NMB Day 4

All in all, this was a great day. I never thought that I would ever in my life get to hold a monkey or get a photo taken with a tiger, and I was even more shocked that we made it through a meal at a restaurant with so many kids! How cool...

Even though we were in South Carolina, it was still the fourth Saturday of the month, and in our household and Kelly's that can mean only one thing...it's building day at Lowes. The second and fourth Saturday are Build and Grow with Lowes days, and kids up to 12 years old can build a project for free. They get an apron on their first day and each project earns them a patch and certificate. Today was a little toolbox! Gavin and Nathan had so much fun and did such a good job on their toolboxes. I also picked up an extra kit to make one for Carter since I could foresee a big issue coming if we didn't have two.

Later in the afternoon we headed over to the boardwalk again for dinner. We ended up eating at Joe's Crab Shack and I'm pretty sure that they had an agenda to get us out of there as quickly as possible since #1-we were put in the back corner by the soda machine, #2-our meals came out in under 10 minutes after ordering them, and #3-the bill quickly followed. Do you think that five kids under the age of four made them nervous? They really didn't have any reason to be though since all of the kids were really good and ate pretty well.

After dinner we headed over to an animal preservation station to look at some animals that they have on display. You can also get your photo taken with some of them, and we opted to get a group photo with a baby white tiger! In the picture Nathan and Gavin are holding it and Nathan is bottle feeding it. It was so amazing! We also got to hold a baby monkey of some sort for individual photos and the kids were really into that. Carter got really mad when they took it away from him though!

NMB Day 3

Hot Hot Hot. That's the only way I can describe the beginning of this day. We started off going to the boardwalk at Barefoot Landing to walk around to all of the shops. It was really cool for the kids to see all of the turtles and fish in the water, and they liked just running around since it wasn't busy at all. After about an hour and a half though it got so insanely hot that we decided to head back home to cool off. After lunch and naps it was off to...

...the beach. Have you ever seen the show "Yes, Dear?" If not, the intro to the show follows two families with small children as they navigate across the street to the beach with a ridiculous amount of crap. That was us today. Seriously.

Picture this: Three moms, five kids, a double stroller, four beach chairs, (like we were going to be sitting, and yes, there are only three adults so I'm not sure why we needed the extra chair) two rolled beach mats, two beach umbrellas, a pack and play, a cooler, at least five bags, somewhere in the range of a dozen beach towels, more shovels and pails than we had kids, beach toys, trucks, a beach ball, and all of the various snacks, sunscreen, cameras, drinks, and other stuff that we thought we needed. If only we had thought to bring a huge inflatable raft or something...

Let me tell you, getting across the street was probably one of the most comical scenes any of the people around us could have witnessed. I'm sure that they thought it was some new reality series or something. Of course once we crossed the street we realized that to get to the beach we had to go up a flight of stairs, over a bridge, and down another flight of stairs on the other side. It took us two trips to get everything over and then, do I have to mention that strollers don't roll on sand? Once we were ready to leave, (and by the way, right after we got everything situated didn't the skies start to turn cloudy as a storm started to roll in?) we had to repeat the process in reverse, but this time with four screaming kids that were incensed that we would have the nerve to rinse the sand off of them and actually leave. (The fifth had miraculously fallen asleep in the kid backpack. Oh yeah, we brought that too.) This was the night that we broke out the rum after the kids went to sleep...

NMB Day 2

Today began with a trip to Wal-Mart. Seeing as we had only enough stuff to scrape by on breakfast, we decided that we needed some groceries. After all, the bottle of Malibu we brought wouldn't hold the kids off for long. So, after breakfast we loaded up all five kids and headed off to Wally World.

I have to say, the kids were pretty good. At first. After a couple of hours though, it was getting close to lunch time and the cheese and cookies weren't doing it for them anymore. Therefore, the entire time we were ringing up our purchases we had no fewer than three screaming kids at all times. Our receipt, by the way, ended up being over a foot and a half long.

After we finished up there we headed home, unpacked, and got the kids fed and ready for naps. Carter and Hailey were both pretty upset at being in pack and plays in new rooms, so Hailey screamed herself to sleep and I rocked Carter after trying the "let him cry it out" method. He screamed for over a half an hour and then fell asleep on my shoulder immediately after I picked him up.

In the afternoon we headed over to the pool for the first time. The kids had a great time playing in the water and we wore them out enough to come home, eat dinner, and head off to the playground before coming home for baths and bed. It was nice to have a low key day after our long car trip the day before, and the pool and playground wore the kids out so that they all went down without a hitch. (Side note from Kelly - Gavin learned to swim on his own with his floaties!!!)

Myrtle Beach - Intro Day 1

So 2 days after we got back from Italy, the kids and I packed up and headed to North Myrtle Beach for a 3 week vacay! Our friends (Ashli (and her two kids Nathan and Carter) and Cara (and her daughter Hailey) caravaned with us as they were coming down for a week also! It took a little over 13 hours to get there but was pretty good as far as I was concerned. Since I am very late in posting this - I am going to cheat and copy my friend Ashli's blog as she detailed each day they were down and spent with us very well! And some of her quips about her sons are too funny you have to read them too!

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The car trip went fairly smoothly, we only ran into traffic once due to an accident and by the grace of God we made it through before they closed down the road and started to divert traffic off the highway. The only snafus? I found out that Nathan gets carsick in the third row. Luckily this was brought to my attention when we stopped at a rest stop so we were able to give him some Benadryl to calm his stomach, (i.e. we missed the puking stage) Also, Carter and Hailey decided to have a screaming match. Back and forth. For the last hour or so of the trip. Oh well.
(***Side note from Kelly - I was lucky because my kids are great in the car - not one peep! - But it was funny to call the other car and hear screaming!!!)

The most interesting experience of the whole car trip had to be the restaurant Kelly picked for our dinner. Since the last 100 miles or so of our trip were on back roads there weren't exactly a lot of things to choose from, and with the kids getting hungry she pulled off to a restaurant called Lizzie's. It didn't look too bad from the outside, but inside was another story. We thought at one point that we were all going to come out with some sort of food borne illness, but luckily we all made it past in one piece. The kids wanted to play out in the parking dust bowl, and had some of the magnetic Thomas Trains with them which quickly picked up what had to have been some sort of metal ore in the dirt, and I have never seen them all so dirty. They had fun though. The ironic part was that about three miles down the road we ran into a town with several fast food places. Oh well, win some lose some.

After we got to Kelly's house around 9 something, I watched the kids and Kelly and Cara unloaded the cars, then we got the kids into baths and bed. There was a great soaking tub in the master and luckily for us it was big enough for all of them. We all turned in pretty early that night!

Italy - Last 2 days

We spent the last two days in Rome. Well, actually we didn't get in until late at night, and we just went to the Piazza Navona center, got our sketches drawn (even though they don't look like us) and had dinner. The only problem was Patrick was really sick at this point and could barely make it through dinner. We finally got back and just crashed. He felt a bit better on Saturday morning so we went to the Vatican. Lesson #1. Cover your shoulders in the Vatican.

We waited in line through security and made it all the way up to go in, when a rude man points to me and says "Prego". At first I thought he called me fat. Then I realized he was kicking us out because all of my shoulders were not covered. I had a sleeveless top with cropped pants - a nice looking outfit - but the sleeves weren't covering enough of the shoulder area. So we rushed to a local vendor, bought a cheesy ROMA shirt and went back. It was gorgeous, breathtaking, inspiring, etc. We walked to the top (which is a HIKE) and enjoyed the views of the city.

Then back to the hotel, to the airport and back home. The flight was great again and I could not wait to get back to the US and see my kids!!! One week is a long time away! As soon as we got back, I woke Gavin up and hugged him for 5 minutes. Then I went and watched Evelyn sleep - and snatched her up too!!! I missed my little guys!!!

Italy - Day 5 - The Wedding

Today was the big day for Denny and Katia. We went to Denny's early on for a late breakfast/early lunch. And for some Texas Hold 'Em to release any stress.... which there didn't seem to be any. I took a nice nap (since I suck at Hold 'Em and was out early) and then we went back to the hotel (our new hotel where the wedding was to be held) to get changed. We arrived at the town center where the groom showed up with his family - and then the bride and her family shortly after. Just as the ceremony was about to begin, Denny asked his brother (their witness of the ceremony) if he remembered to bring his passport, which was needed. Of course not!!! So I took off my shoes and ran through the town as fast as I could to where they were staying, ran up to the top of the building and searched the apartment for his passport. It was there that I had the most surreal moment yet of my life (besides giving birth). I was in this strange foreign town where I did not speak the language, running to a place I had only been a few times (but still got there on the first try) and finding this guy's passport. I had never even been out of the country before and now it was second nature to me in that moment. I remembered Patrick's friend always saying "Live in the moment". So I tried to remember all the things I was seeing and feeling - and to quote from the movie "The Peaceful Warrior", I realized that there are no ordinary moments. As I was running through the town I was focused on getting to my destination, but then tried to listen to what was going on around me. A man yelling "Bella Donna (beautiful woman)". Two lovers kissing. A mother scolding her 2 year old then hugging him. Extraordinary. Things that, as an American, I did not expect to see anywhere except in the US. But here is was. Just as plain. Just as beautiful. The streets I was running on were worn down from time, the stones smooth as ice (and just as slippery). The old buildings, looking beat up and, well, old...were scarred with memories of battles and ancient times. Time seemed to go in slow motion and I felt the salty ocean breeze waft upon me as I ran (okay, jogged). I was truly in the moment and then came to the ceremony which in itself was extraordinary. Two separate families, merging together. Two separate people merging together. It reminded me of my life with Patrick. When we first met. Our journey that led to love...which led to parenthood and marriage...which led me to wonder if one lifetime on Earth was long enough to share with this man I loved to love.

The wedding was beautiful and the reception was so fun. One of the most fun to which I had been. The Italians love to play tricks at weddings and there were 2 that stood out: 1) Denny had to strap a cucumber to his nether-regions and Katia had balloons tied around her belly. He had to swing the cucumber and POP all the balloons! It was a riot. 2) The waiters were bringing out their cake when one tripped and the whole cake went flying! It was a fake cake - but looked exactly like theirs. It was sponges with icing on it - but everyone was SHOCKED! Including the bride and groom who looked like they were either going to cry or kick the waiters a**es. But then they brought out the real cake and all was well.

Of course, towards the end of the drunken night, the men had to show off their strength and do silly strong man competitions. Patrick won pull-ups, but Danielo won one-arm push-ups (but to me he was cheating because his belly was resting on the ground because he was much bigger in that area)!

Italy Day 4

Continuing from the last post - I spent most of the morning and day by myself, laying on the beach and walking around Terracina. Patrick was HUNG-OVER! Anyway, while cruising around the town I ran into Denny's Aunt and Uncle, Mom and Dad and friends. They had a place on the beach where you rent the space. Even though I had my own nice little section at our hotel, I joined them for some fun. I eventually went and got Patrick and managed to drag him out of bed to come play. It was gorgeous outside (come to think of it - it was gorgeous every day - not even 1 cloud in sight). We stayed there for a while then went back to get ready for the rehearsal dinner party. It was at his/his in-laws house outside of town.

They had it catered but it was still awesome food (of course). And even though I didn't speak the same language as most of the people there, it was still so fun. Love is definitely a universal language. Those crazy Italians know how to party though! As an Italian tradition, Denny had to write and sing a song to Katia. He made up the words to the song "Don't cry for me Argentina" but made it into something about Terracina. Very clever! And very romantic! His brother-in-laws whipped out their guitars and played background for him. ***On a side note, all the songs over there are American songs so they can sing the words perfectly with no accent - but they have no clue what they are saying!!! It was crazy!

We ate, drank and danced into the night. Dessert was my favorite!!! There were so many good things to choose from! I gained all my weight back that I lost though - but it was worth it! Love was definitely in the air and fun was had by all - even hungover Patrick.

***Another side note - By this point I was comfortable enough not to call the kids every other hour to check on them so I really was able to let go and have fun!

Italy - Day 3

Today was our trip to Pompei. We got to the train station right on time with no problems. We did run into some problems when we had to switch trains - twice!!! I am not a public transportation girl, so I was totally confused but caught the hang of it in time. Once we got to Pompei, we had lunch right outside the station and walked about a mile or two to get to Pompei. Bad idea. It was hot and we had 4 older folks and a baby too! But we survived and made it. Once we got there, though, we did not get a map of the place so we were just wondering aimlessly. Another bad idea. Although there is a ton to see, we came mainly to see the statues of the victims. And we couldn't find them anywhere! We walked for hours and even had one of the older ladies quit and just sit down and wait for us to some get her when we left. Finally I asked someone to see their map and we were able to find one of the areas which was right near the exit. We saw it for about 3 minutes - and it was quite depressing. I am glad we went, but overall the day was LONG!!!

When we got back, Patrick and I went out for pizza. I think I like American Pizza better! Anyway, the dinner was great and we had a blast. We were quite spent though and went back to the hotel - hoping to go to sleep. But the guys had other plans. They decided to throw Denny and impromptu bachelor party. I wasn't going to go, but there was another wife there who wanted me to join too - so I bucked up and went. Mistake #3 of the day. If you ever go to Italy and want to go to a strip club during the week - DON"T! It costs us $10 Euro to get in (each) and then we realized that it was not a strip club - it was a (how should I say this?) - a place to get hookers. Once we realized this everyone wanted to leave but the pimp guy made us pay for what it would have cost - $400 euro. So Patrick was pretty drunk (which always annoys me) and then we have to pay all the money we had left (about $100 euro) just to leave. Let's just say I was in a "leave-me-alone" mood all night and the next day. Luckily Patrick was too sick and hungover to come to the beach so I had some alone time the next day to cool down... More on that day later!

Italy Day 2

We were so zonked after our flights and the time difference, etc that Patrick and I slept until noon the next day - and finally woke up when Denny got to our hotel to pick us up. You know how it is in hotel rooms where it is so dark and you can't tell if it is night or day?!?!! Anyway, he picked us up and we went for an awesome lunch at his/his in-laws house. They live on the outskirts of town on a ranch-like home at the base of a mountain. They had vineyards, olive trees, and gardens to grow. Lunch was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. SO fresh and yummy! Again, the Italian charm and hospitality was perfect. After lunch, Patrick and I went back to our hotel and laid out by the sea. It was great. Then we headed off to a romantic dinner by ourselves.

Literally, by ourselves. We got to dinner around 9 pm and thought we were late - but then remembered that most people don't eat until after 10 here. Their day is perfect - work from 9-1, siesta from 1-5, work from 5-8. It rocks!!! Except that there is not one store or restaurant open from 1-4 which stinks, and not even one person walking around (except us damn tourists)! But it still makes for very happy people. Anyway, another couple arrived at our restaurant around 10 to ruin our fun - but they sat far away. I ordered steak (who orders steak in Italy?) and Patrick got the "freshly fished fish" (say that three times fast). It came out whole, and embarrassed Patrick had to send it back to get filleted. He said it was delicious!!! We then walked to the town center (which was bumping for a Monday night - but apparently is crazy every night!) and got some gelato from the place Denny recommended. It was SOOOOOOOO good. The best I've had. We walked around and enjoyed the celebration a bit but then back to bed for an early trip to Pompeii the next morning.

Our Italy Trip - Arriving Day

Even though we went to Italy over a month ago - it still is so fresh in my mind. The trip was great - especially for Patrick and me to regroup and spend time as a couple sans the kids. The flight was great. We flew EuroFly and had our own tv screens to watch movies, play games or listen to music. Since it was a red-eye we spent most of the time sleeping - except for when the 3 year old next to us was screaming for over an hour. Poor kid and poor mom. Anyway, it was a pleasant trip. Upon arriving, we waited for over an hour for luggage until we realized it was on a different belt then what they said...so once we figured it out, we picked up our stuff and met Denny and Katia right away!

One thing I was not prepared for was the amount of graffiti and trash there was. And how much gas cost!!!! But I guess their government is way different then ours. It was still beautiful, despite that. It took about 2 hours to get from Rome to Terracina by car - but what really amazed me was the craziness of the drivers. Denny calls it "organized chaos". Pretty true. People would go whizzing by - even if it was only one lane. And there were scooters everywhere! It was actually fun - once I just imagined I was in a video game, and not real life. If I would think it was real I would have been petrified!

Denny dropped us off at our hotel (which was so gorgeous) and we spent a bit of time sleeping on the beach. Then we were off to Denny's brother-in-laws place. They live in old town which is this ancient part of the city (older than Rome) up on top of the hill that overlooks the Mediterranean. The streets were cobblestone and it was 100% old-Italian charm. It was exactly what I wanted to see! We arrived at this small house/apartment - but inside they used every inch of space to capacity. And his bro-in-law (Danielo) was a designer so it was so chic/modern/beautiful. They had a great table that opened up to accommodate all of us. Me, Patrick, Denny, his parents, his aunt and uncle, Katia, her parents, Danielo and his wife. It was great. And the food was fantastic! True, authentic Italian! Of course, we weren't prepared for the SEVEN courses, so Patrick loaded up on course one because he was starving, and barely made it to the final round (dessert). I saved up my room just for the dessert! It was a perfect evening, and even though I didn't speak the same language as half the people there - it was still so welcoming and loving.

One funny moment - Danielo was giving Patrick and me some really good wines to taste and he pulls Patrick over and asks him (in the best English he could muster), "So, you lika my wife?" (instead of wine). Patrick didn't really know what to say!!! He immediately realized his mistake - but it was the running joke of the week.

Another funny moment - When Denny says the only way to keep an Italian woman quiet is to tie up her hands.