Wow, it has been a long time since my last post. We have been so busy!! We started a remodel project on the house around the end of October. What started out as a little work here and there turned into giving a "lift" to just about each room. We painted the master bedroom and bath, laundry room, hall way, hayden's room, hadley's room and the hall bath plus we pained the mantle, hutch and beams in the living room. Most importantly - we have new floors in the living room, foyer and master bedroom! It was a big job that lasted over 3 weeks. I'd like to say we are happy with the end results, but I still don't have everything put back together, so I haven't been able to enjoy it yet. But I'm sure I will!
Last Friday the 21st we left on our very first journey to Disney World! We like to spend our weekend is close quarters, like camping or simply hanging out at the house, so the LONG car ride and cramped up hotel rooms suited us just fine! We spent Friday night in a small town called Marriann (I think.) We crammed all three kids into a queen size bed! The next night we slept at Disney's Hilton, right across from Downtown Disney. It was nice and clean, but we had to cram all three kids into a full size bed! I'm sure you could guess that Hali wasn't too thrilled with that! Especially since Had doesn't like covers and likes to sleep sideways!!
Finally on Sunday we made it into the parks. It was magical, that's for sure. I'm not a cuddly sweet person, so I normally don't buy into the parades, characters, dress up and so on. I didn't think my kids would either. Boy, it doesn't take long at that place to fall for it hook line and sinker! We were all excited when we saw characters, loved the parades, and sought out fun things to wear, such as their mouse ears: Hali - Minne Mouse, Hayden: Pirates of the Caribbean Mouse, Had: Pink Mickey Mouse Club. Had was still wearing hers today.
Chris was relaxed and had a great time being our human purse. Every time we'd head to the parks he would wear some sort of pants/shorts with many pockets. I'm not sure why he packed those, but boy were they convenient!!
We learned lots of things from our trip. Many things that, no matter how many guide books you read or people you ask, you just don't learn until you see it for yourself. I am looking forward to going again next year, and taking our new found knowledge with us. Lots of things I wouldn't do, some things I wish we'd done, and some gray things in the middle.
Most importantly, I brought back with me the best gift of all. The joy of seeing my kids fall in love over and over again with the magic. The joy of seeing them take care of each other and get along so well. There is no better sound on earth and the sound of a giggle from your children. We are so blessed to have each other. I pray that they always stay close. I am so grateful to be able to see, in the here and now, what a blessing they are.
I also brought back a cold. This cold has kept me from getting the house back in order after the remodel. It has also stopped me from decorating for Christmas. So, that wasn't the best souvenir to bring back. But at least I didn't get sick until the LAST DAY of our 8 day vacation!!! Here are some pics!
