Thursday, January 24, 2008

First Trip to Sea World!

You know you are a Florida girl when your kid's big "firsts" are theme-park related! So, today was Davis' first trip to Sea World. However, it was a whole day of "firsts" b/c it was actually Ruth and Rachel Nee's first trip too!


Now, I need to take a break from the Sea World talk to tell you about the Nee Family! The Nees are fairly new to our church and I absolutely LOVE them! They are a family of 9 kids ranging from 9-29! Susan, the mom, is in my small group of young moms on Friday mornings and I'm pretty sure that when ANY of us mentions her name it is with, "aren't you just so blessed that she in our small group!" We LOVE her and I am so thankful for her friendship! Her girls are the sweetest girls who LOVE the Lord and Love to serve! In fact, they are homeschooled and Ruth and Rachel VOLUNTEER (yep, you read that right) to watch all our kids on Friday mornings so us moms can do small group and actually talk and share without our kids on top of us! In fact, I have decided that I am going nowhere without the Nee Family! When you have 3 kids 3 1/2 years and younger, 2 of whom are pretty needy, teenagers and people without children are VERY helpful! In fact, we spent most of our week with this sweet family! On Tuesday night, my small group girls went out for a girl's night out to celebrate our friend, Jen's birthday. Susan was there with her daughter Hannah who just moved back to FL after graduating college and who happens to share a passion for orphans and Africa. I remembered about the Ugandan Children's Choir that would be performing the next night at a local church. I convinced their whole family to go with me! We had a blast watching Watoto's Choir perform. This seems like a super sweet ministry in Uganda. Yes, I cried my way through all of their info and stories! But, I was in good company b/c 3 of the 4 Nee girls did too!


Ok, back to Sea World. . .(couldn't go a whole post without mentioning Africa and orphans, could I?!) We had a blast! We went with Carrie and her clan (I've told you about my sweet friend, Carrie before! She's a blast and a wonderful friend as well as passionate pursuer of Jesus) and our friend Lisa. Lisa is also in our small group and has 2 grown boys and is a nanny for a little girl. She is another of our Friday morning blessings. We are so thankful that she chooses to hang out with us young, stupid ones! She is full of grace and humility and love and passion for the Lord and having Him mold her! So, we had a great crew today. . .and LOTS of help for the kiddos for Carrie and I! Here are some of my sweet pics. I didn't take a ton of my kiddos until the last show b/c I kept forgetting.

This is Sam Nee and Denny (Carrie's son). What sweet friends!
Yep, this is what little group shots look like! ha ha! Susan's the only one even remotely looking!
Carrie's little Faith!

Sarah (Carrie's other little angel!)
Brayden along with Sophie (Lisa's little princess)
Miss Lisa and Gracie
I can't ever get these 2 to smile at the same time!

Brayden borrowed the camera for a bit. . .so, here's the Whale and Dolphin Stadium from his viewpoint

Carrie and Faith. Isn't this precious? I think it will be great in black and white. I got this same shot with no smiles too, which is adorable!
Watching those whales, dolphins, divers, gymnasts and birds (this show has it ALL)

So, that was our day! What a fun way to spend the day. Playing with the kids and making memories while building friendships with women who point me to Jesus and model a humble and passionate walk with Him!
Oh yeah, and this is WHY I need the Nees! I asked them the night before if one of the girls would push my 2nd stroller. (I know Brayden's old enough to walk, but he complains pretty easy!) So, I met up with the girls right at the front entrance. I didn't however, make a plan for getting back to my car! So, I loaded all 3 kids in the stroller and folded up the other stroller to hold on top! Yep, people thought I was crazy!

15 comments:

Cassie - Homeschooling Four said...

Very cute pictures!! Looks like everybody had a good time.

Unknown said...

very cute!

Anonymous said...

What a fun post.... lots of good pictures. I was cracking up over the one of Brayden and Davis in the stroller. I have been trying to figure out stroller ideas. I'm not so sure that will work with infant seats but it looks good :-)

Love ya,
Brooke

steffany said...

Man, first Disney World and now Sea World? Can I come?
It looks like you had a wonderful time and are very blessed with great friends.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a geat day! I saw the Wototo children a few years ago during the holidays. My SIl hosted three of the at her house. Darlings and so sweet!

mama becca said...

CUTE kids Brandi!
Sounds like a fun day...
have a great weekend!
becca

Anonymous said...

Looks like it was a BLAST!

missy said...

Too fun. I can't wait to have those opportunities closer to me. Not as close as you do, but still closer than ever before.

Have a great weekend.

christie said...

It sure looks like it was a fun day!! Such great company too!

Jamie said...

We used to have a family here like that- with wonderful teenagers. We'd never see our children when we were with them and it was such a relief! I really miss them;) Your small group sounds wonderful. There really need to be more experienced moms leading us younger ones in the Lord. The pictures look fun! Oh yeah, somebody from my Above Rubies group is coming down your way and wanting to meet up with people. I was going to ask if you wanted to meet up with her, if I could give her your email addy?

Anonymous said...

what a sweet post, Brandolini!
thank you for those kind words....i really like your descriptions of me better than your pictures of me!!!!
We missed you today, hope and trust the Brayden man is all better!
love,
lisa e

Amber G. said...

What fun! I loved all the pictures... ESPECIALLY the one of the three of your kids in the stoller together! Ha! I've crammed Jo and Henry together in a stroller and THAT was tight! :)

Thanks for the fun glimpse into your warm Florida life. I'm ready to get on a plane tomorrow!! :)

Love you!
Amber

A Family said...

Looks like a fun day! Skylar still talks about going to Sea World when she was 3 years old. We hope to get back soon.

Love,
Chris

Nikki said...

Aw, they are adorable!

Nikki
http://madebynikki.blogspot.com <-- Check it out for a blog makeover to support charity!

Jamie said...

YES! I LOVE the Carrie and Faith photo, especially!! Good work! Great pics and narration all around... you sooo win the prize for longest posts; not me! ;0)
Love ya,
Jamie :0)