Magic Kingdom Night!!

Time to take a bath! The girls had some CRAZY hair once they took out their buns, ha! 

We spent the evening in tomorrowland...first stop...the speedway. So fun! I laughed the entire time as Ellie drove Emma and me. She seemed so old and "on top of it." :) 

The Buzz Light Year ride was truly a hit for the night! Such a fun and creative environment. Emma rode it 3 times in a row! The kiddos ate hot dogs a little hot dog stand in tomorrowland afterwards. Then...onto the firework display...

The fireworks were amazing tonight. The kids were all beyond exhausted, as it was 8:30 at this point, but they soaked it up. I loved how loud the music was, so that no matter where you were standing in the park, you felt like you were right on top of "the magic." We chose to find a "seat" closer to the entrance/exit due to how tired our kids were. So, we stood on Main St with about 3 million other people, so we could try to make it back to the monorail as quickly as possible. 

All that to say, what an incredible day it was. 

Magic Kingdom Day!!

Well, this is the day in Disney World that a parent simply cannot wait to take their kids to. We arrived right at 8:00 when the park opened, which was such a good idea. Mickey was our first visit, so seeing him totally set the mood for the day. They LOVED that. We then waited in line to see 3 princesses, which was also super special for the girls. Not sure it was worth a 45 min wait, but we didn't want to turn around. 

Other highlights: Peter Pan, the classic "It's a small world," Dumbo, Pirates of the Caribbean...

We've  been packing lunch for the kids each day, which has saved a LOT of money and cranky attitudes when they're hungry. The adults ate at a yummy burrito/taco shop in Adventureland. Last stop of the afternoon (before heading back for naps), The Jungle Cruise!

It really just as been so so cool to see the faces of all the kids as they anticipate the next stop.  Half of the time they don't know whether to jump, wait to be scared/startled, or laugh...it's just so neat being able to do this with the kiddos. Truly the best week we've had as a family. 

After the Jungle Cruise (super long line for this one, ugh) we all made our way back to the condos. Griff, Charlie and Roo took naps and the adults got to sit down! Mom ordered several orders of Bang Bang Shrimp and Chicken, from Bonefish and we enjoyed a glass of wine together before we dove back in for the night. So nice to be able to go back and forth like this! 

Day 2, animal kingdom

We're here!!!!

Emma awoke @ 5 AM. Ellie and Griff, soon to follow at 6:30. Wow... Too much excitement!

Coffee, lots of coffee, waffles, bananas, and out the door by 8:15. Animal kingdom here we come!!

Africa safari, Expedition Everest, Tough to be a bug, lunch, exploring, ice cream treats, Lion King, and the Jammin Jingle Jungle parade!! Thanks to utilizing fast passes, there was little to no waiting in lines. Despite the number of people that WERE in the park today, we came at a perfect time of year. Fun times.

Of course our "park" day was followed by some "fun pool time" (when the kids should have been eating dinner), Popsicles, and then of course a nutritious dinner of mac & cheese and hummus sandwiches, ha!!

What a joy. What treasured memories!

The kids were all sound asleep between 7 and 7:30. Ryan, Jamie, Sarah, and I went down to the grill by the pool to then have a late dinner, around 8. That was the perfect way to end our day.

Ellie and Jack both rode this ride: Expedition Everest. What a fun, creative, unique roller coaster. We all loved it. I went twice cause I couldn't get enough of it! :)

Griff was so sad that he spilled his goldfish. Even though he was crying on the wall, the adults were belly laughing at how cute this kid is EVEN when doing that?! Oh Griff...so much love for you! 

Uncle Dave joined Griff to do some consoling. :)

 Ellie played mancala with a nice guy from South Africa. She was so excited that she already knew how to play the game. Emma...loved that instrument. :)

Waiting for the parade: perfect way to end the day

Surprise!!!! Disney World!!!

Day 1...
Ryan and I wake up at 4:20. Make the coffee.

Wake the kids up at 4:45, dress, brush teeth. They suspect something is "fishy" (Ellie) as its still the middle of the night!

Get In the car @ 5am. A present on the seat of each kiddo. They dive in and discover Disney paraphonali, T shirts and new/exciting snacks! Ellie quickly figures out where we're headed. :)

Ryan drops kids and I off at airport and turns back around to preach at church, only to meet us later. Kids and I proceed to our 7:15 AM flight: smooth, easy... Such great kids we have. Ellie was such a big girl helper!

Land at 9:30. Arrive at resort @ 10:45. Kids amazed! 2 "water parks," (pools), lunch on the patio, Disney awaits...!

Emma literally sat in her chair at lunch and screamed at the top of her lungs, for no good reason, simply because she was just THAT excited.

Pool, groceries, iPad movies and pizza in the condos---a great first day

Ryan arrives at 9:30 pm, katie/Dave soon to follow. What a day!

Cozy family movie night

We love Fridays!! Even Griff knows its pizza and movie night. So great.

Referral Update

November 1, 2012

We are number 63 on the list and moved up 6 places from last month! Praising God for movement. Yes it's slow, but it's happening, and for THAT we rejoice.

:)