A Whole New World

Brax has done things this week that he's never done or experienced before. Brandon and I have laughed at some of the terms he's picked up this week. "Is this the bus to our resort" and 'Let's use a fast pass!" were the funny ones from this today.
We slept in again this morning and then went down to get some breakfast. Braxton has enjoyed eating breakfast by the pool this week. After we ate we went back to our room, lathered up with sunblock, and made our way down to catch the bus. Again, we didn't have a long wait at all.
When we arrived at the park it seemed that it wasn't as crowded as the previous days (and they weren't really crowded) so for our last day we rode a lot of things that we had already rode and some things we hadn't. We finished up, went to get some shopping in, and went to dinner at the Crystal Palace. Braxton dined with the characters from Winnie the Pooh tonight.

Our adventure is winding down. We have had a great vacation, reconnected in many ways, and focused on and enjoyed Braxton. We miss our "Minnie" Hartsell terribly!

Just a Little Exciting

We decided last night that we would head back to the Magic Kingdom today but we would take our time getting there. Yesterday I became a little anxious about the transportation to and from the hotel to the park so we thought we would see what would happen if we didn't try to get there right at opening. We slept in til about 7:30 and went and grabbed some breakfast. We came back to the room and went down to catch the bus at 9:30 to head over to the Magic Kingdom. We didn't have to wait long for the bus and it wasn't nearly as crowded as yesterday. Once we got to the park we went stright to Tomorrowland and rode a few rides over there. Then headed to Adventureland to ride the new Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Braxton kept asking all day where the characters were and it really surprised me because he never seems to care one way or the other. About 3:30 it began to pour down rain. We were lucky and found a nice covered spot and sat and watched  for a bit. As soon as it lightened up we headed toward Main Street to get some shopping done only to get in and it began to pour again. I tried to shop but about half the park came to the same shops and I didn't find it very enjoyable. We had dinner reservations at Chef Mickey so when the rain slowed we caught the monorail to the Contemporary to eat dinner.
I had forgotten what the dinner was about but when we checked in they told us that 5 of the characters would be coming to every table. Braxton was SO EXCITED! He watched their every move and when they came to him he happily gave them a high five and posed for a picture.

The Most Magical Place on Earth

We arrived in Orlando last night about 9pm. We checked in at our hotel, went and grabbed a bite to eat, and walked around for a bit. Braxton finally settled into his bed about 11pm. We were up and out by 8am and after breakfast and catching the bus we walked through the gates at the Magic Kingdom right at 9am. The crowds weren't too terrible today. We rode all the "E ticket" rides today and the longest wait time we had was about 20 minutes (hence the reason we're here before summer).
 We found a spot along Main Street about 2:45 to ctach the 3 oclock parade and Braxton was approached shortly afterwards and asked if he wanted to start the parade. He declined.
 After the parade was over we left the park and came back to the hotel. We're about to head to the pool. Brandon and I are wiped out but Braxton is raring to go.....I bet he passes out when he lays down tonight. We haven't decided what we're doing tomorrow. We can go to any park.

I SPY!

Look at the boxes in the living room. And Oh- look at the cute little faces hiding behind the boxes.
It's really happening! Our little house is getting boxed up and quick.

Mission Accomplished

After 22 straight months of classes 2 nights a week, I graduated Saturday with my Masters Degree in Elementary Education. This mama is H-A-P-P-Y!
I missed being at home more than I could ever tell you. And this past semester was the toughest. I could not have done it without the help and support of my wonderful husband, family, and in-laws. I know they are just as glad that I'm done!
No more homework, no more nights away, no more kissing my babies good night when they've been in bed for hours, no more weekend studying, and no more research!

Sentimental Journey

It's true. Our little house is sold! The whole story is unbelievable. We discussed it. We thought about our baby starting school and getting settled. We put a sign in the yard. Three hours later we had received 3 calls. It was looked at 3 times in one week and by the next Friday we had an offer. Unbelievable.
Tonight I started taking pictures down and packing them up. The journey is beginning and I'm starting to become emotional. My first home. The home I came to after I got married. The home I brought both of my babies to. Their first home. Their first home. It sounds strange.
So May 31 we move out. We have a plan. I'm not quite ready to share it but I will very soon.
People keep asking, "Why are you not freaking out?" My response is "As long as my family is together, I'll be fine."
 Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. 
 ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

In the Army Now!

Our little baby is now mobile.....well in her own way. Check out this video. (And Brax- he doesn't care what is going on. He's still going to do exactly what he wants to!)