Disney Diaries, Post 3 (St. Patty's Day...Magic Kingdom style)

Sunday finally arrived and the boys were so excited to begin our adventures in the parks! Josh had a couple more hours of conference to put in. I decided to brave the park for the first few hours alone hoping we could get in some rides before things got too crowded. After a slight delay, the monorail broke down just before we got on, the boys and I made it to the Magic Kingdom. I had tried to read up on all the expert tips. I was prepared for the Rope Drop, but instead this was one of the mornings where you must wait outside the Main St, USA train station before being let in. I had envisioned the boys having a bit of roaming room while we waited, but instead we were just among a big clump of people. They were a bit giddy and wild, but we survived, and those around us didn't seem to mind. I met a nice family from Birmingham, who were seasoned Disney travelers. She gave me some great tips about using our FastPasses.

Once the gates opened we milled onto Main Street USA. There's a city hall a couple stories tall to the left as you walk in. Jack said, "hey, look, it's the castle!" I told him that was most definitely not the castle, so we rounded the circle and positioned ourselves dead center, and I pointed out the castle. His eyes were as big as saucers as he said, "Oh, WOW!"

After the obligatory photos of our first moments with the castle, which the boys were very sweet to comply with, we headed straight into the castle. Directly on the other side, the boys saw Prince Charming's Carousel and wanted to ride it first!

We spent most of our morning in FantasyLand, hitting the new Little Mermaid ride, Dumbo and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Then we headed to TomorrowLand and became Galactic Space Rangers on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Not long after, Josh joined us and we repeated a few rides and hit the TomorrowLand Speedway. Sam could hardly wait to race those cars. In FrontierLand, Sam was so excited to ride the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Jack couldn't help but love getting scared at the Haunted Mansion. We stopped in on Pirates of the Caribbean and the Magic Carpets before making our way back to the hotel. Somewhere in there, Sam fell asleep. Josh grabbed fastpasses for Peter Pan and we hopped back on the monorail.

When we got back to the resort, Sam just looked so comfy. We hated to disturb him, so we didn't. A little over an hour later, it was time to head back for our dinner reservation and Sam was still napping. After we re-entered the Magic Kingdom he finally woke up. Sweet thing never even knew we left the park. That's a boy who loves (and needs) his sleep.

Dinner was at Be Our Guest restaurant, which is in the Beast's castle and is a recent addition to FantasyLand having opened last fall. The interior was so much like the movie. Our table was right by a window, which simulated snow falling just outside. The food was great, and we had heard to ask for the grey stuff...it's delicious. Don't believe us? Ask the dishes! After we finished up, we had the opportunity to meet the Beast himself. He was quite friendly; thank goodness that Belle came into his life!

We hit several more rides and then looked for a position for the Electrical Parade. People line up well in advance, but that wasn't really our M.O. We were able to find a pretty good spot near the beginning of the route, which worked out nicely because we then followed the end of the parade all the way up Main Street to snag a spot for Wishes. While we waited for the castle illumination and fireworks to begin, Josh got ice cream for everyone. The boys were a sticky mess, but oh so happy.

Our favorite memories from Sunday were...
Jack: "the haunted house" (Haunted Mansion)
Sam: "the big train roller coaster" (Thunder Mountain)
Mom: Jack's reaction when he first saw the castle
Dad: When the boys and I came out of the Monsters, Inc. Laugh floor and he was waiting on us. The boys gave him a big hug! We were so happy he was joining us now!

We Got the Beat

One of the perks of small town life are the many fesitvals and community gatherings. I grew up attending the Marigold Festival every year and still remember the thrills and surprises that day held each year. Each spring, Clarkesville holds the Mountain Laurel Festival, and we've been attending the parade for a couple of years now. I think this was the first year Jack was really into the festivities. In this mom's opinion, he was unbearable cute as he sat on the curb seated with friends waiting for the fun to begin. The action started early as the high school marching band was one of the first to pass by. Jack, of course, couldn't help but join in with the beat.

You Spin Me Right Round

You hear people say that kids learn something new everyday, but I rarely notice the day that Jack figures something out. Usually, I just up and realize that he's been doing something for a couple of weeks. Well, this afternoon while I was preparing dinner I spotted Jack spinning around in circles. He just kept twirling and twirling until he would get dizzy, stumble and usually fall. So silly! I'll try to post some video soon!

Last Wednesday, I talked Josh into leaving choir practice a little early so he could cut Jack's hair. It was getting so shaggy, and we rarely have a night at home any more with Josh's rehearsal schedule for State Road 47. The trim was much needed and now Jack can actually see again! Here are the before & afters!

Anyone else think this kid could use a haircut?








Hey, I can finally see again! I had forgotten all about this toy!








Thursday evening we attended the End-of-the-Year program for Jack's preschool (which is at our church). Jack goes to play with his friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours. It is a great time for me to get caught up on the projects I've been doing lately. This week is the last week of school though, but Saturday is also the big Kitchens That Cook Fundraiser. Hopefully, my life will feel less chaotic when that event gets pulled off! Anyway, since the kids in Jack's class are so young they showed a slideshow of some of the things they did this year and then they pushed them into the sanctuary in the bye-bye buggy (a six seater stroller). It was sort of like a parade. They played "Jesus Loves Me," and Jack bopped his head back in forth all the way down the aisles. He sure loves music. Later that night I joined some friends to view the season finale of Grey's Anatomy and celebrate Andrea's 30th birthday! Glad I'm not that old. :)

Friday & Saturday were filled with birthday preparations for the small gathering we had to surprise Andrea on Saturday. Josh's mom and dad decided to make an appearance in town on Saturday. They joined us for the Mountain Laurel Parade in Clarkesville. As you can tell from this pic, Jack was mesmerized by the parade. He did actually bounce around when the Band of Blue came by. About 20 minutes after the parade ended the rain started coming down pretty hard, so we headed home. The skies cleared in time for the party. Jack got a good nap and stayed home to play with Grandmommy & Grandaddy. After the party, we returned home to find Jack enjoying himself. We all went out for a bite to eat before they had to head back home. It was a good weekend. Hope this Saturday's weather is cooperative as well!

Fun on the Fourth

We had a wonderful holiday weekend. The fun began on Thursday afternoon when Jack's Grandma and Grandpa arrived for a visit. We played all afternoon and made trips to both marts (Wal & K) looking for printer cartridges. (Thanks, mom & dad...I dread these trips a lot less with shopping companions!) Once Josh was home from work, we loaded up and headed out for dinner at one of our favorites, Zanzo's Italino Ristorante (it's on the square in Clarkesville.) For those of you from around here, you know how great it is and should go more often. Those of you reading from afar should put it on your list for when you make your mountain and lake trips and pass through Clarkesville.

On Friday after breakfast, we headed to the booming metropolis that is downtown Demorest to watch the July 4th parade. We had never been and weren't sure what to expect. I kept asking friends, but most of them skip out on this event (I guess everyone is usually out of town). I've been pretty adamant about checking out as much stuff in our community that is offered. I guess I feel like it's the only way for us to decide what traditions we'll continue as Jack gets older.

We arrived downtown in plenty of time to walk around and see the dozen arts and crafts booths (kind of slim pickings). We found a spot in the shade to watch the festivities...although it happened to be across from the stage, which meant very loud singing. Anyway, Jack fell asleep just before the parade began, but awoke in time to catch part of the show. Overall, it was a decent parade, but was mostly full of candidates for office and lots of candy for the kids.

After lunch, I filled Jack's pool with some water and took him out for a swim. He enjoyed it, but not as much as he likes the big pools. It took him a bit to warm up to the cool water. He even recovered nicely after a tipping over incident, but was pushed over the edge when Josh created a mohawk with his hair. It was pretty funny to everyone but him. We're still working with him on taking a good joke.

We grilled out for dinner before mom and dad headed back home. Then Josh and I packed up Jack and headed over toward Piedmont College for the fireworks display. We weren't really sure where would be a good place to watch from, but we found a place that we were tickled over. There was plenty of grassy areas and the fireworks were out over the pond. It was so picturesque. We've already decided to return there next year even earlier in the evening with a picnic, games, etc. Maybe we can talk others into joining us!

We weren't sure how Jack would enjoy the fireworks, but he didn't cry at all. He was pretty exhausted from a long day hanging out with his grandma and grandpa. He was a little fussy while we waited for them to start, which explains why his outfit is soaking wet...we appeased him with water from a water bottle. He would take in a bit and spit about half of it back out. Once the show began, he watched pretty intently. It was a perfect day (except for the fact that we made it to DQ at 10:03...no ice cream to cap it off)! Oh, well!

As usual...there are dozens more photos on our Picasa site.

Jack's First Parade

This Saturday was the Mountain Laurel Festival in Clarkesville. I was looking forward to checking out the festivities (no pun intended) and see if it was on par with the good ole Marigold Festival. It was pretty much the same type of small town festival that I was used to...minus the long line of corvettes from the Marigold parade! Jack seemed to enjoy the parade and watched with me for a little while.

Later Ms. Martha (a friend from church) spotted her favorite baby and wanted to get some cuddling in. We watched a little closer to the action, which Jack enjoyed until the fire truck siren came by. It was way too loud for him. He got very upset. Luckily by that time, the parade was near ending and we were ready to walk into town.

After lunch from the food vendors in the park we watched some of the older kids take in the activities. Here is a great picture of Madeline and Hailey, some friends from church. We had a great time at our first Mountain Laurel Festival. Discussions are in the works for a MOPS float/walk in next year's parade. Can't wait!