Disney World 2008

We have spent the last few days at Disney World. I came to a conference with my director and the science specialist. We brought the family with us. It was great to do the conference during the day and then catch up with Brian and the kids in the parks. We spent one day at each of the parks and also at Blizzard Beach Water Park. We stayed at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club. The conference hotel was already booked but this was next door and I think the best situation. The hotel was fabulous. It had a great pool area with sand and slides. Then across the lake was the boardwalk. The kids loved watching the magic tricks. It was similar to being on the Atlantic Boardwalk. Hannah seemed to get in on a few of the tricks. The kids started collecting and trading pins. It is a hot item here and expensive. Mike and Pam searched and found them each special pins. Today Zach was spotted by a cast member and given a very special pin that cannot be purchased but can only be received. The memories have been made! Well it is almost 11 pm and we are starting our trip home in the morning. It will be a nice long drive but hopefully the kids will sleep since we haven't been going to bed until at least 11 each night.

This is a picture of our hotel from the landing for the boat launches. We took the boat to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk.

Disney World 2008 - Animal Kingdom

Well Animal Kingdom was the last park we visited. This is my favorite park of the four. I like the animals and the atmosphere.


Zach finally wanted to have his picture made with the characters. Why is it on the last day he comes out of his shell?

Disney World 2008 - Magic Kingdom

Monday afternoon, I met up with the crew at Magic Kingdom. You see we were not here on vacation for me but I came to a conference. We enjoyed the Magic Kingdom but it was sure hot. You will see some pictures of the parade and Zach again modeling a stylish hat.

Disney World 2008 - Epcot

This is the day of Epcot. Zach had more fun on this trip of trying on hats. He did buy the Goofy hat. I will try to find the picture of him wearing it. The kids visited all but two countries in Epcot World Showcase and received stamps on their masks. It rained most of the time we were there. The great thing about this trip was our hotel was right next to Epcot so we came back that afternoon and swam for a while. Brian didn't feel good so we walked back over to see the fireworks that night.

Disney World 2008 - Hollywood Studios

It was Star Wars Weekend at Hollywood Studios. Brian and the kids were so excited. Here is Hannah and Brian with Queen Amidala. Zach wanted nothing to do with her.
Here are the Incredibles and Hannah. Again, Zach wanted nothing to do with the characters.
However, Zach was all over any candy he could get his hands on. You can tell he was wearing a rain poncho. It rained every day this week.

Kitchen Finished

The floors were put down yesterday. The kitchen looks so different. I cannot believe this is in my house. Without my parents assistance, it would not have been complete. The picture below is where the closet/pantry was in the kitchen.

The dining room looks huge now. Of course not everything is put back in but I am not sure it will all be put back in. I am trying to clean and consolidate areas.


Last but not least is the big birthday boy. Happy Belated Birthday Brian! My favorite two men in my life!!

New friends for a few weeks!

Here are my new best friends for the next few weeks. I fell walking on campus yesterday and fractured the bone in my ankle. I am in a walking boot cast for the next six weeks. I am also on crutches for a few days to help with pressure. The worst part is we are leaving for Florida next week. I am attending a conference in Orlando and the family is going with me. We will be spending time at Disney World while we are there.