Disney and Beyond!!!

Well, its been a wonderful day today! Rain, rain and more rain. Chase and have literally stayed at home all day. After being gone for 3 weeks, there was a lot "to do" in the house. We took a little afternoon break and popped popcorn and watched "Princess and the Frog." Eh- not my favorite Disney movie... actually, the worst Disney movie ever (am I aloud to say that?)
We are loving the rain- and so is our grass! We're gonna order a pizza and watch another movie... gotta love rainy days. The best part is that Chase is home and has ZERO studying to do!!! I should count my blessings while I can- he starts rotations next Wednesday:(

With that being said, we have been livin' it up these past few weeks! Chase's parents took us to Disney World and then we took a little weekend trip to San Antonio so see some friends. I'll say it again... It is worth the blood, sweat and tears of teaching 8th grade to get to have a summer break! Thank you Jesus!

Here's a little re-cap of the most amazing Disney trip:
Day 1: Flying, Layover, Flying, Sleeping

Day 2: Animal Kingdom- Since this was day one in the park, I felt a little nervous. We were there at "rope drop" and Chase's job was to QUICKLY walk to the front of the line. Since I didn't know any better, I followed him and ended up getting lost for about 10 seconds. I know you're thinking that sounds like no big deal, but when your new to the family and don't want them to think you can't hack it as a Disney fanatic... you start to get a little concerned! I survived and found the rest of the family... whew! Animal Kingdom was awesome- full of rides, shows and safari animals (my favorite!)

Day 3: Magic Kingdom- Road Dumbo first thing- not on the agenda, but there was no line so... Go Big or Go Home! Right?
Magic Kingdom is my favorite- its just so magical... even as an adult. After dinner, we went back to Magic Kingdom for the parade and more rides where we met up with my cousin Amy.

Day 4: Free Day- Went to brunch at Kona Cafe. AMAZING! Had Kona coffee with this banana stuffed french toast with powdered sugar and strawberry on top. MMMMM. Spent the rest of the day on a sugar high and went boating in little mini-racer boats. Then... the monsoon hit! Crazy, crazy storms- glad we were not at a park. Went to Hollywood studios for Fantasmic- best night show.

Day 5: Magic Kingdom- Road all the major rides for the 3rd/4th time, met Mickey and Minnie. Chill day at the park. Best part of the day??? After late night mini-golf, we all shared this HUGE ice cream sundae called "The Kitchen Sink." It was literally in a kitchen sink- 6 scoops of ice cream, 1 can of whipped cream, all the toppings they have, peanut butter and hot fudge! AMAZING!

Day 6: Epcot- We slept in and "ate around the world" in World Showcase (11 different countries). We all split a food item from each country- except Canada and U.S- because they have lame food. Again, another thunderstorm, so we waited it out and stayed for the night fireworks show.

Day 7: Hollywood Studios- this is where our lives changed.... Chase tried out for the American Idol Experience and made it on the show! I thought he was totally kidding when he said he wanted to try out- but then again, I should have known better. He was in the 12 o'clock show. I was nauseous, I was so nervous. He sang "I like it, I love it" by Tim McGraw. He did great- full of energy (of course). He didn't win, which was probably a good thing because the girl he went against came to Disney just to try out for the show- she was hard core!

Day 8: Epcot- no eating this time- just riding the rides and seeing the shows in future world. Rode Mission Space- which literally has barf bags inside and me being the motion sickness queen- again thought Go Big or Go Home. I felt like I was in labor. I didn't even enjoy the ride I was so focused on my breathing. I survived...without losing my lunch!

Day 9: Animal Kingdom- since it was our second time here, we just took it easy and saw all the shows. We left early and went to Downtown Disney for some shopping and chill time.

Day 10: Hollywood Studios- again, second time here, so we rode Toy Story for the 4th time and just took it easy until it was time to head to the airport.... which reminds me-worst part of the trip!
I would like to declare Orlando airport the most poorly designed and organized airport. I mean they should take a few lessons from Mr. Walt Disney down the road on how to run something efficiently. Our longest line of the entire Disney vacation was at the stinkin' airport security!

Whew.... that was the trip in a whirlwind. It was awesome and I'm already wanting to go back. Maybe Chase can do his residency in Orlando and I can work at Disney- if only one could dream:)

Here are some pics for your enjoyment:




Contemporary Resort living room


Intense Family Planning before departure







Living Room at Animal Kingdom Villas