Wuehler Invasion

The Wuehlers generously adjusted their planned visit to coincide with my time at Disney World so Brent wouldn't have to use up vacation time. Although I don't know much about what went down, judging by the photos there were movie nights, rounds of Mexican Train, running through sprinklers, playing in the castle and at the playground, and lots of cuddles. Here are some of the gems they captured:

Liesel in Grandpa's hat.

Sydney with an adorable bow in her hair! I'm getting excited that it's long enough to style a bit.

Movie night.

 I have no idea where these Groucho Marx glasses came from but they're hilarious!

This may be the last picture anyone is able to capture of Liesel like this: in her Frozen t-shirt, flower whimsically placed in her hair, and ruffled socks on a swing. She's getting to be all legs and I'm afraid she's just not a little girl anymore.

Apparently Brent and Brigitta's tiles aren't all that good...

Sooo very Brigitta!

With the water off, Sydney seems to make it her job to figure out the sprinkler.

Outside, wet and dirty- this girl is in paradise. The light falls on her in such a beautiful way.

I'm not sure what Liesel is looking at, but it must be fascinating.

I love this shot of Ireland!

Both Brigitta and her Anna doll seem annoyed at being put to bed.

The quintessential grandpa picture. He just needs a bag of Werther's Originals.

I don't leave my children very often-- childhood is so fleeting that even though I get frustrated with the day to day of motherhood, I want to be there while they are still little. However, this trip was a much-needed break and I'm so grateful to the Wuehlers for helping us out so it could happen. I'm so grateful for how much they love the girls and relish spending time with them.

The Way to Sydney's Heart...

... is apparently through electronics. I left for Disney World from O'Hare the same day the Wuehler's arrived from California at Midway. Upon seeing another aiport, Sydney apparently thought they were just picking me up from an errand and when she saw the Wuehlers-- and Jeanne in particular-- she burst into tears. Feeling like her mother was being replaced really bothered her. For days Sydney would have nothing to do with Jeanne, showing obvious preference for BJ. A few days into their visit, Jeanne cleverly found a way to break that barrier when she gave Sydney control of the camera:

Well played Jeanne, well played!

Disney World

Months ago my dear friend Janeal contacted me to let me know her husband had a conference in Florida and she was tagging along to spend some time at Disney World. She joked about me ditching the kids so we could go play in the parks all day so she wouldn't be alone. I furiously messaged back: "Are you serious? Because I could make that happen." Just $5 and a chunk of frequent flier miles later I had my ticket. A couple of months following that, I had my park hopper ticket. We were good to go. 

The way it all came together so smoothly made me feel like there was some cosmic purpose behind this trip. I felt strongly either she or I was going to need it by the time it came around. That became a self-fulfilling prophecy as Janeal is insanely talented, driven and organized. The girl could run a small country no problem. To boot, she has ample experience in Young Women. Ooooh how I was eager to pick her brain!

Luckily, I was able to arrange my flights for a layover in DC and see Reagan. We had just enough time to stop by Cafe Rio and Sephora!!! Oh man, seeing Reagan so closely after seeing Katrina just energized me even more for raising my little girls. I truly hope they have such close friendships with each other when they grow up because my sisters are my everything.  

My flights were amazing considering this was my legroom:

No complaints here! I recognized Janeal immediately at the airport but I noticed this weird skinny dude following behind her. Turns out it was Dave who's lost huge amounts of weight.

We were all able to go to the park the next day and started out in Animal Kingdom. Khali River Rapids was one of our first rides. We considered wearing the ponchos but Dave infamously stated, "Ponchos are for babies". Ponchos were left in the lockers. In our boat was a boy who was just barely tall enough to ride. He was clearly excited as he scampered in and inspired by his energy, I loudly said, "Who's going to get soaked? I think it's going to be YOU!" and pointed at his mother.

 We rode along on the rapids, passing the sign that says "You will get wet, you may get SOAKED" and generally enjoyed ourselves until we came by one of the waterfalls. The boat bounced, spun, and although I didn't see it because I went in backwards, I could tell by the faces of the people in the boat it was going to be bad. Janeal and I were squarely hit by a wall of water and were instantly soaked. By soaked, I mean SOAKED! I couldn't have been more wet if I'd jumped in a pool. Everyone in the boat laughed and laughed, especially the mother of that little boy.

When we got off the ride, Janeal and I headed to a restroom where we stripped down and used at least half a roll of hand towels to dry off. We took opposite ends of my maxi dress and rung it out- leaving the floor in a puddle of water. I had taken my t-shirt off and set it on the edge of the sink. While we were attempting to dry off, the shirt rolled into the sink, activating the automatic faucet and it was again completely soaked. Putting those clothes back on again was like putting on a slime suit.

I had to carry my dress because the weight of the water had it dragging on the ground. I foolishly thought the sun would dry me up fairly quickly but when you are in a place with near 100% humidity, that doesn't really happen. I was wet for the remainder of the day- particularly my bra which had no good way to dry out. Not that I didn't try:

The safari through animal kingdom made me miss South Africa. The grounds were beautiful and fairly well kept, but it just doesn't compare to the African bush. This sign made me laugh. What are the parent and child doing in that second picture anyway?

I thought this tree was beautiful in it's own, unique way:

Since our safari in South Africa, I've had a slight obsession with hippos. I kid you not, this one sensed that and kept swimming by the window just for me:

By far my favorite time at Disney World was Magic Kingdom. Janeal suggested we wear tiaras which I was all for. Turns out if you wear a tiara, everyone (and I mean everyone- bus drivers, staff, other park-goers) calls you "Princess" which is a nice change of pace for a SAHM!

After spending the day wet at Animal Kingdom, I was not about to do it again, but our first Fast Pass was slated for Splash Mountain. I didn't care how ridiculous we looked, I was wearing the poncho. The photo was so classic with the tiaras and the ponchos, Janeal and I just had to get it:

That mom behind us was hilarious- we chatted with her in line before the ride. Truth be told, we chatted with a lot of people while in line. I ate up adult conversation like a pig at slop. Anyway, her expression cracks me up and you can barely see her little girl there in the middle.

I was not successful with the Sword and the Stone. I can't remember what Janeal was yelling to me, but it was hilarious.

Every now and again I'd send pictures to the girls like this one of me outside Rapunzel's tower. Grandpa Wuehler reports they responded with oohs and aahs. That was another purpose for this trip- research for the day Brent and I bring the family.

Epcot was a lot of fun- seeing all those cultures packed together was amazing. Janeal and I were thrilled to hang out in Canada a bit.

I'm not sure why, but I've always had a lot of Canadian friends.

Aside from rides and talking incessantly (at one point Janeal told me her mother was sure we'd run out of things to say- yeah, never happened), we ate. Ooooh we ate good at Disney World! Both Dave and I had scoured sites for suggestions on items not to be missed and tried to hit every single one. One of my favorites was here at Gaston's Tavern:

The drink is called Le Fou's Brew and it's incredibly yummy. It's better than the Dole Whips everyone seems to talk up so much. The turkey leg and cinnamon roll were delicious too!

At Beast's Castle I had the salad nicoise...:

...and a cupcake. I was tempted by the one topped with "the grey stuff, it's delicious" but I couldn't get over the chocolate with gold "Be Our Guest" stamped on it. It was good, but I regret not getting the grey stuff. Next time!

Elephant ear! They had several versions and I opted for the plain sugared one. This is basically diabetes on a plate. It was here Janeal discovered I've never had Nutella:

I was so excited to find they sold cronuts at Epcot. While Janeal used the restroom, I settled in with this beauty:

In the French section of Epcot, we went to a patisserie that sold macaroons (the picture doesn't do it justice, this sucker was huge):

This chocolate (with more chocolate inside) thingy was a plate of deliciousness:

Creme brulee which looks like a partially burnt mess but was sweet and creamy and just heaven:

Chocolate crepe (which is much tastier when it's made by an adorable boy from France like this one):

Bangers and mash at the Rose & Crown:

An English trifle:

Chocolate and caramel covered pineapple sticks in the Germany section:

This adorable cupcake near the Alice in Wonderland teacup ride.

I'm actually embarassed to say there was more, I just didn't get a picture of it all. We had delicious Indian food at Sanaa where I also had some rooibas tea (again, makes me miss South Africa!) and incredible conversation with Dave and Janeal. They are such an amazing couple and they each have such insights. I love hearing their perspective on pretty much everything and I know they will be honest with me.

Usually I'm not one for topiaries, but I loved this one of Alice and Wonderland by the teacups:

This sign seemed to be specially placed for me as I pondered the duties of my calling. It says, "Be good at something, it makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome. -Randy Pausch" Perhaps he doesn't sound familiar, but you might have heard about the YouTube video that went viral known as The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams. He'd been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer at the time and it was truly his last lecture. Pausch was able to work for Disney as an Imagineer for a time.

After we'd gone on Big Thunder Mountain one last time and fit in just a tad more shopping, Janeal and I parted ways. It was time for she and Dave to get some alone time and for me to head home to my babies. The sweetest part was knowing we'd see each other in just a week for the SNCP reunion.

I'm so grateful for good friends. I mean really good friends who clearly see my flaws and love me anyway. Friends who will call me on it when I'm off the rails and friends who offer sage advice. These kinds of friends are rare and I'm blessed to have them.

Tidbits

I love how the girls clamor to be picked to say the prayer. Even Sydney is in on it.

One Sunday I was fully dressed and sitting on the edge of the bathtub while I brushed Gita's hair as she had just gotten out of the shower. She pointed at me and said, "Is that your cwoooootch?" Looking down (again, I was fully dressed) I said, "Yes it is! Where is your crotch?" She dropped her towel, looked down and said, "I need clothes!" 

My parents often dress in matching or coordinating outfits. When I told the girls to get into pajamas, they raced to find green shirts of their own. 

It's not often that I can take a picture of Sydney sleeping. If I even breath in the same room as the one where she is napping, her head snaps up with wide eyes. On this occasion, I had to wake her up to pick up Liesel and just loved her arm slung over the Boppy and her bum up in the air. 

She really is a good girl!

Sydney's binkie ended up on the floor of her room and she was fussing a bit. I asked her, "Where did your binkie go? Binkie??? Where are you?" She stopped fussing and laughed. Even she knew it was ridiculous to call out at an inanimate object. Now whenever she wants it she says, "Binkie??? Where are you?" instead of fussing.

Nap hair, don't care!

After my morning run, I like to stretch out in the dining room (which still has no furniture). It's cool, quiet and carpeted which is nice. Brigitta walked out the door to the kitchen, around the stairs and then peaked in through the doorway to the adjoining living room and said, "I found you!"

We are still having cool days now and again so I like to put Sydney in hoodies. She keeps the hood up pretty much all day. Also, I can't get enough of her tiny hands clasped in prayer.

Oh my little Gita girl!

Gita "flying. I love that my socks say No nonsense when clearly this is all nonsense. 

One Sunday dinner when my parents were in town, we were discussing how we don't like Sunday School classes where the teacher breaks everyone into groups to talk about a principle and then report back to the group. Brent and I both feel we are singled out as the person designated to "report" and just a week ago I was told, "You're young and cute, you do it." Thinking she was being helpful, Liesel piped up, "You're not young."

For some reason, Daddy buckling her in her seat left Sydney laughing!

Ireland has been watching our tulips intently waiting for them to bloom. They finally did and I kid you not, when she went to smell them it was as if they bent towards her to oblige.

Liesel brought this home from school and as the grass grew it became more and more hilarious.

Taming it with a trim.

 My mother tells me Ireland asked her how old she is and when she told her "68" Ireland quizzically asked, "But... how are you still alive?"

I had to pick up a few things at Trader Joes and Gita spotted their mini grocery carts. She became oh so serious as we loaded up on our groceries. See how her flip flops are on the wrong feet? She prefers them that way.