Disney 2015 - take 2

Here we are again.

In March we took our first WDW vacation.  It was so much much fun we decided to do it all over again, but this time closer to Christmas.

The kids knew a trip was happening but didn't quite know when.   We started our journey by driving to Syracuse Thursday night.  After a quick dinner at Ruby Tuesdays and a breif stop at a very busy Walmart we ended our day at the Marroitt where we all crashed for the night.

I had so many last minute thoughts racing through my head I didn't sleep much.

Re: first flight with kids, excitement of Disney,  did we remember everything?

Friday morning we ate the standard 'free'hotel breakfast then made our way to the airport.   After unloading our gear in the underground parking we decided it was time to tell them.

All along we had told them we were headed to a new Aquariuim. :)

As an emotional me told told them,

All three jumped for joy! 

Christopher "why are you crying, Mommy?"

Security and boarding was super easy at Syracuse airport and we will do it again in a heartbeat.

Sophia and Christoper were seated in front of myself and Charlotte.  Jason was in the row across from us. (Lucky)

Basically it was me  #team3 and trying to keep #team3 from bothering other passengers.

The excitement of taking off into the air quickly passed.  It was not a relaxing flight for me whatsoever.  I already get motion sickness so trying to stay focused, answer questions, keep the iPads connected to the i-fly, manage the never ending flow of drinks and snacks, answer more questions and remind my kids there are other people sitting around us so not to kick the seats. 

Of course smiling and thanking everyone that mentioned Charlotte's hair. :)

Flight decends and we arrive into the sunshine and Palm trees of Florida.

We make our way to this subway like shuttle service to the Main building.  We opted to spend the night in the fancy Hyatt located inside Orlando International airport. 

This hotel is like none we have ever stayed in.  Beautiful, HUGE and probably the best service.  We dropped off our luggage only to notice they had us in a King room.  No extra bed.  

A quick stop at the lobby and they switched us up to a king suite with pull out couch.  (For free) (bonus) When we came back from dinner they had come in and set up a roll out bed.  Immediately causing a fight between the older two of course as to who was sleeping on it. .  Nonetheless it was an amazing gesture and all three kids had a nice generous space to sleep in.

Bedtime was 6:30 pm for all of us.  Tomorrow we jump on the magical express and head to our final destination.

Thanksgiving 2015.

What a great day to celebrate Thanksgiving. The perfect fall weather and dinner with the family. Come home to watch Charlie and the chocolate factory with Sophia and Christopher only to have them fall  sleep shortly after from all the fresh air today. I'm so blessed to have healthy kids and a amazing group of friends and family!

Happy Thanksgiving 2015.

Now that I'm 6.

Ever since Sophia turned 6 she's been totally interested in things that Are age appropriate to her.  Starting each sentence with:  'since I'm 6 can I ...?'

And then letting her siblings know that's she's older because she's 6.

July 4th 2015

Today is July the 4th.

Started out celebrating Kylans 4th birthday at the Frankford splash pad.  Many of Christopher's nursery school friends were there.  What a beautiful

day for it.  

After the party we headed to

Quinte Isle to meet up with the Bouffards and the Cowies. 

Of course we stopped at Shroaders bakery on the way for some fried donuts. 

Had a great visit catching up.  It's so nice to have like minded friends.   Talking about homeschooling and parenting.  We are so lucky to call these families our friends.

First Family Camping Trip

This past weekend we decided to pack up and try camping.

We ended up booking at Wellsley Island State Park for two night.  For about $20.00 a night we thought it was an amazing deal.

Friday we arrived and Chris was in full helper mode.  He's such a good little boy.  We unpacked and unwound by the fire. 

Indulged on copious amounts of marshmallows and chocolate. 

That night it was rough getting the kids to sleep as there was no way to block the sun.  By 10pm they were sound asleep.  

Up at 6am we had coffee and breakfast on the cookstove.  I was able to catch a quick power nap from 8-10 am.  :). Jason  took the kids for wood.

We headed to the marina to rent a boAt for a few hours where we tried fishing and exploring the beautiful thousand islands.   Charlotte smiled the entire time. At first Chris was terrified.  Terrified of sharks and big fish.  With a lot of talk we convinced him he was safe.

We ended our boat ride with a water fight.  It was freeeeeeeezing but the kids loved it.

We headed back to the camp and changed into bathing suits and headed to the man made sandy beach.  The water was brutally cold so we only last about 15 minutes. 

Back to the site where Jason and I quickly showree she changed.  

We decided to take the kids to the local go kart track in Alexandria Bay. It was so much fun. Even Charlotte had the opportunity to go around the track with daddy.  A last-minute decision we ended up heading to Watertown for dinner at the Cracker Barrel. It's my favorite place. After which we headed to target for some shopping and of course alcohol pit stop at Walmart.  We then headed back to the campground.

It was around 9 PM so we started a fire just sat around and chatted before heading to bed around 10 Pm.

It rained pretty hard that night and we all woke up soaked.  We quickly packed up everything and headed back home.

So fun and we can't wait to go

Again. 

Great Wolf Lodge

Last Wednesday we packed up the kids for a surprise visit to GWL.   The way there we told them we'd be staying in a hotel (they love hotels)

They had no idea and the a surprises on their faces were priceless.   We ended up

also using the arcade and mini bowling ally.  Of course , along with the giant water park.  Since it was a weekday it was quiet so no line upS!

Hot coffee?

I don't think I've finished a full coffee yet?  Started out ok but ended up with Charlotte swarming around my mug like a little honey bee.

December is here all over again.  We started ramping up

Christmas pretty much mid November.

This years tree once again purchased from Switzers.  

This year is going to be another fantastic Christmas filled with family, friends and lots of good food.

Sophia has asked for a Woody doll and Christopher has asked for a Buzz light year figurine.

Our elf of the shelf Hank appeared a couple weeks ago.