Christmas 2012

Perhaps I should sadly start out where this day ended up, right now the house is spotless clean, I have a clean and no more do we have a Christmas Tree.  85% of the Christmas Decorations inside the house are put away, and a toddler went to bed with a rather serious gash on his head, while a preschooler went to bed an hour and a half early for putting said gash there.  It would sound like it was a rough day, and we want it all to be over - but that is not the case.  I miss Christmas already.

Tomorrow the Joel's get to have fun while I have to go to work, I am bummed about this but it will be nice to get some stuff done in the office.  With this, and with lots of company coming over for New Years next week, I thought it might be time to get as organized as possible so after our company left today we motored through and did.

We had a wonderful Christmas.  I made an epic vegetable lasagna, and meat lasagna (for those who like meat for their veggies) for Christmas Eve.  We played cards, A Christmas Story was on in the background, it was lovely.  In my family you get a tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve and this year I wanted it to be there fantastic PJs - months ago I got them a set of Mickey PJs with their names on it, that match one of my own that says Mommy (mine was a size 2X which was happily way, way too big) - and a family friend also made a set with Mickey on it as well, so it was a Mickey PJ Christmas for sure.  When I told Joel Andrew he would be opening a bag for Christmas Eve, he looked in and said immediately: "those are PJs, where is my present?"

The day before Christmas Eve was also exciting for us - we went to Pease Greet the troops coming home from Afganistan.  You cheer them on as they come of the plane.  Sadly, customs was not there on time and so we all waited (least of the worry was me with my two boys, imagine the poor troops) an hour and 15 minutes until they finally let them off.  Because of this the ceremony where they hoist the flag and everyone sings the National Anthem was cut - but it was still nice.  That night we had the neighbors over for some drinks as well, all very holiday-festive.  A nice chance to show off all of our decorations!

Fast forward us back to Christmas, and it was a lovely day.  As with most children, Joel Andrew slept a little later this day ironically.  We all waited to see the reaction as they came down the stairs, and it was nice.  James Morris got a huge soccer ball for Christmas, which fits him nicely.  He loved all of his gifts - but we really all nailed him this year because he received many, many balls in different forms and carried and threw them all around the house all morning and day long.  The soccer ball was a real hit, but now where do we put it?  The biggest hit with him were the work boots Uncle Jeremy got him, he wore them all morning long.

Joel Andrew got about three pirate ships, which were awesome - and all day he had them set up in the TV room and was playing battleship almost.  He refused to open any more presents and just played with his pirate ships, which was fine with us as we had some adult present opening time.  In fact, Joel Andrew still has a present or two to open.

It was a long day filled with a fantastic dinner and lots of fun conversation and new things to play with. Joel Andrew pretty much losgt it after four days in a row of being social, being with tons of friends and family, going to bed late, no naps, etc - and that is why I think he hit his brother.  He seems to be hyper sensitive to anyone paying more attention to James lately.  Luckily, (or unluckily?) - James does not fight back yet.

So, there it is, Christmas 2012.  The year I was going to get my boys the best present ever - Disney Vacation Club, but did not.  The year we had three trees, two train sets, and Mommy spent over $500 on outdoor decorations.  The year I decorated like a combination of Martha Stewart and Clark Griswold is gone.  Good times were had, now some weight needs to seriously be lost so I can fit into my clothes again!  Merry Christmas all!

Cookie Decorating

Tonight we decorated cookies, and it was awesome.  James Morris sat and ate about 12,000 mini peanut butter cups, while Joel Andrew and I made mini-reindeer cookies.  Good times were had by all.

Decorating, Grumpy Style

Joelly and I finished Christmas decorating tonight, and it was awesome.  We have three trees, two train sets, and 16 bears.  Countless ornaments, and many annoyingly singing stuffed animals.  I would say 96% of our holiday items are out.  We did not put out the manger or a few select stuffed animals, or a few ornaments, because well - enough is enough.  But it is the best year yet for the Williams for holiday decorations.

Anyway, tonight we put out the final touches, which included the Christmas bears.  Grumpy each year has bought me a Christmas bear from Harrods - starting 16 years ago, the days he would travel to London for work annually.  When he stopped traveling to London for work, I made it clear that he still needed to get me the bears, and he does.  When they came over Thanksgiving, he handed me a box and told me that there is a guy in there who may need to come out sooner for some air.  Awesome Grumpy!

So, tonight we got all of the bears out of the attic and one by one Joel Andrew walked them down to the stairs and lined them up.  "There are many bears, Mommy."  Yes, there are.  "Each one has a buddy Mommy."  And he lined them up, on ten stairs, one next to the other, until there were three bears left on stairs without buddies.  "Mommy, we need to tell Santa to bring us three more bears."

So, I told him that Grumpy gives the bears to Mommy every Christmas, and there was a package from Grumpy we should open.  So, Joel Andrew opened our first Christmas gift tonight (don't tell Moosey the Elf) and was thrilled to see another bear which he immediately hugged and kissed and gave over to a buddy on a step with only one bear.

Now we need two more Mommy.  (math genius!).  You can tell he is just like his Mommy though, because when I explained to him that we just have to wait two more years he exclaimed: "now, they need their buddies now."  I guess tomorrow I will put the two lone bears on the same step, leaving one step bare (no pun intended) and see how that flies with the little guy instead.

We set up the big train to go around underneath the Christmas tree, and watched the little train in the corner of the living room while all the trees were lit.  I am very much looking forward to this holiday with my family.  Thank you Grumpy for helping to make it so special!

Yoga

James likes yoga.  On a lazy weekend morning he and I were the only ones awake and were snuggling in my bed, and watching some Mickey.  He grabbed the remote, and changed the channel, and what would come on, but yoga?  It is kinda creepy just to watch three ladies in spandex doing all these weird moves, but there we were.  He wouldn't let me get the remote away from him he loved it so much until finally I realized how much he loved it.  He had lied down, and put one leg up - just like the women on the TV.  Funny little guy this man baby is!

Getting Festive

We have been out and about lately in the name of the holidays.  Last weekend we went with the McKrensky-Hardings and the Muench Clan to pick out a Christmas tree.  We were going to go to the tree farm where you find one, cut it and lug it to your car, but at the last minute we thought this was too much and went to the town square instead and bought our trees from the fire fighters.  WE lugged them home, and put ours up and then proceeded to eat and eat and drink and drink while the baby napped, the toddlers played and the pre-teens also watched the game.  It was a good time.

This weekend the Solsos and the Kings and the Williams all went on our annual trip to Charmingfare Farm to see Santa.  This place is slightly creepy and totally awesome.  It was raining, so we did not get the cool hayride to Santa's home, and instead just walked over the barn where we saw Santa and all of his pals.  Mrs. Claus hands out cookies, but then there are all sorts of characters who also greet you including the grinch, a giant cookie, frosty, rudolph, and a few others who I am not sure what they are. Watching all of them wave at you is creepy - no wonder why half the kiddos cried their eyes out!  But, only just for a second, and then they were happy again.  James especially loved his Christmas cookie.  I believe we even got one photo of everyone together.

Our house is decorated in full Christmas force this year.  We have three trees up, the real one is over 10 feet tall and almost every single last Christmas decoration is out.  This is all a miracle, and just goes to show you how little time I have been spending with my children.  Last week, for work, I literally worked at least 70 hours.  This is not an exaggeration, I worked 14 hours on Saturday, a full work week, plus two late evening meetings and three other evenings just on the computer until really late.  I am tired and missing my kids.  I tried to get a bunch of stuff done today, but ended up checking work email again and that lead to a long string of unhappiness which ended in me burning lasagna that I made for the kids to eat this week, while I will be working two late nights again for meetings/events.  That should be enough of my complaining for now.  I am missing my children growing up.  I guess I wasn't happy when I was with them 24/7, now I am not happy either.  Funny to complain about it though, as I write this Joel Andrew and his father are fighting in the bath.  I guess it is a realy happy holiday season for us around here!

A Thanksgiving to Remember

This Thanksgiving was certainly memorable.  We had a great time of course, even though we did not start cooking our turkey until 6pm at night.  This was due to our false thought that a turkey fryer would be a good idea.  I think blessings come in disguises and it was probably a good thing that the oil never got up to the required temperature of 375 or whatever - I think we hovered at 325 for a while.  So, we cut the already brined turkey up and grilled it.  Which, was actually pretty nice.  I am thinking an accidental tradition, brine turkey, cute it up, next year roll it in herbs, and grill it.  Yum.  Plus, the leftover carcas makes awesome turkey soup.

So, it was memorable.  But we all had a great time.  We got a little snippy when we were a little hungry, but that is understandable, you can't be hungry on Thanksgiving, you just can't.

We had a great visit at Uncle Jeremy and Auntie Jennies the next day.  Most of us just slept on the couch while Brave played in the background.  But again, what else are you supposed to do on Thanksgiving?  Joel Andrew has been trying lately with the hitting, but it trying to be better.  James is talking up a storm and throwing everything, and Mommy is tantruming of her own device.  Work has been difficult with all the change that has been in place, and with the year end approaching, and with all sorts of events.  Lots of nights and weekends out have been happening lately, and lots of working until 2am...  I am really hoping this is just the season, because I miss my little guys to pieces!

It's the most wonderful time of the year?

Baby James is not a Baby Anymore

Baby James, not so much... No way man, he had his 18 month check-up this week, and the mini-man weighed 32 pounds!  Above 92% in both height and weight (maybe a little higher for weight).  I think his brother weights 35 pounds at this point.  He is a tough little guy, but a sweetheart.  He is stubborn, but a witty man.  He can make your heart melt just by saying: "peeasse," "Mom-eee," and "Up-eese."  Joel andrew said today: "James is learning to talk."  Which is very, very true.  He will repeat anything you say and now knows everyone's names pretty much.  He is growing up so fast, too fast.

His favorite word, and thing - "Ball."  He is constantly carrying one around, everywhere.  And, repeating the word.  He throws a football like a rugby ball, and he is quite good at it.  May I remind you he is just 18 months?  His adorable cuteness has taken Joel Andrew by storm, and Joel Andrew steals the ball or whatever is in James' hand at every chance he can get.  Joel Andrew has also taken to hitting a lot lately, which has made Mommy so mad.  Hopefully it is all just a phase and he will become my sweet little man once again soon.

As I write it is Thanksgiving, and we are waiting for the turkey fryer to get hot enough for the turkey... We thought we would be eating by now, whoops!  Here is hoping it goes off without a hitch.  The more we wait, the more we drink, the less in our tummies - doesn't sound like a good plan to me!

Happy Thanksgiving to all who read this rambling post!

Weekend with James

This weekend James and I escaped for a bit to Camden, Maine - while the Joel's went to Sunday River and Sebago Lake.  I love Camden and that area of Maine, and I had brought Joel Andrew there once before for a getaway, so I was excited to do the same with James.  Extra special reason - and the reason that prompted us to go - to visit Dana and her new little one, Elise - who is just too cute for words!

James was a great traveller, he is super cute and super excited to use what little words he knows.  The kid has excellent vision, because if there is a fish or a bird in sight (ceramic, fake, real, on a poster, etc) he will notice it and point it out to you.  He, for the most part is a little angel and listens really well.  But, every once and a while the devil gets in his eye and I know something is coming, usually in the general direction of my face or across the room.  The kid has a temper and when he gets frustrated he smiles, but throws anything within reach.  While talking to Dana about this - sort of in my warning to her about how he can do this (she was in disbelief as he was still being a perfect little cute angel at this point) - I figured it out.  I joyfully exclaimed: "he is like that green man, you know, from the movie with that Jennifer lady who was in that other movie with Russell Crowe..."  Blank look of disbelief from Dana...  The Incredible Hulk!  Yes!  James is just like the Incredible Hulk.  He is sweet and mild mannered, but get him angry and boy he can toss a car across the street.

So, me and the Hulk went out to dinner, the Waterfront, with Dana and Elise.  James was pretty good for a while, but then he quickly became like a mini-drunken man.  It was a Saturday night, after his bedtime, and it showed. He was a mess, dropping things left and right and getting irritated at the smallest things.  I pretty much had to drag him out of the restaurant as he babbled.  Really, just like a little drunken man.  Elise was a dream - sleeping the entire time.

James did pretty well at night, he woke up twice, as if to say: "hey, this isn't my room" - cried for a bit and within a minute went back to bed.  We had a nice breakfast together and did some walking in Camden and shopping.  And, then, met our dining friends again for lunch at Moody's.  James again oscillated between the cutest thing you ever did see and crazy man throwing crayons and cookies across the room (one cookie landed in Elise's bucket - perhaps an attempt to share?).  Of course, I reacted terribly by laughing in hysterics...  I am thinking I have to get a handle on this.

Either way, James will look back on this blog post one day when he is the Superbowl MVP Quarterback who threw the winning touchdown and say, "I should totally buy my Mom a house on the waterfront in Camden Harbor."  I agree!  I hope to make it a yearly trip with my boys up there, a different one every year, to see all the fun places I enjoyed when I was a kid going to Maine.

Ama and Grumpy Visit

My parents visited for over two weeks, much of that time we were in Disney with our oldest, and they stayed back and watched James.  It was a natural fit for them to enjoy some time with James, as he still takes good naps, will eat anything you give him, and is a riot. James can sometimes get really stubborn and have a bit of attitude or defiance to him that is hard to control (he is freakishly strong, like really strong) - but they said he exhibited none of this while we were away.  When we came home, however, it was as if he was mad at us for going to Disney without him and had a night or two of pure terror in him, including chucking the baby monitor at my face, resulting in a huge black and blue that people still comment on. Is there a service out there for when you toddler abuses you?

Having Ama and Grumpy was awesome.  I am not sure if I gained more weight from Disney, or from Ama's cooking but I can tell you my pants do not fit me again.  They spoiled us rotten.  There was home cooked, delicious meals every night, children were woken up, fed, cleaned and happy without question at all times.  Laundry was done.  At one point, they actually asked me if I would mind if they did things like clean my car or organize my pantry while I was at work.

Not sure how to repay that.  It sounds like they were our slaves, but the funny thing is I think they actually enjoyed it.  They got to see their boys, and they were helping us all along the way.  It isn't easy to have two working parents, two young boys, and a house to keep!  Plus, they had all sorts of quality time with their family too.  I took them out to dinner one night which was nice to catch up, and they had lots of fun with the boys too.

So, we miss Ama and Grumpy, and owe them so much for 2-1/2 weeks of fun!  But they will be back in about 13 days, for Thanksgiving!

Halloweenies

Some people when they go trick or treating walk from house to house with a pillow case and go to the front door as the previous trick or treaters are just leaving.  Some go trick or treating while their parents have a block party at the end of the street, and watch as their children go safely around.  In our neighborhood you go to a grand total of 6 houses, and during that time you are offered various forms of alcohol (parents only); children are offered king size candy bars, and at that - at least one or two or a handful per house; and trick or treating includes chatting, looking at new house renovations, and seeing the various livestock everyone has.  I love this place.

This year James was a lobster and Joel Andrew was Buzz Lightyear.  James outgrew his costume sometime between when we bought it a month ago, and today.  But, that should be no surprise.
We still made him wear it, and when he did keep the hat on it was awesome.  A special thank you to the costume makers out there that make warm and fuzzy costumes so that parents no longer need to cover their children in coats.  I never understood that as a child, why put on a costume if you are just going to make me wear a coat over it?  Trick or treat - under this coat I am a pirate, but you will never know...

We chatted with our neighbors, mostly about the storm that just happened (Sandy - for prosperity I include the details, nothing happened up here but our poor friends in NY and NJ will be recovering for weeks if not months).  We lost our fence, we lost part of a tree, we lost power for a few days, but we are ok.  Everyone else seems to be ok too - which is a miracle for our neighborhood as the last big storm we averaged $50k damage a house.

James was great, trying his best to say thank you to every house and waving goodbye.  He was a natural at all of it and it is kinda spooky how well he picks up on things after just going through the motions once.

Joel Andrew was awesome.  This is the year he really gets everything to do with the holiday.  He said "Trick or Treat" unprompted, "thank you" unprompted, and was just a general joy.  This is the most fun age on so many levels because he gets it, but he is also learning so much always at the same time.

It keeps getting better and better with these two.  I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween and gets to gorge on chocolate tonight, we all deserve it!

Reflection

Some thoughts about our recent trip to Disney World:

Adults in Large Strollers:  You know who you are.  (yes, I am normally a calm and lovely blogger, but this particularly annoys my husband and I).  I am a larger than normal person, yes - but you know what, I walk places.  There are WAY too many people renting adult strollers in these parks these days.  My grandparents hobbled around the park, and so should yours - and so should I.  This is ridiculous people.  Clearly, if you have a medical issue and you need assistance, please use a wheelchair.  But a motorized scooter, designed to run over my 3 year old child or me if we step out of line, you kidding people?  I mean, really?!  WALK! Joel Husband and I will be selling t-shirts: "I am fat and/or old, and I am walking"  for our next disney trip, as this is now seen as an anomaly.

Now that that rant is over...  I apologize to my readers.  I do not mean to offend anyone.  In my defense, I was yelled at by a lady on a motorized stroller whose arms had more rolls than the sags in my curtains.  I by accident stepped in front of her and immediately apologized but was yet berated by her in front of my child.  I went into full on Chepak (mother's side of the family) mode at that point if you will and the niceties left, and thus remains the anger in this blog as well.

Other than that, positive(ish) observations!:

Deluxe Meal Plan a Bad Plan:  If you get the deluxe meal plan every time you come to Disney, you will eventually have arms with rolls and be riding a cart around.  I don't know how many times I can blog about this, and yet still do it - but the deluxe meal plan is TOO MUCH and is particularly evil for those who need to finish all food offered them (a Hall family disease).  I have gained 10 pounds, at least - we will find out more tomorrow.  The truth is, one good meal and one quick service meal and one snack a day should do you and I will strive for that our next vacay.  Then, you can always have one or two fancy dinners that require two points - like the luau or the contemporary, and just pay for them, it will still end up less than if you bought the deluxe, plus avoiding that weight gain will really be priceless too!

Never Judge other Parents: Before I had children I judged.  I would see the kid tantruming in the theme park and would wonder why the parent did not calm them.  Why did the parent let them touch everything in sight?  Why did the parent feed them only strawberries for breakfast?  Even after having children I still judged, but I think after having my second, and now certainly, after having gone to Disney with a 3 year old - I will no longer judge.  Parent taking a louder than normal tone for a seemingly miniscule offense: don't judge, they have all had a long day, things need to be nipped in the bud now.  Parent letting their child cry in hysterics while video taping said tantrum and not doing anything to calm it: don't judge, they are just preserving this rite of passage, a critical moment actually, very important part of the Disney experience, for years to come. It is brilliant really.  Parent ordering third drink at dinner while child is mindlessly watching a non-Disney cartoon on your iPad at the table - sounds like a party to me!  All these lessons learned at this trip, I pass them onto you.

This is sounding pessimistic, and I do not mean it to.  We had a great time.  Epic really.  I would live here if Joel Husband would let me.  I planned it out at least for our retirement.  He will drive the boat that goes to the hotels from the Magic Kingdom and I will play the part of the Fairy Godmother (she only makes appearances infrequently).  We will spend the rest of our time walking, eating and drinking our way around Epcot.  I love it here, always have and always will.

The bottom line most learned thing from our trip: We need to have more and more of them.  Every person says it - time goes by really quickly, and now that I have gone back to work I totally believe it.  Time flies and having the whole week with eachother has been amazing (except we missed James of course!).  But a whole week, of driving each other nuts, of having tons of fun, of swimming, trying new things, chatting, enjoying and being.  It was a great time and I will schedule it again and again and love it again and again.  I know we could have a week in Maine, or a week anywhere else, but this was a week to ourselves, with something new for all and something old for some to share.

The Missing Piece

We are in the downhill stretch of the vacation, and it is sad!  We went through the slump of too many crowds, too much food, too tired, sick of lines, etc - then we remembered we are on vacation.  I have been checking my work email, mostly just to make sure the poop isn't hitting the fan while I am away, but really it is a nice thing to do because it reminds me not to be sad about anything happening here at Disney...  look at what I could be doing at home!...

Joel Andrew will not sleep in the stroller, which is a bummer.  We thought that he might as he slept a lot on the way here... but we were wrong.  iPad during meals has been a saviour, to keep him at bay, but the lack of sleep is starting to wear on him.

The big elephant in the room, the one I have yet to post about yet, is James.  We miss him so much!  Well, at least I do.  Joel Andrew has said he has missed him too.  There are families with babies everywhere we look, but the truth is a baby is almost easier than an 18 month old in the parks.  18 month olds will want to get out and do everything their brother does, without much success.

However, we do like to say every single time Joel Andrew doesn't like something, or doesn't want to do something: "James would do it." No matter what it is.  Tonight, Joel complained he did not want to see the fireworks: "James would like to."  Joel Andrew does not want to eat his dinner, "James would eat it."  Etc., etc.  - most of the time, this logic is actually sound.

And James will, as we will bring him in a year if I have my way, two if Daddy has his way.  But I feel like this small age is the best time to come and enjoy everything here and it is going to go by so quick!

Joel Husband has been pretty good, but he has Fast Pass-idious. This means, that once we arrive at a park he needs to immediately get a fast pass from some ride.  We have to.  It is a thing with him, we are failures if we do not use this feature.  He will run all the way to the other side of the park, to get a fast pass at a ride that has a 10 minute wait, and then run back to where we are.  That is 20 minutes round trip.  But, we let it go, it is his vacation too!

And that is all, folks.  My next post will reflect upon our big week. All two of you who have read this so far will be really psyched to hear about my thoughts.  It was a good week, a great vacation.  So great I am 10 pounds heavier, and in tears about starting the grind again on Monday.  The good news is Joel Husband says if I will pay for it he will go to Disney again this time next year!

A Great Place Made Even Better

When I go on vacation, I generally plan out all of my outfits for each day.  This is to make sure I have packed enough, but moreso to ensure that I have the good skinny clothes ready for the first few days of wear, and then as the vacation progresses, and Mommy eats more, I have larger clothes to wear.  This was especially needed on this vacation. Disney Dining Plan plus Epcot Food & Wine festival = weight gain!

Now I know why Joel Husband waited until more than halfway through our vacation before we went to Epcot, because he knew right as soon as I saw the Food and Wine Festival, I would never leave.  I see no reason to come to Disney at any other time of year at this point.  There are tents everywhere with delicious food from all around the world - and they take snack points!  Last count, we had 29 snack points remaining.  That means a lot of Escargot, mung bean pancakes, and kielbasa.  What's more - we still have our regular dining plan points.  So, in addition to snacking around the world all day today, we are also going to eat a full meal at Mexico and then again at the Garden Grill.  I am full already.

We did go to Canada for dinner last night which was lovely.  And we went to Stitch's breakfast this morning which was also good.  Oh my.

This should be our last night day, weather-wise here - we have been spoiled with fantastic weather - my complaint, it has been too hot!  Sadly the rains settle in tomorrow and leave the day we leave.  But, we will be ok.  It is Disney's way of saying it is sad to see us go!

Food Coma

Well, we are about 1/2 way done with our adventure, and all I can say is one thing: Food Coma. WE have once again eaten our way through a vacation - and we haven't even gotten to the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot yet!  (did I tell you the Food & Wine Festival takes place each year during this week in Epcot and it accepts snack points?  Oh yeah!).  Last night I thought I had the Disney disease at 1 in the morning, but it turns out I just ate too much and couldn't sleep.  Good thing there is so much walking to balance everything out!

Here is a photo of me eating my obligatory Mickey Ice Cream pop.  Joel Andrew could care less and only wants popcorn.

We have learned some things about traveling with a 3-1/2 year old.  First, he cannot sit still (see previous posts), but second - there is absolutely no point in preparing him for what he is about to do, as it will only lead to an argument.  You can walk him right into a pit of fire with alligators and he would be all set, but should you tell him: "We are about to do the most awesome thing ever, so much fun" - the only response you will get is: "No, I do not want to do the most awesome thing ever."  So, we have had to reprogram ourselves, and not get excited about the rides we are about to do, or the characters we are about to meet.  As it will just lead to tantrum, no matter what.

Additionally, we have learned to steer clear of the Peter Pan Ride, saying the words Peter Pan or anything to do with pirate.  We have ridden the Peter Pan ride about 90 times now.  This would not be a problem, as Daddy and I are both up for anything in the parks, except for the fact that every other child wants to ride Peter Pan 90 thousand times so although It's a Small World right across has a 5 minute wait time, Peter Pan has a 50 minute one.

My parents used to say I was the same way with Dumbos.  And, boy do they have Dumbo's figured out now.  They tore down the old Dumbos, just since our last visit and now instead they have "dueling Dumbos" - two simultaneous rides that are twice the size of the old Dumbos.  More than double the people yes, but what is more - when you go in line, you Disney- maze it through a tent and come to a spot where you are handed a restaurant wait buzzer thing.  Then you and your child can go off and play in this enormous play area.  When your thing buzzes, it is time for you to ride the ride.  GENIUS.  We watched as parent after parent pulled away their tantruming child from the play space to go on the ride. Joel Andrew of course follow suit. But whatever.  Genius.  I highly recommend they implement something similar for the bigger people rides, with a bar.

We met Winnie the Pooh at lunch today, and Tigger too.  But Tigger was in a rush and did not give Joel Andrew a high-5 which was both unfortunate and sad.  Eeyore and piglet made up for it though!  I think I have gone to the Crystal Palace character lunch every single time I have come to Disney World. Pretty much every single time!

Fidget Midget

A 3-1/2 year old has a hard time sitting still.  Put ridiculous heavy work boots on him so that he will be tall enough to ride the rides Mommy and Daddy will want to do, and then each time you are kicked with said work boots because the little fidget midget cannot sit still whether it be on the monorail, at the restaurant, in line waiting for something, on a ride, etc - you will go mad.  You will.  But, he is so cute you just try to make him sit still and carry on.  Even as I type, the fidget midget is constantly moving in bed and will not sit still and fall asleep.  Little bugger.

Yesterday we went to Hollywood Studios.  This is Daddy's favorite and Mommy's least favorite (mostly because of the crowds, I always feel like this one is the most crowded).  We decided that the less-scary the ride, the more potential for Joel Andrew to cry and scream.  The more scary, the happier he will be.  Literally, on Big Thunder Mountain, the ride that we needed to put lifts in his massive boots to get on, the one where all the people around us kept questioning what we were doing bringing this little guy on the scary ride - he loved it and kept shouting: "Go faster choo-choo, faster!"  But, at Hollywood Studios, during the car show when a car jumps through some fire he crys and crys and crys.  Odd child.  Love him.  But really?  The car show is in broad daylight, with 1,000 people in the audience and the cars hundreds of feet away.  But, he goes on the Star Wars ride like a champ.  Who knew?

Also at Hollywood Studios, we saw Woody and Buzz which was everyone's highlight.  Buzz stole Joel Andrew's hat which was awesome.  We then went to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show which was a big hit, played in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids park, and of course did the most excellent Woody ride.  Daddy won, of course.

Lunch at the Sci-Fi Drive In Diner rocked, and of course we felt appropriately ill exiting as we stuffed ourselves with friend pickles, cheeseburgers and milkshakes (mine had booze in it!).  We very smartly decided to go home after the car show as we did not want to push it, and we all got a nice nap in before our evening festivities.

We went out to Downtown Disney, and first at at Raglan Road.  Mommy was cranky about this as we had a crafuffle trying to get the bus to get there.  Taking bus transportation anywhere in the Magic Kingdom is always a crap shoot, and we usually are at the bad end of the stick on that one.  We were late to our reservation, but it did not matter - we got the best seat in the house.  I decided I should not get too worked up about the annoying bus schedule anyway, I mean come on, I am on vacation!

Raglan Road ended up being fantastic!  The food was really great, they had great beer of course, and they had something else that Joel Andrew was a huge fan of...  the pretty ladies (aka Irish Step Dancers).  We got to watch the dancers all evening long, and boy were they good!  Joel was mesmerized by all the pretty ladies and impressed with the men who danced.  Daddy and I decided that Joel Andrew and his friend Declan might do well to take an Irish step dancing class.  He would make Auntie Grandma proud for sure!

By the time we left Raglan Road, Downtown Disney was in full gear and was PACKED to the gills.  It really was crazy town and Mommy kept worrying about the imminent bus ride home.  We tried to make it through the market place but it was 8,000 degrees and packed, so only got a few things and then watched Joel Andrew dance to the DJ in the plaza.  He was having such a great time dancing, it was much like all the fun Mommy had at Iris' 30th the weekend before!  Sadly, the bus also proved to be annoying home but we made it and got back in bed before 11 for our day today!

The Tree of Life (and Death)

On Day 2 we embarked on an adventure through Animal Kingdom.  This was great for Mommy as the last time we were here it was torrential downpours and Mommy couldn't do anything because she was pregnant and cranky.  This time we had a ball, we did it up!  The safari was our first stop, then off to the playground area - which are life savers.  They really help the little guy to expend some energy so that he can sit (sort of) still for the rides and restaurants.

After the Safari and some walks with the animals, we then went to the Tree of Life.  Mommy thought this was the best idea as Joel Andrew loves A Bug's Life and Flick.  We happily ignored all of the signs that says this show frightens small children and walked him right into the theater.  Within minutes, full on crying.  The show has some special effects in it that spray water at you along with a big scary bug and loud noises in the almost dark.  He lost it, and it was all downhill from there.  He cried and cried until we left the theater.  Daddy and I kinda laughed.

Of course Mommy posted about this on Facebook, so someone recommended that we go on the River Rapids ride.  We did, and what a great time to put smiles back on all our faces, except for Daddy, who got soaking wet - see above!

Lunch at Animal Kingdom was awesome.  In the past we frequented the character breakfast here which was also awesome, but the lunch here was amazing.  It was also the first time Joel had seen Mickey, so as you can see the look on his face, it was a great time all around.

Later that day while leaving the park we stopped in some stores and went to buy something small - while at the counter the lady checking us out asked Joel Andrew what his favorite part of today had been so far, and he responded: "A Bug's Life!"  Pretty cute there kiddo, pretty cute.

We went back to the hotel for nap and pool, and then freshened back up for dinner at Ohana.  This is the family style dinner at the Polynesian and it is worth it man.  Everyone says this is the best place to eat in the park and they are not wrong.  There is so much food, I now have "Body by Disney Dining Plan,"  but that is ok.  There will be a few weeks when I get home to work it off...  The dinner at Ohana, accompanied by children's entertainment with a man and a eukelayle (sp?) - all you can eat meat on a stick and drinks with umbrellas, was topped off with an evening at the Magic Kingdom where Joel Andrew asked when walking by the Tea Cups: "Mommy, can I go to the Tea Party with you?"  Only answer to that is, yes, yes of course you can Joel Andrew!

Disney Day 1

Yesterday we arrived at Disney World! We woke up way too early in our hotel at Manchester Airport and hopped on the shuttle to Disney.  This was nice as the parking at the hotel is free, and makes for a money saving adventure - instead of paying airport parking, we had a nice night at the hotel and woke up at only the ungodly hour of 4:45 for our 6:30 flight instead of more like 3:45 if we were still in Hampton Falls.  This was actually a huge deal, since we spent our whole day out in the parks once we arrived.  Also, it got us into vacation mode a little early.  Mommy was working late on Saturday and met the boys late Saturday night - but they had a lot fun waiting for her in the hotel pool and going out to dinner at the airport diner too!

The flight was pretty uneventful, though I have to say that flying without a car seat and with a preschooler who likes to play iPad games is amazing!  I think I slept the whole way.  Such a difference from our first few flights.

We landed, and we decided to take a cab to Disney World.  The last two times we went to Disney Mommy found Disney's Magical Express to be neither Magical, nor Express - so I put my foot down this time and I refused to take it, we were to take a cab.  This would have been fine, except there was a cab line we needed to wait in for 25 minutes.  Each minute when you have landed, and you are not in the park, and you are wasting on a cab line is an eternity.  So,  guess I have just decided that for some reason the Orlando airport just doesn't want you to go have fun.  Still not sure what to do here.  The cab was not magical either, but it was more express.  We got right to our hotel (instead of making any number of stops at other hotels prior like the Magical Express does) and because we did not arrive in hoards, we got right in line to check in.

We are staying at the Polynesian.  For many, many reasons this is the best of all Disney hotels to stay at.  It is one of the oldest, it has an awesome theme, there are many delicious and amazing restaurants, there is Peter Pan's dinner time thing - for babysitting the kids all night while you go to dinner (we are not using this this trip, but will in the future!), a killer pool with a volcano, etc, etc.  All of these things are great - but the number one reason is for sure, the location, location, location.  Not only are you on the monorail directly to get you into the Magic Kingdom, but you are steps away from the Transportation Station, which has the Monorail that gets you into Epcot, and all of the buses that get you into any of the parks directly.  This is key as the buses that leave from the hotels stop at other hotels and your 15 minute bus ride easily turns into 45 minutes - from the transportation station you are guaranteed just park and back, huge!

So, we were about to get out of the cab, having just arrived at our hotel, and I said to Joel Andrew: "Thank you very much for coming to Disney World with me."  To which he responded: "Your welcome" and made the cab driver laugh.  We had a nice lunch at the Polynesian and then hipped the monorail to the "Castle," as Joel Andrew and I have been calling it.  Daddy and I got Joel right in, and skirted him directly in the line to meet Pluto. He waited and waited patiently, but had no idea what for - and then he saw him, and it was the best face I have ever seen - "There's Pluto Mommy!" - So happy to be here!

We loved Mickey's Philharmagic, It's a Small World was ok...  Buzz Lightyear was super fun to look at, but he was not yet into playing the game.  Pirates of the Caribbean was a hit, and next time Daddy, James and Joel Andrew will all need to go to Pirate's League to get Pirated out...  We saw a Daddy come out all Pirate-like and sparkly with his son, I thought Joel Husband was going to be horrified, but instead he was sad I wouldn't let them do it this go-round.

Joel Andrew has done really well.  Not every moment has been really magical, he does get tired.  But he is having the best time.  To think, he woke up at 5am and went all the way until 9pm yesterday, with Disney and a plan ride and all and managed little tantruming whatsoever.

The best: we went to the Haunted Mansion.  We had totally thought that Joel Andrew would be ok with this. He watches scary movies all the time.  We have brought him to this ride before.  We went right into the elevator part of the ride where either the room goes down or the ceiling stretches up (I have never been able to figure that out) and Joel was on his Dad's shoulders looking around intrigued.  The spooky MC came on and tells you the whole back story of the ride, and then the lights shut off.  I screamed for fun, and all in the elevator when oooooohhhhh.  All except Joel Andrew that is, who burst out crying.  All of the ooohhhs faded into aaawweee...  Which was hysterical for Daddy and I, all while Joel Andrew was screaming crying.  We are so mean.  We calmed him down and took the ride out and he was all set.  But, pretty funny!

His favorite ride yesterday was the pirate one, but he also loved Peter Pan.  We already met Donald and Goofy, and sat through a parade.  The stroller has been our best friend this trip, but next time we will mark it with neon or something - stroller parking is anarchy and everyone has a MacLaren here.  It is hard to find yours!  Mommy also found an awesome new Minnie poncho.

We also went to the best dinner ever at the Contemporary Resort.  They basically had a kids section so you do not have to feel so bad if your kid is going nuts - you are all in this together.  Pretty much each kid, including ours, was playing on an iPad when not eating.  Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a nice bottle of wine (Schweiger Cabernet, one of our favs) and Joel Andrew had the most beautiful fruit salad as an app, some goldfish to nibble on in between, at the whole plate of mac and cheese for dinner, and then got the most awesome kid sushi for dessert.  He did pretty well with the chop sticks!  But at the rice krispie treats with swedish fish on them right up!

So, Day 1 done, plenty of fun had, two sleeping Joel pictures taken, 1 hot dog and 1 plate of mac and cheese consumed. We miss James a ton (he is at home with Ama and Grumpy), but we can't wait to bring him back when he is old enough to really enjoy things as Joel is now!