Florida Part 3...Disney World

When Drew and I were planning our trip to Florida I decided I wanted to take the kids to Disney World.  Drew was not a big fan.  I went several times as a kid and have such good memories of being at Disney.  Again, Drew really could have cared less.  Those kind of places and the associated cost don't make Drew smile.  After much discussion, he agreed and I began researching our day at Disney.   Knowing we only had one day, I really wanted it to be as perfect as possible.  I read several blogs about Disney as well as scouring the Disney site for information.  I created a plan for our day and gave everyone a copy....paper and electronic....nerdy I know!  But, it all worked and we had an unbelievably magical day! 

I bought the kids Disney themed shirts before we left for Florida.  I wanted them to have something fun to wear.  The girls wore Mickey Mouse shirts and I loved them.  Elena loved her shirt and Emma grew to like hers!  The boys had Perry the Platypus shirts.  That was not my first choice, but I was happy that they received several comments on their shirts.    

We took the ferry boat to Disney and came back on the tram.  It was the perfect compromise.

My sister sent her double stroller with my parents for us to use.  It saved car space for me and I knew we would need a stroller.  Elena and Samuel spent the most time riding around the park, but at times Emma and Jonah rested in it as well.  It was also a great place to hang our cooler.  I took tons of snacks and water into the park.  This saved so much money. 

Sunday was Father's Day.  I have to say my kiddos have the best daddy ever for many reasons, but today was not the usual way to celebrate.  Disney was not on his bucket list, but he knew the kids were so excited to go.  He helped give them have the best day ever and I know they really appreciated it. 

My parents were along and that was super helpful.  We had a 1:1 ratio which was great for standing in line, getting drinks, going to the bathroom....you get the idea! It was fun to share the day with them!

It was crazy hot, but we managed.  We took full advantage of the spray stations and the splash pad area.  I kept the kids lathered in sunscreen and we all managed to enjoy the day despite the heat.  It did rain twice, but it did not ruin our day at all.  During the first rainstorm we watched Mickey's Philarmagic Show.  Oh my did the kids love this.  It was a pretty great 10 minute movie.  I highly recommend taking time to see this movie.  The second rainstorm happened when we were eating dinner.

I had my plan and we followed it pretty much to a "t" until about 3:30.  By that time we had been on every ride I knew we had to ride.  We had plenty of time to get on our second list of rides.  Our day was not rushed.  We took full advantage of the fast passes....genius idea!  Emma, Jonah, and Samuel LOVED the three roller coasters.  Splash mountain was their favorite.  Mom and I entertained Elena with the Carousel, the Tea Cups, the Carousel of Progress, and the Buzz Light Year ride.  Elena tried to help us with a little map reading!  I really enjoyed the Buzz ride and Peter Pan.  All the kids...boys too...liked the It's a Small World ride and the Little Mermaid Ride. 

Buzz Light Year

It's a Small World

Aladdin Carpet Ride

Aladdin Carpet Ride

We did not purposely seek out getting signatures from the characters.  I did not want to waste time finding them and waiting in line to get a signature.  If we saw one, we did get signatures.   I had bought a book for this purpose before arriving at the park.  The only exception for this was at the end of our day.  We had about an hour before the parade began so I took the kids to get signatures from the princesses and Mickey. 

Elena's favorite movie is Tangled.  Talking to Rapunzel was a highlight of her day.

Even the boys really liked the princes!

We had some yummy treats.  No trip to Disney would be complete without Mickey Mouse ice cream.  We did not get pictures of some of them because it melted so quickly.  Elena was very proud of her treat!

I took lots of pictures of the kids at various places throughout the park.  The top left picture is in front of Rapunzel's tower...Elena's favorite.  The second was taken at the Little Mermaid Ride.  The third was just for fun.  The last one was in front of signage for a new Seven Dwarf's ride coming next year.

Of course we got the kids souvenirs.  Jonah picked out a hat.  Samuel wanted a Mickey Mouse sword.  Elena got Pasqual from Tangled.  Emma selected a little phone holder/purse.

She had no interest in any more pictures!

Our day ended with the parade.  The kids had no idea what to expect and I was so excited for them to see it.  I had hoped we would make it to 9pm and we did.  I was so proud of all of them.  We did not have any meltdowns.  We had very, very few moments of fussing.  It was just great.  And, they loved the parade.  Their faces were just precious to watch when the parade began. 

It was a great day.  We made so many wonderful memories.  As a mom and a true planner, I also hope that our plan goes perfectly.  Having four kids my plans usually go out the window at some point during our adventures.  But, our day at Disney was perfect.  It truly was and I can honestly say that everyone had a great day....even Drew!

We survived 13 hours at Disney!!

On our way home!

Florida Part 2---Jonah's gymnastics meet

The entire reason that Drew and I decided to take a trip to Florida was for a gymnastics meet.  Jonah, as we all know, loves gymnastics.  He loves his coaches and he very much dislikes missing out on anything gymnastics.  Drew and I also have a deep respect and appreciation for Coach Bill, his staff, and his coaching philosophy.   Coach Bill schedules out of town meets to give the athletes a fun experience and exposure to the bigger world of gymnastics.   Because Jonah currently has such a great passion for gymnastics and we could visit family, we felt this would be a great win-win for everyone.  Thus, a trip to Florida to visit family, attend a gymnastics meet, and go to Disney.  Simple and crazy all at the same time!

We left early to visit family and then on Friday we headed to Orlando.  Drew met us in Orlando.  The meet was at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.  This place was amazing.  The Atlanta Braves (boo!) have their spring training there. 

The competition was small, but fun.  There were 7 gymnasts from our gym competing during Jonah's session.  Five competed later in the day.

Getting a little pep talk from Coach Bill

Jonah definitely did not have his best meet.  In fact, he performed his worst vault ever.  That is what happens when missing the springboard.  He rallied and did well on his last two events.  His highest placement was 4th on floor. 

Samuel thought it was pretty awesome that Jonah's name was on the big board!

He placed 8th or higher on pommel, rings, high bar, and parallel bars.  Overall, he finished in 6th place.  He was happy and we were happy for him. 

All Around photo for his age group...Jonah in 6th place

Part of me wishes he had vaulted like normal so he could have medaled in all events.  As his one coach said, the good thing about meets is there is always another one....so true!  Thankfully, the next time Jonah competes it will be as a level 5!  He is ready for a new challenge. 

After the competition we went to a team dinner and had very delicious pizza.  Almost all the boys and their families could attend.  It was a fun evening and nice to socialize with the parents outside of the gym.  All the boys were so silly.  It was a nice way to end the 2012-2013 competition season. 

Coach Wyatt, Coach Bill, and 9 of the boys

Florida Part I

Last Monday the kids and I left for our two day journey to The Villages, Florida.  We drove 7.5 hours the first day and 6.5 hours the second day.  It was an easy, boring, uneventful drive...thank goodness!

The first night we stayed in Daphne, Alabama.  I found a wonderful outdoor mall where we could eat dinner, eat dessert, and work off some energy.  We walked about the mall area and some stores for almost 3 hours.  There were several cute statues that the kids liked.  It was just what we all needed after many hours in the car.  The best part was discovering an amazing cupcake store.  I really could have eaten every single cupcake in that store.  Words do not do them justice!  We all enjoyed them!

On Tuesday afternoon we arrived at my Aunt Janet's house in The Villages.  The Villages is quite the place....lots of golf carts, pools, dancing, and fun.  We were able to spend lots of quality visiting time with my aunt and my grandfather.  He is 97 and enjoyed so much watching the kids be crazy and silly.  On Wednesday we had a lovely lunch at his retirement home.  My mom, dad, aunt, my grandfather's special girl friend, and all of us dined in a private dining room. 

We spent tons of time at the pool and Samuel learned to swim to without his puddle jumper while we were there!  It was so exciting for both of us and now he is just like a fish!  I was so proud of him.  We swam so much that Elena even took a short nap one afternoon!

Swimming was fun, but I think the highlight for the kiddos was riding in and driving Aunt Janet's golf cart.  Golf carts were everywhere.  It seemed to be the preferred mode of transportation in The Villages. 

It was pretty fun!

Of course, we went to the park.  No trip would be complete without a fun trip to a park.

My super cool bunch!

The Villages have three different squares with evening concerts.  We went to two of them while we were there.  On the second night the square was more crowded and there were many more little kids dancing.  Elena is not shy and she quickly joined a little dance party.  The boys were super cool so they just supervised. 

They also played "duck, duck, goose"

Definitely hands down, my favorite moment from our visit was snapping a picture of Elena dancing with a little boy.  He walked up to her and grabbed her hands to dance.  His mom and I snapped pictures like it was prom night.  I really could stare at this picture all day...I just love their happy faces!

Just melts my heart....

We had a quick visit with my aunt, but it was action packed.  The kids are already wanting to visit each summer!