Disney 2014

Last fall, I was reminiscing with Krissi about how much fun we had at Disney last year. She decided to do a little research and I decided to do a little convincing, and we found ourselves on our way to Florida a couple of weeks ago. 

My thought is that, while the kids are young enough that it's still such a magical place and we're able to swing it, why not? Plus, with Miles being almost two and Luke almost three, the kids were all at a really good age to fully enjoy the experience without having to worry too much about nap and feeding times. While I wouldn't say that 7+ months pregnant is an ideal time to go walk 10 miles a day, I would much prefer that to going with a little baby.

I'm telling you, the place is magic. Or at least incredibly well-marketed. There are activities for the kids from the minute you get off the "Magical Express" from the airport. They were having a blast with the hopscotch before we even checked in to the hotel.

We quickly dropped our bags  in our room and headed to the Magic Kingdom, where Brooke was reunited with her bestie, "Re-punzel" as she calls her (and I'll never correct her).

Snow White was also there and got to hear all about our travels that day ("We took a bus, then a plane, then another bus and another bus to get here!"). Bless these "cast members'" hearts for being as good with the kids as they are.

Miles wasn't too sure about all of it.

The next day, we started bright and early at Epcot. Matt and Brooke went on a roller coaster while Miles and I went on a more leisurely ride (this would become a theme of the trip - again, theme parks while pregnant aren't the best idea). Then we met up for a few rides before Tim, Krissi and the kids arrived. Brooke hated this Nemo ride.

We met a few more characters. Miles loved seeing them was happy as long as he was held while meeting them.

A couple of our only full-family pics from the trip.

They had a really cool aquarium there, too.

Chip and Dale. Again, Miles wasn't too sure about all of it.

Then, Lexi and Lukey arrived!!! I forgot to mention that we hadn't told Brooke that we'd be going to Disney until we got there, and then didn't tell her that the Timmermans were coming until we actually saw them. It was a couple of really fun surprises that we caught on video. Some day I'll post them to the blog. I figured this was enough of a photo dump for now, though.

Ah, the Frozen girls. They were at Epcot and we were expecting a long line, but when we got to where they were, we were told it was about a 4-hour wait. After much debate, we decided to take advantage of having 4 adults to switch off and endure the wait. We ended up *only* waiting around 2 1/2 hours (and for the record, I won the debate). The kids were thrilled. Although Matt's pointed out since then that Brooke hasn't really talked about meeting them more than any of our other experiences there.

Meeting Tiana and Prince Naveen. Brooke was wary of Naveen so she opted out of this picture.

Wreck-It Ralph. We haven't seen the movie but still loved this guy.

Miles warming up to one of the Chipmunks. Okay, I'm only going to spare you and only comment on the exceptional character meetings from here on out.

Our second or third time meeting Snow White.

On our second day at the Magic Kingdom, we put in 14 hours and capped it off with a Princess Dinner at Cinderella's castle. I'm so impressed with how well the kids did despite being stretched.

We also went to a Disney Junior lunch at Hollywood Studios. Krissi made these super-cute invitations for each of the kids. Brooke carried hers around all day. These were probably Miles' favorite characters to meet as he's seen them all more often on TV.

Matt told Handy Manny that he was his inspiration for all of Matt's handiwork around the house.

And on to the rides. As I mentioned, Miles and I (and Luke, Miles and I for that matter) got in some quality time while all the big kids were on the more adventurous rides. Here we are his first (of probably 5) time on Dumbo.

There's a little play area in the middle of the Dumbo line. Great idea! While we tend to worry about Brooke being more assertive for herself, I have to watch Miles like a hawk when he's around other kids. For instance, he pushed another little guy out of the way on this slide.

Brooke "driving".

We're #1! We beat Daddy and Miles!

"It's a Small World."

Even Matt was captivated.

Everybody riding Dumbo together. Aw.

Fireworks...or "hot" as Miles calls them. For our first few nights back home, he was looking for there to be fireworks in Wheaton.

Love this one.

The big boys were off riding a roller coaster. Not sure how Krissi ended up with 3 of the 4 kids...

Brooke doing Test Track - Matt's favorite ride of the trip.

Pretending to be scared on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Brooke's favorite ride of the trip.

Matt and Brooke have a shared love for roller coasters. Brooke is really scared of dark rides or rides with villains in them, but as long as it goes fast or has big drops, she'll do it. Example: She hated the Buzz Lightyear ride because of a scene with aliens, but loved Tower of Terror. Crazy girl.

"Enchanted Tales with Belle" Brooke played Chip.

And no joke, without volunteering, the two guys were selected to be the soldiers.

I take it back, Matt's favorite "ride" was probably "Beers Around the World" at Epcot.

These two girls. Love them and how much they love each other (usually) so much.

Sitting next to each other riding the shuttle. They felt like big shots.

The girls watching one of the parades.

And the boys are closely following suit. Although there's a little more pushing and getting into trouble together on their end.

Watching fireworks. I think Miles is thinking, "I just want to go to bed!"

On the choo-choo. We rode it more than once around the park.

This was the ONLY day they napped.

All four of them (obviously).

The boys watching the parade.

I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but Krissi did AMAZING planning for this trip. She was able to book all of our meals AND a visit for both girls together at the Bippity Boppity Boutique.

I could not believe what they were able to do with Brooke's hair! Her stylist said to me, "Well, I AM a fairy godmother in training."

Some days, I just want to freeze time. This was one of them.

Somehow, the only pic I have of them together madeover.

Love these two.

There was lots of dancing and singing. Everywhere. Whether there was music playing or not. In this picture, there was music playing.

It was so special to share the visit with Tim and Krissi. It really was a magical time and I'm so glad we went!

Staying Busy in January

 Ah, January. Is there anyone who legitimately likes this month? The holidays are over, it's always cold and usually snowy without there really being an end in sight, and I think that people's immune systems can sense the hopelessness and often give in as well. That being said, we're trying to stay busy despite the bleak conditions outside. Last week, just the kids and I went to the DuPage Children's Museum. We've been there many times (we have a membership), but never just the three of us and never on a day that wasn't crowded. I think that we all had a really good time.

 

It's fun to see the kids beginning to play together.

 

 

Then, last Friday, we took advantage of the Museum of Science and Industry's free Illinois resident days and went down to check it out with Katie and her kids.

Having never been there before, we made some key strategical errors in which exhibits we checked out first, but the kids still seemed to enjoy themselves.

 

Brooke did make the comment that it wasn't really a "girl" museum. I think we spent too much time on the trains and tractors for her liking.

I've also decided that elementary school field trips bring out my Bad Attitude. I know that it's hard to control all those kids and they're usually being led by someone who isn't even a teacher, but still, is it too much to ask that they take turns with the toddlers who are trying to play, too?

Brooke wanted to bring a little style to the MSI by sporting her new shades from Grammie Deb.

This is Miles' response to any request to share lately. You'd think as the second child, he'd be better at it by now. Human nature at it's finest, I suppose.

Speaking of weakened immune systems, mine decided to take a couple days off last week and I had a pretty nasty cold/flu thing. The kids both caught it, but theirs didn't last as long. Now we're all just dealing with the standard Winter Runny Nose/Cough. Here they are on doing "art" on one of our sick days. And before I get an influx of comments about the fun art projects I have going here, don't worry - my "Crafty Mom" blog is in the works.

 

Look at those Sick Eyes. Poor thing.

 

I mentioned this in a previous post, but moving our gross motor toys to the basement and the addition of the roller coaster from Grandma Audie has also done wonders in passing the time. Matt calls the roller coaster the "perfect toy" as it's easy set-up and pretty easy for the kids to do on their own. Miles still needs a little help to get going, but it's nothing intensive.

 

He loves his basketball hoop.

We also visited Matt at work the other day and the kids enjoyed feeding and watching the fish. Miles only tried to catch a couple.

Brooke started soccer and ballet (ballet pics to come). I really want her to love soccer like I did, but I'm not sure if it's in the cards. At this practice, she laid down on the ground with her head on the ball at least twice. She also commented that they "run around too much". I guess we'll see...

And let's be honest, we've also been watching (more than?) our fair share of movies and TV. Is it spring yet???

On the bright side (pun intended), my next post will hopefully be about the trip for Disney that we're leaving for this weekend. Don't tell Brooke - it's a surprise!

Happy January!

Roadtrip Playdate

We didn't get to see Amy and her kids for Christmas, we always miss Krissi and the kids, and we needed to figure out a way to get Ozzie (he stayed with my parents while we were in Florida), so Amy, Krissi and I decided to plan a play date the Friday after we got back from Florida.

We decided that Bloomington, IL, would be a good location and settled on the Children's Discovery Museum given the crummy weather.

We've been to a lot of children's museums, and this one was one of the best we've been to. There was a wide variety of things for the kids to do, there was a large area where we were able to eat, AND it wasn't crowded at all.

It was great!

And, it was nice and open so the moms were able to be in a central area (and talk) and still keep track of the kids.

It was a great visit, as usual.

Luke went pretty hard at the water table and ended up having to have his clothes changed.

All that stuff, and Miles was excited about finding their stash of books.

The stage was also a hit. They were all kind of doing their own performance, but that added to the entertainment value.

We love you guys and can't wait to see you again!