Staycation

While I truly despise the term "staycation" it is the best word to describe our most recent adventure. After searching for a last minute family vacation, we opted for a convertible and some fun activities. I spent Friday morning dropping off kids and picking up the car at the airport. It seemed like there was magic in the air - the hint of vacation, adventure, relaxation, decadence. 

After swimming class, I introduced the kiddos to our lovely ride for the weekend. 

It was a big hit. We spent the evening out to supper and attending the new minions movie. (2 stars folks. Wait for dvd.) Saturday morning started out early with doughnuts at our favorite place and a trip to Maggie Daley park. 

It was a lovely place to spend time with my family. Can't wait to return. 

Princess adventures

This weekend brought a fun-filled girls' weekend to Disney. Though a lot of gripes came my way for waiting in the car or for suitcases at baggage claim, the joy that came from seeing little A swimming was priceless and worth the effort.  Every time she squealed or let her hair float in the water captured my heart. Such sweet moments are so fleeting. I wish dearly that I could have captured them with a camera. I suppose that's what makes adventuring so unique; the tiny moments that can't be measured or documented. At least I grabbed what I could

Bashful

What kind of dwarf is Oliver: Bashful. This whole trip he spent hiding behind corners, chairs, legs when forced to talk to a pretty girl. I don't know when this started, but when confronted with interacting with a young lady he was bashful to the point of paralysis. However - getting some attention from the disney princesses did not make him shrink.

Mary Poppins:

Me: Oliver wanted to know where you are from
MP: I'm from London, England. It's far across the ocean. Where are you from?
Oliver: Chicago.
Oliver: The Chicago BEars played the Jets. The Jets have zero and the BEars have fourteen.
MP: Are you talking about sport team?
Oliver: yes, football.
MP: Is it american football?
Oliver: yes, the chicago bears play the Jets.

WTF?


Rapunzel:

R: Are you having fun today?
Oliver: Yeah, I went on the race cars. really fast.

R: I get to race maximus around the castle really fast. Maybe we should have a race
O: Ok

I thought he was going to ask me to schedule a race right then and there, his look was so delighted and serious.

Most of the other interactions were quiet with a lot of hands in the mouth or touching his groin. Weirdo. I don't know where this stuff comes from - but you certainly can't make this stuff up!

Thinking about going to a parenting seminar on preschooler emotions....

Onward!

After the party we made our way to Orlando for the rest of the trip. Graham was thoughtful and made us family tshirts. 

They did some creative editing to have a picture of the Dude holding a Mickey bar.  Classic! I can't wait to get a family picture with this on! 

WDW

To write a post on the entirety of the trip would be challenging. The kids did very well with the waiting for rides. I was pleasantly surprised. Our family favorites were storytime with Belle, the seven dwarfs mine train and under the sea with Ariel. Meeting with Cinderella, rapunzel, and Ariel was also a highlight. 

It was hard to take pictures our first day, since we went for the not so scary halloween party- at night. 

The highlight for the NSSHP was the parade. It was really entertaining and inventive.  

Wedding day!

JThe long anticipated wedding day arrived with joy and excitement. After some romping around in the sea water and pool, I headed out to get my fixed. It was a classy shop. Jocelyn's hair looked gorgeous. Something right out of a wedding blog or magazine. After hair we headed back to the hotel for makeup. It was truly special to help Jocelyn get ready for the big day. 

We could even see the ceremony set up from the balcony. 

Family friends came together to help make the event so unique and flawless. 

Josh stayed with the kids all day so I could be with the bride. What a guy! The kids looked great in their wedding attire. 

I wish I had better pictures- it was all a blur. The ceremony was lovely - a beautiful moment that we will all remember. 

Beach

Today started with an astute observation from Oliver. "Mommy, the orange at the top means the sun is coming up." There was about a 6 inches of bright orange light shining on the curtains in our hotel room. It was time to explore. 

And of course, time to take off your clothes

All this before breakfast.