Fort Monroe was the largest , in 2011 it was declared as a National Monument by our 4th President Barack Obama.

The oldest operational lighthouse in the Chesapeake built in 1802

The Grand Contraband Camp

During the Civil War fort Monroe became a beacon of freedom in the south. Many slaves endured hazardous journey in hopes of becoming freemen.

Robert E Lee

Lt. Jefferson Davis was imprisoned here
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Cut from other post.

I am starting to accept the fact that my babes are homebodies. They love daily adventures but love the comfort of their own space. Much like their sister was growing up, but she adapted better to new surroundings. The twins are extra needy and in a new place I’m the one constant so they are on me making it hard to breathe at times.

Being a mom who digs adventure. This does not sit well with me but I have to maintain my sanity. I have to relinquish .

I don’t know when our next extended stay will be but you can guarantee there will be plenty day trips at least while the weather suffices.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Ah, Christmas, my favorite time of the year…

I get a bit over zealous this time of year. Christmas can be seen just about everywhere you turn in my home but not this year.

My mom was off visiting family in Jamaica. The kids have been sick pretty much since Thanksgiving. I couldn’t get a break, one kid would get better but not before passing the cold to their sibling. At one point we were all sick except the hubby.

While I was exploring outdoors witnessing areas being transferred into Christmas spectacular inside their was this void that nothing seemed to fill. As a mom seeing your babies sick especially at this time of the year steals your joy.

On top of all this, we would be spending the first Christmas without my Father in law whom we lost early January. May your soul rest in peace Pop Pop. I’m glad you were able to spend a few months wiyh the twins but I certainly wish it was much longer.

This is the only sighting of Christmas in my home.

The grin check definitely stole Christmas but thankfully we were able to visit family
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Two months in a row! I like that. Little sis has extended her stay. I think she’s having a good time.

At last month’s event we made it through the door about half way through the scheduled program so this time I made sure I had ample time so we arrived fifteen minutes early. In my world that’s quite a feat!

Also last time I followed instructions by leaving the twins stroller in the waiting area. That was a disaster trying to keep them from getting into other kids snacks, grabbing their sippy cups and trying to take the bigger kids craft. I don’t know what I was thinking.

Needless to say this time I walked right in with the stroller.

The only regret I had from this month’s event was letting my daughter bring home the puddie she made. I don’t know which was worse the glitter on it or just the mere fact that it got everywhere!
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Roller coaster

It was a spur of the moment drive to New Jersey and my girls were busy so I figured why not take a ride into the ??? New York.

It was another perfect fall day minus all the clouds that hugged the sky. There was no blue in sight! Was I going to let that damper my spirit? Absolutely not!

However, My spirit was quickly dampened when I called our fave restaurant in the city, Isabella’s, to my dismay, they were closed for a private function. I offered to do a pick up order. I held my breath while the receptionist checked on the feasibility. Zero. Zelch. Nada. The kitchen was CLOSED. (These words echoed in my head like a broken record)

She offered her apologies and suggested a similar restaurant but the damage was done. The heart wanted what the heart wanted or in this case my stomach wanted a crab cake sandwich from Isabella’s and Nothing else would do. Hubby said it best “The nerve of rich people” yes the Idignity!

Upon stepping onto the lawn in Central park I hit another high as I was by the views. Kids running around, friends enjoying lunch on the green while others read a book. New York once again captured your heart.

The kids were getting a little cold, we settled on a place called Tavern on the Green. It was the closest restaurant in sight.

While we waited in the lobby we enjoyed live music. My youngest was feeling the beat.

The menu selection was limiting but the prices were anything but limiting. You could feast on for a cold $195 or .

I had the French Toast because I wanted to see how it compared relative to Pierre’s in Southampton.

The was grandiose. Floor to ceiling glass doors that views of Central park. Little did I know this is synonymous with Central Park.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

The day I dropped Jayla off for her first day of preschool, September 7th 2016, our lives would change forever. We gained an addition. What kind of additon? A cat? A dog? No. We gained a BABY! 😳
By this point I was pretty certain I was expecting our FOURTH baby. It was just a matter of taking the test and today was the day. I swear the two lines appeared instantaneously. I thought perhaps it’s wrong. That’s way too quick. But I knew it was right.

As the excitement of being pregnant again set in, I started planning different ways to tell the hubby. I wanted it to be special as the very first time we found out we were going to be parents.
After about two weeks of coming up with excuses for my growing belly. Bloatedness. Eating too much. Not exercising enough. Blah. Blah. Blah I decided it was time. I couldn’t hide it much longer. My belly was getting out of control. You should have seen it!
I thought about hiring a photographer but decided against it. In hindsight I wish I had but it doesn’t matter now.
Anyway we drove to the National Harbor that Sunday evening. It was a beautiful fall day. We missed sunset. I was a bit, okay, A lOT upset. I thought about not telling him but I had already bought tickets to ride the National Eye.
I called one of my girlfriends who talked me back up to doing it.
The is like the London Eye but on a much smaller scale. I wanted to do it somewhere we havent been.
I got the kiddos in on the fun. They had no idea what the signs said 😀
Whew, now a girl cab breathe. I can let my belly just hang lose, yesss!

We got up early, got dressed for church, yet, somehow we were late. Surprised? Nope, that’s the norm around here. Wish I could say it’s because of the kids, but if you know me then you know I’m more often than not fashionably late. I blame it on my island upbringing.

So, we dropped off our oldest in Sunday school and the twins in daycare. Nelle was quickly off playing. Batman was waiting by the door. I expected him to cry but he didn’t.

During service I kept checking my phone for that unwanted text saying “please come get your baby” but it never came.

We got home, snapped a few pics and I changed the kids into swimsuits so they could play in the water activity table while hubby started dinner.

Like I said, a normal Sunday, or so we thought…

The kids had a snack and a quick nap. After nap time Batman was relaxing with his dad watching the NFL football season kickoff. He didn’t want his mama!! My ego was hurt, but he wasn’t clinging to me and it felt good.

I went upstairs to watch the U.S Open Men’s Championship match featuring 1. Djokovic v/s 2. Federer. The game was rain delayed.

About an hour later our baby boy had a temperature of 103. I panicked. I quickly called the after-hours Dr. number and was instructed to rush him to the ER because he was having problems staying awake.

With heart pounding and big sister on my heel . I’m so grateful for her, she played and talked to him our entire 15 minute ride. I don’t know if she understood the magnitude of the moment but she didn’t even ask for Paw Patrol!

She kept me distracted while we found shapes and identified letters all around the waiting room. My son cried like never before, there was no consoling him. It breaks my heart recalling such a memory.

He was diagnosed with…. The worse four days ever! His fever kept fluctuating up and down, much like my nerves. He wouldn’t eat or drink anything. YOU KNOW MY BOY IS SICK WHEN HE REFUSES TO EAT.

Luckily for us, the girls didn’t contract his sickness. Mama was tired that week. Is it time for my vacation yet?
~TOODLES~
Stacey

The closest thing I know to Phoebus is the character Phoebe from the show Charmed. I’m serious. I never heard of this place until I found myself driving through it.

When we took the Mallory Street exit off Highway 64 near Hampton University that beautiful winter day I wondered where exactly the GPS was taking us then we arrived at the intersection of Mallory Street and Mellen Street instantly peeking our interest.

Phoebus, a quaint little town in Hampton is like bringing alive the pages of a magazine. It’s downtown is rather small but it packs a punch. Downtown Phoebus features an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.

Lunch at Point

What’s your favorite place in Phoebus?

Have a nice day.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

If you never try a new path how will you know what’s there?

The farm was closed, big deal? Nope, Just KEEP driving…

Besides, you’re never truly lost with a GPS built-in your car, plus having MAPS on your phone, right?

I could’ve sulked and gone home, but I just kept driving.

I had no idea what to expect or where the road would take me, but I was paying close attention to the signs. After all, the sun goes down much earlier in fall.

There wasn’t much to see, but the beautiful fall foliage was absolutely worth the drive.

We drove past a little farm and decided to give their homemade ice cream a try. It was good.

I LOVE that I can just take them out the car and they follow their big sister.

The donkey scared Jaeden.

The girls obviously were enjoying their time out, but my son was not. My hips paid the price . He was glued to it.
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Mommy and Me dates have become Mommy and US dates because the twinsies often tag along for the ride.

I used to look forward to these organized mom meet-up events. I used to participate more often but with three littles under three, it’s a bit of a struggle trying to keep all three engaged, especially while creating crafts with my big girl.

My little sister was visiting for the summer so I took advantage.

The twins weren’t fans, but big sister had a good time.

I enjoy taking the kids out for fresh air, and let’s be honest, I need it just as much as they do.
~TOODLES~
Stacey