Magic Filled Day Three

Today was the best. Dawson was picked out of the audience at the Turtle Talk with Crush show. He did a great job speaking into the microphone and answering Crush's questions. After a great morning in Epcot and a delicious lunch at Canada, we headed back to the pool for a quick dip in the pool.

We then threw on our clothes as our meet & greet with our friend at the Magic Kingdom had been moved up and the message didn't come through right away. On the way it started raining so we were a little frantic getting to City Hall but made it within minutes of our "appointment". There is a hospitality room behind City Hall and it was a blast to the past going back there as that is how it all started years ago with Snow White. There she was ....Fairy Godmother or "Auntie Boo" as Dawson calls her, and her friend waiting for us. Dawson became really shy but warmed up quickly to her as she talked to him about his day. We all love her so much!

We watched the "Wishes" fireworks in the evening at the Magic Kingdom and once again, I saw the "magic" happen. I sat between two older ladies both there with their grandchildren. Neither had ever seen the fireworks so I became the "expert" and filled them in on what to look for. They were so tickled when Tinkerbell flew from the top of the castle right over us. After the show, they thanked me for all of my information and then... the one grandson randomly grabbed his Grandma and said "I love you so much". The look on her face as this pre teen did this was priceless. It was probably the best present he could have given her.

Magic Happened and my heart refilled!

Linz and her special friend of 25 years

The next generation with Auntie Boo

Nothing like Disney coffee

Fountains of fun

Zooming in on Dawson

Though we "bearly" know each other,

we felt like old friends.

Silly me in Disney

Me and my boy!

Yikes....Shark bait!

Me and my girl!

3-D Me

I love this place!

The Beauty of Disney

This place is amazing. I absolutely love the scenery and the greenery here. Enjoy the sights of Disney's Kingdom through our eyes. (kudos to Linz for the firework shots).

Wishes! Fantastic Fireworks

Truly colorful and dramatic

Spectacular Colors and Music

One of our favorites at Epcot....Canada!

Our hotel's pool area!

The grounds are gorgeous!

Arghhhhh & "Cheerio"

Our second day was quite fun with our change of plans. The day opened up a new adventure at the Magic Kingdom. As if the Pirate Ride wasn't enough, we found out that Captain Jack shows up a couple times a day to provide sword fighting tutorials for selected crew members. Being a big pirate fan family, we were really excited at the prospect of seeing this event. Dawson was very excited. He loves the pirate sword fighting (I know as he has "stabbed" me a few times at home). We waited and talked to others waiting as well including a cast member who told us how awesome the actor was portraying "Jack". We positioned ourselves in front so that I could take full advantage of my camera creativity.

When he appeared after his sidekick set up the scene, I was amazed at how authentic and true to the character he was. As he began choosing his crew...his eyes found our little buckaneer and Dawson was chosen to participate in the tutorial. He looked scared to death but soon relaxed as Captain Jack addressed each one and gave each his special attention. Dawson did a great job following his directives in the "fight". Check out the pics following.

Our evening was spent at Epcot in England. We dined at the Rose & Crown and enjoyed the British Invasion (Beatle tribute band) and even got to chat with them after the show. We then watched the fireworks from yet a new vantage point and again, it all seemed different. The music is so beautiful and the words spoken as the show began spoke to why the Disney experience is so wonderful. He said: "Each of us is on our own adventure and when we all come together, our adventure becomes as one!".

Pirate Pictures

A very authentic "Jack"

His mannerisms were perfect!

Dawson going in for the kill!

One on One with Captain Jack Sparrow

All I can say is "Wow"

More Camera Moments

I have discovered that I love taking pictures of people (in this case Linz and Dawson) that provoke thought and cast a mood creating a feeling instead of needing explanation.

I love the eyes in this one!

I absolutely love this picture!

Dawson is such a conversationalist now!

It is fun to watch these two!

Lindsay was listening to "Mack" the Pirate

Blizzard Beach Bums

Well, you enter Florida "rare" and soon you become "well done". Yes, the glow is all around this crazy little group. Blizzard Beach is a great way to begin the vacation because after a long drive or travel day, it sure feels good to just chill whether that be on the lazy river or sitting watching little one play around at "Tikes Peak".

It was a beautiful day with warmth, fluffy clouds, and a nice breeze. It is an experience to go down the huge Family Raft Ride with Dawson. His contagious, raspy little laugh is so contagious. He is growing up so fast.

Lindsay and Dawson after a delicious cookie!

I might add that the cookie he ate was a "magic moment cookie" awarded to me

when I picked up our food. This is the Year of a Million Dreams and they give away

stuff. It was fun and special. Dawson enjoyed it!!!!

Dawson was all smiles on the ski lift at Blizzard Beach

A lost Christmas gift showed up before we left and came in handy!

Lindsay and D on the lift up to Mt. Gushmore

Yeah...not my favorite "ride" but the alternative was lots of stairs...ugh!

Hoop-de-Doo in Review

We were all "glowing" with excitement (or was that our sunburns?) but we journied to Fort Wildnerness for their dinner show extravaganza. The food arrived at our tables in buckets and the waiters and waitresses were all part of the show. There was banjo playing and piano key ticklin' and the craziest bunch of performers. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and it was fun to watch Dawson crack up at their jokes and antics. He belly laughed and got into it. It was a great night. I LOVE the zoom lens I am using. My goodness, it is a whole new demension of picture taking. Vacation is so much more fun with my camera......ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Max is ready for the evening at the Hoop-de-doo Review

There was some high steppin going on at Pioneer Hall

It was fun to hear Dawson laugh as he "got" the jokes!

A singing moment in the crowd. The girl has the funniest voice and laugh.

She made everyone laugh

THE CAMERA "MAKIN' MEMORIES"

I love my camera. Oh my gosh it is awesome. So, taking pictures of Dawson is like shooting a moving target. Lindsay agreed to be my guinea pig subject as I tested out the new settings, lens, and creative ideas. I borrowed a zoom lens and it is my absolute favorite thing in the world. It is like taking pictures from one demension and expanding them to several. I have included my favorites for you to see. I am doing ok, don't you think?

LET THE MAGIC BEGIN

We made it to Disney in 18 hours. It was a great trip and the little one did a fantastic job. He had us giggling and we had each other in tears talking about random silly things.... so typical!
We checked in and coming from the car I thought to myself "they found the farthest away room they could find and gave it to us" until..... I left the room to attempt to find the main building and it was almost right next to us. Car distance and convenience distance were worlds apart. I love it!!!
The temps are great and everything is green, green, green, and flowering...it is amazing. I really appreciate the early glimpse of Spring. The smells are wonderful with so much greenery surrounding everywhere.
Today the water park and tonight the Hoop-De-Doo.....so stay tuned!

Max relaxing!
Napping Dawson

Birthday Time....What a WEEKEND!!!!!

I had a wonderful birthday weekend thanks to my friends, family, and other special people. I had three days of fun filled activities. My older son, Ej, is home from California. We have back to back birthdays and my daughter in law has one a couple of days before. Tonight we will go to dinner together to celebrate all three. It will be the last time I see Ej for a while though I am planning a trip out to see him soon.

Friday evening we had a friend over for dinner and icecream and lots of laughs. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit and always love it when this friend visits. Always puts a smile on my face.

Saturday morning, Lindsay, Dawson, and Ej went for breakfast and enjoyed some time together. He spent the rest of the day with his brother and I had special plans of my own for the evening.

I had just a super time Saturday night enjoying a movie and a great dinner and the company was the best!

Sunday morning, my friends that weren't on for the weekend at GCC all got together for a very fun breakfast at Le Peep's. Courtney, Kim, Lindsay, and Lori helped me celebrate with giggles, laughter, lots of fun pictures, and presents. I even got a call from Lori's husband who was producing that weekend with good wishes. My friend Debbie from High School also on duty this weekend called to wish me happy birthday along with my other friend Deb, Taya's mom.

I spent the afternoon with Ej and visited my brother and dad for some more memorable pictures. Then Ej, Dawson, and I went to Ci Ci's pizza. It was a lot of fun. Lindsay had some errands in the afternoon so it worked out perfectly but alas, Lindsay had her own adventure.

Tonight its on to Noma downtown and a birthday celebration dinner before we set out for Disney World for the 50th time.

Stay tuned for updates this week.

Meet Max

Max is our new friend. He is a great little guy....sometimes a little looney but....he will be going on vacation with us. He has never been to Disney World so he is quite anxious to experience it all. Dawson has agreed to be his chaperone for the visit.

Mad Max has already gone shopping for the trip for you know, all of the essentials...like shades, swimsuit, cool shirts, and a cowboy hat for the HoopDeDoo. Yes, he is all ready to go.

You will need to tune in everyday to see how Max likes Disney. I am sure he will be excited to share with you all the antics of this crazy little family as they "Do the Disney" for the 50th time.

The Sky is Falling...no that wasn't the sky!!!!

It is funny how throughout your life you drop things.... You drop the phone, food, pencils, pens, the remote, groceries, eggs, earrings, and yes, once in a while you drop the ball. Today is another story. I debated telling anyone but...this is an honest diary of the life and times of me. When I decided to start dropping weight by exercising and eating right and documenting it to be accountable to myself, I never thought that dropping weight could have compromising moments.

I scheduled a painter to come over after my work day to help me pick out paint colors for my living room and hallways. Sounds simple right? So...I arrived home about ten minutes before he arrived and had barely caught my breath when the doorbell rang. I answered the door to this polite, nice, kind, very professional man who had come to my rescue when my pipes fell off the house during winter. So, we are placing the color chips up on the walls next to the wood and other painted walls to see which color looked better. Then it happened!

I was turning to walk towards the wall with the curtains, keeping in mind my weight loss and what happens to your clothing when you lose weight, and MY PANTS FELL DOWN....yes...I dropped my drawers down to my ankles. I screamed "ahhhhh my pants fell down" and grabbed them as fast as I could....which probably drew much more attention to the incident then needed. I collapsed with laughter AFTER I pulled up my pants.

How does one start the conversation where it left off after that? I managed to pull myself together and finished the decision making. I hope I like the color...I don't remember too much.

So...most people once in a while drop the ball........I DROP MY PANTS!

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

Dawson and I shared the couch last evening and watched "Dancing With The Stars". For a five and a half year old, he shows many more years by his ability to watch something like this, critique it while he is watching it, and appreciate the show's concept.

As we watched couple after couple take the floor, I prepared Dawson by telling him that coming up was a lady that had lost her leg in an accident and she was using a "fake leg" to dance. I told him how awesome it was that though she had an obstacle, it didn't prevent her from doing normal activities because of her determination to not miss out on anything. He was really interested and wanted to know how it happened etc. As her turn came up to dance, he wanted to know which leg it was. They always show the couple meeting and in rehearsal so he got to see her "fake" legs...one with a tennis shoe, and one designed with high heel and all. He was really into it and continued to ask questions.

The couple took the floor and not a word was spoken during their performance. His eyes were glued and mouth gaped open.... They finished and while approaching the judging area, Dawson lets out a big sigh....... says "Whew".....
"I am glad her leg didn't fly off".

If I doubted whether Dawson "got it" or not....I am thinking he got it...

I Am Getting "Florida Fever"

One week from Tuesday I will be "toodling" down the highway to Mickey Mouse Ville. I have been in a mad cleaning mode.....all of a sudden. My older son is coming home to help celebrate our birthday's together. Mine is Sunday and his is Monday. We very rarely get to spend them together so we were there for the original one.....that is for sure.

I have packing to do and gathering all my technical goodies so I can talk, type, charge, blog or (loggerbean as I like to call it for some folks who hate the word blog ;-) ) and this trip will be a little different with both of us blogging and and trying to share the ethernet cord. It should be funny to see who gets to it first.... I bet...I will lose!

I already have a whole list of things I wish to bring back for people. Isn't that the best part of going on vacation.....THE SOUVENIR'S......

My souvenirs will be the awesome photos I will bring back filled with cool memories. I will take good pics because I am getting the best in "camera 101" from a friend that really knows his stuff! I could probably pay for lessons but this way... I can ask what I want and learn as slow or fast as I desire. It is great. I am very appreciative to my camera guru! HIGH FIVE GURU!

My vacation will be documented using a little different style than usual. I guess you will just have to tune in to see what it is all about! Needless to say...I can't wait!