Another "savior on Mount Zion".

Last night, Ryan and I had the special opportunity to be able to attend the temple with Acadia.  She turned 12 earlier this year and this was her first time going with the youth in our ward to perform baptisms for the dead (1 Cor 15:29, D&C 124:33). 

She has been anxiously awaiting her opportunity to go to the temple and Ryan and I both wanted to be with her when she did.  It made it even more special when Ryan was assigned to be the one perfoming the ordinance; it helped her feel more comfortable having her father with her, performing the baptisms, just like on her own baptism day.  I was assigned to be with the girls as they entered and exited the font, so I was able to stand right there and watch the whole thing. 

It was just a very, very cool experience and one I'm looking forward to having again. :)

These are a few of her favorite things...

For the last 11 years, our stake has hosted an annual Festival of the Nativities and a few years ago, my mom started coming up that weekend to attend with us.  This year she brought my brother, Andrew with her.  We had a really nice visit!

On Saturday, we headed into the gorge for a small hike to Punchbowl.  My mom loves nature and she loves the green Pacific Northwest, and I think she really liked the hike.  It was really pretty.  It was easy to imagine it even more green in the spring or more vibrant with fall colors just a month or two earlier, but even as it was, it was beautiful.

On Sunday, after church, we went to the Festival of that Nativities.  My mom loves nativities as much as I do; that's probably where I got it from.  We loved seeing the beautiful displays, listening to lovely music, and checking out the hundreds and hundreds of nativities.  I had several of my own displayed, including one from the Philippines.  I want to collect a nativity scene from the countries where we have family history, and the Philippines is one of them (my mom's father was Filipino).  There were a few Filipino nativities and my mom didn't know that one was mine, so I was so glad when she showed me her favorite one... MINE! :) 

Another really fun part of visiting the nativities is the children's room.  Rori always loves it!  There are lots of things for them to touch and play with.  And they can dress up!  

After the Festival of the Nativities, we invited the local family to come say hi and visit a little with Mom and Andrew.  I know mom likes seeing her siblings and neices and nephews.  And Ryan made a cake that he has made a couple of times before for my mom and she really likes.  It's a super rich, dark chocolate cake.  Visiting family, eating rich chocolate... yes, these are definitely more of her favorite things.

And I like to think that we are some of her favorite things, too. :)  We were so glad to have them come visit and hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.

Be Thankful

We made our normal drive down to Sacramento for Thanksgiving this year.  The weather was great and the timing good, so we stopped in Reno for the weekend before ending up in Sac for the rest of the week.

One of the stops we made along the way down to Sacramento, was at John's Incredible Pizza to meet up with Heather and her kids for lunch.  It was a lot of fun!

The fun didn't stop once we were in Sacramento.  We stayed with Ryan's mom for the first couple of days and while we were with them, we visited the zoo...

The weather was SO NICE!  We took a walk down by the river and enjoyed a beautiful fall afternoon...

We spent the last couple of days at my sister's house and that is where we had our delicious Thanksgiving meal. 

Our visit for the holiday is always too short but we had a really nice visit and loved being with family for Thanksgiving! 

Just doing her homework...

One day, after school, while I was out raking leaves in the yard, Aurora got out a flier she had brought home from school.  It was about healthy habits.  When I came back inside, I couldn't find her, but I saw the flier laying out, with "checks" on each thing that a person should do to be healthy. 

We happened to have some grapes out on the table to snack on that afternoon, so she must have eaten some, then washed her hands, coughed into the crook of her arm, and then...  I chuckled to myself and went to look for her in her bedroom.  Yep, sure enough...



She was getting some sleep, just like it said to do in her schoolwork! 

Winter Orchestra Concert

Last week, Acadia's school orchestra had their winter performance and I think it is my favorite of all their performances so far!  They did a REALLY good job!  I think they outplayed the 8th graders, even.  But I don't have that performance to show you, I just have her with her fellow 7th graders. 



Acadia has really been enjoying orchestra.  She is getting very good at the violin, and she is hoping to start learning the cello soon, too.  On top of that, she is still playing piano and getting A's in all her classes (except for one A-), which, by the way, are all Excel (advanced) classes.  We are so pleased with her for the choices she is making. :)

Two Weddings and a Front Door

We had the opportunity of celebrating two new marriages today!  The first was for a woman that Ryan home teaches in our ward.  It was small and quiet and really nice.  The second was for a young woman that used to be in my Mia Maid class years ago... I just can't believe how grown up these girls are now!  She was absolutely beautiful and I'm so happy for her!

Almost nine years ago, we moved here and bought this house.  It has had a banged up front door with poor weather stripping around the sides and a scratched up door knocker that says "LEE" on it.  Well, finally, today, we bought a new front door.  It will be installed in a few days and I am excited!  I know, it is slightly pathetic to be excited over a new door, especially since this is not a super fancy door in any way... but I am! 

Today is one week away from Christmas Eve and I'm really looking forward to this week.  We're all ready here, and I love it because it lets us just enjoy the season with no stress or crazy shopping trips to fight our way through.  I think instead we'll do some caroling, spread some Christmas cheer, visit with friends, and watch some holiday movies. :)

What are your favorite ways to spend the last few days before Christmas?

The Nightmare Before Christmas

This is Halloween... or was... or... you get the picture...

Acadia dressed as a nerd... quite a stretch for her... NOT!  She is not a "nerd" but is very smart and loves to wear those socks no matter what day it is... and may or may not have sported those glasses just for fun for days before and also days after Halloween... oh no, not a nerd at all. ;)

Aurora was Minnie Mouse and it was extra fun this year since we had just been to DisneyWorld and she had several chances to meet Minnie in person.  It was fun to "be" her for a night! :)  And for the record, she did not wear the vampire teeth with her outfit, lol.  She got those trick-or-treating and really wanted to wear them as soon as she got home (and washed them). ;)

Ryan took the girls out trick-or-treating and they had great weather - which meant they were out for quite a long time!  They ran into lots of friends along the way and ended up trick-or-treating with them for part of the time.  Extra fun! 

I stayed home to pass out candy but we didn't get as many trick-or-treaters as we normally do.  So the ones that came got a handful each! lol

Our girls made out pretty dang good and had a lot of fun... it was a pretty Spooktacular day!

Time to play "Catch Up"!

I've been a little completely MIA lately.  I can blame part of it on being so busy with the holiday season but there have definitely been times when I could have blogged and just wasn't feeling it.  I've got the Bloggy Blahs.  ;)

But the BBs have lessened just a bit and I think I'll take advantage of that and just shove my way past them.  To start, we need to back up a couple of months!  Eeks, yes, I'm really THIS far behind!!

Way back in October, before Halloween (that would be TWO holidays ago!), the girls and I went to the pumpkin patch for a fun day with my cousin, Sami.  Check it out!

We always love going to BiZi Farms and were only bummed that Ryan couldn't go this year.  But we still had lots of fun!

Rori even ran into a school friend on the huge hay pyramid.  They had fun having a little impromtu playdate!  Sami had fun with the Kettle Corn, we all got muddy in the corn maze, and Rori tried her hand at grinding corn... I know, these pics are kind of corny!  *hardy har har*

And before we left, we made a bunch of four-legged friends at the petting zoo.  Sami was going in for a kiss, I think. ;)

BiZi Farms is a fun way to spend a fall day!

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 30 pt. 2

Only one last post... but there are several things I could say.  Makes me almost wish I hadn't taken the time off while we were out of town; I could have snuck away each day to post a little something, but I was having too good of a time with all of our family. 

And I think that is what this final gratitude post will be about, my extended family.

I didn't really notice when it happened, but at some point, around the time we had our first child, my family became "extended family", because all of a sudden, Ryan and I had our own little family.  It is how it should be, and it happened very naturally, but sometimes it makes me a little sad that I didn't realize it was happening so I could have acknowledged it somehow.

I come from a large family; I'm the oldest of eight children.  We are each different, but that is good because we all have different strengths and talents.  I miss living close to them, I sometimes wish that my kids had the chance to grow up close to their cousins, to have overnight visits with grandma or aunts, but I'm glad that we live at a time when travel isn't too hard and we can see them once or twice a year.

I'm grateful for my parents and all that they've taught me.  I'm sure that a lot of who I am is because of how I was raised.  My mom taught me about friendship and service.  My dad taught me about the power of faith.  As a mom now, I see my parents differently than I did before.  I see the sacrifices they made for us... and how much patience they must have had to put up with me and my siblings! lol  I'm grateful for the examples they have been to me.

Even though none of our parents or siblings live here, I have aunts, uncles, and cousins here, and I am so glad!  With them, we have family to meet up with, spend holidays with, celebrate birthdays with, etc.  I'm so grateful to have them here!  It makes it easier to be away from our parents and siblings when we have other family members who are nearby and want to be apart of our lives.  They are always willing to help when we need something and they are a ton of fun!

I'm grateful for all of the family in my life: the family that Ryan and I have together, my extended family, my in-laws, and the friends who have become family.  As I look at what is most important to me, after my faith, it is my family, and that makes sense because "Family is central to the Creator's plan." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 30 pt. 1

I think I missed a day, so I am posting twice today.  Plus, this is my last day, so I better make them good.

For yesterday's post, I am thankful for my friends.  I have been blessed with some amazing friends.  I heard somewhere years ago, "Friends are the family you choose."  I've always loved that saying.

One of my dearest friends throughout high school, remains one of my dearest friends today. We have lived far apart for 15 years now, but still keep in touch and I make an effort to see her everytime we visit Sacramento. She has always been completely selfless in our friendship; always thoughtful and generous. She has always been one of the best examples to me of what a friend should be and I am so lucky that she is mine.


When we lived in Idaho, we had no family there at all.  We knew no one when we arrived, but quickly made some great friends who became our family while we were there.  We spent Sunday evenings together, watched each other's kids, spent holidays together, called each other if we needed help or advice, etc.  Even after we've all moved away from that little college town, we've remained friends and get together every Christmas season for a weekend of fun, memories, and our own little traditions.

A few years ago, I met a group of amazing women in an unconventional kind of way.  Through the internet, and I think maybe a little divine intervention, we were brought together at a time when we all needed each other.  We became a tight group and these women helped me through some difficult times.  We shared each other's pains as well as our joys.  Most of us are still together online, not quite as often, but still always there to celebrate, uplift, and support one another.  It is a comfort to know that I have this group to turn to, no matter what I'm going through.

I am fortunate to have some incredible friends here, too.  Two of my closest friends are both women that I knew for a  couple of years before our friendship really started to blossom.  But thankfully, eventually it did and I can't imagine my life without them.  One can always make me laugh.  She is funny and has a great way of looking at life.  She is quirky and that is part of what I love about her.  She is also always supportive.  I know I can call her anytime I need someone to talk to.  The other is my backyard neighbor and has become a sister to me.  We have relied on each other so many times, shared our lives, families, homes, etc, that her family has become my family and my family has become her family.   The school even calls me her daughter's "other mom".  Our backyards meet and we have a gate in the fence between our homes, the plan is to pave a path (which is already worn in the grass) from our deck, through the gate, and to their patio.  We joke that in heaven, our mansions will need to be next to each other, so we can always remain backyard neighbors.

I have learned a lot from all of the friends I've been blessed with and I just hope that I am able to be as good of a friend to them as they have been to me.

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 28

Well, I knew posting would be sparse during our visit home for Thanksgiving, but it ended up being non existent!  We had a great visit though and THAT is what I'm thankful for now.

I am thankful that the car did run great, the weather was perfect for traveling, the kids didn't get carsick, and we arrived home in enough time for me to finish planning my Sunday School lesson (and for Ryan to clean the gutters while Cadi raked the backyard).  I'm also glad we were able to visit and see so many of our family and friends, though we never have enough time to see everyone.  I'm thankful for those who opened their homes to us, fed us, put up with us, etc.  I am thankful for Thanksgiving dinner because it was so incredibly delicious!  I am thankful for Forced Family Fun day (what we began calling the day after T-day because it is usually the one day that my family can all get together, and whether or not we all want to do whatever we're doing, we do it because we can do it together... sometimes other days are called Forced Family Fun days, too, but this is the original).  I am thankful that Ryan's parents were able to join my family for Thanksgiving again so we didn't have to go back and forth in order to see both.

Now that I'm home, I'm thankful that it is officially the Christmas season!  I am thankful that we have begun decorating.  (4 trees up, 3 to go!)  I am thankful for the music, smells, sights, and sounds of the holidays.  I love this time of year! :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 19

I am grateful for a good, reliabe car.  And I will be even more thankful when our good, reliable car delivers us safely to Reno later today.  At that time, I will also be grateful to be out of the good, reliable car.  ;) 

Posting may not be daily for the next little bit. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 18

I am thankfful for trips back home.  We are on the eve of our annual Thanksgiving visit to California and I'm so thankful that we are able to go.  With minimal effort, we can travel hundreds of miles to visit with our family, and even though it will be a long drive, it will be done in a day and within our budget, which is something that wouldn't have been so simple a few decades ago. 

It is sometimes very hard to live so far from family, but being able to have visits like this makes it easier. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 17

I am grateful for my bed.  It is warm, comfy, inviting... and I wish I was still in it.  But just knowing it is there, waiting for me to return to it tonight, makes me happy. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 16

I am thankful for all things digital.  How convenient!  It makes so many things quick, easy, and efficient.  I remember growing up and even being a young adult when we didn't have so many conveniences.  Now, they are everywhere! 

• I can take my smart phone with me to Sweet Tomatoes, pull up my e-mail to show them the coupon they e-mailed me this week... don't even have to print it out!   
• Being able to take great quality photos and videos with easy to use digital cameras/camcorders.  Then, being able to edit those photos however I like.  Awesome! 
• Instead of having to print my photos, then buy all sorts of cutsie scrapbooking papers/die cuts/etc and have it all spread out, making a mess... I can do all of  my scrapbooking on my computer, faster, cleaner, easier. 
• If I need an address or phone number while I'm out, I just use my smart phone to search for it on-line.  Same with movie showtimes, store hours, etc.  
• I can watch tutorials on how to do things - like styling Aurora's hair, on-line.  I get the step-by-step in just minutes and can turn around and do it myself. 
• Listening to music on mp3s instead of having to lug around a walkman... or even a skippy discman. 

So easy and so convenient. :) 

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 15

The Lord knew what He was doing when He sent me to live in these modern times.  Today, I am thankful for modern medicine!  I don't get them nearly as much as I used to, but I still get occasional migraines and today was one of those rare days.  It was also one of my busiest days of the week and I had no time to sit around messing with pain.  Thankfully, with some good drugs and a restful visit to the dentist office (yes, I said restful... I was laying back, not up running around, close enough to count as restful today, lol), I was able to kick the migraine to the curb and go about with all the things I needed to do.

I feel great now, just a little jittery from all the caffeine in those pills, but I'll take that over sickening pain, especially on a day like today. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 14

*Editors note: I just had to go back and edit my last two Thanksgiving days because I misnumbered them.... Dolt! lol

I am thankful for the seasons.  I love each one and also get tired of each one by the end of it.  Which is why I love them all, they each come at just the right time.  And I'm grateful for how we have the seasons here in the Pacific Northwest.  Our summers are hot, but not too hot.  And our winters are cold with occasional snow, but usually not a lot of snow.  Spring and Fall are pleasant with just the right mix of sun and rain.  And every season is gorgeous here!  I love how no matter what season we're in, we have a beautiful green backdrop.  It never goes away.  :)

Great Advice

Ryan and I have been married for 15 years.  To some, that is a lot.  To others, it is nothing.  To us... it is not enough. :) 

Yeah, and we're sappy.  But sappy rhymes with happy and we're that, too.

There are lots of different kinds of people and lots of different kinds of relationships... and therefore, lots of different kinds of marriages.  So maybe what works for us, wouldn't work for others.  Even though Ryan and I have a great marriage, maybe what makes ours great wouldn't generate the same outcome for someone else.  I don't know.  It is hard for me to imagine it.  What we have is so perfect for us, I can't imagine why anyone would want something different... But then, that takes us back to how there are different kinds of people/relationships/etc.  I can't imagine it because I am me and I love what I have and I don't want anything different.  I do hope others feel the same way with their relationships.  I hope/wish everyone to be as happy.

Anyhow, when I read this post today, I totally agreed, and I could never say it as well, and besides, MMM has already said it, so I'm just linking to it.  Go read his post.  It is really great advice. 

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 13

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve.  I admit, I don't always feel this way.  Sometimes I grumble and complain a little, but I always want to want to serve, if that makes sense.  I'm just still learning how to get from wanting to want to serve to actually wanting to serve all the time.  lol

Today, we had fantastic talks in church and one in particular really made me feel like trying harder and being better.  I felt motivated, inspired, and encouraged.  I felt the desire to serve more, serve better. 

When I was released as Relief Society president earlier this year, I was given a long break.  I wasn't called to my current calling for about 3 months and by the time I was finally called, I was SO READY for a calling!  I was tired of not serving.  It didn't feel right.  It wasn't right.  I knew I could do service without a calling, but I wanted to have a calling and an assignment.  Sometimes, whether due to health or other reasons, a person just can't serve and I know it wears on them.  I have heard people plead for a way to offer service.  So, I know that being able to serve is another one of those blessings we take for granted.  It really is a blessing, something that is good for us, benefits us, and something we should be grateful for.

Today, my oldest received her first calling in the church.  She was set apart as the 1st Counselor in the Beehive presidency in YW.  I'm excited for her as she begins her life of service in the church.  I know it will sometimes be hard and tiring, but I also know it will be very rewarding and often times, very fun.  I am grateful for the opportunity that she has to serve, even at her young age.

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 12

I am thankful for stores.  Lots of different kinds of stores.  Grocery stores, clothes stores, hardware/supply stores, random stores... I like stores.  I like shopping.  It's a win-win. ;)

And when you're running late for an activity at church and remember when you're half way there that you were supposed to bring brownies, but you forgot to even make them, stores come in REALLY handy.  Just sayin'.  lol

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 11

I am so grateful for our freedoms.  It is another one of those things, like electricity and plumbing, that we totally take for granted.  We live our lives, make our choices, do what we want, all without a single worry about whether we can or not.  We can.  It is our right.  Our liberty.  We get to be free.  We can make our choices and live the lives we choose for ourselves.  And we forget just how lucky we are to be able to do all that.  We forget that there are people in the world who don't have those rights and that if it weren't for wise, brave, and selfless men and women who have sacrificed for our rights, we wouldn't either.

Today is Veteran's Day and it just seemed right to express my gratitude for all who have fought, all who are fighting now, and all who ever will fight for our freedom.  I am so grateful for them, and also for their families who sacrifice just as much in letting their loved one leave and risk their life for us. 

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 10

As I mentioned at the start of the month, these are in no particular order.  If they were, this would have been among the first 3 days.  Today, I want to share how grateful I am for my kids.

Everyone thinks their own kids are the best.  And everyone would be right.  And so I know I'm right when I say that I really do have the best kids!  I am so thankful to be their mom and that they are here with us, blessing and enriching our lives daily.

We have been spoiled by Acadia.  Cadi is so good.  She just is purely good.  She isn't perfect, but she is sincere, honest, obedient, faithful, smart, and ... well, really, really easy.  I am sure that she is the reason why I still have my natural hair color.  It has been so easy with her.  She wants to make good choices.  Sometimes she makes mistakes, but she always tries to do what is best.  That being said, her room is almost always a mess and I usually have to remind her at least once a day to practice the piano and violin. ;) 

Aurora is not as easy, but she is still really, really good.  She started out a little wild but is becoming a bit more tame as she grows.  She loves to learn and do.  She is always busy.  But she also loves to help and she still asks to cuddle with me so I know she's not entirely ready to grow up yet.  I don't her to grow all the way up yet, so that is good.  I tend to have more patience with Rori but that is probably because I need to.  And it is also probably because I'm older and wiser now, too. 

I love both of my girls so much.  Acadia is my Mini Me, but better.  She is who I wish I had always been.  She teaches me a lot and she is a testimony to me of how strong these spirits are that our Heavenly Father is sending to the earth right now.  Aurora is my saving grace.  She saved me and I know it.  I didn't know how much I needed her until they placed her in my arms the moment she was born.  Her spirit is strong, too.  It is my deepest desire for her to direct her path to the right course.  We have been doing all we can to help her do that but we know that eventually it will be up to her.  I see glimmers of her future and I know she wants to be good and happy.  I just hope and pray that all that we do for and with the girls will be enough for them to want to choose the right. 

Ryan is the single most important person to me on this earth, but these two girls are right behind him.  I cannot imagine eternity without them, either.  And all I want is for us to be able to achieve that together.  In the meantime, I am so grateful that they are apart of our family.  They make life extra fun and meaningful and it truly is such a joy to raise them and watch them grow. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 9

I am thankful for garbage pick up.

Today, is our garbage pick up day.  We must have a new driver or something because after almost 9 years, all of a sudden, we have a note on our unemptied can telling us we don't have service.  Well, we do.  This guy is confused.  I'll call and get it straightened out in a couple of hours.  But it got me thinking.

I am really grateful for garbage pick up.  I mean, what would we do with all our trash if we couldn't put it on the curb every week?  I've read stories about people who have reduced their garbage to insanely low amounts, we could burn it (at least some of it), or we would have to load it into our car and haul it away to the dump ourselves.  None of those things sound practical to me. 

Have you ever really thought about what you would do if you didn't have garbage pick up?  I rarely think of it.  But I am grateful for it.

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 8

I am thankful for the temple. 

For those anyone not familiar with our faith and why/how we use temples, you can find more information and answers to your questions here.

This morning I am heading to the temple.  I feel so blessed to have a temple so close by.  Temples are more than just incredibly beautiful buildings, they are even more than just incredibly peaceful places.  Temples provide the way for us to be with our family forever.  And that is why I love it.  I love to go and be reminded of the covenants that I have made.  I love to be reminded of the promises that can be mine as long as I am striving to keep my part of those covenants.  I love how strong the spirit is felt there, how close to heaven it feels.  We have a plaque in our family room that has a picture of the Portland Temple and says, "Where heaven and earth are blended together."  I love thinking about my family and all the blessings we can enjoy if we keep working together to live worthy of them.

I love going with my husband but today they are having problems at work, so he won't be able to get off in time tonight, and instead I am going with one of my best friends this morning.  And I love that, too.  I love that the temple is something I can share with the people who are close to me.  Next month, I will get to go with my daughter.  It is a joy I can only imagine at this point, but will very soon become a reality.  I am so excited to share this special place with her.

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 7

I am thankful for the internet.

It can be addicting, and I'm not glad about that, but I am glad that I can stay in touch with friends and family easier.  I'm grateful that I can learn about "stuff" - important stuff and unimportant stuff. lol  I am grateful that I can shop from home.  We don't need these conveniences, but I sure love them!

The internet makes distance shorter.  We still miss being able to see and visit family in person, but e-mails, IMs, videos and photos shared on-line, etc. all make it a little easier.

Modern day conveniences sure are... convenient. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 6

I am grateful for sunshine!

I love where we live and I don't mind the rain, but I do still love the sunshine.  We've reached the time of year when it becomes more rainy, less sunny, so when we have beautiful, bright, sunny days like today, it feels wonderful!  We never know when it will be our last for awhile, so we certainly appreciate it when it's here. ;)

The sun is cheery.  It is bright.  It brings warmth.  It just feels good, inside and out. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 5

I am grateful for books.  I really like a good book.  And I love that my family loves good books, too.  We all love to read.  We all love to share what we read.  Sometimes we read the books together, sometimes we just pass the books around, and sometimes we just tell each other about the stories we are reading. 

If I were asked what my favorite books were, it would be hard to answer because I have a lot of favorites.  And, that list is always changing a little, depending on time and mood.  One that always stays on top is the Lord of the Rings (as a whole), of course.  But right now, the one I am anxiously waiting to get back (I loaned it out), so I can reread (again), is Darcy's Voyage.  I also have a whole list of books that I haven't read yet but really want to.

I think my appreciation for books comes from my mom.  When we were little, she would read to us before bed.  She always took us to the library for story time and to check out our own books.  We would come home with a huge stack!  The two books I remember her reading to us the most (not that she did read these the most, just that I remember them the most) were any of the Encyclopedia Brown books, where we would always try to solve the mystery, and of course, Black Beauty.  There were others, too.  I remember Amelia Bedelia, Bunnicula, and even  some James Harriot. 

I am so glad that my kids like books and reading as much as I liked it as a child.  In fact, I'm pretty sure that Acadia likes it even more.  And that is a good thing. 

Books are great.  They entertain us, educate us, inspire us, and give us a little bit of an escape. 

In something of a related way, let me share this with you... (our family is also a big Julian Smith fan, lol)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 4

I am so grateful for my testimony. 

I haven't planned an order for, or even a list of what will be included on, this gratitude list.  It is in no particular order.  But I suppose that if I had to put my list in order, this would be first.  If I lost everything else on my list (even my family), it is my testimony that I would CLING to.  It would be the only thing that could bring me any form of comfort.  I've not been asked to sacrifice too much yet in my life.  I have had trials and things to sacrifice, but when put into perspective, I've still had it pretty easy.  I think that means that this is the time for me to be strengthening my testimony, so that when truly trying times come around, that testimony will be strong enough to get me through.

My testimony is about a lot of things, but it can be summed up by saying that I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  I know that to some, that may be an impossible statement; how can one really "know".  But I do.  I can't prove it, but in my heart, I know it is true.  Because I know the gospel is true, I believe a lot of things that I don't have knowledge of.  I'm working on strengthening my faith so that those things become knowledge to me, too.  Not because I will ever have proof or see for myself, but because at some point when you have experience after experience telling you it's true, it becomes enough.

I know God lives.  I know He loves us.  I know that while He is all-powerful, He is also kind, considerate, and generous.  He is the perfect parent.  And as an imperfect parent, I know that means He loves beyond what I can imagine.  So, I know I can trust Him.  He is my Heavenly Father and He wants me to be happy.  Even if it means I have to experience things I don't want at the time.  Just like I make my kids eat heathy foods or go to bed on time, because I know those things are important for their health.

I also know that the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon are true and testify of Jesus Christ.  I know that studying the words of Christ, and the words of prophets as they testify of Chrsit, are important ways that we can strengthen our relationship with God and Christ.  For me, that is important because since I know they want what is best for me, I want to make sure my life is aligned with their will.  I want my choices to be ones that they would have me make.  I choose to follow them.  The scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, help me to do that.

Those two things (knowing God lives and loves me and knowing that the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, are true) are critical in the rest of my testimony.  Because I feel so strongly about my testimony of God and His scriptures, I believe all of the things they teach me, even if I don't always understand.  And it gives me the strength to obey and live according to those things. 

In times of trial or uncertainty, my testimony becomes even more essential.  It seems that life continually becomes more and more trying and uncertain, and therefore, my testimony has become increasingly more essential to me.  I don't ever see that changing.  In fact, I'm determined to make sure it never does. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 3

School.  When you're a kid, you don't like it.  But when you grow up and realize that without it you wouldn't be able to be anyone or go anywhere, and you start to realize it wasn't such a bad idea afterall.

As a mom, I look at school much differently than I did when I was a kid.  I understand a little better now how important it is, and also what a blessing it is for us to have such easy access to it.  I realize now that really, US schools provide good, but not great, education.  I had no idea, until I was older, that some countries require their students to learn so much more than we had to!  But I did know that there were some countries that didn't provide any public education, so I knew we were supposedly "lucky" to "get" to go to school. ;)

I really like the schools that my girls are in.  The teachers care.  They make learning fun!  The principal gets hands on with the kids and the kids know that she cares.  The schools and teachers are doing their best (despite budget cuts) to provide as much as they can for the students, not just with acadmics, but extra-curricluar activities as well.  In the grade school, teachers volunteer to stay after to teach classes on subjects like: dance, photography, computers, magic, track, etc.  Just so the kids can have a little extra out of their school experience.  It is free for the kids, and as far as I know, the teachers are not being paid for that time.  I also love that music continues to be a strong focus, beginning in grade school.  Without the music program, Cadi wouldn't have had the opportunity to learn violin.  She wouldn't have had the experience of performing in an orchestra, working under a conductor, learning how to add one element to a whole to create something beautiful that none of them could have done alone. 

When my kids go to school, I don't worry about their safety.  I trust where they are and who they are with.  I have appreciated that the teachers have always been interested in challenging my girls.  I've been blessed with smart kids; they have (so far) always been at the top of their class in nearly every subject.  It would be easy for them to be put to the side as other students were more concentrated on, but instead, the teachers have been great to find ways to challenge my kids, too.  It means extra work, but it also means that they continue to progress, learn, and grow.  Often, it has given them the chance to do something they wouldn't have thought to do.  One year, Acadia was asked to participate in a young author's conference.  She had to write a short story, completely seperate from her other class assignments.  Another year, she was asked to tutor one of her classmates in math.  I am glad that my girls' teachers expect them to perform according to their own abilities, not just at the "grade level".  As a result, Acadia tests more than 3 years above her grade in most subjects.  And Rori is aready testing a year ahead in some of hers.  I know a lot of it is that they just are bright girls that grasp concepts easily.  But also, I think it is due to good teachers who care about each individual students' growth, and good schools that allow for that kind of teaching. 

And yes, I have learned to really enjoy school days for my own selfish reasons, too! lol  Peace, quiet, a chance to get something done and for it to stay done for a few hours, freedom to run errands or go to the store without worrying about dragging along someone who wants everything they see, going to lunch with my husband on occasion, going to the temple or visiting teaching without worrying about needing a sitter first... yeah, school is pretty awesome. ;)

And today, I am very grateful for it. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 2

I take electricity and plumping for granted.  But I am so thankful for them!  It isn't until something goes wrong with one of them that we realize just how much we depend on them and don't even think about it.  We flip a switch without care, expecting to get light.  We turn on a faucet and expect not just water, but HOT water.  Conveniences that my ancestors never knew.

Sometimes I wonder what it was like back before we had these things.  Running to the outhouse in the midde of the night.  Putting a hot rock at the foot of your bed to keep you warm at night.  Lighting candles and oil lamps to see in the dark.  Have you ever tried reading by candlelight?  I've tried reading by flashlight... even that isn't easy sometimes! lol

This morning I woke up and the house was warm.  Our central heat is programed to turn on before we get up.  I don't even have to turn it on!  Talk about convenience!  It is hard to get up out of a warm bed when it is freezing in your room!  I am grateful that I don't have to. 

When I think of these kinds of blessings, I feel so spoiled.  I know that there are some, right in my own city that don't have even this.  They live in this modern world yet don't have all of it's conveniences.  Maybe they are homeless, maybe they just can't pay for their electricity this month, maybe their house hasn't been equipped with an efficient heating system.  Whatever the reason, I don't even have to look to a 3rd world country to realize that I am so very fortunate.

Today when I'm cleaning my bathrooms, I need to remind myself just how lucky I am to have them. :)

A Month of Thanksgiving Day 1

I've seen others do this, and sometimes it is called something different.  I don't know what the rules are but I don't really care, I'm making up my own rules because this is my blog, dagnabit!  ;)

I haven't blogged daily for a very long time, so we'll see how this goes, but my goal is to blog a gratitude post every day this month.  I have no agenda, no plan... there are lots of things that I'm thankful for that I will miss, things that may be extremely important to me, and just about everything I share is likely to be things I'm always (or at least often) grateful for, not just that day.  Duh. ;)  My only plan is to post what impresses me at the time I'm sitting down to write.  So, with that...

Today, I am grateful for my husband. (Warning: Major Mushiness to follow...)

When I think of Ryan, I am flooded with emotions that are difficult to express or contain.  For more than 15 years he has been my constant companion.  Whatever we have faced, we have faced together.  The good and the bad.  Ryan is my very best friend.  I never get tired of being with him, whether we are talking, working on a project, or just sitting quietly together.  We don't always see eye to eye, but we rarely fight.  It hasn't always been that way, but through years of practice, we are learning to respect and listen to one another... usually. ;)  I know that he loves me and wants to protect me.  I have heard him stand up for me, to defend me.  I feel so safe and protected when he is near me.  The touch of his hand and the look in his eyes can calm me more than any other physical thing.  Even when he has had a long, hard day, when he comes home, he wants to serve me.  He asks how he can help me.  He treats me not like a princess that needs to be pampered, but someone that he cherishes and finds joy in sacrificing for.  He says it's his pleasure.  And he means it.  He wants to spend time with me.  He likes to try things that I enjoy.  He finds that, often, he enjoys them, too.  He encourages me in my interests, supports me, cheers me on, praises me.  He lets me make decisions about our home.  He respects that it is where I spend most, if not all, of my day.  He wants me to be comfortable and happy.  He and I have a similar sense of humor.  We laugh... a lot!  He loves being a dad!  He always makes time for his daughters.  He loves to take them with him when he needs to run errands, and usually buys them a treat while they are out.  He reads them stories, tucks them into bed, sings to them, and prays with them.  He encourages them in school and in their hobbies.  He talks to them about God and life and all of the things that are important to him.  He apologizes when he realizes he has made a mistake.  He asks for forgiveness.  He is smart and has really good ideas.  He is interested in the world and what is happening, and how it affects us.  He is a hard worker.  He has sincere intents.  He always wants to help others.  He is one of the most unselfish people I know. 

Ryan is one of the best people I know.  And I know that I'm a better person because of him.  I love spending my life with him.  I cannot bear the thought of spending any time without him.  He often hears me say, "I go, we go, " or "You go, we go."  His love gives me strength and courage.  He makes me feel so special.  Sometimes I think he's like Shallow Hal (when Hal's not being shallow, lol).  It is like he sees something in me that no one else (myself included), can see.  But he sees it and is so confident in it and treats me like I'm that amazing person, that it makes me believe that he might actually be right, that I might actually be who he sees.  It certainly makes me want to be her!

I hope that one day, Ryan and I are considered an inseperable duo.  Where you just can't think of one without thinking of the other.  Like peanut butter and jelly, movies and popcorn, Tom Brady and the Patriots, Disney and Mickey Mouse, Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.  If someone looks at me, just me, I want them to think that I am "one half the greatest love story ever told*," because I cannot be complete without him.

Someone said you shouldn't love someone because you need them; you should need them because you love them.  I need him because I love him.  And I am the luckiest person because I have him, not only for now, but for always.  And I am so grateful. :)

*Quote from the movie,  Lost in Austen

Spook-tacular Party Pics

On Friday night we went to a Halloween party at the Hills.  It was super fun because they are super fun!  I think just about everyone who came had a costume on - yay for festive pary people! 

Sami was a unicorn with wings... um, in PJs (lol).  Joy'el was... I don't remember what.  She was going to be Adele but changed her mind and costume at the last minute.  Whatever she was, she looked pretty! :)  Quin was a vampire, Ki was a unicorn (Sami was her Unicorn Mommy), Chelsie was a mouse, Kris was a little kid, Acadia was a nerd, and Rori was Minnie Mouse...

Andy came sans costume but wanted to join the cool crowd, so Chelsie hooked him up.

Matthew was a rockstar and MaryJane was his groupie. ROFL!!! Spencer came as a hipster, but you will see that later his costume evolved some. ;)  I think only Debbie and Scottie were without costumes, but we like them and were happy they were there, anyway.  ;)



Let's see... who else?? Oh yeah!  US!  Ryan was Tom Brady and I was Wes Welker.  That's a good duo, right there! ;)

I brought some witch's brew to have as a special drink.  It looked creepy!  But it was very sweet.  Almost too sweet.  I couldn't finish a second glass.  Otherwise, it did taste good!  Ryan, as usual, was the favorite person for the kids to gang up on. lol  Cadi taught Joy'el part of a song she liked.  And everyone just had fun hanging out!

After everyone had eated and visited a little, we started the games!  First up, bobbing for apples!  Little ones went first and we let them just grab the apples by the stem.  They had so much fun that after everyone else was done, they kept doing it over and over again. lol

Next up - donuts on a string!  It was harder than it looks!  They had to keep their hands behind their backs and try to eat the entire donut as it hung on a hook, dangling from a string... swaying back and forth.  Everyone ended up with messy faces.  Messy, but tasty! lol

They had some fun props to take pics with, like these mustaches!  I love these pics of Rori!!!  Also, after the apple bobbing, Spencer's hair needed a make-over and that led to the next phase of his costume... like father, like son!

We gathered around the table to play some card games and ended up laughing an awful lot!!!

Thanks for another great night, Hill family!

Today, I choose to be happy.

We can't always control things that go on in our lives.  For various reasons.  No matter how much we would like to. 

For several days I've felt sick over something that I have little control over.  What conrol I have, I believe that I've done my best with and everything in my power to help.  It was eating me up inside that it might not be enough and that things beyond my control might have reprocussions that I didn't want.  But after praying and pondering, I woke up this morning feeling peace.  I feel good about my role in what has happened, and though things are still out of my control, I have done what I can do. 

Today, I choose to be happy.  I choose to have faith and hope for good things.   I choose to be positive, friendly, and considerate.  I choose to respect others, even if I don't agree with them.  I choose not to play hurtful games or say hurtful words.  And I choose to forgive those who do.

There are many things beyond my control, but how I feel and how I act are entirely up to me.  "And that is an encouraging thought."  :)

JUMP!

A few weeks ago, we got together at the Hills for a FHE.  Matthew gave a great lesson on the Articles of Faith.  Just as all times we ever get together with them are, it was calm, quiet, reverent, relaxing... like this:

JUST KIDDING!!!  Maybe it was all of those things... at times... but then, as all times we ever get together REALLY are, it got wild and crazy!

Everybody JUMP!!!

Yeah, that is more like how it usually is. ;)

I think I was in a Disney Coma.

Whew!  So, I think that was the bulk of our amazing trip this summer.  And as you may (or may not) have noticed, I am slow getting on with other things happening around here.  A little MIA.  But I'm trying to get back.

Let me try to catch you up a little, some of these things will hopefully generate their own individual posts with more detail (and photos) soon...

(In no particular order:)

• I went on our 3rd annual ward RS beach retreat earlier this month and had a fantastic time!  I always love going to the beach.  And I always love a good GNO.  Put those two together and I LOVE LOVE it! lol  I will definitely post more on this later, so I'll save the details for then, but until then, the weather was beautiful, the comany was wonderful, and we had a great time!  Lots of laughs, that is for sure!!!
• It's Fall!  And a little over a week ago I took the girls to the pumpkin patch.  Ryan had to work that day, so we didn't get to have him come with us, instead my cousin, Sami came and we had a BLAST!  This will definitely be posted about soon, too, so stay tuned for lots of fun pumpkin patch photos, including petting zoo, face painting, climbing huge hay pyramids, getting lost in a muddy pumpkin patch, launching pumpkins (I got a hole in one!!!), and of course the tractor ride out to find our perfect pumpkins!  Lots of great Fall Fun right there!
• Another sign of Fall... Football!!!!  I love Football season!  Our Pats are doing pretty well so far, they fought their way to the top of the division, and it wasn't as easy as it has been in the past.  Where did these Buffalo Bills come from?!?  When did they get... GOOD??? lol 
• Also Fall Football related is... Marching Band!  We don't have anyone in band at our house, but our good friends and neighbors do!  I love going to the HS football games (even though Evergreen's football team really stinks right now) to cheer on the marching band!  And I was able to make it to one of the band competitions this year, too.  It is so neat to see them perform!  I love it!
• Playing with the Hills.  We get together with the Hills at least once a month, usually more.  And if there is a camera present, you know you'll get some crazy, fun photos!  I have a bunch I need to upload and share and all I'll say about it for now is... JUMP!

I am sure there is more, but those are some of the highlights that stood out to me.  I'm sorry I have been behind on everything.  Now that I've finished blogging Disney, and am *starting* (still have a ways to go) to get a handle on some of my other projects, I'm hoping I can become a little more consistent in the blogging department. :)

Discovery Cove - Snorkeling

For the rest of our day at Discovery Cove, we just went snorkeling on their reef and swam with fish and rays.  It was pretty cool.  But first, we had to teach Rori how to snorkel!

She eventually got the hang of it but chose to just hold her breath for most of the time.  I think the idea of breathing while having your face in the water was just a little too weird for her.  She did use it sometimes though, and she had fun seeing all of the fish and rays.  Most of the time she stayed with Ryan, even though she was wearing TWO flotation devices. lol  Sometimes they swam next to each other, with her hand on his arm, and sometimes she rode on his back as he swam. 

Swimming in the reef was awesome!  There were several different kinds of rays and tons of fish.  Some of the rays were HUGE!  And we had an underwater camera/camcorder, so we took lots of pics and even got some video...

In addition to the rays and fish that they had in the coral reef, there were areas that had other, more dangerous animals.  We were able to swim right up to windows that had sharks, lionfish, eels, and barracuda just on the other side.  I didn't get any pics of the barracuda, but here are the others...

*shudder* The eels creep me out!!!

Here is a video of the sharks from underwater...



Even just standing in the shallow water gave you some cool experiences.  The rays swam right up to the edge of the water and you could just bend down and touch them.

The day was beautiful and the morning was perfect!  Later in the afternoon, though, the storm clouds began to roll in and pretty soon, we were in a downpour.  Since we were already getting plenty wet in the water, a lot of us, especially the girls, really didn't care!  Rori just wanted to keep swimming and playing with the fish!  I was getting tired and found a covered chair so I could lay back and rest for a few minutes. 

When the girls were finally ready for a break from swimming, we decided to eat our late lunch.  (We were so  glad we had waited and stayed in the water during the lunch rush!)  We kept hoping the rain would let up, and when it didn't, we still thought about going back in the water, but in the end, we decided to call it a day. But even with the rain, we were having a fun time!

Our day at Discovery Cove was amazing!  We had a great time, even when it rained. ;)  And even though we might not be able to go to Discovery Cove the next time we go to Florida, we definitely hope to go back eventually!

Discovery Cove - Swimming with Dolphins

One of the special experiences we had in Florida didn't have anything to do with Disney.  We went to Discovery Cove the last time we went to Florida, too, so we knew what to expect and that we wanted to go back.  Last time, Acadia was just one year too young to swim with the dolphins, but this time, she was definitely old enough, so she and I had the amazing chance to interact and swim with dolphins.

We arrived early so we would be among the first to get our dolphin swim.  I liked beginning with it last time and wanted to do the same this time.  It worked out great!  We had the first time slot and were able to start our day with Astra and Hutch, two bottle-nosed dolphins.

It was wonderful!  I loved it last time and I loved it this time.  This time it was even more special because I was able to share it with Acadia. 

We were in the water with the dolphins for about half an hour, during which time, they taught us about the dolphins, such as their diets, breeding program, training techniques, and so on.  They let us ask whatever questions we had and answered all of them.  It was really neat!  Here are some highlights of our experience...


This time, it was Aurora who was too young, so she and Ryan stood on the shore and watched (and as you saw, video recorded) our experience.  But one thing that they didn't do last time, and we were very pleasantly surprised with this time, was at the end of our session, when they invited Ryan and Rori down into the water to take a picture with us as we posed with Hutch.  While they were there, both Ryan and Rori got to pet and feed him, which was so far beyond what we expected, especially since they hadn't paid for this experience.  It was so nice to have us all be able to share this part of the experience together, what a great memory!

After we completed our dolphin swim, we ate breakfast (Breakfast and lunch are included for everyone there and it was delicious!) and then got ready to go snorkeling on the reef!  That is up next, so stay tuned!

Disney - Characters

In previous posts, especially the dining ones, I shared many of the opportunities we had to meet characters.  One of the big perks of doing those character meals is that you don't need to stand in line to meet the characters!  Because, man, those lines can get LONG! 

But there are some characters that don't have meals and you just have to find them in the parks.  Since most of our favorites were at the meals, we chose not to stand in lines unless it was someone we REALLY wanted to meet, or the line was very short. 

One of our top picks that we did wait for quite awhile for, was Rapunzel!  We had hoped that Eugene would be with her, but he wasn't scheduled to appear for another month or two.  Drats.  But Rapunzel was there, and she was beautiful!  She was also very nice (of course).  Here the girls are with her and some others that we thought were worth the wait...

In Animal Kingdom, we found our way to meet Pooh and friends.  We were really hoping for another chance to visit with Eeyore but he wasn't available when we were there.  Acadia was disappointed, but it was still fun to see Pooh and Tigger!

Back at Magic Kingdom, we knew we would wait as long as it took in order for Rori to meet Jessie.  Jessie isn't found at any character meal but is one of Aurora's very favorites!  The line was a little long, but it was well worth the wait for Rori to have her special moment!  Jessie loved that Rori's hair was the same color as hers and that Rori was wearing a Jessie shirt.  Jessie felt so special that Rori loved her so much, and Rori felt so special that Jessie loved her!

Meeting Tinker Bell was another one that we knew we would wait for.  Thankfully, that wait takes place in an air conditioned building! :)  And really, it wasn't terribly long.  Besides, when we finally did get in, we had a lot of fun!  First, we shrunk down to her size and found ourselves in a garden area where the grass was taller than our heads!  Then we met Vidia.  She wasn't very nice, but was pretty funny.  She kept calling Tinker Bell, Stinker Bell.  Then when we went to Tinker Bell, she and Vidia got into a fight over the girls.  They were not nice to each other, but they were really nice to us!  Though, at first Tinker Bell was offended that while the girls liked to collect "tinkers" (their trading pins on their lanyards), they didn't have any of her.  But then we explained that we DID have some of her, but they were left safe back at the resort so we wouldn't accidentally trade them.  So, then she thought that was smart and she was happy that they liked her that much. lol

One of our favorites, though we didn't realize it until we actually met her, was Princess Tiana.  We knew we wouldn't get to see her anywhere else, and thankfully, her line wasn't too long.  But once we met her, oh my goodness, we knew we would have waited as long as it took.  She was absolutely the nicest character we met.  She just exuded Southern Hospitality!  She doted on the girls and even on Ryan and I.  She called Aurora "Baby Ariel" when she saw her from afar, before we even got in line, then when we met her later, she remembered Rori and told her us she was so glad we came back to see her.  She also said it looked like she wasn't the only one kissing frongs... that I had caught myself a pretty handsome prince, too! :)  Tiana was the only character that pulled us in to take a family pic with them (the other pics with all of us together were either taken as part of our dining package or when we asked to have all of us in it).  We love all of the princesses and they were all very sweet and friendly, but Princess Tiana made it extra personal, we are so glad we got to meet her!

The last character that we were willing to wait for, was one we had already met a few times, but he is just THAT worth it!  Of course, I could only be talking about Mickey Mouse!!!  In fact, we waited for him twice (once in Epcot and once in Hollywood Studios)!

(I love the one where Rori is kissing him on his nose!)

Getting to meet and interact with all of these characters was a really fun part of our trip.  Some were funny and teased us, some were silly and teased each other.  They were all nice and some were beyond nice.  They all made us feel special and we had a great time with them!

Disney - Dining

Using the dining plan really gave us the opportunity to have some great dining experiences that we normally wouldn't have splurged on.  It was great to be able to do it all without worrying about the cost.  For most of our sit-down dining, we chose to go with character meals, but we did book one dinner show (non-character) and one restaurant that I've always wanted to go to... Coral Reef in Epcot.  Let's start there, shall we? 

The Coral Reef is amazing!  It is situated along side of Epcot's huge aquarium.  Inside, swim fish, sea turtles, and sharks as you dine right next to them.  It is AWESOME! 

While we are talking about dining at Epcot, I'll remind you that Rori showed up at this park in a Princess gown - twice.  Both times were due to meal plans in Akershus Castle where we met Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White.  On the first visit, Rori wore her Belle dress, in honor of our hostess.  On the second visit, she arrived as her true self: Princess Aurora. ;)

 
During our second visit to Akershus, after meeting OUR Princess Aurora, the other Princess Aurora visited another table and met another Aurora!  We didn't recognize her at first because she came dressed as Rapunzel, but her true name was Aurora and so for the second time this trip, Rori met her "twin". lol  Aurora #3 came to our table so we could get a picture of them all together (upper left photo in the collage below).

A lot of the meals we went to were not actually in the parks.  One that I was really looking forward to was The Spirit of Aloha Luau at the Polynesian Resort.  For months, I dieted for this trip.  I lost quite a few pounds too, and everytime our Polynesian neighbors BBQed and made my mouth water, I thought of THIS MEAL.  I was holding out for this luau.  The good news is, the food was GREAT!  The bad news is, as we were eating, a thunderstorm rolled in and we were only able to enjoy the first couple of performances, then they cancelled the rest.  Big Bummer.  To make up for it, we were credited our meal vouchers (or for those not using the dining plan, they got their money back) and since we had still gotten a great meal, that was a good deal.  I would really liked to have seen the show though. :S  Too bad Mother Nature didn't cooperate.

Another meal we had was also at the Polynesian Resort: breakfast at 'Ohana.  I have to be honest.  While it was a great meal and fun experience, it was our least favorite of our sit-down meals.  I think maybe where we had been seated had a lot to do with that.  It was darker where we sat, as opposed to some of the other seating areas.  And, though we love Lilo and Stitch, there are other characters that you can dine with that we like more.  (Though, Mickey and Pluto were there, too and we loved that.)  The food was delicious, but everything we loved we found at other meal locations, too.  So it wasn't as if we had to go there if we wanted to enjoy some Mickey Mouse waffles. ;)  Still, it was fun and we were excited to be there!  And the resort is absolutely gorgeous!

Another gorgeous resort is the Grand Floridian.  And that is where you'll find 1900 Park Fare, which is a beautiful restaurant where Cinderella and her family host a great dining experience. 

Do you like how the girls are arriving in their very own "horse" drawn carriage? lol... Okay, that was actually after dinner, so I guess they are really leaving in it. ;)

We weren't sure who all would be there, but were very pleasantly surprised to find the Tremaines.  We first met Anastasia, who was sure that she should join our family since she would fit right in with her red hair and she was positive she would like Rori and Cadi as sisters better than her own.  Then we met Drizella, told her about Anasasia's idea and she totally agreed.  She begged us to take Anastasia home with us! lol  When Lady Tremaine came, I thought it would be a good opportunity to get some parenting advice and I was pleased to find that her ideas were very reasonable!  She instructed Acadia to do 10 chores everyday, including laundry, dishes, and cooking, and told Aurora she should do 7 everyday, because you know, she is younger but don't worry, she'll work up to 10, too.  Ryan liked Lady Tremaine so much, he asked to have his picture taken with her! 

Then, we met Prince Charming.  He was very... charming. lol  And he only left our table when it was time for him to greet his Princess and lead her to the floor for a dance.  Afterwards, he walked her to our table so we could visit with her.  She was breathless and visibly... dazzled ;).  She said to our girls, "Isn't he dreamy?"  It was really very sweet. 

But I have left our favorite Character Meal for last... Chef Mickey's.

For our first visit, Rori came in her Minnie Dress, which Minnie and Mickey both loved!  Minnie also loved Rori's Minnie doll and my Minnie nails. :)

Not only can you find the Fabulous Five at Chef Mickey's, but the food is GREAT!  There is a large selection and it was all delicious.  We went to dinner one night, then ended our trip the morning we flew out with breakfast there, as well.  It was by far my favorite breakfast of the trip.  So many yummy foods!!!  And having one last chance to say good-bye and give Mickey a hug was great.  We love him!!!

We didn't go to Disney for the food, but as we looked forward to the trip, we really looked foward to these dining experiences.  They sure did add to our Magical time there!