Snow falls in Georgia

For the first time in years, we had snow in our area. We had several inches fall throughout the day---which was quickly "used up" by sledding and snow man making. Here are a few pictures from the day today.

Disney World!

We have just returned from a weekend in Florida at Disney World and EPCOT. Dave ran the Disney Half-Marathon on Saturday morning. His parents flew in from PA to join us for the weekend as well. A good time was had by all. We were able to see my cousin Ryan at Downtown Disney on Friday night. We haven't seen him in a while so it was great to catch up. We spent Saturday at EPCOT seeing kid-friendly exhibits while the big kids did things like Test Track. We had planned on staying for the fireworks but rain arrived instead. Oh well. Abby fell asleep anyhow so we just headed on out after the kids rode Test Track one last time. While the big kids and I were on a ride earlier in the day, the little ones were able to meet Mulan. I missed the whole thing! But when we exited the China movie, Mulan was coming through and stopped to talk with them again. I got a picture that time (kind of blurry) so was pleased. Sunday was spent at the Magic Kingdom. Seeing as how it is January, the lines were really short. I was amazed. We have only been to Disney in the summertime so are used to waiting for 30-45 min. for a ride. We were able to ride most of Fantasyland in an hour this time! Wow! After a fun-filled yet busy day, we headed to the Grand Floridian for the Cinderella Gala dinner. We were promised Cinderella but the remainder of the characters can be different each time. Well, we had Cinderella, Prince Charming, Stepmother, and both Stepsisters----all in character the whole time. Anna Grace was so fascinated she did not eat anything! She had to be prompted to eat so she could have ice cream (which she was eyeing). The pictures may show that the girls were scared or indifferent. However, they were so in awe they didn't know what to do! We headed back to the Magic Kingdom for the fireworks before heading back to the hotel. Both girls were asleep before we left the park at 9pm. We flew home today, spent the afternoon playing/taking naps/doing work and return to our regular schedule tomorrow. Alex has expressed interest in running this race next year. Perhaps we'll be returning------

Disney Bound!

We leave tomorrow for Disney World in Orlando for the weekend. Dave is running the Disney half-marathon on Saturday. His parents are flying down as well so we can hang out at the parks on Saturday and Sunday. Dave and the little girls leave on a 10am flight so he can be sure to arrive in time to pick up his race number. The older kids are going to school for half a day (since they will miss all day Monday) so we are on a 2:30 flight instead. I was going to go to school for half a day but decided today there was no way we'd be ready in time if I went to work. So, my sub is now coming all day!

I have no pictures to post right now but should once we are home!

What a weird day

Registered Katie for the ACT, SAT, and a college visitation (Georgia College in Milledgeville), took Alex to lunch to talk about middle school stuff, and played Candyland before the little girls went to bed. Sometimes I feel too old for this!

An Abby blurb

I picked up the girls today from daycare and spoke quickly with the owner. She said she was amazed at how much Abby's speech had changed since before Christmas. Evidently during breakfast today Abby said, "I can't see the TV" in a clear voice. Anne told me she was so excited to hear her that she said, "Well get up and move so you CAN see!" instead of having her stay in her spot.

PS-During breakfast there is a movie playing to keep the kids focused on eating and less on mom or dad leaving. They don't sit and watch TV all day!

Happy New Year!
We've had a busy few days. My parents have been here to visit so we've been shopping, to the movies, had friends for dinner, made lots of food, and generally just hung around the house. The weather hasn't been great so we didn't have much choice about what we could do. Alex received a cookbook from my parents since he has expressed an interest in cooking. He made us dinner the other night---chicken and chile enchiladas. Quite good!

Both Katie and Alex had friends over last night for New Years Eve while we had good friends and grandparents. The kids spent the evening playing video games, shooting fireworks, and eating. The adults visited, tried out the video games, and blew stuff up (someone had to be the fireworks director!). Some of the teens had to leave before midnight to get home and others spent the night. Those that were left watched the ball drop all set with hats, blowers, and wine glasses with sparking juice. We then headed back outside for more fireworks! My parents gave up early and amazingly slept through the noise. The little girls did the same. I have no idea how! The older kids had the video games running through the surround sound on the big screen tv so it was quite loud. Anyhow, grandma/grandpa got to meet the kids friends (boys and girls) so were pleased they were able to be here for that. However, I don't think they will volunteer to be here for New Years again!

School starts again tomorrow so we are back to our busy schedule. We head to Disney World though in less than two weeks so we have another little break right around the corner!



Alex making dinner for us with the supervision of Grandma

Two silly little girls

After multiple attempts to get Alex to cooperate for a picture, this is all I could get. Therefore, I am adding it just to annoy him!

Katie and Anna Grace amidst the chaos

Katie as a future drummer.....

Katie and her best girls-----they have non alcoholic sparking juice in their glasses!

Midnight arrives!