Animal Kingdom

In Animal Kingdom, we once again arrived very early for breakfast and then were able to be on one of the first safari expeditions of the day.  It was amazing.  The animals roam semi freely so you never know what you will see.  Morning was promoted as the best views and we were not disappointed. 

When will we ever be this close to a giraffe?!?  It just kept coming closer as we all snapped pictures and held our breath in awe.

And who isn’t a sucker for baby elephants.

As usual, we then parted ways so big people could ride expedition everest, and little people could find characters. 
We met back up for the Lion King show.  We had front row seats and characters paid special attention to L.  J was invited to be part of the show.



After lunch, Mama had intended for us all to rest before supper at Boma, mine and Brian’s favorite place to eat at Disney, but the lure of AK was just too strong.  B and H had more rides to find and we all wanted to see Nemo and Tough to be a Bug.  As we entered the 3-D bug experience, J was unsure.  By the time it started he was screaming.  This would not have been funny but for L’s cackles at the same show.  Of course this made J fuss at L which made her laugh harder.  What would we do with out siblings. ; )
The Dig is just a huge playground that everyone loved.



And then we found flying dinosaurs.  So much for rest, and yes, exhaustion reigned.

Chef Mickey’s & Pirates

 

Swing your napkin and celebrate with Mickey and Friends.  Who has time to eat with such shenanigans!

 

Spinning for my pirate name.

We patiently await our pirate transformation.

L chose to stay a princess!!

Hollywood Studios

 

Hollywood Studios was probably B and H’s favorite place.  They could not wait to ride Rock N Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror and they were not disappointed.  They are serious thrill riders.  Of course HS is also the home of the Pixar characters.  J and L both love Toy Story.  We rode Toy Story Mania only once due to the long lines.  It is supposedly the most popular ride in all 4 parks.  The “green men” are awesome.  They put on impromptu street shows and “draft” kids into missions.

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by B’s willingness to actively participate in all things Disney.  I’m not kidding- they really are sprinkling Pixie dust in the ice cream bars.

B and H really wanted L to like the ears,but as you can see, her smile was accepting at best.

We waited in line for several minutes to see Buzz and Woody, but the queue was so well done, we explored and took pictures making time fly.  After all, when else can you strap your little brother to a rocket!

 

Woody was so sweet with L.  He took so much time with her,and L just came alive.  She sparkled and smiled and looked on Woody with complete adoration.  It was one of those mama moments when I had to fight back the tears.

This is a show your age picture.  If you know who this is, you are under 10 or have small children.

  I just love these pictures.

* I really do promise to only do a few more posts on Disney!

Hot Chocolate

Our house is freezing this morning so we started with steaming cups of sweet hot chocolate. I actually measured the ingredients so I can give you an accurate recipe. (I rarely measure)

In a large saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips and 1 1/2 cups cream. Heat over medium heat until the chocolate chips melt. Stir continuously so the chocolate doesn't stick,but don't whip the cream. When you have a nice chocolate sauce, stir in 7 cups of milk and heat through. Yum.

A word of warning- once you make this, your family will never again accept envelopes full of chocolate powder.

Laughter

This summer Brian and I celebrated our 14th anniversary. As we enjoyed an over the top meal at Ruth's Chris,he asked "What had been the best events of the last 14 years and no usual answers like our kids arrival etc?" After a few minutes of discussion, we decided the boat and all the activities that go with it and Disney World were tops on our best moments list. I have pondered how we both saw light, fun moments as the highlights of our 14 years. And then I began to realize it is the lighter moments of everyday that keep us going. Brian pulled me into a hug this morning and whispered, "I just love to hear you laugh." Brian must love to hear me, because he works so hard to make sure we keep laughing. As I contemplate blessings this morning, laughter is at the top of my list.

I am thankful for the sounds of giggles outside my window. I am thankful for the millions of comments around our dinner table such as "take the spoon out of your hair" "Don't put your feet on the table" "Quit licking your glass." "Only grownups are allowed to throw food." I love the comments like "B, you do too have time to tie up J. Come down here and do it." "Shut the playroom door if you are going to play baseball in there."

I am thankful I have a husband that can laugh and even flirt with me while we clean up poop. After one of L's worst episodes ever, we were in rolling giggles as we soaked her in the tub and scrubbed poop off walls, carpet and furniture. J got sick at church and I made a run for the bathroom. Projectile vomit followed, but we got to the bathroom first! We cleaned up the mess together as Brian bragged, and gave high fives on how close we got to the toilet. After dinner Brian said "What's that gurgling noise?" Me "The pee running down your shoulder and dripping onto your shoes." It may sound gross and disgusting, and lets face it, it is, but as long as we are together we usual find ourselves laughing out loud.

We tell silly, ridiculous jokes all the time. We do crazy dances that embarrass and horrify B and H. In short, when it is just us, we crack ourselves up. Life is hard. Life is challenging. Life is dirty. People other than my inner circle make me crazy. But as long as we can keep the laughter going, I know we will get though and that God must have a sense of humor.

Magic Kingdom

 

We spent several portions of days at the Magic Kingdom.  We started the trip with supper at the Crystal Palace and then did another morning of rides.  We had hoped the Halloween Party would include lots of ride time,but it was probably the only disappointment of the week.  Too dark,and too many people.  J’s favorite rides- Buzz Lightyear and Pooh’s Blustery Day were here,and of course Tianna.  L loves Tianna.

 

L was constantly kicking off her shoes,and we decided not to deal with braces.  A cast member was constantly saying “Lost slippers?” so we finally gave up.  One of those L only perks!  The characters all did such a lovely job with all the kids.  I just love Disney!

Pumpkin Carving

 

All this year I have struggled with how big my kids are becoming.  I drove past a sign for MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) the other day and almost hyperventilated as I realized I was a few short months from having everyone in school all day,every day.  It was the moment I heard a little voice whisper “just one more…”  I know, we need another child like we need a hole in the head, but I’m just not ready to let them grow up.  Every once in awhile, I glance to my side and see these beautiful, tall!, girls in skinny jeans and boots.  Catch a scent of perfume and manicured nails around a starbuck’s latte and my heart just stops.  For heaven’s sake, put rocks on your head or something, but quit growing so fast!  Yet another sign- B directed the cleaning and degooping of the pumpkin and even managed her helper well. 

Country Halloween

 

Halloween in our little part of the world is always a huge event.  People are looking for our kids and often have special things prepared.  No xray scans or prepackaged candy only rules for us.  We are blessed to live in the land of homemade Halloween cookies, chilled drinks and ….. Mrs. Jean Downing’s chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing.  I confiscate these almost immediately.

We had our first ever Trunk or Treat at church this year and a great time was had by all.  Even dogs!

Incredible

 

Had may be more Dash than Violet, but either way she is Incredible!  Mama also gets a little credit here for creating a costume that still fit Had’s shorts and athletic shorts plan.

Buying Cattle with Daddy