Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!

Last year, Himself, Glenna and I went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (click Here to see photos). We had SO much fun, I wanted to take all my babies (and Paul) this year. It was kind of humorous to see their reactions when I mentioned needing a theme and costumes - but I realize I was, indeed, asking them to do something way outside their comfort zones. Those of us who had already been embraced the idea immediately and went for it! 

Now this is love: Himself GREW A BEARD and tinted it just for me. Also, he wore this wig:

He looked so different, like a Rock Star. I kept staring at him all night!

Wendy gets help with her bow from Princess Tigerlily

My costume was SO easy! Add sideburns. Voila!

Tyler made a PERFECT John Darling!

Slightly, a Lost Boy, complete with dirty face.

Holding the Hook

Let the Memories Begin!

Kelly paid for this photo bombing! See below.

A very familiar costume! Cast members directing us away from Main Street so the Parade can pass.

May I present: Wendy, John, Peter Pan, Princess Tigerlily, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and Slightly

Jessie summed it up afterwards when she stated she felt like a celebrity walking down Main Street. We had so many people remarking on the costumes, and even cast members were calling out to us with, "You guys look so great!" Our theme was a big success, but none more than Himself. While people were asking for poses for photos of our entire group, he was continually stopped and asked if they could have a photo with him.

The cutest one was the grandmother of this little boy. She said all he had talked about or wanted to do was meet Captain Hook, and could he please have a photo with him?

The ride was closed for refurbishing, unfortunately, but we still got this great photo of John with John!

 

And the party begins! Our only discomfort was that it was still a bit warm, and Captain Hook suffered most. He said each time he wanted to break character and start stripping off the costume, someone else would ask for a photo! He braved through to the end, waiting until we went back to the car before tossing it all in the trunk (which was well past midnight). What a trooper!

More to come, of course. =)

A Happiest Time in a Happiest Place

I have noticed a recurring theme with Glenna in the back seat and me in the front:

March, 2013

October, 2013

No matter how many times we go, we're just so happy to be going to Disney! I feel like my year of work at Space culminated in our visit last weekend. The entire family (and Paul) spent the weekend at one of the resorts. It was such a treasure to be with ALL my babies (and Paul)!

Because of school and work schedules, we arrived the night before the rest of the family. I was thrilled to get a room in the back, in the corner, with nothing but forrest behind us.

We saw a wild turkey one morning!

I think we had only one person pass by, and that was Mousekeeping with a cart of towels. Speaking of Mousekeeping:

 I just love these little touches that they leave in our rooms!

The view from our window

There's a hidden Mickey at this site, and NO, it's not the obvious one right behind me!

We got settled in that first night and took the buses to Downtown Disney. I had heard of this restaurant there on our Quick Service Dining plan called Cookes of Dublin, and I wanted to try it out. Irish food! Sadly, they didn't have the Beef and Lamb Pie I was hoping to sample, so I ended up with chips (fries) and mini sausages in batter:

I guess to sample the full menu, one needs to go before 10 pm. ;-)

We took the bus back to our room and prepared for bed, eager for the next day when everyone else would arrive. Himself drove all the way to Kelly's school in the morning to pick her up. Now that's love!

Shep

We have a patient at our office who, without fail, brings a bag of chocolate or some kind of treat each time he comes in. When he came in last week, however, he had nothing in his hands. We greeted him as cheerfully as we always do (because he really IS a great patient). It turned out that he needed a crown and he was able to come back later that afternoon.

He called before his second appointment and said he may be about 10 minutes late. When he finally arrived, he was carrying 8 of these:

We were of course delighted. Denise jokingly said that we were all pouting when he came the first time and didn't have any chocolate. His response has been sitting in my mind ever since:

"I could never forget sweets for you girls. Every one of you make me feel so special each time that I come here!"

Since that day, I can't help but think about how easy it is to make each person who walks through that door feel special, too. We may be the only smile they encounter that day!

The Monkey and the Dolphin

It's been so long since I posted anything, I had to stop to remember how to get to this blog.

That's sad!

I'm reading a book of Aesop's Fables that I found in Kelly's room. They usually end with someone dying or being eaten, but not before they're able to utter the words, "I am well served. I should have (fill in the blank) but instead, I (fill in the blank)."

I am well served.

I got what I deserved.

Bring it home, Aesop!

Then, there was THIS creepy drawing for the story "The Monkey and the Dolphin":

I sent this picture to Kelly. She wrote back, "Well that's terrifying."

I KNOW.

And for the curious, the Monkey didn't hold up his end of the bargain, so the Dolphin swam deeper and deeper under water and drowned him.

The End.

Oh, Really?

Front

Back

Hmph.

As much as I want to support this store, it was almost impossible to find anything actually made in America.

The Chair

I found this chair at Cast Connection for $5. I brought it home because it had so much character, but the paint was literally coming off on my hands. Himself took one look and said, "Ooooh!"

Here's the finished product. I absolutely LOVE it!

He gave it a satin finish and worn areas, so it matches the rest of our chairs in the dining room (ha!).  It looks like it's been here for years and years - just perfect!

That's MY man. So talented.

Haven't Had Much to Say

Dad
January 9, 1934 - July 31, 2013