Warm Florida...

Time sure has been getting away from me! Just when I think I've caught up my train gets derailed and I find myself behind again. Such is life...

December was nuts but a lot of fun. I'm thinking there needs to be a bigger stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There doesn't seem to be enough time to squeeze in enough holiday fun into just one month. I keep going over the things we didn't find enough time to do, but I shouldn't lose sight of all the great things we did squeeze in.

The boys and I had planned a little visit to Florida back in October, but as we were sitting at the gate at the airport, ready to board, the boys' behavior dictated a very loud and dramatic exit from the airport instead of a walk down the jetway. Not exactly the pleasant flight I had hoped for. Lucky for us we found a small window to make up the trip, and we enjoyed a few days with the Bacon's....after a much better travel experience!

We love all the Bacon's, but we were extra excited to see how much Emma had changed since we last visited. It's so much fun to see a little person change so quickly in a short amount of time. She definitely did not disappoint and was full of the lively, sweet/sassy personality we had been hearing so much about. It was so nice to spend most of our time just hanging out at their house. Patti and I did a little sewing, which totally took me back to when I was a kid around the holidays, watching my mom sew our Christmas gifts. Love it.

After we finished up sewing projects and dinner, Patti majorly treated the boys and I to a little visit to Magic Kingdom. We enjoyed a few hours to watch the fireworks show, electric parade, and a couple of rides. I loved seeing the castle frosted with lights for the holidays. It was gorgeous, and it was such a treat to be able to visit the park during that time of year. Thanks again Patti!!

I loved that we were able to find the time to visit the Bacon's, especially during the holidays. I love their home and how much they get into Christmas. I don't know anyone else who decks their house with 4 full-sized Christmas trees and a few bonus smaller ones! It was another great, and always special, visit with some of our favorite people.

And even more Disney

We've been so spoiled! Yesterday we headed to Disney again with the Bacon's, this time visiting the Magic Kingdom. The boys were so excited, and it was so much fun to see their reactions to everything again this time around, especially since they're so much more vocal. They handled the wait times in the lines really well considering their age and had fun on all the rides.

Halfway through the day we took a break from the park and spent some time in Downtown Disney. We had a delicious lunch at Earl of Sandwich (sooo good!), and visited a few of the shops. Ben particularly enjoyed getting squirted by Stitch. He clenched his fists and literally quivered with anticipation between each squirt, and then he'd squeal with excitement every time he got sprayed. He definitely entertained us as well as a few other bystanders.

By the time we headed back to the park, the sun had set and walking around was much cooler. The wait times had gone down considerably, and we enjoyed the firework show and tail end of the Electric Light Parade before we ended a very long day.

I felt like a kid again all day. I think I had just as much fun as the boys did. I don't know how it's possible to express enough gratitude to the Bacon's for all the spoils they shower us with, but I hope they could feel a little of it seeping through my pores throughout the day. Thank you all so very much!!

Making Magic Memories

We have some pretty amazing friends. Michael, Patti, and Dylan have graciously opened their home to us while we're here in Florida visiting. The day after we arrived, they threw Ben and Zach a birthday party at Honey's and Pop Pop's home, and Patti made them an incredible birthday cake. It was equally appealing to the belly as it was to the eye! The whole Bacon clan was present and rounded out by Tricia, AJ, and Austin. Our friend and former coworker also came with her son who is about the same age as the boys. It was a great party and we sincerely appreciate how good everyone is to our boys and us!

The following day we visited the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Orlando. Again, all made possible by our awesome friends! I know there are several of us that agree that when we get to relive a first time experience through children, it's something very special. It was such a fun day to watch Ben and Zach take everything in.

My first memory of Disneyland was from when I was about 3 or 4. I remember the music from It's a Small World and looking up a lot, but that's about it. I think when Zach is older he may recall similar memories. He absolutely loved this ride. There was a lot of pointing, oohing, ahhing, and oh wowing going on! I loved watching his expressions.

Ben on the other hand took a much more quiet approach to the rides. Sometimes I think there's an old soul behind that young face, and it's already done and seen everything. When he does show emotion it's definitely out there. He had the most fun whenever we'd let him loose. He loved the play area outside of Mickey's House in Toontown, and enjoyed The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride.

We can't thank you enough, but we'll thank you again Michael, Patti, Dylan, and Honey for sharing the day with us and helping us make those memories with our boys. Your veteran knowledge of the park, and selflessness when it came to making the day all about the boys took all the load off of us and made the experience nothing short of perfect. We love you all so much. You're nothing short of family in our book!

Snip Snip

I didn't cry when my little guys got their first haircuts....at least not until several hours later. Darius and I first thought that we'd like the boys to have their first haircuts at the Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom, but changed our minds before the trip. When we first arrived to the park this morning, Darius changed his mind again. I should have expected as much!

I wish I could say the haircut was an enjoyable experience for all. It was a good thing we had a full day of fun to make up for the traumatizing start to the day!

Don't let the smile fool you...it was a short lived.

Ben and Zach received certificates for their "bravery" and Mickey Mouse ears to commemorate their first haircut.

It's amazing how a haircut can make a little boy look so grownup. It breaks my heart just a little bit.