Why we vacation....

Recently I had a conversation with the Haztwins in order to prep them for our upcoming vacation to Disney.  Since they were asking me a bazillion questions about many minute details of our upcoming trip.... I decided we needed to discuss the possibility of how we need to react if things don't go quite our way on the trip.  I explained to them that sometimes rides are closed or menus change or a line for something we were really looking forward to is too long, etc.  I also explained that no matter what happens that we are still on vacation with each other and that they are very lucky to be going to Disney for the fifth time.

What do you think happened after that conversation?!  Well my little Diva went to school and told her friends how she was going to Disney for the fifth time!!  Which prompted her to return home to Daddy with the question, "Are we rich Daddy? So and so says we must be rich if we've been to Disney so much."  My answer to her question?  Do you think you'd still share a room with your brother if we were rich?

Everyone has different priorities in life and ours are making memories.  Jim introduced me to Disney World over 13 years ago and we have been going ever since.  Instead of jewelry or other expensive gifts, we decided to buy a timeshare.  I can definitely say that it was one of the best decisions that we've ever made.  Yes traveling with kids is more stressful and can be more expensive than traveling in our childless years, but seeing that Disney magic through their eyes is amazing.  We've made it work even on years that the mortgage crisis caused income loss and job instability and having two kids in daycare.  We've driven 4 times (including once in my prius) to save money and have had trips where there were no extras.  Diamonds may be some girls' best friend, but I prefer strolling down Main Street USA to that spot in front of Cinderella's castle where Jim asked me to marry him and having a family photo taken before hitting up some of our favorite rides.

On vacation, we step away from our busy lives of working, commuting, activities, homework, etc.  We don't wrapped up in the laundry and housework.  We are together for the duration of our trip and sometimes we're lucky enough to have friends or family join us.  We get to play dress up and eat in castles and meet characters and go on rides and travel around the world all in the same day.  It is truly magical.... even when it rains, or a ride is closed or things don't go quite our way.  We are still together as a family..... making memories.

Before we know it.... they'll be all grown up and probably won't think going on Splash Mountain with Mom & Daddio.  When that happens, maybe I'll get some diamond earrings..... or probably Jim & I will treat ourselves to the Disney resort in Hawaii because that would be so much more fun!  (In my opinion anyway..... and no judgement if you prefer the diamonds :)  

Stay tuned for more details from our most recent trip including tips on driving to Disney with kids!  

Haztwins turn 7...

Today they turned 7 and I got a bit emotional....

How did this happen??

I wasn't the mom who cried when they turned 1..... because I secretly was thanking God that we made it through that first year still intact! I was counting the days until doing fun stuff  with them wasn't so much work that it wasn't actually that much fun.  And now we are there..... I can actually sit in the beach chair for a bit and watch them splash in the waves.  But it makes me wonder how long will it last.  How long will I still be the center of their universe?  I hope for quite some time to come...  

I'll never forget the tears that were shed in our struggles to have these 2 and how thankful I was when the nurse told us we were having twins.  Having twins meant never having to go through all of those struggles again.  And having twins has blessed me with some of the greatest friends that I could ever wish for.

Off to school with their birthday treats!

Today was a great day!  I was able to take them to Dunkin Donuts this morning to get treats and then see them off to school.  And I was able to surprise them with balloons at the bus stop this afternoon with Mom-mom (who usually picks them a few times a week)....

And when Jim got home we went out to dinner (our original plan had a few hiccups, but we recovered and had a great night)....

Today they turned 7 and I simply am amazed at the young people they are becoming.  They have their moments for sure, but they can also be the most thoughtful and amazing individuals when they want to be.  I wish I could have captured them exchanging gifts that they had selected for each other this morning.  They were definitely excited to be receiving gifts, but they were equally if not more excited to GIVE their carefully selected gift.  There were so many smiles and hugs between these two this morning and it warmed my heart.  I'm so thankful that I get to be their mom!

Thank you to everyone who wished these two a happy birthday today.  If you've been in our life for a little while or forever, know that I am thankful to have you in our support system.  We are truly blessed!

"Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayers and worn with thanks." ~ Thomas Goodwin

Back to blogging....

Well it has been quite some time since I've blogged and since we're about ready to head back to school, I guess there is no better time to get back to blogging.... right?!

I'm just wrapping up a week off from work and am so thankful to have spent a lovely week at the beach with the twins.  It has been an entire year since I took a whole week off from work and it was SO NICE!  I did not drive for an entire week when I normally drive 70 miles round trip each day!   I loved watching the kids have tons of fun and to be able to enjoy our time together instead of rushing through our short evenings after work and school.

The kids rode their bikes, played on the playground, went to the boardwalk to go on the rides, played in the waves, dug in the sand, saw cousins and friends...... and just had a great week.

It was the perfect way to end the summer..... Tuesday they head to SECOND GRADE!!!! I can't believe it.  I have ambitious plans to bring better order to our routines after a stressful and bumpy transition to first grade.  I'm hoping for a smoother year, but am ready to tackle whatever comes our way.  

Counting down the days until our next vacation in just 2 months this time instead of a whole year!