Halloween 2013

Trick-or-treating was postponed until tonight (tornado warnings last night), but the kids didn't mind, and I was thankful for a crisp but dry evening.  I was so proud of Grant and Grace: they were very thankful at every house, wished everyone a "Happy Halloween," complimented other kids on their costumes, and shared all of their candy with each other and anyone who wanted any.  Sooo very blessed...

Grace, my angel.

 Grant, a lightening storm

Trent, my little dino who even roared (to die for cute)

Pre-Halloween

Grant just informed me that he's thinking of changing his Halloween costume.  I asked him what he would wear.  He told me black sweats and a black shirt.  I asked him to explain his costume.  "That's easy, Mom.  I'd be the invisible man."

Quiet Afternoons

Daily afternoon reading time--today by the fire.  Doesn't get much better!

Disney

We arrived reasonably rested on Saturday, and aside from checking in and braving the worst grocery shopping experience known to man, there is little to report.

On Sunday, we met up with our good friends for some swimming, pizza, and downtown Disney, which was on fire with loads of street performers (very cool).

On Monday, we had breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. The kids had a blast, and even Trent loved seeing the characters... from a distance. When they approached, he would dive for Mommy's arms. He almost gave Mickey a high-five but decided against it at the last possible moment. After more swimming and time with our friends, we called it a night.

Trent loved the maraca parade

Grace's favorite: Stitch

Bret with no money left!

One of my favorite pics from the trip

On Tuesday, we hit Gatorland, where Grant and Bret were slated to zip line over the gators. Grant was fearless, even offering to go first. He ran off the end of that six story tower like a pro, flung his arms out wide, and had a blast. He even had the guide fling him as fast as possible a few times. The guides told Bret that he was in trouble that Grant was so fearless. Bret, on the other hand, held on with both hands like his life depended on it.

Getting ready to get bit!

One of Grace's favorite experiences all week. 

Grant and Bret racing on a zipline over gators!

Another trip favorite!

Grant wasn't scared this time; see last time's photo HERE)

On Wednesday, we hit the Magic Kingdom.  Again, thanks in part to good timing and good planning, we didn't wait over 15 minutes in any line.  We rode tons of rides--including a few new ones, watched many a parade, and played the new game, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.  The kids had fun, and despite the exhaustion that comes with Disney parks, it was a great day!

A cool shot before we go in!

Getting ready to ride the new Little Mermaid ride!

Grant is the WORST driver ever!

Riding Mommy's favorite ride (The Peoplemover) while Grant and Bret ride Space Mountain

Trent's favorites: The Country Bear Jamboree, The Tiki Room and It's a Small World

Grant and Grace opened secret portals all over with the new card game

Getting ready for the fireworks (behind the castle--which was AMAZING)

Cotton candy before bed: no problem!

A great ending

On Thursday, we recovered.  We didn't get out of jammies until noon.  We swam and had dinner with friends, but there was little we wanted to do beside relax after two powerhouse days back-to-back.

On Friday, we spent more swimming time with our dear friends.  After a much needed nap, we hit Disney's boardwalk for some fun and food!  We watched the most amazing surprise reunion of a serviceman and his young wife.... such an amazing thing to witness.

On Saturday, we headed home.  We are blessed to have three amazing car riders in our kiddos.  We did tire out around Bowling Green, where Bret proceeded to pick the worst hotel KNOWN to MAN to call it a night.  I'll let him post on that later.

We had a great time... and seeing our friends was an extra, extra bonus.  And seeing how we were able to stick so perfectly to our budget, another Disney trip is already in the works (Spring 2015)... gotta go before we actually have to pay for Trent.

Random Pics

In an effort to have more than one post a month, here is a post of pics and fall updates:

Grant

Grant started Cub Scouts this year.  He's a little Tiger Cub, and he LOVES it.  The commitment is pretty heavy, but we're navigating as best we can.  I'm down with the bb guns, archery, raingutter regattas, but I am not down with this popcorn selling thingy.  I'm spending three hours outside of Lowe's this weekend, and I'm not happy.  But, alas.  So, he's selling popcorn and pretzels, so if you want to support scouts and our troops, this is my only public appeal to do so.

Grace

Grace loves kindergarten!  She's tearing it up, is super independent, and just started dance lessons a few weeks ago.  She remains super crafty, even in the midst of a house remodel which means she can't get to her craft room.  Most of her artwork is now, then, on post-it notes, which decorate every inch of wall space around our house!  We both need that craft room back to functional!


Trent

Trent is... well... intense.   He's angry, violent and stubborn beyond measure.  But, he's so sweet too.  He is funny and loyal and passionate.  He's way more social than he was several months ago, but he still does not like being left with others.  He has started physical and occupational therapy, and I'm thankful for some extra help and intervention.   I love being home with this kiddo!

The house

We will post some pictures soon.  The kitchen backsplash is being tiled right now.  Then, we'll add the crown molding, do some touch-up painting, and then, the kitchen will be done.  Yeah!  We hope to have the entire house done by the end of October, but that might just be wishful thinking! 

More to come... 

Belt

Yesterday morning after a delightful workout, I discovered while getting dressed and ready to head to work that I'd neglected to put my belt in my gym bag.  Given my slender physique, I knew that my pants would have difficulty staying up all day without a belt (plus I felt like I might be mistaken for a leftover Gen-Con'er who couldn't find his way home) so I decided to make a quick stop at Walmart to grab a belt.

I quickly found the belts display, selected a "style," and went to put on my belt.  Unfortunately with new belts, you can sort of hold them up to your waist and see if it basically fits, but a plastic clasp prevents you from actually putting the belt on.  But I was determined to wear the thing out of the store, so I headed to housewares to see if I could find some kitchen shears or a butcher knife to slice off the clasp.

What I discovered is that you can't just go pickup a knife and start slashing at Walmart.  I first found this out when I grabbed a knife out of a display butcher block, only to find the whole block and knives were fused together.  All of the shears were similarly unusable because they were wrapped or tied in one way or another.  I considered simply buying a cheap set, but I thought buying a a belt and a knife made me look a little too "guy on his way to take a hostage," so I headed over to office supplies.

After some careful rummaging, I found that I could use a staple remover to chew the plastic tag off the belt.  I made short work of the clasp, and then I turned toward the back corner to put on the belt.

Just as I got the belt through my belt loops but not clasped, a 20-ish female employee came around the corner.  I turned instinctively to find myself staring at the lovely young lady with my belt hanging open.  I then did the one inadvisable thing in this situation (oh, as if there was only one) and spoke.

"Heh...this is sort of embarrassing."

She gave a sort of Elvis sneer, and I quickly started buckling my pants.  I paid for the belt and made my way out of Walmart with yet another individual who I hope never to see again in this life.