Disney World Day 2 - April 27

We got up bright and early Sunday morning, checked out of our room and headed for the Magic Kingdom.  There was excitement in the air!  Henry and Walter wore their Mickey Mouse shirts in preparation for Christmas card photo ops.  The ferry was closed so we took the monorail over and found a good spot to watch the opening ceremony while we waited for the gates to open.  

Walter and Mimi Erin on the monorail.

Mimi Megan, Grandma and Henry riding the monorail.

This was our waiting spot.  It was definitely hot, humid and sunny.  While we waited we applied sunscreen and hatched our plan:  Grandma and Grandpa were making a fast dash to rent a double stroller and Nate was grabbing a coffee while the rest of walked quickly and calmly to Buzz Lightyear and we'd meet up there.

Waiting...Mimi Erin is working the FastPass system on her phone while Walter tried to stay awake.

 A few pictures with Goofy...

and then back to making a run for it.

 Henry and Walter with Zurg.  

I think we took a few turns on the Buzz ride...

Then to the Astro Orbiter 

(I know - lots of pictures.  But it takes too much time to go through and pick favorites!)

You can see the new mine ride past the Astro Orbiter, between Megan's and Erin's rockets.

 Walter wanted to go again with Mimi Megan and

he had to do another pose that was "cool."

Taking it all in...

Bliss - can't you just see how happy they are!

Just like the old days at the Tomorrowland Speedway!

Walter's first behind the wheel with Mimi Erin.

Traffic Jam

Can you spot Goldbug (Henry)?

Taking a little lunch break by the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.  

They also did a lot of climbing here.

Chatting

I think we went on Pirates of the Caribbean (Henry thought the cannons were a little too realistic) and then the Jungle Cruise (above).

The People Mover - Henry loved this "ride"...so much like his mother.

(We didn't lose Walter - his head just can't be seen above the seat.)

Cute Couple - Grandma and Grandpa

A few days before our 10th anniversary.

 Going through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse- which they loved.  We introduced them to the movie this past year and they think it's the best.

Exhausted...

...And talking about the day's events (Henry and Mimi Erin).

Our day was winding down so we went to check in at Orange Lake for the rest of the week.  I think some grocery shopping was done and maybe a visit to the pool.  Henry and Walter also modeled the new pirate gear that Grandma and Grandpa got for them after we went on the Pirates of the Caribbean.  Pretty scary pirates, I'd say.

Disney World Trip Day #1

Life has been full of good things and it's been hard to stay awake at night in order to keep up with pictures.  Our old computer died, too, so I had a hard time getting motivated to move all the pictures over to the new computer.  My friend, Kristi, and I took this weekend off to get together and catch up on our projects..so here it goes!

We got up very early on Saturday, April 26 and drove to the airport for our flight to Orlando.  We had been looking forward to this trip for awhile which made it a little easier to get up when the alarm went off around 4:00 that morning.

Henry and Walter have grown up so much since our last Disney trip that they could take care of their own luggage (which was pretty exciting to them).

We got through the security checks with only a few tears - the man checking our documents looked at Walter's ticket, back at Walter again and said, "So you're the trouble maker!"  To which Walter promptly replied, "It was Henry's fault!" and then buried his head in my arms and cried...I don't know if I was completely successful in convincing him that the man was teasing.

Watching the planes...

 Finally on the way!  

Nate has his all-important cup of coffee and the boys worked out a window seat agreement where they switched seats halfway through the flight.

 After we landed and picked up the rentals cars, we stopped for a delicious lunch at Chick-Fil-A.  Vacation was off to a great start!  The first night we stayed at the Floridays.  They let us check in early and use the pool.  It felt wonderful to be in the heat and sun again!  Henry and Walter were beat (and maybe the rest of us, too) after spending the afternoon swimming in the pool.  We made our game plan for the next day over Papa John's Pizza and the headed to bed.

Grandparents Day 2014

It was a busy week (23rd the Spring Fling, 24th Spring Concert) and April 25th was Grandparents Day at school for Henry.  He got to spend part of the day with Grandpa Will and Grandma Jo, showing them his art projects and eating lunch with them and Mimi Lauren.  He didn't get to go out to do something with them after lunch because we were getting ready for our trip to Florida - so he's looking forward to their special outing. 

 

"My favorite thing to do with my grandma and grandpa is to bake chocolate chip cookies."

I like to go bowling with my grandparents.

And Walter said, "I like to play cars with them."

 

Grandparents are a special gift.  It means so much to have grandpas and grandmas who love the Lord and show it in their everyday lives.  We're thankful for the special relationships Henry and Walter have with each one of them.

K-4 Spring Concert

April 24th was Henry's K-4 Spring Concert.  We went shopping with Mimi Erin the weekend before and Henry selected this very bright, springy combo to wear for the concert.  We got there a little (or maybe "a lot") early so we could good seats and ran into Walter's classmate and one of Henry's bus friends, Will.  They had fun talking up a storm together while we waited. 

Looking so grown up...

The concert theme was "My God Is So Big!"  Henry didn't give us any hints ahead of time, so we had no idea what they were going to be singing.  I believe they are singing, "Philippians 4:13" here.

 

Being silly with his friend, Garret.

"Don't Be Afraid"  I loved this song and watching them sing it.  They were very intentional with their actions as they sang and it was sweet.

"My God is So Big"

And a picture by Walter:

 

They finished off the program with the songs, "I Am His Lamb" and "God Calls Us."  Once again, I can't believe how much Henry has learned this year.  It is a real joy to see him at school when I am there - he loves being there.  He seems to take it all in and appreciate it.

 

Click here to watch Henry in the Spring Concert.  You will need to "view all" events and then look for "CMCS K-4 Spring Concert" from April 24th.  It shouldn't be too hard to spot Henry in the crowd.  :)