves

Kim was out raking and quickly found she wasn’t getting much done. Apparently, a pile of leaves means playtime to some! She decided to take a few pictures of the action. They were just too cute to pass up.

The girls took turns throwing leaves up into the air onto each other. Even Kayla had a turn.

As long as Kayla is outside anything is fun. But, having lots of leaves to roll around it didn’t hurt.

Before The Snow Flies

Its been a late arrival for winter in Leadville this year. So we knew we were smart to get one last snow free visit in down at Turquoise Lake. The next time we return, its likely to be frozen over. Winter is coming!

Big Girl Wanna Be

Kayla tried to put these on herself and failed. So she brought them to us and we put them on over her diaper. A diaper is so embarrassing anyway. Might as well cover them up with some cool Dora undies. Earlier in the day she was wearing the undies on her head. At least this is a step in the right direction.