I'm way behind again....

Big surprise.

We got back from TN and then left 4 days later for Disney. In between there was an egg hunt and then another one today. It's been busy. I still have 2 small bags to unpack, but the laundry is all caught up. And I found E some white shoes to wear with her Easter dress. Thankfully AM doesn't need shoes yet.

Our trip was great. I will try to sum it up in pictures. Be forewarned- this is long....

On the way to Disney, we took a side trip to visit Ilene and Andrew and family. Well, they are not on the way, but it was so great to see them and we didn't have nearly enough time to spend catching up. We also didn't take many pictures there- too busy enjoying the company.

We played in the pool.

The girls (sort of) had a sleepover.

And AM started sitting up.

Sunday night we got to the resort- it was awesome. We spent some time chillin' in the room and ate dinner on the property.

Monday we went to the Magic Kingdom....

Everywhere we went there was a bus right outside our building to take us there.

"the castle, Mommy, the castle!!!"

Right after we got there, the parade came down Main St. It was awesome. All the characters were in it and Ariel stopped right in front of us and waved right at Ellie. I thought she would pass out. Other than the parades, it was difficult to find the characters and next to impossible to actually get near them. we did get to see Tigger and Pooh though and that was fun. The lines were long for everything, but worth it. AM looked like this a lot. E loved it all- well except for the Snow White ride. She is never, not ever again going on that ride. Or into the Tiki Room. The tiki gods scared her. She loved Dumbo and Alladin's magic carpet ride. And Small World. Luckily my mom was there to ride with her. I'm not sure who had more fun.

And Mickey's Toon Town was a great place to run around.

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse was also a hit. No line to wait in.

Tuesday we went to Epcot. It was REALLY cold. and windy.

I love all the countries (especially the food (and Drinks)).

Giant apple-sized strawberries with hot fudge in Italy.

I think this beer was in Italy too, but the German one was better.

Prosecco in Italy

There is a fairy garden called Pixie Hollow after the the TinkerBell movie with replicas of the fairies made out of flowers and also with little fairy houses made from acorns, etc... There was a playground area too that was not crowded at all.

Just past Pixie Hollow is Minnie's Butterfly Garden. Real butterflies that will land on you and also beautiful topiaries like this one and one of Minnie where her dress is red and white carnations. Loved it!



Side note- the birds of Disney are not afraid of anything. They will fly/walk/soar right by your head and if you are eating outside (which we did most of the time)- LOOK OUT. They love french fries.

And the Seas were awesome.The Nemo ride was fun and the wait wasn't too bad. I also liked the one in the giant ball.

Wednesday we went to Disney Hollywood Studios. We had breakfast with 2 of the Little Einsteins and JoJo and Goliath from JoJo's Circus. It was really fun and one of th ebest meals we had the whole time.

Ellie and Leo

Ellie and June

Ellie, AM and JoJo
Goliath LOVED Ann Marie and did not want to give her back. It was funny. She was not scared at all.

I love this one b/c it looks like the dinosaur is about to get them.


Tyler and Ellie with Giant PlayDough in Honey I Shrunk the Kids.

Nicole, me, AM and Ellie in Honey I Shrunk the KidsBlock Party Bash Parade- awesome. One of my favorite things we saw. The Toy Story Mania ride was my #1 favorite.

Posing at the hotel before we left on Thursday.

Catching up and Chattanooga

We are back in AL after a mostly fun week in TN. We got to rest a lot and hang out with the fam. AM had her first ear infection, Brandon got bronchitis and I'm sick now. Here's some pics from before we left and then from the trip.



Just hanging around....thanks Martins!

Ward and the band stopped by again on their way to New Orleans Enjoying some cereal and fruit

Playing some tunes

Stealing PeePaw's chair

GranJan even got to visit

4-wheelin with Daddy

Snuggling with MeeMaw

Creative Discovery Museum

Fishing with Daddy and PeePaw

She was so mad b/c the dogs kept chasing the line and they couldn't really fish.


Picking flowers with PeePaw

When she's ready to go, there's no changing her mind

5 Months

I can't believe it's been 5 months since we became a family of four. Ann Marie has grown so much and is reaching new milestones every day. She can roll over like a champ and makes so many babbling noises that I am certain she is going to be a real talker. I think she will be sitting up on her own very soon too. She can hold herself up so well and only needs a little help. And it's uncanny how much she looks like Ellie... here are a few shots of them to compare.

AM in the big red chair (used to be blue) at 4 months.

Ellie in the big blue chair at 4 months.

Here she is at playgroup on Friday in Abby's swing.

Here she is last October in that same swing.


Her newest discovery- FEET!

Here's Ellie when she discovered hers.


Passed out on her mat after rolling over one way and being too worn out to try and roll back. It's tough being a baby around here.

Snow in Lower AL

Well, it wasn't much, but more than I expected. I honestly didn't think it was cold enough to snow. Our outdoor thermometer read 41 degrees. Maybe it needs an adjustment. Anyway, E and I ran around in it (she ran- I took pictures) for about 5 minutes until she was too cold. I guess we need to invest in real snowsuits before next year. Lucy didn't know what to think. She ran outside and then spazzed a little and came back in. She is really getting nutty in her old age. AM was asleep through all the excitement.


Trying to catch snowflakes.

I just love this one with her hands in the pockets.

I finally got her to look at me and smile at the same time.

Catching flakes on her tongue.