Last Day at Disney

playing at the Lego place

posing with Cinderella (holding Minnie Mouse dressed as Cinderella)

Ella loves her Minnie, too

riding the carousel

posing with Daisy and Donald

posing with Mickey and Minnie

looking for our airplane

Ella asleep on the floor of the plane

watching a movie

our first plane ride!!

On Saturday we spent a long morning in Downtown Disney, where we shopped, ate lunch, and played with a few of their attractions. They have a really cool Lego store where Avery spent quite a bit of time.

The plane ride both ways was an adventure in itself with two small kids. Ella wasn't a happy camper either way because she was so tired, but Avery thought it was fun, saying "Wheee!!" at takeoff. Once Ben figured out the only way Ella would sleep was on the floor by our feet, she happily passed out. (Hey, you do what you gotta do, right??) Avery enjoyed looking out the window, watching movies, and chewing gum.

Disney World Day 3

sleepy girls

Cinderella left Avery a present to wear to her Royal Table!

Dumbo was one of the faves

the whole family

enjoying lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table

meeting Jasmine

Snow White was great with Ella

exhausted from a fun day

On our last day at Disney World we got up early, as we had the other days, and headed back to Magic Kingdom. This time Pawpaw and Mimi came along with us.

We rode classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Dumbo, and we revisited some of Avery's favorite rides from the first day.

For lunch, the girls had a special treat. We all got to go inside the castle and eat at Cinderella's Royal Table. The food was delicious, and many of the Disney princesses came by our table to visit. Avery and Ella both really enjoyed it.

As always, we went home after lunch to nap (and this time I did NOT ask Avery what her favorite part was!) We returned with just Avery later that evening. By the time we left Magic Kingdom late that night, we felt that we had done it all, and were exhausted, but feeling so fortunate.

Disney World Day 2

clapping along to Playhouse Disney songs

We rode the tram a lot!

Ella jamming out on Avery's headphones

Ella liked stretching her legs at the pool

Avery having fun with Daddy after a busy morning

On the second day of our trip we visited Disney's Hollywood Studios. That was a fun-filled day of riding super-fun rides like Toy Story Mania, and seeing wonderful shows. My favorite was the 30 minute mini-Broadway(ish) Beauty and the Beast. Avery really enjoyed seeing Playhouse Disney with all her favorite characters, and The Little Mermaid Voyage.

As we headed home that day to nap, I again asked Avery what her favorite part of the day was. Her answer? "Sharing Daddy's frozen lemonade."

Later that afternoon, we relaxed at the pool and enjoyed having a family dinner and early bedtime.

Disney World Day 1

hugging Minnie Mouse

Ella scared of Mickey

Pluto

Donald Duck

starting the day at Magic Kingdom

3-D glasses for Mickey's Philharmagic

Avery picked out princess mouse ears, of course

Avery's mode of transportation that day

finally meeting Sleeping Beauty

Cinderella - her favorite!!

talking with Belle from Beauty and the Beast

We had SUCH an amazing time at Disney World! It was an incredible experience, seeing it through the eyes of our kids. It truly is the most magical place on earth.

We were able to spend three days at the park. On Day 1 we started with breakfast at Chef Mickey's. It was the perfect way to begin the Disney experience. While we ate, Pluto, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, and Donald each came by our table to talk to and hug the girls. We weren't sure how Avery would react to the life-sized characters she was used to seeing on TV, but she jumped right into it. Ella was a little spooked by them, particularly Mickey.

After breakfast, we headed to the Magic Kingdom and spent a long morning riding rides like Peter Pan's Flight, Winnie the Pooh, and It's a Small World. Early afternoon we headed "home" to nap, and while waiting for our ride, I asked Avery what her favorite activity was that morning. She replied, "Walking on the silly steps." Ben said, "You mean the escalator in the hotel?" Yep! That's right!

After resting, we went back to the Magic Kingdom and tried out some new rides, watched the fabulous light parade, and met several of the Disney princesses, which was what Avery had been waiting for all day. They did not disappoint!! These women were beautiful, sweet, and wonderful with their little admirers.

Ella's 1st Birthday

How in the world did I not blog about Ella's first birthday sooner??

Her first year just flew by. She is such an amazing little girl. Still so laid-back and sweet. Very happy and always ready to just go with the flow. She is crawling all over the place, cruising on furniture, and has 6 teeth! She is a JOY and blessing in my life, and I thank GOD for this past year with her.

I'm ONE!

This is Caleb, less than a week old. I was that small just a year ago!

My first cake!

Yum! I loved it! Why have Mommy and Daddy not given me cake sooner?

Presents!

Pawpaw and Grandpa are so much fun!

Daddy and Mommy love me!

Mimi and Nemaw are the best!

So tired at the end of a fun-filled day.

Something to Think About

Quick post:

This evening, Ben was working on making plans with the guys. After a series of texting back and forth with his buddies, I asked him, "Figured anything out yet?"

Avery thought I was talking to her, and she answered, "God is working in my heart, but He can't come back 'til later."

Random Avery Stuff

Avery got a new bed last weekend. Yes, it is actually a REAL bed finally, fit for an almost-4-year-old. She loves it, and so do we. (She has stayed in her bed every single night since she got it!)



Here's a picture of the fearless big girl climbing our neighbor's 30 foot rock wall. In addition to the rock wall, they had two other huge bouncy houses set up in their front yard today. Fun!




And this ... well, this is what she considers fun. Dragging her sister around the house in a box. Hey, whatever makes her happy!

A Texas Tradition

One More

Scratch that ... she has 3 teeth coming in on top! FOUR at once! In a matter of days, that adorable gummy baby smile is going to be changed forever.

Chompers!

Yesterday, Ella was laughing and I noticed something strange-looking in the bottom of her mouth ... a tooth! Then, later that day, I thought I saw something else unusual, and sure enough, two more teeth coming in on the top! Three at once! We just quit nursing two weeks ago - perfect timing. Isn't she thoughtful? :)

Almost There

I just can't believe Ella is 11 months old today!

She is still the happiest, sweetest baby ever. She LOVES being able to go where she wants to now that she can crawl. We don't need a puppy, because we have Ella to follow us around wherever we go. In fact, I hate to admit it, but on occasion all three of us have found ourselves patting our knees saying, "Come here, Ella! Come on!"

She is getting very vocal now, and loves to express her opinions. With her newfound mobility, she has also learned how much fun Avery's toys are, much to her big sister's chagrin. Diego is often one of the casualties - headless and helpless (see above picture.)

Among other things Ella loves right now: Cheerios, practicing walking, putting anything and everything in her mouth, sucking her thumb when she's tired, and as cheesy as this sounds, Daddy, Mommy, and Avery. Her face lights up when we interact with her, and it is just so incredible to truly be the center of someone's world. What a miraculous gift her life is.