Saturday, November 10, 2012

Trip to Florida

Chase called me one day about a month ago and said that he came across this fabulous deal and wanted to take our family to Disney World.  It was terrible timing as I was sitting in the doctors office mad because I had neglected to get my filling replaced and now I had a root canal.  I was in no mood to talk about it and quickly said no!  Then shortly after he called me back,  "This deal is just too good" and a few weeks later we were on the plane flying to Florida.  I must say that although I was a little hesitant I am so happy we did it and will cherish the memorize I have with my boys at the "happiest place on earth!"

The boys enjoyed swimming in the pool, getting chocolate milk every morning at the continental breakfast buffet, going to the Becks for dinner, SEA WORLD, and MAGIC KINGDOM!  They truly had the time of their lives.  We only had a few ups and downs along the way:)

Day 1:
We flew out early Sunday Morning.  The boys were so excited even though we had to wake them up at 5:00 in the morning to go to the airport.  The flight was great and Jayden was a champ!  He sat in his seat the whole time and thought it was so cool!  We got off the plane in sunny Florida excited for our adventure.  Then we got in the car and that is when it always gets exciting.  About 2 minutes into our drive and Chase is ready to throw up.  Luckily the hotel was 20 minutes away and he didn't throw up until we were walking into the hotel.  Then we drove to the Becks for dinner!  It was so fun and they made us the most delicious meal!  MMMmmm...truly amazing!  The boys had so much fun playing with their old New York friends James and Taylor!  Unfortunately within our 8 minute drive back to our hotel, Jayden threw up.  Luckily we were prepared and had a bag ready to go!

Unfortunately this led to the decision to give the boys dramamine the morning before we drove to Sea World:)

Day 2:
The boys are bouncing off the walls so excited for Sea World!  They had been watching videos online and couldn't wait to see the sharks, dolphins, and shamu!  We arrive at Sea World and suddenly all three of them crashed and burned.  What is going on I thought?  I had assumed that the dramamine Chase bought was non-drowsy but unfortunately that was not the case.  I was so sad.  Sea World is my all time favorite place and my kids were all drowsy:(  Luckily they rebounded and we all had a glorious time, especially me!  I absolutely loved the dolphin show!  It was spectacular and it was everything I remember as a kid.



Dolphin Show



The boys wanted to touch the dolphins so bad


They had to settle with the sting rays but they thought that was pretty cool



Shamu Show  


All Jackson wanted was cotton candy







Sharks!


The Shark tunnel was the boys favorite part. They wanted to walk through it a couple times and thought it was so cool to see the sharks swim all around them



Day 3:  Magic Kingdom!  It truly was magical!  The boys loved it from start to finish and went on almost every ride!  They also loved seeing all the Disney characters.  We lucked out with the crowds and never really had to wait in line.  The weather was absolutely perfect and made for the most perfect day!


Walking in the Entrance full of pure joy and excitement


Main street was decked out with Christmas decorations


Where to begin...


Our first ride of the day was Peter Pan!  We were told to start there since it usually has the longest lines.    The boys couldn't wait to get on the boats. Does that just not look like something that they would absolutely love!


Big eyes and permanent smiles




I was so excited to take the boys on Grandmas favorite ride!  I remember going on this with my Mom when I was little and she loved every minute of it.  


The boys were fascinated by all the different people from the different countries


Jackson even tried to sing along since the chorus repeats itself over and over again...he thought he had it down by the end


Mickeys Philharmonic Show


I am not sure what got into Chase but for some reason the gift shops kept calling him name.  He wanted to go in everyone of them.  




Chase's favorite ride was Goofy's Rollercoaster



Jackson's favorite ride was Dumbo 


Jayden is Dad's little buddy and would not ride a single ride with me.  He absolutely refused.  To be honest Chase and Jackson didn't want to ride with me either but luckily they gave in and felt bad that no one wanted to ride with Mom.  Maybe they were embarrassed of my groovy outfit.  I was a little embarrassed myself but unfortunately I have no maternity summer clothes and went with comfort over style.  Just do it! 




Jayden's favorite ride was the race car...I am sad I didn't get him in the picture


I must say that it was my favorite ride too because I got to ride with Jackson and he was absolutely hilarious!  He wanted to drive all by himself and put all he had into trying to do so:)  He can be pretty funny!





When all was said and done I think the boys enjoyed meeting all the characters the most.  That was the only time we really had to wait in line and they would not leave it no matter how long the wait.


They took their notebooks to get their autographs






I was surprised that Chase and Jackson were both willing to go on splash mountain...and were still smiling afterwards


Chase is in the yellow shirt, little Chase is next to him, and Jackson was ducking down


These are our friends who use to live in New York and moved to Orlando.  They are some of our favorite people and it was so fun to have them join us for a few hours.  


Waiting for the parade to start


Dream come True


MICKEY MOUSE



Jungle Cruise


Jackson wanted to try on all the hats at the concession stands



Posing with Goofy


Buzz Lightyear 


loved this ride



Goofy's Disco Dance Party


Jackson loves to dance


Tea Cups



It was so fun being there at night


The firework show




Ice Cream


kept the smiles alive


and we were able to squeeze in a few more rides before ending our day




Giving Dad a big hug for such a wonderful day


Disney World 2012



Thursday, November 1, 2012

Everything October

I was so excited for October to roll around this year!  So excited that I think I burnt myself out of fall fun and am excited to move on to winter and Christmas! But before we do so I thought I would recap all the fun things that we did this month.  Fall in New York is absolutely wonderful.  It is probably my favorite time of year.  After a hot humid summer we are able to enjoy a few months of the most perfect fall weather!

October 1st was definitely the most beautiful day of the year!  I could not believe how gorgeous it was that day!  I remember walking down to the park with Jayden that day with a permanent smile on my face.  The sun was shining, the air was cool but warm, and it was finally October...the holidays were officially here!!!  That evening we made our favorite homemade chili and cornbread to kick off the season!



That evening we made our favorite homemade chili and cornbread to kick off the season


Put up the few Halloween Decorations that we have


Conference weekend we made cinnamon rolls


The boys loved taking turns rolling the dough


Jayden and I at the farmers market


Take a look at that face


Dipping apples in Caramel


MMmmMMmm



We had Fanney and her friends over one night to decorate Halloween cookies


Not use to a room full of girls


Lots of chatter, giggling, and very creative halloween cookies


Nana, Papa, and Paige sent the boys a Halloween Package.  Paige made them all a darling halloween trick-or-treat bag!


Jayden and I at the New York Botanical Gardens


Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins


Jaydens favorite part of all was running through the maze over and over again!  He loved it!




Painting pumpkins at playgroup


Jayden and his friend Dan


Moms and toddlers at Sugar and Plumm for a little morning Hot Chocolate


Afterwards we took the boys over to the Natural History Museum to get all their energy out




The ward Halloween Party


Primary Parade



Jackson had his friend Makeila over for a playdate.  They have become good friends.  


We made Halloween Cake Pops


October 31st


Carving our Pumpkin before we head out to go trick-or-treating


2 Pirates and a Dragon


Trick-or-Treating to a few of the shops along Broadway






After trick-or-treating our building had a party for all the kids


Bancroft Friends


Games


Decorating Pumpkins


Finally, the best part of Halloween


counting all your candy



organizing them into favorites


and feeling like you have a never ending supply of the best thing on earth


What a great day!




Happy Halloween!
2012