Cocoa Beach Vacation

We were lucky enough to bring our nephews along with us this year to our annual Cocoa Beach, FL vacation.  I was a little nervous at first, since this was the first time taking other kids without other parents.  I was not for sure how bickering would end up or how to discipline, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well the trip went!  They LOVED it!  My boys loved being with their cousins, and I am sure this will be a trip that they will all remember for a very long time.  

 

 Posing outside of Ron Jon Surf Shop.  They all got a little souvenir from the shop.

 This spot for photos has become a tradition for us every year.  It is the walkway at our resort that leads out to the beach.  We make a pretty good-looking crew. 

My Killion boys.  Love this one so much!

Meet Ralphie

He arrived on December 1st, and the boys happily welcomed him to our home!

"What does he like to eat?" 

"Can we see him fly?"

"Where are his teeth?"

"Does he see us when we aren't home?"

Those are just a few of the questions that we have encountered about Ralphie.

He's a fun little elf, and he definitely helps with getting the boys up in the mornings. 

I wonder if they make a year-round, get-up-for-school helper elf??

Polar Express

My mom just booked us tickets for a ride on the Polar Express, and I am so very excited!

Jammies, hot chocolate, Santa, and a magical train ride...what's not to love?!?!?

We're going to keep it a surprise from the boys, but now I am actually looking forward to winter...just a tad. 

I need some help

I know what you're thinking....You're thinking that, "Yes, that girl really does need help. I've always thought she was a little off." Now, I am not needing that kind of help, at least not yet anyway. I need help because I am drowning in total toy disarray! Help me!

If you know me and my house and my feelings that I have towards my house, then you would know that I hate that my house doesn't have any storage areas. We have one closet on the main level, and that is because we built it when we remodeled our downstairs bathroom. We have this added on "big room" as we like to call it, and that is where the boys have most of their toys.

How do I organize this. This is exactly what it looks like as I am typing, and I would just like your expertise on what you would do with this situation. Now, I know they have a lot of toys, and what is bad, they have a lot of big toys that take up space. I just don't know where to start, but I am truly motivated to make my house as resourceful as possible...with your help if you're willing.

I will also let you know that I am planning on repainting the ugly green walls that you see, and I want to make a little "library" type area for the boys in this room. I want a bookshelf, a little round or rectangle area rug, and 2 chairs or bean bags for them to sit and have access to all of their books. I can't wait to read your thoughts and ideas. Thanks in advance!