Disney 2009

I have so much to learn still. It was a great week at Disney. This was our first time as a family to go. This was not only the kids first time, but it was also Noah's first time. I was so happy he really enjoyed himself there.

Day 1 We started with the first park which was Hollywood Studios. It was the last day for the Star Wars attraction. Lil Noah was so so so excited to see the men standing on top of the entrance way when we first arrived. He brought his storm trooper mask and wore it quite a bit. He was able to meet Darth Vadar (after standing in line for a 1 1/2).

Day 2 we went to Animal Kingdom. I love this park. It has a lot of shade so it was nice in the heat of the summer. Noah and I rode the scariest rollercoaster in my opinion. Everest. I loved it and it freaked me out. Almost all of the ride is in the dark. I loved the safari ride as well.

Day 3 we took a day off from the parks to enjoy the pool. The kids have really learned how to swim even Maggie in her floaty. She cruised all over the pool. Aunt V. really taught Kate and Noah the basics (boy am I lucky).

Day 4 we arrived at Magic Kingdom...it brought me to my childhood. I remember it so clearly and really not much has changed since the 70s. So Lil Noah loved the monarail (I think that was his favorite ride. He could have ridden it the entire day! Kate went on Splash Mountain and really enjoyed that. Maggie was such a trooper and never complained a bit. All the kids were great standing in the lines. It was hot, but we managed to pack a lot of water and fresh fruit. Gotta love apples with oranges mixed together. What an amazing treat. Every day we brought our lunch and the kids used their lunch money to buy icecream it was a great way to reward them for all their great behavior.

Day 5 we went to Epcot a little later in the day as we really wanted to indulge in the food and drinks. Well we had terential down pours so it was a bit crazy. Managed to get ponchos to stay dry and really I think this was one of mine and the kids favorite parks.

Day 6 back to the Magic Kingdom. It was hot and the kids were pretty done. We stayed for a good while and headed back to the condo and the kids went to the pool. Noah and I went back to Magic Kingdom and we really enjoyed ourselves. I know understand why so many adults go when they don't have kids. It truly is a place for anyone.

Day 7 we left around noon. The kids got their last bit of swimming and really were ready to be home. I could have stayed another week, but the kids were done!!!

April was full of visitors!

Our April started off with the kids Great fabulous Aunts visiting. Aunt Virgina and Aunt Maryann came to visit for a week. They arrived the week before Easter. The kids had a ball! Lots of shopping and playing and decorating eggs!

Than we had Aunt Niki and Cousin Curt for a long weekend. We had a great time. Went to the park and to The Chattahoochee nature center to celebrate Earth Day.

Avoid Idling when Lil Curt is around!

We than had a great visit from Moppy (Noah's Mom). She came to celebrate Grandparent's Day with Kate at school (when I see some pictures from Grandparents day I will post some). The kids had a great time hanging out with their grandma.

Happy 5th Birthday Noah!

You were born 5 years ago today! Happy Birthday Beau Beau!

Orange Belt

Noah earned his Orange belt in Karate last week. He has been working really hard on his Karate. We are so super proud of him.

It has been a while.

So much has happened. We had a great visit with Aunt Niki and cousin Curt (what a cutie) before the Holidays. Kate turned 7 and Mags turned 2. They both received American girl dolls and many accessories to go with them. We had a wonderful Christmas. Santa brought a swing set!! It is wonderful and it only took two weeks to put together thanks to the rain! Noah did a great job! The kids love it and call it the playground. We spent New Years with some new friends the Wade Family. It was great to be part of thier tradition.

Kids went back to school and Maggie started going two days also because I GOT A JOB! I wasn't looking for a job, but thankfully we are a perfect fit. I started last week(January 24) and it has been very overwhelming. I will be a research analyst. I will be working from home part-time and from the office. It is an ideal situation.

Noah goes in for his testing with St. Joe's next week (Feb. 2). I hope it goes well and he is at the same school as his big sis, Kate. We have really enjoyed being part of St. Joseph's family. Noah will also be testing for his orange belt at the end of the month.

Here is this years Santa picture!

I love it!!! All three are happy to be with Santa. YAY!!! Best.picture.ever!

8th trip to see Santa!

Holy cow I can't believe it is already time to see Santa again. Every year for the past 8 years (Kate was born 12 days before Christmas) we go to see the Santa at Phipps Plaza. We than go to The Tavern at Phipps for lunch. It is such a fun tradition. This year is by far my favorite. All three were so great and they each made a wish list. Santa spent some time reading each wish list with each kid and really made sure he understood what they wanted. The funny thing is Kate always has a puppy on her wish list. Santa was very smart by telling her that it may not be the right time for a puppy and that he would have to talk to her parents first (Santa is so smart). I was only able to get one picture of the kids visit with Santa.

The Nichols family and the Gersch family joined us again this year for Santa and lunch. It is so fun to share this great tradition with good friends. Now if Will would just sit still for a picture with his friends.