SeaWorld!!

This weekend, we took Jack on a quick trip to SeaWorld in Orlando for his birthday. It was a nice ride down, and we had lots of time to enjoy our hotel and its pool (right across the street from the park.) The only bad part was that it was SO HOT and humid that it made being outside kind of miserable, but that's okay because we spent most of our time soaking wet in one way or another!

Caroline enjoying the baby pool. Well, maybe not enjoying. But at least she wasn't crying1

At the park itself on Friday, we had a great time on the all-you-can-eat meal plan (my idea!!) and seeing the animals. We saw sharks underwater from the moving walkway, dolphins and baby dolphins at the dolphin nursery, sting rays and starfish, and of course, SHAMU!!!

We made the first show at Shamu stadium, and because it was so hot (SO HOT), we plopped down in the splash zone. One of the first killer whales that went by splashed us a little bit, and Caroline flipped out (the water was icy arctic seawater!) so I took her outside the stadium. In the meantime, I heard lots of oohhhs and ahhhs from the packed stadium. Soon enough the show was over, and out came this crowd...

"Shamu GOT ME ALL WET!"

Apparently the aptly-named Splash Zone is no joke! Jack cried for a minute, but then he quickly realized how cool it was (literally) that a giant killer whale had gotten him soaking wet!

We saw Elmo and Abby's live show, which was a bit like a mini Sesame Street Live. Jack LOVED it! Caroline even watched intently.

We went to the shark experience where you could feed the sharks real dead half-fish (EW) and they had a cool teeth exhibit:

Every kid after Jack made this exact same face :)

 We stayed in a super nice suite at this hotel. After braving the morning at SeaWorld, it was just too hot for us to go back in the afternoon...even though the kids were really good sports about the heat and humidity.

"Mom, I could do this all day!"

We spent Friday night poolside at the hotel, and had dinner and drinks at the poolside bar. Pop-Pop, SuSu and Jack swam for hours while Caroline and I lounged and people-watched. She was a great buddy and I look forward to bonding with her for many, many more hours laying by the pool!

"I got my blankie, my rattle, and my drinks...what more could I need??"

Jack loved the big hotel room. He built a huge fort (a billion times,) and climbed all over and around it.
He also loved the big mirror...

He said, "Hey! Look at my friend!" Silly boy :)

He was a fan of the splash park too :)

 We had a great time. Happy birthday to our little man!

Being Jack the Neverland Pirate :)

Happy birthday Jack!!

Jack on his birthday.

Jack today!

Three years ago today, we welcomed our little baby boy into the world! Jack was born at 8:45pm on Friday, July 24, 2009, and our little family expanded in a beautiful way. Happy birthday, baby boy!! We love you!

Some vacation pics.

Can it really even be called vacation anymore when it's been almost 6 weeks?? Not sure, but it feels like one to me! It's been so nice having family around all the time. All the grandparents are enjoying lots of quality time with the kiddos, and I love having extra hands around. 

Caroline is a piggie. She is growing like a weed! She eats a lot, and other than being hungry, she's usually pretty calm. She's had her moments (I think her bottom teeth may be coming in) but she's such a good baby. 

Miss Piggie / Missy Moo / Sister Susie is getting chunkier by the day!!

Funny, I think her brother has this exact same look.

Jack is a mess. He is being so spoiled (in a good way!) by all his loving grandparents, and he has been so off schedule that I can't even remember what his schedule is supposed to be. Going back to Cali on July 31 will be a very unwelcome, rude awakening for him! Because it's back to school, healthy eating, and strict sleeping schedules!

He turns three (3!!!!!) on Tuesday and he is so excited about his birthday. I can't believe it!

He's such a little man.

 He loved having Daddy here last week. We spent lots of time doing favorite things, like lounging at the lake (what can we say, it was a long day!)

G-Doc and Jack enjoying a nap.

Family lake time! It was SO HOT.

 Jack also did some more horseback riding (another thing he's going to miss!!!)

Our little cowboy.

Pouting about something. He was "super angry about it!"

Three generations of the Derry Crosby man. What specimens!

Riding the horse!

I learned a lot on my iMac and did some more picture comparisons. Here are bath time pics of the kids at the exact same age (Jack on dark blue, Caroline on light blue.)

What do you think? Jack looks like his Daddy --- does she look like me?

We are still trying to decide what color her hair will be. Blond? Strawberry blond? Brown??

 Here are a few more beach pictures I found on my computer. They turned out great! I love our crazy little boy :) He's so funny!

We are enjoying our last week and a half in Georgia and look forward to getting back soon!

Siblings

Jack on the left, December 2009, at almost 5 months old.
Caroline on the right, July 2012, at almost 3 months old.
What do you think?? Do they look alike?

Jack, how old will you be?

In 10 days, Jack will be three years old! This morning my little man was playing with legos and Gigi asked him how old he was turning. It took awhile to get his fingers into the right positions...

"What, are you talking to me?"

"I am going to be three! This old..."

"Nope, this old."

Still trying.

"Is this right?" 

"Yes! This many!"

 And then he went right back to playing with his legos. What a big boy. My toddler is really no longer a toddler anymore - he's a big boy!!

Caroline's Baptism

Today, we experienced a very special day for our family. Caroline was baptised at First Presbyterian Church in Brunswick. Most of our family was able to make the occasion, and we had a beauitful (hot!) south Georgia Sunday morning.

This church is so special to me, not only because it's where I grew up, but also because it's where Justin and I got married. We were reminiscing about taking our vows, and how nervous we were (well, me more than him! Justin rarely gets flustered about anything...it's why I love him!) Our family has grown so much since then, and it's times like these that you remember how blessed you really are.

Here are a few snapshots of our day. Our calm, sweet baby girl had a bit of an off morning and screamed a lot during the service...but everyone took it in stride and laughed about how vocal she was! Jack loved being up "on stage" with us and taking part in the ceremony. It was a beautiful service.

Vowing to raise Caroline in a Christian home.

The part everyone loves...when she takes the baby down the aisle!

Receiving the Holy Water.

After the service, our family gathered at the Brunswick Country Club for a yummy traditional southern lunch and to visit. It was so nice (and so rare!) to have everyone together at once! We had guests from in town, and as far away as Greenville SC, Tallahassee FL, Warner Robbins GA, and Justin's parents from Valdosta GA. Caroline is a very lucky little girl!

Farrells on the left, Crosbys on the right.

Four generations of Farrell ladies! Who is the hottie on the left!?

 Caroline is blessed with three beautiful, smart, and classy aunts who have lots to teach her as she grows!

Aunt Cara Bell

Aunt Courtney McCrary

Aunt Ashley (Sissy) Farrell

We wouldn't be here without wonderful parents of our own! It's only in my old age (ha ha) that I realize how blessed both Justin and I were growing up with strong, supportive families.

Crosby crew.

Farrell clan.

Pop-Pop 2.0 and his two grandkiddies.
The original Pop-Pop would be so thrilled and happy with these two.

Caroline Sue Crosby with her namesake Vonny Sue.

Couldn't resist a butt shot!

We look forward to much more quality family time this week until Daddy goes back to work next week. Lots of love!

Some comparisons

Jack and I (and Justin for a year) have been in south Georgia every July since he's been born. Here are shots from previous years. I think it's crazy how much he's changed and grown up!! 

JULY 2010 - almost one year old. 

JULY 2011 - almost two years old. 

JULY 2012 - almost three years old! 

In my (humble) opinion, he looks more and more like Justin every day. His brown eyes keep getting darker and more intense, and his little mind works a mile a minute. He's having so much fun hanging out with all of his family this year, and we look forward to continuing this tradition!

Also, I was digging through Gigi's computer of old photos, and I found one of Jack at 10 weeks old. Caroline is 10 weeks old tomorrow. Do you see a sibling resemblance?!? 

Jack smiling at 10 weeks old.

Maybe his eyes were still a little blue at this point. :/

He definitely had way more hair than baby girl!

Sleeping beauty @ 10 weeks old.

10 weeks on the beach!

Does she look like Jack yet??