Over 40"

Aside from this blog being their "3 ft vantage point" the kids' height has never meant as much as it did in Disney World...the fact that they were both a hair over 40" was incomparably important!  This meant that they could ride Splash Mountain...and Tower of Terror...and all the other good rides.  Our trip would not have been the same without these scary but thrilling rides! 
A couple things I realized along the way...

Ryland refusses to walk when a willing adult is around that will pick him up
Addison isn't afraid to let go and put her hands in the air
"Flash Mountain" (in Ry's words) is both of their favorite ride
a bag full of snacks is a must
I am a bit too worried about everyone having a great time
Richard likes the challenge of "working" the fast pass system almost more than the rides themselves
Annie has amazing endurance at 16 weeks pregnant but does not have amazing shoes
Dan (or as Addison called him "Danny") is the easiest person to travel with and easy to please...especially when a cold one is waiting for him in the end
Will "the thrill" loves a ride and is the most excitable little guy ever!
I consider Jon family

and Sidney loves to twirl...especially in her new Mini Mouse dress! 

It was great fun! We made a little stop at the beach on the way back which was a perfect ending...no pics from that though.

During and after the ride!!!!

Check out Dan and Will in the back!!

Happy Birthday, Ryland!!!!! We love you to pieces!

The Easter Bunny Isn't Real

Easter has come and gone but the candy is still around. We had 3 great Easter Egg hunts, a Sonrise service, and a couple family dinners, and some meaningful moments. It was great…we are extremely busy…but loving these gorgeous Spring days.

Warning: If wanting to perpetuate any fun but mythical beliefs for your children…please give Addison a heads up!

So we were at my Dad and Lisa’s house with Lisa’s sister, her husband, and their children from NYC. They all had much fun finding the 140 eggs around Dad’s house. Afterwards, sitting outside on a big blanket, somebody was talking about the eggs that the “Easter Bunny” hid and Addison blurts out “the Easter Bunny isn’t real.” In an effort to salvage the tail Donna, the mom to these 3 great kids, quickly said, “you just have to believe!” to which Addison said, “I do believe…I believe the Easter Bunny isn’t real.” Oh goodness, what do I say? Nothing…I had nothing…just silence and inward hilarity! Donna, I am so sorry…don’t let Addison around your kids during Christmas!

Ryland is my innocent and very literal child. It is always so genuine and so funny. A while ago Richard was giving him some golf lessons in the living room as Addie and I watched. Richard said, “Ryland, choke up on the club.” Holding the club in his hands Ryland started making a choking/coughing sound…and he was totally sure that was what Daddy meant. We were rolling!

Most recently Ryland was asking me for some cookies and I said, “Make me a puppy dog face and you can have some.” Ryland took his imaginary paint brush in his hand and began painting my face to look like a puppy face…he was saying “paint, paint, paint.” Not exactly what I meant, but he did get the cookie!