The art show

John's school had their annual art show tonight. I took John and Gillian to look at the show. John was super excited. He practically ran through the school. We got to see a lot of beautiful artwork. The theme this year was coexist with character. There was a lot of animals and nature scenes. John's favorite part was a full size cut out of a blue whale! It took up an entire hallway! Gillian loved a jungle science complete with monkeys. 

My favorite part was seeing John's beautiful artwork. 

Look who's back

Our Elf on the Shelf returned the day after Thanksgiving.  When we were in Disney World, I asked Aunt Betty to check our mail for us.  She went to the house the Friday after Thanksgiving and found Buddy sitting on the couch eating M&Ms and Oreos and drinking soda.  She took a picture and sent it to me.

When the kids saw the picture, John said "Ask Aunt Betty make a letter to Buddy and let him know we are in Disney World!"  Gillian said "Him spilled his nemems!"  Aunt Betty let us know that she left Buddy a note and that she would check back later to make sure he wasn't making a mess.  John told Aunt Betty "If he isn't there tomorrow then we will let you know if he is in our room!"  The next day Buddy wasn't in our room.  But Aunt Betty searched our whole house and finally found Buddy.  He had a little message for the kids.

  The next day (our last day in Disney), Aunt Betty went to our house and found Buddy with a note.

 

John was very curious, he kept saying "I wonder what's inside the package!"  And "I can't believe that Mickey sent him a letter!" 

 

On Monday, December 2nd, when we arrived home from our trip, Buddy was waiting to greet us. 

 

 

John was so excited to see Buddy and even though Buddy was high above him, he said "That's what was in the box!  Mickey sent him ears!" 

 

On Tuesday, December 3rd, we found Buddy with all the new toys that John and Gillian got on their trip.  Buddy was still wearing his Mickey ears.  Daddy and I think that Buddy was asking the toys if the kids were good on their vacation.

 

 

The next day, the kids found Buddy in the kitchen.  He made a little swing.  Gillian said "Him made it out of toilet paper!"

 

 

On Thursday morning, the kids found Buddy.  He was having a race with some cars and toys.  Buddy was in the lead!

 

 

 

Enchanted Tales with Belle

On our first day in the Magic Kingdom, we ended up in Fantasyland.  We came across an attraction Enchanted Tales with Belle.  We had no idea what kind of experience we were in for.  We only knew that the line was short and it had something to do with Belle.  After waiting forever (well it seems like forever with impatient little kids), we made it inside Belle's cottage.  Once inside, we were instructed to move the kids to the front of the room towards a big mirror.  We were told that the mirror was magical and that we were going to be transported to the night that Belle and the Beast fell in love.  The mirror then got big and we all walked thru it into another room.  In that room was the wardrobe and she and a cast member told us that we were going to help Belle and that they needed helpers.  They asked for volunteers and my John raised his hand immediately.  The cast member started to select people from our group for different roles.  The first gentlemen selected were suits of armor.  Uncle T got to be a suit of armor!  Next the cast member asked us to roar!  And she picked John to be the Beast!  She also selected someone to be Belle's father, Phillipe (Belle's horse), a wolf, and Mrs. Potts & Chip.  Then the cast member asked "Did everyone get a role that wanted a role?"  Once again, I was surprised to see Gillian raise her hand.  She was given the role of a pepper shaker (which is perfect for Gillian - she likes to shake her booty).

Now that everyone had their roles, we moved to the next room where Lumiere told us that Belle would be arriving shortly and told us that we would be helping Belle prepare for her big night with the Beast.  And then she arrived!  

Belle was dressed in her beautiful yellow gown.  John looked really nervous, and Gillian was a little scared.  She gave her pepper shaker over to a cast member and came and sat with me.  The kids started to reenact when Belle first met the Beast.  She was searching for her father and that's how she got to Beast's castle.  John played his part well and he jumped out at roared at Belle.  Belle was scared, but stayed at the castle so that the Beast would release her father.  Then Belle and the Beast became friends and they danced!

      
 

 

 

After John (aka the Beast) and Belle danced, Belle gave each of the kids (and adults) a bookmark to thank them for participating.  The cast members that were assisting Belle made sure that Gillian got to meet Belle as well. 

 

 

 

I am so glad that we stopped at this attraction.  It was worth the wait in line and we have such wonderful memories of how we met Belle and John got to be the Beast!

Dear John: First Grade

Dear John,

Like I told you tonight when I tucked you in, be strong, be brave, be you.  You are an amazing boy.  You are funny, silly, big-hearted and smart.  Listen to your teachers and you will have a great day.  If you see Mommy cry tomorrow, don't be scared.  I know you are ready for this transition, Mommy just can't believe that her little boy is ready for First Grade.  I feel like the past six years have gone by in a blink.  Remember that Gillian, Daddy and I love you super big much and we can't wait to hear all about your first day.

Love,
Mommy