We're Going to Disney World!

I was thrilled when I heard my dad would be visiting for two weeks.  Of course, just getting out of the snow and cold is a giant plus when coming to Florida, but George and I always try to plan some fun events for him to participate in.  

First off--Disney World!

 

Kyle's family has season passes to Disney, so we loved having them come with us, too.

It was almost time for the parade to start when we first went in, so we all found a comfortable waiting spot.

It looks like this bird was waiting for the parade to begin, too.

With all the music, the fun characters, the dancing, well, it just makes you smile!

Next, we were off to the Haunted Mansion.  Carter and Jenna had never actually been there before.  Brady had no desire, so he and Kim went to do something a little less scary looking.

An old horse-drawn hearse.

It was definitely a "thumbs up" from Jenna and Carter for the Haunted Mansion.

On the opposite side of the coin was "It's a Small World," which Brady definitely loved. 

Actually, we all loved it!

I snapped a few pictures of my favorites:  A reminder of Venice.

Hawaii--one of our favorite places.

Koalas--a pleasant reminder of our time with The Wilde Family in Australia.

As we walked from one area to another, we saw this huge boarded area.  Evidently, a gigantic new land is being built.  I can't wait to see it finished.  About the only thing you could see is this huge castle--definitely different from Cinderella's.

Do you notice that Jenna likes to tease her grandpa?!

The kids, young and old, love the Buzz Lightyear Ride where you get to shoot laser beams at all kinds of objects and have a great competitive battle.  Look at the intensity as father and son compete with each other.



Mother and son.

Grandpa and Granddaughter.  (Is he in shock?)

All the guys take a little rest.

 

Cinderella castle at night is always a thrill to see.

After a perfect day, we were able to see the electrical parade.  As we were watching it, I was thinking how wonderful it is to we with family in such a fun place.  We all agreed that it was just the best!

We were all pretty hungry, so we stopped at a Mexican restaurant on the way home, then went back to Kyle and Kim's to stay.

Brady absolutely loves to play basketball, so the next morning before George, my dad, and I left for Miami for a church assignment, we went across the street to a little park to watch him practice. 

He is really getting good!

Way to go, Brady!  Just keep it up!

Happy New Year, 2012!

Can a whole year already have come and gone?  It's always interesting to look back at all the events that have have happened in the past year.  Now, as we look to a new year,  we are able to set new goals for what we hope to accomplish and hopefully do our best at whatever we set out to do.

Kent's wife, Natalie, is really the party maker in our family.  She loves to celebrate events, whether big or small, in a BIG way.  Since she and the three kids had stayed at Kevin and Angie's for a few extra days after Kent had to get back to work, she put together a fantastic New Year's party in just a few hours for everyone to enjoy. 

Natalie is so great at not only thinking of ideas, but getting the kids involved in the carrying out of the ideas.  That is as much fun as the party itself!  Here they are blowing up helium balloons.

Hannah and Ella busily making count-down clocks.

Hannah and Ethan setting up the sparkling cider glasses.

The counter was literally covered with things for the kids to do.

The kids had a great time decorating their own party hats.

Cookies were decorated.

The finished product:  Hats, cookies, balloons, and table decorations, but mostly big smiles by all! 

Prior to the kids helping, Natalie had prepared cute decorated bags with a different hour on each bag telling the kids when they were able to open the bags.  Inside were all types of items they would be using at the midnight hour.  These items included:

Little hand clappers.

bubbles,

glow sticks,

(Poor Kade.  With his hurt throat only two days after his tonsillectomy, it was even difficult to smile, but he still participated and was such a good sport.)

and horns.

All building up to the big 12:00 hour and "Happy New Year!"  (We used the New York time on Times Square so that we all didn't have to stay up as long.  Smart, huh!)

With Kent in Washington, Natalie wanted him to be part of the party, so she transported all the fun via her cell phone.

Grandpa George and Kevin came and joined the fun.  They were so impressed at all the hard work the kids (and Natalie) had put into having such a nice party.

What would New Year's Eve be without confetti?  Of course, we did that outside--even though it was freezing!!!  Look, no shoes!

And finally--the toasts with the sparkling apple cider.  Such fun!

Yes, Natalie, thank you for the wonderful New Year's Eve Party.  We all enjoyed it so much.  Happy New Year to all!