Disney Part 1

Hooray!! We made it back to Disney two years after our last trip. I couldn't wait to take Lainey at this age and see all of her reactions. I couldn't wait to see how much Bennett and Will remembered and see what they would enjoy doing this time. I had been counting down the days for so long and there is a chance I could have outrun the plane to get to Orlando. I could write and write about how excited I was, but instead I'll just post pictures. A TON of pictures. Sorry not sorry in advance.

 As soon as Bennett and Will got out of school on a Friday we rushed to the airport. A 5:20 flight plus Dallas rush hour traffic made for two very nervous parents but we made it just in time. Disney, here we come!!!

Lainey's first time on an airplane. We had one very excited princess on our hands. And I'm not talking about Lainey.

And I got to sit next to my favorite traveling buddy.

We're here! Let the magic begin!

My parents drove down to Disney World from Alabama for the first part of our trip. We were so happy to be in the Magic Kingdom with Mommy and Daddy Suttle.

And here is Lainey running to the very first character that she saw. I didn't know how she would do with characters since she was just a baby last time we were in Disney, but she adored them.

Could this be on a Disney postcard or what? Pluto giving Lainey the biggest hug. I died.

We went to see Mickey Mouse next. Here is Lainey getting her first glimpse of him. Y'all.... she was truly like a walking commercial for the magic of Disney. Her excitement made me weepy all week long.

 And that is why I am grinning like a complete fool in the background. But look at her face!

With the big guy himself.

Every single one of us in this picture felt like a little  kid. And that's why I love Disney.

After seeing Mickey, we headed to new Fantasyland. Here is Lainey riding Goofy's Barnstormer for the first time. I don't know if you can see the look on her face, but she was pretty terrified before it started. Bennett was just annoyed that she had to ride by herself.

 

Ah, yes..... Dumbo is much more her speed.

You can't go wrong with Dumbo. A true Disney classic.

We had lunch at the Be Our Guest restaurant in Belle's castle. I had to take a picture of my Dad's dessert. The attention to detail at Disney is what makes it so amazing.

Beauties and the Beast. :)

Tale as old as time..

Just a typical day at Disney. Oh, hey. Look at that show at the castle. 

Olaf cake pops for the win!

We went back to the hotel to rest in the afternoon but after a few hours of that nonsense, we were ready to head back into the parks. Here is Lainey on a train ride with her Grandaddy. She loves him so very much.

My daughter with my wonderful Mom. I am so glad we could all share this together.

Here are the kids at one of my favorite attractions in all of the parks- Belle's Storytime Hour. Bennett was selected to be Mrs. Potts.

Lainey was very content to sit with her grandparents and watch her theatrical older siblings.

Bravo, Bravo

Checking out the fireworks. Nothing better.

A late night spin on Prince Charming's carousel.

As we headed back to our resort for the night, we stopped to see the Main Street Electrical parade. What a perfect Disney day.

Family Halloween Costume 2015

We started this tradition completely by accident. It was Bennett's very first Halloween and I saw the cutest lion costume. I bought it for her without any intention of dressing up myself. Rob and I then decided to throw a Halloween party for some friends and a few days before I just mentioned offhand that I should probably dress up. I believe I told Rob that I had a witch costume in the garage so I would just be a witch. Rob laughed and said, "A lion and witch? Should I be a wardrobe?" I paused for a minute and said, "Yes. You you should." And a tradition was born.

I look back at that picture now and laugh. Rob's wardrobe looks horrible. I had 24 hours to pull it together. And little did we know back in 2008 that we would still be dressing up as a family 7 years later. But we love it. The costumes don't look that great because we try not to send too much money on them. The kids enjoy picking out their own costumes as well so we don't go overboard on detail and price. We just like to have fun.

So, without further adieu, here is our Halloween Costume for 2015. The Ginger Family! Gingerbread man, Ginger Spice, Ginger-Ale, Gingersnap and Ginger from Gilligan's Island. Hey, just embracing out genetic identity. We are the Red Webs after all.

And here are the kids in the costumes they picked out for the Halloween season. Lainey wanted to be a super hero. Done. That's easy enough. Bennett wanted to be the Eiffel Tower. Ummm.... that might be tricky. And Will wanted to go as a boy riding a roller coaster. Well, okay. We'll make it happen!

We loved going to the trunk or treat at our church. Poor Will had to walk in doors sideways but he didn't mind because everyone loved his costume so much.

Hanging out with the sweet Oldham girls.

Super Lainey saves the day!! Could she be any cuter?

Our dear friends from Kansas City came down to spend Halloween weekend with us again. We love the Pishny family and Will and Rachel have been close friends since they were 12 months old.

I was so happy to have Krista and Norman come to visit!

On Halloween night we had several of our neighbors over to trick or treat as a group and hang out. We have done this in 4 different cities now (!!!) and we love that this has become our annual tradition. Here is the neighborhood crew ready to head out for some candy!

Spooky hands were the party favors for each of the guests.

Super Lainey couldn't believe that she just walked up to doors and people handed her candy. It is pretty cool, isn't it, Lainey?

I don't know why, but I love this shot of the front of our house.

Bennett decorating cookies for the guests.

Witches brooms were somewhat healthy treats.

Bennett helped me make our traditional candy corn rice krispie treats.

Pumpkin scones for the win!

Towards the end of the night a bunch of the kids hopped into the back of our van to check out some really cool houses on the on the other side of the neighborhood. As we rode around they were all chanting, "Party Van! Party Van!" Such fun memories. Oh, and both of my kids changed costume. Again. 

And I have to add these few shots of Lainey. She went to an Alzheimer's support group and trick or treated with the sweetest people I have ever met. This little thing just grows in beauty every day.

So, that's it. Another Halloween in the books. This is our 8th year doing a family costume and our 8th year hanging out and enjoying the evening with friends. I am so grateful for new friends to make memories with and old friends who continue traditions with us.