Something Magical

It has been at least 25 years since I have stepped foot in DisneyWorld. I was amazed. I was awed. I am exhausted. While I am here on business, and didn't have too much time for play, I was able to find out some pretty cool facts about Disney. And, as I promised last year, this trip has me sharing with you the magic of Disney through my adult eyes.

Kids, Mommy is staying at the Beach Club.

It's heaven. This is the view from the end of the backyard. The sandy beach overlooks the Boardwalk ahead.

At night, they display Disney movies on big screens, roast smores over an open fire, and the kids splash and laugh, while falling down the slide that twists around the large mast of a ship wrecked on the beach.

All of this, while the fireworks decorate the sky during the nine o'clock hour. It's a beautiful thing to see.

Every day, my room was refreshed with new towels in the shapes of all things Disney...Mickey himself, a monkey from the Animal Kingdom, and what I believe was the Eiffel Tower advertising their Paris Disney location.

So cool! I can't wait for us to try this at home!

From hotel to hotel, Disney is known for hiding Mickey Mouse shapes in their decor. Here are just a few I took a moment to capture.

The two on the top are the rugs in the Animal Kingdom and the Beach Club. The bottom left is the wallpaper at the Beach Club, and the bottom right, the corner of the TV in the Animal Kingdom. It's an ongoing scavenger hunt I can't wait to play with the both of you when we make our first trip as a family of four!

Since DisneyWorld is located in Orlando, Florida, and Florida is known for Alligators, I was on the look out. While this little guy (in the back) tried to get me to feed him...

Please remember this little fact. People shouldn't feed alligators because it causes them to lose their fear of humans. Creepy.

As I pack up my bags and close the blinds on Disney for the last time tonight, know that I love you this much

and can't wait to see you at home!

Love you. Always.
Mom

Don't Blink

I am at a loss for words tonight. In February of this year, you moved into a toddler bed...and it brought a lump to my throat.

Tonight, we set up your big boy bed.

Ignore the need for a haircut...just look at the joy in that face!

Then, your sister offered up her bed rails, climbed into your new bed, and read you stories for at least an hour. Yep, I cried.

Children, I promise to always remember these moments.

As you get older, please promise to always bring your Mom Kleenex. Sniff...sniff.

Beautiful Day

With the kids back in school and the temperatures beginning to fall, Joe recruited me for one last trip down to the beach before packing away our sun screen and suits for the 2010 season. With Hurricane Igor quickly approaching Bermuda, we were guaranteed some impressive waves and nice cool, winds for an enjoyable afternoon at the beach.

We arrived to our choice of prime beach parking, and walked just over the dunes to find a spot.

Once there, we set up camp and began making art with the sand. Conor focused on the foundation and structure of the towers, while Kate worked on the details to decorate it...sand molds of fish and shells. They are true to their personalities at everything they do.

The day reminded me of many afternoons spent on the opposite Coast. The sun was high, the breeze cool, and the sand felt good between my toes. Only on this summer day, I was enjoying the view of the beach with my family. Sometimes you don't realize how much you need the time until you take it. It was a beautiful day.

Fall

My last post was twelve days ago. I have no excuse for falling behind...except...well...it's Fall. The temperatures are beginning to drop, the leaves on the trees taking a turn to brighter colors, and the four of us have been enjoying the cool crisp outdoors this time of year. Here is what we have been up to...

South Central Pennsylvania is known for many things...the Amish, Gettysburg, Hershey, and trains. On this particular weekend, we took the kids to Strasburg Railroad. It was founded in 1832 and has a coal burning steam train.

This may not sound exciting to some, but our kids haven't yet seen DisneyWorld. Ha.

We waved to all the passengers while we shared an afternoon picnic in the shade. All Aboard!

We have been exploring all the corners of our yard, finding empty nests left from the Spring

and a family of bunnies preparing for the winter months ahead.

Even the dogs have been in on the fun, finding a groundhog feeding under the apple tree.

We have been riding bikes

and playing with chalk.

Due to Conor's latest fascination, our drive way looks like a scary crime scene. Here, our little crime investigator traces the latest victim...

And this...friends and family preparing for the start of the fantasy draft.

Even Conor grabbed a laptop and a seat.

Indeed Fall has arrived.

September 1 = Back to School

As with last year, the first day of school did not come without lots of anticipation and planning. Only this year, little Kate was a bit more particular about what she would wear than I remembered.

This is her posing in the chosen "Belle" shirt and flower skirt. In case you didn't notice, the sandals were picked specifically because they have flowers...to match her skirt.

Oh, and dare I forget...the beloved hair accessory. The "Belle" shirt would normally had required a matching "Belle" braid (aka French braid). However, the day before school started she received a package with new Minnie pony tail holders. Hence, the request...

Ahhh...Back to School. 4 going on 14.