Ask and Ye Shall Receive...

This is for Tammy. It was pretty impressive to see a horse jump like this, it was pretty much standing still went up on his hind legs and then jumped.

It's All Put Away - Finally

Sixteen bins and four tree boxes later and I am done with Christmas for this year. Only 3 days to get it all down and packed away at least my part. Dan and whoever gets volunteered to helped him still has to put it all up in the attic. Should go fairly quickly because the space is all cleared and ready for the boxes.

Lipizzaner Stallions

Today was out day to go see the Lipizzaner Stallions, again we were quite the group: Dan, Tammy, Nikki, Sami, Cole, Riley, and me. We all met up in the parking lot because I had all the tickets. If I had any thought that it was going to be crowded they left my head when we drove up at 1430 (for the 1500 show) and there were hardly any cars in the parking lot.

We stopped at the concession stand on our way to our seats for snacks because the seats were all the way around the arean and the shortcut was roped off.

Got to our seats and they were front row but the railing obstructed our view. Seeing as how there was only a handful of people in our section we moved back a bunch of rows and spread out. Dan and Cole were in a row, Tammy, Nikki, Riley, Sami and I the next row and Breann sat behind Tammy.

The show started close to on time, I think it was a few minutes past 3. The first few appearances by the horses were to show different steps that the horses can do and explain the history of the Lipizzaner. It was all very interesting, although some of the basic steps were hard to tell apart.

Riley was pretty funny, he has this noise he makes that means I just can't believe what I'm seeing and it is the most amazing thing ever (or at least that is how I translate it). Well he did that when the horses were first going around the arena and made us all laugh because it was so unexpected.

I guess the show lasted about and hour and a half or two. Tammy and the kids stopped at the souvenirs and we headed home. No problems getting our of the parking lot.

All in all a fun day.

Merry Christmas

Will be posting pictures and more later.

Here it is later and a couple of pictures. The top one pretty much says it all, we all had lots of laughs and a really good time. The second picture is lunch, which was great, but who would have thought our two biggest hams would have been Tom and Cole?

Again more to come, probably tomorrow.

Finally back with a report of Christmas Day. Someday I'll be able to sleep past 0500 but it wasn't this morning. So got up and lasted a half hour before waking Chris up to open presents. Chris was back in bed sleeping by 0630. I guess he is still a growing boy and needs his beauty rest.

Got our morning chores done and I made biscuits for Dan. Used the Pioneer Buttermilk Biscuit and Baking Mix that dad told me about and the biscuits were very easy and delicious.

Andy, Nikki, Riley, Jeannie and Jason arrived at about nine and we opened presents again. It took us awhile because there was a lot of talking and laughing, does that surprise you.

Gathered everything up and got it loaded in the cars so we could head over to Tammy's. Dan and I got about halfway there and I realized I had forgotten the Pepsi, no problem we'll just stop at 7-11 and pick up a couple. I go in, get the soda and when I get back to the car, Dan says, "Why did you get Diet Pepsi?". So it was his turn to go in and see if he could buy the right soda and he was able to do it. I guess I'm so use to picking up diet I didn't even give it a second thought when I bought them, thank goodness Dan noticed.

Finally got to Tammy's and joined in the fun. As always we had the gamers, which this year included Tom, Dennis, Cole, Andy and Jason, they played Halo 3 most of the day. Then there was the cook and her assistants, which were Mum, Tammy and Dad. Then there's the rest of us, we just kind of go from group to group visiting and seeing what is going on.

We did our gift exchange and everyone made out very well. Always fun to watch the presents being opened.

Turkey was served at about 1300 and everything was delicious; turkey was tender and juicy, stuffing was just right, veggies were out of this world - green beans, peas, and turnip. Then it was on to pies: pumpkin, key lime, pecan and peanut butter. By this time we were all stuffed.

Gamers retired to the tv, couple of nappers went to the couch and recliner, Riley was a member of the nappers but he had his own bed. Nice to be little and have portable things. The cleanup was done in no time, many hands make for fast work. Some lessons were given on macro photography. We were very busy people.

We went for a walk down to the lake but first we had to get by the vicious Gabby, who we have determined has a bark much worst than her bite. But it did send Breann right over to walk by Grampa and hold his hand.

Spent the rest of the afternoon laughing and talking moving from one group to another. Seeing how long we could stand in front of the tv before one of the gamers got upset. This is always the best part of any get together.

Dan and I headed home at about five or six, after having a great time.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY

My birthday presents from Dan.

Not much going on for my birthday, finished up my last minute errands this morning and came home to finish up chores. Can't have to much excitement after yesterday.

Always Exciting

Well we thought it was going to be a nice quiet day watching Riley, and it started out that way. Andy and Nikki went out for lunch and a movie with Wally and Ashley. Riley woke up just as we arrived and he was looking so cute in his jammies.

After everyone left, got Riley all cleaned up and loaded in his stroller so we could go for a walk to Publix. It was a real easy walk because we found there was a sidewalk all the way over there. It was pretty warm out but not uncomfortable. Grampa aka Dan got some snacks for during the football game.

Got back to the apartment and cooked up the snacks - potato skins and mozzarella pretzel sticks. Riley had a grilled cheese sandwich, one of his favorites. He also got to try a tiny bit of cotton candy and just the little bit he had melted all around his mouth and he was all blue.

Spent the rest of the afternoon playing and watching football. The games weren't very exciting but the Patriots won and that is what we were hoping for. When it started getting dark decided to go for a walk around the apartment complex to look at the Christmas lights, there were some very nice ones.

Now for the excitement! When we got back to the apartment the door wouldn't unlock. Did that quick look around to make sure we were at the right door. We were. Knocked thinking Andy was playing a joke on us. He wasn't. Called Andy to see if he had a number for maintenance. It went right to voice mail. So we walked to the complex office and called the emergency maintenance number and left a message.

The guy called back in a few minutes and said he would be there in seven minutes. Well it turned out to be a very long seven minutes. Riley and I walked around their building three times before he showed up.

The maintenance man thought it was just a lockout so all he brought was the master key. Fooled him the bottom knob was seized up and he had to go get the special tool to pop open the door. The tool turned out to be a 2 1/2 foot long screwdriver and he had the door open in about two seconds. He replaced the slide mechanism of the door knob and we were all set.

Got Riley into his jammies and he was out like a light as soon as I put him in his crib.

I guess we have to have some excitement in our life and if this is it I can live with that.

Do You Think These Are Excited Kids?

We would get so excited on Christmas morning it was hard to control us. Didn't help that Dad would take his time getting the Christmas lights turned on, make sure that Santa visited, start his coffee and what ever else he did while we were sitting at the top of the stairs waiting for the okay to come down and check everything out.

And They Said It Wouldn't Last

Well it has been 52 blissful years, I guess we can count that as lasting. Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad. Here's to 52 more!

Christmas Lights

Thought everyone might enjoy this.

More Pictures

Here are the rest of the pictures from Disney. Enjoy

A Tradition Continues

We got on our way to Disney on Friday (Dec 7) afternoon. The traffic was terrible on the Osceola Parkway, which is really the only way to get from our house to the mouse.

Check-in was very smooth and we were dropping our luggage in the room in no time, although I did pull into the wrong parking lot to start. Grampa and Riley had walked over from the main building and found where our room was located.

Called Gramma and Grampa to let them know we were at the bus stop waiting for the Magic Kingdom bus. Of course we must have just missed one because it was 20 minutes before ours arrived. The bus trip was pretty quick and found G & G people watching at the entrance to the bus area.

We got in the park about a half hour before the Castle Lighting Ceremony, which gave us just enough time to get down Main Street. There were lots of people there for the ceremony and fireworks. The ceremony was very cute and the Ice Castle was beautiful. After that we moved to one of the side walkways by the castle to get a spot for the fireworks. Dan, Andy, Nikki and Riley saved our spot and I went back to Main Street to find some snacks, hadn't had anything to eat and it was almost 7. No one was in the bakery so I got a mini pumpkin pie tart, a sugar cookie and a chocolate chip cookie. I got back just in time for the show. It started with Tinkerbell flying from the castle.

The Wishes fireworks show is a great one. Riley enjoyed the show, there were certain ones that caught his eye but sometimes he was more interested in the ducks at our feet. He never did get scared from the noise and there were some loud ones.

After the show the crowd was crazy but it thinned out a bit when we got about halfway down Main Street. Got some pictures at the end of Main St in front of the Christmas Tree.

Then it was off to the express monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center, must be clean living because the MGM bus came pretty quickly and we were at MGM in no time.

Went to the Commissary for dinner. After eating headed out to see the Osbourne Lights. We arrived at a good time, not many people and got to see the lights dance. They go on and off to music, Riley really enjoyed this and we really enjoyed watching Riley. Lights and music how can you go wrong.

Must be power of suggestion because when we got to the fake snow coming down I would swear the temperature dropped and it felt cold.

After this we were heading out of the park, but made one stop to get a picture of our little Jedi. He made Andy proud, looked like he had been flying all his life.

One more stop for the night, Downtown Disney Marketplace. Had to go back to a hotel to catch a bus, got in line for Port Orleans but it was a really long line. When I saw we weren't going to make it on this bus we jumped over to the Wilderness Lodge bus which had very few people on it.

This was a very quick stop. Got off the bus, started to change Riley's clothes and the Downtown Disney bus pulled up. Got Riley snapped up and on the bus we went. Stopped by the Grand Floridian and then it was on to the Marketplace. When we got there headed to the Candy Store where everyone got a treat - Caramel apples for Dan, Andy and Nikki and a Chocolate Covered Marshmallows for me. Poor Riley didn't get anything sweet. Then we took the boat back to Port Orleans. Riley really liked take, just wanted to hang over the railing and feel the wind blowing in his face, Grampa had a death grip on him and he was going nowhere.

We were ready to get back to the room. Got the rest of the stuff out of the car and everyone retired to their room, after we decided to meet for breakfast at 0700 tomorrow (Sat Dec 8).

I was unpacking and putting away all our stuff and realized that I had forgotten to pack a shirt for me for Sunday. Thank goodness Dan packed a couple of extra t-shirts. Otherwise I was going to look pretty funny Sunday morning with no shirt.

Finally got to bed at about 1100 and pretty much fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Called Andy at 0600 for their wakeup call in the Happiest Place in the World. Dan and I were ready at about 0615 so we went for a walk. Just as we were almost back to the room Andy called and said they were ready. Off we went to breakfast. Waffles were the order of the day, we all had some and they were very good. Riley actually ate two and drank a full cup of milk.

We were off to the bus stop at the front of the hotel and caught one pretty quick. Everyone was already at the Magic Kingdom, everyone was Gramma and Grampa, Tammy and Tom, Sami, Cole, and Breann. Went through the cast members and guest entrance, found where to get the stroller and then waited for the Opening Ceremony.

After watching the ceremony went through the train station to wait for Gramma & Grampa to get the stroller.

It was now picture time. Had a big group shot and one of the kids. Time to head up to Fantasyland. First ride of the day was the Race Track because there was no line to speak of. Sami and Breann, Nikki and Andy, and Cole by himself. Everyone made it through the race in one piece and then it was on to the Teacups. Sami and Breann in one cup and Andy and Cole in another. Alice and the Madhatter rode at the same time as the kids. After the ride Sami and Breann went to meet them.

Everyone else headed up to Dumbo to get in line. This was Riley's first ride of the day. He kind of liked it but wasn't to sure about controlling the up and down motion. Sami and Breann didn't get a Dumbo because someone miscounted and then had to wait two turns to get on. The did get a fast pass to use later for any ride but no one was staying in the park.

As we were walking away from the ride a member of the Magical Dreams team ask Breann if she would like to get her Dumbo Pilot's License and get head of the line privileges to ride, so we did. Breann got a certificate and her license and her pick of Dumbo's (she chose pink, who would have guessed that) and she was introduced to the crowd as their pilot for this trip. Lots of fun.

This is where we split up and decided to meet at 1100 in front of the bakery to do some shopping. We headed into Mickey's Area to get Riley's picture with Mickey. He was very tentative but I think if we would have had longer Riley would have warmed up and enjoyed Mickey.

Almost as soon as Riley got back in the stroller after meeting Mickey he was fast asleep. Walked down the sidewalk by the Teacups past the Castle and who should we meet bu Tammy and crew watching the show in front of the Castle so we stopped and watched the rest with them.

Met up with G & G and did our shopping. Picked up a couple of Christmas ornaments and a picture frame. Then checked on pictures and got the ones we wanted although forgot to get one of the kids so I ordered it online.

This is where we split up again. We headed to EPCOT. Took the monorail, Andy, Nikki and Riley rode in the front of the monorail and got their co-pilots license, guess the driver had a good time playing around with Riley.

Got to EPCOT and headed to the ice cream cart for a snack, still had a while until lunch and we were all hungry. Ice creams all around. I shared with Riley and he ended up with chocolate all over and his pants were soaked because he kept spitting out the water he was drinking. Got him all changed, shorts and a t-shirt much more comfortable for how hot the day had turned out. Walked around and stopped at the Cool Station to try the sodas from around the world.

Headed over to China, always feels strange to go clockwise around the world, we have only done it couple of times. Got right in at the Nine Dragons Restaurant, wasn't as good as the last time we were there but still enjoyed ourselves.

Had some time to kill so walked back towards Canada and decided to ride Journey into Imagination. Riley liked this one to and only jumped when a big shot of air came at us and we all jumped to. He also gave Dan a funny look when we got to the skunk smell.

Then we began our slow walk to America. Stopped in Canada for pictures in the totem holes and one in front of the Eiffel Tower. Also stopped to watch the drummers in Japan and Nikki and Andy walked through the store. Thought they had gotten lost but they just stopped to watch the girl taking the pearls out of the oysters.

Time to get in line for the Candlelight Processional. We were real close to front of the line. They started letting us in at 1620, just as Andy and I got back from getting drinks and a cherry kaki-gori (Japanese sno-cone). Riley did very well waiting for the show to begin, but he was a bit too squirmy during the show so Dan took him to the back of the theater where he was entertained by Carlos. We all enjoyed the show and would like to come back next and continue the tradition. A different weekend so we can see a different narrator.

After the show found that Jim Shore was signing his Disney pieces at the American Pavilion so Dan and I went to check it out. I have several of his pieces, Santas and Snowmen. I found a Minnie I liked so bought it and got in line. Didn't take long and I had a signed piece.

Time to head out. Nikki and Andy went back to the Magic Kingdom and Riley, Dan and I headed back to the hotel. Stopped by the Food Court for a couple of sandwiches for dinner which we took up to the room to eat. Got Riley's stuff from their room and set it up in ours for him to spend the night.

Riley was a little maniac in the room, running back and forth, stopping for a bite of whatever I was eating, whipping open draws and doors and just going crazy. Got him changed and ready for bed. Turned out the lights and put him down, he moaned and groaned for about five minutes and then he was out for the night, this was about 915. He cried once during the night but he just needed to have his blanket put back on him.

We got up at 0600 - took our showers, packed up and loaded the car. Riley slept through all of this and just as I was going to get him up he started sitting up in the port-a-crib. This was about 0700. He got to have a bath and play with the Mickey soap. Then it was time for a walk, we weren't meeting Andy and Nikki until 0800. Had a nice walk and saw 2 bunnies and some birds. Stopped by to get Grampa some coffee and headed back to the room. Called Andy and they were all set to go. Went to their room and got most of their stuff loaded in the car.

Headed to the food court for breakfast and it was very busy. Dan and Riley went and got a table which we ended up moving from because the sun was shining in our eyes. Andy, Nikki and I got breakfast it may have been busy but the line went very fast. We all had a good breakfast and it was time to head home.

Another great vacation in the books. Wonder what we will do next year?

Here is a link to some of the pictures I took, most of you have already seen them but just in case.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=odwj8bb.9arb7so7&Uy=fvu07j&Ux=0

We Love A Parade

Started Parade Day (December 1) with breakfast at McDonald's. It was crazy in that tiny place, seems everyone wants breakfast before the parade. Thank goodness Jodi and Robert were early birds and were able to save a couple of tables. Got all our food ordered and had a nice meal. Riley was a little piggy and had two pancakes and half a sausage patty. Everyone else enjoyed their breakfast also.

Divided up into two vehicles and headed out in search of a parking space. I think we drove all over Saint Cloud before settling on a great place. We walked to the corner, set up our chairs and blankets in a nice shady spot. We had about a half hour before the parade started but it went by very fast. Riley did lots of exploring, checked out the leaves, moss and dirt. He was also much more interested in my chair then his little chair.

The parade started with police sirens and for the next hour and a half Riley was completely mesmerized by all the things in the parade. That included horses (although if you asked Jessica there were lots of cows), beautiful old cars, floats, bands, clowns, fire trucks and only in Saint Cloud - cement trucks. It was really a lot of fun.

The kids - Jared, Nick (Jared's friend), Jacob, Jessica and of course the big kids - Andy, Nikki and Ashley - had a great time collecting candy that was thrown during the parade. Some ot the kids could be a bit cut-throat when it came to getting the good stuff.

All in all a really great morning.