Cytrynowicz Happenings: Fun (and not-so-fun) Family Times in February & March

In February, we ventured down to Florida to set sail on our first cruise ever--a Disney Cruise aboard the brand-new Disney Dream to the Bahamas.

Since the majority of our families live in Florida, what better opportunity for us to get together (pre-cruise) for some cousin, sibling and parental bonding?

Here's a shot of most of us...David's mom was probably taking the photo...in front of my mom's house.

Here I am with my twin brother, David, and my his daughter, Angelina.

My mom bought some coloring activities to keep the kiddos occupied.

Otto was fascinated by the window screens.

Oscar coloring with Grandma Kathy (David's mom).

The cousins enjoying some popcorn.

Oscar & his Grandpa Papi.

Here we are on our cruise. The boys were super excited about our room's bunk beds.

Oscar the first day aboard the Dream.

Here we are enjoying our first (and last supper) aboard the Dream. The next day, Otto spiked a high fever, had a 5-minute febrile seizure in the ship's infirmary, and we all had to disembark immediately via ambulance to a hospital in Nassau. Wasn't the Dream vacation we had planned, but we are just happy little Otto-man is safe and sound.

After our first (and last) dinner on board, Oscar got an unexpected photo op with Mickey himself. We were sure the characters would have retired for the evening, but Mickey was ready and waiting for photos with excited kids up way past their bed times.

David took this photo for my mom. In the background, you can see the Allure of the Seas, a brand-new ship my mom had just cruised on several weeks prior to this photo being taken.

David and Oscar were killing time aboard the ship our first official day on board. Otto was feverish (pre-seizure) and napping in our room with me. Several hours after these photos were taken, we'd all be unknowingly off the ship and worried sick about Otto. Still makes me shudder to look at these pics. I hope some day, I can look at them and smile and not get an empty feeling in my tummy. Had no idea Otto's fever would spike so high so quickly. Wouldn't wish a febrile seizure on my worst enemy, I tell you. (Shudder).

When you have 15 minutes to pack up your entire room, which is exactly how much time David and Oscar had, while Otto & I were en route to the hospital, things (like underwear) get left behind. Disney Cruise Lines was nice enough to mail back our underwear back to Missouri for us.

Here we are home safe and sound on what would have been Day 3 or 4 of our cruise. Cody was happy to see me (and scared of the winter storm that was rolling in that night).

Unfortunately, the only time Cody wants to cuddle with me is when there's a nasty storm rolling in.

Since we were concerned Oscar might be in need of some family fun activity--after Otto's seizure scare--David took him on his very first Amtrak ride. The train picked them up in down town Lee's Summit and took them to Union Station in Kansas City.

Not many people on the train that day...

Oscar in Union Station

Last snowman of the season

Some Otto giggles...

Cuddling with my Otto-man. Just can't get enough snuggle time with this little guy.

I call this 4-second video "Otto Avocado."

Otto at Luca's gymnastics birthday party. Luca is one of Oscar's classmates.

Silly Oscar...

We call this video "Like a Pickle."

Otto loves shiny decorations.

Oscar & one of his best gal pals, Emory.

While most of the kids were watching Luca open his presents, Oscar opted to keep playing.

Here's Otto is one of his weekly physical therapy sessions with his therapist, Jessica. She's been with Otto since he was only 3 months old and the two of them have a love/hate relationship.

Mostly Otto loves Jessica

But he hates doing his exercises.

Working on his core strength.

In March, my father came out for a visit. Oscar was so excited to see his Grandpa Papi. Here we are picking up Oscar from school just moments after Papi arrived in KC.

Oscar loves talking about anything and everything...

Skipping to the park...

Otto at the park. He loves green plants and trees.