Seymours Take Savannah

Forsyth Park

With the prospect of a long weekend ahead of us for President's Day, at least long for everyone except Tim, we decided that a change of scenery was in order. Since Tim had never been to Savannah but was curious, we cashed in some Marriott points and headed south for a quick overnight jaunt.

We arrived just in time for lunch, which we enjoyed along the river (indoors, however, as it was quite brisk outside). Then we decided to try the hop on/off trolley tour to show us the sights. I was a little apprehensive as to how well this would go over with all the kids, but it turned out to be a great way to get around. We got off once to stretch our legs and get some hot chocolate/lattes, but the rest of the time we enjoyed the views as well as the information from our tour guides (Laura did take a 20-minute nap along the way, too).

We timed it so that the kids could get in a swim in the much-anticipated indoor pool before dinner. The set-up was terrific, because the pool was located in the atrium part of the lobby, so it did not feel as claustrophobic as indoor pools often do. More importantly, the bar was just across the way, so Tim and I enjoyed some happy hour beverages while the kids happily swam. #winning

Dinner was a very touristy affair at The Pirate's House, selected with the younger kids in mind. Despite our reservation, we had to wait a fair amount, and this after swimming, so we had a tired and hungry crew on our hands. Once the biscuits appeared, however, spirits revived and we enjoyed ourselves. Tim and Clare, as usual, had more energy than the others, so they wandered to a nearby "very cool" bistro for dessert and coffee while the rest of us headed back to the hotel (where Danny enjoyed the immense number of sports TV channels).

As our last hurrah, we made our way to the swanky Bohemian Hotel for a big breakfast before hitting the road. The restaurant had great views of the river, and we all ate well, with Laura moaning that she did not want to leave Savannah! It was a quick trip, but we all really enjoyed ourselves, and Tim and I are inspired to hit the road a bit more often with our brood.

Swimming Through the Winter

By her own request, Laura returned to swimming lessons as soon as the holidays ended. I had originally intended to get her some brush-up lessons in the spring, before the summer pool season began, but I was more than happy to support her enthusiasm sooner. For one thing, a lot fewer kids take lessons in the winter, so she gets much more instruction time this way.

Not sure where she picked up this pose, but it's her go-to... Sigh.

Given that she was taking lessons, and Clare was joining their swim team, we decided that a membership to the Y made the most sense. Which means we have steady access to their indoor pool - a glorious way to burn energy on the long weekend days! (Happily, Meghan's family belongs, too!)

The above photo shows Laura learning to dive through a hoop. As her end-of-session progress report stated, "Laura is always happy to try anything and likes to push herself to get better." We'll see what happens when she gets in the big, outdoor pool with the big kids, but I think she could have a serious future on the swim team!

Our Live Wire Turns Five

As it does every year, Laura's birthday came upon us fast and furious after the holidays. She was more than ready, might I add! Once again I managed to escape the obligations of a party, with her instead choosing to spend the day with Meghan, mostly at her favorite play place: Catch Air.

The girls kept themselves very busy here, spending a solid two hours before we left for a lunch break at Roasters with Tim, Clare and Danny. After which we returned to Catch Air for another 1.5 hours! They were delighted that, overall, they experienced three of the "dance parties" (see above), when the lights go down, the music goes up, and the bubbles and featured characters come out!

Eventually, we made our way home, where they played while I finished Laura's My Little Pony cake, featuring Princess Celestia. It took a long time, but I do think Laura was quite pleased with the results!

Overall, I think she had a fantastic day, and so far the age of five is treating us all well!

Laura the Artist

I've intended to write this post for quite a while...but hey, why not on the last day of the year?! And right before Laura's birthday, upon which she will receive a bunch of art supplies. Coloring, and drawing, is clearly not a passing fancy with this little girl, and she grows more proficient with each page. Well, maybe not with each page, given that she is quite prolific...but she is making her Grammy proud!

Laura and Mommy

Family portrait

She's also making her Mommy proud, because this marvelous past-time keeps her busy in a self-directed way. Even at the airport.

For Laura, coloring someone a picture is the highest form of flattery - and denying someone a picture her greatest insult! When she hears of evil-doing in the world, local or far-away, she often tells me that she will NOT color that criminal a picture. Would that her sense of justice could pervade the rest of the world!

Christmas in Buffalo

We were definitely dreaming of a white one when we made our plans to spend Christmas in Buffalo. Mother Nature didn't cooperate, but that didn't stop us from having a wonderful week of family fun. It was relaxing and cozy, filled with games, books, food, wine, and conversation. What more can you want?

How about a personal visit from the big man in red himself? Laura opened the door to him and was beside herself! We thought it was very considerate of him to drop by and confirm that our gifts should be delivered to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Almost as exciting as Santa was the presence of Baby Ryan. Danny pronounced him "perfect" as far as babies and cuteness go. He and Laura developed a "Happy Snowman Dance" to perform during his fussy moments - and occasionally just for fun.

We were all very happy to just spend time together (and ok, on the new Xbox and playing with the My Little Pony castle). Six more months until we reunite in the Outer Banks!

Clare on a Mission

Enjoying some Starbucks before heading on the mission.

Service is a core component of Marist School, and something we whole-heartedly endorse. The students have no shortage of opportunity to broaden their horizons while serving others, and Clare seized on the first such chance presented to her: a Christmas mission trip to Kermit, West Virginia. This trip is excluded to roughly 20 7th and 8th graders, and typically is awarded by lottery due to the high volume of kids who would like to go. When Clare told me she submitted her name, she had no idea who else might be on the list. As fate (?) would have it, Abby and Hayden not only signed up, but all three were among the lucky kids selected to go.

This was a no-frills trip. They went via bus, slept on the floor of a classroom for three nights, and were not able to shower or access their electronics very often. But they were busy! They put together meals, shopped and set up a warehouse for families in need to choose gifts for their children, toured the area to get a sense of just how privileged their own lives are. This would be a great experience any time of year, but heading into the abundance of the holidays was ideal.

Clare loved the experience, but she was also happy to be home - and not just because of her comfy bed and warm shower!

Laura and the Dress

When we sorted through the boxes of hand-me-downs at the beginning of the fall, Laura was immediately smitten with this dress. While I instantly identified it as a Christmas dress, she believed it should go in the rotation of dresses to be worn any time. Happily, I prevailed after coming up with the compromise of letting her wear it for her Christmas party at school, too. Which, as time is wont to do, arrived before we knew it.

After awaking at approximately 5:30 a.m. (I knew this because I could hear her singing in her room), it was eventually time to get dressed. At which time, she began to muse about how a specific boy in her class was going to react to her in this dress! Oh boy. Here we go... Naturally, he has the reputation of being a bad boy of sorts. Paired with her current desire to be a pop star when she grows up, I think it is safe to say we need to start watching out...or run for cover, as one friend suggested.