10th Anniversary Trip to Bermuda - Day 1

JB and I flew out this morning heading to Bermuda. We arrived this afternoon around 3:00 Bermuda time (1 hour difference from home). This was our first flight over the Atlantic and it was amazing landing on the island. JB videoed the landing – we could feel the descent, but weren’t able to see land until we were close enough to touch down. The water is absolutely beautiful – the bluest water I’ve ever seen.It was very different riding on the wrong side of the road with the driver on the passenger side of the car on our drive from the airport to the hotel. That is definitely going to take some getting used to! We are staying at Grotto Bay BeachResort in an ocean front room. We are so close to the ocean, JB could jump off the balcony to the ocean if he wanted too! It is pretty chilly here, colder than what I expected or maybe its just because it was so windy today. We walked along the beach and toured the resort before changing and heading to dinner. It is very expensive to eat here (like we expected), but at least we do know there is some food JB will eat.Unfortunately the island is far behind us in terms of technology and high speed internet, so we have to be in the main building to connect to the web. And since its so expensive to call internationally, we’re going to experience some iphone withdrawals!

Here is a picture of the ocean from the airplane

This is the bridge that connect the airport to the island where our resort is.

This is JB on our balcony overlooking the ocean

This is the beach at our resort

Bermuda, Here We Come...

To celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary, Jonathan and I decided to take a trip. We weren't able to have a big honeymoon, so what better time than now to take a nice trip. Where to? Well it started with Hawaii - but that's too far away, too long of a flight and too expensive. Bahamas, Carribean, Cancun - nope. None of those would do for JB. So, how about Niagra Falls? too cold in December. So, where to? Since we couldn't come to an agreement, I had settled for a cabin in the mountains when JB brought up Bermuda. "How about Bermuda?" he asked. I didn't know anything about Bermuda, except for the Bermuda Triangle, so I decided to do a little research. Nice place, not too far away, still a little expensive, but doable. So here we are, the night before our flight and I'm so excited! I'm going to miss the kids like crazy, but thankfully Nanny will be here to take care of them.

DC

I had an energy tax credit conference in Washington DC this past week, so we found it to be the perfect time to take the whole family to tour our nation's capitol, and no better time than around Veteran's Day. I spent 2 1/2 days in my conference, while JB took the kids and Nanny to tour the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, the National Aquarium (don't waste your money here), and the American History Museum (albeit only briefly since this one only interested JB). We stayed 3 nights at the Ritz Carlton due to the location of my conference. Have your ever stayed there? Talk about Ritz!! I've never been in a place that advertises a bath menu where the butler will draw your bath for you. Seriously--people actually need someone else to turn on their bathwater?!? After my conference ended, we moved over to the Holiday Inn - more suitable to my liking.
On Veteran's Day, we visited the National Archives, saw the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and visited all the Veteran Memorials. It was quite touching to see all the veterans that gather for remembrance. On Friday, we went back to the Natural History Museum (Nathan's favorite plus I was jealous that I didn't get to go earlier in the week!), toured the Capitol, went to the Supreme Court, went to Union Station and rode the metro back to our hotel. We spent Saturday morning at the National zoo - do you think we can go on a trip without finding a nearby zoo?? Then we started back on our drive home. It was an exhausting trip, but its always fun to spend time with the kids and make vacations educational.

Halloween

This year's costumes were from our favorite cartoon - Scooby Doo. Reagan was Scooby Doo, Nathan was Shaggy, JB was Fred, I was Daphne and Nanny was Velma. Thanks to Julie for supplying the Mystery Machine - her father's restored VW bus. We celebrated at our church's Trunk or Treat and fall festival. The kids had fun playing games and riding on the hay ride, and best of all - getting candy. As soon as we got home, JB and the kids started planning next years costumes...so where will we get the Bat Mobile?

Monkeying Around at Monkey Joes

I took the day off from work today to spend with the kids since Nathan's school is out for a teacher's workday. JB and I went to Nathan's parent/teacher conference, then the kids and I met Kristi and Lexi in Charlotte at Monkey Joes. It was a fun day jumping, climbing and sliding on the inflatables.

Atlanta, GA

Since the kids weren't able to travel with us to Atlanta last month, we planned a surprise weekend trip for them this past weekend. We left for our trip right after work on Friday and made the drive down 85. I hate the traffic in Charlotte! - our biggest traffic holdup was within an hour of home! Not a great way to start a trip!
On Saturday, we started our day at the GA Aquarium - what a wonderful place. The kids and I loved the beluga whales and the whale sharks best of all. We also visited the Atlanta Zoo. It took us 45 minutes to find a parking spot (at least Reagan was able to get a nap in), but frustration had already set in before we saw the first animal. The kids enjoyed seeing animals that we don't have in our zoo at home - pandas, penguins and tons of killer snakes, like the king cobra. We ate at the Varsity - the local hotspot, so I hear. We went based on recommendation of a co-worker - I guess he doesn't like me so much! The atmosphere was neat, but the food was awful!
This was a quick vacation, but it was worth the smiles on our kids faces.

Farmer Fall Festival

Nathan's school held its annual fall festival fundraiser this past Saturday. JB and I volunteered to help with games. We were scheduled to help with the tic tac toe game in Nathan's classroom. JB took over the task of manning the game, so I could walk around the school with the kids and play the various games. The kids had a great time especially jumping and sliding in the bouncy inflatables. Farmer School knows how to put on a great fall festival.

Field Trip to the Zoo

Nathan's class went on their first field trip today. Although October 15th is a tax deadline, I was able to take the day off and tag along with him. This was a fun day with Nathan. He had a blast going to the zoo with his friends from school. Even though he frequents the zoo on a regular basis, he doesn't seem to grow tired of it. He knows his way around so good - he really was a tour guide letting Ms. Thomas know when she headed the wrong direction. Super fun day - glad I could spend it with Nathan!

Summer...must you go?

Wow! This summer has flew by and we have a new hobby which has taken up most of our time this summer. ...like we needed another hobby, especially an expensive one like wakeboarding, which requires wakeboards, bindings, new lifejackets, wetsuits (for extending the summer a little longer), ropes, and of course, a boat. From our group of 6, only one of us (i.e. JB) could get up on the wakeboard at the beginning of the summer, now all of us have our own personal wakeboards and some of us are jumping like pros (that wouldn't be me). How's that for a few months of practice? We've spent so much time at the lake over the past few months that Nathan's reference to Tuckertown as "our lake" is almost true. A broken ankle (that would be JB) and numerous faceplants and sore bodies later, we're still coming back - glutton for punishment? I guess, but we're having fun. We've had a blast all summer and now that it's cooler, we'll still be at Tuckertown on Saturdays...but you'll see us in wetsuits. Don't want pneumonia - we've got enough pains to worry about!

Fun with the Kiddos

This past Saturday we took the kids to Dan Nicholas Park for a day of fun. The weather was super nice and since we didn't go to the lake, we decided to go to the park. The kids had a blast playing on the playground. It's so much fun to watch them interact and see how protective Nathan is of Reagan. I always stress for Nathan to take care of her and he does such a good job at it. We rode pedal boats (JB pedaled - me and the kids rode) around the lake - a first for us with the kids. It was a lot of fun. We ate dippin dots, rode the carousel, saw the animals and just had a blast together. I love my family - nothing compares to some quality family time! Add watching Beauty and the Beast together on Sunday and you've got a great family weekend!

A day in kindergarten...

Since JB and I were gone to Atlanta this week and Nathan and Reagan were with Nanny, we missed spending time with them. So today we met Nathan at school for lunch. JB, in natural fashion got the kids riled up and in trouble before he left. I hung around and helped with afternoon centers. The kids had a taste test of their apples and made a graph of their favorite ones. It reminded me of the graph episode of Sid the Science Kid. It was a lot of fun - no wonder Nathan loves school!

Ms. Boardmember...

I guess I need to prepare an acceptance speech or at least a round of thank yous. I was up for membership vote to be elected as a new board member to the NC Sustainable Energy Association...and I made it!

The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency in NC through education, public policy and economic development. It is the only non-profit in NC devoted to leading public policy change and driving market development in ways to create green jobs.

As our tax credit advisory team has evolved to include renewable energy tax credits in addition to low-income housing, historic and new markets tax credits, this appointment seemed to fit right in line with the type of work that is important to me right now.

Mr. Bad Luck

What a fun Labor Day - except for Mr. Bad Luck and his unwelcome appearance! Our plans for today included Daniel and Kristin meeting us to go to the lake and wakeboard. We had plans to meet Meemaw for breakfast and leave the kids with her. As we got in the truck and started down the road with the boat, the truck started to sputter and act crazy. Jonathan turned around, certain something major had gone wrong with the truck. I, on the other hand, knowing that we can't get nearly as good of gas mileage pulling the boat as without it, was certain the truck was out of gas. Jonathan unloaded the boat, put a gallon or so of gas from the garage in the truck and proceeded to the gas station to fill it up. 32.5 gallons later in a 32 gallon tank and we're on our way. - Mr. Bad Luck visit no. 1. So we're finally on the way to the lake with Daniel and Kristin when Mr. State Trooper turns around to pull us over. No tags on the boat trailer, so here's a ticket for your labor day. Mr. Bad Luck visit no. 2. At the dock, we unload the boat and head out for a fun day wakeboarding. We have a lot of fun with no issues. Once we stop for lunch on the lake, turn the boat off and sit for a while, then start back up, the boat starts to overheat. Mr. Bad Luck visit no. 3. No worries, we just needed to open the motor cover while we sat. Ok, so we made it through the day with Mr. Bad Luck giving us a little heartache and a whole bunch of laughs. Now we're just wondering when will Mr. Bad Luck go away.

Reagan and the tent

Who knew it would only take putting a Princess tent in Reagan's room to keep her in there all night long? We've had trouble keeping Reagan in her room. We can get her to sleep (albeit on a pallet on the floor beside her bed), but come 3:00 or so in the morning, Miss Reagan treks through the house and ends up in our bed. Thanks to Kristi, we brought home a Disney Princess tent (a hand-me-down from Lexi - we love hand-me-downs!) and Reagan now sleeps like a baby all night in her new tent. I woke up the next morning after setting up the new tent in a panic because Reagan wasn't in my bed. Amazingly, she was fast asleep in her room...on the floor...in the tent...beside her bed. Hey...whatever it takes - who needs a bed when you've got a tent!

First full day of school

Today was Nathan's first day of school where he stayed by himself all day. I was in CPE in Greensboro, so Jonathan did the honors of taking him to school and leaving him. It was probably better this way, because I know I would have had a very hard time leaving. He did fine when JB dropped him off and he had a great day! I'm so glad he likes school!

Kindergarten here I come!

Nathan started Kindergarten today. Actually his first real day of school is tomorrow, but today was the 1 hour introduction day. The teacher met with the parents and went over school information and rules while the kids played. Nathan was a bit timid at first since it was a new environment with new people, but before long he was talking away. He was nervous about school and argued that he didn't want to go for several days prior to this first day. I found out last night that his concern was that he thought he "had" to take a nap at school. I explained that he would have quiet time, but no one would make him go to sleep. After that, he was fine with going to school. Tomorrow will be his first day of school where he stays by himself all day. Can I make it? He'll handle it better than me, I'm sure.

Bike wreck

JB wrecked his bike today while riding it at the beach. The kids and I were at the kiddie pool while JB went riding. When he made it back, he had a story to tell...

Last summer vacation before school starts

JB and I took the kids to Myrtle Beach for an end of the summer vacation before school starts next week. This is the first time we've came to the beach by ourselves (without my family or JB's family) since we've had kids. It was a different experience and one we definitely needed. We spent the days at the waterparks or the beach and the evenings at the amusement park. Of course, we also visited the aquarium and enjoyed dippin dots. What a fun time!

Our boat

Mike and Kristi bought a new boat and we couldn't bear to see someone else have the Nautique. So JB and I bought it. Gotta have our own for our wakeboarding trips!

Carowinds

We went to Carowinds today with Daniel, Kristin, Jerry and Mynette. We had a fun day riding the roller coasters and playing in the waterpark. The Intimidator rollercoaster is incredible - a totally different experience at the front, in the middle and at the back. Yes, we rode it 3 times just to see! We had a lot of fun (except for the water slide that nearly drowned us all).

My 29th!

The last of my birthdays - as Jonathan would say. 29 and holding! JB planned on having a birthday party for me but wanted me to do the planning for my own birthday - no way! I refused, so he had to handle getting the cake ordered himself. We had enough leftover plates, cups, napkins, etc. that he didn't have to worry about that although it was all mismatched. JB ordered the cake alright, half the size that we normally get with Mickey and Minnie Mouse on it. It was quite funny, but cute. The last of the birthday bashes and the hottest one - we made sure to have water balloons ready for after the ballgame. Fun, fun, fun!

Reagan - my little princess

Ever since we got back from Disney World, Reagan has been obsessed with Disney Princess. Princess this, princess that, princess everything. So it was only fitting that her 2nd birthday party was Disney Princess. She got lots of new princess dolls and toys. Her favorite present seemed to be her Princess dress-up shoes. Thanks Dunn - who knew she was like her mommy!

A Toy Story Celebration!

Nathan's 5th birthday was on June 18th - the release date for Toy Story 3. We went to the theater with Lexi, Maci and Kristi to see the movie. Nathan's party was Toy Story themed and he got lots of new toy story toys. Dawn made his cake to look like Andy's bed with all the toy story toys on it. The fondant icing didn't taste so good, but it sure did look pretty! There's nothing like a birthday party at the Burris house - it's not complete without the wiffle ball game and water balloons! Nathan wanted me to write about the ninjas that came by and kicked us all in the throat, but I don't really remember those...

Nathan's 1st Graduation

It's hard to believe my baby is already graduating preschool! Nathan went to Central United Methodist Preschool in Denton and had a blast. Ms. Rebecca is a super teacher and Nathan made some wonderful friends, especially Sam and Heather.

JB's 32nd Birthday

JB celebrated his 32nd birthday this year - halfway to senior citizenship. His goal was to have a new bike by the time he turned 32 - well I took care of that at Christmas, so I didn't have to buy him a present! As the first of the Burris birthday bashes for the year, it was a blast! Everyone looked forward to the competition of the wiffle ball game. I've got dibs for Jellly's team next time - how can his team always win?

Disney World

We made it through tax season and celebrated by taking our first family vacation to Disney World. We left on April 16th for the long drive to Orlando. We went to Sea World on Saturday before checking into our Disney resort - All Star Movies on Sunday. The rooms at the resort left a lot to be desired, but the atmosphere of having a room in the Toy Story wing was awesome. This was our best vacation ever. You know the saying about how magical Disney World is, it truly is! To see the smiles on our kids faces and see Nathan so excited that he can't keep from jumping as he walks - it's amazing. We included the dining plan with our vacation and I made reservations at as many character meals as I could find. We ate breakfast at Chef Mickey's, breakfast at Donald Duck's Safari, dinner at Chip and Dales restaurant, dinner at the Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh, and breakfast with the Little Einsteins. Reagan was a little nervous about the characters at first, but soon she warmed up to them. Her favorites of course, were the princesses. What an awesome trip! Nathan rode as many rides as he could - even Everest and Tower of Terror! Can we go back next week?

Attack of the Killer Duck!

Saturday was Easter pictures day at Portrait Innovations. During an attempt to get Reagan to smile, someone thought the giant rubber duck would really cheer her up. It terrified her. Honestly, who wouldn’t be horrified by a giant plastic duck coming at you while sitting helplessly in a small white rocking-chair? I have to admit, I too was fear-stricken by the giant yellow beast. The duck was subdued and no one was harmed during the process of getting Reagan to smile.

All-in-all, it was a wonderful day. Jenni is the best photographer in the world! She is great with kids and patient with parents like me who just want to get it over with. Not only did we get some great photos, but we all quacked up over Reagan’s reaction to the killer duck.

JB

...Waiting

This is the bike I am waiting on. I am very excited about it. Jennifer totally shocked me at Christmas. And, I was feeling good that I had gotten her furniture (like she wanted). I thought I had bought the bigger gift. Technically, I bought the biggest gift, but she spent the most money -- by far. It is a 2010 Trek Madone 6.9 Pro with a custom paint-job (picture below). I am so excited. I love my 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 SL, but I can't wait to see and ride my new Madone. I'm so impatient. I hate waiting for anything, but this is the worst. I am very thankful for Dale, Derric, Dolly, and Danny for not having me arrested for loitering at the bike shop. Although, I would gladly stay away a day or two if I had my new bike :). The folks at Bicycle Toy and Hobby are the best people on the planet. I can not recommend them enough. Bicycle Toy and Hobby will be the only place where I buy anything cycling related for the rest of my life. I'd buy my groceries there if they sold them.

Waiting...

It's a month and a half past Christmas and Jonathan still hasn't received his present yet. It's been ordered and it's on the way, but still it isn't here. He's getting a little antsy waiting, maybe even a little bothersome to our friends at the bike shop. But what can I say, he's excited. A brand new custom bicycle designed just the way he wants it. Trek must have received too many orders at Christmastime and gotten way behind. I hope they hurry up with it. I can't wait to see it and the smile on Jonathan's face. Maybe it will get here before Jonathan turns 32...

Enjoying the Snow!

We got about 3-4 inches of snow this time - enough to actually go sledding. This was the first time that we've had enough snow to sled since Nathan's been born. We had enough to build a snowman last year, but since it melted from the roads so quickly, we didn't get to take Nathan to Eleazar to sled until yesterday. Nathan, not knowing what fun sledding is, wanted to stay at home and build a snowman, but once he figured out how much fun sledding is, he didn't want to stop. We took Reagan to Nanny's house to play while we all went to Eleazar to sled on the big hill in the whitewater kayaks. At first Nathan was a little timid and wanted someone to sled with him, but as the day wore on, he became braver. We met up with Crockett, Kristie, Kyndall and Kylie and Thomas, Kari and Maci. We took the whitewater kayaks and Kristie brought Nathan a snowmobile kiddie sled. Nathan had so much fun - he didn't want to leave. We met back up with the gang this morning for another day of sledding. Nathan was even braver today and surprised us at how well he can control a sled by himself. This afternoon we sledded some more at our house so Reagan could play with us. She had so much fun sledding in the red kayak with me and Nathan. She rode in the sled as I would pull it back up the hill (she had it made!). At one point, as I was half-way up the hill, the rope broke and she went back down the hill backwards faster than I could run to catch her. She stopped when she hit a tree in the woods, but thankfully she wasn't hurt or scared. I asked her if she had fun, and she said "Yay!" - her word for yes. What wonderful days in the snow! For video - check out www.youtube.com/burrisfamilyvideos

Tax Season

It's hard to believe its already tax season again - the 8th one I've worked. The time of the year that I hardly get to see Jonathan or the kids at all. Getting up at 4 in the morning to work til 6 or 7 in the evening making it home by 8. The hardest season of the year. To reward everyone for making it through tax season this year, we have a trip planned for Disney World for the week after April 15th. Trying to stay sane until then...