Disney's Magic Kingdom

WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE!

We went to Magic Kingdom today. It was Samantha's first time to Disney World (she gets to go to Disneyland a lot). We still got to use the "Princess pass" which made Magic Mountain so enjoyable because there we a lot of people at the park today. Madeline and Samantha had Princess books and were able to get signatures from a lot of Disney characters. Madeline was BARELY tall enough to go on Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad for the first time. She was so funny on Big Thunder Railroad because she would put her hands up in the air and scream (pretty much the whole ride). It was so cute. We had a little rain in the evening which was good timing because we ended up getting some dinner and were right in front to see the SpectroMagic Parade. The adults were able to go on Space Mountain while the kids crashed out for the evening.

So Goofy.

Maddy's first time on Splash Mountain. What a big girl!

Maddy's first time on Big Thunder Mountain. She is so brave!

Samantha and Madeline talked about this ride all day. When we finally got over to Adventure Land, the ride was closed because it was raining a little. So they were not able to ride it until after dark. Also because of the rain, the girls were not able to see Aladdin and Jasmine.

This is what Disney World does to children (and adults too)!

Story Time with Belle.

I don't know why but everytime we have been to Magic Kingdom, Andrew ends up playing the Beast for Story Time with Belle. Here are some pics of Andrew's performance:

Getting the Beast dressed.

Sooo scarry.
The Beast becomes a Prince.

Story Time with Belle Videos

Magic Kingdom Slideshow.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Today we went to Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando. Scott, Brenda and the kids came later because they had to go to a time share presentation that took way too long. They have a "princess pass" (really it's a doctor's note) that allows a party of up to six people to go in the handicap line for all the rides and shows. We were able to do everything and then some. It made the park so much more enjoyable. The adults were able to go the ride Expedition Everst. That was a great ride.

The Tree of Life.

The kids are just chillin.

Waiting for a show to start.

Animal Kingdom Slideshow

Happy Birthday to Brenda!

My sister-in-law's birthday is actually on Monday but we wanted to take her out to eat for her birthday and she is leaving on Monday. We all went to Texas Roadhouse to eat. Scott and Brenda have never eaten there and did not know what to expect. When it is your birthday, they bring you a saddle and you have to sit on it while they sing a birthday song. It's way fun. Brenda had no idea which makes it even more fun.

Video clip of Brenda.

Playmobil funpark

Scott, Brenda, and the kids just got back from their mini-cruise to the Bahamas and we left for Orlando today. We stopped off at the Playmobil funpark in Palm Beach Gardens. It's a dollar admission and so much fun. They have life-size playmobil characters throughout the room. They kids can run around and it's enclosed (and air-conditioned!). Madeline's favorite, of course, were the princess castles. She spent most of her time playing with them and would have played with them all day long if we let her. However, Madeline had an accident, so we had to leave (good thing we were almost ready to leave anyways). It's such a fun play park.

Ready to go inside.

Samantha and Madeline.

Madeline playing with her favorite: the princess castles.

Oh no! Maddy and Samantha are in jail! (They look way to happy to be in jail).

Getting a carriage ride.

Maddy playing with the playmobil circus set.

Sightseeing in Miami

Scott (Andrew's brother), Brenda, and their two kids came to visit us in Florida. Today we spent the day in Miami. We went to Bayfront park and marketplace to get a bite to eat and browse the shops. It was a hot, humid day. The kids were sweating. At least Bayside Marketplace was airconditioned.

Madeline and Samantha hiding in this huge tree at Bayside Marketplace.

Samantha on the carousel ride.

Madeline on the carousel ride.

Madeline, Samantha, and Cody hanging out in the stroller.

We spent the later part of the day at Biscayne beach. I like this beach because you can park your car right on the sand and the water is very shallow so it's perfect for small children. Madeline and Samantha loved it because they could walk into the ocean pretty far before it got deep. They would try and find rocks and seashells on the ocean floor. They had a great time exploring.

Samantha is showing Madeline something she found.

The Dads and kids.

Happy Birthday to me!

Madeline and I had a hard time flying out of Las Vegas. Monday (which was when we were going to leave) was pretty booked, so we decided to leave on Tuesday. It was a good thing because I didn't sleep at all Sunday night and had the stomach flu early Monday morning. It was not very fun. Monday night, we stayed with my friend Karie again. She took us to the airport with her three kids (bacause her husband was working graveyard) early Tuesday morning. She was such a trooper (thanks Karie). On Tuesday, we did not make the 6am flight to Atlanta and the gate right next door was going to SLC so Maddy and I got on that flight and decided to stay in Utah and leave Wednesday. My family and I went to Brick Oven for dinner then over to my sisters for cake and ice cream to celebrate my birthday. I was glad we were able to stay one more day to celebrate my birthday. I had a lot of fun. Madeline and I ended up traveling home on my birthday and by the time we got to Florida, I was too wiped out to do anything for my birthday.

Here we are at Brick Oven

Madeline and Kaitlyn

Mailee, Skylar, Kaitlyn, and Madeline

Hanging out at my sister's house.My sister make me a cake and some cupcakes.

Happy Father's Day!!

My Dad left yesterday so we gave him his Father's day present early. We got him a Florida gators shirt. He looks great in blue. Madeline picked out a book that we gave to him. We spent Father's day at the resort and my Mom took all of us that were left in Vegas for a steak dinner to celebrate Father's day. I didn't even get any pictures of Andrew for Father's day. He got some shirts and a case for his ipod. I'm so grateful for Andrew and for what a great husband and father he is. I'm also grateful for my own father and what a great father he is. We've had so much fun staying at the resort thanks to my parents. Thanks so much for such a fun trip!! Here are some pictures of my dad with his presents:

Volleyball tournament

There was a volleyball tournament at the resort. The prize was $50.00 worth of drinks at the bar. We had three teams: Barracuda (my dad, Dan, Tiffany, James, and I), Bad News Bears (Andrew, David, Mark, Brian, and Mike), and Theresa, Niccole, Amanda and Katie were forced to make up a team because there weren't enough teams to play. It sure was entertaining playing against them. Anyways, Barracuda took second place and Bad News Bears took third place. We got so close to taking first place. But, we sure had fun playing volleyball.

Bellagio

You can't go to Las Vegas and not eat at a buffet. They are so awesome. Tonight we went to the Bellagio buffet, conservatory, and water show. The kids stayed at the resort with those that didn't want to go. Poor Madeline got the stomach flu and threw up in the middle of the night. She has been laying in bed most of the day and didn't want to swim or do anything. She's also had a fever all day. Poor thing.

I always love going to the Bellagio and seeing what is new in their conservatory. This time it was a patriotic theme with american flags and trains. My favorite was the miniature Bellagio that was displayed. It even had a little water show in front of it. Here is the picture:

All of us eating at the Bellagio buffet:

Ceasars Palace

Tonight we went over to Ceasars Palace to get some cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory and to walk around the shops. We went into FAO Schwartz so the kids could play with the toys. That store is great for kids (and adults). They sure do have some cool toys. Here are some pics of us playing the BIG piano (the piano that is in the movie 'Big').