Disney World - Magic Kingdom

I can't believe I'm just posting our pics from Disney World. I'm only 2 months late! We had a fantastic trip and were so proud of Hayden for doing so well. He was a fantastic traveler and did great with the long days. He even took a 2-3 hour nap each afternoon in his stroller while we were in the park! We spent several days at Magic Kingdom, so here are some pictures from the park. I have to warn you, I added quite a few posts and lots of pictures!

It's a Small World was the first ride we rode and Hayden still talks about it. Here he's taking it all in!

Animal Kingdom

Although I had been to all the other Disney parks in the past, none of us had ever been to Animal Kingdom. It was really crowded, but we still got to see and do a lot. We tried out the new roller coaster, Expedition Everest, which was my favorite. Hayden enjoyed the petting zoo area and riding the train.

Tree of Life

Riding the Kilimanjaro Safari bus

Rhino

Here's a crazy ostrich that blocked our path during the safari. He did not want to move!

Petting area

Hollywood Studios

We spent one day at Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM). Hayden had a blast at the Playhouse Disney live show. It was so much fun! I loved watching his face light up as his favorite characters came on stage. Gramma and Grampa watched Hayden so Michael and I could ride some of the thrill rides. We loved the Rockin' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror!

"Rocket" from Little Einsteins

This isn't the greatest pic, but it's from the live Playhouse Disney show.

Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground

Hayden's Disney Friends

We didn't know how Hayden would react to all the Disney characters. He knew a few from tv, but you never know what an almost 2 year old will do when he sees one in person. Well, he wasn't scared of any character we saw (other than Mater) and he excitedly ran up and hugged them all! I think meeting the characters was his favorite part of the trip. He also met Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and others, but those pictures are on my parents' camera.

A cheesy smile with Tigger

Note how comfy Hayden looks. He would have sat there all day. King Louie didn't want to let him go either!

He had to hug Pocahontas! She was beautiful.

Hayden and Pocahontas

Handy Manny - One of Hayden's favorites!

Little Einsteins

JoJo

Hayden was really excited to meet Mater...until he drove out and left his motor running. It was really loud and Hayden was scared. I had to go with him, and he was still reluctant!

Pop Century Resort

This is where we stayed the week we were in Disney. The theming was really neat, and Hayden loved walking around and exploring. Each building is themed around a specific decade and has gigantic replicas of toys and other memorabilia from that decade. If you're planning a trip and are looking for a reasonably priced Disney resort, I would highly recommend this one!

Coming Home

Unfortunately every vacation must come to an end. Although the week was busy and even a little tiring, we had such a great time, so we weren't ready to leave just yet. Maybe we'll go back in a few years . . .

Orlando International Airport

The beautiful view from our seat on the plane

Hayden checking out our plane after landing in Memphis

10 Things

Well, today has been a great day. Here is my "thankful" list...

1. Michael got a job offer today from Jimco! He is actually starting tomorrow!

2. I'm thankful for caring friends who have said lots of prayers for us.

3. I'm thankful that Michael had several weeks to work on the house.

4. And that we've now finished the half bath and the den.

5. I'm thankful that God's timing is always perfect.

6. And that He always takes care of us.

7. Tonight was pizza night, which meant no cooking for me!

8. We shopped at Hobby Lobby tonight, too. I love that store!

9. Hayden and I had a lot of fun at the library today.

10. We have new library books now. (I can only read a book so many times!)

Hayden's 10 Things

I love saying prayers with Hayden before we lay him down at night. We've done this since he was tiny, and we've always said thanks for Mommy, Daddy, etc, but now he's starting to pray with us and tell us what he's thankful for. So this week, I thought I would list some of the things Hayden mentions when we pray.

Hayden is thankful for...

1. Super Reader and Super Why (PBS show - I'm not sure why, but he always says this first!)
2. airplanes
3. bed
4. pacis (yes, we still have them)
5. new house
6. Bible class
7. Mommy
8. Daddy
9. Cooper
10. toys

There are many more, but these are 10 that come up most of the time when he's saying his prayers. I think we can learn a lot about being thankful from a 2 year old!

Ten Things Tuesday

Okay, I have to be honest. I've avoided writing this post like the plague, which is why I've skipped the past couple of Tuesdays. With all we have been dealing with the past couple of weeks, I thought I might have trouble thinking of 10 things to be thankful for. I really hate to admit that, but I AM human, and sometimes tend to see the glass half empty rather than full. But, I figure there's no better way to see the glass half full than by thinking of all you have to be thankful for, so here goes...10 things I'm thankful for as a result of Michael being home with us for the past few weeks.


1. First of all, I am so thankful for all of Michael's former HVAC technicians who spent hours one evening installing our new heat and air system and wouldn't let us pay them a dime. That meant the world to us!


2. We have gotten a LOT of work done on the house. Yippee! (Don't get too excited...we have so much more still to do. If we're done by Christmas I'll be thrilled!)


3. Our living room is (mostly) complete!


BEFORE - Notice the beautiful, stained carpet!AFTER

4. The dining room is, too! Well, at least the floor and paint. This isn't the furniture that will stay, but it works for now.

BEFOREAFTER

5. We took a family outing to the zoo in the middle of the week. Great weather and no crowds!

6. I've been able to run errands when needed and leave Hayden home with Michael. Since MDO is out for the summer, this has been nice!

7. Sleeping in...need I say more!?

8. Family lunchtime - Michael was cutting grapes for Hayden and got creative. Hayden thought it was the best. A grape snowman in June...what could be better?

9. We finally got Hayden's birthday present (a sand and water table) out and put it together last week. It's been sitting in our garage for over a month! Hayden's expression was priceless when he saw it. He kept saying "Gears! Gears!" in the most excited voice!

10. Although I'm not thankful for this situation, I am thankful that because of it, I have a great opportunity to develop patience, faith, and perseverence. Although it's difficult, I'm learning everyday to wait on God and know that He is taking care of us.