Random February

We didn't plan on buying Audrey a dollhouse yet, but a miscommunication on a neighborhood post led to me buying her a giant dollhouse for $50. She loved it and plays with it regularly.

I wore this outfit for Sarah's first Valentine's Day and now she's old enough to wear it. Le sigh!

Sarah and her girlfriend went stag to the sweethearts dance. 

None of our kids have wanted to be pilots, but there may still be hope with Audrey. 

Sarah's friend Eliza was involved in some boy drama. He broke up with a boy and the boys new girlfriend started to harass her. They decided that good, old fashioned toilet papering was in order. Sarah came into my room around 10 and asked if she could go with, and I said yes. There is far too little wasted TP these days. Eliza's mom Harmony drove them and kept watch. 

Forced February Fun- Sledding at Mountain Dell

 Sometimes Mike and I are "mean" parents. We force them to do things they don't want to do in the moment, but will appreciate once forced into it. We had a Saturday void of anything scheduled, so we decided to take the kids sledding. (Sarah was busy) The boys didn't want to go, and Adam even stayed in the car for a bit after arriving, but a (non) miraculous thing happened. THEY HAD FUN! I should mention that they almost always have fun. Adam made a gigantic snowman and then made a giant turtle thrown when it fell over. 

Disney Day 7- Hollywood Studios

 I feel like I've been lackluster in my posting about Disney World and feel kind of bad. I 1000% know that we are incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to rent an amazing house in a warm state and spend six days at at popular theme parks. I hope I don't seem whiny or ungrateful. I've simply come to realize that although I like theme parks, I struggle with crowds and my kids inherited our nonchalance for all things Disney. I hope my Disney loving descendants will forgive me for being "No Fun Liz."

We ended the trip with a day at Hollywood Studios. The goal was obviously to see the new Star Wars ride. We waited for over three hours. I've never waited that long for a ride, and probably won't again. It was cool, but probably only worth an hour in my lame opinion. ;) 

 I told Audrey I wouldn't buy her an overpriced bubble maker or a balloon, so she asked money bags Sarah, who spoils her. We hope she isn't too spoiled, but it's hard when there are so many people to dote on her. 

Orlando Day 6- Universal Studios part deux

 On Monday we visited Universal Studios for the second time. Audrey and I hung out and went on the ET ride while Mike and the big kids rode the bigger rides. 

We took the kids to Mel's Diner for lunch, which is where Mike and I were having dinner when we decided to elope. The other kids had scattered when we took the picture, but Audrey wasn't too cool for us. 

Harry Potter World was a madhouse, but we still visited it and got some Butterbeer. :)

Orlando Day 5- Church, Courthouse and swimming with reptiles

 On Sunday we found a local congregation to visit. I always love going to church in other places and feeling the same Spirit. 

Mike and I were married in the Kissimmee, Florida Courthouse on April 21, 2004. Best impulse decision we ever made. We took the kids for a photo op after church. 

We then spent the rest of the day relaxing by our private pool. The kids starting catching lizards and toads and made a small colony of them. 

Orlando Day 4- Magic Kingdom

 On our fourth day we went to Magic Kingdom. We started with our obligatory matching shirt picture. In the first set we got everyone, but I didn't love them because of the sun and all the photo bombers. We took them again in another location and looked great, except we were missing Tommy, which we didn't realize until after. I'm glad my family puts up with me. ;)

The girls and I waited a LONG time to see the princesses. We thought of leaving multiple times, but were sure the line would move. Sarah and Audrey really wanted to see Rapunzel, so we waited. 

All the big kids went on Space Mountain, and then I did a kid swap and was reminded that I'm no fun and it isn't actually my thing. ;) The lines were long, but we were together and enjoyed our time.