Three's Company!: Jailbreak

2 Years, 46 Weeks.

In the words of Mel Gibson's Braveheart, "FREEDOM!!"

It was inevitable, I guess. But I was hoping it wouldn't happen for at least another month or so.

This week was another transition of sorts, for us as a family, but namely for the twins. After finding out that they indeed were sneaking out of their cribs ~ something I would expect them to do as teenagers (not that they'd still be in cribs as teenagers, but you know what I mean) ~ we finally relented and converted their cribs into toddler beds, essentially giving them freedom to get up and out and roam as they please.

Gone are the mornings allowed to sleep in. Although, who are we kidding, those mornings disappeared on the very first day we became parents.

They now also have the freedom to wake each other up, as well as big sister, when they get up in the mornings. They still haven't figured out that they need to let the other sleep, even if they are awake. And Tangie and I placed bets on who would fall out of their beds more often -- Kohlden; there were several nights we had to pick him up sleeping on the floor!

Seeing what a sleepover is like.

So this is the year of big development transitions: No pacifiers, potty training including wearing pull-ups at night, and now big kid beds.

They are growing up way too quickly!

Here was our week:

On Friday afternoon after picking Braelyn up from school we headed over to Sea World's water park, Aquatica. They are celebrating their 5th birthday and had an offer for Florida Residents at only $5 per ticket, normal prices being $45 a day. As luck would have it, a cold front came barreling through the night before, so the high of the day was only 63ºF. Add a stiff breeze and the windchill factor definitely became a factor. But we had already reserved and purchased our tickets, so we bought the kids some long sleeve rash guards to give them some covering and off we went. Luckily the water was pretty warm considering the temperature that day; they keep it at a constant 82ºF, although it was chilly when we had to walk from the pools to the lazy rivers to the rides. The place is a lot of fun, and I think eventually we will pony up and get an annual pass ~ 2 visits itself would pay for 2 regular tickets. But then again, the entire city might have the same idea.

Measuring to see the ride restrictions.

Kohl tries out some new swim goggles.

Trying out the slides.

A quick shot with Mommy.

Ready to be done. They were cold and hungry.

Food and sun fixes everything!

Sabbath we headed off to church followed by lunch at Sweet Tomatoes. Naps ensued and then the Grodacks came over for Mexican nachos and movie night.

The twins kneel at prayer.

Adalyn and Madelyn

A windy afternoon called for some kite flying.

Maddy texting her friends.

They were so excited for the Grodacks to come over, they waited by the front door.

On Sunday Tangie worked for the first part of the day, while I set to work getting props ready for Braelyn's birthday party coming up in a couple of weeks.

Getting their pirate on and trying out their cardboard ship.

Starting to come together.

Adding a little bit of color...

Amazing what you can make with cardboard, glue, and some paint!

This week Braelyn was off school for Spring Break, so she hung out together with the twins and I running errands and cleaning the house. We were also getting ready for Nana's visit from Denver.

The girls work on Daddy's laptop.

Afternoon play in the backyard.

I replaced the baby swing with a trapeze bar, much to Braelyn's delight.

Evening rough housing to wear them out.

I caught blur of a couple fairies jumping about.

Giving a helping scrub.

Maddy making sure Brady doesn't get himself into any trouble.

Nap time. Reminiscent of how his Uncle Mike slept when he was a kid!

Proud of her apple, a Braeburn variety.

On Wednesday we headed out to pick Nana up from the airport. We parked and took a field trip inside the terminal, rather than just driving up to the Arrivals section. We waited at Baggage claim until we saw her and then the kids surprised her with flowers!

A quick trip to Lowe's.

Hiding, waiting for Nana.

Supper at Texas Roadhouse.

Thursday we did our usual Costco run. After naps we brought Nana to the Altamonte Mall to meet up with Mommy as the two would attend a meeting up in Lake Mary. Instead of fighting rush hour to get back home I decided spur of the moment for a little treat and took all three to the dollar theatre there in Altamonte to see the Disney movie Wreck-It Ralph.