Sunday, May 8, 2011
Strawberry Fields
One of the pleasures of warm weather is picking and eating strawberries right off the vine. It is by far Tessa's favorite fruit and a morning spent in the strawberry fields with friends is her version of nirvana. Summer sweetness. 
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Nanny & Pa
Nanny & Pa came to visit last week-end. We celebrated a late Easter when they arrived. Tessa had another basket to open, presents are always fun. She got a sweet bunny necklace, the movie Bambi and more. Thank you Nanny & Pa. 
We took it easy and mostly played around the house. The weather was beautiful and as an early Mother's Day gift for Paula, we did a crawfish boil. While I may be a little squeamish about live food, you can see that Tessa isn't. She reached right into the cooler and picked up the little mudbugs. She helped Daddy & Pa season the boil and shucked corn too. Maybe each ear of corn had a few bites taken out of the middle, but none of us cared. 
It was a relaxing and enjoyable visit that went way too quick. We are so glad Nanny & Pa came to see us.
We took it easy and mostly played around the house. The weather was beautiful and as an early Mother's Day gift for Paula, we did a crawfish boil. While I may be a little squeamish about live food, you can see that Tessa isn't. She reached right into the cooler and picked up the little mudbugs. She helped Daddy & Pa season the boil and shucked corn too. Maybe each ear of corn had a few bites taken out of the middle, but none of us cared. 
It was a relaxing and enjoyable visit that went way too quick. We are so glad Nanny & Pa came to see us.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Easter
Happy Easter! Our morning started with early church service. We rejoiced that our Lord & Savior arose from the dead after paying the price for our sins on the cross. He lives! 
Then it was over to G&Gs for lunch. My mom always sets such a beautiful table. The menu consisted of lamb, risotto, carrots and more. We have lamb on Easter to remind us that Jesus is the Lamb of God. 
While lunch was cooking, we headed outside for an egg hunt. With no competition for the eggs, Tessa took her time finding them hidden around the yard. When she discovered they were filled with good chocolate candy (not the cheapo gum and sugar paste) she had to open and sample each egg. It was a fabulous warm day so we didn't mind sitting outside and watching her hunt to her heart's content. 
Obligatory bunny ear pictures. I just think they are so cute. 
Sadly, I was called into work before we could sit down to eat or open Tessa's Easter basket. I'm more than a little grumpy about this since I just worked on Christmas too. But when Tessa did finally open her basket it was wonderful. She is such a sweetheart, genuinely excited and grateful for presents. Happy Easter! 
Then it was over to G&Gs for lunch. My mom always sets such a beautiful table. The menu consisted of lamb, risotto, carrots and more. We have lamb on Easter to remind us that Jesus is the Lamb of God. While lunch was cooking, we headed outside for an egg hunt. With no competition for the eggs, Tessa took her time finding them hidden around the yard. When she discovered they were filled with good chocolate candy (not the cheapo gum and sugar paste) she had to open and sample each egg. It was a fabulous warm day so we didn't mind sitting outside and watching her hunt to her heart's content. Obligatory bunny ear pictures. I just think they are so cute. Sadly, I was called into work before we could sit down to eat or open Tessa's Easter basket. I'm more than a little grumpy about this since I just worked on Christmas too. But when Tessa did finally open her basket it was wonderful. She is such a sweetheart, genuinely excited and grateful for presents. Happy Easter! 
Egg Hunts
With Easter being late this year and our spring weather being gorgeous we had time for lots of egg hunts. Our first was a community egg hunt where Tessa picked up a whopping total of two eggs. But she had fun. And there was a magic show, a pizza lunch and an appearance by Elmo. 
Then there was the Sunday School egg hunt hosted by our wonderful teachers. We gathered way more eggs this time and had a yummy picnic lunch too. 
Next up was the playgroup egg hunt. I feel so lucky to have all these great kids and their mommas in my life. Love our playgroup! Of course, I knew getting them to sit still and actually look at the camera was never going to happen. But it was worth a try and the craziness of this picture makes me smile.
Then there was the Sunday School egg hunt hosted by our wonderful teachers. We gathered way more eggs this time and had a yummy picnic lunch too. Next up was the playgroup egg hunt. I feel so lucky to have all these great kids and their mommas in my life. Love our playgroup! Of course, I knew getting them to sit still and actually look at the camera was never going to happen. But it was worth a try and the craziness of this picture makes me smile.Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Gamma's Birthday
Hooray for Gamma! It's her birthday and we get to celebrate it with her. Happy Birthday! 
A family tradition in our house is chocolate pie. And I'm not talking about pudding in a pre-made crust either. It's my great grandmother's recipe of thick, rich chocolate in flaky homeade crust and topped with light and fluffy meringue. Tessa has developed a serious interest in cooking and she helped me make this special dessert for her Gamma. Having Tessa in the kitchen slows me down and makes a huge mess - just imagine cracking 6 eggs with a 3yr old. But the quality time is priceless and our end result was deeeelish. 
Gamma is so sweet, even on her birthday the present is for Tessa. We now have Rapunzel and friends plus a magical tower. Thank you and happy birthday!
A family tradition in our house is chocolate pie. And I'm not talking about pudding in a pre-made crust either. It's my great grandmother's recipe of thick, rich chocolate in flaky homeade crust and topped with light and fluffy meringue. Tessa has developed a serious interest in cooking and she helped me make this special dessert for her Gamma. Having Tessa in the kitchen slows me down and makes a huge mess - just imagine cracking 6 eggs with a 3yr old. But the quality time is priceless and our end result was deeeelish. Gamma is so sweet, even on her birthday the present is for Tessa. We now have Rapunzel and friends plus a magical tower. Thank you and happy birthday!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Last Day at Disney
One last trip to the Magic Kingdom. The week has gone by so fast!
We meet Chip & Dale in Tomorrowland.
And then Tessa rides Astro Orbiter with Gamma. I think they were the highest rocket ship, these two have no fear of heights. 
A last stroll down Main Street U.S.A. and we meet the Mayor. Pretty cool. Last minute shopping and another chance to see the princess show in front of the castle. We notice the spring breakers are all starting to arrive and the park is getting crowded. Perfect time for us to head home. 
Back to the hotel for a late lunch before we load the cars. We had planned to be on the road hours ago but couldn't tear ourselves away from the fun. Oh well, behind schedule till the very end.
Wow! Let's drive this home.
Our child was exhausted. What a wonderful trip, we can't wait to go back!
We meet Chip & Dale in Tomorrowland.And then Tessa rides Astro Orbiter with Gamma. I think they were the highest rocket ship, these two have no fear of heights. A last stroll down Main Street U.S.A. and we meet the Mayor. Pretty cool. Last minute shopping and another chance to see the princess show in front of the castle. We notice the spring breakers are all starting to arrive and the park is getting crowded. Perfect time for us to head home. Back to the hotel for a late lunch before we load the cars. We had planned to be on the road hours ago but couldn't tear ourselves away from the fun. Oh well, behind schedule till the very end. Wow! Let's drive this home.Our child was exhausted. What a wonderful trip, we can't wait to go back!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Magic Kingdom
All dressed up and so many places to go and people to see! We decided to divide and conquer in order to meet the most princesses before lunch. While the girls stood in line for Ariel, the boys headed to the other lines. Tessa hugged Ariel and they chatted about Max, Eric's dog. 
We had sent my dad around the corner to stand in line for Jasmine. I forgot to tell him that she was taking a break and wouldn't be back until 10:30. Admittedly, it was confusing when he got to the designated spot and there was no princess. But he stood in that empty line and, by the time we were done with Ariel, we were rewarded with almost no wait for Jasmine. Aladdin teased Tessa that she had stolen Belle's ball gown. Jasmine was precious and acted like she wanted to take Tessa home with her. We took a trip on the Magic Carpet ride and managed not to get hit by the spitting camel. 
Then we found Ryan in the multi princess line. He had gotten stuck with the longest wait. Behind the curtain were three of Tessa's favorite princesses, including her twin Belle. We hugged, kissed and talked to each one in turn. These meet and greet stations are Disney genius. The kids get to see their favorites and the moms get plenty of time for photos and videos. My favorite is when Tessa posed like Belle for the final picture. 
And then it was off to the castle for lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. Did I mentioned that we are infatuated with the castle? Cinderella herself welcomed us and then we climbed the winding stairs to the dining room. My princess held court, waving her little magic wand for all she was worth. The waiter heard Tessa asking for Sleeping Beauty and promised to immediately awaken her from her nap. While we waited, Tessa played with her new princess figurines. 
As each princess approached our table, Tessa would pick up the matching figurine and show it to the real princess. With four princesses in the small dining room we had wonderful one-on-one time. They would patiently let me take a million pictures while they loved on Tessa. In the past few days we had spent so much time with the princesses that they felt like family. 
We visited Colonial Mickey in Liberty Square, isn't he cute all dressed up? Speaking of dressed up, Tessa did not want to change out of her princess gown. So, we carried her around the park - hoop skirt and all. And she got so many compliments from total strangers.
More rides including Small World, this time with an awake Tessa. A relaxing tour on the riverboat and then it was time for the parade. We watched it from an elevated spot in Frontierland. Singing, dancing and all the favorite characters made for an awesome parade. When the Beast spotted our Belle he made a big deal and even blew her a kiss. She was transfixed by him.
Over to Tomorrowland where we met Buzz Lightyear. He bowed to our princess and then took her hand for a picture, adorable! 
We headed back to the hotel to rest before a late dinner. Tessa fell asleep and we were finally able to change her clothes. But the hair piece and crown remained intact, it would eventually take a lot of shampoo and hot water to deconstruct that up do. Off to the Polynesian for dinner where Tessa perked right back up. She did the limbo and played coconut games while we adults struggled to stay awake. 
We had sent my dad around the corner to stand in line for Jasmine. I forgot to tell him that she was taking a break and wouldn't be back until 10:30. Admittedly, it was confusing when he got to the designated spot and there was no princess. But he stood in that empty line and, by the time we were done with Ariel, we were rewarded with almost no wait for Jasmine. Aladdin teased Tessa that she had stolen Belle's ball gown. Jasmine was precious and acted like she wanted to take Tessa home with her. We took a trip on the Magic Carpet ride and managed not to get hit by the spitting camel. Then we found Ryan in the multi princess line. He had gotten stuck with the longest wait. Behind the curtain were three of Tessa's favorite princesses, including her twin Belle. We hugged, kissed and talked to each one in turn. These meet and greet stations are Disney genius. The kids get to see their favorites and the moms get plenty of time for photos and videos. My favorite is when Tessa posed like Belle for the final picture. And then it was off to the castle for lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. Did I mentioned that we are infatuated with the castle? Cinderella herself welcomed us and then we climbed the winding stairs to the dining room. My princess held court, waving her little magic wand for all she was worth. The waiter heard Tessa asking for Sleeping Beauty and promised to immediately awaken her from her nap. While we waited, Tessa played with her new princess figurines. As each princess approached our table, Tessa would pick up the matching figurine and show it to the real princess. With four princesses in the small dining room we had wonderful one-on-one time. They would patiently let me take a million pictures while they loved on Tessa. In the past few days we had spent so much time with the princesses that they felt like family. We visited Colonial Mickey in Liberty Square, isn't he cute all dressed up? Speaking of dressed up, Tessa did not want to change out of her princess gown. So, we carried her around the park - hoop skirt and all. And she got so many compliments from total strangers.More rides including Small World, this time with an awake Tessa. A relaxing tour on the riverboat and then it was time for the parade. We watched it from an elevated spot in Frontierland. Singing, dancing and all the favorite characters made for an awesome parade. When the Beast spotted our Belle he made a big deal and even blew her a kiss. She was transfixed by him. Over to Tomorrowland where we met Buzz Lightyear. He bowed to our princess and then took her hand for a picture, adorable! We headed back to the hotel to rest before a late dinner. Tessa fell asleep and we were finally able to change her clothes. But the hair piece and crown remained intact, it would eventually take a lot of shampoo and hot water to deconstruct that up do. Off to the Polynesian for dinner where Tessa perked right back up. She did the limbo and played coconut games while we adults struggled to stay awake. Saturday, April 9, 2011
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Friday morning, Tessa had an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Cinderella's Castle. I was thrilled to be able to take her to this over-the-top salon for a princess makeover. Tessa changed clothes in a royal dressing room, selected a hairstyle and then Christina, our Fairy Godmother-in-Training set to work. 
Tessa can get a little fussy about people messing with her hair. So when she got squirmy, I hopped into the chair and held her. No hardship for me to share the royal seat with my own little princess. The boutique theme song is "Every Girl Can Be a Princess." If only I had brought a crown for myself too. Ha! Once her hair was finished, Tessa selected make-up colors and a sparkly jewel accent. A sprinkling of fairy dust and we were done. Presenting the beautiful Contessa Belle!
While we were looking at the Cinderella memorabilia, the Fairy Godmother came to check on us. She wanted to make sure all of our dreams had come true. What a wonderful experience! 
Tessa can get a little fussy about people messing with her hair. So when she got squirmy, I hopped into the chair and held her. No hardship for me to share the royal seat with my own little princess. The boutique theme song is "Every Girl Can Be a Princess." If only I had brought a crown for myself too. Ha! Once her hair was finished, Tessa selected make-up colors and a sparkly jewel accent. A sprinkling of fairy dust and we were done. Presenting the beautiful Contessa Belle!While we were looking at the Cinderella memorabilia, the Fairy Godmother came to check on us. She wanted to make sure all of our dreams had come true. What a wonderful experience!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Animal Kingdom
Thursday was our day to visit the Animal Kingdom. Having been built since the last time we went to Disney, this park was new to all of us. It was uncrowded and there were tons of characters available for pictures and autographs. We met Baloo, Thumper & Miss Bunny, Turk, King Louis, and Meeko. Tessa and Baloo especially cracked us up, she sang "Bear Necessities" to him and he danced for her. 
We rode the roller coaster Expedition Everest and saw the Finding Nemo show. We also went on the Kilamanjaro Safari which was great, very up close and personal with the wild animals. Disney hides the fences so well that it really doesn't feel like a zoo at all. 
I was thrilled to see that Pocahontas was still greeting guests here. Just like probably half of the people here on the East Coast, I can trace my ancestry to this Indian Princess. Tessa was excited to see her too, it kind of looks like she is saying "How!" 
But best of all was Camp Minnie-Mickey. Based on reviews in my guidebook, I was inclined to skip this section of the park. I am so glad I didn't! We saw all the characters with practically no lines. Tessa just doesn't know how lucky she is to hop from Mickey to Minnie to Donald to Goofy on a whim.
We rode the roller coaster Expedition Everest and saw the Finding Nemo show. We also went on the Kilamanjaro Safari which was great, very up close and personal with the wild animals. Disney hides the fences so well that it really doesn't feel like a zoo at all. I was thrilled to see that Pocahontas was still greeting guests here. Just like probably half of the people here on the East Coast, I can trace my ancestry to this Indian Princess. Tessa was excited to see her too, it kind of looks like she is saying "How!" 
But best of all was Camp Minnie-Mickey. Based on reviews in my guidebook, I was inclined to skip this section of the park. I am so glad I didn't! We saw all the characters with practically no lines. Tessa just doesn't know how lucky she is to hop from Mickey to Minnie to Donald to Goofy on a whim. We ate an early dinner at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and watched the animals roam free on the hotel grounds. Back to the hotel at a reasonable hour, tomorrow is another big day.
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