Thanksgiving: Sun, Basketball and Mickey Mouse

We had a very special Thanksgiving this year, we spent the holiday week in sunny Orlando! Hands down, a memorable trip I'll cherish forever. Everything from the weather, the company, the games, Disney experiences and the most beautiful hotel (Gaylord Palms), it was all perfect. 

I have to admit, I was pretty nervous to fly alone with Maggie and Emma. I thought it would be smart to fly at night, thinking the girls would sleep. No sleep, unless you count the last 15 minutes of the flight. The girls are active and curious who like to touch everything, chase each other and ask questions. I remember texting some friends during the hour layover in St. Louis that I would never fly alone with the girls again. It was constant re-directing. But, I took a deep breath and knew we would be in Florida soon and it would all be worth it. I truly believe that we as parents worry so much about our kids behaving, that in all reality, they are being perfectly normal acting kids. In fact many people complimented me of how great of travelers the girls were and well behaved. HA!!!! Really though, thank goodness for snacks and the iPad/LeapPad. 

We were greeted at the airport by my dad at nearly midnight for then a 20 minute drive to their condo, where we would stay for two nights until Matt and the team got to town. After a full night of rest, some breakfast and coffee (thank you Jesus), we hit the road with Nana, Papa and aunt Alaina to visit my grandparents. We haven’t seen my grandparents since Maggie was a few months old and it was nice to be able to see them again.

Tuesday, us girls were off to Animal Kingdom! Animal Kingdom was the perfect park to visit as our first park, it is much smaller and not as overwhelming. I knew we were going to Disney during the busiest time of year, so made sure to do FastPasses for both meet and greets, as well as rides. While there, the girls met Mickey and Minnie, Chip-n-Dale, Goofy and Pluto. We saw some great, cute shows: A Bug’s Life in 3D as well as the Lion King in a shortened musical. The top must experience at Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro safari ride. It was AWESOME! You felt like you were so far removed from Orlando, Florida and on a true safari. Giraffes literally walking right up to you, elephants bathing near the watering hole and a beautiful lioness on top of a rock overlooking it all.

We laid low on Wednesday: pool time during the day and then Matt and I went with the team for a special dinner at one of the Disney resorts to kickoff the tournament.

Followed with games on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and Friday.

Saturday was the big day at Magic Kingdom! Matt had an off day that he was able to join us. We arrive by 8:30 a.m. and didn't leave until 7:30 p.m. Even with all that time, we didn't make it to the Tomorrowland portion of the park. Even with it being the busiest week in the park, we got to do so much: ride tons of rides, meet Cinderella, Elena of Avalor, Ariel, Pooh and Tigger, saw a couple stage shows, the afternoon AND night parades, then a special lighting of the castle from Elsa, Anna and Olaf. It was all decked out for the holidays and even more beautiful than it is without. Magic Kingdom has the best parades with the best performers! If you ask Emma, the parades, meeting the princesses and the Dumbo ride were her favorites. It really is a kingdom full of magic, music and dancing, lights, rides and dreams come true. No matter how old you are, Magic Kingdom truly is one of the happiest places on earth. I think Matt and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, than the girls. Plus, to see the sheer delight and joy in the girls was a memory I will cherish a lifetime.

After an eventful and fun week in Orlando, it was up and at it bright and early Sunday for the girls and I as we flew back home to Iowa. Seriously, I am still blown away with how well these girls traveled and adapted to a long week on the road. I am also incredibly grateful to have had my parents and sister there with us to share in the memories and to have help with the girls.

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Watercade Weekend

We headed back to Litchfield last weekend for their annual Watercade festival. As always, it's great to get up to Minnesota and see Matt's family and friends. We aren't able to get up there enough because of his job, but when we do it is always fun seeing everyone.

Emma and I took a short drive to Hutchinson on Friday to see my good friend Mackenzie and attempt to have a delicious lunch.....until Emma decided to have an epic meltdown because I wouldn't let her stuff all her food in her mouth at once. Thankful that I have friends that understand we are on Emma's time and attitude! That evening we were able to enjoy more time with Matt's family and Emma got to put her new birthday present to use (thanks Chad, Stacy and Maddy).

On Saturday we were able to get together with all of the cousins and see four generations together. We are fortunate to have gotten these pictures taken.

Later that evening Emma got to experience her first parade.

Crazy to think that the next time we make it up to Litchfield won't be until Christmas and Emma will be walking everywhere!

Paradise

Last week, Matt and I got to spend a relaxing, much needed vacation at Secrets Capri to celebrate our first anniversary, surviving (almost) Emma's first year and basketball season being done. After two solid days of raining, we got to enjoy three days laying out at the pool all day while being handed drink after drink. I read three (!!!) books, Matt read, we napped every day and we enjoyed three course (uninterrupted) meals. This trip was so needed and was everything we hoped for. If you recently had a baby, or have kids, I highly suggest taking some time as husband and wife to reconnect and just truly enjoy each other. We of course missed Emma and talked about her all the time, but we knew we needed this. 

By 8:30 every morning, this is where you could find us.

Celebrating our second anniversary at the bar after a delicious dinner. 

That view behind us was the view from our room. Waking up to the ocean every morning = bliss. 

Meanwhile, Emma was enjoying her own version of paradise (being spoiled) back here at home. We are very lucky that Emma has four loving and great grandparents. Grandparents that want to spend time with her and are involved in her life. Ken and Dianne came down to spend the first three days with her. I am so glad that they got this time alone with her and got to bond one on one. We hear she was great for them and they enjoyed lots of walks and time outside (her favorite). The other time was spent with my family where she chased the dogs around, played in the pool, did a photo shoot and watched Wheel of Fortune with aunt Alaina.

We can't thank our parents enough for this time away and taking such good care of our sweet Emma.