Krispy Kreme Field Trip

A few weeks ago I was at Publix with the boys (as we frequently are) and I noticed there was a preschool field trip getting a tour. I thought, "well my boys must really be ahead of the curve because they know this store inside and out."

Then I started to think about how many of the field trips that schools go on that are to food factories. I mean let's think; Bud's Best, Blue Bell, Golden Flake, and so forth.

One dreary morning I was trying to think of something indoors and simple to do with the boys. I saw the perfect opportunity to combine a donut run with a trip to a food factory. I mean they can learn all about a production line and get a sweet reward.

We were even able to meet up with some friends, Mrs. Kristine and Josiah. Big thanks to Kristine for remembering her camera and sharing pictures.



I don't know that much learning happened other than me learning exactly how much Walker loves donuts, but it was a fun morning. Now Walker ask for donuts at least once a day. It is probably a good thing we don't live too close to Krispy Kreme.

Birthday Present from Japan, Part 2

Eli got his own package from Uncle Matthew and Aunt Elaine for his birthday.

I don't think that wrench will open it.




Of course it is another silly hat.




Stickers!




Thank you from the other side of the planet!
Walker received a similarly silly hat for his birthday.

Breakfast with Mickey and Friends

The hardest reservation for us to get was breakfast at Chef Mickey's, so we had to wait until near the end of the vacation. It is so worth it! The characters to a great job. It is a painless way to see 5 of my kids favorites. There is dancing and participation from the kids. It is a buffet, and again food ready to go for little ones is huge. I'm pretty sure this is something we will try to do every time we go.

Mickey Waffles (both kids were so sticky by the time we were done, yeah syrup)


Walker explaining some serious breakfast stuff to Mickey. He just knelt down and listen to all Walker had to say nodding his head in agreement. Hilarious.


Mickey with Eli.


Donald


And I would like some mad props for this picture. Come on folks, look how far I have come! The things we will do for our kids.

Four Generations of Disney

While we were in Disney World, my grandparents came down to spend a few days with us. They took me when I was little and when I was not so little. It was neat to have them there with the boys. We are so blessed that they were willing to take the time and funds to spend some quality time with the boys and us. So now the boys have been with their grandparents and their great-grandparents, just not at the same time.

Pretty much upon their arrival it got really cold in Orlando, so the first day we just headed over to the campgrounds and then took a boat to Wilderness Lodge for lunch.

The second day we hit the ground running and went to Animal Kingdom, then back to the hotel for a short nap and then we spent the evening at the Magic Kingdom.

Eli with Grandma and Grandpa on the Safari.


Grandpa keeping up with Eli at the petting zoo.


Waiting for the fireworks on a particularly brisk evening.


It has taken me a while to get this post up because I had planned on finding some old pictures to scan in from my childhood Disney trips. I have accepted that that is not going to happen any time soon, so you will just have to use your imagination.

My "Baby" Turns 2

Happy birthday to my little Eli. I have a feeling no matter how many little brothers (or sisters in theory) come into this house he will always be my baby.

He hasn't felt well all weekend, but is on the mend now. It is a pretty lousy way to spend your birthday.

We aren't going to do much celebrating today, but we did have his party on Saturday. He enjoyed most of it, but by the cake, he just really wanted a nap. Next weekend we will do something for him, when he feels well enough to enjoy it.

Here are some videos to bring a tear to your eye (or at least to mine).

2007

Tiny Eli at Home from jason.mccay on Vimeo.

2008

Eli's First Birthday Cake from jason.mccay on Vimeo.

2009

Singing Happy Birthday to Eli from jason.mccay on Vimeo.

For whatever reason birthday #2 is much harder on this momma than birthday #1. They just seem so much more grown up. Gone are all the signs of babyhood and these little boys are left running around.

Eli Loves Animals

We made a trip over to the Disney Campgrounds in hopes of going to the petting zoo, but it turns out they have removed that part of the campgrounds, but you can still get a ride on a pony.

Walker just drew train tracks in the sand with a stick. He would not ride the pony.

Eli was more than pleased when we arrived at the Animal Kingdom's Affection Station...which is their name for the petting zoo. He made several laps around the animals making sure to give each one a pet as he passed.

Walker was completely uninterested. He just wanted to get back on the train.

No Pictures Please!

At EPCOT they have a firetruck set up for kids to explore. We all know Walker loves a firetruck. He, however, does not like stopping for a picture in front of a fire truck. Especially when other kids are allowed to continue playing, by their loving understanding parents.



And the same reaction in 2008


Notice the compliant little brother in both pictures.

Our New Favorite (Disney) Resturant

We tried somewhere new on this trip, Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge...and loved it! The decor is unique and it is a great setting or families.

It is a buffet of African foods (those of us with young kids know how great it is to get the food immediately upon sitting down, so buffets rock). The variety is incredible. We did our best to try some of everything, but that would be impossible. The food is different enough to be interesting, but not too weird to eat.

It also includes a dessert buffet with more choices than even I could sample; shocking, I know. This was the kids favorite part, but not because of the desserts, because of the blueberries. They had Key Lime Tarts topped with blueberries and strawberries...the kids ate the fruit off the top and then discarded the tarts like they were cups. And since it was vacation...we totally let them. It was hilarious.





We even got to see some animals out on the Savannah after dinner. Eli absolutely loves zebras, so this was perfect.


Next time we go we are going to stay at the Villas adjacent to this hotel and this definitely made us more excited about it!

Happy Birthday, Everyone

This year Disney's big theme is celebrating. On your birthday they will give you a free ticket (which if you know what Disney tickets cost, is a big deal), so we scheduled our vacation to be there on my birthday.

They even give you a snazzy button to wear so everyone can wish you a happy birthday. You know what you realize when someone is offering a big freebie with lots of celebrating for your birthday? Every fifth person has your birthday. Seriously, everywhere I looked I saw people with the birthday buttons. You go through life thinking it is your special day, but really you share it with about 10,000 people and all the people I share it with were in Disney World this year. :)

Not that I let that rain on my parade (haha, Disney - parade, anyway). I got my fabulous free admission, lots of happy birthdays, a free cupcake and pixie dust sprinkled on our table. Overall a very good deal, and a birthday unlike any I have had before.

When we got back to our room that night, even though it was late we had cake. We had super special chocolate cake straight from the Disney bakery, complete with chocolate Mickey Mouses as a border. A perfect end to my First 29th Birthday.

Day 1: Full Disney Attack

Our first full day at Disney we did what everyone does, and spent the day at the Magic Kingdom.

Step 1: Ride Dumbo



Step 2: Pooh's Playful Spot (sure it is nice, but did we really come all this way to play at the playground)


(Eli's safety slide)

Step 3: Ride the train



Step 4: Meet Mickey

Make sure to give Mickey a good hug.


Step 5: Lunch at the Plaza
Very nice lunch for a pretty-reasonable-for-Disney price. The mayor of Mainstreet came in and sang Happy Birthday to me (and the 10 other folks celebrating), and we got a fabulous free cupcake.

Step 6: Rush back for naps as quick as possible

Step 7: Return refreshed and ready to ride Dumbo again.



Step 8: Ride a few more rides, grab a bite to eat and prepare for the fireworks


The perfect way to begin our Disney vacation. We had a blast and got as much into that day as possible.

Family Story Time

Tonight before bedtime the boys settled in Walker's bed for a joint story time. We have been trying to do this from time to time, so that they would get used to going to bed together.

Tonight Walker decided that Maddy and Molly, our dachshunds, needed to participate in story time. He went and convinced them to come in (we heard the barking from the other room). So one by one he got them/chased them into his bedroom and they hopped right up on the bed.

The funny part is, the dogs were the only two actually listening to the story. :) The boys were flopping around, playing with toys and I don't think Walker actually made it into the bed during the story. It was adorable. The dogs politely played the part the 3 year old had asked them to, only he didn't care anymore. These poor dogs...three little boys, they don't stand a chance.

PS - The extra memory for the computer has been purchased. As soon as my tech guy (also known as daddy) gets it installed I will get some pictures and stories from Disney posted.