Carousel of Life

As Elliana reminds me, like a carousel, life keeps going and sometimes seems to be going round and round and up and down, but as long as we do it with a smile we are much more likely to enjoy the ride.

Disney World in a Nutshell

We recently returned from a week in the Happiest Place on Earth...Walt Disney World. I admit, this wasn't our first family trip but it still held the magic and wonder for all of us as if it were the first time.

Elliana, now 2.5 years old, added to the excitement T.J. and I already felt about vacation. For weeks leading up to our trip, Elliana would ask every day if we were going to Disney World that day. And, upon actually landing in Florida, our excited daughter ran through the airport in circles yelling, "Come on, let's go. We are going to Disney World!"

The magic began instantly on the bus, in the hotel lobby and Elliana nearly flipped when she saw that there was a Mickey Mouse towel on our beds. I almost cried with excitement just watching her take it all in.

After checking into our hotel, we wasted no time (even though we all could have used a nap, but were too excited to sleep) and went straight to the Magic Kingdom. Before we even got through the tunnels into the main park, the characters were practically waiting to greet us.

The adventures continued all week long. We enjoyed watching opening day ceremony where Mickey and the gang rode into the park on the steam train, and Elliana and Daddy eagerly waved to their favorite characters. I just kept snapping photos as the smiles on my family's faces were far too precious to miss.

We enjoyed watching Elliana meet her favorite Princesses and have some quality time with pictures. I can't count the number of photos we have of us and various characters! :)

We enjoyed broadway quality shows, inside, outside and even in the rain. In our matching Disney ponchos...somehow just made it all more fun.

We celebrated 7 years of marriage as only Disney can. Cupcakes and personalized card at breakfast, 2 character meals, large ice cream cones and a special cake with a candle for dessert.

We rode rides, fought villians, rose into the sky and spun in tea cups. And after each ride, we heard Elliana whisper with excitement, "Let's do that again! That was fun!"

And, Daddy's goofiness finally rubbed off onto Elliana. I knew it was bound to happen...and I suppose during pictures with Goofy was the perfect time.

Overall, this Momma had an absolutely AMAZING vacation building memories and a lifetime of laughter.

Disney World Update

We've been in the Happiest Place on Earth for 4 days now, and I think
it's safe to say I haven't seen Elliana more happy than she has been
this week, and she's a happy kid!!

Wedgie Tales Song

Ellliana is at the age where she likes to sing. I hear it through the baby monitor. I hear it all day long, in the car, around the house, even at the doctor's office, my daughter serenades us with her favorite song. I now hear it in my sleep. And, because she is so remarkably cute in her singing efforts, I had to share it with you as well.

Enjoy the Veggie Tales song, or as Elliana says, "the Wedgie Tales song"!

The beauty of friendship

Recently, my dear friend Kelly brought me roses. It wasn't my
birthday, anniversary or any other special day to acknowledge. In
fact, it was just a Thursday. It made my day.

As I stare at the roses unfold, I am reminded of the beauty of my
female friendships. The beauty of talking, of both big and small
subject matter and the trust knowing those conversations are kept
confident. The joy of laughing about our parenting adventures, and I
admit, our mistakes along the way. The comfort of knowing I always
have an additional shoulder to lean on, even cry on if needed.

I strive to continuously be a better friend to my friends, and I am in
awe and utter appreciation for the friends that God has blessed me
with. And these flowers remind me of that blessing.