Take Two

The production crew called us back for one more day before they finished the whole shoot.  There was a lot more waiting around but at least we were slightly more prepared for it this time around.  It was another fun day of hair and make up and a lot of hanging around.  Obviously people who do this for a living do not have any idea what it is like to have a 1 & 2 year old.  They put 12 of us in a room at a spa (you know a place where people go to relax away from kids!)  to wait indefinitely.   I think they thought that my kids were just going to sit nicely and wait our turn...wrong!  To make matters worse it is a brand new facility that is preparing for their grand opening and Abby spotted a cupcake.  Drama.  I'll just leave it at that.

Luckily, they got us out of there and moved us to another location.  We were done at 6 but had to wait around to be released.  Abby and I snuck out to watch the sunset and dipped out feet in the spa. 
We were doing okay until we passed bedtime and then it became painfully obvious to everyone that Abby was ready to go and our papers were magically ready:).  I was definitely exhausted after a long day of "work".

All the kids

The right place at the right time

One of the last nights my parents were here we were going to keep it low key and make spaghetti but then realized we didn't even have the ingredients to make that (major shopping trip needed) so we did what the Hughes family does best, go out for dinner!  We walked to Longboards  at Lagoon 3 and on the way back Abby ran and ran and ran and grandma followed while the rest of us leisurely strolled behind. 

As we got to the Disney hotel we watched as they were filming as they have been doing a lot of lately.  I saw someone check out Zack and just thought it was cute but then someone can up to us and after a few questions about ages etc., we were asked to possibly come back the following day as a family to be in a Disney shoot.  We had no idea what that could possibly mean.  They called back and confirmed the shoot for the following evening.    I still had no idea what to expect.

As we arrived the the next day they ushered us into a room with about 15 other people and we soon found out that there were 3 other families there and they had been cast in LA and flown out for the week to shoot footage for the B Roll.  The families we met had been "working" from 7 am to 7 pm but mostly sitting in the room waiting for their shoots.  From what we gather, the B roll isn't for anything in particular.  It is stock footage of the hotel that they can use if and when they need it for commercials or promos. 

The fam in the holding tank ( with horrible lighting)

Lazy river inside the hotel

 They had wardrobe come check us out and make sure we were fit for the shot and then I got to sit in a big chair and have someone do my hair and makeup.  I have to admit that I loved it!  Most days I barely get around to brushing my hair and make up is done super fast to avoid Abby finding me and wanting to do her make up also.  So I enjoyed the opportunity to have someone take their time who actually knew what they were doing- I guess she did hair and make up for LOST too.  Shortly after (still having no idea what we were doing) we got directed outside and before I knew it we were on a bridge hugging and kissing Mickey and Minnie and having people yell "action" "rolling"  etc.  Sureal.  Especially because if there was ever anything I have NEVER wanted to be is an actress.

A peek at the camera crew

All hair and makeuped

Meeting Minnie & Mickey

I thought we were done after this.  Little did I know this would go on for another 4 hours and we had not packed food or anything necessary to keep two toddlers occupied.  Total amateur.

One of the production assistants, Olivia, playing with the kids

 Abby danced with Mickey solo- Zack didn't want to without us.  We were pretty impressed that Abby did it with the whole crew and lights in her face.

Another view of the camera crew doing their thing

This was certainly not how we planned to spend my parents' last night but it was definitely an experience!

Relaxation or Bust

We have been waiting for perfect opportunity to use the "relaxation station" but it has been challenging since it is humongous and needs power to be inflated.  Finally, with grandma and grandpa here we made a point to get out to Paradise Cove.  We loaded up the truck because we had so much stuff and the huge float that we had to drive less than a quarter mile to the lagoon.  

 Just as we buckled in the kids and were finally getting on our way Matt and I flung the float up on the back of the truck and punctured it on the garage.   We had to scramble and find something to plug the hole and then we were back on our way.   Just as we got on the road we lost the float and had to stop to readjust.  Seriously, we must have been quite a scene to see.

In the end it was all worth it because we had a blast out on the water which we needed after the hassle of getting there!  Grandma got a water case for her camera so we had fun testing it out.

Relaxation at it's finest!

Grandpa and Zack

Daddy and Zack.  I love that the water is so clear you can see Matt's legs.

Zack and Abby were so snuggly.  We were loving it.  These cuddle moments are so precious.

Drying off

Grandma checking out the tide pools. 

Grandma Flyin' Solo

Grandma Lori came out to visit a few days before Grandpa, who doesn't have the luxury of summer break.  She hung out with the kids while we worked and they had a blast like always.  Of course all of them found plenty of trouble to get in to. 
 

Getting their exercise

Art time.  Decorating chairs with chalk.

lots of yogurt

Taking a sink. One of Abby and Grandma's favorites.  These two create more messes with water than I could ever imagine.

I think this is called revenge...

Making sure she in in their good:)

Playing tourist

Having Grandma & Grandpa in town is a perfect opportunity to head up to the North Shore for a day.  We did some shopping in Hale'iwa, hit up the farmers' market in Waialua and got the most amazing bread.  We made it to lunch at Storto's just in time to avoid lunchtime melt downs from everyone.  We love playing tourist!

After lunch we headed up Pupukea.  We were lucky enough to meet a coworker at her stable for a fun afternoon of playing and riding horses.

The view was amazing!

Abby had a blast getting to "ride" the horse and run around in open fields.  She even met a friend:).

 Zack, our little nature boy was in heaven playing in the dirt and playing in the bushes.

Matt and I had fun playing around with my new zoom lens.

So Cute and So 2.

Abby, at a little over 2 1/2 is in full TWO mode!  She is talking non stop and can keep up in most conversations and add her adorable anecdotes.  Her little brain is making connections all over the place.  It is so fun to see her learn.  She certainly knows how to turn on the charm and be super sweet, which makes up for her two year oldness.

She is constantly asking why? and questions everything.  She randomly bonks Zack on the head for absolutely NO good reason other than to get a rise out of anyone near.  It works. 

She has begun protesting leaving, staying or doing whatever displeases her at the moment and I am learning to pick my battles.  Today at the zoo I told her not to play in a puddle and as I went to grab Zack I turned around to her soaked in the puddle.  I love natural consequences.  She had to just be wet since we had just got to the zoo and we weren't leaving.  I silently rejoiced in my victory:).

Much like most 2 year olds, Abby has some adorable little sayings these days.  Some of her catch phrases these days are, "that's silly!" and "something else?"and of course, "why?".
Here are some examples that make me laugh!

Abby: Mom, what's that?
Me: a lobster
Abby: A lobster?  In a grocery store? That's silly!

When you talk to Abby about what is going to happen or anytime we are talking about a list of things she always asks, "something else?"

Me: tomorrow we are going to the pool.
Abby: what's something else?
Me: we are going to see your friends.
Abby: what's something else?
Me: Uh, we are going to play...
Abby: what's something else?
Me: We love you.  Go to bed:).

Abby has been interested in my wedding ring lately and I have explained it is mommy's special ring that Daddy gave to me and it doesn't come off.

She told me that she was going to get a special ring someday and it was going to be "green and pink also.  I'll probably marry daddy".

-I am so happy.  My heart is going up.  (as in growing, like the grinch at the end of the movie)

-Me: Abby if you keep hitting her brother you will be spending more time by yourself in your room.  Do you want to do that?
A:  Yah, I love myself.
 Game over!  Abby totally won that round.

Our little Abby is definitely testing us and making us laugh at the same time.  I have heard that 3 is worse than 2 and since we will have one of each I guess we will soon find out.  Hopefully, we survive!

Twins?

Since early on, when the kids started to resemble each other, we figured that sooner or later they may even be about the same size and look like twins.  I figured it would be a few year down the road but just within the last month I have been stopped almost daily on our walks by people asking if they are twins.  One guy just looked at us and recalled when his twins were that age.  It is pretty much only when they are in the stroller that they can be mistaken for twins, standing Abby still has a few inches on Zack.

I love this picture of the two of them in their grandparents' backyard in their own little world.

Oh What a Village!

I am a big fan of the idea that it takes a village to raise children and think that we have are pretty lucky with our village.  Near and far our kiddos are so love by so many! 

When Matt and I went to the wedding last weekend, the Buelows watched the kids all afternoon and into the evening.  This is a lot to ask of anyone, not to mention 5 days after Steph had back surgery!   We were fully willing to take the kids with us but they said they were up for it and it looked like they had way more fun than they would have at the wedding!  Another upside of  having them watch the kids is that I got adorable pictures of the kids!  They are such amazing friends and we love having such great families to raise our kids with.  Steph recapped the night and I love what she wrote about having a little girl and Abby specifically.  It is a great reminder to appreciate our little ones and makes me happy to think of Abby sharing her sweetness cause you really never know how your kids are without you.

Gavin (a year older than Abby) has started playing flag football and is giving Abby some lessons along with Uncle Mark.

Looks like the kids had a blast!!!

 I LOVE this picture of Abby and Gavin walking and the black and white... I need to do more B&W!

Just the 3 of us...

The week without daddy went by fast, either that or it was just a complete blur since I have blocked it out:).  We were busy and I was in high demand but for the most part we did pretty good but I was really ready for 7 o'clock, otherwise known as finish line in the Martin household. 

Although today I looked at the clock at 10:30 and thought, "you have got to be kidding me!"  it felt like 3 in the afternoon.  We had been up since a little after 5, watched a movie, eaten breakfast, had a few snacks, read a bazillion books, finger painted, gone for a walk, played at the playground.  I was exhausted- unfortunately the kids weren't!!!  Luckily, the afternoon sped up and Matt got home around 3.  It was so nice to have him home and the extra hands.

Here are a few pictures from the week.  

Trying to climb the palm tree

She was so proud of herself for making it!

 Letting a 16 month old finger paint...messy!  He had so much fun and got a bath shortly after this- oh yah something else we did before before 10:30 a.m.:)

Date Night at Chuck's

Thanks to Groupon we got some money at Chuck's to use.  Since it is in walking distance we got a few.  Matt was leaving on Sunday for his Math conference in Baltimore and an extended trip to see family and friends, so we finally made it over to use the first of 3 and get some quality family time in before his trip.

Matt and I even got a moment of time together when the kids were playing soccer or something of that nature with a soccer ball.

Breaking all the Rules

Last night we walked down to lagoon 4 to take pictures for the Staffaronis since this is the last week their family will be together on island... sniff!  The Weidas came and since the kids and I are without daddy this week they tagged along and "helped".  We had to go a little later in the evening to make sure we could get some good lighting and that meant the whole evening routine was shot so we made it count!   We picnicked at the beach with everyone, which included a few bites of chicken strawberries,  handfuls of popcorn and a few cookie bribes thrown in throughout picture taking.  We didn't finish taking pictures until after sunset and we were already past bedtime so we just enjoyed the evening stroll and there was no way I was doing baths once we got home so we did a quick bath and pu the kids to bed.  Abby decide since we were breaking all the rules that she might as well try and climb in bed with me last night and it worked.  By the time I realized she was there she was asleep and so we snuggled:). 

Even though I wan't planning on taking pictures of the kids, I couldn't help but snap a few.

It is hard to tell but the kids only managed to get 1 of 4 possible shoes on and this is actually better than usual:)

Learning to climb a palm tree

Exploring