Trimming the Tree

So for our first Christmas in our new house, we busted out a new tree and new ornaments. Actually the ornaments were old, the teal blue snowflakes were all used as decor for our December wedding 7 years ago. So it was so nice to finally have them on the tree. And the girls loved them. They thought it was a Frozen tree, and if I wasn't over that movie, I probably would have bought some Anna, Elsa and Olaf ornaments. But I was ready to "Let it Go" so we stuck with our tree just the way it was!

I had a hard time with the mantle this year. It got done eventually with a little help from Gigi, but next year it's getting done first. Our summer picture from Busch Stadium sticks out like a sore thumb in these photos. But regardless, trimming the tree was fun. Hattie is finally at an age where she was excited about it. In the days that followed she kept rearranging the ornaments. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of your children is the ultimate gift. It's a shame it only comes once a year. Can't wait for all the Christmas celebrations to begin!

Frozen Party

So I mentioned that we went to see Eric Church the other night...and while we were doing that, the girls were doing this! The YMCA was having a Frozen party...the girls had seen the signs for weeks and were dying to go. Fortunately, I had a babysitter that was happy to take them. Sometimes I think Morgan is still a big kid...er, or an early childhood major in college who just loves to do fun things with little ones!

Anyway, she took the girls and said they had a blast. When I got home there were glittery snowflakes to hang, and the next morning the girls wasted no time telling me all about how much fun they had. Morgan even sent me these pictures of the girls having a great time. We got to go to the concert, they got to meet Elsa...I call that a win, win!

Eric Church is My Homeboy!

This past weekend we went to see Eric Church in concert at the Peoria Civic Center with Jason and Tracy Habrock. We bought the tickets back at the end of April, the day after they went on sale and we were still in the top row...close to the stage, but top row. Matt and Cynthia along with Brandon and Ashley Combs were at the show too, and they were actually behind the stage. But every now and again Eric Church would wonder back there to show them a little love.

This was the first time that Mitch and I had gone to a concert together. He will argue that it's not, but I refuse to count Bret Michaels. He was playing on the lawn by the arch in St. Louis a few years ago, it was free and we were so far away from the stage it doesn't count. Plus we were just there waiting for the fireworks :)

Anyway, I was the designated driver, but still had a wonderful time. He is a fantastic entertainer and I love his songs...no wonder he has the album of the year! I will definitely go see him again, if the chance arrives.

Sunday Funday

Sunday was our last full day in Florida. We decided to stay at the house and take it easy...well as easily as you can with 7 kids in tow. Aunt Carol and Uncle Randy drove over from Sebring to see us, and we had such a nice visit. It was the first time they had seen Jackson and Natalie. I am so glad we were able to spend the day together. The kids spent most of the day in the pool. They just loved that we had a pool right out the back door, and I just loved that the pool was heated!

Later that afternoon Mitch and I went to Downtown Disney to do a little shopping. When we got home we finished laundry and packing up. Monday morning we headed back to the airport. We can't thank Gigi and Papa enough for the wonderful vacation and the memories that will last a lifetime. We are blessed!

Sea World

Looking at all these pictures I'm starting to think I should have made Sea World two separate posts!?!? It was a fantastic day, and I almost think the kids enjoyed Sea World even more than Hollywood Studios. They LOVED it. They were so excited to see all the animals and the shows were a big hit. We started by walking though a small indoor aquarium. And then we headed over to see the Killer Whale show. Having been to Sea World before I knew better than to sit in a "splash zone" especially so early in the day. Mitch and I had gotten to the park before everyone else, so they all came and met us in the stadium. All the kids loved the show, even the babies. Jackson and Natalie clapped and clapped.

After the show we went and had lunch. We did several of the rides. Sea World has a LOT of kiddie rides and a roller coaster that the girls weren't scared to go on. They thought it was great and they were so brave, which gives me hope for our next amusement park excursion. Then we played on the jungle gym/climber. Laura and Jeff took all the big kids up. Somehow Kiersten found her way out with out them. So she and Hattie had a great time going on the huge tunnel slide again and again. Then we went to see the Dolphin show. Excited doesn't even begin to explain it. It was wonderful, with lots of acrobatics and gave us a good break from all the walking around. The girls had some ice cream treats and when it was over, Mitch, Jeff, Papa, Matt and Macy went to ride some of the big roller coasters while the rest of us went to the dolphin exhibit. Somehow, we were there just long enough that the kids weaseled their way to the front, and eventually some dolphins swam by and they got to pet them. I think that was the highlight for the day. After wards we pet the stingrays, met up with the rest of the crew, shopped for some souvenirs and headed home. I think Sea World will definitely be on our list of things to do next time we are in Orlando.

Disney Day 2

On Day 2, Aunt Laura, Uncle Jeff and Natalie had joined us for the fun! Gigi had Disney shirts/outfits for the kids and so we just had to get a picture of them all together ready for a fun day at Hollywood Studios. Day 1 had resulted in another late night and on Day 2 were up again and ready to go at 7 AM...I was expecting a meltdown or two, but honestly...the kids did better than great. They were rockstars. The little's napped in their strollers when they needed too, but all in all. We couldn't have had any better than what they gave.

We did tons of shows. We started with the Muppets 3D adventure, and then on to Indiana Jones. I wasn't sure my kids would really like it, but they thought the stunts and fires were awesome. After that we settled in for a quick lunch. Then it was on to The Tower of Terror, where once again Leah had a meltdown. We did the Belle show, the Ariel show, the Frozen show...Some of us twice (Gigi and Bug). We saw just about everything they had to offer except the Toy Story and Disney Junior attractions. The wait times were just too long.

We all made it to the 6:30 show of Fantasmic...and all I can say is WOW! It was an amazing water and light show. So cool, the girls absolutely loved it. After that Matt and Cynthia took Colby and Jackson home. The rest of us headed to the other side of the Park to see the Osborne family lights...again, WOW! Mitch's aunt Nancy, is a Disney fanatic and she told us we had to see them. And she was right. If you are ever planning to visit Disney in November or December it is a must. Leah, Kiersten, Hattie and Macy were dancing in the streets. Even Aunt Laura and Nat Nat, got in on the action. And then it "snowed" on them...which was actually tiny bubbles. The girls were in awe...so was I. It was breathtaking.

After we returned to the house, we found that Papa had made dinner for us all. Spaghetti and garlic bread. And even after a second full day at Disney the kids had enough energy for a swim. Aunt Laura, Mitch and I got in the pool for a little bit too. Needless to say, Day 2 was a success!