disney continued.

Magic Kingdom

Disney pictures.  Why is it taking me so long to post these darn Disney pictures?!  There are just so many of them, I guess.  Here are a few.  Our first day was at the Magic Kingdom where the kids loved the "It's a Small World" ride - even Caroline!

There was a little person in our entourage, however, who was not big on the lines, though.

Do you see this look?  I get it all the time.  Only me.  No one else in the world is given this look of death but me.  Why me?

I much prefer Teddy's silly little boy look.  Caroline held up very well at Disney!  She's such a good baby!

Epcot Center

Kevin took on the challenge of the unofficial "Around the World" drinking game.  One drink in each country, and there are how many countries represented at Epcot?  10 or 12?  Well, it was a FAIL.  (Thank God!)  He had fun trying, though.  George had fun looking at our map and announcing which country was next along the way, and asking us what type of drink daddy would have there.  Proud parenting moments at Disney, let me tell you!  See George with the map?  He studied it the entire day.  There's something educational in that, right?  Don't answer that.

Kevin in Mexico:

(See how it looks like the fountain is pouring into the cup?  Aren't I just so clever?)

Kevin in Norway:

(Kevin is getting stabbed in the back here.  Okay, I'll stop.)

Kevin in China:

Kevin looking for Matt and Ida in Germany:

Kevin switching it up a bit with a glass of wine in Italy:

Kevin in Haiti:

Kevin having a Sam Adams in America:

Kevin in Japan:

Kevin in Morocco:

And finally Kevin in France:

Can you tell by the smile he is getting tired of the game?

He was so over it. 

Two more countries to go . . . next time, there's always next time.

Okay, so we did do other things besides drink and take pictures of drinking.  We also took lots of pictures with the characters.  The boys were tongue tied each time we saw one, but Caroline LOVED Snow White.  Her first princess.  You would have thought that Caroline had been reading Snow White forever.  She wouldn't take her eyes off her.  It was so cute! 

Tongue-tied boys

Little princess admiring big princess

The boys got their faces painted.  Teddy's design choice was a no-brainer.

The boys at Norway.

Kevin wanted me to go in there and tell the Norwegian employees that I was also Norwegian.  I declined and he kept at it, "Erica, go in there!  Tell them!"  I was like, "Tell them what?  'Hi, I'm Norwegian.  But all I know is that I love kringla and lefsa and I use the word uffda at least once a week.  Oh, and by the way, is 'uffda' really even Norwegian?'"  I knew I would have been crushed if they didn't know what I was talking about.  I mean, even the kringla they sold had almonds and a glaze on top.  KRINGLA SHOULD NOT HAVE ALMONDS AND A GLAZE!  What kind of Norwegians were these people anyway?  Apparently not real ones.  So no, I did not go inside and announce that I was, in fact, an actual Norwegian.

Teddy at the Der Teddybar Toy Shop in Germany.

The boys participated in a performance in America.  You-know-who LOVED the soldiers!

Animal Kingdom

The day we visited Animal Kingdom it was very hot and very crowded.  I have only a few pictures.  Kevin's cousin Allyson and her family live nearby and met up with us there.  They gave us the insider's tour, which was great.  The boys got on all the best rides and quickly got through the lines.  We saw a few animals, but honestly, the Pittsburgh Zoo is better!  I am glad we saw it, though, and because of the rides the boys probably enjoyed this park the most. 

All in all it was a great trip!  We can't wait to go back again!

Dear Kevin,
I forgot to tell you that the Flying Turtles are for the kids.  Now you know.
Love,
Erica

Dear Caroline,

You had your first baby biscuit the other day.  I think you liked it.  You weren't quite sure what to do with it at first, but the biscuit quickly disappeared.  You're my doll.

Love,
Mom

easter.

Here are a few Easter pics.  Somehow the Easter bunny managed to stop by to hide eggs and drop off a few surprises.

The boys gave up hot dogs for Lent.  Guess what we had for lunch?

Getting ready for church.

Later that day we had a very nice family dinner. 

Can Teddy smile normally in any picture?  I don't think so.

Last, but not least, mom and I tried to pose a cute picture of Caroline with the eggs that we dyed with the boys.

We tried several different shots.  Didn't really turn out how I wanted.  So we gave up and left the room to do something else.  Then dad and the boys took my camera while I wasn't paying attention.  Do you think they were making fun of us?  Clowns!  They're all clowns!

6 months old.

Caroline and Nonnie, Pittsburgh Zoo, April 13th

easter.

On Friday the kids waited so patiently for some very special guests to arrive.

And here they are!  Nonnie and Papa!

Grandparents are sooo special.



More Disney pics coming soon!

Dear George,

Tonight you wanted to read two stories to Teddy before bedtime.  When you were finished reading the first book you came into my room to tell me that Teddy had fallen asleep.  We hugged and kissed goodnight and on your way out of my room you said, "Goodnight, babe."  I said the same back to you, but I noticed you had a funny look on your face, like you didn't really mean to call me that.  The word "babe" just slipped out!  So you stood in my doorway for a second and then said, "Mom, you're sort of like a big sister."  Then I instantly wondered if this should be considered a good or bad thing.  I said, "What do you mean, George?"  You said, "Well, because you don't look like a mom.  You look like a kid."  I said to you, "That's funny, George.  You made my day because unfortunately I am not a kid.  But I wish I was one."  Then you said, "Well, you're only 27, right?  And dad is 25?"  I paused for a second.  Then I, of course, agreed.

Love,
Mom

Dear Wilson,

I am not a dog person.  Or a cat person.  Or any other domesticated animal person.  Don't get me wrong, I really love animals.  Animals that are outside.  In the wild.  To be observed and appreciated in their natural habitat.  But one thing I learned over the weekend is, I am a Wilson person.  You have been with us for almost 14 years, and as stinky, messy, unkept, and generally yucky as you can be, I love you.  We thought we were going to have to say goodbye on Saturday, but with the best treatment Pittsburgh offers (which is pretty outstanding) you are getting back on your feet.  Or rather, paws.  I will have to give you insulin injections twice a day for the rest of your life, but I'll just have to bite the bullet and get over my issue with needles.  I'll do anything for my Wilson.  You have amazed the vets at the animal hospital with how spritely you trot around after being so sick.  Well, you're just awesome like that.

Love,

Mom