Disney Whirlwind

I know this post is beyond late, but I have a good excuse. We are moving from the East coast to the West coast. Period. In February we had an amazing opportunity to spend 5 days at the Disney parks! We visited Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and, of course, Magic Kingdom. Thinking back I cannot believe we survived such a schedule with 3 littles ones (or should I say 4 exhausted adults!). We were up and out the door every morning to catch a bus, sometimes before 8am, from our resort to the park of choice to arrive as the gates were opening. We had our days mapped out, meals booked, and all the secrets to rides and other attractions thanks to our amazing Disney planner. And we didn't get home until way after bedtime each night. I think I would have thrown my hands in the air and given up if I didn't have her expertise guiding us each and every day. There are stories, TONS of pictures and just memories overflowing. I cannot begin to share all of it with you on this blog. I chose the pictures that mean the most to me...ones that show the excitement, emotion and memories of such an amazing trip. Many, many thanks to my parents who were able to join us and who helped tremendously! We had an absolute blast and the kids still talk about it, even 3 months later.

Head. Is. Spinning.

My sincere apologies for not having the blog updated as of late. We had such an amazing holiday season packed with all sorts of activities, travel, family and friends. And lovely pictures to prove it. One of these days, hopefully before the trees bloom, I will post a few. In the meantime, this is why it hasn't been done and this is also why insomnia has set in for me...

• less than 6 months left in greenville
• putting the house on the market in a few weeks. again.
• blake's birthday in a few weeks
• leave for disney world in one month
• found a magnificent property in del mar, ca. and trying to seal the deal
• buried in switcharoo consignment
• packing for the move has already begun
• finalizing the contract for matt's job
• valentine's parties. times three.
• i went back to work

Whew. I need a nap, but I'm sure I couldn't sleep if I tried...



Down syndrome Family Alliance Christmas Party

 All dressed up the Christmas party!

 Blake was so excited when Santa arrived...

 Waiting in line to see Santa. Blake screaming at Blair & Dane pouting. Typical.

 Another classic. Blair will enjoy this picture one day.

The Down syndrome Family Alliance of Greenville throws a Christmas party each year complete with a sit down, home cooked meal, games and activities, and Santa Claus! Each child received a gift this year wrapped with their name on it. It was such a generous personal touch! Matt was recognized for his contributions on the board, and we tried to take in all the wonderful people we have met over the years as we will miss them when we relocate next year. There is nothing more comforting than meeting amazing people who are in a similar situation. Those we've met are so caring, intelligent, funny, nuturing, and supportive. I can only hope we meet similar people in San Diego and wherever Matt's job takes us (which we hope to know VERY soon!).

One Final Boo!

Buzz Lightyear, Spider Man & our little pirate girl had a blast at their final Boo in the Zoo and trick or treating in Greenville! My parents were able to be here to witness the mayhem at Boo in the Zoo. Between the arrival of the baby giraffe and the entire city wanting to partake, busy was an understatement. Thanks to following the advice of a friend to purchase tickets in advance we waltzed right past the long line and enjoyed perusing the zoo in costume. Sadly, we spent our final Halloween night with the Barden's :( For five years they have welcomed us into their home and neighborhood where we have enjoyed pizza, trick or treating and their friendship. I remember bombarding their home with our two boys when they had not yet had children, and now we total five children between our three and their two! We will sorely miss spending this holiday with them! This year our friends Alben and Shafer Miller (and their parents) joined us, which was so fun and made for great memories.

Dane is 5!

Dane turned 5 on October 30th (yes, I am behind)! We had a fun Spider Man themed celebration that included a bounce house in our own backyard complete with a GIANT Spider Man at the entrance. Dane had no clue this was happening and the look on his face as it was blown up was priceless. He enjoyed bouncing with his friends, snacks and cupcakes, and a generous spread of gifts. Our youngest son has turned into such a smart, kind, funny little boy who continues to have a strong personality. Dane is amazing us with his reading abilities, his quick understanding of addition and his natural athletic abilities. We know this year has great things in store for him!

Buddy Walk 2012

Our last Greenville Buddy Walk was on October 27th. This year I was asked to be on the committee, which was such a great learning experience and so much fun to spend time with such great parents of children with Down syndrome. However, that also made for a very long day of work for me. I was also unable to walk with my family because I was appointed the event photographer the morning of the walk! Although it wasn't ideal, this year's walk was extra special because my parents were able to travel to Greenville to join us. The event was wonderful with lots of games, a local Tae Kwan Do group (see Blake breaking boards above!), the Greenwood Genetic bus (a science experience) and of course the walk and activities took place at the beautiful Furman University campus. We will certainly miss the smaller, quaint walk here in Greenville, but look forward to the Buddy Walk in San Diego next year. What a fun day it was and how great it is that we are able to set aside a day to celebrate Blake!

Behind

In the past week or so we have celebrated Dane's birthday, Halloween, The Buddy Walk and a visit from my parents. Great fun was had by all and I have lots of pictures to prove it. However, after being up to my elbows in cupcake frosting, wrapping paper, costumes and editing pictures from all of the above, I have been neglecting the blog. I have high hopes for some free time this coming week...