Christmas Time

At Christmas we usually take video of all the things that happen. So I don't have any photos to share. The girls were at the perfect age this year. Christmas magic is just that. Our elf Relish had a great presence at our house and came in handy when trying to keep Wren in line. They loved going to see Santa and telling him everything that they wanted. This year the girls got lots of Barbies; including the Barbie house that was mine as a child.
Christmas Eve was spent at Aunt Sandra's house with Matt's side of the family. Every year all the cousins, aunts, and uncles come together and share a big meal. For some of us this is the only time we get to see each other. It was nice to catch up with everyone and see how much the kids had grown.
Christmas morning was spent at home and then we headed over to my parents house to celebrate there with the extended family.
Throughout the week we were able to exchange gifts with Matt's parents and my Dad.

Thanksgiving at Granny's

Another year in Alabama at Granny's. We had a great time relaxing, playing games, and of course stuffing ourselves with Granny's home cooking. We could not ask for a better Granny.


Granny's house. Granny grew up in the this house and it has so much history.

Fall Family Fotos

In the past, family photos have been taken with a tripod and a timer. This year, we decided it was time to have someone else do the work for us.

What is the Appendix for Anyways

It was the morning of the Fall Festival at church and Matt woke up feeling a little sick. By the afternoon, we decided that I would take the girls to the festival, and Matt would go see the doctor. About an hour later I got a call from Matt saying he was headed to the ER to have his appendix looked at. I later joined Matt at the hospital where the doctors did decide that indeed he needed surgery. at 10p.m. Matt went in for surgery to have his appendix removed. Thankfully, all went well and Matt recovered well. Who needs their appendix anyways?

A Friends Wedding

When you have two kids, it is always great to get out alone on a date. This night, we were headed to one of my high school friends wedding; David Greenwood. We had not see David in several years, but it was great to be invited, and the wedding was beautiful. Congrats David and Maggie.

The Magic Kindom

Our trip to Disney is finally here. We have been talking about and planning this trip for over a year and we are all super excited to be going.

Our first stop is the Magic Kingdom.



"Look, I see the Park"

We board the ferry that will take us into the park. and the ride over only fuels our excitement. This is our view.

We are ready for a fun day with our mouse gear and sunscreen.

Our first princess siting was Rupunzel. The first of many and it is amazing how much each girl looks like the real character. They were really great. They were in full character and made each kid feel so special .

Wren was the only one who would meet her, because Ella was in a mood. We had a little chat and she was able to meet everyone after that.

Next we hit the tea cup ride.

Then the Dumbo ride.

Look at these sweet girls. Best friends.

Although the girls may have been scared we hit the haunted mansion anyways. I'm not sure who was more afraid them or Jennifer and me?

The day was jammed pack with fun shows and rides, but that night was pretty great. We got to watch the magical lights parade and fireworks.

Hollywood Studios

Our second day was spent at Hollywood Studios. This day we saw lots of 3-D shows and theater style shows. The girls had fun seeing all their favorite characters in action.

and maybe I did too.
Here we are watching a theater performance of Beauty and the Beast.


Next we saw Ariel.



and after coming out of a playhouse area we saw some little Einsteins.





The Pixar area was pretty fun as well, especially the Toy Story ride.



Also at this park, they had a museum about Walt Disney. There was a lot of stuff to read about his life, and actual items that were his.


Today, Wren has an attitude.

Every girl needs a kiss from Mickey.

After the second day, the girls were pooped. Here is Wren not long after laying her down.

Universal

Matt and I were thankful to have my mom and sister come along on the trip. Thanks to them, we were able to take a day to ourselves. We decided to head over to Universal Studios.







We only snapped a few pics but we had a blast.

The Animal Kingdom

The last park we went to was the Animal Kingdom. We like every day before got up bright and early right as the park was opening. On our arrival we met our first character Timon.


This park was a little different in the way it was routed out, and we ended up doing a lot of walking. Luckily we were able to jump on the safari ride and relax.

This is an upside down tree, or at least it looks like it.

This ride was created in the likeness of a real safari. We definitely felt like we were in Africa with the hot steamy weather, on a bumpy truck. But the animals were really fun to look at.

There was even a new baby elephant.

There were many more animals, but I was busy enjoying the view instead of taking pictures.

These parks are amazing, each path has so many things to look at and touch. It seems like they thought of everything when it came to aesthetics.

Here we are resting waiting to see Pocahontas.

She, like all the rest, did not disappoint. The girls loved her.

Down another path there was a lake. In the center of the lake was this ancient ruin of a building were monkeys were busy at play. I think we sat and watched them for an hour.

While we were looking at the monkeys, it began to rain. So we all ran for cover expecting the rain to stop after a short while. It did, but as soon as it did the park seemed to have cleared out. So there was a ride like that of Thunder River that was empty. So Matt, Ella, my mom, and myself decided to ride. Now prior to this we had been standing under cover to stay dry from the rain, but the first ride we took we got drenched from head to toe. Then, when we got off the ride, their was still no one in line. We continued to ride this ride five or six times. Each time getting more wet. It was the most fun.

Then as we headed out we decided to take a group shot with the tree of life that stands in the middle of the Animal Kingdom. We should have taken the picture at the beginning of the day, but I do think this picture captures the fun we had this day. Wet and tired.

what a fun end to our trip.