Disney Christmas Memories

While working the other day, I was updating some Christmas at Disney details and started getting into the Holiday spirit. I started reminiscing about my favorite things about Disney at Christmas time and about some of my favorite memories from when we lived in Orlando. I thought I’d share some of my memories and photos. I figure that it might bring back some Disney Holiday memories from some of you. I'm only posting a small selection of my photos and memories - If I didn't put a limit on it, I could be doing this all day long!

Animal Kingdom 

Our first Christmas at Disney was in 2004 during our College Program. On one of our days off work, Josh and I headed to the Animal Kingdom. On our way out of the park, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy were all there in their holiday/winter gear. This photo of us with Santa Goofy is one of my favorites.

Hollywood Studios

Photo by my dad, Steve

That same year (2004), my Dad & step-mom came down to visit in early December. We went to the Studios one night and wandered around the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. My Dad took this photo of one of the sections of lights. It’s so hard to get nighttime photos of lights, but I think he did a great job on this one. You actually get an idea of how many lights there really are there.

One of my favorite Christmas things at the Studios isn’t there anymore. I’m just a sentimental girls, but I liked the Hollywood Holly-Day Parade. They don’t do it anymore because it was just the Christmas version of the Stars and Motorcars parade (which is no longer there either). There was just something a bout it that I liked. Maybe it was the variety of characters…maybe it was just all the classic Christmas songs. Either way, it was very Christmas-y.

Epcot

I absolutely love walking around the World Showcase at Christmas. Every country has it’s own flair with decorations. I really like Italy. It is so beautiful and classy (especially at night!)

The Candlelight Processional is one of those things that I’m glad I did at least once. The first time I saw it, the Narrator was Marlee Matlin. I enjoyed the whole thing, but it wasn’t until the very end when it started to snow that I started getting teary-eyed. Even though it was fake snow, it was the perfect ending. Especially for a Mid-West girl who wasn't going to see snow that Christmas.

Grand Floridian

In 2005, I started working at the Grand Floridian. And if it’s not famous for it’s bright red rooftops, or fancy restaurants, or expensive rooms, or weddings with Cinderella’s coach…you can bet that people think it’s famous for it’s ridiculously huge lobby tree and annual Gingerbread house.

They put up the tree in the middle of the night in one night, so it magically appears when people wake up one morning. It is the most overwhelming tree you will ever see in your life. And the (what seems like almost lifesize) Gingerbread house is always awesome. There’s even a little sales counter in it where you can buy goodies. Doesn’t Disney think of everything? To top it all off, there is a live band that plays Christmas Songs in the evening from the second floor balcony. If you can't get in the Christmas mood here, it's not likely to happen at all!

Disney Resorts

AK Lodge tree decoration (Photo by Erin)

Throughout more than one Christmas season, I decided to make the rounds to the Disney Resort Hotels to check out their decorations, trees, and gingerbread. As a matter of fact, in 2009, my Mom, my friend Erin, and I did a Disney Girls trip and made a point to visit all the resorts. Between all my holiday seasons at Disney and the hundreds of photos my mom, Erin and I took on that one trip, I would have enough photos of the resorts to overload this website. So I’m only posting a few. But there are so many amazing things to see everywhere. If you are a sightseer/explorer, you would love a resort holiday adventure.

In addition to themed Christmas tress, all of the resorts have their own Gingerbread display. Aside from the huge house at the Grand Floridian, another extravagant one is the gingerbread carousel at the Yacht Club. There’s even a scavenger hunt list and hidden Mickeys!

Magic Kingdom

Saving the very best for last…the Magic Kingdom. I mean, “Magic” is in the name. How could it not be amazing? The whole park always looks amazing and puts you in an incredibly festive mood. But my favorite part? That’s easy. I am a total sucker for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade. It...is...Awesome!

If you are ever there over the first weekend of December expect to see the taping of the annual Christmas Day Parade (aired on ABC on Christmas morning). It’s usually chaos, but it’s kind of cool to see parts of the parade come together. When I was there with Mom & Erin, we were passing Main Street right as Santa’s portion of the parade was about to be taped. I was about 6 weeks pregnant at the time and a bit emotional. But seeing Santa with the Castle behind him was pretty awesome. It didn't hurt that Santa waved right at me (Yes, I do have a photo of that too, but I thought the one with the castle in the back was better to share).

Photo by Erin

Oh, and I can't forget to mention the castle all lit up with Christmas lights at the end of the night. It couldn’t be a more perfect and beautiful way to finish up your festive day at the Magic Kingdom.

I’m so happy that I got to spend as many holidays as I did with the Mouse. I know there are many people out there who dream about a Christmas Disney trip. I’m pretty sure I used to be one of them. It truly is magical. Even though I worked there for a couple years and my job now is still all-Disney-all-the-time, I have never lost that magical feeling that Disney gives you. I really hope I never do.

What about you? Do you have any magical Christmas memories from Walt Disney World? I can't be the only one! :)

Our Sitko Thanksgiving

It is the last day of the 2011 Thanksgiving weekend and I have been thinking about all of things I am thankful for this year. Let me tell you about our Thanksgiving while I mention some of those things.

Thankful Thing 1: My boys. I am surrounded by testosterone in my home and I couldn’t be happier with it. Even my cat is a boy!! But those boys that live in my house are absolutely the thing that gives me joy. I have a husband who loves me for who I am, a cat that cuddles with me, and a son that couldn’t be more amazing. If I had to pick what I am MOST thankful for I wouldn't hesitate when I said, "My boys."

We spent our Thanksgiving over at the Runnels home. I spent lots of time the day before prepping the food, and then cooking in the morning before heading over before kickoff of the first football game. The Daddies hung out with the kids and watched the game while the Mommies put on our matching aprons and got to work in the kitchen. (Yes, we have matching aprons. Katie is a creative whiz and made me one when I freaked out over how much I liked  hers. Mine says “Domestic Goddess!!” By the way, the fact that our outfits underneath the aprons matched as well was just an awesome coincidence.)

Thankful Thing 2:  I am so thankful that we have made friends like the Runnels here in GA. Anyone in the military will tell you how difficult it can be moving around and constantly having to start all over at the beginning with friendships. But on the other hand, I have made friends with people I would have never even met if it wasn’t for our military life. I really lucked out this time in my friendship with Katie. We have so many things in common and we can completely be ourselves around each other. And it doesn’t hurt that we have children that love playing together.

While we were busy cooking, the men kept the kids entertained with an entire playroom, coloring books, sticker books, and (of course) some roughhousing that involved a bean bag chair, Daddies roaring, kids squealing, and some flying through the air.

Thankful Thing 3: The man that I married turned out to be such a wonderful father. In the past, I had seen him interact with his nieces and nephews who just adore him, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he is so amazing with Dylan. But I still find myself smiling while watching them play and cuddle. I don’t it take for granted.

We had a HUGE meal with turkey, corn casserole, dressing, potatoes (mashed & sweet), chicken & dumplings, and more. It was enough to feed the entire block! The good news is that I haven’t had to cook anything since!

Thankful Thing 4: My son is growing into such a little man! Not that I want him to grow up so fast, but I am so proud of him every day. Not only is he the sweetest thing I’ve ever known, but I feel like he is always trying to learn something new. The joys of Motherhood are amazing.

After our meal, we all took some time to relax together and play with the kids. We really had the perfect day. Full bellies, happy kids, and football on tv. The kids were so happy that they were, literally, hugging and kissing by the end of the night. (I won’t tell you how many times they had to kiss to get this photo!) SO CUTE!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with reminders of all the things we have in this life to be thankful for. I hope I continue to remember mine and don't take any of them for granted.

Thankful Thing 5: I know how blessed I am to have such an amazing family and wonderful friends. You all know who you are, and I am so happy to have you in my life. Even though we couldn’t be with everyone over Thanksgiving, it doesn’t mean I’m not incredibly thankful for each and every one of you.

The Story of a Diaper Disaster

Have you ever seen an exploded wet diaper? Unfortunately, I’ve seen many. When I was a lifeguard at the Public Pool in Moline, it was not uncommon to find the remains of a diaper with little, tiny gel pellets everywhere. I realized immediately what I was looking at this afternoon - Let me start at the beginning.

My husband is a chocolate chip cookie junkie, so I thought I’d make him a batch while Dylan was eating lunch. I figured it would brighten Josh’s day when he walks in the door and smells cookies. I had just gotten them all in the oven and wiped down the kid’s mess when I thought I’d quickly switch out a load of laundry (Wow, I’m quite the homemaker, today, huh?). So when I opened the washing machine to throw Dylan’s clothes into the drier I was greeted with millions gel pellets covering everything!

Dylan’s diapers are in a bin that is in pretty close proximity to his dirty laundry bin (Hmm, maybe I should rethink that placement). One must have escaped and jumped into the laundry basket where it was playing a game of Hide-and-Go-Seek with me…which I clearly lost. So, when it got washed, it exploded and deposited all of it’s gel pellet goodness everywhere.

I threw everything into a basket and took it into the bathroom where I rinsed every piece of clothing under the faucet. I should probably mention that it took three sessions to complete the basket. Between Dylan trying to “help” and other things going on in the house, I had to keep leaving and coming back.

Oh, I forgot to mention that when Dylan was trying to help, he managed to somehow bruise his face! I was leaning over the tub when he started crying. I look over at him and he has one leg in the laundry basket and one leg on the floor and a bruise that was already starting turn purple right below his eye.

Thankfully, I kept my mind together enough through all of this to remember the cookies in the oven! That would have been, yet another, disaster!

So after a couple hours, I have managed to rinse everything, clean out the washing machine, get the clothes back in the washer, rinse out the bathtub, and keep Dylan away from the pellets. Now, I just have to get all the laundry done and out of the laundry room so I can mop up the floor with all the stray pellets. Ooo, I guess I need to mop the bathroom floor too! Whew, well this has been a project I was NOT expecting today.

I think I need a nap...and Josh better LOVE his cookies!

'Tis the Season to Share the Rewards

I had an epiphany this morning...

It was somewhere between seeing a donate to charity thing on my coffee creamer and a Box Tops when I was making Dylan’s breakfast that I realized how I take the time to enter rewards points online when it benefits me and my family, but I don’t when it’s for charity. What is wrong with me? Am I SO busy every single day that I can’t cut Box Tops or enter a number code online? Well, that stops today. While Dylan was eating breakfast, I searched my kitchen for all of the “donate” stuff I could find.

My Rewards
My main rewards website that I visit regularly is the Pampers Gifts to Grow. I’m buying diapers anyway, so I may as well be getting rewards for them! I tend to use my reward points for Shutterfly.com stuff. And when I buy diapers at Sam’s Club, I get extra points! I highly recommend this to my other Mommy friends!

I also enter my reward codes on the Huggies Enjoy the Ride website, but I always seem to get discouraged about the ratio of points I receive verses how many points it takes to redeem any prizes. So I tend to just donate those points instead. Have you heard to the Huggies Every Little Bottom campaign? Apparently 1 out of 3 American families struggle to provide enough diapers for their children. If I donate my points, it takes 16 reward points to diaper a child for one day. Today, I donated 245 points. That’s 15 days of diapers! Woo-hoo!

While I was on the Huggies website, I noticed something about Camo Cards and supporting Military families. I obviously wanted to take a closer look. If you create 1 virtual card of Military support, Huggies will donate a diaper to a Military Family in need to diapers for their children.

Are you kidding me? It’s completely free to me, I get to send an encouraging message to a military family, and give a free diaper? I think everyone can come up with 2 minutes of time and 200 characters. I challenge you to click on this link and do it right now!

Back to this morning…What else did I find in my kitchen?

I LOVE my coffee creamer. On my International Delight Vanilla Spiced Rum Seasonal coffee creamer, I found Share Your Delight. When I went online and entered my UPC code, they let me choose between “Toys for Tots” or “Coats for Kids” to donate $0.50. I know that might not seem like a lot, but it’s more than I had donated when I woke up this morning. (I chose Coats for Kids)

I also found 8 Box Tops, and 1 Yoplait’s “Save Lids to Save Lives” that I am going to hold onto and send in later.

I challenge anyone who stuck around this entire blog entry long enough to get to this point to use this Holiday season to follow my lead. I know I won’t always enter every code I find in my kitchen, but I’m going to try. If corporations are going to make the effort to really make a difference, why shouldn’t I…and why shouldn‘t you? After all, ‘Tis the Season!

Disney Days - a Magical Magic Kingdom Day

You may think that we did everything a little backwards with our Magic Kingdom day last, but it worked out great for us. Coming in second place behind the wonderful Christmas decorations at the Magic Kingdom, comes their Autumn/Halloween stuff. Since this park is the home to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties, they really go all out with decorating.

They even dress up scarecrows for the holiday!

And don’t get me started on the giant pumpkins! (Okay, so they are fake…but they look great!)

They even put up special statues around the Walt & Mickey statue in front of the castle.

We found Pirate Goofy! Cindy was super excited because Goofy is her favorite and, let’s face it, pirates are cool! So we had to get some good photos with that funny scallywag!

And what kind of trip to the Magic Kingdom would it be without stopping to see Mr. & Mrs. Disney (Mickey & Minnie)?

I just want to take a brief moment to mention how happy I am that Cindy D wanted to come on this vacation with us. I’ve known her since I was in grade school and she has always be wonderful to me. I’m not at all surprised that she treats my son the same way. She’s one of those people that you want around a lot because she has the ability to brighten up your day. She really made the trip more special…and fun!

Our day at Magic Kingdom would not be complete unless we had Dole Whips. It's a Magic Kingdom tradition for our family. If you’ve never had a Dole Whip, you are missing out on one of the true treasures at Walt Disney World. Next time you are there, stop at the refreshment counter across from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and treat yourself to a bit of tropical bliss in a cup. Trust me! All three of us ladies got different flavors and Dylan sampled them all!

Our final night in Disney World ended with me holding my son while watching Wishes at the Magic Kingdom. I had forgotten how many times I saw those fireworks and heard the music (When I worked at the Grand Floridian, one of our jobs was to be a Fireworks Cruise boat captain on Pontoon Boats. So I took families out on that Lake many, many, many times for this show). All the words and my favorites parts came rushing back as soon as it started. It was a simple joy that I wasn’t expecting. Maybe that sweet song is one I should add to my Dylan lullaby repertoire.

It ended up being the perfect end to a wonderful vacation with my incredible son, my wonderful Mama, and a very dear family friend. I’m so lucky to have those memories.

Disney Days - Welcome to Hollywood! I mean, Hollywood Studios!

Theme Park #3 = Hollywood Studios. Or as known by people who haven’t been to Disney in a few years - MGM Studios.

Us with June

We started our morning off with a character breakfast at Hollywood & Vine restaurant. I think that in the past, I had eaten at every place in the Studios except for this one! Of course, knowing that there are Disney Channel characters here for the Breakfast and Lunch, I was probably avoiding it in my pre-Dylan days. But now that we are actually watching those shows in the morning, I was probably more excited than Dylan was!

Us with Leo

We arrived about an hour before the park opened and headed to Play & Dine at Hollywood & Vine. There are always 4 characters at Character Meals in Disney World, and our 4 were Leo & June from Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, and Special Agent Oso. We don’t watch Little Einstiens, so I wasn’t terribly excited about them, but Dylan liked them. They were the first two to come visit our table.

Handy Manny

Dylan didn’t want to hug anyone or be in the middle of the photos. But he was really excited to give everyone a high five! I liked this photo of Dylan with Handy Manny. He pointing just like Manny. Always trying to be one of the big boys…

Special Agent Oso

And finally (saving the best for last) Oso came to see us! My mom was giving me a some grief for being more excited than Dylan about Oso. Dylan didn’t really care about Oso, but REALLY liked Paw Pilot. I think he just wanted to snatch Oso’s Paw Pilot button and take off! Oso let Dylan play with Paw Pilot a little bit and touch the buttons. Score!

Of course, now that our trip is over, Disney has announced that Leo getting the boot and will be replaced by Jake (from Jake and the Never Land Pirates). If you remember, Dylan’s Birthday Party was a Jake & the Never Land Pirates Party. So now I’m a little bummed that Disney was about 3 months late on that one!

Later that morning we had to go see my main man…Sorcerer Mickey. I’ve toned down my obsession a bit, but several years ago (about the time I was on the College Program) I LOVED Sorcerer Mickey. What can I say? I do still get choked up and teary eyed every time he pops up on top of the mountain in Fantasmic. Oh man, I have to stop talking about it now or I’ll get verklempt!

Watching the Disney Jr Show

To continue our day of Disney Jr splendor, we had to make a stop at the newly revised Disney Jr show. Fortunately, Jake was already in this show. Mickey & friends, Jake & friends, Little Einsteins, and Handy Manny. It’s a Disney Channel morning fan’s dream! Dylan really liked the show. There was music, dancing, singing, and so many of his favorite friends from Disney Jr!

Michael and I actually got some “work” done (although I feel guilty calling it that. Enjoying time in the Disney Theme Parks? Whew, what a tough job!!). We did the newly revised Star Tours ride, found out details about a few new policies throughout the park, watched the I-can’t-believe-I’m-standing-in-the-sweltering-heat-for-this “Disney Rocks” street show, and lots of other stuff.

And then it was time for more Disney Channel characters. Only this time it was Superstars. That’s right everyone…I met Phineas & Ferb! Unfortunately, Dylan had already been having so much fun that he was passed out. But in all honesty, there’s no way he would have been anywhere near as excited as I was to meet those two.

I love how they were making the "Shhhh!" sign with their hands. So cute! But maybe they should've decided to invent some sort of machine where when Dylan woke up, he could re-live that moment with them, and Doof, and Perry, and Isabella...Wow, if you have never seen that show, you are probably really lost right now, huh?

On a funny side note, Michael got roped into being a part of the pre-show thing while we were waiting in line for Phineas & Ferb. Yup, that’s him as a Tiki God with all the little kiddos. The badass girl in front of him with the sunglasses was hilarious…she was clearly ticked off that she was up there. I think those sunglasses were hiding a glare with the power to freeze us all! She was a highlight of my day.

That night after a much needed afternoon break, we headed back into the park for some shopping and my absolute favorite thing in Walt Disney World…Fantasmic! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen that show. From going for fun to taking my VIP tour families there. It never gets old, and I always, always get excited as soon as the lights go down. But before we headed into the Amphitheater, we did some strolling through Sunset Boulevard.

The only downfall of Fantasmic was trying to keep a 14-month old entertained and occupied for the 40 minute wait. I was not above taking him for walks, buying a light-up toy, and feeding him a Mickey Mouse Sugar Cookie. But see how happy he looks? Once the show started, he was entranced for almost the entire 27 minute show. But I’m not surprised. He is, after all, my son.

I could have ended my Disney trip there. Seeing Fantasmic is an ideal end to a trip for me. But wait…we still have Magic Kingdom! Woo-hoo!

Disney Days - An Epcot Kind of Day

Our second Day of Disney parks was full of Epcot! I always have fun at Epcot.

Maybe it’s all the memories of Drinking Around the World with our friends while we lived in Orlando, or maybe it’s the huge variety of things you can see and do there. Maybe it's because it's the only park I can usually get Josh in without a bribe of some sort! :) Regardless, it’s always a good time.

Dylan and I had a little ‘us time’ while the rest of our group went to fly on Soarin’. I remember when Soarin’ opened, my first thought was, “My mom would love this ride.” And she does. It was Cindy’s first time on it, and she loved it too. Once again, it is a must-do, if you’ve never experienced it. (And be sure to check out the hidden Mickey on the golf ball. You can only see it for a split second, but I swear it’s there!).

Dylan & Cindy checking out the Seagulls

After that, we headed over to the Seas. I love the Seas. Even before Crush and Nemo & Friends joined the party over there, it was still one of my favorites. Does anyone remember the old ride and Sea Base Alpha? Now it’s even better with Crush’s Turtle Talk and the fun Finding Nemo stuff inside. Even the seagulls out front are cute. Dylan was all about those seagulls. Cindy helped him get a better look. Let’s just hope he doesn’t pick up on their mantra - “Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!”

After riding our clam-mobiles inside, we went to see Turtle Talk (Another must-see!). Dylan and I sat down in front for our visit with Crush and he really enjoyed it. But, as you might have guessed, he didn't really have and questions for the “totally awesome” sea turtle. And afterwards we, of course, had to take the traditional photo in Bruce the Shark’s mouth! Dylan look a  little apprehensive, though, doesn’t he? Maybe it was those huge teeth!

"Ahh! There's an alien on my head!"

After venturing back to dry land, we finished off the other side of Future World. Dylan, Grandma Linda & I explored the awesome Mouse Gears store while Michael, Terry, and Cindy thrilled their way to Test Track. My mom and I always visit Mouse Gears. ?There is so much cute stuff in there! And why wouldn't we try on hats and other awesome stuff while we were there?

Okay, it’s after 11am! That means it’s time for the World Showcase! Woo-hoo! Dylan’s very first Disney character photo was with… Snow White! We figured starting with “face” instead of “fur” was a safe bet. She was very sweet with him, even though he was a little nervous. Grandpa Bob would be so proud considering I think he’s always had thing for Snow. I’m sure he’s say, “Atta boy, Dylan!”

After a nice lunch with Michael and Terry in Italy, they headed off and we continued to explore the World. One of the things my mom was really excited about was the Caramel Shop in Germany. I’m not sure if you know this about my mom and I, but we are definitely on the Caramel team when it comes to Chocolate vs. Caramel. As a matter of fact, I will eat the chocolate, just to get to the caramel inside! Anyway, if you are another Team Caramel person, you should check out this all-caramel bakery…It. Is. Awesome! Dylan even had a treat. He enjoyed his Jumbo Krispy Rice Treat with Caramel Topping!

While we were Germany, we ladies decided to stop for a shot of wine. Yup, we splurged on a shot each! Actually, we split a wine flight there. Cindy got the Schmitt Sohne Eiswein (Ice Wine), Mama got the Two Princes Riesling, and I got the Madonna Liebfraumilch.



Our Scandinavian heritage wouldn’t let us miss Norway! So the Swedish and the Norwegian tend to be rivals - but Norway is as close as we can get at Epcot! We couldn’t miss the opportunity to take the standard photos! (Btw, is it just me, or is the troll about to grab Cindy’s behind?)

On our way out of the World Showcase for our afternoon break, we had to stop in Mexico to get a photo with Amigo Donald!  Donald Duck is Josh’s favorite Disney character, so I never miss an opportunity to get my photo taken with him. I have

to admit, for some reason, I never full appreciated Donald until Josh turned me onto him. That duck is one funny guy! So even though I may not understand what he is saying most of the time, I tend to like the guy!


Later that evening, I had a business dinner to go to, so Mama & Cindy took the little man back to Epcot. Apparently, they had a great time! They explored some more Countries, took photos with some more characters, Dylan rocked out to the band in the U.K., and they watched IllumiNations.

I arrived back right after IllumiNations ended and met them on the bridge heading over to The Boardwalk. Cindy had never walked the Boardwalk before, and considering it's a very special place to me, I wanted her to see it. I can't tell you how many Tuesday nights I spent there when we lived in Orlando. Not only is it home to one of my favorite places (Jellyrolls), it also is the spot where Josh proposed. I just had to show them 'Our Bench.'

It was a full, but very fun day. And I know that Dylan had a great timetime with the two Grandmas that evening!

Cindy, Dylan, and (a very pretty) Belle!

Grandma and Dylan with Tigger & Pooh!