Our trip to Disney World!!!

We are home,trick or treating and my birthday are now over and I can finally get to an update and downloading the pictures...and Jen really wants to see these:)!! Wow- we had such a wonderful time...I can't say enough, October is such a wonderful time to go! The weather was overcast, mostly cool, lines were short and it was such a blessing while traveling with Hanna to have those advantages.

We left very early in the morning and we were able to see the sunrise on the airplane, that was a true thing of beauty, we will not soon forget! Hanna loved the plane ride, colored and chit chatted with our flight attendant about things she was excited to do. We landed and used Disney's Magical Express to whisk us off to our hotel, no bags, no lines, wonderful! They delivered our bags to our room for us a few short hours later, Joe loved that;).


We stayed at the Disney All Star Movie Resort, it was so fun. A Fantasia pool, Herbie the Love Bug room and great food court. Hanna got a "1st visit" pin when we checked in- she was treated like a princess from the very beginning .....

We visited each park and left 3 days for the Magic Kingdom, which was a good decision, there was so much there she loved, it was time best spent. I underestimated how much she would want autographs and meet every character possible!!! She loved this, no matter how long the line, she wanted to meet everyone. So, we did just that.

We also had some wonderful surprises for her, such as Cinderella breakfast in the Royal Castle. We kept this a surprise from her until the very moment we walked in. The look on her face was priceless. And of course the experience This was amazing, all the trouble booking it was well worth it!!




The Princess Dinner at Akershus Banquet Hall in Epcot was also wonderful! The Princesses were so nice, stopping by each table and talking with us, This is were Hanna got to spend them most time with Sleeping Beauty- her FAVORITE!!


We also did a Winnie-the Pooh buffet at The Crystal Palace. The dining plan was such a great fit for us, I highly recommend it to any family considering it.We had our reservations, no waiting for a table and ate where and when we wanted. It was well worth the money, if only for the stress it takes away, but also, we found it to be a great value.

Some of our favorite things were: The Fantasmic water and fireworks show at Hollywood Studio's- really- this was simply amazing!! The Spectromagic Parade at Magic Kingdom, Story Time with Belle at Magic Kingdom, Lion King Show at Animal Kingdom. Soarin', a flying ride at Epcot, Turtle Talk with Crush, where he talked to Hanna!! There are too many to list...:)

This was truly the best trip we have ever taken, I feel so blessed that we were able to take her at such a magical age. Joe was never able to go as a child and he was so excited that this is something she will cherish forever. So, here are some of my favorite
pictures.....

Hollywood Studio's

The whole family(even PB) and Chip & Dale

I really like this one!

Hanan signed Mickey's autograph book:)

At Epcot

Ariel's Grotto

Joe really likes Donald- I love this one!

She loves her Minnie Mouse Ears!

Fantasmic Show!

And the Winner is......

Hanna got THIRD PLACE!!!!! All her hard work paid off and she was so thrilled to get third place in her pumpkin decorating contest. She received a certificate, ribbon and a $5 gift card to Metropolis Mall. She spent it at- no surprise here- Claire's, her very favorite store. She got two new pair of earrings. She picked butterflies and pearls (to match mommy- how sweet is that?!) It was such a great time!






So, now I am ready for bed, as we head off to Disney World at 5:30AM tomorrow! Look for a new post about the happiest place on earth in a week or so:)

Hanna's first contest!

We were visiting our local library the other day, when our librarian told Hanna about a pumpkin decorating contest!! She had just gotten a pumpkin on our preschool field trip and begged me to enter the competition...she couldn't wait to get started! So, Hanna made the perfect "Hanna " type pupmkin...and is now entry # 3 and can't wait until the judging party on Saturday. Wish us luck!

How about a big fat update?!

I am such a slacker! Well, I think I am recovered enough from my busy weekend- to dish!!

This weekend we celebrated a very special wedding! My childhood friend and fellow Woodsie married her Notre Dame man Bob ;). A beautiful wedding at St. Ben's (where Joe and I got married) was followed by a super fun reception at The Woods. We saw so many friends that we miss often. Hanna and Molly were inseparable as always and Joe, Hanna and I danced the night away- it was just one of those weddings where everyone was just genuinely happy to be there. Congratulations Gail and Bob!


Look at all of these Woodsie's!


My, how we have grown- these were 2 of my best friends at SMWC- Leah (in the white) and Jen (in the black). Look at us now?!

After the wedding we stayed in town at the in-laws. Sunday, after a nice breakfast out with Joe's parents, Hanna's friend Aiden had his birthday party at one of our favorite places: Pumpkin Works. When we lived in town we took Hanna here every year for Pumpkins, hay rides and fun....



Ha- what else have we been up to- we went on our first camping trip a few weeks ago, I had never been, we did the whole shebang- tent, cooked over a fire & went fishing- wow, I wish I went camping when I was a kid! Here are a few pictures...


We have also, had birthday parties galore, the preschool carnival, Heritage Festival days and lots of soccer....
There is always so much going on here, but we are surrounded by love and friends and do the best we can everyday! We are so excited for our trip to Disney World in just a few short days!! This is a special place for Joe & I, we went there on our honeymoon and now to get to take our daughter there is just so exciting. We have a few surprises up our sleeve to help make it magical for her; and Joe and I are looking forward to some much needed family and relaxing time. The next few days will be spent packing, wish me luck!!

*Also, things with my dad are up and down. He is improving in many ways and lagging back in others. He suffered a mini stroke last week that was quite a shock, he was doing so well. But he is back on track, the damage will most likely fade in a few weeks. His goal is walking on his own to come to our house for Thanksgiving. Please keep him in your prayers!!