Newsflash!

Just a quick break from our vacation updates.... I was standing in the long line for 20 items or less at Walmart last night. I had to run out after the kids were in bed to pick up some dvds for Payton's Spanish project. Ok. As I stood waiting, I noticed the small signs posted explaining minimum ages for purchasing alcohol and cigarettes. Just in case all you friends out there, feeling young, hip and with it like me did not know - one must be born the year I graduated high school to purchase their own cigarettes! Oh my. 1990 doesn't seem that long ago, I can still recall most things quite clearly. I have reconnected with several old classmates through my new fav pastime, fb (Facebook, for those not in the know), and none of them look old enough for this either. So, why does this bother me? It doesn't really bother me, per say, but it sure made me notice. So all of us graduates of the class of '90- stand up, stand proud, and feel as young as you'd like! That picture of you in the yearbook only proves that age is a good thing! Enough said.

Our first park- Hollywood Studios!

The sun was out (of course). The sky was blue. We were packed with snacks and drinks and ready to go. Hollywood Studios, here we come! I

will give a quick rundown for the pics because, really, all the rides, food, shows and fun have started to blend together over the 5 days at Disney and the 4 parks.

I do remember the first thing we did when we arrived was to rent a stroller... $15 dollars and a grrrrr later we were off.

We found a map and wandered into the street performance of HSM3. The girls gave it a so-so rating. "It wasn't anything like the movie!" But fun, none the less!

Larry and I got our picture taken in front of the cool cityscape and we were headed to the stunt show. This was a big hit- no pun intended! The show was awesome for everyone, especially Porter! He certainly kept his eyes on this one.

There was Muppets 3D. I loved it as much as the first time we saw it!

Then there was Playhouse Disney. Mind you, the greatest shows on earth- for a toddler and his stay-at-home mom! I love Mickey, we all love Pooh, who doesn't love Manny? The theme song is sung by They Might Be Giants and my little guy slaps his lap when the Little Einsteins need him to help get Rocket off the ground. So we waited in line- for a while. We were the 2nd family, behind the obvious Little Einstein groupies! While we waited, Porter got to meet JoJo and Handy Manny. He, we discovered, is not enamored of large, over-sized versions of his television friends. But we made him stand as close as possible anyway.

Nice shot, Porter!

Then we got into the show, front row center seats (not highly recommended- it's really hard to see the characters so high on the stage). The nice Disney crew member took this pic and I was quickly reminded that there is no flash-photography during the presentation. But we loved it. The kids, mainly Porter and Maisyn, (and me, too) clapped and sang along. We love our Disney Playhouse!

See the happy, satisfied customers!

The Pixar hit, Toy Story Mania, kept us in line for about 20 minutes when they shut the whole ride down and sent us all away with our heads down. I really wanted to try it, but what can you do. I am only hoping that their "technical difficulties" wasn't code for "decapitation" or any other unforeseen death. (You know how those Disney rumors get started!)

Rock and Roller Coast was our favorite by far. I didn't get any pics of the rest of the family because I waited with Porter and went with one of those special passes. (I would highly recommend that!)

The night had gotten quite chilly and we were so unprepared. But we stuck it out for our fast passes and then headed out for the night. Sleepy, worn out kids. Sleepy, worn out parents. A very successful Disney day. Can't wait to do it again tomorrow!

Sunday, Sunday...

The Bresnahan's slept over at Oma's and we stayed with the Millers as usual. We woke up and got ready for church. Even Jordan (their dog) wanted in on the action. Their meetings began at 11am but their building is a lot farther drive than ours! We stayed for all 3 hours- Maisyn was excited to go to Primary. The other girls could have left; they felt a little out of their comfort zone being the new kids. Larry got to feel what it's like sitting with the family and he "handled" Porter so I could enjoy all of church. Thanks, honey!

After church, we all had dinner at the Miller's and finished just in time to catch the boat parade on the lake across the street. I never knew parades were so appropriate for the Christmas holiday! We all hung out on the dock and cheered as the boats drove by all decked out with lights, tinsel and full-size Santas. The kids got some sand play in, too. We still couldn't believe it was a few days to Christmas as we sat barefoot with feet dangling in the water. Florida was looking better and better by the minute!

Porter, Larry and I smile for the camera

Maisyn, Riley, Sydney, Abby (+ a stranger boy on the wall)

Paxon, Terri, and Brian: and this time I didn't cut off his head

We headed back to the house after the last boat was out of sight and they broke out Rock Band. I am not good and I'm ok with that. But there was fun times to be had for all- whether we were playing games, watching tv, coloring, sitting by the pool, or just hanging out. Aaaah... vacation.

It doesn't feel like December!

Friday the 19th was spent painting. Elizabeth and I went to our mom's house and painted her guest bedroom and bathroom. It was full days work but turned out really nice. Larry and Tom brought the kids and some lunch midday. They swam at Oma's pool. She lives in Zellwood Station- a really nice retirement community about 30 minutes from the Miller's. There are a few lakes, a restaurant, a beautiful historic home-turned office and lots of golf carts. Luckily, Elizabeth and Mom had been able to get the living room/kitchen/hallway painted before our arrival. I don't think I could have made a dent without Elizabeth's help! So we were pooped by the end of the day and just headed back for dinner and relaxation. Andy arrived home from BYU-Provo late that night (or maybe early the next morning?) after his flight was delayed several times due to the snow. Again, we were glad we chose this year to go to Florida for Christmas break.

Saturday the 20th was an entirely different story! We were still trying to get used to waking up to heat and sunshine and blue skies. Larry woke up, saw the glass water across the street and got us all up and ready for some lake time. Unfortunately he didn't get to ski too much- but everyone had a great time. We just couldn't get over the fact that it was almost Christmas - the holidays! - and we were sunning ourselves in the boat on the lake- crazy!

That evening we went back to Oma's for dinner and her community's golf cart parade. The residents decorate their golf carts and drive the streets throwing candy at the onlookers- what says Christmas more than free candy?! After the parade was over and we ate some dinner, Terri and Brian arrived from their long road trip from Chicago. There had been a winter blast there and they left a day early- yeah! So we got to catch up with the entire family- and, of course, the little ones fit in a good wrestling match with Andy before too much time passed. It was fun to see Porter meet his cousins for the first time. He and Paxon are only 4 months apart- so cute! All in all, it was another great day!