Tuesday, August 28, 2007

More lost teeth

Since Lexi lost her first tooth the one next to the void has been a wiggler. Today, I took her to the dentist and they said that they expected the wiggler to fall out soon because the permanent tooth from the first was coming up. Well today I was folding laundry upstairs with Abby roaming around at my feet when Lexi started crying from downstairs. I called down the stairs for her to tell me what was wrong and she said I needed to come down. When I arrived in the kitchen she was standing at the counter where the paper towel holder hangs from under the cabinet. She had pulled the towels out to the edge of the counter and blood was dripping from her mouth. I thought she had fallen and busted her chin but she pointed to the tic-tac sized tooth sitting on the counter. This is #2. The Tooth Fairy has more work to do.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Sometimes purging is good for the soul

Current mood: emotional

For those of you the have been reading my blog for awhile you know that I used to talk about the church Stefan and I went to. Mostly it was bragging on the church or joking with the pastor through the blog. You may have noticed that I have not mentioned this at all lately and there is a reason. After Easter a situation occurred between the pastor and myself that led to Stefan and I walking away from the church we had attended with the kids for two years. I was vague about the situation then as I will continue to be now. Suffice it to say that I was deeply hurt and affected by this for quite some time. My confidence in church leaders was shaken. Everyone I talked with about the situation said that it got out of control and I agree.

Stefan and I tried another church that was not a good fit. It was also too soon. We stopped trying to find another church all together. I think he was waiting on me. I wasn't ready. I missed the old church. I missed the people there. I missed the laid back atmosphere. Nothing the other church we tried seemed to compare. At this time, too, my blog underwent a change. I stopped talking so much about my feelings or what I thought about things and shifted to talking more or less about the daily happenings in our house - mostly to do with the kids. The reason for this was that I had been judged for some of my later posts saying that I was a person that liked to complain or play the victim. I didn't believe then nor do I now that that was the case. This blog is my personal journal - one that I have invited people to read if the choose. I tried not to censor what I was saying in my posts because I print this blog into a hardcover bound copy to keep as archives like any other journal and later when I or someone else reads through them, I would like them to be true to who I am not someone somebody else thinks I should be.

It took me a couple months of praying to be able to come to some sort of peace about the situation that led to our separation. I emailed the pastor and told him that I forgave him because I didn't believe that he was as behind his words as he had claimed to be when the situation was at its hottest. I was right to some degree and he emailed me back giving me the closure I needed.

I'm not sure when or why but I let go of my desire for a church search and just turned within. I know that's not enough. I didn't know what else to do. Recently, I started thinking about resuming the search. Little did I know, Stefan also was thinking the same. Lexi even recently asked me when we would be going to church again. I didn't know what to say to her.

Last week, while Stefan was out for his Sunday morning ride on Anita, he decided to stop by the old church to test the waters and see how well we would be received. He got less than what he had hoped for, but was still satisfied nonetheless. Satisfied enough, in fact, to call the pastor and speak with him about our possibly returning. I wasn't sure how to feel about this. There were a couple of other churches I wanted to explore first before going back there. I put my trust in God that He would lead the way.

Last night Stefan asked me if I wanted to go to church. I knew what he meant. Did I want to go back to that church? I didn't think I did but didn't give him an answer either. I decided that I would just see what I was led to do in the morning.

When I was up with Abby this morning I felt that we should go to a church. I had one in mind south of us and knew that their services started at 10. At 8:30 I got in the shower to get ready. Stefan and Lexi were still sleeping. When I got out of the shower I woke Stefan and Lexi up and everyone was in motion. Apparently, not fast enough. We were not able to make it to the 10 a.m. service at the church I had in mind. The old church had a service that started at 10:30 so we decided to go there.

During the car ride there, I could feel my blood pressure rising. I was nervous. So many questions were running through my head - so many unknowns. Would I be comfortable? Would we be turned away by someone that didn't know we had an open door to return as per the pastor's email? Would a "situation" go down in front of the kids? Stefan had been assured that no scenes would be made in his phone call, but one person cannot speak for all the others. We all know this.

We got out of the car and I began to have second thoughts. I wasn't sure I wanted to be there at all. But Lexi had already seen the building and was looking forward to going inside. I'd hate to deny that. We were walking slowly to the building when a sweet, familiar face approached me. A nice woman from the church that I had befriended through her blog and continued the friendship in a Home Team, a church organized group that meets once a week.

"I had a feeling you would be here this week," she says to me giving me the warmest hug I've had in a long time.

"How?"

"I just had a feeling. You've been on my mind all week."

It was like God had put her there knowing that I wanted to turn and run. He put her there to show me that it wasn't going to be as bad as I thought. It gave me courage. It helped me roll my shoulders back a little bit and walk a little taller when we crossed the threshold into the building although inside I was quaking like a child waiting for a shot at the doctor's office.

Once inside, Lexi pulled me over to the juice table. That used to be her routine - get a cup of juice and a piece of candy and then off to church she would go. When we sat down with her juice I saw, out of the corner of my eye, two more welcoming faces - the leaders of the aforementioned Home Team to which I had once belonged. In fact, I emailed this couple a few days ago because returning to this church had been on my mind. I needed guidance. I needed assurance. I didn't know who else to ask. They are old enough to be young parents to me. I kind of saw them as my church mom and dad when we used to meet for HT and I still look up to them for guidance in all things spiritual and/or church related. They had been on vacation when I sent the email. They returned at 1 a.m. this morning. Again with the warm hugs and kind words. I am so grateful for people like this. They assured me that if I still need to, we will talk later about my concerns. They are two of the sweetest people you will every meet. So kind and thoughtful and forgiving. I could really learn from these people. I already have.

Anyway, we settled the kids in their rooms and then settled ourselves in for the service. The worship band was already playing. I missed this. There were a couple of times during worship where I almost cried thinking of the bad and the good that put me where I was. I don't know if I was really paying attention to the songs. I had a lot going through my mind. Then the pastor got on stage and started giving his sermon. I love the way this guy delivers a message - so raw, so real. His wife even joined him at one point - a first. I felt at ease.

After the service we picked up the kids and were leaving the building. The anxiousness returned. I knew that the staff would be in the corridor shaking hands and whatnot and there was no way to really sneak past them unnoticed. A million things were going through my mind - I couldn't tell you what they are now because I don't know. I just know that there was a lot going through my mind. Then the pastor reaches between a couple of people and grabs Stefan's hand and shakes it. Stefan obliges. I was a wreck. I didn't know what to do - what to say. The pastor then says my name. At that moment, I was like a deer caught in the headlights. I didn't know what to do. I still have a couple of trust issues (apparently I've forgiven and haven't necessarily forgotten). I feel like he can smell fear and I'm afraid. Of what, I don't know. I can't look him in the eye. I panic, flash a quick smile, and keep on walking.

I don't know if Stefan and I will ever feel as comfortable there as we once had. I'm not ruling it out, I just don't know. What I do know is this, too many things happened that led us to that church this morning - too many things to chalk them up to coincidence. It was God at work and I can't and shouldn't ignore that. I guess we'll just have to see what the future brings.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!

Today we took Lexi to her meet and greet for soccer. We met her coach, Coach Jason, and she got her jersey. She had her pick of the numbers 1, 2, 3, or 5. She chose 5. Why? Because she is 5 years old of course! All the kids donned in their jerseys kind of milled around not know what to do. The purpose was to get to know each other, but some kids were kicking balls while others were begging their parents to go home (Lexi was one of these at first) and others just stared blankly around at all the other kids that were wearing shirts just like theirs.

After a little while, Lexi separated herself from us and took off with a soccer ball and off she went! Once she got going you could not stop her. There were times when Stefan (who was supposed to be the one watching her because I was watching Abby) would ask me where Lexi was. I would look around panicked until I saw her dribbling the ball half-way across the field.

After the meet and greet we took the girls to McDonald's. While Stefan was getting the food order handled I got the girls situated in the playroom. I allowed Lexi to play on the mammoth contraption with the understanding that if I had to tell her twice to come eat, her toy from her happy meal would become mine. No problems there. She wanted the toy. It was there that Stefan and I decided that since the rest of the kids on Lexi's team were wearing cleats (although they are not required) that we would get her a pair, too. We went to Hibbett Sports and got her her new shoes although they weren't exactly the ones she wanted because the were not pink (they only had black in her size).

When we got home, Lexi went in the backyard (still wearing her #5 jersey) and started kicking around her pink, size 3 practice ball. She's been bitten by the soccer bug. Her first game is in 2 weeks. I can't wait. She'll be playing 4, 5, and 6 year olds so this should be darling!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Lexism of the week

Lexi brought home a terrible cold from school like the good little school-going carrier monkey she is. It took a couple of days before Abby and I got it too. Needless to say, with me being sick my patience is a bit short with Abby's belly aching. Why can't kids understand that mommies get sick, too? Due to my sniffling and coughing and Abby's ill at ease we missed Lexi's dance class and my bowling on Tuesday. All for the best I suppose.

Wednesday I probably shouldn't have gone to school but I did anyway with my box of Kleenex tucked securely in my rolling book bag. Apparently, while my mom was babysitting she and Lexi made macaroni and cheese for dinner. After the noodles took their bubbly soak in the pot it was time to add the yummy (<--sarcasm here) cheese powder, milk and butter. My mom took out the tub butter and Lexi reprimanded her saying that you must use the rectangle (stick) butter for macaroni and cheese. Silly Grandma!

I didn't feel as bad then as I did today though. With no plans for the day, I mostly vegged out on the couch all day catching little cat naps when Abby would lay down for hers. When Lexi came home, we had a homework project to do - making a paper doll of herself. We needed construction paper and glue so I took the girls to Wal-Mart. When we got home the girls had their dinner and I laid Abby down. Lexi and I then sat down to get to work. New construction paper, glue, scissors, and glitter glue at hand we got to work. This is our creation.



Of course her doll had to have a pink dress. She also "needed" glass slippers and a purse. We added a necklace with a heart charm. Next, she needed to have a heart on her purse as well. The glass slippers needed "sparkle" so we added silver glitter glue on them. Then Lexi went to work drawing the face and added strawberries on the dress. She told me that tomorrow she wants to wear her Strawberry Shortcake dress that Grandma made her and she wants to wear her hair in pigtails like her doll is.

After Abby went to bed, I turned an episode of Caillou for Lexi to watch so I could rest. I lay on the couch and watched just enough of the episode to catch that Caillou was making breakfast for his parents. I dozed off. When I woke up Lexi was very excited.

"I have something for you in the kitchen!" she exclaimed.

Oh, no I thought.

She then led me to the kitchen table where there was a sandwich. She bore a proud grin on her cute little face.

"What's this?" I asked.

"A jelly sandwich. I would have put peanut butter but I'm not allowed to use knives," she replied with pride.

Awww....

Abbyism of the week

Now that Abby has gained some height and thus lost some of her chunk she is able to weasel her way into rather precarious situations (e.g. climbing on top of her "activity table", climbing on couches, climbing in general). Anyway, one day last week she was having a snack while I was cleaning the kitchen a bit. I needed a dish cloth so I went upstairs for a quick moment to retrieve one from the dryer. When I came downstairs, this is what I found,



She has bouncing up and down the way she does when she is proud of something she has done. Knowing no one would believe me, I searched for the camera to capture the moment on film. While I was trying to snap the shot Stefan came in from the garage and all he said was, "You left her for 2 minutes didn't you?" Apparently she has done this with him before.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Lexism of the week

Today Lexi had a menu request for dinner - spaghetti. Due to some bad childhood memories I cannot consume spaghetti. Meat sauce on any other noodle is okay. Spaghetti/Angel Hair pasta is not okay. So, Stefan went to the store and got noodles (not spaghetti) and the makings for a meat sauce. Lexi was not thrilled about this alternative at first, but she ate her dinner none the less. She loved it. In fact at one point, she said, "I hope everybody in the world is having this for dinner."

After dinner I took the girls upstairs to give them a bath. Now I need to flash back a bit for clarity's sake. Lexi has been on a safety kick all summer. She is quick to point out when someone has committed a "safety violation." Now flash forward to tonight's bath. Lexi was getting into the tub and slipped a bit. She said that it was a safety violation. Then thinking on this a bit, she said, "It wasn't a safety violation. It was a tub violation. Because tub violations are safety violations that happen in the tub."

Saturday, August 18, 2007

School, school, school

Last week was the beginning of Fall semester for me. This is the first time I have attempted going to school full-time since Abby has graced our lives with her presence. It will be a challenge, but I am determined to make it.

Lexi's doing well with school. Her teacher uses a behavior system with colors as follows...
Blue - extraordinarily good
Green - good
Yellow - a warning
Red - a timeout.

I am happy to report that Lexi has been on green or higher everyday since school began. That's about all we hear from her. When we ask her how her day is, she'll say fine. We'll ask what she did and she'll say that she doesn't know. But as the evenings progress she exclaim with delight something that she did or someone's name that she played with as though the thought just struck her upside the head. This is funny to me.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Abbyism of the week

Abby is developing quite the appetite for the written word. She'll bring me a book, set it in my lap, and climb up on the couch next to me waiting expectantly for me to read the words that will sweep her away into a far away land.

Today she brought me a hand-me-down book from Lexi that is an abbreviated version of Disney's Aladdin bound with sturdy cardboard pages. I read the story and when I was done she looked at me as if to say, "Is that it?" I flipped back through the book to show her the pictures. I pointed out Jasmine on the cover and we played a sort of "Where's Waldo?" game where I asked her where Jasmine was on the page.

We began on the cover and when I pointed out Jasmine she leaned in and gave Jasmine a kiss. Each subsequent page she did the same. So cute!!!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Blech!

I am exhausted. Can't pinpoint a specific thing that's making me this way.

1) Stefan joined the Y with me late last week. We have worked out 3 out of the last 4 days. That could have something to do with it.

2) Saturday Stefan, the girls, and I ventured out to get my books for next semester. This task proved much more extensive and expensive than thought because the book store at the school had all but four books that I needed. No problem because General Bookstore is right across the street so I'll just hop on over there and I'll be done. Not quite. They had 2 of the 4 books that I lacked. The last remaining books were novels so I went to Barnes & Noble to finish up the shopping. They had one book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. We had originally planned to do some more shopping at nearby stores but Abby started a serious fussy fit so we relented and went home.

Once home I looked over the books that I would get to know very well in the near future and read the foreward of On Writing. What was intriguing is the fact that this book had 3 forewords. So I read them. I then started the section "C.V." (curriculum vitae) and kept reading. This book was very interesting. So interesting, in fact, that as of about 7 p.m. tonight (Monday) I finished the book entirely. Anyone you know that is a writer or wannabe writer would love and benefit from this book.

3) I've had a slight cold. You know the kind with the main symptom being post nasal drip? As if that is not bad enough, it is causing this annoying cough that is seriously disturbing my sleep.

Speaking of disturbing my sleep...

4) I get up each day at 6 a.m. to get Lexi off to school. Most days after she is safe on the bus I crawl back into bed until Abby beckons. It still doesn't eliminate the fact that my sleepy eyes were awake at morning's first crow.

All four of those together, I guess, explain my current state.

On another note Stefan, who has been on vacation since July 26th, finally went back to work tonight. Blech! I have gotten so used to him being home that I have been completely lost tonight doing little more than sitting on my duff nursing my aching body (see #1 above).

More later.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Lexi seems to be adapting well to the school routine. Yesterday there was a slight SNAFU when the bus pulled up to her stop in the afternoon. Stefan, Abby, and I were waiting as we saw kids streaming from the mammoth bus but Lexi did not appear. Finally, the bus driver turned to sit down and drive off to the next stop. Stefan stopped her and climbed aboard concerned that Lexi hadn't made it on the bus at all. A quick scan of the bus and Stefan spotted Lexi in the fifth seat staring blankly. He pointed to her and she snapped out of her daze. Evidently she didn't realize she was home. Silly girl!!!

Today, the bus transition was much smoother. She was actually the first one off this afternoon professing, "I didn't forget!" as she got off the bus.

Also, today while she was at school I registered her for her first season of soccer. Games will begin in September and the season will rap up the first week of November. This should be interesting. I have to get her shin guards and a practice ball. Who knew there are different sizes of soccer balls? Having never played before I didn't know this, but apparently it's true. More on this later.

Tonight she starts her new tap/ballet class at The Woodstock School of Ballet. This is something she enjoys so she is looking forward to.

Monday, August 06, 2007

Lexi's First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Lexi's first day at the "big school." Since we missed the open house while on vacation, Stefan and I made the decision to take Lexi to school in the morning and let her ride the bus home in the afternoon. So, that's what we did.

We got to school at about 7 a.m. and took her to her classroom where we met her teacher, Mrs. Reinhard, and the teacher's assistant, Mrs. M. Mrs. Reinhard began showing Lexi what the morning routine would be and you could tell that Lexi was a little reserved. I don't know if it was nerves or the fact that it was early for her, but she really didn't say much.

When we went to leave, I gave her a quick hug and kiss and headed out the door. She then hugged Stefan and it was like she didn't want to let go. I had to tell Daddy to let go or this experience would be dragged out. We left the school and went home. Much like last year, we both didn't know quite what to do. Stefan has yard work to do for his clients, but I was at a loss. The house is much quieter - almost eerily quiet. I feel like I've been going in circles.

Anyway, here's a couple of pictures of her on the way out the door this morning.


Sunday, August 05, 2007

Disney Trip 2007 Day 7




Friday, August 3, 2007

The day began very early this morning. We arranged a sitter to come and watch Lexi in our room so we adults could go on the Keys to the Kingdom tour at the Magic Kingdom. The Keys to the Kingdom tour is a 4-5 hour walking tour that takes you behind the scenes and tells different facts and secrets about Walt Disney, his aspirations for his parks, and the parks themselves. We even got to go underneath the Magic Kingdom in the utilidors that the Cast Members use to move throughout the park. Quite interesting!

We returned to the cabin around 2:30 to get Lexi and we were off to the Animal Kingdom to finish what we started. We got there right as the parade was beginning so we watched it and made our way over to the safari. We saw hippos, rhinoceroses, elephants, and more!





Lexi loved the whole thing and couldn’t contain her excitement when she spotted an animal. We then, went to ride Expedition Everest (my mom watched Lexi as Stefan, my dad, and I rode this one). This is the newest attraction to Disney World and is a high thrill roller coaster that spirals inside a manmade mountain going both frontward and backward. So scary…yet so worth it! We then rode some rides in DinoLand USA – some good (Triceratops Spin), some not (Primeval Whirl, Dinosaur). On the way out of the park we ate at the Rainforest Café then made our way back to the Magic Kingdom to finish up any unfinished business there.

(Lexi fish gazing in the aquarium at Rainforest Cafe as we waited for a table)








We first went to the Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor. This is an interactive show that simulates a stand-up comedy show and picks on audience members just the same. When we first sat down, they where showing various audience members on the big screen with funny captions underneath. They showed a picture of my dad with a caption that read, “Is wondering, ‘Are we there yet?’” My dad was shocked and looking all over for the camera while the audience laughed. At the end of the program, they put the spotlight on Lexi (who was adorned in princess mouse ears) and tried to get her to talk, but she was too tired and too shy. They then made some sort of comment that princesses needn’t speak.

Next we went to the Tommorowland Speedway where Lexi drove a car while I operated the gas for her. She had me bouncing back and forth off of the rails that kept the car on course. My mom reminded me of when I was little and she and my dad would take my sister and I on this ride. When we got off, she was glad it was over and my dad was laughing hysterically. With Lexi, I was both glad the ride was over and laughing…who could help but to laugh?

Stefan and Lexi then rode the spinning Teacups. I learned my lesson years ago not to ride this with Stefan, but Lexi loved it and Stefan couldn’t crank the cup fast enough as she was squealing, “Faster, Daddy!”

(During the teacup ride)


(After the teacups)



We then watched Mickey’s Philharmagic (another sensory show) and rode It’s a Small World. In this ride Lexi laughed, giggled and pointed as she would spot different things that tickled her fancy. Her favorite part of the ride, was the Hawaiian scene with the girls dressed in hula skirts and leis.

Finally, at about 1 a.m. we made our way back to the campground to catch some shut eye for the trip home. Our Disney park experiences were concluded and I must say that I think we hit just about everything humanly possible in one week at Disney World with a 5 year old. What a great and memorable trip!

Disney Trip 2007 Day 6

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Today, the day started with yet another storm. Not to be deterred my mom, Stefan, Lexi, and I departed for Animal Kingdom with the hopes that the storm would blow over. Armed solely with a couple of umbrellas we hopped the bus from the campground to the park. Because of the rain we decided against the original plan which was to go to the Kilimanjaro Safari to catch the animals after their morning feast. A safari in the rain sounded less than exciting, so we went for Plan B which was to seek shelter in any of the indoor shows.

First, was the Festival of the Lion King. What a great show! There wasn’t a bad seat in the house because the stage was in the middle of the floor with bleachers surrounding. The show featured tribal music and dance as well as aerial acrobatics performed by retired Olympic gymnasts. I think that this is one of Disney’s best kept secrets. The show really knocked our socks off.

Next, we went to the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show featuring Flick from A Bug’s Life. This is a 3D show that is a full sensory experience complete with scents, puffs of air, and pricks and pokes from devices that were built into the seats themselves. Lexi didn’t like the show much because of the moments when we were in complete darkness. It was still downpouring when the show let out, but we decided to continue anyway.

We went to “Finding Nemo: The Musical.” This was a unique puppet show (which I knew Lexi would love because she loves puppet shows) in that the puppeteers are visible and very much a part of the show. The singing was great. The props were even better. In my opinion, this show could rival any show on Broadway but that’s not worth a grain of salt considering I’ve never been to New York…much less Broadway or a production on Broadway.

At this point, we were water-logged and decided that since there were no more indoor shows, we would head back to the campground to get cleaned up for dinner with Cinderella at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The dinner was the same as the one we took Lexi to when she was 3 with a couple of minor changes. Before it was a buffet yet this time it was “A La Carte.” Before it was in 1900 Park Faire this time it was in the Grand Floridian Café. Despite those differences, the experience was much less the same. Lexi was excited to see the characters.

(Here she waits for a table)



(Here she places her order)


(She can't contain her excitement as she sees the characters roaming the dining room)



She was afraid of Suzy and Perla (the mice) the last time but this time she was brave and would allow pictures if I was in them.

(Suzy)



(Perla - not so brave anymore...insisted I was in the picture)




Last time she wanted to talk to the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella herself, but this time she was more interested in getting their autographs, taking a quick snapshot, and continuing with her meal.








When I asked why she didn’t want to talk with Cinderella she told me that she would but not if Prince Charming was around. No such luck because he was not letting his princess out of his sight!

Disney Trip 2007 Day 5

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

This morning we got a late start on purpose. Today was our day to take it easy. Terry left and Stefan, Lexi, and I returned to Epcot. On the monorail on the way to Epcot, we got to ride up front with the driver and Lexi received a Co-Pilot’s license.

(Lexi drives the monorail)



(Now she just sits back and relaxes while the real pilot does his work)



Once there we rode Test Track – a high-speed ride that simulates the tests that vehicles must go through to be safe for the consumer. Lexi was quite apprehensive at first but after the ride was over she said that she loved it. However, when we asked if she wanted to do it again, she emphatically said no.

We grabbed a quick drink and continued on to Mission Space. This ride simulates space shuttle launch and is quite exhilarating. The last time we came to Disney World Stefan, Faron and I rode it and it took Faron and me hours before our equilibriums returned to normal. Although they now have the option for a milder version of the ride, I passed on another dizzying experience. Lexi and I waited as Stefan rode it.

On the way back from Epcot, Lexi traded pins with someone and received another limited edition Hidden Mickey pin. That now brings her Hidden Mickey total to 3. She’s on a roll! We boarded the monorail (up front again) to the Contemporary hotel and caught a boat back to the campground. We sat right behind the captain and as we neared the dock the boat’s captain asked if Lexi would blow the horn for him which she was glad to oblige - another special treat.

We were hit by yet another storm today. Thankfully this time we were not in the parks but in the cabin when this torrent blew in. I remember daily Florida showers from trips in the past, but these are squalls. I mean run and take shelter storms. We’re trying not to let them dampen our spirits, though.

Tonight we are going to grill hamburgers at the cabin with my parents and probably take a dip in the pool. Later, we plan to attend the Chip and Dale campfire sing along to make S’Mores. This should be fun considering Lexi has never partaken in the gooey treat. If she’s anything like her mommy, she’ll be hooked.

Lexi’s favorite things of the day

1) Test Track
2) Tooting the horn on the boat
3) Being a Co-Pilot of the monorail

Disney Trip 2007 Day 4

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

This morning Stefan cooked breakfast again. Terry stayed in the cabin while my parents, Stefan, Lexi and I went to Epcot. This is a park that consumes a large area of land with little more to do than to eat, eat, and eat. The first thing we did was the Soarin’ ride. This is a ride that simulates a hang gliding adventure through various scenic views of California. At first, Lexi didn’t like it, but she warmed up to it quickly and by the end she was excited that she didn’t get her feet wet when we were soaring over raging rapids.

We then went to The Living Seas with Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush (the turtle from Nemo that always says “Dude!”). Both of these were cute. We then went to the World Showcase and had a snack in Mexico. While eating, a storm blew in and we took cover in a replica of a Mayan temple that had a mariachi band playing inside, and a bunch of carts with Mexican arts and crafts. We rode a little boat ride and then proceeded (in the pouring rain) to Norway to ride Maelstrom (another boat ride).

We returned to the cabin in time to attend the Hoop Dee Doo Revue here in the campground. It is a comedic, Western-style, singing and dancing dinner show. Lexi didn’t quite know what to think of it all, but she ate quite a bit!

We had planned on going on a tour of the Magic Kingdom in the morning, but childcare proved to be more of a hassle than we had anticipated. Getting the tour canceled and getting our money back was quite the ordeal, but we finally prevailed and were able to get our money back. Hopefully, we can arrange childcare sometime by the end of the week so that we can go on this tour because it is something that has come highly recommended by Stefan’s parents and brother alike.

Later, we rode our bikes to the dock to watch the boat parade that comes by the campground each night. While we were waiting for the parade to arrive, Lexi got bored and a new imaginary friend was born. During proxy season Lexi’s imaginary friend was “Imaginary Daddy”. Now we have Imaginary Ariel. Lexi danced with her, sang with her, sat with her, and even yelled at and scolded her when she wandered too far from Lexi.

(Lexi with Imaginary Ariel)



If that’s how she is with her real friends (the scolding part) I feel sorry for her friends. I tried to tell her it’s not nice, but you know how far that goes with 5 year olds!

Terry will be leaving in the morning. We’re glad he was able to join us for these few days. It’s good that Lexi gets to see the various members of our extended family from time-to-time. We understand, though, with his disabilities and problems with back and legs that he needs to return to his normal routine.

Lexi’s favorite things of the day

1) Hoop Dee Doo Revue
2) Turtle Talk with Crush
3) The Living Seas with Nemo
4) Soarin’

Disney Trip 2007 Day 3

Monday, July 30, 2007

This morning Stefan made a great breakfast for all of us in the cabin. Once we were all stuffed to the gills, we disembarked for Disney’s MGM Studios. Once we got there, I bought Lexi a set of 5 trading pins to continue her trading for the day. The first show we saw was Voyage of the Little Mermaid. This is such a great show and Lexi was star struck.

After the Little Mermaid show, Lexi spotted a Cast Member to trade pins with. She picked the Cinderella pin and the Cast Member said that it was a Hidden Mickey Pin. Lexi sure has a good eye for those things!

From that show, we went to the Back Lot Tour. We boarded a tram and went through a warehouse with some retired movie props. While we were on the tram, we got to see the stunt drivers warming up for the Lights, Motor Action show – a highs speed car stunt show. This confirmed for Stefan that the show was a must see. The next show was going to conveniently begin shortly after the Back Lot Tour, so we planned to scoot over to its stadium to watch it. Later on the tour, we went through Catastrophe Canyon (a movie set that simulates rain and explosions and whatnot). Well, the rain simulation was a bust because it actually started to rain.

Once we got off the tram, we grabbed a bite to eat under the shelter from the rain. We noticed that the Lights, Motor, Action show that we planned to attend was canceled. We started to look at the show schedule for the rest of the park but it seemed as though we would be wasting our time waiting for shows to begin at MGM, so we made an alternate plan to depart from MGM and go to Epcot instead. Just when we thought that the plan was good, the rain stopped and we saw people filtering into the Lights, Motor, Action stadium. Apparently the show wasn’t canceled but just delayed. This put us back on a good show schedule so we stayed at MGM.

We saw the Lights, Motor, Action show and then the Playhouse Disney show.

(Lexi before the show began)



Lexi loved this show as it had characters from her favorite shows – Bear and the Big Blue House, Jojo’s Circus, Stanley and Winnie the Pooh.

(Jojo)


(Stanley)



(Pooh)



(Tigger)



(Piglet)



From there we trekked across the park to the Beauty and the Beast stage show.



Lexi sat like a little lady on Grandpa’s lap the entire time with her hands folded delicately on her lap.




Stefan, Dad and I went to ride the Rockin’ Roller Coaster while Lexi, Grandma, and Uncle Terry waited. During the wait, Uncle Terry got a temporary Ariel tattoo for Lexi. After the ride, we grabbed a bite to eat and since there was still time, my mom and I strolled through the shops. My mom wanted to get Lexi and Abby a little something and finally picked an elaborate Ariel pin for Lexi’s collection and a T-Shirt for Abby. When presented with the treasure, Lexi looked at my mom and said in her cute, princess voice, “This is perfect!” I think mom struck gold on this one.

We then continued on to the Fantasmic show – a great nighttime spectacle that uses water in a way I’ve never seen before. Its premise is Mickey battling various villians from Disney movies like Jafar (from Aladdin), Maleficent (from Sleeping Beauty), Scar (from The Lion King), and others. Of course, in the end, Mickey conquers the villains. We had a bit of a wait for the show to begin but once it began it was exciting. Lexi has seen this show before, but her reaction then was nothing compared to her reaction this time. She screamed with delight each time she recognized a character. Whenever one of her favorite princesses would appear, Lexi would do her princess wave with hand cupped tilting from one side to the other. It was too cute!

Lexi’s favorite things of the day

1) Fantasmic
2) The Voyage of the Little Mermaid
3) Playhouse Disney show
4) Beauty and the Beast show
5) When the guy in Lights, Motor, Action caught fire

Disney Trip 2007 Day 2

Sunday, July 29, 2007

The day started with a breakfast buffet at the restaurant in the campground. While Terry purchased his tickets for the parks, Lexi and I browsed a kiosk that had minimal souvenirs. In trips past, I have seen people with pins on lanyards adorned with pins all over the place so I inquired what the big deal was. The Cast Member informed me that you can purchase a starter kit which comes with four pins (two sets of identicals) and if you see a Cast Member (that’s what Disney calls their employees) with a pin you want, you can trade with them. We purchased the starter kit that had a pink lanyard with outlines of glass slippers and pixy dust, and had princess pins on it. Lexi loved it but I don’t think at first she understood the concept behind it.

We then caught the ferry over to the Magic Kingdom for another day of fun. Remembering a tip that Barbara, Dennis, and Faron learned on the last trip when they took the Keys to the Kingdom tour that the majority of the crowd goes down Main Street USA and heads to the right side of the park, we decided to head left.

We arrived in Adventurland first, grabbed a Fast Pass ticket for the Jungle Cruise, then hopped on over to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin – a ride very similar to Dumbo.



We spotted the first Cast Member with pins, and explained to Lexi that if she wanted one of his pins, she could trade. She spotted his Ariel pin and promptly traded for it. At that moment a trading junky was born. We then got on the ride and Lexi was thrilled to be “soaring, tumbling, free-wheeling” and seeing the city of Agrabah (the town in the movie Aladdin) “shining, shimmering, splendid” from way up high.

(Lexi flying our magic carpet)



When we landed, it wasn’t our time for the Jungle Cruise yet, so we hopped over to visit Iago and Zazoo (birds from the movies Aladdin and The Lion King respectively) in the Tiki Room. Lexi danced and jiggled to the beat of the animated birds and Tiki Gods. Then, we finally boarded our cruise through the jungles of Africa, Asia, and others while our guide told some pretty terrible jokes as per the guides’ usual on this attraction.

We then rode the Pirates of the Caribbean which has been refurbished to include the images of Jack Sparrow from the recent movies. Lexi was scared because of the dark, but she did enjoy the "waterslides." In the gift shop at the end of the ride, Lexi picked out a Minnie Mouse toy that was dressed like a pirate princess which Uncle Terry purchased for her. She also picked one out for Abby. We then took a rest and cooled off with a drink. Once sufficiently rested me, Stefan, Lexi, and Grandpa took off for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which Lexi loved! She is so much more adventurous than I was at her age and I love it. The plan was to go from there to the Haunted Mansion, but it was closed for renovations for the summer. Apparently ghosts are picky folks and like to redecorate from time-to-time.

Disappointed, we proceeded to a Snack Shack for some yummy treats – funnel cake and HUGE ice cream cookies. We happened to be in a perfect spot to watch the daytime parade, so we stayed put and did just that.

Here is a picture of Lexi, her pin trading lanyard, and her pirate Minnie Mouse while we waited for the parade.



Lexi waved elegantly to all the princesses as they passed by. This is something I love to watch. In fact, I end up watching Lexi more than the parade! Now I know what my parents meant when I was little and they would tell me “Someday you’ll understand.” Disney really is best seen through the eyes of a child…more specifically your own child.

After the parade, we went over to Space Mountain. While we were in line, it broke down again. That makes two days in a row! I remembered reading somewhere that if this happens, you can tell a Cast Member and they will give you a Fast Pass ticket to use anytime. This turned out to be true. We scooted over to the Tommorowland Transit Authority and rode the People Mover because I read somewhere else that if you do that while Space Mountain is closed, you can see the attraction lit up and it looks like a giant ball of spaghetti. Unfortunately, this plan was foiled as the ride was operating again. After the People Mover we went back over to Space Mountain to use our Fast Passes and Lexi rode it for the first time. About halfway through the ride, I heard her belly aching like she does when she’s complaining. I thought to myself “Oh no!” But Lexi made it through although I doubt she would want to ride it again anytime soon.

From Space Mountain, we proceeded to the Rose Garden for Story time with Belle from The Beauty and the Beast. This was really cute. Belle had two assistants that randomly pulled people (mostly kids) from the audience to act out parts of her story. Lexi wasn’t chosen, but I think she enjoyed it none the less. When it was over, Lexi jumped up and said, “Ariel’s grotto?” This was the thing she was waiting for all day so we went over there and she got to meet Ariel.

(Before storytime - Stefan, Lexi, me, and Pirate Minnie)



(During storytime)



(Lexi with Ariel)



We headed back to the campground for a quick dinner and then returned to the park where we rode Splash Mountain (yes we got wet).




Then, we watched the Wishes fireworks show, and watched the Spectromagic parade again. While we waited for the parade to begin, Lexi spotted a Cast Member with pins to trade. Lexi decided on a fairy pin of Flora, one of the fairies from Sleeping Beauty. When the Cast Member removed the pin, she explained that it was a special pin that is only available to Cast Members because of the Hidden Mickey on it. We looked at the back of the pin and it said 2 of 4. What a special find!

We finally made it back to the campground at about midnight. Lexi fell asleep on the ferry back to the campground but she claimed she wasn’t sleepy…just thirsty. Whatever!!!




Lexi took a bath and promptly fell asleep followed by Stefan and myself. We were all beat but it was worth it!!!!

Lexi’s favorite things of the day

1) Pin Trading!
2) The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
3) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Disney Trip 2007 Day 1




Saturday, July 28, 2007

We left for our Disney trip at about 4:30 pm yesterday. On the way out of town, we dropped Anita (Stefan’s motorcycle) off at Faron’s house and proceeded to Barbara and Dennis’s house to drop off Abby and Lou. We then hit the road and finally stopped for the night at a campground just off the highway in Tifton, GA. We spent the night in my parents’ camper where the Tooth Fairy visited Lexi and left her a dollar in her tooth pillow. She was overjoyed in the morning to find what the Tooth Fairy had left although at first she didn’t realize that the dollar was in the pocket of the pillow where the tooth once was. Once the dollar was found, she was thrilled.

We proceeded down the road to Valdosta where we stopped for breakfast and then continued on to Disney World. We finally arrived at about 4 o’clock and got settled in our Wilderness Cabin. This cabin is much nicer than the accommodations we had last year at the beach and we are happy that we made the choice to stay here. My parents are about a 3 minute bike ride away.

Once settled Stefan, Lexi and I went to the Magic Kingdom. The plan was to ride Dumbo first, but the line was long. So, we grabbed a Fast Pass at Winnie the Pooh and rode Snow White’s Scary Ride while we waited for our return time for the Fast Pass. We then went on to Mickey’s Toon Town Fair where Lexi rode her first roller coaster ever, Goofy’s Barnstormer. This picture was taken in line for the ride.



I was concerned how she would handle this considering she freaks out when she goes too fast on her bike, but she rode with Stefan in the front car and laughed the entire time. When she got off, she immediately wanted to do it again. We walked through Minnie’s House where I snapped a few pictures of Lexi. Then we went to Mickey’s house (nothing in comparison to Minnie’s).

This picture was taken in front of Minnie's fireplace.



This is a picture of Lexi sitting in Minnie's sunroom.




We went to ride Space Mountain, but it was closed for some unknown reason. Instead we rode Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin where Lexi and Stefan shot at targets of Buzz’s nemesis, Zurg. Stefan scored over 100,000 points while Lexi scored 2600. We then grabbed a quick bite to eat and went back to Fantasyland and rode Cinderella’s carousel, Dumbo, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Winnie the Pooh.

Me and Lexi on Cinderella's carousel - one of her favorites.



The three of us on the Dumbo ride.




Lexi found a mouse ear hat that is pink with pink ears, adorned with a tiara and pink netting that she purchased with some spending money that Nana and Papaw gave her. The timing was right at this point to find a spot along the parade route for the Spectromagic parade which is what we did. We found a good spot next to the bridge to Frontierland and the floats passed by feet from us.

Stefan and Lexi (with her mouse ears) waiting for parade.





After the parade, we began to find our way out of the park hoping to time it just right where we could see the Wishes fireworks show, but patience ran out (we thought Stefan’s Uncle Terry would be waiting for us because he was supposed to arrive at some unknown time tonight) so we proceeded to the boat back to the campground instead. We did get to see some of the fireworks show from the boat.

So we’re back at the cabin. Lexi has had her bath and, although she claimed to not be tired, she has fallen into a deep sleep as I write this. Stefan is off on a bike ride to the front desk to make arrangements for Terry’s arrival in the morning (something came up and he decided to spend one more night at home). Tomorrow is going to be full of completing the initial round of the Magic Kingdom and whatever else we decide to do.

Lexi has been ever so thankful for this trip. I keep seeing little babies all around which makes me miss Abby terribly. I have to keep reminding myself that this was the best decision we could have made for this trip. She’s having fun at Nana and Papaw’s with her buddy, Lou. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that we miss her and are thinking of her every minute.

Lexi’s favorite things of the day

1) Spectromagic Parade
2) Goofy’s Barnstormer
3) Cinderella’s Carousel