Way Back Whensday #5

These pictures are from our family's first visit to Magic Kingdom. This was March 2007, so Drew was 3 1/2 and Abby was almost 2.

Look closely at Drew's hand and you'll see he's holding something. It's a little Mickey Mouse and he carried it around ALL day! He was so excited to be there and to know he was going to meet Mickey.


Here he is - finally showing Mickey his own little Mickey Mouse! Drew was not scared of the big Mickey at all.


Abby, on the other hand, had a healthy fear of all the characters until we had been to the park several times. Look at the way she's hanging onto Matt! My poor little girl...


But, she'll never turn down ice cream...


Even if it is in the shape of the super scary Mickey Mouse!

I'm Thinking Of Changing The Name Of The Blog To "Star Wars Anecdotes."

I know you are used to seeing video such as this on the blog-



It doesn't get boring to me. After all, I spent 9 good months of my life growing that little person.

It excites me to no end that he is a skilled Padawan - the force is clearly strong with him.

However, what you haven't seen is this-


That's right, beloved reader(s).

Abby is now "brave of Darth Vader."

She told me last time we went to MGM that she was ready to participate in the Jedi Training Academy. But, she chickened out at the last minute and I really couldn't blame her. That Darth Vader dude is pretty scary.

I guess she got tired of being left out though because she was quite enthusiastic when they asked for volunteers. She earned herself a spot right on the front of the stage.


Drew is right behind her and our little friend Sherilyn is on the left side of the picture, also in the front.

Marci and I couldn't believe that all three of them were picked. We silently thanked Yoda that we didn't have to deal with the tears that would certainly have come if one of them had been left out.


Here, the Master is explaining to Abby that Darth Vader is a little bit taller than she is so she better aim high with her light saber.

My sweet, little angel didn't even flinch. She nodded her head and accepted her mission with a very serious look on her face.


This is where I fully expected her to back out.


But, she rocked it!



She was very proud of herself for earning her first Jedi Training Diploma.


It goes without saying that Drew has a whole new level of respect for his little sister.

Billy Blanks Taught Me Everything I Know.

Last Saturday, Matt went to Gainesville to watch the Gators beat Miami. I decided to take the kids to Disney during the day. I wanted them to have a very fun but very exhausting day. I had big plans about getting them home, bathed, fed, and to bed by 7 so I could read or scrapbook or sleep.

So, to recap: fun day for kids at Disney = early bedtime so mama can relax.

We met up with Marci, John, and Sherilyn - our favorite Disney buddies. We are pros at seeing these parks. We pretty much follow the same routine each time we go - especially with Magic Kingdom. We've got it worked out so that we rarely ever wait in line. Someday, we will write a book.

And, we might include funny pictures like this -


I just love tourists. These ladies were so busy taking video and pictures that they didn't notice when I began taking pictures of them. I thought it was fair after one of them took a picture of our kids.

No kidding.

We sat down on the boat (we're on Small World here) and next thing we knew the lady on the far right turned around, pointed her camera at our kids, and took a picture. Marci and I just looked at each other in shock!

I sure hope our kids make it into her photo album.

After we finished Fantasyland, we headed to Toontown to meet some characters. We didn't wait in line at all to see the princesses. This is usually a 30-45 minute wait so that's a big deal! I love Disney after Labor Day - no crowds!


A princess kiss for Drew!


Abby loves Sleeping Beauty - they talked about their favorite color. Pink, of course!


We love it when Minnie and Mickey are together! It's pretty rare that you get to meet them at the same time so it's really fun when it happens!


Drew, John, Abby and Sherilyn on the people mover -


They are such sweet friends!


Blah, blah, Disney, blah, blah - this is where the story gets interesting.

An important thing you need to know at this point is I did not have my house key with me. I had taken the car key off my key ring because I like to keep it in my pocket just in case my backpack gets stolen. I always have my ID/money and car key in my pockets because those are the things I couldn't do without.

And, you might think I'm paranoid about things getting stolen, but our double stroller was stolen from Disney many months ago, so you just learn to be really careful.

Like I said before, Matt was in Gainesville. He spent the morning doing some yard work and left several hours before we got home. He locked the front door on his way out. However, he had also locked the door into the house from the garage. Normally, we use a slide lock (high enough so the kids can't reach it) on that door when we are in the house - just so the kids can't get out. But, Matt had come in from the yard work and locked the door in the garage (out of habit).

In case you're lost at this point, all you need to know is that all entry points to my house are now safely locked.

We got home around 4:00. We (read: me) were so hot and tired and so very, very hot and cranky and tired and hot. Abby went to open the door and called out to me that it was locked. I went over to help her and discovered (much to my absolute horror) that it was indeed locked - with that darn slide lock.

Now frantic, I called Matt. It wasn't his fault, but I didn't know what to do. I should have had my house key with me but I didn't. He couldn't help - he was 2 hours away.

At this point, I could have called it a day and gone to my mom's house. But, I REALLY wanted to be in my house. I wanted to feed and bathe the kids and put them to bed so I could relax.

You see, I had these plans...

We walked around to check the front door and the sliding doors in the back. No luck. We walked back to the garage and I was so frustrated. The kids were crying to get inside and I felt like joining them.

Fueled on adrenaline, I walked up to the door and I kicked it as hard as I could. It opened with a loud bang.

The best part about it was that my kids didn't even flinch. They just walked in like it was no big deal that mommy had just kicked the door in.

On my very first try I might add.

I called Matt to let him know we had made it inside and he was shocked. He said he was about to call and tell me to try and bust in, but he didn't really think I'd be able to do it.

Later, I assessed the damage.


Not great, but not awful either.


Let this be a lesson to you all - don't mess with me.

I'm stronger than I look.

Episode VII - The Quest To Survive Star Wars Mania

I'll just let Drew handle the introduction today...




So, that's about it. We were headed to MGM Studios (or Hollywood Studios if you want to be all corporate about it) for Star Wars Day. We got the advertisement for it in the mail a little over a month ago. It was right about the time that Drew had really decided he was going to make Star Wars his new "thing." And like any good mama, I make sure he's got plenty going on with his current interests.

We started with Blue's Clues, then Thomas the Train, next was Buzz Lightyear, then Pirates, and now it's Star Wars time all the time. There were other little interests in there over the years, but I think those have been the main ones. We have all the toys for each, have been to a Blue's Clues live show, spent a Day Out with Thomas (twice), have a macked out train table, and more Buzz Lightyear and pirate toys than should be allowed in one home.

And, Abby has not been excluded. She just usually goes along with Drew.

She's cool like that.

But, don't be fooled. The Disney princesses could come live at our house and have enough wardrobe changes and accessories for a lifetime.

Matt would tell you I have a consumerism problem.

I just love watching my kids get super-excited about things they love.

Anyway, back to Star Wars. I was thrilled when I heard about the Star Wars weekends that MGM was hosting throughout the month of June. We had to show up on the first day because it also happened to be the last day before our passes get blacked out for the summer. Matt took the day off from work, Drew missed his last day of school, and we headed off to meet all of our favorite characters.




Abby was a little afraid of Darth Vader so Daddy helped her out.



Abby just loves that Daddy of hers-



Here are my Luke and Leia with the "real" Luke and Leia...





Oh, Abby so loved the attention she got from these two. She really wanted her hair to look like Princess Leia and they both told her how much they loved it. There is no doubt in my mind that she thinks these are the very same people that she sees in the movies. So sweet!





Drew was all about showing everyone his Jedi light saber. The force was with him and he wanted everyone to know it.





And, the day would not have been complete without meeting all the Disney characters dressed up as the Star Wars people. Abby twirled with Minnie and was brave enough to give Goofy a big hug even though he was dressed like Darth Vader.



Drew told them he had to protect Princess Leia Minnie from Stormtrooper Donald and Darth Goofy and they all got into it and played along with him - it was awesome!



Now, we have a 2 month break from Disney.

Whatever will we do?!

The Red, Red Rose

If you read this blog often you might be good and tired of Disney stories.

If so, I apologize and you may skip this one. However, I warn you, it's way cool.

We have passes to the Disney parks and we go at least once a week. Magic Kingdom is probably our favorite, but Hollywood Studios is a close second. It's my favorite place to go when Matt can't join us because it's not as crowded and it's not as overwhelming that I'm outnumbered by the children.

Stop it. I'm not scared.

Just practical.





Anyway, we ALWAYS see the Beauty and the Beast show. It's just good theatre. I love it just as much as the kids do, and I can't say the same about other shows or rides at Disney.

Sometimes it takes everything I have just to hold it together on the 435th showing of the Carousel of Progress.

Moving on...

We love Beauty and the Beast. But, we always leave envious of one little girl - the girl chosen to receive the rose from the Prince at the end of the show. We have never known how she is chosen - we just know that Abby always asks, "Why can't I get the rose, mama? I really, really want the prince to give ME the rose." Drew backs up his sister with equal passion, "Abby is a princess. Abby needs to get the rose. Let's go sit up front so my Abby can get the rose. And then I can hold it. Right? Right?"

My friend Marci and I have gone to great lengths to have our own little princesses chosen for this great honor. We really did dress Abby and Sherilyn like this on a trip to Hollywood Studios a few months ago.




And we might have even had them perform some key dance scenes from the show on the sidewalk outside the theatre.



Marci and I don't even worry that we are totally responsible for any setbacks to the feminist movement. Our girls loved to be twirled by their Prince.

Still, no rose. Some little girl in a High School Musical Shirt took the honors that day.

Whatever.

Well, we were there a little over a week ago and Abby was proudly wearing her new Belle shirt courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa. A cast member approached us and asked Abby if she would like to meet Belle and the prince at the end of the show.

You could have heard a pin drop. My daughter didn't say a word. I could tell the lady was about to give up on Abby and a possible case of stage fright when I hurried to reassure her that Abby would LOVE to be part of the show. So, the cast member handed us a ticket to receive the "red, red rose" and sit in the front row for the show.

Here she is calling Daddy to tell him all about it.





A practice run before the big show.




Okay, here comes the video. Let me preface by saying that Abby kept expressing concern that the Prince would take the rose back right after the show ended. She wanted to make sure she could take it home with her and "keep it forever on my wall...and show it to Sherilyn next time she comes to my house."

Most of the little girls we have seen have taken the rose from the Prince and then they stand there for a few moments soaking up all the glorious attention from the royalty.

Here goes nothin'




Did you see her bolt out of there?! My girl wasn't going to let anyone take the rose away from her! She was totally serious about getting that rose after all the times she had watched other girls living her own personal dream.

As soon as she sat back down she looked at me with big eyes and said, "Oh no, mama. I forgot to say thank you."

She cracks me up.







What a fun day! Off for more adventures...

A Magical Day!

Grandma and Grandpa have been waiting patiently to be featured on the blog. Seems like a trip with the grand kids to Disney World is a perfect opportunity!

We had such a great day. The weather was fantastic! We all needed sweaters in the morning and the high only reached 70. It was the last "cold front" Florida will see for many months, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Nothing says misery like large crowds and a high of 90.

Drew and Abby were so excited to sit with their grandparents on the rides. We went on all of our favorites and hardly waited in line all day.

Here they are in Fantasyland. We had a little incident on It's a Small World and I almost had to throw down with the people behind us. My father-in-law sat down in the boat and commented that this was his favorite ride. We all relaxed as the boat ride began and then the kids behind us starting "shooting" Drew (because he was wearing his pirate hat) with rather loud toy guns. As if that wasn't enough, they kept shooting and shooting and shooting at EVERYTHING on the ride - not exactly feelin' like the happiest place on earth at that point. Finally, I turned to their mother and said something like, "Do you mind...?" She put an end to it, but I'm sure it would have continued if I hadn't said something. You just kinda wonder about some parents...

Anyway, back to Fantasyland and all the happy thoughts!






Next, we went over to Toontown to meet some characters. We ended up picking the longest line ever, but I think the pictures turned out cute enough to warrant the longer than normal wait time.






After lunch, we headed over to Tomorrowland and rode all the favorites - Buzz Lightyear, People Mover, and Carousel of Progress.

We lined up early for parade and got a great spot on some benches in the shade. We had ice cream and popcorn to make the wait go by more quickly. The parade was Grandma's favorite part and I would have to agree with her. I do so love me a parade - all of the singing and fairy tale characters make me positively giddy with delight!

Our last stop was Adventureland. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean and didn't even wait in line thanks to some good timing! We also flew on Aladdin's Magic Carpets...




and then went on the Jungle Cruise. Towards the end of the ride the lady asked if anyone had any questions. Drew raised his hand and asked, "Can I drive the boat?"




And, a day with the grandparents isn't complete without souvenirs!




Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!

A Day Late and A Dollar Short

Yesterday was Tara's birthday. It was a celebratory weekend because I also hosted a baby shower for her. She's expecting her second little boy on my Abby Grace's birthday.

It's really all very exciting.

We had the shower at her mother's house where I ate approximately 643 cookies. Because, really, the woman can just bake.

Anyway, I would have liked to post a "Happy Birthday" message yesterday, but I was very busy taking this picture...


And this picture...


And this one...


And this one...


And I couldn't forget this...



Clearly, I didn't take the next picture yesterday, but it just really goes along with the theme I have going here. It's of me. Early 80's. Dressed as my very favorite princess for Halloween. I can vividly remember my mother sewing this costume.


And the blue eyeshadow... I think I'm making a pretty bold statement with the blue eyeshadow and red lipstick. You gotta love the 80's.

And, my apologies to Uncle Austin for throwing him under the bus in this next picture, but I had to get the front view of the dress too.


Wait.

Where was I?

Oh, yes, Tara's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TARA!

We really had a great time at the shower. Tara warned me she was going to wear jeans because she is just HUGE and cannot fit into anything she has. When I saw her "huge" 30-week pregnant belly, I sadly realized that it is very similar to what my stomach looks like after unlimited salad and breadsticks at The Olive Garden.

Or a good night at Outback.

Take your pick.

I spent some time with her while she was getting ready for the shower and she pulled out some really cute pants. She commented that she hoped they would fit and blah, blah, blah. I picked up those pants and looked at the size.

Size zero, internet. Size zero.

She was quick to point out they were "regular"pants rather than "petite."

I almost slapped her.

But, she's 30 weeks pregnant so I restrained myself. And told her that this information was totally going on my blog so everyone could dislike her as much as I do. But, she's really great, so it's difficult to harbor the bad feelings for very long.

The shower was so much fun. Lots of her family came into town, including two of her cousins who were a riot! We got into talking about weight loss (as women always seem to do) and one of her cousins said her strategy for staying thin was not to eat. Literally, only eats one meal a day. I wondered aloud if she was angry about this because that's what not eating would do to me. I would be very, very angry. She laughed, but I was completely serious. Someone else tried to help me by chiming in that mothers need lots of energy so we need to eat to keep up our strength.

Yeah, yeah. That's right.

I just prefer to get my energy from cookies 'n' cream ice cream.

And an assortment of fried foods.

Tara got me a little thank you gift - a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory. Because, cheesecake, as she well knows, is my love language.

Happy Birthday Tara!