Epcot with the Grandparents

Thursday, November 14th

The weather our 2nd day at Disney was SO much better!  The temps were in the low 70’s (as opposed to the low 50’s the day before) and the sun was brightly shining!  We packed the car since we’d be heading home at the end of the day and after eating at our resort we boarded the bus for Epcot.

Epcot is a much different park from the Magic Kingdom yet we enjoy it for so many reasons!  Hannah’s choice for our first ride was Figment which is a cute, light-hearted ride.  Once we rode that our FP+ reservations meant we could ride Soarin’ which is one of our all-time favourite rides!  I love to watch and listen to Hannah as she giggles, talks and squeals with glee during this ride!  As it ends the riders applaud every-single-time!  Love that!!

We took some time to ride The Nemo Ride

then headed over to another favourite:  Test Track!  Love Hannah’s face in this pic!  Yes, she’s my adventurous little sweetie!!

We enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips at the UK pavilion then wandered around the world enjoying the sites of the beautiful pavilions.  After lunch we wandered to the next pavilion and enjoyed ice cream in France.

Hannah enjoyed teasing Mommy and wearing my jacket.

After stopping to do our final souvenir shopping we grabbed some popcorn for ‘supper.’  These pictures have a funny story behind them.  Here Hannah and Papa share some popcorn. 

If you look closely in the background you’ll see that they rounded up the troops to clean up us after we left.

Another successful Disney trip was behind us and we enjoyed it as much as we always do.  I cannot express how precious these memories are that we are creating.  Hannah may not remember the details someday other than through pictures but the blessing is that we have those memories that we were blessed to create together!

Thanks for another wonderful Florida trip together Grandma, Grandpa, Nana and Papa!  We love sharing this week with all of you!   WE LOVE YOU!!!

A Day at the Magic Kingdom

(Wed, Nov 13, 2013)

Wednesday was a cool, windy day but that didn’t deter us.  We layered up and set out for a day of Magic Kingdom fun!  Dad made sure all the important gear was loaded into the van.  I love the look on Hannah’s face as she looks up at her silly Grandpa!

We arrived at Pop Century and were excited to pick up our MagicBands (MBs) set out for the park!  (Disney is not yet shipping MBs internationally so Canadians and other international visitors pick up their bands at their resort.)

Hannah is an old pro at using MBs and helped to teach Grandma, Grandpa and Papa the new routine.

LOL!  Can you tell Hannah was excited to be back?  This girl loves Disney as much as her Mommy does!

Official family shot in front of the castle.

Hannah and Nana going for a spin…before we were told this isn’t allowed.  Oops!

Flashback 2010

So many Christmas decorations for our tree!  Mommy, can we take them all home?  (Umm…no. )We had fun sharing the day together at the Magic Kingdom and then headed over to the Polynesian Resort to enjoy supper at the Kona Cafe.

Mmmm…dessert!  So many delicious ones to choose from.

After supper Hannah and Mommy went back to the Magic Kingdom to meet up with a bloggy friend and her family while the older crowd headed back to our rooms and rested up for the following day’s fun at Epcot.

Up next ~ meeting a new bloggy friend!

A Week of Florida Fun with the Grandparents!

Hannah and I have travelled to The Villages for our annual visit with the grandparents for 4 years now and each year it’s a wonderful vacation!  The 6 of us spend quality time together visiting local sites, scooting around in the golf cart, visiting Disney and shopping ‘til we drop! 

I am thankful that not only does Hannah enjoy shopping, she enjoys window shopping.  We can easily spend hours in stores and she doesn’t ask for anything most times although there are exceptions to that for sure!  Early on Nana taught her the skill of ‘holding something and then putting it back’ and it’s still something we do.  I learned this from her years ago and use the time walking around the store to decide if I really want to buy something.   Hannah gets lost in books that she carefully reads as we make our way through the store and then we put them back on the shelf.  It’s a great skill to have and so helpful when I’m not always having to say ‘no’ to her.

These were pretty common sight last week.   

As Canadians we cannot beat the deals we get on purchases made shopping in the US and both Sharon and I made dents in our Christmas shopping lists. 

The week that we visit we rent a second golf cart so the 6 of us hop on the carts and off we go!  This is such fun especially since we leave cool fall temps at home.

This video gives you a glimpse into how we make our way around the villages – and why we don’t want to go home at the end!  You’ll notice we’re one of the many golf cart paths that run beside major roads, the main road to our left and a golf course to my right.  And, if you look carefully at the spot where I show the mirror you’ll see that a regular part of Hannah’s golf cart riding is that it puts her to sleep!  I have lost track of the number of times she’s napped in the cart!

A break from shopping at one of our favourite restaurants.  Mmmm!  Still miss Olive Garden now that they are no longer in Canada. 

The result of all this shopping?  THIS!!  Thanks for your help Hannah!

Hannah is wearing an adorable little outfit that our friends Lisa and Briana just shared with her.  So cute!  Thanks Lisa!!

A Special Treat!

Hannah and I have enjoyed a busy week and are now tucked safely away in The Villages, FL for our annual visit with Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Papa.  We’re having a great time!

While Hannah naps peacefully in the golf cart after a busy morning of shopping,

Mommy is inside moving bags and the stroller into the van.  She is oblivious to the fact that in just a few hours we’ll be here:

She’s going to freak because she doesn’t think we’re going to Disney until Wednesday.  It’s hard to surprise my sweetie with anything Disney but I have a feeling today will be one of those days!  Fun!!

So, we’re off!  Will check in again soon.