Back from our Mini-Vacay

We had a great time on our little mini-vacation. It was nice to get away for a couple of nights and just to do something different for a change. Of course Grace has fun anytime water is involved! We got to Okuma on Sunday afternoon and almost as soon as we were checked in Grace was in the ocean.

On Monday morning Grace got to play on the big playground after breakfast. Then it was time for the main reason we went to Okuma - the Snorkel trip! We boarded the boat (which Grace LOVED!!) and then once we got out to the outer reef we were able to snorkel. My Mom will be posting some pictures from her underwater camera sometime soon on her blog. She already posted a few pictures of Grace so be sure to go check them out too!

We spent Monday afternoon relaxing. Grace was pretty worn out from all of the sun and water. Grace had just got up from her nap and needed some lunch so we watched Dora and ate lunch in our room while Dustin played some golf and my Mom went on a nature trail to take some pictures that afternoon. Since the course is never busy there he was able to take a break half way through and then finished the last 9 holes right before dinner. Before Dustin headed back out to finish his game of golf we went to check out the go karts. Grace got to ride on a go kart!! After dinner that night we made some s'mores!! It was a really fun day for everyone.

We headed back on Tuesday morning and made a few stops on our way back. We drove to 3 islands we had never been to before. Each had some gorgeous views! We also stopped at the Butterfly Garden because my Mom wanted to see the butterflies here. She has a butterfly garden of her own in her backyard. We had seen pictures from several people who had been before and knew that the butterflies like the color red. I purposely made sure I did not wear anything CLOSE to the shade of red. Dustin and Mom on the other hand didn't even think about it. But before we got into the butterfly house I realized I was pushing a RED stroller. I think some of the butterflies wanted to come home with us :-)

These pictures are from our snorkel trip. Grace loves to swim in the middle of the ocean!!

Little Getaway!

We are heading up to Okuma tomorrow and staying for 2 nights!
My Mom got an underwater camera for her birthday and has wanting to go snorkeling at Okuma again ever since we did it last August. We will get a boat ride out past the reef. Last time we were there is seemed like there were thousands of fish in that particular area. Grace really enjoys swimming in the middle of the ocean so I am sure she will have a blast!
I think Dustin is planning in playing a little golf while we are there. We may even try miniature golf again, although the last time we tried that Grace almost ran right into a rhino which scared her a bit. It should be a fun way to start the week! Now off to do laundry and pack. We will be back on Tuesday.

The Three Little Bears

All week Grace has been playing with the same 3 little bears. Growing up we used to
buy/sell/collect beanie babies so there are a lot of beanies in the family. I think one of the bears was for Christmas last year, another was from her great-papa for her birthday (it is the December birthday bear) and I am not sure where the third came from. Occasionally there will be a fourth bear that she finds somewhere. I think right now it is hiding somewhere because we have not seen it all day. She has even slept with all her bears a couple of times!

She loves to line them all up and tell them to "sit" while she does something else. Sometimes she will sit them all down and teach them their alphabet. She loves to sing ABC to them!

They have had tea parties almost every day together. Normally they use real water and have a little snack on our ottoman which is covered with a "tablecloth." But tonight Grandma made the bears each a chair and then made them a table out of blocks for their tea party. Grace loves to help them take a drink or give them something to eat!

And she has to make sure they get plenty of kisses!! If she kisses one she must kiss all of them.

Check out My Mom's Blog!

My Mom has been updating her blog with all the fun things her and Grace have been up to since she has been here. So for all of you who want to see pictures and videos of Grace head over to my Mom's blog:

Artistic Images Photography

And don't forget to leave her a comment!
(Dad - this means you too.)

First Dentist Visit

Last week Grace had her very first visit to the dentist. I had been putting it off since I thought the only reason for going was to get her acquainted with the dentist. But after the doctor mentioned it at her 18 month well baby appointment I finally made an appointment at the pediatric dental clinic (which I didn't even know they had until I called to make the appointment!).

I was told to arrive early since it is a class format with around 10-12 other kids all close to her age and it would be first come, first serve to see the dentist. We were the third patient there! After filling out paperwork and looking at the story boards they had set up it was time to start. Grace got to play in the back with her Grandma while I listened to the presentation on dental hygiene.

After the presentation was over the two pediatric dentists started seeing patients. We only had to wait about 5 minutes until it was Grace's turn. She got her teeth looked at, then flossed, then the dentist painted them yellow with a fluoride shield to help keep them nice and pretty. She told us that Grace had very beautiful and healthy teethe and gums and that we are doing a great job brushing and flossing!

Grace was most excited about the 5 stickers, toothbrush, and paintbrush she got to bring home!

Bad Blogger

I have not blogged in quite a while. My Mom is here visiting for 3 1/2 weeks (she has been here a week already!) and since she is here I very seldom pick up my camera since she is the pro. Since this is her 4th time to come out we haven't really done a lot. We have been to a park and the Burger King play ground (it was a very wet day outside!) and ran a few errands. Mostly we have just been hanging out around the house.

Saying Grace is loving having her Grandma here would be a big understatement. I am a bit worried about what she will think when it is time for Grandma to go home. They have had tea parties (almost daily!!), played in the pool (again, almost daily... and since our balcony is covered she can even play while it is pouring rain!), spent lots of time playing with her toys, blocks, and all of her new puzzles.

I have a couple things that I will be trying to blog about soon but my Mom just posted several pictures (and even a VIDEO!!) of Grace. So for now I will just let you all head over to her blog - Artistic Images Photography - by clicking HERE.
And while you are there leave her a comment :-)