Seabreeze

We have a very special tradition in my family. Each and every year we spend one of our summer day at Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester. As our family changes and grows, we adjust our tradition, but still manage to have a great time.

So off we went yesterday, with 7 adults, two elementary-aged boys, 4 preschoolers, and 2 toddlers! Our day was spent splashing in the water park, waving to smiling kids as they went round and round on rides, and ducking rain showers. It was a GREAT day!

getting our wristbands

splashing with cousin Aubrey

cutie-patootie!

Cara is our water-baby for sure!

waterslide!

Time for rides!

Cruisin cousins Aubrey and Cara

Eli and Brady don’t like tailgating!

Littlest cousin, biggest cousin!

My kids just loved this ride!

The kids thought that these fighter planes were super cool. Not sure how I feel about these pictures of them holding guns:(

Is it my turn yet?

Can you hear me shouting, “Allie, get your hand out of the water!”

The kids’ first roller coaster ride!

Who’s that tall guy on the kiddie ride?

Matt and I are always especially struck with emotion on the days like yesterday, when we are doing something that we do once a year. It is so easy to recall the previous years. Two years ago we were at Seabreeze when I was pregnant with Allie. I distinctly remember carrying Brady on and off of the rides since he wasn’t walking. I remember looking at other kids running around and feeling so sad that there was something wrong with our son. Then last year Brady was walking, but was still so cautious, unsure of himself, and afraid of the world around him. He had been through so much and wasn’t quite ready to completely let go and have a ball.

Then there was this year.

I’m so grateful for the daily reminders that God gives us of His great mercy, healing, and love. Reminders in the form of jumps down a step, splashes in the water, giggles with a brother or sister, and gorgeous smiles while riding in a boat. Thank you God for each and every one.

Tomorrow is the Day!

First, some great pictures of Seabreeze!

Brady splashing!


The only shot of Eli in the water that I have! He NEVER stopped moving!


This girl was a wild water baby!


The girls, Allie and Natalie, destined to be buddies!


It took Brady a while to warm up to the idea, but he LOVED riding the carousel!


Cara with cousin Evan (thanks for riding the kiddie rides with the triplets Evan!!)


Cousin Aubrey and Eli in his ever-present red sunglasses and striped hat!


Cara giving Auntie Lissa a big SMOOCH!


My pretty girl...


How's my hair Aubrey?


This picture is one of my favorites of summer! My two amazing boys...


Sweet Brady


Okay, this next picture deserves an explanation. You'll notice Eli is crying his little heart out. It went something like this.
Eli and Brady are riding next to each other in a boat, each has their own steering wheel in front of them.
For some reason, Eli doesn't see his steering wheel (the round thing directly in front of him!) so he proceeds to push Brady over and reach for his.
Brady (being the ever-so-willing-to-share-boy-that-he-is) says "NO NO ELI" and pushes him.
Eli continues trying to scoot over.
Brady hits Eli, Eli starts WAILING!
The entire crowd surrounding the ride (including everyone in my family) are trying to yell and motion to Eli that he has his own steering wheel!
Meanwhile, Brady continues to push and smack Eli, now Brady starts wailing too!
Finally, with both boys screaming and pushing, the ride operator stops the ride and makes everyone get off.
I was laughing so hard that my sides hurt! I think the other parents weren't as amused!


We had a wonderful day for sure! Matt and I spent much of the ride home talking about how grateful we were that Brady was there, walking, riding, splashing, laughing, climbing stairs, and just being his Brady-self. I had several of those moments I'm always talking about...being the only mom crying behind her sunglasses watching my kid ride the carousel, or splash with his grandma in the water. Nothing makes my heart happier than to see Brady enjoying the life that God has so graciously given him.

Which brings me to...

THE BRADY BASH!

It's here! The tent is up, chairs are set up, food is prepped...WE ARE READY TO PARTY!

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL HERE! A few have asked about parking. Parking is available on Drake Street and Irving Parkway. You can also park at the Little League Park or the Town Hall Parking Lot just 2 doors down.

2 Days to Go!

I promise to post more pictures tomorrow of our great day at Seabreeze. Need some ZZZZs in a major way!

3 Days to Go!

Things are coming together for the party! Today had me going to a local farm stand and buying 75 pounds of potatoes. I was wondering if the lady working there was thiking,"That wacky Williams' lady is trying to feed that huge family of hers:)" The weather forecast looks sunny and 85! Yikes! I had better not forget the ice!

My mom and sis took the kids to playgroup today and I headed off to get potatoes, borrow a roaster, and buy shelves. Did I mention we have been giving our living room and dining room a slight rehab? Matt and I always give ourselves home project deadlines when we have parties planned. Certainly adds to the stress level, but also prompts us to work hard and finish projects. Things are almost done...both rooms repainted, pictures hung, shelves in place...if only the piles of toys would find somewhere to go!

We decided to stay home tonight while the family took a trip to Ontario Beach Park. The Williams kids needed a bath in the worst way, laundry had to be done, and we knew it would be an early day tomorrow. Allie has her 9 month check up and Brady has PT, both at 9am. I'm taking Allie, Matt is taking Brady. Then we will both drive home, grab a quick lunch, then off to Seabreeze! The kids have no concept of this place, but all day Brady kept saying, "Mom, Brady ready to go Seabreeze now!" If I remember correctly this was the same boy who last year cried and screamed throughout every ride! We are hoping that he lets his silly side run wild tomorrow:) Last year we carried him on and off every ride, this year...just can't wait to see him walking around!

I hope you are enjoying these summer days!