We Survived Disney!

However, haven't fared so well since returning home. Claire, Ella and Mike all came down with the flu this week (the reason why it has taken me so long to post this blog entry). So much for spring sunshine and fresh air!

Here's the boat

We had a great time on our first family vacation aboard the Disney Wonder, despite a few temper tantrums and tears. The food was fabulous and the shows were spectacular. The weather wasn't the best while we were on the cruise - temperatures in the 60's and very windy - so we were unable to dock at Castaway Cay (Disney's private island) on Tuesday. We did stop at Nassau on Monday and went to the Atlantis Resort and Acquarium.

Ella at the acquarium

Ella and Alivia with a huge fish

Since we had two days at sea there was lots of time to visit with the characters (Ella was in heaven when she met Cinderella)...

Ella and Micky

Ella and Minnie

Ella, Belle, and baby Cinderella

Ella, Cinderella and baby Cinderella

All of us with Pluto

....and play in the pool.

Mike and Ella in Micky's pool - freezing

On Thursday we arrived back at Port Canaveral and checked into the Carribean Beach Resort at Disney World. The weather was much better, so we spent the afternoon at the beach area and pool. Thursday night we ate dinner and hung out at Downtown Disney.

Ella at the beach in Barbados

Ella on the train at Downtown Disney

On Friday it was off to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot (because MK closed at 7:00 for a Senior Grad Night Party and we wanted to see the fireworks). We rode every ride that Ella was tall enough for, including her very first roller coaster - the Barnstormer in Mickey's Toontown - she loved it!

All of us in front of Cinderella's Castle

Ella in Bruce's (Finding Nemo) mouth

Saturday was bitter-sweet, we weren't ready to leave the warm weather and sunshine (luckily there was more of that back home), but couldn't wait to see Claire Bear (who had a wonderful time bonding time with her grandparents).

Our next vacation, if there is one, will be adults only!

Spring is (Finally) Here!

The girl's and I spent Sunday afternoon playing on the swingset in the backyard - Claire loved the swing and Ella just loved being able to play outside again.


Claire was 7 months old last Thursday. She loves to eat and is clapping, blowing razberries and making kissing sounds. She is rolling both ways and I don't think it will be long before she is crawling and pulling herself up to stand.

Ella continues to try our patience on a regular basis - a note to all the new parents out there: you thought the "terrible two's" were bad, just wait until they turn three! We've been asking her what she wants to be when she grows up - Mike wants her to be a professional golfer and I was thinking a doctor - she says she is going to be a princess.

We leave for Florida next weekend! We will be on the Disney Wonder cruise ship Sunday through Thursday, at the Magic Kingdom on Friday, and then back home on Saturday. It's been a long time since we've been on a vacation, so we're really looking forward to it. This will be Ella's first "real" vacation and plane ride. It will also be the longest we've been away from Claire. Stay tuned - the next blog entry will be all about our trip!