Saturday, April 4, 2009

Disney- Epcot

Warning: A LOT of photos ahead!

We spent 1 1/2 days in Epcot. My favorite pictures from Epcot are on our Photopass disc (more on that in the tips section), and we don't have it yet.



We really enjoyed the countries in Epcot. I will admit I thought this was boring when I was a kid, but they have added some things to make it more interesting.




Mexico









Here we are on the boat ride in Mexico. We were on the front row.

The rest of the boat. Notice, there are no other people in the boat. (I am proud of this. I used my mad Spanish skills.) When we were getting in line to ride, the guy directing line traffic said something to us. Probably 'hi'. I said something back in Spanish, and then we talked a little in Spanish. He asked Monte what Carter's name was. Monte told him 'Carlitos" because that's what the nanny in Cali called him. The guy then filled out a VIP certificate for Carlitos, and we got to go to the front of the line and have our own boat like VIPs. (If only that would have worked on the Rockin' Roller Coaster!)




The boat rides always made Carter sleepy.


Canada- or Canadia as Lexie calls it




Japan




Carter using his chopsticks on his muffin.


"Here mom, try this muffin."



Monte showing Carter the fish pond outside the sushi restaurant. Hmmm...they did say 'fresh fish'.


At least Lexie wasn't crying. Carter didn't want to be picked up. He was having a blast running around and looking at the fish (and smiling at the people).















Lexie pin trading in Sweden.(I think.) She really liked the pin trading thing. I thought she would be too old, but there were people of all ages pin trading.

Lexie's pin says 'first visit.' It wasn't her first visit; she wore it to get special attention. It worked!

The Flower and Garden Show was going on while we were there. It was beautiful. I was amazed at some of the things they created out of flowers. Lexie took a ton of pictures of flowers!



In Epcot they have a Kim Possible mission game. They give you a cell phone and send you clues. Here Lexie is getting her first assignment. It sends us to China to find a jade monkey that has been stolen.



Getting clues



A clue inside a fortune cookie. How lucky were we! This was actually really fun. I felt like we were on The Amazing Race. We had to go to a cashier in one of the shops and say a certain phrase to her. When we did she handed us this cookie.



The jade monkey was not really stolen at all. It was hidden in a safe spot.




Our next mission took us to France.










Beauty and the Beast


Rock Band- African style


Mickey Mouse--in person!!!

I have a Disney Visa, so we got a private meeting with the characters. We got to go in this room by ourselves for a few minutes. It was great because Mickey and Minnie both got on the ground and played with Carter, and Goofy harassed Lexie. This is where I wish I had the Photopass pictures. There is one of Carter the second he saw Mickey, and it is priceless. I thought he would be scared, but he loved the characters.











In the same building that had the characters, they had a lot of technology things. They had a Segway demonstration and you could drive one. We didn't, but it did lead to one of the funniest moments on the trip. The second time we were in Epcot, Lexie and I did a few things while Monte took Carter to a cool place to nap. While we were gone Monte got in line for our private time with the characters. He sends us a text telling us to hurry because he is close to the front of the line. When we walked in the building, we got behind a group of people walking SO SLOW and side by side so they took up the whole walkway. (I discovered on this trip that that is one of my biggest pet peeves.) I see a small opening, so I hop through the wall of people and Lexie follows. They say, "Wow, are you really in that much of a hurry to ride a Segway?" By this point I'm speed walking through the building. I turn around and say, (keep in mind comebacks have never been my strong point) "No! We are next in line to see Mickey Mouse!" I think Lexie died of embarrassment right there on the spot. Realizing I just sounded like a complete moron, I add, "And you're taking up the whole lane!" Lexie is in charge of the comebacks from now on.

Here Lexie is making a video game. They recorded her making several movements, and then we got to go to a computer and play a game with her has the hero.



We saw this "comedy" show. Don't bother. It was not funny.


We loved this place! You could taste different coke products from around the world. My favorite was the coke icee from the U.S.


I love this picture. We were in line for Spaceship Earth. (Inside the Epcot silver ball.)




"Hey! Whatcha doin' up there?"




"Look over there, sis."




I think Santa will have to bring Carter one of these. He loved it! He actually tried to steal the train. (I know he has no idea what he was doing.) He was playing with it, looked up at me, waved and said 'bye-bye', and then he took off running out the door. Don't worry, we stopped him and returned the stolen merchandise.



This actually was a very funny street show in England. They pulled a guy off the street to be part of the show, and he was hilarious!




Lexie and Monte enjoying their fish and chips. (A very popular meal for our family while we were there.)

Friday, April 3, 2009

Happy Birthday Monte!

Today was my wonderful husband's birthday. We celebrated by meeting for dinner at Copeland's, and then we had a small party at home. It was a really nice evening. (Although Carter is getting less and less restaurant trained as he gets older. Ah- it used to be so easy.) Since Carter and I have been sick, I really didn't get to go shopping or plan a creative evening. (We didn't even know if we would be able to go OUT to eat or not, it all depended on how irritable Carter felt. Luckily he had a good day- just for daddy. I'll be glad when we are done with all these ear infections. I know the little guy must feel awful.) We are also celebrating Monte's birthday and my SIL Lynn's birthday this weekend with my parents. Friday evening Carter is staying all night with my mom. (His first overnight trip.) Monte and I will get to have a real date night.


I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. He does a lot to take care of his family, and we know he loves us. He puts up with my emotions and helps me relax when I get stressed. I know I don't let him know enough how much I appreciate everything he does, but I can't imagine my life without him. I knew on our first date that he was the man I wanted to marry, and every day I love him more. I am looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together, and experiencing all that God has planned for us. I know it won't all be good, but at least I will have him to hold my hand through the tough times.


We love you Monte!!!

I love you daddy!!!(That was from Carter.)



"Um, dad, Mickey's head's on fire."


(Carter picked out the cake.)

"Here dad. Blow this for me."


"Yay! He's making music."


Lexie picked out a funny card.



"Here sis. Your turn."



Group hug!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

BEFORE AND AFTER

First off, sorry about not posting more on Disney. It's coming I promise. Carter is sick (again) and I am also, so it's been hard to post.

Today is the day Lexie has been looking forward to for 2 1/2 years. She got her braces off! I was looking at her before pictures I took, and I can't believe how different she looks. (Both teeth and age wise.)


Before Braces- 8/15/06





First Day of Braces




Last Day of Braces




Braces Off!!! 4/2/09









The orthodontist gave her balloons, a big lollipop, and a cup full of candy she wasn't allowed to have when she was wearing braces.