Disney World-April 2010

About three years ago, B was given a travel gift card that we somehow never managed to use. It was expiring soon, and when word came that we were moving to Florida, we booked a long weekend at Disney World. It was Lise's 2nd trip and Abri's 1st.

The girls weren't too excited about moving away from New Jersey, so we used the thrill of being close to Disney to try to smooth it over. We also used it as a potty training goal.

As you may have read in the past, Abri showed great signs of wanting to potty train before Christmas, but with all that changed during that time, progress was thrown out the window. We were so close, but she was a wall, and B and I tried everything to get her back on track. I promised her the moon, the stars and everything in between, and I'm just thankful she doesn't remember all that I owe her.

A few weeks before the moving truck came, Cinderella (Abri's favorite princess) called Mommy to tell her if Abri was a Big Girl by the time she went to Disney World, Cinderella would be sure to say hello.

Bingo! We had a winner, and by the time we made it there, we were diaper/pull up free.
With new haircuts, we were ready to go


So, now B and I had a big task on our hands....find Cinderella.
We had arrived the first night around 7pm and headed straight into the parks. It was nice, there were few crowds, and the air was still cool. We started in Tomorrowland and worked our way back to Toon Town.

The girls had not ridden many amusement rides, so this place was all new to them, and Lise' showed some signs of intimidation. She definitely was not thrilled with any ride in the dark, even if it was just for a split second. When we arrived in Toon Town, we headed for the Barn Stormer (aka kiddie rollar coaster). Lise' absolutely loved it, and rode until they closed the doors.

We had another little bit of luck in Toon Town-character greetings. More importantly, a line dedicated to princesses. Cinderella's photo was pictured that she was accepting visitors, so we got in line. After a small wait, we were invited in, but there was no Cinderella. Thankfully were weren't too disappointed because Sleeping Beauty and Belle (Lise's favorite princess) were there in her place. Apparently Cinderella had to ride in the parade at that time. Better luck next time.


So, as we headed out of the park for the night (it was nearly 11pm), the girls insisted we go see the castle. As we were leaving, the second showing of Spectro Magic started rolling down Main Street, so we sat down right in front of the castle and had front row seats to the show. The girls were mesmorized, and Abri was thrilled when she saw Cinderella in her carriage. It was a late night, and the girls were asleep before we hit the gates, but it was a great night.

The following days, we explored the different parks at our leisure. We did eventually return to the princess photo section where we at last got to meet Cinderella. What a storybook ending.


For more Photos, click HERE.

We've Been a Little Busy

No excuses, just life. In the past 3 months, we've been nonstop. We've been to Disney 3 times, camping, and the girls and I drove back to NJ for a weeklong visit. Add pool time and visitors to that equation, and the last thing I've wanted to do was sit at a computer. Sorry to disappoint.

Did I mention that all 3 of our digital cameras along with portions of my computer have bitten the dust? The new power cord for the PC came in yesterday, so that is why I'm back.


The House
We've been here 3 months, and it still isn't ready for pictures. The house was vacant for a year. In the first few weeks, Mom & Dad came to visit. We spent a few days ripping all the overgrown weeds and bushes from the flower beds and then cut back what we wanted to save. By the time that was all over, we had hit the summer temps, so planting has been postponed until fall.

As for the interior, there's still a hole in the tile in the kitchen, but as usual, we've become accustomed to it. One day that will change-most likely when the moving orders come.


We've also started to de-brassify the house. We started with the knobs on the kitchen cabinets, and it helped tremendously. No painting has begun, but I hope once our summer travles slow down, that too will be addressed.

There's also been a lot of time spent in the pool. It makes B and I wonder how we ever could have considered a house without one. It's definitely made it an easier transition down here. We don't have to drive to find a park in the heat of the day, and they aren't constantly telling me they are bored.



The new fence we installed around the pool.