Father's Day Two Days Late

I'll file this one under better late than never. Mike refused to celebrate his own father's day because it was Molly Ann's birthday. He kept telling me, this is Molly's day. It was so sweet! I was gonna post yesterday, but we wound up in the ER again with Molly: she was throwing up so much and couldn't keep anything downf or like 24 hours, so our doctor instructed us to go to the ER. They gave her a pill and she is fine now. Mike was up with her all night Monday, because I have no patience at night. I guess that is really an example of the kind of person he is, and this of course translates into the kind of father he is. He is selfless, which is such an attractive quality to me, at the same time it is so hard because it isn't a quality I possess. There are many examples of how Mike is a good father, thus a good husband. I really am proud of him, and thankful for him. I could go on and on forever, but I think it suffices to say that he is an excellent Christ-like example for me and our children: thanks, babe. I love you.
On the same note, I am also still blessed with my own father's example. He loves his children, grandchildren and our spouses. He is willing to help on an extended basis however he is needed. I love you so much, dad! Today, I am very thankful that I have two excellent father's who translate very clearly God's love for us!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Molly Ann

It is just so hard to believe that three years have slipped by since Molly Ann was born. Thank you, Lord, for a safe delivery and a healthy, happy, exasperating girl. I love you, Molly!

Post Trip Disney Thoughts

We bought the copyrights to the pictures, so here are some that the disney photographers took. I really had few expectations for the trip; I had no idea I would fall so much in love with the place. I would love to go every year: it was so easy and so much fun! I do have a few critiques of the place, mostly from an American cultural point of view...but humoursly, by the end of the trip, I just didn't care anymore! All I could think about was how much the kids loved it there. It made their childhood so tangible for just a moment: i know now as Molly is approaching three this weekend, and Jack is on the verge of five, it is pretty fleeting and difficult to touch. So, I really did love disney. Can't think of anything bad to say about the trip and I highly recommend you go if you can!

The Last Day!

Our flight left on Sat. at three, so we had some time to run back into the Magic Kingdom for souvineers. I love the pic of Jack trying not to get choked by Max's infant mickey ears!


Goodbye, Disney!
We were oh so sad to leave! It was an awesome vacation, and such a blessing to spend a week together all healthy at Disney. WE are actually planning on returning. I hope we get to go again!

Last Dinner in the Polynesian

The last night we were there, we booked dinner at Ohana, a Hawaiian restarant in teh hotel. Molly danced until we could eat, and even took a bow. The Polynesian was an amazing hotel. Here was our view the last night we were there for dinner. Ohana was AWESOME! They entertain the kids while you eat. Too bad Molly would have none of it. But Jack loved it.

Finishing up Disney

Gram and Jack are riding The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The next day (Friday, our last full day) we took a bus to MGM and rode star tours once more and were awarded a dream fast pass, which means you can ride all the rides without standing in line. We didn't use it, though, we were too tired and the kids were, too. I gave my two fast passes to a nice old couple. AS I said, we dubbed Molly Ann Stitch, and we got to watch the Indianna Jones stunt show, which Jack loved!

Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom

Since we were up so late the night before, we completely blew off the next morning, just rested and played at the pool I think Molly slept until like 11 the next day. We did the Killamanjaro Safari's and Bug's Life...Then, headed to the Magic Kingdom for some fun in Toon Town.

Captain Jack and Captain Jack

On the way home, we were all worn out, but very happy.

Pirate and Princess Party Cont.

Ariel...I forgot Ariel. The characters are so polite. Molly Ann told everyone but Cinderella that she had slippers like Cinderella, and did they notice her gown was like Cinderella, too? They each spent time talking to her. Then, it was Jack's turn for the pirate part of the party. We saw a pirate tutorial, for which Jack was not chosen. His heart was broken he wanted to meet Capt. Jack Sparrow so badly. I asked and found out that Capt. Jack was doing a meet and greet, so at 10:30 p.m., Jack and I began waiting in line in a very stuffy, muggy building to meet Capt. Jack. We waited in line until 11:15 for our turn, and I was not disappointed, neither was Jackson. Capt. Jack answered all of Jack's questions, and was so kind to him. Jack was enthralled, and I was so pleased with the characters that night. Seriously, I know it is their job, but they were so realistic and nice. It really was the highlight of our trip. It was a magical night, but it capped three very busy days for us. So, we tried to take it easy on Thursday.

Pirate and Princess Party

We bought tickets to go the Pirate and Princess Party; Disney opens up the park for the lucky ticket holders, and princesses and pirates abound! It was so much fun. Molly got to meet six princesses, plus an impromptu meeting with Wendy and Peter Pan. The characters hardly ever talk to anyone while they are walking around, but we ran into them as they were exiting the castle by a secret trap door, as we were leaving the restroom. They stayed in character, and Wendy said "Look Peter, It's a girl". Peter said "Yes, Wendy, it IS a girl." Wendy asked Molly, "What is your name, little girl?" Molly replied: "My name is Cinderella". Both Peter and Wendy laughed, and said of course, and I graciously excused them acknowledging they were in high demand! While there was a pirate and princess parade, I snuck off with Molly to Toon Town to wait to meet some princesses. The lines were short because most of the park was watching the parade, so we met: Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Daisy Duck, and Minnie Mouse...and perhaps one more that I am forgetting.

More Epcot

Mike booked a hibachi/sushi place in the Japan portion of Epcot. Jack and Molly LOVED it! We then went on a mini-tour of Germany's Romantic Road (Mike and I have visited there...) And rode Maelstrom in Norway. I bought a christmas ornament in Germany and we met Donald Duck in Mexico. We stayed way longer than we had planned, because it took a long time to walk it all, and it was really fun and interesting to jump from country to country within ten minutes. Of course, this was Jack and Molly's least favorite: but I loved it. After a long morning at Epcot, we took naps and had the pirate and princess party at The Magic Kingdom, which I will post about later.