8th Military Police Brigade Ball

Last Friday night Michael and I attended the 8th Military Police Brigade Ball. The ball was downtown at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We made a reservation to spend the night down at the Hale Koa, the military resort next to the Hilton. We picked up the kids early from school and made our way downtown to the hotel so would could check in and start getting ready for our big night. Earlier in the week we checked Uncle Rick, Aunt Deb, Jason, Becca and Lucas into to the hotel. They were on the 8th floor in ocean view rooms. Michael was joking about our ocean view room with the front desk lady when we checked in. Our reservation wasn't actually for an ocean view room, but she upgraded us for free anyways! The boys headed up to the room while Abigail and I went to park the car. Michael sent this picture to me once they got up to the room. What a handsome boy and a nice view of the ocean, from the 12th floor.

Austin - 12th floor view from our balcony

Of course Abigail had to get her picture taken too. They were so amazed at the view.

We got ready for our night out and the kids changed into their swimming suits. While we were at the ball the kids went to the pool with Uncle Rick, Aunt Deb, Jason, Becca and Lucas. They were able to show off their swimming skills and watch fireworks from the pool.

Military balls are interesting events. This was our third time attending a ball, and I recycled my dress from our very first ball in Alaska. The formal portion of the night started later than planned and took quite a while to finish up. The dinner was pretty good, Michael and I both had the prime rib. It's nice to get dressed up once in a while. I like to say that it's my one day a year where I have to wear make up and heels. I forced Michael to get our picture taken, and of course he gave his best smile!

8th MP Brigade Ball - Hilton Hawaiian Village

He really likes it when I take selfie's of us too!

He really likes to smile!

We called it a night after the formal portion of the evening ended. We grabbed the kids and headed back to our room. We planned to go back over to our friends room for a little after party fun, but Austin fell asleep and we realized that we were ready for bed too. You know you're getting old when you would rather go to bed instead of continuing the party. We were up early at 6:30 the next morning just like we are every other day of the week. We enjoyed the view before we got our showers for the day.

After our showers we met up with the family and headed out to breakfast. We had to find a restaurant where the Michigan game was on. Once we move, we won't have to watch sporting events while we eat breakfast anymore. After the game, and a Michigan win, we headed back home to enjoy the rest of our weekend. It was so nice to stay down there after the ball and act like a tourist instead of coming home. We're so thankful that family was in town and willing to watch the kids while Michael and I attended the ball.

This picture is perfect!

This picture shows the kids personalities just how they are right now. Austin's cheesy grin and Abigail showing off her sassy little attitude. I love it!

How do they do it?

For the first week after Michael left, I let the kids sleep with me. Let's face it, we all needed to get some sleep and I wasn't going to fight them to sleep in their own beds. It didn't last for long because I was the only one not getting a good nights sleep.

I've now got them on a strict routine. They've been going to bed in their own beds, usually between 8 and 8:30. Granted, I have to sit in the hallway between their rooms so they'll stay in bed, but at least I've got them going to sleep in their own beds. Plus, this gives me a little time to wind down by reading my book or doing a Sudoku puzzle (or three). Eventually I'll work on them going to sleep without me having to be in the hallway.

Keeping them in bed all night is the only thing we still need to work on. Austin will pretty much stay in his bed and asleep all night. Abigail on the other hand, generally makes her way into my room about midnight or shortly there after. At this point I haven't faithfully taken her back to her room to get back into her bed, because again, I need my sleep to survive!

They've gotten pretty good at sneaking in, I usually don't notice them until I get up in the morning. The other morning I woke up and discovered that they'd both come into my room.

This is what I found:

You would think they were twins by the way they drape all over each other when they're sleeping!

Noodles

It has been very hot here lately. Temperatures have been reaching the hundreds almost daily. The kids really wanted noodles to use in their pool when we were at the store last week, so they each got one. We came right home and set up the swimming pool. I think the pictures explain themselves!

























Have I mentioned how much I love my camera lately?

Michigan ~ Part V

On to Cedar Point! I absolutely love Cedar Point. A trip to Michigan just wouldn't be complete without visiting "America's Roller Coast"!

The kids loved the kiddie rides. We were a little worried about Abigail, but our girl is fearless!

First stop ~ the merry go round







Abigail and Grandpa were watching Austin prepare for his first ride.



Getting ready to ride the motorcycles





Abigail wanted in on the action





Next Daddy and I were chauffeured around town by the kids



This picture makes me laugh out loud every time I look at it!







Austin went up in the helicopters





See him in the red one?



Uh oh, it's the Cedar Point Police



Who's driving that police car?



It's Abigail!



Sport's car time



Awww! Keeping sister safe!



They rode just about every kiddie ride Cedar Point had to offer













I think Daddy was more scared of Abigail riding this ride than she was. He was worried that she would freak out when it went up in the air, but it didn't bother her one bit.



Bumper cars!



Austin wanted to go on this ride, so I took him. Once the ride started he wanted to get off! I couldn't help but to laugh at him!





Next stop, Snoopy Land. The kids rode the Snoopy train with Grandma.





While the kids rode the Snoopy train, Grandpa got himself some french fries! He couldn't have been happier!





The kids even got to meet Snoopy!





Grandpa & grandson



Grandma & granddaughter



More rides







Mommy got a little dizzy on this ride!







Austin was too little to do the driving, so Grandpa took over





Riding the Jr. Gemini



Front row seats





We had a great time at Cedar Point. The kids were fast asleep before we even left the park. (After we ran to the car through the rain!) And of course I won't be forgetting the fact that Grandpa pulled the lady's hair in front of us when he and I rode the Gemini!