Disneyworld

Tuesday, December 26

Kristi and I decided to take the kids to Orlando as our Christmas gift to them. We drove down in our new van leaving Tuesday the 26th. It is approximately 620 miles one way. Unfortunately the day we left everyone on the eastern seaboard decided to drive to Florida as well. The traffic was as bad as anything I have ever driven in. Everyone hung in there and we arrived late evening just before 10:00 p.m. We stayed with Matt and Stacy Jemtrud and their son Ryan. The girls loved playing with Ryan and had a great time.

We went to Magic Kingdom on Thursday the 28th. The excitement and energy of Disney was all around us and the kids were very happy to be there. The first day at Magic Kingdom was analogous to walking around New Orleans during Mardi Gras. I think the entire population of North America were at Magic Kingdom that day. Needless to say, we did not have the experience we anticipated but did manage to take in the Pirates of Caribbean ride and the Haunted Mansion. We left Magic Kingdom around 3:30 and went to Animal Kingdom which was much less crowded. We were able to get in the Bug's Life Theatre and Kristi took the girls to the Dinosaur ride while Matt & I took the boys around to the kiddy rides. On our way out we ate at the Rainforest Cafe and the kids were all almost asleep before our food arrived.

We went to SeaWorld on Saturday the 30th. SeaWorld was a hit. There were fewer people which made it easier to get around and take everything in. We went to the Shamu show, fed live sharks and pet dolphins. Nora and Hanna got their first Henna tattoos. Matt and I took a ride on the Kraken roller coaster. That was fantastic. You forget how much you can laugh when you get older and riding on the Kraken was like being 18 again.

First Christmas in Raleigh

Sunday, December 24

This was the first Christmas we have not been with our extended family. This was also the first Christmas we did not have snow. Although it did not feel like a traditional holiday and we missed everyone back home, we did appreciate the relaxing atmosphere. We didn't worry about forgetting gifts or running late to see everyone.

Nora and Hanna were very happy to open and play with their gifts in their new home. Sam had the best time ripping the wrapping off his presents but after he got his first toy out of the box, he lost interest in opening the rest of his gifts. Luckily his sisters volunteered to assist him.

First Odyssey

Saturday, December 16

Since the addition of Sam to our family, we have outgrown our Honda CRV. Over the past few weeks Kristi and I have been researching previously owned vehicles and test driving them. Yesterday I went to Carmax and five hours later came home with our first Honda Odyssey. The timing could not be better since we are driving down to Orlando on 12/25/06 to stay with the Jemtrud's and go to Disney.

The Tooth Fairy

Hanna recently lost another tooth. She is very interested in discovering if the Tooth Fairy is actually real or not. Hanna decided to write a note and leave it with her tooth. Here is what she wrote:

Dear tooth fary are you real? this tooth came out early. and Please write back if you know my language and wats your name? from Hanna too tooth fary.

If you look closely at the note, you can see the Tooth Fairy replied to her questions;-)

Celebrating Josie's Birthday

Friday, December 15

My sister-in-law Josie turned 30 on 12/15/06. We bought her a plane ticket to come stay with us over the weekend. Emily, Josie's sister, bought a ticket and came out for the weekend as well. Needless to say, Nora and Hanna were pleasantly surprised to see their aunties.

On Friday evening Kristi, Emily, Josie and I went out for dinner at Michael Deans Seafood & Oyster Bar and then downtown to The Big Easy to take in some nightlife. We had a great time but age is catching up with us since we tired out early.

The Music Man Junior

Thursday, December 14

Hanna and I went to dinner together after her soccer practice. It was just us since Kristi and Sam were picking up Emily and Josie at the airport. The food was average but it was a special dinner because I don't often spend time alone with my daughters (typically we are all together). I really enjoyed hanging out with Hanna and was touched by the beautiful picture she drew of us.

After dinner, we stood in line to be seated at the Durant Road Musical Theatre. Nora played the part of Oliver Hix, a member of the Quartet, in the play The Music Man Junior. Nora has been in several plays and really enjoys herself throughout the entire play practices and actual performances. Nora did an excellent job! She nailed all of her lines and sang the songs with confidence and enthusiasm. I am very proud of her but don't want her to continue growing up so fast.

I was fortunate to experience several perfect moments with my girls last night. I am lucky to have such two wonderful daughters.