The DeVincents Hit the Big Top =)

Last week Jay's sister called us and told us about $15 tickets to the circus. Not just any circus: Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. Who could deny such a deal? Saturday we were off to the circus!

Our adventure began with a train ride.  Ryan Jr. and Kyle LOVE trains, so I really think a simple train ride really helped to make their day even just that more special.

Hailey was not as into the train ride as I thought she would be.

As soon as we got to the Garden, and Kyle spotted the souvenir circus toys....we were in trouble. We went into the circus and sat in our (nosebleed) seats.  Jason and I were like kids again. We were captivated by everything!  Kyle just wanted a toy!

When it was time for intermission Jay had to get them a toy.  It was ALL HIM.

He was in super-dad/super-family mode.  He even wanted to get a circus family picture.....AND he bought the frame.

I'm not exactly sure what got into him, but he really wanted to capture our first family trip to the circus. =)

Then it was back to the show!

Once the circus ended it was back on the train and out to lunch.  We parked near the common, and were looking for a place walking distance to eat.  Boston Pub here we go........it was weird.  We walked in and were getting all sorts of looks from people. What were we doing going into a bar (that serves food) with 3 kids 3 and under????

We definitely took a good look at one another and wondered when the four of us became old enough to actually be parents, and how strange it was to be in such a old yet unfamiliar environment with children.

I think Ryan's face in the picture says it all......

Luckily for us the kids were very quiet and well behaved. In fact they all fell asleep; so we were even able to enjoy a few cocktails, well, everyone but Rhonda =)

It was an amazing show.  A random, and relaxed lunch. It was a great day. I look forward to more shows in the future with the kids.

Happy Columbus Day!!!

Columbus Day weekend has also been "man weekend" for the last 4 years. Kyle, Hailey and I are shipped out to find our own fun (and somewhere to stay)  while the guys drink and play here at home.  Knowing my husband would be exhausted (and a little grumpy) after a weekend of celebrating his manhood, I had no intention of going home Monday.  After hearing the weather report that it was supposed to be 80 degrees I knew we couldn't waste the day.

When my cousin Raina first suggested we go to the beach I wasn't psyched about the idea.  I thought it would be about 10 degrees cooler at the beach.  I knew Kyle would really want to go in the water and really didn't want to fight with him about why he could not go in.  PLUS he had a low grade fever the day/night before.  I didn't think it would be the best idea.  However, after thinking about it and thinking about it: my little ones and I are always up for a fun day, and we always have fun with my cousins so really......we HAD to go!

It was one of the best days ever!  Definitely the best Columbus Day I have ever had =)  Jay couldn't even resist.  He missed us so much, and knew what a blast we would have at the beach he came along!

The only down side was:  I didn't have the kids bathing suits..........Remember, I was kicked out of the house for the weekend so I couldn't go home and get them.  Jay had planned on working so he already left home; and it being OCTOBER....I took the "extra" bathing suit I always carry with me in the summer for them out of the bag.  Thankfully, Raina had an extra suit for my water baby Kyle, and Hailey didn't mind not having one.

Oh wait, did I confuse you a little there??  Let me clarify, it was 85 degrees at the beach in OCTOBER!  Yeah, it was a PERFECT beach day....bathing suits perfectly acceptable.  I know, its OCTOBER!!

All I could say, over and over again was "I can't believe we are at the beach swimming and in bathing suits in October!!"

It was an AMAZING day!  We topped it off with a delicious dinner.  A dinner where all 4 kids behaved and ate at least a little.  Oh, and guess what else??  Hailey decided to start potty training herself.  Yup, you read that right.  She did her first #2 on the potty!!!!!  (TMI?? I just don't want to ever forget).

It was the perfect Columbus Day!  Best one yet!  Thanks Cuz!  When we going out again??? =)