January the 2nd

We didn't want to miss the goodbyes. Andy was heading back to BYU that afternoon. We were headed to the Magic Kingdom. So we made sure we got up a little early, and I'm glad we did! I love this picture!

The next time we see Andy will hopefully be as he heads to the MTC this summer!

Porter was giving Uncle Tom pointers on how to smile at the camera- thanks for being such a fun uncle, Tom!

We took the ferry from the parking lot to the park entrance. It was crowded no matter which way we were going, but this seemed a wee bit quicker. Even if it wasn't, it gave us a great view as we headed in for a fun day at Disney.

Tram ride in- yeah for Disney World!

Taking a break at the kiddie play area.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, just the girls!

During the day, we split up a couple of times to get in some big rides sans Porter. It was my turn with the little guy and I thought we'd try a ride sized just for him. What I didn't expect was to wait an hour and 45 minutes for it! But he was a trooper and I summed up the patience to be super mom for a little while. He loved it. I loved watching him love it. And we both smiled a lot.Almost there!

We decided to get the heck out of dodge for a little while. We took the kids to Denny's for a break from the ever more delicious Disney fare. It was a perfect break: no noise, no crowds, actual seats, and a full meal for $65 instead of a bunch of turkey legs! Then we headed back for the fireworks show (Note to others: sit in the back of the castle for the fireworks show. Really.) It was amazing to see the castle on in lights.

Kids and cameras don't mix.

Sunset at the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Aaaah.....

What a way to end our Disney World journey!

New Year's Day- Happy 2009!

The night before we had gone over to the White's. Strangely, I forgot my camera. They have a beautiful home and welcomed the whole crew for delicious foods and good company. Thanks White's! We headed back to the Miller's early to get the little guys to bed and just hung out with the family. We woke up for a day or relaxation. Not much happening.

Oma, Elizabeth, Terri, Payton and Sydney decided to get pedicures. I went along for the ride. Riley actually came later and got her first professional eyebrow wax. Note to self: need to get a professional eyebrow waxing kit. Later, we played games, hung out and Terri taught anyone willing (willing to EAT it, that is), how to make sushi. YUM! Payton and Riley were the only takers- Riley was being brave just so she could play Sushi chef and Payton loves the stuff.

Maisyn created her own game using the Mars Mud purchased at the Kennedy Space Center the day before. I didn't play- but it looked interesting.

I tried the Wii for the first time- not very good at it.

We ate lots of delectably fat appetizers for dinner and enjoyed each other's company until we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer.

New Year's Eve at Kennedy Space Center

This was Larry's choice. I was excited to see Cocoa Beach and reminisce about Dr. Bellows, Major Heally, Major Nelson and Jeannie. To see those computers that took up entire rooms! But all joking aside- I was interested to learn more about our country's space program. Larry was told that this was a must-do while in Florida and he purchased the tickets online our first week there. We wish we had another day there - the tickets are 2 for 1. But we got to see some ins and outs, learn some new terms used, get close-up and personal with a real space shuttle and see quite a few alligators as well. The Kennedy Space Center is located in the center of an alligator and wildlife preserve. My sisters prepared me by telling me how they walked by one in the parking lot on their trip the previous year! Yikes! We took a bus tour of the entire place and we were able to enter several different buildings. Each tour guide made sure to tell us how we need to not worry about the gators. Just check under your car when you get to the parking lot. Oh yeah, and also you only need to run faster than the person next to you. That got laughs each and every time we heard it! Boeing is actually a contractor for the space program. They have a building on site there. Larry had applied there before - I don't know how I would have felt about living with all those gators! We watched movies on the space program history and future. We were able to walk through an actual shuttle and see an actual astronaut toilet! There were several places that were off-limits, of course; guards at many points along the way. We were warned to not take pictures of them or we would have to deboard the bus and we would probably not be allowed back on! No kidding! We ended our day there by riding the shuttle launch simulator. It was pretty cool! And who can forget the gift shops galore! All in all, I think it is a great way for folks to learn about the space program while recovering some of those well-spent tax dollars. I feel we did our patriotic duty by buying something from all three gift shops on the way!