Spring Break 2011-Disney and IOA

We had a great spring break this year. We DROVE to Orlando to do Harry Potter World at Islands of Adventure (Luke's 7th bday wish) and then spent a day at Disney World (so Carys wouldn't feel too left out). After all of that excitement we spent a few days in Miami...we didn't even eat Cuban food! We ended our trip with a weekend (Easter) in the mountains with Uncle Mike, Aunt Courtney, the kids, and the Strongs. We had a blast! I will share some pics.

I must say that my idea of vacation has changed somewhat now that I have kids. Rob and I realized this as we ate at the T-REX cafe surrounded by roaring dinos and talking over fake meteor showers...it couldn't have been better. Family vacations are about the kids and family. Right now the kids are young and the trips must be fun. I really find myself longing to escape my daily routine and just get out to do fun trips with the kids. That is what vacation is about...too much cotton candy, late night swimming, cuddling in the afternoons, sunburns, license plate games in the car, silly songs and games, and lots of pictures! I feel like I am taking mental pics every time I head to Miami with my kids. I get to see them in my pre-adult life. I get to see them having some of the same conversations I had with my wonderful grandparents or playing the same games I played with my mom. I get to play with them at the same parks or swings. It is pretty amazing to relive your life as a mom through your kids eyes. I just love it. I feel so fortunate to have that opportunity.

Here are some pics from the first part of our trip...

Cameron basically cried if anyone but me or Rob held him...poor E-mom!

Luke couldn't keep his head up very well around the corners on Thunder Mountain...it was hilarious looking at the pics we got of him!

Carys is a bit of roller coaster lover...so far. It makes me proud!

Cameron's first merry-go-round ride.

Look at those lips!!!

E-mom and Luke of the pteranadon ride

The token shot of the kid sleeping in the stroller during a long day at a theme park.

We got soaked on the Jurassic Park ride...HUGE and surprising drop, but we all survived to tell the tale!

Harry Potter's world would not be complete if we didn't at least try "Butter Beer." It tastes like it sounds...buttery.

Cameron was on the loose outside of the restaurant--finally out of the stroller!

We are about to go inside Harry Potter World!

A whole new look!

Well, I am finally working on my house. The sad part is that I had to send Rob away for the weekend to get it finished! JUST KIDDING! It was very last minute that Rob headed to UT to ski for the weekend. It was also very last minute that I ended up redecorating my whole main level in 2 days! I began painting and moving around some furniture and then voila!, a whole new world!

We began by moving the kitchen table into what is supposed to be the dining room off the front living room. At first it seemed like I lost space, but now I realize that the space was really only being used for toys and storage (ie. mess). I moved all of the toys out of the main level (do not even think I am showing pics of the rest of my house right now). We made a little sitting room in the kitchen...which I LOVE. We will get a TV in there and now I can watch while I cook/bake. My kids can watch Saturday morning cartoons (if we ever have a leisurely Saturday morning again now that sports have taken over our lives). Plus, company can sit comfortably instead of standing around my island while I fuss in the kitchen. We put up new lighting, changed my hardware, and my friend graciously helped me make curtains. In fact, I owe the majority of this redo to her. She has a great eye for decorating and she is beginning a little business so I highly recommend her! The kitchen is a still a work in progress because I have to put 6 ft of wainscot (bead board) around the entire kitchen and redo my counter tops (paint or new laminate). I am also going to paint my stools red and extend my counter top on one end for more stools. I am so excited! I hope you like it.

Imagine white bead board as my back splash and heading half way up my window.

Again, imagine 6 ft of bead board leaving only 3 ft of chocolate on the top!