Karaoke

Oh my goodness did we have a fun Sunday School social.  We catered in dinner and did Karaoke.  It was hysterical.  Most of our group can sing, and sing well actually.  And those of us that can't were belting it out like we could.  Ryan and I did a song from Grease, "You're the One That I Want."  You can almost hear me singing oooh, oooh, oooh HONEY! 

As a group, the girls did "I Will Survive."  A song which I did not know nearly as many words as I thought I did.

Most people took a turn with the mike and we all had some good laughs.  It ranged from Elvis, to show tunes to old country.  We hated to call it a night after so much fun but we didn't want our babysitter to think we had abandoned her. 

Aunt Kristin & Kids

My friend Kristin brought her kids and came to visit us.  I am sure it's not easy flying with two kids but we are so glad they all came.  We did lots of fun things while she was here.  Our first trip was to the Atlanta Aquarium.  We had never been there before and it was awesome.  Practically the first thing we did was go to the dolphin show.  I love dolphins and this show was incredible.  

It was a little chaotic since it was spring break and March Madness was in town.  But we didn't lose anyone and the kids had a great time.  We saw all kinds of sea life including this Beluga whale, seahorses, jellyfish, and much much more.  We also got to pet sting rays in one of the touch tanks.  I didn't think we would ever get the kids away from that attraction. 

When Tessa's spring break was over, we took Kristin's kids to the zoo.  It was a beautiful day so we played at the park and had a picnic too.  

 I hadn't seen the baby giraffe, Kiko, yet so I was excited too.

On another day we rode the train at our local park.  The conductor couldn't believe I had never ridden before.  Well, I'm a girl mom.  Tessa would have liked it though, maybe sometime I will bring her.   

The kids played so well together.  With Ryan in France and Kristin around to help me with everything, I had plenty of time to relax even with two extra kids.  It's handy having a wife!

On Friday, we went to the Children's Museum.  Tessa has grown up so much since the last time we were here.  It was way more fun this time.  There was a craft station outside where they got to paint and make kites.  I think we explored every room with the farm always being a popular stop.    

Over the week-end we hiked Pearson Falls.  I say hike, it's really more of an easy walk but with three small kids that's perfect.  We've had so much rain this spring, everything was green and beautiful.

 

 

The kids played dress up, aren't they just adorable?!  

I love this picture, but it makes her Daddy groan when Tessa kisses boys.  She is such an affectionate kid.

We are so glad that our friends could make the trip and we were sad to see them go.  We are heading to Texas this summer so we will get to see them again soon. 

Easter

Easter morning we went to church and afterwards I took a picture of Tessa in front of the cross.  Tessa already had a pretty good grasp of the meaning of Easter, that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the grave and later ascended into Heaven.  But, since Nanny had passed away just days ago, there had been a lot of talk about dying in our house.  Kids are amazing the way they process death and dying, they are so much better at it than adults.  So when it came time to talk about Jesus dying I think Tessa really had more context. 

After church we went to my parent's house.  My mom's yard is always so pretty and green.  Tessa hunted Easter eggs and opened her basket. 

 

 

 

Caring for Nanny combined with the shock of how quickly she passed meant that neither my mom nor I had had a chance to make any plans for Easter.  So we decided to go out to eat.  We had a lovely lunch at Nantucket Grill and then played in the downtown courtyard.  Tessa started a game of Duck, Duck, Goose and we ran around laughing hysterically.  Happy Easter! 

Easter Party

Tessa had an Easter Egg hunt at school.  While the kids were having story time we moms hid the eggs on the playground.  Once we were ready, they walked down the hill holding their cute little bags that they had made.  They all lined up and when Ms. Haynes said "GO!" they scattered in search of candy eggs. 

Afterwards they came inside for special snacks.  Tessa is so excited about her cupcake.  They went through their bags, compared eggs and traded with each other.  I love this age, the kids are just as sweet as all the candy they eat.

Saturday Travel Day - Or Not

On our last day in Disney World, we planned a late breakfast at 'Ohana in the Polynesian hotel.  It was one last chance to visit with the characters before we hit the road, at least that was the plan.  While we were waiting to be seated Tessa announced that she wanted to stay at Disney World forever.  Me too Baby, me too.  And that got me thinking, my dad hadn't used all of his days since he arrived late, a complicated package price thing that actually worked in our favor.  And we didn't really have to be home at a reasonable time.  And we hadn't actually done everything in the Magic Kingdom.  Ryan, resigned to my crazy whims, headed to the front desk to see about upgrading the rest of our tickets so we could go back to the park for one more day.  Hooray!!!  

 

Then we enjoyed breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Pluto and Mickey.  It was delicious, the pineapple bread was to die for.    

Hopping back on the monorail we went to the Magic Kingdom.  We hadn't seen Gaston and we hadn't had a chance to ride the Great Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Tessa had another of her favorite popsicles while we waited for Belle's would be beau.  

Gaston arrived with his usual flair for the dramatic and took up a place in front of his Tavern.  He was hilarious, cracking one liners the whole time we took pictures.  Ryan said Gaston must have a great time doing his job, he just stands around being a conceited jerk all day.  Well, that is his character.  When we took this picture he said "Ah, one for the mantel!"  I am so glad we got to see him.   

Great Thunder Mountain Railroad was our last Disney attraction.  We used our FastPasses and boarded the runaway train.  I wasn't honestly sure how Tessa was going to like racing through the dark mines and swinging around fast turns but she loved it.  She told everyone that it was her favorite ride.

After a few wonderful bonus hours, we went back to our hotel.  We had many counter service meals left on our dining plan so we got lots of food to go.  Ryan kept warning me that the car was full, we really didn't have room but he managed to squeeze everything, plus us, into the car.  It was a long drive home.  I belatedly remembered how tired we were last time we stayed in the park on travel day.  We were even more tired this time.  I wouldn't trade these Saturday memories, but next time I ask to stay late, I told Ryan to remind me of this exhausting drive home.  Disney is unlike any other place on Earth and we love it.  Tessa told me that when she grows up she will work for Disney as a painter and I can be a Disney photographer.  Sounds good to me but for now we will just tour the parks like crazy.  Time to start saving money for our next trip! 

Friday at Magic Kingdom

On our last full Disney day, we went back to the Magic Kingdom.  In the morning we toured at a more leisurely pace and concentrated on group pictures. 

Mickey Mouse meets on Main Street and didn't have much of a line so we headed there.  It's a pretty cool set-up made to look like his backstage dressing area.  I especially like the wardrobe with his extra pairs of huge gloves. 

In Adventureland we stood in the long line for the fairies.  Tessa didn't mind waiting because they play Tinkerbell movies while you wait.  Once we made it around the corner we discovered that Rosetta was meeting with Tink.  The cast members keep it super secret which fairies are there that day.  My little fairy was too cute with her sparkling wings and puff shoes.   

Heading back across the bridge we found Peter Pan who wanted to hear all about what the fairies were doing. 

We had midday reservations at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  Tessa was anxious to have her turn in the castle salon and had been waiting patiently for this day all week.  After being escorted to a dressing room she stepped into her Snow White dress and matching high heeled shoes.  Then Tessa happily climbed into the chair for hair and make-up.  This time, she didn't need me to sit with her or even help pick her hair style, tiara, or make-up colors.  My mom and I watched from the couch as she grew up before our very eyes.  I have to say, she made great color choices.  Before long, our princess was sprinkled with pixie dust and ready for her photo shoot.  I'm not biased, she is the prettiest of all the princess.       

If you ask, Tessa might tell you this was her favorite part of Disney.  I think it's mine. 

We left the castle in search of characters.  We met White Rabbit in front of the teacups.  Unfortunately, we didn't catch Alice in Wonderland because she has crazy short hours.   

We watched the afternoon parade from Frontierland while munching on a Pecos Bill burger.  They do make a great hamburger at Disney.  All Tessa wanted was a popsicle.  Now that we have discovered popsicles, they are one of her favorite things. 

Back by the train station we found Woody and Jesse.  While waiting in line, Tessa told me she didn't feel good.  I asked her if we needed to go to the bathroom and was she going to throw up.  She responded that she could wait.  Not a good sign.  But, when it was our turn, Tessa danced and played with Woody. 

She was strangely shy with Jesse and wouldn't get near her until my mom and I got in the picture.  Again, not a good sign.  The weather was turning freakishly cold so we decided it was a good time take a break.

We took the boat back to our hotel and Tessa cried miserably.  We bundled her in the stroller, used Ryan's sweatshirt like a blanket but no sooner did we dock and start toward our room than she threw up.  Bless her heart, she was pitiful.  Back in the room, I dosed her with Zofran and snuggled with her in a chair.  She had a fever so I gave her some Motrin when I thought she could hold it down.  Of course, this was only a couple of hours before our reservation at the coveted Cinderella's Table.  Ryan was nice and said it would be okay if we cancelled even though that would mean losing our money because you have to prepay this meal.  Tessa napped on me and her fever came down so we decide to try to make it to dinner.  Yes, I toured Disney with a feverish kid who I would not have sent to school in such a condition.  I am convinced I am not the only mom to make this same decision, hence the nasty bugs we seem to pick up here at the happiest place on Earth.  By the time we arrive at the castle, Tessa seemed to be feeling better.        

While Tessa may still have not been one hundred percent, she had plenty of hugs for her hostess princess.

We were seated before the sun went down and the dining room was beautiful in natural light.  At the table right next to ours, a guy proposed to his girlfriend.  It was sweet, what a romantic setting!  At least it was until they pulled out their phones and started tweeting or texting rather than talking to each other.  Kids these days!  Back to my two loves, Tessa is gorgeous in her pink Ariel gown.  

The princesses made the rounds and you may notice that Tessa's dress is different.  This is one of my favorite dresses because it's reversible.  It is now Ariel's wedding dress.  She had wanted to take her dress off while we were waiting, which was fine, but I insisted it go back on for pictures with the princesses.  Snow White made it to our table first and she looked sweet as could be.        

 Aurora was next, beaming when we told her that she was Ryan's favorite princess.

 Ariel positively bounced with excitement when she met Tessa.  Ariel loved the wedding dress and I loved her reaction.  For the moment, Ariel is Tessa's favorite princess.    

And last, but not least, was Jasmine.  She remembered us from Epcot and again I wonder what is it that makes our family so memorable.  But, I am totally impressed that she remembered because she must have seen countless kids in the meantime.  Jasmine stayed and talked with us the longest of all the princesses.  By Jasmine's outfit, you can tell how cold it is getting.   

After dinner, Tessa seemed to be feeling much better, thank goodness.  My parents took her to Tomorrowland where she rode the rocket ships with Gampa.  They also drove the cars again at the Motor Speedway.  It was positively freezing by this point and Tessa was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt with only a lightweight jacket to keep her warm.  So my mom bought Tessa pants and gloves, cute little Minnie Mouse gloves.   

Ryan and I had taken off to ride Pirates of the Carribean and explore the Swiss Family Tree House.  By luck, we were up in the tree house when the fireworks started.  It's a great place to see the fireworks over the castle.  We met back up at the Magic Carpet ride and went for a spin.  My parents called it quits, deeming it too cold to do anything else.  We went to the Tiki Room to try to warm up a little.  Then I think we rode the Jungle Cruise, I honestly can't remember.  Tessa was feeling lots better and I just didn't want our last day at Disney to end.     

But eventually, it did.  One last shot of the beautiful castle at night and then we went back to the hotel to pack.