Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

[MegansMom]

Love all the pics from your Epcot day. It sounds like it was so wonderful. You all look like your having such a great time!

We had such a good time, and really enjoyed taking our time with everything......never felt rushed at all. I do think that the best part of Epcot is the fact that most everything is in air-conditioned pavilions.....even though it was MIGHTY hot that day, you never felt too bad because we were always going back and forth..in and out of the A/C! In September, that is ALWAYS a plus!

We totally understand. This is a very busy time of year

Looks like you had a great time at Epcot.

Never heard of not being able to get a FP because it was not your birthday. That is so strange

Ride on Polar Express looks like so much fun

Megan is such a doll

Thanks for understanding....I'm telling you, life has not let up for me since we have returned from the trip!!! We got back right into Megan's birthday, then our fall festivities, Halloween, Thanksgiving(s), and now Christmas festivities....it really hasn't let up since!

We had a lovely day....I really did not know what the fuss was about at the Maelstrom, but no love lost...we eventually rode it anyway!

The Polar Express was great!!! She loved every second of it!

What a great day at Epcot! I am always so amazed at how much you get done when you are in a park! No grass was growing under the three of you!!!

I love Megan's green coat -- she is so adorable! Riding the North Pole Express sounds like a great time!

It was fun....loved trying it a whole new way!! I'm telling you, with my FP Man in hand, you would be amazed at how much you can accomplish!!! We had so much fun!!!

I love that coat too!!! It is a Rothschild coat....we LOVE those kind....and luckily, I found this one at a consignment shop for $15!!!! CHA CHING!!!! She loves her coat!!!

You would have loved the North Pole Express.....especially when they wheeled out the hot chocolate and soft gingerbread men cookies!!! SO PERFECT!

 

[MegansMom]

I LOVE the first pic of Megan looking out the window on the train. She looks so grown up! (I know, I know, that's not what you want to hear!!)

I am still waiting on those Snow White and Mike Myers pics...

Sorry I've been MIA...but I'm here now, and thankfully didn't have TOO TOO much to catch up on. There were several pages though!

I can't remember all the comments I was thinking as I read about your first few days! One thing I wanted to ask was--did you get your SE pics emailed to you?? I want to see their faces!!

You really have managed to get a lot done so far. And I love all the smiles from Megan...Keep 'em comin!!!

I know what you mean about the picture....she is growing up right before my eyes and I just want to hit the pause button SO badly!

I will make sure to go back and upload the Halloween pics too!!! I think that got knocked off the list a while back when the computer was down! I will put it back on my to do! I am working backwards from this weekend going through all our recent events, so I will make sure to add that to the list of things to post just for you!

No need to be sorry about being MIA....me too!!!

You know, I totally forgot that you can do that there! UGH!!! I will see if I can get the two of them to recreate the faces at some point and take live pictures here.

We were blistering that week.....getting so much done!!! Lots of smiles still on their way!!! Stay tuned!

 

[Charleston Princess]

especially when they wheeled out the hot chocolate and soft gingerbread men cookies!!! SO PERFECT!

Those two things did jump out at me!

 

[MegansMom]

Those two things did jump out at me!

Do I know you or what?!?!?!?!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Do I know you or what?!?!?!?!

Too well, my dear! Too well!

 

[IluvXU]

Love the EPCOT day. You accomplished so much, much that we never do!


The Polar Express ride looks fun, we have only done Thomas, but I am sure we will do that one someday!

Festival of Lights is so awesome. I thought the lights this year were amazing...

It is hard to jam all the holiday fun in, we went to the Christmas Ranch tonight, it was beautiful too!

 

[Jessie888]

 

[MeMom]

So many good pictures since I have last checked in! I like the Polar Express ones, (and that little coat is awesome!) but on this cold morning, I am taking a second peek at the warm weather AK and Epcot ones to warm my Disney heart and soul.

Hope you guys have a great couple of weeks ahead with your precious girl!

 

[MegansMom]

Too well, my dear! Too well!

I just wished we lived closer together.....oh the fun we could have!!!!!

Love the EPCOT day. You accomplished so much, much that we never do!


The Polar Express ride looks fun, we have only done Thomas, but I am sure we will do that one someday!

Festival of Lights is so awesome. I thought the lights this year were amazing...

It is hard to jam all the holiday fun in, we went to the Christmas Ranch tonight, it was beautiful too!

We did accomplish quite a bit, but we never felt rushed or hurried......it felt like a very relaxing day to me.....especially looking back on it now! The only "bad" thing that day was the whole Maelstrom FP debaucle.....I really didn't get that one at all! You would have thought she would just let us go on....we already had the FP, we are only 3 people, what harm would that really have done?!?!?!

I HIGHLY recommend the North Pole one too! The only thing missing was snow at the "North Pole!" Megan asked about that as soon as we stopped, but that is as far as that conversation went....THANK GOD!!!

I loved the new lights at the zoo this year! Now, it was CRAZY busy on Saturday night (which we knew it would be), so we only got to about half of the things we wanted to see and do---the 4D Polar Express was already sold out! BUT, Tom has all next week off, so we are going to go back on of the weeknights to take it all in......so nice to be a member!!

Now, how have I NOT heard of the Christmas Ranch?!?!?! Where is it? What is it? I would love to know more!!!

That is such a cute smiley!!! Happy Holidays to you and yours too!

So many good pictures since I have last checked in! I like the Polar Express ones, (and that little coat is awesome!) but on this cold morning, I am taking a second peek at the warm weather AK and Epcot ones to warm my Disney heart and soul.

Hope you guys have a great couple of weeks ahead with your precious girl!

Hello dear MeMom! I am so glad you enjoyed those pictures! That coat is so adorable.....and the find of the century!!! (ONLY $15!!!) She loves those kinds, so it makes me even happier that she will wear them!

I was looking back at those pictures the other day too, and trying to warm my very frozen toes with the memories of how unbelievably HOT it was there!!! I wish you could capture some of that heat on "film!"

I hope you and your lovely family have a very joyous Christmas, and a WONDERFUL New Year!!!

 

[IluvXU]

Jen we were there Saturday. We actually went around 4, my parents had the girls downtown and we met them there with Luke. We were ahead of the masses!

Christmas Ranch is just north of us, two exits past Kings Island. It was super beautiful and the girls loved it. Look it up... it would be fun too!

 

[MegansMom]

Thanks for the info Laura! I just looked it up, and may need to add that to the "to do list" for next week when Tom and Megan are off!!! Looks like one more fun thing to do!

 

[praisehisname]

Awesome Epcot update! You really got a lot of rides in!

I love the pictures from the train ride. Megan looks adorable!

 

[MegansMom]

Awesome Epcot update! You really got a lot of rides in!

I love the pictures from the train ride. Megan looks adorable!

We had a blast at Epcot this year!!!

I agree.....I think Megan looks adorable too!!!


Happy Saturday everyone!!!!

Well, it is certainly starting to look like a "White Christmas" around here....getting about 4" of snow by the end of the day. It is a really pretty snow too.......last night when I took Max outside before we went to bed, I just stood on our back deck (in my PJs and Crocs) and absorbed it all. It was so quiet, so peaceful, and so beautiful!!! I almost did not want to come in when he was ready to go back inside. That is a moment in time that I will savor for myself for quite sometime....the awe and majesty of the quiet simplicity of the natural world around us is so amazing that I think we often take it for granted. Now, I know I say that while many of you are being pounded as we speak by that "majesty," but in that little moment last night, it was breathtaking!

I thought I would just share with you a little update on life this morning.................

Yesterday was Megan's last day of school and her Christmas party, which I also got to go help with. It was such a blast! We all had so much fun, the kids were so sweet, and it was a great way to jump start our Christmas Vacation!!!! We also got to watch Megan and her dance class perform their mid-season Christmas "show" during her dance class yesterday afternoon----they did a little Christmas Rockette number, and it was PRICELESS!!!!! I videoed of course, but our camera videos in HD, so I can't upload any of our videos here....just imagine in your head 12 4-6 year olds donned in black leotards, pink tights, black tap shoes, and Santa hats marching and tapping like the real Rockettes! CUTE doesn't even come close!!!

Next on our agenda last night was My Annual Christmas Date Night with Tom. Now let me explain that we do go on more than one date a year, but this has become a tradition----we go out every year just the two of us to do Christmas shopping, have a nice dinner, and maybe see a movie that isn't rated G! This year, our very wise daughter, informed us a week ago that we would be going out on our DATE so that we could "Go buy her a Christmas present," and so that she could "Go spend the night at Grandma Jo's house!" (Tom and I are very suspicious still of whether her motive was for us to go get her a gift, or merely spend the night with my parents!!! ) Well, we did oblige her---we did have some more shopping to do anyway---so after dance class, we whisked her to my parents' house where she promptly grabbed her bag, let herself out of our SUV, and informed us that we were NOT allowed to come in! (Luckily, my very excited mother was waiting for her as soon as we pulled into her driveway!) So Tom and I were off.....we quickly took care of the rest of our shopping, enjoyed a VERY nice dinner at one of our favorite local Southwestern Grill restaurants, and then headed to our local "Cheapies" movie theater to see Couples Retreat. We had wanted to see it when it was out in the regular theater, but were so excited that we could actually catch at the half-price theater still! If you haven't seen it, it is a funny movie that is easy to enjoy---nothing too intellectual, but still fun! The best part for us though, was after watching the film, Tom and I immediately looked at one another, and said at the same time that we were easily the "DONKEYS!!!!" (Word changed for as to not be censored out.) Those of you who have seen this film, know how funny that is....for those of you who haven't, try to see it soon! And for the two of us---who have been together for the past 17 years since we were both 16---we see that as a HIGH compliment! It was a great way for us to remember why it is that we love each other SO much---no matter what we go through, how we change as we age, or what friends and society want to make us think about our relationship---at the end of the day, in the midst of a party, regardless of who or what is going on, we know in our hearts that we both just totally want to be with each other. We are definitely each other's best friend, greatest fan, and strongest supporter. We went to sleep last night knowing one of the greatest gifts you can ever receive---how much we completely love one another. I am sure the makers of that film would be surprised to know how truly blessed it made me feel after watching it. We have been together a LONG time, and many people want to judge us or even instill in our minds doubts about our relationship. I think at times, they do this simply because they don't get it, or maybe even feel a little jealous of something they see in us that they don't see or feel in their own relationship. I know that Tom and I aren't unique or special, we just "get it." We realized a long time ago that marriage is not about who is RIGHT, who won the fight, or who is in control or has the power. It is about LOVING one another to the ultimate extreme. Caring completely about your spouse's feelings, needs, interests, etc. and finding a way to achieve all your lives' goals together. There is no competing in our relationship, and neither of us tries to control the other. We are honest, we are sincere, and we genuinely LIKE each other. He makes me laugh harder than anyone else I know, and I still after 17 years really enjoy his company. And I am just really thankful this beautiful snowy morning that Vince Vaughn and his croonies made me realize that all over again last night!


I'm sorry for my ramblings....I know they are EXTREMELY OT....but I just had the desire to share!

To say I am one lucky girl is a gross understatement, and I am so thankful for all my blessings! I hope you all can take a moment today---in snow or sunshine---to realize all the blessings in your life too!!! I am SO glad to be a "DONKEY!!"

I have a few Christmas errands to run this afternoon---need to pick up Megs, etc. Tom is going to be gone all-day and evening for a guys day/night out with his Dad and brother, so I will be back on here later to share some more holiday pictures with you!!! I am hoping to back all the way up to Megan's birthday party here at home!!!

Until then......take care, stay warm, and enjoy all the wonders around you!!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Since I have some time on my hands tonight, I thought I would post some ad hoc pictures that I have been working on uploading for you all for awhile. Enjoy!!!!

We are going to dial it back a little to Halloween...........

The annual Pumpkin carving

Our master carver

Ohhhhhhh....so scary!

Now we start on the tiny pumpkin

Buds for life, Megs and Max

The finished products.....designed by Megan

Introducing Miss Snow White!

Now fast-forward a month and we start into our Christmas festivities!!!

A few weeks ago we headed out on a day-long trek of different Christmas activities around downtown Cincinnati.

First stop of the day: Cincinnati's Conservatory---here's Megs in front of their very tall poinsettia tree!

She decided to start making some silly faces:

After the Conservatory, we headed into Downtown Cincy to see the famous Duke Energy Train display. This is a yearly favorite of ours! It is a VERY large train display that is set up in the lobby of the downtown Duke building every year. They choose a new theme for the overhead decorations each year, and it has never been the same twice....and this thing has run a VERY long time! They pass out cookies while you wait to walk past the display, and they even let the kids be junior conductors on one end of the display. It is quite the long-running downtown tradition indeed! This year's theme was based around gingerbread and a fantasy candyland! It was SO cute!

We then took the free Downtown Holly Jolly Trolley around a few blocks to the Hyatt's lobby to see the Gingerbread display.

 

[MegansMom]

We then walked down to Fountain Square to see the large Christmas tree and watch the ice skaters on the rink. We ended that evening with a yummy dinner from one of our favorite restaurants on the square--Rock Bottom Brewery.

The next night, we headed down to Lexington, KY for the annual Southern Lights drive-thru light display at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Megan with my FIL inside a small train trolley they had for kids

Going for a pony ride!

Their train display:

The evening after our train ride that I already shared with you, we ventured up to the annual Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights. They always have a neat Santa's village set up here...complete with Santa's Mailroom with the official Postmaster himself. It has become tradition for us to have Megan write her letter to Santa here so that she can put it in Santa's Mail Box. She knows too that even though she may see several of his helpers throughout the season, this is the ONE place that Santa truly comes to see the kiddies!

Megan getting ready to write her letter!

The completed work:

Since she is only in Kindergarten, I just had her make a list....toy violin, toy trumpet, toy saxophone, toy trombone, Princess castle, and dolls.

And into the mailbox it goes....

And then it was off to meet the Big Guy himself......

(Sorry about the blurriness of these pictures....I think my stability control was turned off that night. Oh well!)

And from yesterday's dance show....the future Rockettes!

So far, this has been QUITE the fun and busy holiday season!!! We have had so much fun getting into the spirit and the fun of the season by doing these fun things together. This week, Tom is off the entire time, so we are hoping to tackle a few more holiday traditions as well!!! I will keep you updated on those happenings as well!!!!

 

[praisehisname]

I totally echo the sentiments you wrote about your relationship with DH. As each year passes, I love him more. Not because HE is changing, but because I am becoming more aware of how much I have been blessed!

 

[Trentmom]

Looks like you all our having so much fun doing your holiday traditions

Love Megan's Christmas list

 

[MegansMom]

Hey gang!!! A very belated MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all!!! As you can imagine, our week last week was quite booked with holiday activities and family get-togethers.....it went so fast, that I really can't believe it is all "over" and "done with!" Megan has already begun to tell me how much she "misses Christmas," and also wants to know as always "When are we going back to Mickey's House!??!?!?!" It is hard to answer both these dilemmas.....we still have the Christmas decor up, but I think she is missing all the fun and anticipation of the great event. Her usual longing for another trip to WDW was only made worse while visiting with our best friends and Godchild before Christmas....they recently booked a trip to WDW in April with the promo code, and even suggested we join them---which Megan would have LOVED---but we had to decline because April is easily the WORST month of the year for Tom at work. She was bummed (as was I), but is also QUITE hopeful that this will spark more conversation from Mom and Dad about the next big trip. Right now, even though I have a pin code email burning a hole in my inbox, there has been no talk of such so far. We really aren't sure when we are going back or taking a vacation next year for that matter....there will be many more complicating matters that are going to get in the way.
1. Megan will be in first grade next year, and we are much more hesitant to take her out of school when she will be in for full days.
2. There is a good possibility that I will be re-entering the world of teaching since she will now be at school all day. This is going to make vacationing whenever that much harder.
3. Tom's work demands really cause us to not be able to take any time off between Jan-April....he's a corporate accountant, and it really can't happen.
4. The school issue and the work issues are now going to REALLY narrow our vacation windows down to the Summer, Christmas, and Fall Breaks (if there is one...which there wasn't this year.) That is also going to mean we will now only be able to travel at some of the highest crowd levels of the year, and with Megan's Sensory Processing Dysfunction.....I worry about how "well" we would do!

So we are both frustrated on that end. But trust me, I think about it daily! It is always a much better day in my mind when you have another Disney trip to plan for!

On the holiday front, we had a WONDERFUL one! I hope you all did too!!! The BEST moment....although there were many.....was provided by my amazing daughter. Instead of diving head first into her pile of awaiting "Santa" presents, she INSISTED on Christmas morning that I open my present from her first! There would be no more Christmas until I did so, so I relented and opened up my gift! She just never ceases to amaze me! I don't know if there has ever been a child who could be distracted even for one moment from that pile of Santa gifts! In that moment, I definitely received two gifts in one!

There will be more on our Christmas once I upload the photos.....up next will be another update from our trip---look for that tomorrow!! Until then, be safe....and "See Ya Real Soon!"

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Jen!!! I love that Megan made you open your gift first! That girl is one in a million!

Merry Belated Christmas!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

It looks like you all had a wonderful holiday! I know all about being caught up with "life" and not getting to everything on your list! But it looks like you guys are enjoying yourselves, so that's all that matters!

If it helps any, I've actually taken a trip to Disney in the fall while teaching. Our first one, back in 2005, was like that. We have a generous amount of leave days each year, of course, and I am able to leave any sick kids with my in-laws, which helps as well. But it IS possible. I took four days off that year right after our state testing window, and we took advantage of one of the first free dining offers. It was great - the end of September/beginning of October was great in terms of crowds, and it was at least a LITTLE better than June temps. It isn't something I could do every year, but it is, at least, do-able.

Have a great rest of your holiday break, and a wonderful new year!