Reconnecting with old friends

We finally got some good weather again so we took advantage and headed back to the beach. I've been thinking about how lucky I am to be blessed with some amazing ladies in my life. Here's one of them, my friend Laura, she is wonderful. We were on the swim team together in high school so let's just say we've know each other for a long time. We lost touch for quite while and connected again last summer. This summer we've been hanging out a lot and our girls get along just as fabulously as we do. I love it! I always imagined that we would be mom friends together and now we are.

Here's our girls...relaxing at the beach just like their moms. If Gillian would just turn her bag around it could be a Sun Chip commercial, right?

We've hit the terrible twos

My daughter is so sweet...absolutely well she used to be but all of a sudden she turned two and she really did become a terrible two. We've been spending a lot of time with family and every time she cries or throws a fit they'll say, "What's wrong she's never like that?" Then someone makes the excuse that she must just be tired. I don't want to admit it to them but that's what she's like all the time lately. I'm hoping she'll be back to her sweet self soon.I mean look at this expression. It just says it all. She is ready to cause some kind of trouble.

My father in law

My father in law lost his battle with Mesothelioma. On July 21, 2009 Bill passed away peacefully as he slept. My husband was there by his side and talked to him as he took his last breaths. I am amazed at how strong Bill was and by all he went through to prolong his life. Near the end when asked knowing all that you went through was it worth it...he said "I had to try."Bill was a character and I never really knew what was going to come out of his mouth. Talking with him was always an adventure. My hubby was always amused by the things that his dad would tell me. I think Bill was trying to get some good reations from me. He was good to me and always made me feel like part of his family. I will truely miss him.

Here's some pics with his granddaughters who he loved with all his heart. I just wish they could have gotten to know their grandfather as they became young women but I know he will be watching over them as they do.

Happy 5th Birthday Gillian!

Yesterday was my oldest daughters birthday and I can't believe that she is 5! It went so fast!!! We spent the day at the beach and then off to Friendly's for dinner and ice cream. We also spent the whole weekend celebrating. Kids and birthdays are exhausting fun. Above is celebrating with the family. Here are all six cousins enjoying cake.

This one is some fun with friends.


Here's a picture on the day she was born. I can't believe that I have a five year old. How did she get from so tiny to such a big girl.

Happy Birthday Gillian!

Some of the best of the rest of Disney

So here are a few more magic moments from our time at Disney. I couldn't resist sharing some more of our fun so here is part 2 of my Disney post. I could go on forever but here are some more of the highlights My girls relaxing on Minnie's couch in her house. She has a lot of cheese in her fridge.
Gillian and Alyssa too loved the Golden Carousel. I think because in some way it's connected to the princesses because they played all the songs on it.

I think some of my favorite times were the silly little moments that could happen anywhere but they were happening in Disney so they are special too.

Getting messy with ice cream on a SUPER hot day.

Playing in the kiddie pool at the Pop Century Resort

These pictures below are a few more Disney moments from the parks

Alyssa is striking a pose by with Mickey behind her and the brooms from Fantasia.

Gillian and I on the Aladdin magic carpet ride. She thought it was very cool that she could make it go up and down and actually so did I.

Taking a picture in front of the Epcot ball and yes Gillian is asleep.

Character Crazy

We are back from Disney and it was truly a magical vacation and the getaway that we needed. It was a lot and we are all exhausted. I feel like I need another vacation from my vacation. We had too much fun to put it all into one post so I'm starting with the characters. I do have to say that seeing the characters was one of my favorite parts. My girls loved it too as you can tell by their faces.

Here's dinner with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Alyssa had a special bond already with Tigger and has a stuffed animal she sleeps with every night and was amazed when he rubbed nose to nose with her. The giggles were priceless.

We also did dinner with the princesses and each girl got to get up close with their favorite. For anyone who is going I would recommend doing a character meal. It is worth it.

Last but not least here's Mickey. You can't visit Disney and not see the mouse :)