Disney 2009

We have officially survied our 2nd trip to Disney World. We had great time. We enjoyed being there with another family. We didn't do the parks together with the other family, but we did meet them for lunch or dinner some and the parents had a few beverages each night once the kids were tucked in. Ella still loved the princesses and wasn't quite tall enough to go on most rides. Andrew's favorite was still Thunder Mountain, but he was tall enough to do almost all of the rides. My favorite to do with Ella was Small World and Test Track at Epcot was my favorite to go on with Andrew. Seven nights was a little long, I think 4 night is the perfect compromise. Then another 4-5 nights at Gigi and Pop's place and we are good to go.

We stayed at the Beach Club. It was nice with a great pool. We did smores on the beach and then watched a movie on a big screen by the lake. Andrew also enjoyed doing "Kim Possible" missions at Epcot. They get a phone and the then use the phone to help foil an evil plot - it was very interactive and fun. Plus the parents could have a beverage while you solved the mission - always a plus when you are on a Disney vacation. As you can tell from the pictures, Ella is alway happy to pose for a photo opportunity and Andrew cannot stand it! All in all we had a great time seeing Mickey and friends and would not have traded it for the world.

Home Alone

I'm not exactly home alone - there are two kids here with me and a dog. Can you tell Lan has been in DC all week. I've been spending too much time on the computer in the evenings! I did figure out how to attach the flickr photos to my blog. Now the fact that it took a computer teacher a little time to figure it out might be a bit concerning, but I learned something new.

The first night Lan was gone Andrew and I woke up to a loud animal outside. Of course I was way too chicken to head outside and check it out. Andrew thinks it was a coyote, but I thought it sounded like an owl maybe attacking an animal. After further discussion with a science teacher at school, I have come to the conclusion that is was maybe a screeching owl. Has anyone else ever heard a screeching owl? It kept me up for about an hour before it took it's little rodent or whatever it was attacking home.

I just got off the phone with Kristen. Poor Grace has had the pukes and then the poops. Between Kristen's strep, Graces ears, the flu, etc. - they cannot just catch a break this winter. All the while Kristen and Jeff are both working full time with travel thrown in here and there for Kristen. So, I am going to go have a drink and toast to a full night sleep for the Dorler Family with no puke, poop or screeching owls!

Recital Picture Night

Ella had her pictures for her dance recital tonight. After dinner, 3 tries to put her hair up in a bun, and a quick shower for Andrew - we were off to dance. So Andrew grabs his Leapster to test it out because every time he had gone to use it lately the "rechargeable" batteries weren't working. So, last weekend I went to Sam's and stocked up on good old fashion batteries. I had bought all rechargeable batteries to be more "green" and save the earth for my kids. The thing is the rechargeable batteries work for about 10 minutes in any of the electronic devices we have and then they have to be recharged - it is a royal PAIN. The rechargeables are great for things like the mouse here at home, but not for the kid's toys or my cameras.

Back on track - the Leapster was able to turn on, but you couldn't use the touch screen. So, off we go to dance pictures and no Leapster. So, 25 people in a 12 x12 room, at least 3 of the little dancers crying for their mom and Andrew with his Fisher Price Camera taking random pictures and not sitting still (I know it is a surprise to everyone reading this that Andrew was not sitting still). Needless to say - I needed a drink when we got home. I did get the Leapster recalabrated after doing some reading online. Ella did look darling and was very excited to be in her costume. Although she did inform me that it was itchy on the way home, but that is price of beauty I told her :)

Busy Weekend

It was another busy, but good weekend here. We had a good time visiting with Nate and Debbie and the kids had fun playing Friday night. Saturday morning I went for a leisurely 5 mile run. It was a little warm for my taste, but what can you do. The kids had a fun morning of soccer. Andrew's team got beat, but he did score a goal and had a good time. They need to learn not to fight their own team mates for the ball! Ella looked really cute, but is still covering her eyes if the ball on the field comes even close to her. We headed to dinner and the horse races, it was a great night to be outdoors. Then on to trimming the bushes, putting the dots up on Ella's border and a Sams run today. Of course every year we say we are going to hire someone to trim the bushes, but every year we can not buck up and actually pay the 150 to get it done.

1st Try

Well, here it is. I've entered the world of blogging! I figure since I am a computer teacher I may need to keep on on these skills while keeping up with the family.

Ella and I went to the Zoo today for a "Blues Clues" class and then to the cupcakery. Ella enjoyed the class and wasn't scared to touch any of the animals (lizard, snake, owl, etc). Of course, mommy didn't touch any of them! The Cupcakery is this great place in the Central West End with the most delicious cupcakes. Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://www.thecupcakery.net/. She fell asleep on the ride home, so not much of a nap today.

Andrew spent the day with Gigi and Pops having a "special day". They went to Grant's Farm, Toys R Us and McDonalds. Of course he came home with a 1,000 piece Lego set. It only took us an hour to put together two of the five buildings/trucks. It says 5-12 on the box - it took Gigi, Andrew and myself to get the objects we could together - I don't know how a 5 year old or even a 10 year old could do it!

Lanny is golfing tonight, but it is pouring down rain so I'm assuming he sayed to have dinner, drinks, and some male bonding. I'm going to finish paying bills (always so fun) and then try to finish the book I'm reading. I'll try to figure out posting pics next time.