We're BACK!!!

WOW! It is sooo good to be back home in Michigan-even with the greeting of four feet of snow, and super-duper frigid temperatures...

There are a quite a few things we enjoyed about our trip, so I will list the top five things (the good, the bad, and the ugly...) of our wonderful trip...

THE GOOD:

1. My cousin Todd has been a carpenter for Disney World for twenty years-we were blessed that he could get us multiple park-hopper passes to Disney any/every day we wanted...I now have my PhD. from the Magic Kingdom since we spent seven days (Yes-SEVEN) there. We also hopped over to Epcot (which my kids LOVED!) and the Disney Movie Studios. Thank You, Todd-you alone made our trip magical.

2. Eating in the South is always a treat for this Northern family. I will just show you a picture of my number one favorite place to eat:

(Tin Man said I was a cheap date-and he's right when it comes to this place.) Just give me the Original, and a small sweet tea (with a few lemons, please).

3. Medieval Knights was the place for my three little boys, my dear brother (who joined us from West Palm Beach), and my husband. The boys were in HEAVEN watching those horses and knights. Eating with their hands was a bonus- for them... (Not me! YUCK! I think I used all their wet wipes AND mine!) And even my little boys loved every minute of the action...

4. My parents were with us for three days in Florida. We had so much fun swimming, and showing them a good time. Todd was able to get them in with us, and so we went to Epcot. It was a special time for us all. What memories my kids will have of going there and showing Nana and Papa all their favorite exhibits! That was truly a highlight.

5. We TOTALLY enjoyed swimming and going in our hot tub every day and night. When you come from negative digit weather-you better believe we were swimming when it was sixty-five degrees! We were the only house who seemed to enjoy it a few of those (cooler?) days...

6. I know I said Top Five, but I have to add this-
My oldest son spent his actual birthday at Disney. His eyes lit up every time someone said "Happy Birthday!" to him as we walked through the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.What a magical day it was for him!!! His birthday wish was to take a picture of Chip and Dale:

Now for THE BAD:

1. I will not miss using public toilets while holding a two-year old's hand, and trying to balance myself (squatting) without touching ANYTHING in the stall...and making sure the two-year old doesn't open the door and show others my lovely pose...

(THERE IS NOT A PICTURE FOR THIS ONE!!!)

2.

I know!! It was one of my Top "Good" things! But I am ready to have some home-cooked food. Salads, veggies, MEATLOAF, GRILLED chicken -that is what sounds really good to me after two weeks of "kid-friendly" food. I have had my fill of fries, burgers, and battered chicken for a very LONG time.

3. I am sending my five-year old to school today with blondish-GREENISH hair...Does anyone know what to do about GREEN hair??? I know it is chlorine-related, but no one has had this happen before in this house...(Don't tell me to cut it! I couldn't bear that!)

(...Showing off his kiss from Jasmine from the Aladdin Movie)

4. We drove from Michigan to Florida and back again. It actually wasn't so bad-we had a great time in the car with the kids, but after 18 hours each way-I hope my neighbor wants to drive the kids to school-I might have a claustrophobic moment (or two!) if I am in the car anytime soon! Towards the end of the trip-the boys made forts in the back with their blankets...It was too cute! Who cares if Tin Man couldn't see the rear-view!

...and THE UGLY:

For a few months there, we forgot how colicky our last baby has been...another darling baby was starting to sound good again... We are back to reality after the last few hours in the car:

(!!!!!)

Yeah, we are SO done with babies in this HOUSE!!! It's time for YOUto repopulate!! Overall, he was a trooper! But-It is a good thing that picture didn't come with sound! That's all I will say about that...

Anyways-its always good to spend time as a family on a fun adventure, but it is equally nice to come back...even with the frigid temperatures, it is good to be home!

(That's DOCTOR Ruby Red Slippers in Disney World Studies to you!!!)