Disney 2014

As most of you are aware, our December Disney trip had to be postponed due to Mom's failing health. Thankfully, we had a ROCK STAR making all of our travel arrangements and she was able to move our trip to late May with absolute ZERO penalty. Thank you, Bethany!

Although parts of the trip were emotionally difficult...Mom was supposed to be there with us, the trip was her idea...we knew she was with us in spirit and we thought of her often. She even surprised us with an incredible gift basket which was there to greet us at the hotel. Mom had apparently made arrangements before she passed to have this done. There was a special note from her, and personalized treasures for each of her grand babies. To the angel(s) involved in making this happen - THANK YOU!

Henry and Molly were inseparable the entire trip.

 

Sam being Sam...infatuated with airplanes.

 

Welcome to the Polynesian, or as Henry referred to it, "the Aloha Hotel".

 

Sam was perfectly content hanging by himself...or with Grandpa.

Grandpa was all smiles and in a constant state of euphoria.

 

Our first full day was spent at the Magic Kingdom. We got there in time for the grand opening and watched Mickey and Minnie open the gates. (Nevermind my brother-in-law's OU cap...we try to look past it.)

 

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

 

Dumbo took Ann's breath away.

 

The Barnstormer

 

Not sure what Wade is doing here...perhaps he's a bit anxious about his fast approaching roller coaster ride?

 

There's no turning back now!

 

Peter Pan's Flight

 

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

 

Ann and Omar took their job VERY seriously.

 

Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid

 

And then came Daisy, Minnie, Goofy and Donald. Sam was in character heaven.

 

 

 

 

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Thank goodness for FastPass+...it sure beats waiting in a 2+ hour line.

 

The crowd and heat left Sam pooped.

 

Dinner at Chef Mickey's

 

 

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Day 2 was Animal Kingdom Day

 

Mount Everest...the last picture I took before Wade dropped my camera. Good news? I got to buy a fancy new camera. Bad news? This concludes our Disney photo montage.

 

My Birthday Wish

Earlier this month, Ann called to ask me when and what I wanted to do to celebrate my birthday. We all knew my birthday would be hard...with Mother's Day falling just two days before, and my birthday being the day Mom was diagnosed with cancer. Just three years ago...it's surreal to think about how different life was then...and how quickly things can change. We all thought we'd have more time.

Our munchkins, even if only for a few hours, helped us forget and enjoy the moment.

I opted for low key - a family picnic at the Botanic Garden. Unfortunately, our original plan for grilled cheese sandwiches and gelato from Blue Spruce fell through when we discovered Blue Spruce wasn't serving sandwiches during the summer. Seriously...no sandwiches during the summer. Torture. If you've had their Gardner Sandwich then you understand.

Ribbons and Robots

Henry - I know that right now, an HOUR feels like eternity, but trust me...time moves way too fast. Just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital, and today, you're SIX years old.

 

We started the day off right - with your favorite - chocolate donuts with sprinkles. Sam sang "Happy Birthday" to you as we all did a happy dance around the kitchen.

 

The following day, Saturday, we celebrated BIG with your cousin, Molly, who was turning TWO...again, where does the time go?

 

Cakes continue to be THE most important part of your celebration. You're always very clear, and VERY specific about what your cake should look like. I think we hit the mark this year.

 

Before family arrived, and while Daddy and Sam were out picking up the balloons and ice cream, you and I spent some quality time catching rolly pollies in the backyard.

 

But as soon as Molly rang the doorbell, you forgot all about your rolly pollies...

 

And a party isn't a party without a pinata! Especially for our little Guatemalan princess.

 

I think Molly was hoping for a ribbon full of candy, not a robot.

 

Sam took his job seriously. He was determined.

 

Thank goodness for Tripp and the bigger kiddos, or we might still be standing around the pinata. I'm convinced your robot was made of industrial strength cardboard...if there is such a thing.

 

It was such a blessing to have Aunt Carrie (and Kylee and Caden) join us for the afternoon. And it will be an even better treat if we can convince them to move to Stillwater!

 

Sam was a HUGE fan of your new Wolverine mask. Good luck prying that out of his sticky little hands.

 

Where I found your Papa and little brother after the party.

 

Papa with his birthday grandbabies. He loves you both so much.

 

It's okay Molly...we all agree he's scary.