Disney/Beach Vacay

My sister, Laurel and her kids get to do Disneyland every week. We are not that fortunate, but we did get to go to Disney World for the first time last week. We packed up our car and drove to Florida to spend some time with my Grandma Julia, see some dear friends, jump in the ocean, and of course, go to Disney.

Both kids got really sick the day we left. I honestly thought we would end up in the ER with Carmella for a horrible croup-like cough. We made it through the first night at a hotel along the way and continued our drive the next day. By the time we arrived at Grandma's house her cough was getting better and there was no fever. Thank goodness. Both kids continued to have a lingering cough the entire week, but every day got a little better.

That first day we spent some time with Grandma, took her to Grills, one of my favorite fish places right by the port. We sat outside and watched the big cruise liners go out to sea. A Disney Magic and a Carnival cruise left that evening. I loved that the Disney boat blew a whistle to the tune of "When You Wish Upon a Star".

We then headed to our condo on Satellite Beach. We were blown away by how close we were to the ocean. It was so relaxing to be able to open the balcony doors and listen to the waves crashing right outside our windows. The next day we invited some of my Florida buddies over for a little dinner party. It was so nice to see everyone again and meet their beautiful children.

Our time at the beach was awesome. We couldn't have asked for better weather! We were even able to go on a boat ride with a good friend of mine, and neighbor of my Grandma's, Pixie and her husband Capt. Mike. Carmella loved seeing the manatees and dauphins playing in the river.

Tuesday was the big day that we have been waiting for--Disney! First thing first, we had to see the princesses right away. Carmella was in awe of their beautiful dresses. She couldn't wait to meet them. The rest of the day was so much fun. I honestly think I was more excited than my little girl. Mark loved that I was having such a great time, and Leo was just along for the ride. In fact, he took three naps that day. Oh well. However, he clearly liked the It's a Small World ride and Buzz Lightyear.

It was so difficult to leave. Sometimes I find myself sitting quietly and wishing I could open the back door and hear the ocean waves again. I guess the nearby traffic will have to do. I will just have to use my imagination... Sigh.

On the move

Leo has figured out how to get to toys and other objects that he wants. It's a little squirmy and not so smooth, but he's getting the hang of crawling. It all started with him going from belly to sitting. Now he is moving and grooving--somewhat. Well, you can see for yourself. I managed to get his first few combat crawl attempts on video.

The only setback of all this is his complete satisfaction and obsession with himself and his new found talent. In other words, he is not sleeping very well during nap times. Yesterday he kept sitting up and getting mad that there was nothing to play with. I kept placing him back down--he didn't like that either. It was a battle of the wills. Mommy lost.

Today it was more of the same. I think he was just so tired that he conked out after only three "repositions" by mommy in bed. He slept 20 minutes then woke crying again for the second day in a row. If I remember correctly with Carmella this lasted a few days and the novelty of it wears off. I am hopeful that naps will return to normal by week's end.

If only we could get him to stop spitting up. Now that I cannot keep him on a blanket, my carpets are going to suffer even more.

Apple Orchard

Today, for our 6th anniversary Mark and I decided to embrace this wonderful cooler weather and take the family apple picking. Hillcrest Orchard is a fun family place a little over an hours drive away. They had all sorts of fun things to do.

First, we picked apples.

Then took a wagon ride through the property. After the ride, Carmella got to milk a cow.

She also got to bounce on some large air pillow and ride in a derby with a tricycle.

Then, to end our time there, we watched a pig race. Carmella even got chosen to stand up on the platform and race a pig. Her pig, Kevin Bacon, lost, but she still came away with a red ribbon for her participation.

Go pigs, go.