The Happiest Place on Earth

We did it! We survived our very first real family vacation! I didn't think it was possible.

We drove to CA and the drive couldn't have gone smoother. The kids were ANGELS and so very well behaved. We pulled in a little before dinner time...and it didn't take Neve long to settle in.

Then we headed off to Downtown Disney and had dinner at Rainforest Cafe.

The kids were up at 4:30ish (ugh) but Aaron and I had gone to bed super early (in preparation) so it was no big deal. They were so excited to hit the parks!

The next pic is my favorite as it shows my little "angels" fighting before we ever even went in. hahahhaha...reminds me of me and my brother. :)

Neve was excited to push Nateman in the stroller. :)

"I got to meet Mickey! I got to meet the Mouse!"

Dumbo was by far Nate's favorite ride and was actually asking for it by name. How do you say no to that???? ...so we rode Dumbo about 8 times. :)

Then we met up with Aaron's Dad and Mom...a HUGE treat for the kids (especially Neve). They LOVE seeing their grandparents and run to them instantly.

I love this picture of Aaron, his dad, and the kids.

I love how Neve's got her arms up letting Grammy and Grampy do the work!

OK, this story is going to sound completely contrived, but I swear it's true (you can ask my in-laws). This is a picture of Snow White's wishing well. Neve was really into it and thought it was so neat. She dropped her coin in and we told her to make a wish. She did and I asked her what she wished for...she said, "I wished Snow White would come". I kid you not, Snow White came strolling up behind her. Could we have possible timed that any better if we tried?!?

Neve also got to meet the Fairy Godmother (while Aaron took Nate for another spin on Dumbo).

This was from the Jungle Cruise. I love this picture of my guys!!

Neve wasn't so sure about the hippos on the cruise...she stayed extra close to Grammy. :)

Me and a not-so-happy Nateman. It was REALLY hot by this time of day.

The kids loved the parade that afternoon as well. Thanks to Grammy and Grampy securing our spots, we had prime seats for the show. :)

After the parade we had dinner at the park then headed back to the hotel so we could rest up for Disney Day 2! We took 400+ pictures on our trip- so these are just a few as I load more! I will also post ALL of the pics on our Shutterfly page when I am done (for our family and such)....and next I will post our Day 2 adventures here. :) Stay tuned!

 

Today's the day the teddy bears have their pic-nic!

Today was Teddy Bear picnic day at Neve's preschool. Build-a-Bear sends people to their school and all the kids get to stuff their own bear and name it. Neve named her bear, "Rapunzel".

hahahha..this is Neve's "panic" face when she thought we didn't get to keep the bear.

Then it was time to dance with their bears.

The picnic blanket picnic got rained out but they were able to have lunch outside under the ramada.

So fun! I am definitely gonna miss the preschool fun school activities. I feel so lucky I can always volunteer and be a part of her day.

Look Who's Talking

I mean, who isn't interested in Kirstie Alley's weight loss?!?

Hahahha..Nate is so dang funny. He picked up my US Weekly and attempted to read what he could. Hilarious! I guess I could care less...as long as he's reading!

He flipped through the whole thing. Guess I will put away Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and break out some gossip mags at bedtime. ;)

Nate has also been doing wonderfully in school this year. WHAT a change from last year!!!

Nate's artwork.

Neve is doing great too. She did awesome again this week at soccer.

I mean if the only teammate competition she has is "shirt-eater", I think she will dominate this season. ;)

Nate really enjoyed her game last week too. At the end of the game, all the parents form a tunnel for the kids to run through...and Nate was happy to help with the tunnel this week! Go Nateman!

Neve also has been having tons of fun lately at the trampoline park we go to. The girl bounces for hours at a time and cries when we leave. I don't know where she gets all that energy...but better there then bouncing off the walls at home.

I think that is the wrap-up here. Our Disney vacation has finally arrived, so wish us luck next week!





Belle of the Ball

Yesterday, after soccer, it was Mommy/Daughter day! We met up with some friends to see Beauty and the Beast at the local Children's theater. It was darling, as always! They do such a good job there of putting on an interactive, kid-friendly performance with just enough bells and whistles. The girls did amazing and were completely into the show. Next season (Spring) they are putting on Rapunzel and then Snow White! Neve is counting the days!

Outside getting ready to go in for the show.

Neve with her sweet friends Shelby, Riley, and Addison.

The girls up on the big staircase before the show.

After the show it was on to Oregano's for lunch.

The girls playing Ring-around-the-Rosie while waiting for our table.

Aaron spent the afternoon with Nateman at the pool. No pictures of course because that would involve Aaron picking up a camera. :)

Nate does go with us to soccer games though and does quite well. We are still looking for a respite provider for that time but still nobody seems to be a good fit. *sigh*. How is it I found such AMAZING aides for Nate in Ohio, but not here at ALL. hmmmm..what gives? Oh well! Looks like Nate is going to learn to tag along for family events for now. It's good for him, sometimes I know. Other times it is just TOO much input for the poor little guy. Sensory and stimulation overload.