Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Disney Reflections

When we decided to go to Disney World with a two kids under 3, I thought we were crazy.  I knew Avery wouldn't remember a thing and figured Michaela wouldn't either.  Plus, everything we read said not to go in July...the weather would be too hot and the lines too long.  However, Ryan had a conference to attend there in July and children under 3 get free admission to the parks.  So, we decided to go for it.  The trip and the timing of it couldn't have worked out better.  Sure it was a little sticky during the day, but the evenings were beautiful and we broke up the outdoor time with shows or meeting characters inside.  We did get a bit lucky when a rainy afternoon sent most people back to their hotels.  I think once it rained the majority of the afternoon, families decided to make it a resort day and not return to the parks.  When we headed back after nap time we had no trouble getting on any rides we wanted.  We got so much done and had no trouble with the crowds.  The whole trip was just amazing!
Day 1
Meeting Minnie and Mickey
Taking in a show on Main Street
On our first evening we also went to see the Monsters Inc. comedy show and really enjoyed it.  They even put Avery up on the big screen and talked about her in the show.  She's already a star!
Day 2
Started the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Waiting to see Buzz and Woody
Ended the day at EPCOT
Epcot at Night
Day 3
Breakfast at Chef Mickey's 
Avery LOVED Donald

Animal Kingdom took up the rest of our morning
The rain during the day kept most people from heading out to the parks in the evening.  Due to the lack of people, we had the opportunity to take the resort boat by ourselves to the Magic Kingdom.  It was definitely a small thing, but it added a bit of special Disney Magic to our day!
Michaela looking back at the resort on our private boat ride
Meeting Rapunzel...and shyly LOVING IT

Day 4
We made our final day at Disney World all about the Magic Kingdom.  We went on all the rides we missed earlier in the week, visited with characters like Tinkerbell, and made a point to see the parade and fireworks.  

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Summer Travels and a finished scrapbook too


Our Summer has been filled with fun travels and visits with family and friends.  Getting back to a "normal" routine at home has taken a few weeks, but we are now enjoying the last bit of summer before school resumes.  The first of our travels took us to St. Louis for the National Athletic Training Association (NATA) Annual Meeting.  My Mom was kind enough to join us so that Ryan and I could both get continuing education units and attend the conference.  

Grandma and the girls outside the Arch
Our second stop was Chicago to visit with family.  My sister Jennifer and her husband J-P were in town from Pennsylvania and were meeting Avery for the very first time.  We spent a few days catching up with them and enjoying the Spa.
Loving the Spa
Then it was off to Door County, WI to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary of Ryan's grandparents in addition to celebrating Ryan's grandpa's 90th birthday.  What a blessing for us to still have Ryan's paternal grandparents with us so that Michaela and Avery can know and learn from them! (They are also lucky to still have three other great-grandma's as well)
Ryan and Avery at dinner
Ryan and Michaela in Lake Michigan
Next it was back to Chicago for the 4th of July and to celebrate my Dad's birthday.  We ran in the annual family firecracker 5K, relaxed with family, watched fireworks, and Michaela even went bowling for the first time.
Michaela willing the ball to knock some pins down
The final leg of our travels was also the most exciting.  Thanks to Ryan's doctoral conference in Orlando, Florida we had the opportunity to take Michaela and Avery to Disney World for the first time.  During our planning for the trip, my sister Andrea expressed interest in coming along with her boyfriend.  Then when my Dad got wind of that he and my Mom decided they had to be there to see their grandchildren experience Disney for the first time.  So, it became a family trip and we were very thankful for the help.  We had a fabulous trip (I will have to post a separate entry just on Disney) and we are already talking about what we want for the next trip!
Our first task at the Magic Kingdom - meeting Mickey and Minnie
Our final family event - parade and fireworks
In addition to all our travels I was also able to complete my first full scrapbook (I have more than several in progress)!  I finally finished my December Daily album from 2010....yes, you read that right, an album from two years ago, but it's done and I feel accomplished!  Now I feel a little stuck because I can't decide what to tackle next!