Animal Kingdom

On October 20, 2015 ~

Animal Kingdom was a park that none of us had even been before, and was it ever magical!

We ran straight to the back of the park in an effort catch the safari before the lines got too long, and we were not disappointed. Unlike Nathan, later in the trip, we were able to keep ourselves seated during the ride and were not reprimanded (hehe!).

We were then WOWed by the Festival of the Lion King singers, dancers, and acrobats; easily making this Grandpa's favorite Animal Kingdom experience  (over the next few weeks, he and Grandma took it in 3 more times!) Afterward, we took the train out to Rafiki's Planet Watch to interact with some live animals. 

We picnicked on pink butterfly chairs while catching our breath. We laughed (and a couple girls cried!) at the 3D Bug's Life movie inside the Tree of Life. And then we dared to go on the Expedition Everest rollercoaster.  We went in two shifts, as this was one of the very few  Bryndel was not tall enough to ride.

It was quite the fright for both Hadley & Piper, but we all decided that it was Grandma who had the best 'game face'...

We ventured into Dinoland next where we found the biggest ice cream sandwiches known to man!

We finished out the day by watching a wonderfully cool puppet version of Finding Nemo, before having dinner at Manny's chophouse near our rental home where we toasted to yet another amazing adventure. 

Epicot

On October 19, 2015 ~

We excitedly raced through breakfast that first morning, packed picnic lunches, and set off for 'Epicot' as Bryndel so endearingly called it.  

Due to the extended length of Grandma & Grandpa's stay in Disney  (one week with each family=three whole weeks!) we were treated to season pass privileges such as professional and hilarious photographs throughout the park!

We started out the day with a bang on Test Track. I remember panicking a little during the ride (Not for the safety of Bryndel who was likely one of the few 3 year olds even tall enough to go on this crazy ride!) but for the well being of Dad.  I saw him get off of his car from behind, and ran to presumably help steady him.  He was, in fact, fine. More than fine, he was laughing and looking around for the girls to high five with that enormous 'Dad grin' on his face.

All seven of us thoroughly enjoyed floating through Soarin', although Bryndel did need to close her eyes and tuck her feet up a couple of times.  We found Hadley's favorite Epcot ride in Living with the Land; all of that farming was right up her alley.

Nemo & Crush were totally awesome dudes. 

We then found the perfect spot to picnic together in the shade before catching the Spaceship Earth ride on our way out of the park.

Everyone except for our 'high energy' people, Kyle & Hadley, took a much needed nap.

We headed back to Epcot in the late afternoon to a reservation at Japan's Tokyo dining, where much to their delight the girls' food was served on a monorail platter.

We leisurely walked through the World Showcase into the sunset hours, and managed to find our daily allotment of ice cream along the way.

The park was even more beautiful at night!  We may have gotten a little silly when we found these lights built right into the cement.

We finished out our first day by meeting Mickey, Minnie, and 'that big weird guy' (according to Bryndel) Goofy. We went to bed that night exhausted, happy, and dreaming about tomorrow's adventure...

Last year, on this date...

Last year, on this very date... we woke up and went to Disney World!!!  Grandma and Grandpa took us on the most exciting trip we had ever been on, and this was our adventure.

On October 18, 2015 ~

At 6 a.m. with sleepy but excited eyes and suitcases, carseats, backpacks, and a stroller in hand, we navigated the airport in search of Grandma & Grandpa.

To our surprise and delight, Uncle Dave greeted us, helped us find Grandma & Grandpa, and made security a breeze!

Despite having finished his 6th and final chemo just 9 days prior, Grandpa's eyes sparkled and his smile said it all.  Let's do this!

This was the very first plane ride for both Piper & Bryndel, although the last time Hadley had been on a plane was when she was just a year old. They were enthralled by it all.

Some how Bryndel squeezed into the best seat of all!  We arrived mid day to the warm sunshine of Florida, found lots of healthy groceries together, and then made our way to the beautiful rental place we'd call home for the next week.

While we unpacked, got settled, and laid out our clothes for our first day at Disney, Grandpa somehow found time and energy to find a book and read to the girls.  

I can see him in my mind's eye right now.  Legs crossed, girls nestled around him, and a peace about him that spoke only of happiness.   

Fall Visit Up North

We spent a lovely fall weekend up north with Kyle's family. We started the weekend our right by meeting Auntie Kim & Grandpa A at the Hunter's Expo, which was the perfect place for Kyle to share his mountain goat stories.

Even more importantly though, we got to meet Nathan & Tara's sweet lititle Aria, born on 09/13/16!

The girls just loved meeting her :)

The girls were also happy to have time to play in the leaves and go apple picking with Ava, Grandma A, Auntie Kara & Uncle Frank.

Birthday with Mom

Bryndel had a very special visitor come for her first field trip... Grandma! And then Grandma stayed to help me celebrate my birthday. SO good to be together :)

A Grandma Weekend

We are continuing in our daily search for joy, knowing that Grandpa is experiencing unspeakable joy in heaven. This past weekend we found it with Grandma.

We got a special afternoon with Great Grandma Joan and Great Grandpa Jerry, along with Katie and her sweet brood.

That Grandma, never afraid to heat up the pool to a hot tub for those grandkids!!

Happened by to spy a turtle walking by the pool one afternoon.

It's easy to find joy when we are with Grandma :)