More Disney pictures! Florida in March

A Drizzly Disney

We had a fun time showing Disney World/Magic Kingdom to my sister Shannah, who is visiting from CA. We chose a day that the kids didn't have any tests (FCATs), so Friday was supposed to be a great day to go. Well, we woke up to heavy rains, but couldn't change our plans. So... we braved the elements and spent the day in rain ponchos to have a very fun day. The wet weather didn't slow us down, and even helped us discover some small shops and little enclaves we wouldn't have appreciated otherwise. And the lines were amazingly short!! Worth the tromp in the cold and wet. I think Shannah enjoyed herself too. Pictures tell it all.

Our Winter 2009-2010

Wow, it's been just about 6 months since I've written last. It's humorous that my last blog correlates right when school got into full swing! It's been a busy last months, and I apologize especially to my family and long distance friends for staying so out of touch.

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving camping up on the Suwannee river near the Florida/Georgia border. We had my inlaws, Royle and Sue Johnson, for the week, who were quite the troopers driving all over Florida and camping in the cold! We also camped next to our good friends, Mark and Jill Nelsonand children, and their extended family. It was a blast, and a cultural experience too (Lots of golf carts, camoflage, shot guns, country music and RVs!).

Christmas was spent in Florida, away from our CA families. It was sobering to be so far away, but we had a very relaxing and memorable holiday. The highlight was a trip to St. Augustine, where we stayed in the Pirate Haus, in the center of historical district. The pictures tell it all. What a great way to spend New Years and Kevin's 41st birthday!!!

January was Aaron's 11th birthday, with a party of 6 11 year old boys driving bumper cars, playing laser tag, and eating pizza and ice cream. And of course, there was "Marshmellow King's birthday", as Lily called Martin Luther King's birthday.

February was Bethany's 14th birthday! We can't believe our oldest child can go to dances, babysit, cook dinner and is applying for High School! Ahhhh. Not ready for this yet. This month, Kevin and I celebrated Valentine's Day by driving to Tampa to attend the Broadway musical of "Wicked" which is now a family favorite. Our children love the music, and even I am beginning to tire of "Popular!"

March is just beginning, but has begun with a bang!! My sister Shannah is visiting from California, and we are enjoying a family member's presence immensely. Aaron just competed in his 4th year of Odyssey of the Mind, and his team took FIRST PLACE in the Regional competition!!! First time ever that his elementary school has taken First! I was lucky enough to co-coach this team, and now we are off to the State competition in April. Just when I thought we'd get a breather!! Oh, well. It's all very exciting, despite the enormous amount of time and energy spent. At least it all seems like it's worth it with a winning place!