Family Fun Night

My mom's group hosted a Family Fun Night/Pizza Party at the local indoor play ground. It was a great time- the kids got to run around and play with each other, the dads got to socialize (which doesn't happen often enough), and the moms got to take the night off of preparing dinner. A good night for everyone---- and even a better night coming home and getting 2 exhausted boys in bed and sleeping :).

Brayden climbing on the firetruck

Mommy and Rhylan enjoying a snuggle

The boys playing together in (another) firetruck

Budding Artist

Rhylan started his first solo (vs. shadowing his big brother) class today- a toddler art class. I was really excited to find this class for him, as he loves art projects. It has become sort of a ritual around here that when I go into the kitchen to start preparing lunch/dinner, I hand him a piece of paper and his crayons, and he colors while I cook. He had a wonderful time at class today working on sponge paintings:

Making snowflakes:

And the final project, a Polar Bear:

This last project was really neat because he kept saying "Bear, Momma. Bear, Grrrr.... Dadda, dadda, dadda" After a few rounds of this I asked: "Are you wanting to give your bear to Daddy?", and his face lit up, head started nodding, as he smiled and said "Yeah". So, our "baby" officially dedicated one of his first art projects to Daddy. I tried to take it to Jason at the office on our way home, but unfortunately he was out at a meeting. However, when the whole family was home tonight, Rhylan remembered- grabbed it off of the dining room table, handed it to Jason and said "Dada Grrrrr". I am assuming that means "Daddy I made this bear for you", but I guess he could be saying that is what Daddy says---- just kidding of course, either way, it was really cute.

Can't wait until class next week.

Book Cooks Class

Brayden has been absolutely begging to get back into Book Cooks- a class through our park district that he has been in for the past 3 years. He is on the older end for this class, but loves it just as much as he ever has- even at the "old age" of 5 and a half, and was thrilled to start back this week. (It may have something to do with his adoration for the teacher, Miss Michelle. The two of them have quite the bond.) This class is just adorable; each week they read a story, and then do a food craft to go along with the story- and get to eat their work.

This week's story was about bugs, and then the kids got to make a plate of bugs- a spider, caterpillar, beetle, and ants on a log (seen below).

Brayden working on his "Caterpillar"

A plate full of yummy "bugs"

The class is technically for 3-5 year olds. I held off on enrolling Brayden in the last several sessions because Rhylan was at the age where he would just run around and be a distraction. I figured we would be "safe" enrolling now, and that he would just listen to the story and watch Brayden make his project. Well, let's just say that Rhylan consumed so much of the project supplies that I had to enroll him (by far the youngest official class member) to cover the cost of of said "art supplies". Miss Michelle was quite gracious and said it wasn't necessary, but knowing Rhylan's appetite first hand, I promptly coughed up the cash. (He can be seen above with his project--- notice how much is on the plate, and how much is left as evidence on those cheeks.....)

Atkisson Disney Adventure 2009

A few pictures from our annual Disney vacation. We had a wonderful, wonderful time- and even though this was the longest we have ever gone (11 days), it flew by so quickly.

We decided that with the amount of time that we were going, to stay on Disney property for the first time, and also get the dining plan (2 meals and a snack each day). After saying in the past that we think we prefer/it is a better deal staying off site, we are now officially converts- staying on property is the only way to do Disney! It was so easy and stress free to not have to worry about anything- driving, parking, meals, money (Disney threw in a $200 gift card to be used on anything during our stay, and we had Reward Dollars from our Visa, between the 2 more than covered any "extras")- all we had to do is just get there and enjoy, which we did. It was great.

(Rhylan playing in the over sized Foosball game in front of our room at the resort)

The vacation started off with not the most ideal weather (in the 40's for a high, low 20's at night, Burrrrrrr), but gradually became beautiful, typical, February Florida weather (mid 80's during the day, 60's at night, no rain at all except the first day we were there). Ahhhhhh, just what the doctor ordered to escape the Midwestern Weather Blues for a while.

We were able to go to each park at least twice, and some of them three times. We had all intentions of going back to the room mid day for Rhylan to nap, but we never once did. He was great- he would just decide he was tired, and nap in his stroller with no problem- during which time we would take in the rides that he was unable to go on. It was so fun seeing his reaction to everything- he LOVED it. We were a bit worried about taking a 19 month old, and started questioning what we were getting ourselves into, but all fears were put aside immediately. He truly enjoyed meeting the characters- hugging and kissing them as soon as he saw them. (Jason and I have even contemplated about purchasing a fluffy costume to wear around the house if we want to get snuggles from our littlest child. LOL.) He also enjoyed every ride/show that he went on. Hands down, "It's A Small World" was his favorite. We rode it several times, for him, each time to have his eyes open as wide as possible, and hearing screeches of delight coming from him saying, "Oh Wow!! Loo-A-Dat (look at that)!!"

By about the third day, Rhylan was catching onto what exactly was going on, and would push his stroller to our hotel room door (while the rest of us were still getting ready), climb in it, and start saying/waiving "Bye Bye, Bye Bye" because he was ready to start another day of fun.

Brayden had a blast too. It is really neat to be able to see how his reaction changes with each passing year, and to watch him grow up going to Disney. He wasn't as interested in character meetings this time around- except for at the character meals we did (5 in all), and a few select ones, like Prince Caspian from Chronicles of Narnia- one of his favorite movies. One of the highlights this time was his Pirate Cruise. This is a kids only cruise that goes out for 2 hours, they learn about being pirates, look for treasure (in Epcot World Showcase before opening), chase other pirates by boat, and eat lunch on the beach. He had a great time doing this, and has said he wants to do it again when we go back next time- which isn't soon enough for any of us.

My very dear friend, Susan, met us for about half of the time we were there. She lives in Colorado, so we don't get to see each other nearly as often as we would like (she is Rhylan's Godmother). We had adjoining hotel rooms, which was great for us all to be able to hang out after the kids went to bed---- She also kept the kids for a night so that Jason and I could have a "date night". He and I have never been able to enjoy Disney as just a couple, so for our date, we went to the Magic Kingdom Extra Magic Hours (where they stay open 3 hours later for guests staying on Disney property)- a perfect date for 2 "Disney Freaks" to have. It was a beautifully warm night, and very minimal crowds. He and I were able to ride each and every ride in less than two hours, and were able to just wander the park at a very leisurely pace.

(Cinderella's Castle at night- during our date)

I didn't want to inundate the blog with pictures, but would love to share them with you HERE. They are in order according to location (specific park, resort, etc) but may not be in exact chronological order. I did label them though, as a way to "explain" our vacation. Take a peek if you have the time :-).

(Sunset over World Showcase at Epcot)

Long Time, No Post

I assure you, we will be back to the regularly scheduled blogging soon.

Seems that things are at warp speed around here, and we are still trying to get our land legs back from being on vacation the past 2 weeks. Nothing like doing everything "Atkisson Style" and jumping back into everything feet first. Seems that life didn't slow down a bit while we were away- funny how things continue to pile up, and time continues to fly, even when you try to ignore it and relax a bit. ;-p

I am diligently working on the (much asked for) pictures of our trip, and promise I will update here with a condensed version of our trip, and photos to accompany, very soon. In a word, it was nothing short of wonderful.

Be back soon...............