Orlando

I'm clearly due for an update considering my last post on here was in September.  Being a teacher, mom, wife, and dancing with the stars addict has cut into my time to write and I apologize.  The Smith's recently had a nice trip to visit my dad and his wife and Orlando couldn't have been a better spot for a family reunion. My sister met us there and Shadow got to visit a new state (This makes 7 for him and he is only 2 1/2 so he has a great start.)  We enjoyed the time with family tremendously and had some really fun days at Disney World and Universal.

Jordan and I love Disney.  Actually we are obsessed so it's only natural that we feel we should pass on our affection for Disney to Shadow.  We are doing a really good job too.  He loves Mickey and all of his friends, cuddles with his stuffed Dumbo and Tramp, and watches Toy Story at least once a day.  We only went to Disney for one day because Shadow is not going to remember much of the trip, but his reaction to the rides and characters was priceless.  I'm blessed that I get to relive my childhood though his eyes.

We got our picture taken with the lovable Pluto first thing, so Shadow looks disappointed because he couldn't stay and play with him.  Can I just say how much I love the entrance to Magic Kingdom.  The instant you see Main Street and that Castle you are a kid again.

I wanted to get a picture with my real Prince Charming :)

The Castle at night takes on different colors and the fireworks are a perfect ending to day of magic.

Having read all the Harry Potter books, Samantha and I wanted to see the Harry Potter world at Universal.  We went to Universal on Election Day.  The weather was perfect and the lines were small.  It was a great day until we got home and watched TV.....but that's another story.  At Islands of Adventure you can meet your favorite Super Heroes, see the Cat in the Hat, and grab a butter beer before you venture through the halls and chambers of Hogwarts Castle. 

We met Captain America!!!  I think I was more excited than Shadow.  How can you not love a Super Hero that protects the American Way???

 

Samantha, Jordan and I went on the Forbidden Journey ride that is in Hogwarts.  Sam and I just marveled at all the paintings and staircases that brought us back to the books we so enjoyed.  The ride was a lot of fun too, but it did shut down mid ride while we were in a room full of spiders.  Not cool.

 

The four of us escaped The Hulk.  I think Jordan was a bit worried he wouldn't.

 

 

This trip was special because we don't get to see Dad and Lorna very often.  The time we spent together was very rewarding and we hope to see them again soon!