Friday pictures

These are showing up really strange. Match the picture with the caption!


Eli's Papaw got him a fan. He asked for one yesterday, but I refused to pay $17 for one, just b/c it had Mickey's picture on it!

Eli at Fieval's Play Ground

Eli outside Universal - not wanting to be riding in his stroller. We didn't rent one today b/c I wasn't sure how good they were. Just like Disney's - only blue.

The first thing Eli wanted to do today - ride the $2 Merry Go Round.

Eli and Curious George. His all-time favorite movie! We saw George later with the man in the yellow hat - but Eli was more interested in going to the play area than standing in another line!

Universal Studios - Day 1

Today we were up at 6 and on the bus by 8 to cross the street to another hotel where the band could practice a little, since they haven't played all together since Thursday. It was a safari themed hotel and Eli entertained himself (and us) by taking several trips to the middle area of the hotel where the pool was. There was this huge waterslide to the pool that was shaped like a snake. I thought it was strange, but Eli thought it was cool. Again, no picture. I just don't always think ahead.

We left there and went to one of those cheaper souvenir shops. Eli was dismayed to find that they didn't have a toy section, but he still managed to leave with several things, including 2 t-shirts, a magnet, some stuff Memaw and Papaw got him and a stuffed alligator, which he has named "Mark". Apparently, this morning, his name was Jason. But, after hearing about his friend Casen's hedgehog named Mark, Jason has a new name. So far, it has been Mark for at least 4 hours, so it might stick. Much more original than his usualy names....my little boy is growing up! :P One of the cash registers broke, so we were there for twice as long as we'd planned but they had some cute stuff for much cheaper than you'd find at the parks, so maybe a couple of the kids will actually have money to buy lunch on the way home! (J/k - we'll make sure everyone has lunch on the way home, I promise!)

Today was supposed to be Islands of Adventure, but we ended up with park hopper tickets, so we could go to both Islands and/or Universal Studios today. Universal is the first one you come to when you enter the area, so that's where we stayed. We ate first, b/c the 5 minutes I had left for Eli and I to eat breakfast before having to be on the bus wasn't lingering.

We rode the ET Adventure. Very cute. Eli really liked it. You sit on these bicycle looking things and "fly" through the air, hoping to save ET's planet. Not sure what planet that would be, since I've never seen the movie. I'm sure they told us before the ride, but I was probably trying to convince Eli that we would go to the play area next.

So, that's what we did. Woody Woodpecker has a cute little play area that Eli loved, of course. Lots of slides, and a jumping area, and these rope climbing things. Everything lately has become a Pioneer football training course - where the Pioneers ALWAYS win the game - and this was no exception. I'm not sure the other kids were convinced, but Eli was happy that the Pioneers won again!

We played and then he insisted that he wanted to ride the Woody Woodpecker Rollercoaster. So, we did. He loved it. He told me "I was a little scared at first, but then I had fun." Keith said he screamed at the beginning - not the happy scream - but then started laughing and really enjoyed it. Tonight, he said that was his favorite thing he did all day. That would be his first rollercoaster!

The Ball Room was next - in Curious George's town. No dancing - tons of squishy balls and little guns to shoot them out of and vacuums to suck them up into baskets where they were dumped on your head. He loved that too!

Keith and I rode Men in Black while Eli took a power nap with Memaw pushing him around the park in the stroller. MIB was pretty neat - I'm not good at saving the world from aliens, but no one has called needing me in that capacity yet, so the planet is safe.

The last think we did was Shrek 4D. Keith and I had done that one this summer when we were here but apparently neither of us remember it too much b/c we wouldn't have taken Eli in it. He was ok, but he didn't seem to like it. He refused to put the glasses on and kept his hands over his ears the entire time. It was loud. And a little scary to a little guy - I can see that. Now.

The bus dropped the 2 of us off at the hotel, while everyone else went to Medieval Times. Did that this summer too. Didn't care for it, but I know the kids will like it. I don't really like eating whole pieces of chicken, and especially without silverware. Eli and I spent a nice evening in the room, eating pizza and watching Backyardigans on the portable DVD. He was sacked out by 10 - much earlier than if we'd have gone with everyone else.

He really has been great. I can't brag on him enough. He hasn't wandered away - not even once. He's had a tag with his name and our phone numbers and a whistle that he can blow if he gets separated from us. Except for showing someone that he does, indeed, know how to blow the whistle, he hasn't needed either - the nametag or the whistle. He's been in really good spirits too, considering how sleep deprived we all are. Only a few minor incidents - and nothing compared to lots of other kids we've seen. Makes you wonder if it's all really for the kids - but then I look back at the pictures we've taken and hear him excitedly tell someone what he did today. That's worth a few minor tantrums or meltdowns b/c the play area closed earlier than we thought it would! What great memories he'll have - and us too!

Pictures - Wednesday and Thursday

Not anywhere close to all the pictures I've taken, but a little highlight of what we've done so far. I haven't taken many pictures of anything other than Eli and what he's been doing. Here's Eli standing in front of SOME of our stuff loaded in the Yukon. It was impressive the amount of junk 2 normal size people and one very small person can pack. He's wearing the Mickey Ears that Blake and Straley bought for him long ago - I think he was like 6 mos. old. Not long after I took the picture, he popped himself with the neck strap and that was the end of the hat.

Here's Papaw Danny trying to convince Claire that she isn't getting under that bus. We get so many comments about how good natured and friendly she is. Yes, she's my child! Both of them are so people oriented, like their daddy. Go figure.

Have you ever seen a little boy more excited to see a 2D representation of Rocket. He did not understand why there wasn't a Rocket flying around. This was good, but he wanted lifelike.

He wasn't too sure what he was supposed to do. He just sort of stared at them! I could understand the hesitation.....

Eli is sliding down a mega-size leaf in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. We drove all the way to Orlando and what he's wanted to do most is play at McDonald's (that was cool, though) and hang out at the play ground (although it was giant sized).

Eli is putting on his 3D glasses - his very first time to see anything in 3D. He loved it and it was very cute to watch him. I do love the Muppets

He wanted to know where the windshield was? We stood in this line where there were AR people behind us (not from B'ville) and then the girl working the line was from AR (not from B'ville). Later, we were in front of more people from AR - Camden, I think? People are really trying to get out of AR.

Not a great representation of everything we've done, but I don't think the internet is big enough for me to share them all.

Hollywood Studios

Formally called MGM Studios, I think. We got Eli a stroller and made a bee-line for the Disney Playhouse show. Eli had his picture made with Leo and Annie and had them sign his book. Then, we stood in line for the show while Keith went to get fast passes for Toy Story - for 8 hours later! That's how popular this ride is, I guess. So, we had some time to kill!

We ate lunch at Backlot Express and then Eli played at the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground. Definitely his favorite part of the day (maybe the entire trip?). We actually made several trips there throughout the day. He has SO much energy. It's this play area inspired by the movie and all the props are oversized - huge cans of play doh, super soakers, blades of grass, flowers etc... It was very cute and very popular with the younger set. Lots of parents sitting on the outskirts waiting for the little ones to tire out! We waited a long time! :P

We also saw the Muppet Vision 3D. Eli's first 3D experience and it was great. He jumped and screamed and tried grabbing the things that were coming at us. Very cute! We saw Lightening McQueen and Mater and had his picture made with them. He really wasn't too into the character thing, but we talked him into a few of them b/c I wanted the pictures. Not all of them, b/c we discovered that he isn't too good at patiently waiting in lines (yeah, we needed Disney to show us that - sure). We also saw Green Power Ranger. There was also Red, Blue, Pink, and maybe Yellow (?) but Green had the shortest line. As we joined the line several people back, the park worker kept hollering about how there was just 5, 4, 3, etc.. minutes until he left and I was so afraid that we would get right up to the front of the line and the guy would just disappear. We had been on a bus for 18 hours, with very little sleep and no naps and I knew that would be disastrous. What a huge temper tantrum that would be - and Eli would be sad too :P But, thankfully, we got the pic and autograph and got to see them ride off in their little car. I'm not sure he's ever seen the movie, but he sure knows who they are! His friend Beck will be excited to see that picture, for sure!

He was done with Hollywood several house before it was time to leave. We spent the entire day in the park, and there just wasn't much that he could/wanted to do. Standing in line is really not his forte - did I mention that?

We decided to skip the Fantasmic and do the Toy Story instead. It was super cute! You shoot these little guns - like carnival style type things. Eli loved it, of course. He also picked out his souvenir from Hollywood. This little battery operated string thing. It's pretty cute and he loves it. He has his own money to spend - so that's what he chose. I guess we had popcorn for dinner. Just never got around to eating.

He did fall asleep while we were shopping (we picked up trinkets for Ms. Lisa and Ms. Madonna, and Beck and Carlee Grace) and was super tired by the time we finally got to the hotel. It was still 11 before we got him in bed. Keith had tons of check-in stuff to take care of, so I put Eli in the tub while we were waiting for our bags. He was very concerned when he got out quite a bit later and saw his wrinkled fingers! He got in his pjs and was asleep before his head even hit the pillow.

He had a good time and really enjoyed the play area. There have been some whiny moments and times that he's argued more than usual, but I think he's been great, considering how tired he is. You'd never know it to watch him though. Where does all the energy come from? It's very helpful on this trip right now!

Finally....a free minute

It is now Friday night - about 7:15pm Orlando time. This is the first time I have had a relatively quiet moment since we left Wednesday afternoon! We couldn't figure out how to make the wireless work in the room last night anyway. That was ok, b/c at that point, all I cared about was taking a shower. I really did want to get on here, though, and leave a post - for my memory's sake. Since this is our new "baby book" as one friend put it, I'm sure there were things I wanted to record that I have now forgotten. Oh well, if I remember that I've forgotten them, I can always edit later.

Wednesday March 27 - We boarded the buses (that were actually 10 minutes ahead of schedule - always a great sign!) and pulled out of BHS about 2:15. A few minutes late, but all things considered - I mean, 104 people trying to load luggage and instruments etc... - it was a madhouse! Just our little family had more bags than probably necessary. The 3 of us each had a suitcase, a carry on a piece, plus Eli's booster (in case we took a cab back to the hotel), umbrella stroller and a snack bag. Oh, and pillows! We didn't use most of it, but it's better to have too much than not enough - especially when travelling with a four year old on a charter bus for 18 hours!

We weren't too far down the road - White River bridge, I think, before Eli wanted a trip surprise. I had bought tons of little dollar toys and a few more expensive thrown in and put them in separate paper bags so each one would be a surprise. We did a few of those and then he got out his portable DVD player and spent the next little while watching DVDs. I am so thankful that we have DVR and a recorder b/c we made lots of recordings of all his shows. They kept him so entertained. He did really well all the way down!

Much to Eli's approval, we were on Bus 1 - and he was so concerned that at some point, we would no longer be in the lead. We have to get there first, you know! Each time we boarded the bus, he would ask the driver if we would be leading. (There was one time today - for a very short while that we weren't in the lead - he was NOT very happy). I can't remember our first driver's name right now - but he will come back to us on Monday early morning, so I'll find out then.

We stopped for dinner at New Albany, MS - KFC, by Eli's decision. Which was fine, b/c he ate quite a bit of his popcorn chicken. Around 11:15 or so, we stopped at a rest stop to use the restroom. There is one on the bus, of course, but most people have refrained from using it. We actually have one student who is so tall, that he couldn't fit in there if he tried! Anyway, we get there and the doors are LOCKED! Bathrooms closed at 11pm? You can only "rest" at certain times in GA apparently. We found somewhere else, thankfully, but no one had ever heard of that. Maybe it's a Georgia thing. I don't know. Anyway, from there we went on to Douglasville, GA, where we picked up our new drivers. Usually, I've been awakened in the middle of the night, on trips like this, as we are pulling into some random hotel where the drivers switch. This time, we pulled into a Sam's Club parking lot, right beside a white Tahoe (or Yukon - who knows - it was after midnight). Two men get out, two men get in. Our new driver is Lewis and he's been very good. Very personable and interested in keeping Eli in the very first bus! He's from Miama, so he can drive this traffic. We've needed that a few times!

Oh, about the 15 minutes that we lost by leaving a few minutes late. There was also about 7 or 8 minutes that we were waiting for students after the dinner stop. Well, God was watching out for us possibly, b/c not far down the road from New Albany, we came upon a 5 or 6 car pile up. I'm not sure how long before it had happened but there were already ambulances and police cars there. We'll never know for sure but it could have definitely been divine intervention that we were running about 25 minutes behind what we had planned! You never know!

I had a very hard time falling asleep on that bus. This isn't the first time that I've travelled on a trip like this overnight, but I sure couldn't get comfortable. Our bus was very quiet and I finally went to sleep around 1 or so? Eli had his own seat and we stretched him out with his pillow and blanket and he fell asleep around 10:30 or 11. I can't say how proud we are of him! He has been fabulous. Just taking everything in stride. He brushed his teeth and put on his pj pants in a moving bathroom and then covered up and went to sleep. I was very worried about what movies the kids would want to watch that he would have to see, but that has worked out fairly well. The first 2 that we watched were OK and then there was one I was all that crazy about, but he was super engrossed in his Curious George movie and barely noticed that another movie was on.

We arrived in Orlando Thursday morning and had made good time. We stopped at, what is apparently, the World's Largest McDonald's. Eli LOVED it! He called it McDonaldsChuckECheese. It had lots of different stuff to order besides the regular McD's menu. You could get Belgian Waffles, French Toast, Omelettes - all kinds of stuff. We stuck with traditional McD's fare, for Eli's sake. I knew he'd want to play. This Playland was crazy! A huge play place and arcade style games everywhere. He was so excited and actually didn't want to leave - even to go to Disney World! Of course, my camera was buried somewhere on the bus, so I didn't get a picture of it, but it was amazing. From there we headed to Hollywood Studios.

One last thing

Ok. This will be the last check-in before actually boarding the bus. Thank goodness that Eli has learned how to whistle (incessantly) and just in time for the bus ride! :P He is so excited and has been asking to leave for the last several hours.

I don't know if we have everything we need but I know we have tons that we probably don't, so I think we'll be good. I wrapped lots of little dollar toy type things so each one will be a surprise as he pulls it out of his bag. Hopefully, we'll get a few minutes of entertainment out of each. We also have enough Little Einsteins, Backyardigans, and Word World to last for 20 bus rides. He's really wanting to take his dart gun, but somehow we're going to have to get out of the house without it.

Claire's eating a little lunch after her long nap and then we're headed to the band room. Saying lots of prayers for a safe trip, lots of patience, and the people we're leaving at home. We'll see you soon!

Here we go!

Let's see.....yesterday we ran errands around town. Went to the cute little kids' store here and saw this gorgeous brown and cream colored dress for Claire. I just hate to spend that much for Easter, but man it's cute! Looked for her some cute little Keds - but they had every size and half size except the one she needed!
The kids were great all day. We also had to hit Walmart. One of the banks in town donated some money, so Keith was able to buy snacks for the kids on the bus. You should have seen us pushing those carts around the store. One loaded with our kids and the other loaded with drinks, chips, cookies, snacks. I'm sure we looked like very health conscious parents! But, the kids will be excited and grateful, I'm sure.

I finally started packing last night around 11. You know when something is so overwhelming, it's just easier not to do it? No matter how much sense that doesn't make, that's where I was. But, I did get started - started with the easy things - socks. I moved on from there and finally headed to bed around 2. Thank goodness I'm not the driver. I hope he (she?) slept more last night than we did.

Eli was awake bright and early and raring to go. Got his stuff packed and he's been dragging his suitcase around all morning.

The thing I haven't wanted to think about - leaving Claire. I know she will be fine and will have a great time with Nonna and Papaw. Will probably not even notice we're gone for a few days anyway, but, geez, I hate goodbyes. We will miss her so much and I know she will be totally different when we come home Monday. She'll probably be driving or something. But, I know she wouldn't really enjoy herself, so this is the best for all involved - plus, it's free boarding for Allie, the dog. (Thanks mom!)

Ok. Really. I've waited until the last possible moment to take a shower and wash my hair. Tomorrow after Hollywood Studios will be a long time coming! Here we go!!!!!!!!

Very Nice Day

It was a laid back day around here today. I was going to sleep in, but usually, once I'm awake, I'm up. Today was like that. The phone woke me up early (early for spring break anyway), and I just couldn't get back to sleep. Eli slept until almost 8 - very unheard of for him. We just watched some tv and got some cleaning done. This afternoon, Eli and Keith washed the trucks. Big thank you for that - they both needed it.

Tonight, Keith's parents came over and watched Eli and Claire while we went to eat in Newport at US Pizza with some friends. I'm a very basic, cheese pizza kinda girl, so pizza is pizza to me. But, everyone else said it was good.

Tomorrow is errand day. I'm sure when we sit down and make a list of things that still need to be done, we will have a full day. I do feel bad, b/c the weather is beautiful right now and Eli really wants to play outside. It's hard to get it all done.

Today, I realized that I hadn't told him that we would be sleeping on the bus. In his mind, it's going to be a yellow school bus. Thank goodness, it is not. But, I think he will be disappointed when it shows up at school and it's not yellow! Anyway, I told him we would have to sleep on the bus. His eyes got really wide - "I'm not good at sleeping, mommy" (yes, son, we know that!). "I try and try" he says, "I just can't do it". Oh boy, won't this be fun! Actually, it will. I think he'll do fabulously. I'm hoping to get it together enough to keep updated while we're down there - maybe with some pictures (If I can figure it out). I guess we'll see if that happens or not. It would be great to have a running journal of the trip!

3 days and counting!!

Today was much more laid back than yesterday! Unfortunately, we overslept today. Not so unfortunatley (usually) Claire sleeps pretty late - 8-9 is pretty normal for her. Since she was up late last night, she slept until 930 or so this morning. Too late for me to get ready for church.

I spent most of the morning cleaning out the closet in the bathroom. Very needed! Claire was big help (not!). She dragged out everything as I put it away. She's so good at that. I did get a lot done and started cleaning out my clothes closet. Got lots of give away stuff or yard sale stuff. We'll see how motivated I get about that. Maybe I will since I'm trying to find extra money to pay off Keith's truck ASAP.

Keith went fishing with a friend this afternoon, so Claire and I headed to Dollar Tree and Walmart to get some trip stuff. She was pretty good, considering that by halfway through Walmart she was ready for another nap! She has really gotten such attitude lately and will scream at the top of her lungs if she doesn't get her way. Then, she'll pop herself on the head a couple of times. For attention? I don't know, but it's driving me crazy. She has such an attitude and so much drama to be so young. I have to say it has me dreading the pre-teen/teenage years! ;o

I probably spent way too much money on little toys, activity book, new markers etc.. and snacks for Eli to take on the bus. I'm just so worried at how we'll occupy him for such a long time in such a confined space. We met my parents tonight and picked up Eli. He had such a good time. Chattered all the way home until he had a second of silence and then he was OUT! I hope tomorrow is nice so we can do some fun stuff outside.....since it is SPRING BREAK!!! Woo Hoo!

In the sports world, we found out today that Memphis will play Missouri in the next round of the tourney. Go Tigers!!! (blue tigers!)

What a day!

Whew! When did shopping get to be such an ordeal? Are we that old? We thought we'd take today and head to Little Rock to get some things for the trip. I pulled out my spring clothes from storage and didn't find too much. I'm hoping there's another box out there but for now - this is all I have: a few pair of capris and a couple of shirts that don't really fit. Where is the rest of it? Dunno, but doubt that I'll find it by Wed. So, I just wanted to look for some shirts and a pair of capris or two. Spent most of the day without much luck.

Claire needed to sleep on the way there, but of course, she waited until we only had about 30 minutes left before she fell asleep. Strike one! We ate first - at Chili's - and she did really well. She sat in the booth - no high chair for here. She refuses these days. She ate some of my chicken, fries and her dad's corn on the cob. That little girl loves corn on the cob. She kept trying to join the table behind us - Eli has always been like that too. We hit both malls, Penney's out west and then back to Target. I'd wanted to do Babies'r'us and Kohls but we were exhausted. Claire is just so upset to have to ride in the stroller. She just wants down to walk. she fell asleep as we were driving out to the other mall, so Keith sat in the car with her while I went inside and found absolutely nothing. I finally found a couple of capris in Penneys. I think God is trying to tell me something - be content with what you have! That's the only store we have here. I drive 2 hours to find something other than Penney's clothes and what do I end up with? Penneys. Too funny!

I've got to get to packing - or at least making a list. I'm just not sure what to take. I'd rather wear capris - but I don't want to burn up and I think tennis shoes look goofy with capris. Other people pull it off just fine, but it doesn't seem to work for me. I'm just not much of a shorts person. I think the temps are supposed to be in the 80s so I guess I'll just take several things and see what happens.

Nonna said Eli is having a blast at the "farm". He has been helping Papaw "work" all day and loves every minute of it. It reminds me of his me when I was little. Very cute!

Memphis won today! By like 19 points I think. I hope this is their year. Go Tigers!

A quote I want to remember

I "ran across" this the other day and thought it was something to remember. We all have circumstances sometimes that we do not understand, some bigger than others, but it is always something to remember that God knows ALL and has planned to work everything out for His purpose. Our ways are not His ways - our thoughts are not His thoughts. Thank goodness!

“There is nothing—absolutely no circumstance, no trouble, no testing that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him, and I accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, and I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is. That is the rest of victory.”

Countdown to Disney!

It is officially Spring Break! Yay! Eli has gone to spend the night with Nonna and Papaw. He loves to go help Papaw "work". Being outside is probably his most favorite activity and Papaw is definitely one of his most favorite people. He couldn't ask for a better weekend. So, we're down to one kid for a little while. Claire was a little cranky when we picked her up today, but she took a power nap and was much better the rest of the night.

Tomorrow we may head to the mall to do a little shopping. Countdown to Disney - 5 days!!! I need some warmer weather clothes and need to start collecting things that we will take for the trip. 75 band students, 25 band parents, Memaw and Papaw and Eli - charter bus - 18 hours. But Disney World is the end result. We're going to have the best time. Eli is so excited. Although, we hadn't been in the car for more than 10 minutes this afternoon before he was asking if we were almost there. 18 hours - sure - not a problem! On the way to meet Nonna, he was so talkative. He never stops talking. But his vocabulary is so huge. How many 4 year olds use words like "damaged" and "hilarious" in everyday conversation?

We did pull out the suitcases the other day. Eli and Claire played with them for at least 30 minutes! Why do we buy them toys? They had the best time climbing in them, sitting on top of them.......Claire did NOT appreciate Eli trying to close himself in his suitcase. Every time he tried to shut the lid (On himself - not her) she would scream like nothing you've ever heard. But, it entertained them for quite a while. Which was good, since Keith was at Parent Teacher conferences until after 8:30.

So, tonight I start my Florida packing list. Our friends are on their way to NYC on their band trip. We've done lots of travelling b/c of band - Toronto, Niagara Falls, Detroit, DC, Hawaii, Chicago - always tons of fun. Tiring, but a blast! Taking Eli will be an experience but I'm sure a great one!

The very first post EVER!

OK. So, I've found several blogs that I've started keeping up with and have realized that it's a good way to keep a running journal of sorts, about what's going on around here.

Before Eli was born, I bought tons of scrapbook stuff. I was going to scrapbook our lives. I made part of one...about the dog. That's about as far as I got. I enjoyed it. Really. I like cutting, pasting, decorating, designing. But, it was just too time consuming - I gave up. Sad - because I have been terrible at journaling and keeping up with Eli (and now Claire).

So, this is for me. For us. I want to keep up. I've missed a lot - Eli is four, Claire is 17 months old. Sometimes, I can't remember yesterday (or today) so hopefully this will help me remember the big things we do, as well as the little things. The things they do, say etc... I hate that I might not remember the silly thing Eli said last week - but, better late than never. We'll start now.

Lesley