Disney Day 3- Epcot

I do have to say that Epcot was the one park that I wasn’t exactly excited to go to.  When doing my research the things in the park seemed to cater to older kids, and now looking back on it I can’t seem to remember that much.  I remember waiting what was suppose to be 10 minutes for a little boat ride called Living with the Land and ended up waiting at least 30 minutes cause the ride kept breaking down.  We also took the kids to see Honey I shrunk the Audience and we had Connor in his car seat sitting on the floor and when the rats got loose in the show they blow air at your feet and Connor got a blast of air all in his face and he started screaming, luckily he calmed down since we were sitting in the middle of the row.   The other rides that we enjoyed were Test Track, Soarin (a favorite to all), Nemo ride, Turtle talk with Crush, where Bryson was chosen to ask a question, which came out as… I don’t know what he said and neither did anyone else.  He got a good laugh and Crush answered with “I think the answer would be Purple.”  I wish we got it on video.  We also went on Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Ellen’s Energy Adventure.  We didn’t get the chance to walk around The World Showcase, but you’ve gotta leave something to do for next time, right?  Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the day. (you can look at all the pictures on the sidebar)

For dinner we went to Norway and ate at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall with the storybook Princesses.  This was our favorite character meal that we did.  I was kind of nervous eating food from Norway since I have never tried it, but it was really good.  The waitresses and servers were from Norway which was really cool and the kids loved all the princesses.

We ended our day at the park around 11pm.  The kids were knocked out on the bus ride home and then bouncing off the walls in our hotel room when it was time for bed.  But we finally all fell asleep to get ready for our next day ahead of us.

Disney Day 2- Magic Kingdom

Our day started by ourselves since my family got delayed flying in and didn’t get in till late, so we started the day by ourselves.  Once we got in we went straight to the Dumbo ride & then continued on through Fantasyland, then headed up to Mickey’s Toontown.  We had decided to sit and let the kids play at a little playground so I could feed Connor and while we were sitting there it started to pour rain.  We had to go running for cover and we were stuck for at least 30 minutes.  We finally decided to brave it out and run to find somewhere to eat while we waited out the rain. 

Once we were fed the rain had stopped and we headed to tomorrowland where we met a talking garbage can and Megan and Josh were able to experience Space Mountain for the first time.  Since Bryson and Connor couldn’t ride the ride Megan and I went on the ride first.  After it was over I asked Megan how she liked it.  She started to cry and said that she didn’t like it.  So as Josh was leaving to go ride the ride by himself she decided that she wanted to go again.  Josh and I looked at eachother in shock, but let her do it.  She came off the second time saying that she loved it.  This ended up being one of her favorite rides that she wanted to keep riding.

As for Bryson’s first rollercoaster ride… the picture says it all.

We were able to catch up with my family after we watched “Dream along with Mickey” in front of the castle.  It was really nice to see my brother who we haven’t seen for a couple of years, and also the rest of my family.  We were sad that my sister’s husband had to work and wasn’t able to join us, he really was missed.  Hopefully next time we get together he’ll be able to come.    

Once we took pictures and said our hellos it was time to head to our first character meal.  This meal was with Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger & Eeyore.

Once we finished eating we went back to Tomorrowland then over to Adventureland and then back up to Fantasyland.  (Here are a few of my favorite pictures, you can view all of them off to the side on the slideshow)

We ended our day tired but ready to see more.  My favorite was the jungle cruise and Pirates.  Josh’s favorite was Splash mountain.  Megan loved Space & Splash mountain.  Bryson had a common saying after and during rides of “I don’t like it!”  (I wish I would have gotten it on camera, it’s a high pitched whiney voice kinda like Steve Urkel)  But the ride he didn’t say that on was Dumbo.  Connor was either sleeping or wide eyed on everything.

Disney Day 1 – Getting Settled

We were so excited to start our Disney World experience.  We left at 2pm and loved our direct flight to Florida.  Since we were staying at the All Star Movies resort in Disney World we were able to have Disney pick up our luggage from the airport and take it to our hotel for us so we didn’t have to worry about it.  SO NICE!  We boarded a bus and took a short 30 minute ride to our resort.  Once we got off the bus we were greeted with red carpets and a cast member giving the kids Mickey Mouse stickers.  After checking in and fixing a couple of room problems, (since we booked with my parents and sister we were all suppose to have rooms next to each other, but they had us in different buildings.  We were able to get 2 rooms next to each other and then our room was 7 doors down, but at least it was in the same building.) we went and checked out our room in the “Love Bug” building and set our extra traveling luggage down and then went to check out the hotel grounds and eat dinner.  After dinner we were off to bed so we could get up early to start our adventure! 

Christmas ‘09

We had a great Christmas again this year.  Our Christmas traditions always starts on Christmas eve when we decorate cookies! 

Now I have quickly found out that in the Kelly family you don’t just frost and sprinkle your cookies.  Decorating is more of an art and a lot of time is spent on 1 cookie.  Our kids have quickly caught on.  (notice Bryson using a toothpick to frost his cookie)

 

Here is our final ones.  We only got through half of the batch before we ran out of time.   We had to send the kids to bed so that Santa could come.  (Megan liked Josh’s little guy that he did and so she copied him.)

Christmas Morning

We were surprised that the kids didn’t wake us up this year.  Instead I woke up to the sound of Bryson’s new tool set.  We were able to hold them off till Connor woke up then our present opening began.

Megan and Bryson did very well opening gifts and even opening up gifts together that were for the both of them.   They loved their kitchen set that was left downstairs for them that I am sure took Santa almost 2 hours to put together.  I don't want to forget when Bryson was opening one of his gifts and as he opened it enough to realize that it was a plain box he stopped opening it and said "I don't like it." and then walked away.  We had to try and convince him to finish opening it to see what was inside the box.  It took a little while before he actually went back and finished unwrapping it.  It was hilarious!

I was excited to get my corner desk that I have been wanting to buy for months, and Josh got his Very Sexy cologne that I love him to wear.  

Connor had fun trying to open up gifts.  He would get a bit of it open and then would eat the paper.  Megan eventually sat down after all her presents were opened and helped him open them all.

 

We are very grateful for all of our gifts.  Here is the loot that everyone got.   

I love this gift that my brother gave me that I have to show it off.  He just returned from his LDS mission in Uruguay and while he was there he had these scripture cases made for those of us that wanted them.  So here is mine.  There is a picture on each side.  I think that it is beautiful!

We had a wonderful Christmas, and we ended with a delicious ham dinner that we shared with some friends. 

Santa Visit

We took our traditional trip to the Bass Pro Shop to see Santa Claus and to play some games.

Connor did great for his first time seeing Santa, no crying. The kids had fun coloring pictures, playing games, writing letters to Santa, making a cute ornament & having a snow ball fight.

This year Megan is asking for (at least THIS time): Leapster Games & a Barbie with wings (which she already has).

She has in the past asked for a computer (laptop), a camera, a kitchen set, wings (what she got last year), craft projects & anything else that she sees at the store.

Bryson this year has been easy he has asked for Tools and stuck to it. He does get excited about construction trucks too.

Connor is a little harder since he doesn't really need anything besides clothes and diapers. But I'm sure if he could ask for something maybe to have some peace and quiet from his older brother and sister. So we will have to see what Santa will bring this year.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas this year.

Picture Overload

I am on a picture over load from our trip to Disney World. I have so many pictures and I don't even have pictures from the rest of my family yet. I hope to get to writing down our memories before we forget all the details. Beware, a lot of pictures to come.

He's 3

Bryson has now turned 3 and had a wonderful Birthday! While we were at Disney World Bryson got to wear a birthday pin and was told Happy Birthday all day long and at dinner he was sung Happy Birthday to every night and received a birthday cupcake. He even had an employee call Goofy on their cell phone to sing Happpy Birthday to him. What's better then that when you are 3? He really got the royal treatment. But since his official birthday was yesterday we celebrated by taking him out to Chuck-E-Cheese and then came home for some cake and presents.

Things Bryson is up to:

He is constantly giving hugs and kisses to his little brother. He loves balls, trucks, cars and playing with his older sister. He is our little independent child and wants to do EVERYTHING by himself which at times is really frustrating, especially when I'm running late. He's definitely teaching me to have a little more patience. Bryson is working on counting to 10 and his ABC's. He does pretty well counting and singing the ABC song, but doesn't get all the letters right. His favorite songs to sing are: Popcorn Popping, The Wheels on the bus, and the 5 little monkeys (swinging in a tree or jumping on the bed). He loves to help out around the house and I can't get away cleaning by myself unless he is taking a nap. He always wants to help wipe off the counters or clean the toilet. He also loves to give the biggest hugs and kisses to everyone, but has become a little more shy when strangers try to talk to him.

We are so proud of our little guy. He is a joy to have in our family. We love watching him grow and learn.

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY BRYSON!

The Birthday!

It all started months ago with a lot of sneaking around, secret shopping & lots of help from friends & family that I was able to pull off this…

(invite done by my good friend, Tiffany)

I was very pleased that I was able to pull off the surprise.  Our day was very crazy and after going out to dinner we pulled into our driveway right at 7pm, I was nervous that we would see someone coming over, but luckily we didn’t.  After waiting a little while I sent Josh downstairs to get Bryson’s pajamas from the dryer where everyone was waiting for him. My 2 wonderful friends decorated the basement while we were out at dinner and did a great job! (THANKS!)

We played a fun trivia game about Josh’s life and then some Pictionary.  Thanks to everyone who helped out to make this happen.

On Josh’s birthday we did cake and ice cream with the kids (with what was left of the cake) and opened gifts.  The kids and I did make him breakfast in bed on Saturday morning since we weren’t going to be awake before he left to his early morning meetings on his birthday.

Thanks to all for making his birthday wonderful.  I think an acceptance to dental school would have made it perfect.  We’ll just keep praying.

Over the Hill!!

Today Josh turns 30! Please leave him a comment and let him know he’s love, or just embarrass him! I think it would be fun to get at least 30 comments!

Josh really is an amazing guy, and I am the luckiest person to have him as my husband. He has made me a better person. He has great patience with me and I LOVE watching him play with our kids. He is a great Father.

He is a great friend to everyone and always knows how to make you smile. I’m so grateful for his Mother for raising such a great son.

Happy Birthday Josh!!

Thanksgiving

This has taken me a little while to post. We had such a great time out at Jacob & Julia’s house for thanksgiving but once we got home life got a little busy. First doing the normal “home from vacation” duties like laundry and grocery shopping. Then the next day Megan got sick and was home for 2 days which meant I was home for 2 days. I have also been very busy planning for Josh’s surprise party (that happened last night, but that’s another post.) So now I feel like I can breath, but just for a second since I am getting ready for our next vacation this week. So a little late, but this is our Thanksgiving weekend.

We went over to a friend of Jacob & Julia, Britta & Jason’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Britta decorated everything so beautiful and all the food was amazing. We all ate plenty of food and had a ton of leftovers that we ate for the next 3 days. Later that night we finally had some room for some pie.

On Friday the weather was cold and had a mix of rain and snow, but before the yucky weather hit, Julia and I went out shopping for the black Friday sales. It really is crazy all the people awake at 5am shopping for deals. We came out with plenty of deals. The rest of the day we spent playing inside & napping.

Saturday we thought we would get the kids out of the house and took them to the mall to this place where they have a bunch of bounce houses. We let the kids run around for 2 hours. It cost $6 a kid and they gave us coupons for chick-fil-a for free ice cream and french fries.

So we were heading over to Chick-fil-a after the kids were done bouncing and there was a kiosk that was letting you spin a wheel for a FREE something from Chick-fil-a, so we ALL spun the wheel and ended up with this…

4 ice cream cones

3 french fries

3 drinks

and even some coupons leftover

all for FREE!!

And just to stress what a great company Chick-fil-a is, as we were sitting there waiting for the kids to finish their ice cream a Chick-fil-a employee came over and asked if we wanted a refill on our drinks... a FREE refill on our FREE drinks! Now who does that these days?

Later that night after Jacob got home from work, I don't know who's idea it was to get a babysitter for the kids and just have us adults go out (with the little babies), but it was a GREAT idea! We got a sitter and we took off and enjoyed each other's company for a couple of hours. It was nice to get away and spend time with just Jacob and Julia (and Macy). I felt bad for the sitter once we got home to find out that Megan convinced her to sing her lullabys, not just 1 but 4 different lullabies. What a great babysitter.

We had a great weekend! Thanks Jacob & Julia for letting us come and spend Thanksgiving with you guys, it was A LOT of fun and we can't wait till the next time we get to see you guys!

Music Assembly

Megan was invited to be in the music club at her school and would stay after school 1 day a week to practice. They had their assembly last week and I taped the whole performance. It is about 5 minutes long, but we are so proud of her. She loves her music teacher and loved being a part of this group.

Guess Who Came to Our House Last Night?

The Tooth Fairy!!

After all the wiggling and asking every day when her tooth would fall out, it finally did. She was so excited and you can tell a bit shocked when it came out. We were lucky enough to get it on video...

She left to school all excited that the Tooth Fairy came and said that she dreamed about the Tooth Fairy all night then she came home from school and asked me if the Tooth Fairy is real, or if it was Dad & I?

I replied: What do you think?

Her: Did you come and put a dollar in my pillow?

Me: Nope (since Josh did it)

Her: Well I don't think that the Tooth Fairy is real.

Me: If you don't think she is real then she won't bring you any money when you lose any more teeth.

Her: I believe she's real.

I can't believe we are already having this conversation after her first tooth, what is she learning at school?

Swimming

We started the kids in swimming lessons.  This is Bryson’s first swimming lesson without us with him.  It is also his first structured setting. (unless you count nursery) so we are excited to see how much he grows.  Megan is loving it and is still swimming really well, swimming under water and jumping in all by herself.  We’ll see how much they each grow by the end.

Home Sick

There are definitely those times when I wish we lived closer to home. Usually around the holidays I feel this way. But for some reason I'm really feeling home sick today. Why today? Well today is the day my little brother comes home from his mission. I wish I could be there to welcome him off the plane, to see how much he has changed in the 2 years we haven't seen him. So much has happened since he left. Here is a picture when he came to visit before he left.

Now here we are on my birthday. (really this was the last time I have a picture of all my kids together all looking at the camera.) All my kids have grown up so much and we've even added Connor to the group.

I just wish I could be there to see my little brother come home and be able to show him my cute kiddos. At least we don't have to wait long, since we will see everyone in 3 1/2 weeks. Welcome Home Little Bro!! Wish I could have been there! Can't wait to catch up on the last 2 years!

Leaves, Tricks & Wiggly

This week I have been sick and so not a lot of anything has been going on around here but a lot of movies. My house is a mess, Bryson was bored and so you can imagine the excitement when Daddy raked up a big pile of leaves for him to jump into. It was the most fun he had had all week long.
Okay, so I need some help, I have been trying to get a picture to hang up on my wall, so which one is your favorite the right or left of the BW picture?

Connor has also been learning new tricks.

First is Dad's favorite trick to do with the kids...

Second is Connor's trick.

He first rolled over on Friday the 6th, and I have been trying to catch it on video ever sense. It always seems that once I leave the room or stop recording he rolls over. So I caught him as he was doing it. He loves to roll from his back to front only on the right side, but then once he gets to his tummy he gets stuck and frustrated. Hopefully it won't take him long before he learns how to roll from his tummy to his back.

And lastly Megan has her first wiggly tooth!! She is so excited that she wiggles it all day long. Today she read every book that we have that talks about loose teeth. She even wrote the Tooth Fairy a note that says that she has a wiggly tooth and stuck it under her pillow. I told her that the tooth fairy doesn't come until you loose the tooth. So I am sure we will be posting about her lost tooth soon since she just can't stop wiggling.

Halloween & Parties

We had a fun time this Halloween with plenty of fun things to do and TONS of candy. Our ward party was a blast having our soup & chili dinner with fun games for the kids to play and a bucketful of candy for the kids to get. The kids loved getting dressed up and looked so cute in their outfits. Josh & I threw together last minute costumes with things that we had or could borrow. Here are the kids in the costumes...

Megan's favorite thing was wearing the red lipstick and I even put some mascara on too. She looked so pretty!

Bryson didn't want to wear his hat, but I was able to get him to wear it for a piece of bubble gum. He also liked to wear it sideways.

Connor was just cute, he liked to eat his red ruffles.

The Halloween party that Josh and I have been waiting for and preparing for was a BLAST this year. First I want to thank my sister for watching Connor and dealing with him cry so that we could go to the party. We really had a blast and can't wait till next year for the crazy road race to find places, items & info while figuring out riddles. Here are the pictures from the night. We had a great team which helped us win first place!!

We hope that everyone had a great Halloween and if anyone is lacking in candy, we have plenty to go around. The kids have been eating it non stop, and we could get rid of some. Happy Halloween!