Sofia, who was five years old in this picture, is desperately wanting a pair of high heels. Of course, she thinks these size 9 women’s high heel boots fit her perfectly and would be great for school.
This mom thinks NOT!
My Stay in Disney’s Cinderella Castle
April 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The first official day of the Disney Social Media Moms conference something magical happened. One of my best blogging friends, Andrea, won a night’s stay in Disney’s Princess Castle.
Right before her number was called in the random raffle drawing, she leaned over to me a whispered, “Forgot the other prizes, the Princess Castle is what I want.” I noticed Crystal was holding her breathe before the final number was called and Andrea was rather quiet too. Then all of the sudden, Andrea is saying “Shut Up.” She reads back the numbers and it is her number! You can see Andrea hopping up to claim her prize.
After winning, she learns she can have up to 6 guests stay with her in the castle. When she asked if I wanted to stay, of course, I said YES!!!! First, I had to ask my aunts if it was okay if I stayed the night as they would have to watch the two little ones. They were emphatic that I go as it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I didn’t even know the Princess Castle existed. You can’t buy your way into the castle even though rich folks and dignitaries have tried. You have to have a special invitation to stay in the most exclusive spot in perhaps the world?
We were whisked away right after the conference sessions at 4 p.m., which made for a completely whirlwind day. I had no idea when I started my day I would end up in the Princess Castle. Considering this was my first time to stay on Disney property and I said at two of the nicest places The Grand Floridian and Cinderella’s Castle, I think I am now spoiled!
Our first guide Sean, explained that we would have our own personal guide around the park and we would be able to shop, eat, ride rides, or just chill in the suite for the evening. Steve, our guide for the evening, was basically our human “Fast Pass.” He was able to get us into even ride we possibly wanted without any wait, which is quite a way to spoil a girl! 🙂
We were also given lawn seats to the Castle/Fireworks show as well as front row seats to the evening parade. These are just a few of the perks of staying in the Castle.
The Cinderella Suite is absolutely fabulous. Upon taking a private elevator up to the suite, you enter into the hallway, where there is detailed artwork, Cinderella’s crystal slipper, and more!
We were welcomed by chocolate, strawberries, and drinks!
The next morning we were brought back to reality after having a magical breakfast with the princesses, which is something anyone can do by making reservations for Cinderella’s Royal Table.
You can see more pictures below:
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Disclosure: I paid to attend the Disney Social Media Conference. In return, I received highly discounted park tickets, hotel, and a gift bag. There was no monetary compensation or posts required in exchange for this package.
Hi, Uncle Billie
October 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
It has been several months but the pain is still there. The questions from the kids are still there. The sadness is still there. It’s a little farther under the surface but it is still there every day.
Often, Eli is the one who mentions randomly how much he misses Uncle Billie and wishes he didn’t die. Sofia said that Uncle Billie is the one who always protected her from my parent’s dogs. He would chuckle at her absurd fear as he held her up far away from the slobbering dogs. He was a huge part of their lives.
Sometimes I forget where I’m at and drive by his grave site. The first time I did Eli rolled down his window and yelled “Hi, Uncle Billie,” out the window. Sofia, of course, chimed in. It wasn’t their usually rowdiness but more of a stoic “Hi.”
Of course, this made me bawl. If I didn’t cry anymore, I would wonder what was wrong with me!
This irony in this is my brother (Uncle Billie) would often drive by our Grandpa Bill’s grave, also his namesake, and honk and yell “Hi, Grandpa.”
My Morning Walk
October 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today’s run started off with the Band Perry if I Die Young song, which broke me out into tears. Note to self, not a good running song! It’s not like my mind doesn’t already go that direction when I’m alone with my thoughts!
Next, a bug flew into my mouth as I was running and got stuck in the back of my throat. I tried to swallow it. I tried to spit it out. It wouldn’t come out. Until, of course, I vomited it up.
I noticed the neighbor’s garage door open so hopefully they didn’t witness any of this. Lucky them if they did! I’m guessing they didn’t because we live in such a friendly neighborhood, they would have asked if I was okay! 🙂
At least I didn’t have to worry about the Nutella calories from my special Nutella pastry I had this morning. Though, I may not be eating Nutella or berries for awhile. Needless to say I ended my run a little early than normal to get home, rinse my mouth, brush extra good and what not.
Then, I kind of laughed because I know my brother would have laughed his ass off to hear that story of me eating the bug. He would have thoroughly enjoyed my misery. He may have even harassed me a little about eating meat.
All the Kids Are in School!
August 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment
It’s that time of year…back to school time! It’s time for parents to breathe a sign of relief or cry. Whatever suits you best!
Of course, the day would NOT be complete without a little friendly teasing from your older brothers…which caused this…
Which I was able to turn into this…
They didn’t even look back…
Britney Spears Concert?
July 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Okay, so it is totally on my 40×40 list – going to a Britney Spears concert. Which, honestly at the time, I wasn’t sure if she would ever tour again. She is coming to Indianapolis but it conflicted with my schedule. There was even a Groupon for the concert.
The stars were so aligned but it wasn’t meant to be.
Maybe, next year?
Indianapolis Indians Game in July
July 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I’m amazed how quickly this summer is passing us by. Most of the spring and summer was consumed with what sometimes seemed to be endless evenings of baseball. While fun, it did make the time fly by.
Since we obviously didn’t get enough Pee Wee or Travel Baseball this season, we took the boys to a Indianapolis Indians game with FREE tickets Bryan won at a golf tourney.
It was hot. I mean hot. Did I say hot?
Like feels like 104 hot.
We did have a slight breeze.
The team gave us a good show. The game was tied 4-4 at the end of the ninth inning. It was fun but not so much fun that we were going to stay all night.
I’m not even sure how the game ended up. It doesn’t matter. What matters is we had fun family time with the boys!
But I must conclude with this funny story.
As we were walking back to our car, we passed the White River Gardens concert. OAR, whoever they are, had performed for the evening. We witnessed a very overly intoxicated woman being pushed in a wheel chair to her car while her husband had a talk with the police. Apparently, it was the talk of the concert.
How embarrassing for her.
Plane Crash Dream
July 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I often have dreams about flying on a plane and it crashing. However, the one I had last night was a new one.
I was sitting in my mini van with my youngest daughter sleeping in her car seat. Weirdly, I was sitting on the street I grew up on in front of my childhood home. When I look up into the sky and see a plane do a twist and came crashing down right in front of us. It didn’t land on our van but it was enough to give the car blow back and I heard myself say in my dream….I’m so sorry honey…
Then I woke up startled.
It was disturbing enough that I remembered all those details. Usually, I never remember my dreams. So I googled it and came up with anxiety over a situation you can’t control.
Does it have to do with my brother’s death? I was on the street that we grew up as children…I have no control over that situation…
You said What?