Snuggles

The best time of day, don't you think? Tonight was a night full of snuggles. First I got A, who jumped into my arms and wrapped her arms around me, head laying on my shoulder. Next was stories which included A sitting on my lap, holding my arms.

After J was done with stories then it was C's turn. I started scratching his back and soon enough he was in my lap, back of his shirt up, ready for back scratches. He is just a sack of potatoes when he's having his back scratched. Then it's his turn to brush teeth and go to the bathroom, and he says, "But I wasn't done with my snuggles with Mommy yet!" and gets teary-eyed. Clearly he was tired! But I loved what he said.

You know those moments during the day when you've had enough? Like ENOUGH? Yeah, I do too. I'm pretty sure everyone has those moments at least once a day. Well, moments like tonight-with all of the snuggles-definitely off-set the "I've had enough" moments. I'm glad snuggles still happen. I hope they keep happening, which I love! Keep 'em coming!

I see Cinderella's Castle!

Day 2
It was finally the day. The day we had been waiting for. We were going to see Cinderella's castle! We had to wake the kids up in the morning. See, I thought we would be at the park before it opened, to see the characters come in on the train. Nope. That was the first thing that didn't go "according to plan." But that was ok. The kids were awoken by me singing, "M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E! Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse..." and they both awoke with a smile on their face. We decided to take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom so we could see more of the area as we got there. This was also the monorail that goes through the Contemporary Resort. I loved that as a kid.

"Mommy! I see the castle! I see it! I see it!" A could be heard saying this all the way to the Magic Kingdom. Going up to the castle for the first time is just the best. I love it-every single time we go. Now it had been 10 years since I had been there last, so it had been a while. But it never gets old.

I have to say one thing; it was HOT, HOT, HOT! Thank goodness for the month of July we had here because that really got us ready for this vacation. We were sweating the instant we stepped outside. So keeping that in mind, sometimes the kids weren't always happy to get out of the strollers (which saved us!) for pictures.

The first stop for us was to Dumbo. We waited (in the very hot sun) and had a great time on the ride. In hindsight, we probably shouldn't have gone on that ride first. The kids don't really know the story, but it was the first ride they saw, so on we went!

Next stop was Winnie the Pooh. Fun, fun, fun! We all loved that one. That was the first sit-down-go-in-a-building ride. It was so sweet because on that ride, A started to wave to everyone. She waved at Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore and Roo. They both loved it! Smiles all around!

After that it was on to Mickey's Philharmagic; a 3-D animated movie where Donald thinks he can use Mickey's sorcerer's hat to direct the orchestra. This was also a VERY cute moment with the kids because they were both grabbing for the things coming at us. So sweet. The music was great in this movie too. This came as a recommendation from many people we talked to before the trip, but it was definite that we were going to see it when their teacher, Miss Kara (from last year) said it was her favorite. C would do anything she said was her favorite...he loves her!

After the movie we turned to find It's a Small World. This is one of the oldest rides at Disney, but it is really one of my favorites. When you ask A about it, she says, "Oh, it's just so cute!" She loved all of the kids singing through the ride. Love it. Classic.

Lunch was next...we went to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe where we had a great meal. This was our first meal we had under the dining plan. Man, it was a TON of food! We had our main entree, drink and a dessert! We were well fed after that.

Next it was on to Pirates, but it turned out to be closed. Instead we found some space at the lovely Pirates show. It was hotter than hot could be standing there, but the kids liked it. We also saw Goofy there-he was our first autograph for the kids.

This happened as the ride was back and running, but we decided to wait and save the ride for when C became a pirate himself!

Our last stops before we left for the hotel for the afternoon were to see a show and to meet some characters. Both were recommendations from a friend and neither disappointed. My favorite part about watching the show was seeing A's reaction when the princesses came out. Her mouth just dropped! She was almost speechless.

Of course meeting Mickey and Minnie was a huge success. I think the kids were a bit overwhelmed because they were a bit lost when they met them. They didn't really know what to say! It was hard, too, just because Mickey and Minnie couldn't talk back to the kids. Even with this, we all loved meeting them in person. This was a great "invention" by someone so we don't all have to wait in line outside in the beating sun. Waiting in the air conditioning was a great break for everyone.

The pool break in the afternoon was always a great, welcome sight for everyone. We had more water slide riding, water dumping and pool splashing in the afternoon. It was then on our way to Chef Mickey's for dinner. This was our first dinner, so we were a bit unsure of what to expect. Well, let's just say it was about the best first dinner parents could ask for.

We met so many characters-Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Pluto!

Some of them even came back twice! The kids had a bit of a hard time sitting still, and I should have done a better job at letting that go; they were so excited.

We all had buttons that said, "I'm celebrating!" so our server asked what we were celebrating. This trip was celebrating a bit of everything: turning 5 (birthdays!), starting kindergarten, saying "Thank you" to the Mammas and the Papas...it was a bit hard to choose! This time we chose to tell about the kids' birthdays, so out they came with some cupcakes. So sweet...literally!

We made our way back in the rain to the Magic Kingdom in hopes of going on more rides or watching the parade or fireworks. Lots of lightning made that all not happen.

Not to mention the fact that A bit into a glow-in-the-dark necklace. Of course. We found out soon enough that those are non-toxic, for those who are wondering. J and I stayed a bit longer and rode Space Mountain (WAY faster than what I remembered...I screamed the whole ride!), the Snow White ride and the Teacups. We headed back to the hotel after feeling completely exhausted. We had a great day that first day. Even though we only went on 4 rides with the kids this first full day at the parks, I know everyone had a great time. I know we did!

Stay tuned for more about the Magic! Albeit sooner than later, I hope!

Blessings

Life is a blessing. We've heard this before, right? It's true. It seems like one of those cliche sayings, but sometimes we need a reminder. The new worship series our church is doing this fall is all about blessings. We're back at a "regular" schedule, so we've been to Sunday service for 2 weeks in a row, which I like. And the last 2 weeks they have shown this video:

 I am struck by it every time I watch it. I know people have their opinions about God, giving, tithing, believing...I know some of my friends and I differ in opinions on some of these topics. I also know there are many people that believe the same things I do. There are messages in this video that ring true, no matter what you believe in or agree with. I've been thinking about it a lot and I'm pretty sure I'll keep thinking about it. It's good to think about, don't you think?

Stuff

**disclaimer...my house really isn't usually this crazy, I'm just trying to organize. Please do not judge!**

How much do you have? I have a lot. As I'm finding out tonight, when I really should be in bed instead. See there are kids to teach tomorrow, but I also have a deadline to enter things into a database for this awesome kids sale that will be on Saturday. As I'm doing this I realize just how much STUFF we have. And this isn't even my stuff or J's stuff. It's all from the kids! Crazy!

I always say we're lucky that their birthdays are in the summer with Christmas in the winter. That's because (at least) twice a year I we go through toys to see what they play with or don't play with. Then I get to sell them or donate them and we get rid of our kids' stuff. Stuff.

My thoughts for tonight on stuff. How much stuff do you have?

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Today is my sweetie's birthday. I love birthdays. A friend and I had a conversation about this yesterday; about how we love birthdays so much but that our husbands probably don't (as much as us). Birthdays are so much fun!

We had a great day, starting off with smoothies and donuts. Then it was off to a soccer game with lunch following with J's family. Malts and cheeseburgers for all! After a little rest time we opened presents. C could hardly contain himself. He was so excited to give J his present...which was form the dollar section at Target. C belly-laughed all the way through the store and laughed to himself anytime he thought about it. It was pretty cute. What was it you're wondering? Well, take a look:

Silly, right?

Very silly! It was perfect. There was also a t-shirt with the aliens from Toy Story on it (from the kids) and (FINALLY!) a new iPod. Yes, it was a good birthday with many messages and phone calls, cake and balloons.

The night was capped off with a bonfire and good friends. I think that's what birthdays are all about: friends and family. It doesn't get much better than that!

Love you, Honey!

The First Day

...in pictures...

We're in kindergarten!! We had a great day. When asked what her favorite part of the day was, A said, "My teacher, Mrs. Gregersen!" What a great thing to hear as a parent. C said, "Snack and music." We are so lucky our kids love school. And...no tears from me! Can you believe it?! I made it through. Here's to 12 more years of "the first day of school!"

Kindergarten, here we come!

It's here. Are you ready? I'm not sure I am. School starts tomorrow and we will have...2 KINDERGARTENERS! I don't know how I'll feel tomorrow as I drop them off in the morning. I don't know how I'll feel when they get off the bus (or when I watch the video of them getting off the bus). I'm SO excited for A & C, though. I have no worries about how they'll do. Lunch will be fine. Recess will be great. Listening to stories is sure to be a favorite. I hope they make at least one new friend, too!

It is so hard to believe that we are here already. 5 years into this "parent thing," we are here! 2 kindergarteners are ready to go tomorrow here in our house. Is your house ready for school?