Halloween WDW 2009

Bryce and I went to WDW for a much needed vacation Oct 8-12. It was only for 5 days, but it felt wonderful. Who doesn't have fun at WDW??? Unfortunately, we chose a time when Florida was having record breaking high temps, so we sweated A LOT, but still had fun. The heat index with temp + humidity was 96-104 for our entire vacation. For once, we spent a great deal of our vacation hanging out in the pool!

Thursday when we got there, our room at Pop Century was ready. We went and relaxed for a while before we headed off to Chef Mickey's and then on to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. We definitely did all the rides we wanted during the party. There was little to no wait times for almost all the rides. Bryce also got a chance to go Trick or Treating. People were upset because they didn't give out chocolates this year--mostly lollipops, smarties etc. I was glad because with the heat, it would have been one big blob of chocolate by the end anyway. He had so much candy, it filled a gallon ziplock baggie that we were BARELY able to close.
Bryce with his favorite character at Chef Mickey's.

Bryce and I before we ate.

Friday we headed to Animal Kingdom only to be disappointed. I didn't see it listed anywhere before we left that the Dino-land digging area was under construction. This is one of Bryce's favorite spots, and he was sad that he couldn't play there. We then headed over to eat at Tusker House. It was good food--mostly Indian inspired in taste and spiciness. Bryce even liked it! Then we headed home to the pool and on to Downtown Disney that evening.

Saturday we got up early and went back to Magic Kingdom. We immediately went to the Harmony Barbershop upon entering and Bryce got a new 'do and color. He LOVED IT! After a while sweating there, we went back to the pool. Unfortunately, that meant we had to wash out the color. Didn't think Disney would appreciate blue gunk in their pool from Bryce's hair. Then we went to Hollywood Studios so Bryce could ride Star Tours a few times. We also did my favorite--Toy Story Mania! We had dinner for the first time at Sci-Fi Dine In theater. He LOVED it. The fact that they showed some cartoons with the old movies really excited Bryce. The food I could leave it, but I think I just made a bad choice. I picked a shrimp dish that was definitely Greek inspired. It was TOO salty. After that, we went BACK to MK to ride a few of our favorite rides again as the MK was open late that night.


Bryce with his barber and new 'do.

Bryce posing in the car outside the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater

Sunday, we got up early and were there when Epcot opened. We went STRAIGHT for Soarin'. We got Fastpasses and then went in the stand-by line. When we finished, we checked out a few other things and then it was time for our Fastpass use. Bryce LOVES Soarin' and it is his new most FAVORITE ride. He told me he wanted to ride it ALL day long. We then had lunch at Le Cellier in Canada. If you get a chance, try their Cheddar Soup--it is the BEST!! We then got on a ferry and went to the Boardwalk for a quick walk around. After that, we went home to swim AGAIN! Then we just hung out at the resort the rest of the night. We went to bed early--8 pm--because we had to be up at 4 am to get our Magical Express Bus to the airport at 0515


Bryce enjoying the cheddar soup. That says a lot-- it didn't come out of a Campbell's can and he is eating it!!!

THEN at the airport, we were on the plane to go home when after it backed out, it returned to the spot we just left. We learned that the plane failed one of it's safety checks and they were sending maintenance. Within 5 minutes we were told the aircraft we were on was unsafe to fly and had to switch to another plane. With all the changes, we were only 30 minutes late. I must say, I WILL fly Air-Tran again. They were great through the entire thing and kept us informed about EVERYTHING!!!!

This was a great trip for both Bryce and me. We had a great time and I would definitely stay at Pop Century again. The resort was really cool, but unfortunately with the heat, we didn't get a chance to check it out thoroughly. We are going back in May with my mom this time. My work is doing a trip and it will be my DREAM trip. I spent the extra money and we are staying at the Polynesian. My work does payroll deduction, so the cost was VERY manageable. I AM VERY excited to go again--next time for 7 whole days!!!

Summer 2009 continued

Hard to believe in just a little of 2 weeks school starts. Bryce is all ready to go, but I am not. I know that he will do fine, but I have such a hard time believing that he is really old enough to start school. That time has flown by!! He wants to be the milk delivery man for his class.

We have done a few fun things this summer, but our "big" trip is in October. Just Bryce and I are going to fly down to WDW for 4 nights and technically 5 days--our flight home is at 0800 the 5th day, so I don't really count that as a "vacation" day.
So far this summer we have swam, swung on the swing set, gone to Hershey Park, the movies, saw fireworks for the 4th of July, and now starts the rash of end of summer carnivals. We took Breckin along to Hershey--it was his FIRST time--and he seemed to really enjoy himself. He and Bryce loved to run through the sprinklers that Hershey now has in their water park section.

Cooling off....

Taking a break from running through the water to scope out the scene

Red Baron reporting for duty...

First ride Breckin ever rode at Hershey Park. Nana went along for the ride.

Here are a few pictures from the fireworks as well. I really enjoyed them because I haven't seen actual fireworks from the grass in years. The noise was too much for Bryce by the end, but he enjoyed the first part.

Bryce in the bounce house at the fireworks
Waiting for the show to begin and playing with his light up sword.

Summer 2009

Time to catch everyone up on our summer adventures so far. Mostly we have been trying to stay dry when it rains, but there have been a few occasions when our goal was actually to get wet in the rain!!
The weekend before Father's Day, Bryce and I traveled to NJ to visit my college friends. We had a FANTASTIC time and Bryce can't wait to go back. Bryce was able to play with Kelly and Greg's 3 kids and had a blast. He and Lucy fight and make up just like brothers and sisters should.
While there we went to the playground, got totally soaked by a surprise DOWN POUR, and then went home with the kids naked. They were literally soaked, but it was a new adventure to add to our life experiences---playing in the rain during a down pour. It was actually pretty cool. Then, we went to the Rain forest Cafe in Atlantic City that night for dinner. We always love that place!!! Then the kids played on the beach for a little after dinner.
The next day we headed to the beach for a few hours. Bryce was able to see many horseshoe crabs up close. They were all on shore in the sand laying their eggs. I have never seen so many at one time----there must have been at least 20 or more. Bryce dug in the sand with Greg and they made personal "pools" for all the kids to play in. Greg then taught Bryce a new game---the staring game. It has become Bryce's favorite new game. We headed home later that afternoon, but HAD to stop at Sonic on the way. Bryce absolutely LOVES Sonic and since there isn't one really close to us, we usually stop when we see one.
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera to mark the whole weekend. I do have some cell phone pics, but can't figure out how to get them off of the phone yet!!

The following Tuesday, we (Mom, Dad, Bryce, Breckin, and me) traveled to Stasburg to see Thomas the train. There were soooo many people there, but you could move about without too many difficulties. It made getting pictures difficult though. Bryce rode the cranky car 7 times---his absolute favorite!! We all rode the train, spent some money on a few souvenirs, and then ventured to Shady Maple to enjoy their HUGE buffet. That place is worth whatever price you have to pay to eat there, but they are actually very reasonably priced.

Breckin taking in all the sights at Strasburg

The only picture we were able to get of Thomas.

Bryce riding the Cranky cars

Lately, Bryce has been swimming in his little blow up pool to stay cool on the sunny days. He loves it and is so proud that he is able to swim under the water for a few seconds. He always makes me laugh when he does his belly flops!

Just relaxin'

Swim, Bryce, swim

We do have a few more things planned for the summer and hopefully I will remember my camera and be able to document all the fun things we continue to do.

Bryce is a GRAD!

Friday May 15th, Bryce graduated from preschool. The school had a little program and Bryce stood there for most of it. He didn't sing, but he did well and we are so proud of him.

Here are a few pictures taken during and after the ceremonies!

Arriving on stage


Pledge of Allegiance

Falling into the planter

Mom's BIG grad! She is sooo proud....

Great Wolf Lodge 2009

We went to Great Wolf Lodge for 2 nights this week. We left Monday and came back home on Wednesday. I am glad that we decided on 2 nights this trip. It was much more relaxing and we didn't have to rush around and try to get to the pool before we had to leave. It was nice to have one day where we could come and go as we pleased. Jason wasn't too much fun and preferred to sit on a chair and watch Bryce and I play or stay in the room for most of the trip, but he did occasionally come out. Jason and Bryce both loved the arcade though. Bryce played every game that had something he could ride--for example a motorcycle racing game or car racing game. I have some great pics of Bryce on a "crotch-rocket" (as Bryce informed me it was called) and a Harley.

We are hoping to get back again next year, but we will have to see since Bryce will be in kindergarten next year. This will severally limit our weekday trips.

Coming off the water slide all crazy

Riding a Harley

Practicing riding his "crotch-rocket"

We upgraded our room this time and got one with a fireplace. It was very nice to keep the chill away.

Bryce enjoying our balcony/deck. It was freezing outside, so we were not out long.

Chocolate World 2009

Today Breckin, Bryce, and I went to Hershey's Chocolate World. It was Breckin's maiden trip on the ride. He kept pointing to the lights and seemed to enjoy all the sights and sounds. As always, I enjoyed the smells---chocolate--yummmmm. Bryce became a factory worker for the first time today and he seemed to enjoy it. He and Breckin donned factory hats and went to work. He enjoyed pushing the BIG green button to drop kisses into the little box.
After our tour, we went shopping and bought a large shopping bag full of different chocolates--mostly kisses. I have a new love of coconut filled kisses!! Bryce is in love with the caramel filled ones. By tomorrow, we will be sick of them all, but we are enjoying them tonight.

Standing outside Chocolate World


High 5's and smiles for a great day at Chocolate World


Making sure that my hat is on straight


Placing the lid on the candy filled cog


Reaching into the bin for a cog to fill up with kisses

At least I'm happy......

After weeks of coaching Bryce that when Mommy is tired she gets cranky, he finally understands this concept. This little endeavor started about the time that Bryce discovered the XBOX 360. He is completely addicted and will play for hours on end if you let him. He will only stop for water and bathroom breaks. "Mom--there is no time for food. I need my hands for the controller." So when I would call him to dinner, bath time, bed etc his few minutes would turn into 5, 10, 15, 30 and so on. I would venture downstairs upset that he wasn't listening, turn off the XBOX to loud crying, and make him come upstairs to eat, wash, sleep etc. On one such trip, he asked me why I was so mean. I told him that when Mom is tired she gets really cranky when little boys don't follow directions.
That being said, I was having a conversation with Jason last night about how taking a nap only made me more tired. To which Bryce innocently responds, "At least you are happy tonight, Mom." I busted out laughing. I guess he does pay more attention then I thought. He is also a whiz at playing and listening to telephone conversations at the same time. I also possessed this skill at his age and would quiz my Mom about her telephone calls once she hung up. I guess the apple doesn't really fall far from the tree.......