Sea World

We started the morning with a big buffet breakfast at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We wanted to fill our tummies to the fullest before heading to Sea World to enjoy our final day in Orlando. Sea World did not disappoint. The kiddos loved the animals. Sting Rays, dolphins, and turtles were just a few of the awesome animal attractions. The majority of rides here are also very "height deficient" friendly, so our kiddos had a great time enjoying most anything they'd like.

Terrific TEN!

It's hard to believe our Kadyn turned ten years old last week. She wanted to celebrate by going rock climbing and painted at Claying Around. We also hopped over to Red Robin and returned home that evening to eat ice cream cake and open presents. It was definitely a fun filled birthday celebration that we won't forget. Kadyn is amazing. At ten years old she could run our entire household if necessary with one hand tied behind her back. She is a wonderful sister and a terrific daughter. She knows who she is, and because of that knowledge her choices are consistently good and kind. We are so grateful for her sweet little spirit. Happy 10th Kadyn!

Snow Success

The kids received the great gift of snow last week. When we arrived in St. Louis nearly three years ago we bought a big snow shovel and sled. This was in preparation for the awesome snow we assumed would come. It never did. We moved to NC and a neighbor laughed at our shovel. Why in the world would we need that? I almost threw it away, but figured to store it in the corner and perhaps our next move would require it's use. Oh ya baby! We used it, and the green sled. We also used our Cocomotion (which we highly recommend to anyone) and made melting snowman cookies in honor of our short, but sweet, snow experience. It was a fantastic few days that I'm certain the kiddos will not soon forget.

Random In January

If you look back on past blog posts for the month of January, you will find that this month is always a bit random for the Ballard family. I always find myself at mid month trying to decide how to lay out the pictures and activities we've done thus far. Similar to the past, I will now present a post of random (yet important) events. First, we are a gaming family. Steven and I have always loved games, and hopefully we've pasted on that same love to our children. Many past evenings have been spent playing some of our favorites. Second, our town of Fayetteville has taken it upon themselves to add a few awesome new restaurants. We decided to go try them out, in the interest of boosting economic growth of course. One of those restaurants happens to be our very favorite from Memphis days, so Steven and I headed out on that night to enjoy dinner at Bonefish Grill and some awesome comedy from Bill Cosby. It was a fantastic evening. Other highlights include the girls getting their art work ready for display and a few cold days spent surrounded by games at Fun Fun Fun. Like I said before, random, yet important.

Back To The Blog

I recently completed three more years of blogging for our family. When that great feat takes place I have the honor of getting it printed. It turned out fantastic if I do say so myself. I love that we have these memory books for our kids to keep and enjoy for the rest of their lives. We often find them looking through the first book printed, which began with our days in Memphis and brought Haley to our clan. Three moves later, Azure added, and living on the East Coast, we now have book two complete.  I can't wait to hand them the second "installment" of their last three years. Six years total of Ballard family fun and happenings. Here's to many more ahead!

Christmas Break Activities

I love Christmas break. No schedules, no agendas, no nothing. We're free to play and enjoy activities day after day. This year we packed in the fun. Bowling, painting, skating, and the movies were just a few. Our favorite activities were tubing (featured earlier), and our visit to the NC aquarium. It was impressive. They had some very exciting exhibits and exotic animals that we've never before seen, including an albino alligator. With a surprise stop to Macaroni Grill after, it was definitely a family favorite.