The Excitement is building.....

This year we're planning a family vacation to Disney World - I know shocker! What can I say, I have good travel agents! :)

We had been planning to go to another destination, but when that fell through, Marc and I decided that if Disney offered their free dining package again, we were going to jump on it. Well-they did and we are!

I'm so excited to go, but it seems like no matter how fast time goes, it’s still so far away! So to pacify my Disney needs I thought I'd post some pictures from trips past.

Fireworks - Never seen any better than those at WDW!

(Jan 2010)

Entering Adventureland....I can't wait!

(Jan 2010)
My sisters
(Jan 2010)
Eating the Kitchen Sink....Yummy!
(Jan 2010)
Our chef in Japan!
(Jan 2010)

"Hey girl, whats you're sign?"

(Jan 2010)

Candies from around the world - Mexico

(Jan 2010)

Getting ready for a fun day!

(Jan 2010)

Hollywood Studios at night

Eating at Ohanas (which means family)

(Dec 2009)

MAAAAA

(Dec 2009)

I love you Pooh!

(Dec 2009)

Morocco - EPCOT

(Dec 2009)

Christmas Party

(Dec 2009)

Enjoying herself at the Hoop Dee Doo Review

(Dec 2009)

Waiting to go!

(Dec 2009)

A Fairy Tale Dinner - Grand Floridian

(Dec 2009)

The whole family - Hoop Dee Doo Review

(Sept 2008)

Hanging with Mickey's pals!

(Sept 2008)

Look - I think I see Pooh in there!

(Sept 2008)

Look at my glow! Was that from the heat or something else????
(Sept 2008)

Beverly - YUCK!

(Sept 2008)

Getting ready to try some cokes from around the world...Is that Beverly? FOOLS!

(Sept 2008)

Resting a bit!

(Sept 2008)

Happy Anniversary!

(Sept 2008)

Magic Kingdom

(Sept 2008)

(No honeymoon pictures on this computer--sorry folks!)

This trip is going to be extra exciting for us for a couple of reasons. First, we’re taking Marc’s parents with us. I’m looking forward to seeing their reaction to the happiest place on earth. Plus, it’ll be extra fun for Maddie to have her Grandma and Grandpa Roberts with her!

We’re also looking forward to the dining plan. Typically we have gotten the basic dining plan. This plan includes a counter service (an entree, side, drink and dessert - fast food style), a table service (a dinner, drink, and dessert - sit down restaurant), and a snack (anything for $3.50 or under - or marked snack).

This year Marc and I opted to do the deluxe dining plan. This is a little more expensive, so we haven't done it yet. But the good part of the deluxe is the ability to try some restaurants that we couldn't on the basic plan. For instance, with any of the dining plans, if there is a fancier restaurant you want to try it might take two table service credits. Well with the deluxe plan we get three table services a day and two snacks. Plus, it comes with the refillable mugs that you can fill up with something to drink at any resort! So several days, we're eating an early lunch, then we'll be eating dinner at a nicer restaurant. I'm so excited. Here is our itinerary with a link to the menu:

Day 1
Cinderella's Royal Table -breakfast
http://allears.net/menu/menu_crb.htm

Yachtsman Steakhouse - 7:05 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_ys.htm

Day 2
Le Cellier -12:00 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_lcl.htm

Brown Derby - 5:10 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_bd.htm

Day 3
Tusker House- 12:10 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_tus.htm

Jiko - 6:40 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_jiko.htm

Day 4
Teppan Edo - 12:00 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_teppan.htm


Flying Fish - 6:35 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_ff.htm

Day 5
Crystal Palace - 9:05 a.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_cpb.htm

Liberty Tree Tavern -12:35 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/men_lttl.htm

California Grill - 7:35 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_cg.htm

Day 6
Princess Storybook Dining (Norway) - 9:30 a.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_psb.htm

Narcoosee's -7:05 p.m.
http://allears.net/menu/menu_nar.htm


I know people are probably thinking "Why do they keep spending the money to go to Disney World?!" Well there are a couple of reasons....

First, its really not that expensive if you plan it right.

Second, its nice to fly somewhere and not have to worry about driving to and from place to place, parking or directions. Its nice not to have to worry about food. Its all on your magical room key.

Third, there is so much for EVERYONE! There is truly something for everyone at Disney.

And finally, I've learned so much about life in the past 6 months. Loosing someone really puts things in perspective. Marc and I have decided to live life to its fullest. We aren't promised tomorrow. Life is so short, so its best to make the most of it while you have it.

I hope you enjoyed my Disney flashback! I can't wait to have the pictures from our next trip!

More to come...

Kings Island for our Kings!

Happy Fathers Day (a few days late) to all those fathers out there!

Our family had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. It was a perfect weekend for some family time, especially as my sister prepares to go back to Colorado here in a few weeks. The summer is such a busy time for us all, I'm glad we had this chance to spend some time having fun with one another.

I was worried when we decided to try Kings Island on a Saturday that it would be crazy busy. It wasn't, however. It was really nice! Friday evening we drove down to stay at a nearby hotel. Though it was a long drive (I know, three hours isn't long, but the last half Madelyn decided she didn't want to be confined any longer, and let Marc and I know it....) We were able to have some pool time. Maddie just loves the water. She splashes and giggles. I also try to "dunk" her every time we get into a pool to get her used to going under. She never has once gotten upset. In fact the two or three times we went under on Friday night she'd come up and clap. She was having fun!

The next morning we work up early for some breakfast to find out it was raining. I was starting to worry this was how it would be all day, but by the time we got to the park the dark clouds had disappeared and the bright sun was back.

We had a great time at the park. The crowd was low, the heat was comfortable, and the rides were fun. We also had a good time at the arcade, though I'm not sure the package of sticky notes, two containers of goo, two balsa wood planes, a pencil, and a sticker was worth the money we spent trying to beat the ski ball and other enticing and addicting machines!

Here are a few pictures of that fun!

My favorite moments at Kings Island:

• Maddie giggling and kicking her legs on the carousel
• Beating Marc at Whack-A-Mole
• Doing the photo booth with Marc and Maddie
• The look on my mom's face at the end of the log ride
• Feeling like a kid again with my sisters

More to come...

Just a Little Reminder.....

So over the last few weeks I haven't gotten much sleep. Not because of the baby. No, she sleeps wonderfully - and really, always has. I just haven't been sleeping well. This lack of sleep has made things seem overwhelming. Everything from daily chores to planned events, everything has turned into such an effort for me to do.

Well today at work has been especially stressful. I had to do a task that I loathe.....I don't know if its because its so time consuming or if its because I'm not really used to it. You know, push me out of my comfort zone and I get cranky! Well in order to avoid doing this task, I decided to tackle the tower of papers I had stacked at one end of my desk. They needed to be sorted and either filed or tossed. The whole time I'm grumbling about all the million "problems" in my life. As I get to the end of the stack I notice a paper is taped to my desk. It dawns on me that it is a paper I had taped on there a year ago. The title of the page is "You Say, GOD Says, Bible Versus". The first verse I read through all the clutter was " You say: Its impossible" "GOD says: All things are possible"

As little as that might seem to you, it really hit me hard. Here I live in an awesome country. I have a great paying job with good, Christian co-workers surrounding me. I have the most beautiful daughter in the world. I have a hard working husband and a super supportive family. Here I have so much and yet I get so worked up about the little things...

My mood is better now that I've had the simple reminder that I can offer it up to Him.


Luke 18:27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

More to come...

My New Hat!

Maddie's new bonnet from Connor Prairie!

More to come...

Conner Prairie - Taking Time to Reflect our Past!

On Sunday, my family visited Conner Prairie. It is such a neat place! I know I've been there before, but it seems like so long ago. It was a beautiful day for walking around enjoying the step back into time!

Fun fact that I learned during my visit:

School was in session for the three months in the winter only. Children were expected to be home working in the fields with their parents, not sitting in a school house. Also, it cost 3 cents a week to go to school. Because of this, many kids only attended one or two semesters in their lifetime. Can you imagine, only going to school for 6 months total in your life?! I'm sure as a kid I would love that idea. Looking back now, I think how far we've come. I also think how blessed we are to live in a country that has so many choices for education! (Though only the truly smart ones make the decision to attend Purdue University - Boiler Up!) It all started with one room school house for 3 months out of the year!


Enjoy the pictures!

The little bug was in a good mood!

Crossing over into the past....

"Sleeping"

School Teacher

Washing clothes....The old fashioned way!



Abby learning about toys before Leapster and Fisher Price

Mom and Dad getting the lesson from the local carpenter

Such a pretty day out!

Sayler Family

Sleepy girl!

More to come...