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.

What were they thinking?

Joe and I decided to treat the kids. It was the last full week before school, and we had been promising a backyard picnic for months. So, we loaded up and headed to Wendy's for a couple of bagged Kids Meals to share on one of the last days of summer vacation.

After all was consumed, and the kids ran to play on the swings, Joe and I lounged on the blanket challenging one another with what appeared to be an innocent game of "Where's Waldo?"

As the first paragraph on the back of the kids meal bag suggests, Joe and I began looking for Waldo and his friends. The second sentence says, "Look closer; there are many more things to discover!"

Boy, was there. What we "discovered" next left both our mouths open. If Dave Thomas were alive, I don't think he would have approved this.

Warning: Please remove children from the room before proceeding with viewing the following images.

We are fairly certain the woman circled in this photo is topless.

The woman in the photo below is having her rear examined by a dog.

And the picture below, look just to the right (green bikini) of the man with the look of shock. Ahem. Can't say I disagree...with either of their faces. Oh my!

And, finally...I don't even need to circle the image in this one.

So I ask...What were they thinking?

It's Official. I have lost my waist.

I admire children for their honesty. Correction. I admire children for their brutal honesty. You want to know the truth about something? Ask your kids. They will tell you if your breath stinks. They will point out the pimple on your face with a microscopic finger examination. They will insist on exposing your big fat belly. Did I just say I admire my children? Heh.

A few nights ago little Kate got out the markers and decided she was going to "draw a picture of Mom".

I admire that she put a smile on my face. What do you think? Mrs. Potato Head?