Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

It is my families tradition to read The Polar Express on Christmas Eve. Up until we stopped coming home for Christmas mom would still read us the book. A few years ago (2005) Stacy bought Amie and I our own copies of the book, and of course the DVD that had come out that year as well. Seeing that I haven't been home for Christmas in quite some time, I still like to keep the tradition alive.

Last night I pulled the book out, and asked Sean if he would please read me the story. Being that he's so completely wonderful he said yes, and we curled up under the covers and he read me the book. He even changed his voice and read it the way mom used to read it. It was perfect!


This morning we both woke up at 6:30 am, so we could go to 8 am mass. It was nice dressing up and not freezing our butts off. Kind of crazy, but our Christmas morning was about 57 degrees and sunny. I was not complaining at all. We even saw one of Santa's reindeer that got left behind. He was really confused, didn't have anywhere to run to. So we just sat and watched him for awhile. You can't see him real well, but we eventually left him alone.


After mass we came back home, tidied up the kitchen and fulfilled yet another tradition, Orange Sweet Rolls! Every Christmas morning we would make these, and Sean is more than willing to continue my tradition, I think he loves them more than I do. Once the Orange Sweet Rolls were done, we brought them into the living room, with our Mimosa's and decided to open our presents.


Before opening presents, we both posed in front of our little Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.


Obviously all 8 sweet rolls were gone before lunch. You can see just how delicious they are in my beautiful photo below.


I got Sean a Wii for Christmas so we've spent the better part of the day playing the sports games that come with it along with the Mario Kart game that Amers got us. Thanks Amie Leigh!

We had a late lunch with a delicious turkey, mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was so yummy and juicy and I forgot to take a picture, but it looked as good as it tasted. We'll have plenty of leftovers for the week as well.

We're going to hang out at the house a little longer, and probably catch a movie later on. I think we're going to try and see Marley and Me. It looks like it's supposed to be a good one!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone had as wonderful of a holiday as we've had.

A Card from Stacy

Just so Stacy isn't jealous. I found a card she drew for me. Not sure the year on this one.

A note from Amie Leigh

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a collector, meaning that I barely ever throw anything away. It makes it fun going through old things. I found a fun note that I wanted to share from my big sister Amie. Not sure what year it was but I'm sure early 80's if I had to guess.

Weekend Update

We had another out of town weekend. Friday night Sean and I drove up and stayed with his sister Amy's family. We got to play with the girls, Lucy and Anna in the morning for a few hours before we had to drive to Maryland. Lucy just celebrated her 1st birthday on Thursday, and although she's not always comfortable playing with Sean, I caught both girls having a fun time with their Uncle Sean.

We had to leave around 11 or so to go to Maryland and do a few wedding errands and then we had Sean's company Christmas party. Every year his company holds a nice party where we get to get dressed up, socialize, and overall just have a fun time. The last few years have been at Lewnes Steakhouse and they have delicious food and wonderful service.

Edamame, Christmas Trees and Salvation Army

What do these three things have in common? Well nothing, or nothing that's really worth blogging about. They are each very important on their own.

Edamame
Anyway I've spoken to recently knows that Edamame is one of my new favorites. Needless to say I was pretty excited when I went to Trader Joes and they were giving samples of an Edamame Hummus on crackers. I'm not a big Hummus fan, but let me tell you, this stuff is delicious, probably because it's made only with the Edamame soybean and not the chickpea. I could eat spoonfuls! Next time you go to Trader Joes, I suggest you pick it up, you will not be disapointed.

Christmas Trees
Sean and I have slacked on getting into the season this year, and it's been bothering me that we hadn't gotten a tree yet. Less than a week until Christmas, and we don't even have the Christmas towels out yet. I had been talking with Amie about this (older sis) and she hadn't gotten her tree either, so at least I wasn't the only one. We talked about it, and we both discussed just getting little Charlie Brown trees this year. With the economy being the way it is, I just can't see myself shelling out $75 on a tree. Anyways, I was doing my errands today and I drove past the church we always buy our trees from. It looked pretty deserted, so I drove in and low and behold next to the pile of trees there was a sign that said FREE please take. I was more than thrilled. Not only did I get our Christmas Tree, but I didn't have to pay a dime for it. Oh, and I got a FREE wreath too! Amie still hasn't gotten her tree, maybe she'll have one before Christmas.
Salvation Army
A few months ago I decided to volunteer for the Salvation Army by ringing the bell. I signed up, and tonight was my day. For two hours I stood outside the local grocery store ringing my bell, smiling and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It definitely was a good way to get into the season and it definitely helped that their was a group singing Christmas carols, along with their instruments down at another entrance. We were even presented with Mistletoe by an older gentlemen! I love the holiday season.

Disney Loves me!

Busy Weekend

Sean and I have had a busy weekend of holiday parties.

Friday evening we headed over to Alize Bistro to meet up with The Micro Tour members and their significant others. Sean's not a member but he plays golf enough with them that they usually invite us to their events. It was a nice dinner plus we did the white elephant gift exchange. We ended up with a bottle of some orange liquor and a Christmas ornament. It was also a nice chance to catch up with our good friends Cindy and Steve.

Me and Cindy

Cindy & Steve

Sean and I

Saturday Sean wasn't feeling well so he was in bed until about 5 pm. This gave me a chance to dive into my book. Those that know me, know I'm not a huge reader. I used to love to read, but now barely find the time, or the interest. Everyone has been talking about The Twilight Series, so I figured, why not give it a try. My sister Stacy has the books, and she had sent the first book to my other sister Amie to read and then since I expressed interest, I now have the first book. The other books will be sent once read by both sisters. Around 5 I told Sean he had to get up since we had our YEP (Young Emerging Professional) Christmas party. This was a semi-formal event that I wanted to go to and I was being a little selfish, but I didn't want to go alone. So we dressed up and went over to the party which was being held in a model home in New Town. The space, food and all beverages were donated, so it was a cost free evening, which was really nice. It was nice catching up with some friends that I hadn't been in touch with in a while.

Sean, me and Jana (YEP)

Sunday Sean still wasn't feeling well. He stayed in bed until, well actually I don't think he left the bedroom. I made waffles in bed for him this morning and then continued with my book while he slept. This afternoon was The Colonial Road Runner's end of the year award banquet. I wanted to be there around 3 or so, and since Sean was still in bed I didn't bother him with asking him to come with me. It was nice to catch up with some of the Colonial Road Runner's that I hadn't talked to in a while. There was free food and drink, which was nice. During the awards ceremony I received my recognition for 1st place in the 20-29 age group. I received a t-shirt, a nice plaque (with all my race times from the year on it), free Panera bread every month for a year, $20 gift certificate to Colonial Sports, 20 tickets to Go-Karts Plus, Free breakfast at Aromas, and $15 for Chanellos!

Snapshot at my t-shirt

Now I'm home about to finish up Twilight, I think I only have 10 or 20 pages left. I would have finished it earlier but I ran out of time. I hope the Giants kick butt tonight, than maybe Sean will start feeling a little better.

Journal Entries (Warning Long)

Today I finally decided to go through the books and things my dad brought me back during the "Meet the Fockers" weekend. I found a Journal between me and my 5th grade teacher Mrs. Powsner. I figure I would share my entries, and try to write with the same spelling and punctuation that I did back then. I was even more random back then than I am today. This is really long, and the only reason I'm really posting all of them is because Amie requested it, along with some of my wonderful drawings from the entries. So enjoy! Skim through and look at my wonderful artwork if you don't have time to read.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
My name is Patricia Crosby. My hobbies are doing prodigy, reading , and playing nintendo. My favorite sports are basketball, swimming, and bowling. I went to the fair twice once with my family, and once with my friend. My favorite food is pizza. (I don't like school pizza) I am left handed. I am ten years old. My birthday is April 27th 1981. Talk to you later
Your student,
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
I bet it is fun to go to the fair with relitives. Do you go on rides? If you do what is your favorite ride? Do you like to read? I do. What is your favorite book? How long have you been a teacher? Have you always teached 5th grade? When you were little did you want to be a teacher? Is this the only job you ever had? What is your favorite food? What is your favorite animal? My favorite animal is a cat. I have 4 cats. There names and ages are Sasha is 10, Buttercup is 4, Curious is 3, and tiger is 3. Curious and Tiger and twins. Sasha, Tiger and curious are girls. Buttercup is a boy.
Talk to you later.
Your student,
Tricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Do you have a computer? I do. If you do what kind of computer. Have you ever heard of prodigy? If not it is a thing you hook up to your phone and you can write letters to peope though the computer, and you can play these neat games. Have you ever read The BFG it is great.
Talk to you later
Your student
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
On Saturday I got stung by a bee. It hurt like crazy. We have new neighbors and I played with them yesterday. I went swimming in their pool. They found two guns, and a Basketball in their bushes. Their names are Samantha and Danielle. Samantha is 6, and Danielle is 3. Yesterday we found 6 frogs, and 1 toad. 1 frog was alive and the toad alive too.
See you later,
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
How many years have you been a teacher? Last night I watched Fresh Prince, and then Major Dad. What is your favorite show, one of mine is high rollers.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
On Sunday I'm going to a birthday party for Samantha, our new neighbor. Her party will be held at the ground round, from 3:00 -4:45. It will be fun.
Your student,
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to the ground round for a party, it was fun we got our face painted, a balloon with a picture and our name on it. We got to have popcorn, soda, cake, and either, pizza, grilled cheese or chicken fingers. Samantha got three hawian fun barbies, alot of art supplies and more stuff. I got her crayons, markers, paper, books, and hair things.

Yesterday I had so much homework. later on we found a frog in Samantha's back yard. We watched it swim in there small pool it was fun.
your student
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I didn't have much homework I want you to right back. Please right alot wright about your family.
Your student,
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
On Saturday I slept at Courtney's house. It was fun. We ate supper by candle light, we went apple picking and me and courtney left our Jackets at hackets (that's were we went apple picking) please write back about what you did on the weekend write alot.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
While I was at Courtney's see went to a soccor game (her team lost) while we were there her grandma made the apple pie out of the apples me and Courtney picked. Write back soon.
Your pen pal
Patricia Crosby


Dear Ms. Powsner,
Last night I was on the way to the doctor's and I saw a house burning down. the firefighters were burning the house down on purpose (to train other firefighters it was cool. I saw the roof cave in. When we got to the doctors office we went into room 4 the docto came in and looked in my mouth and ears he said I had a ear affection in both ears. but the right was worse then the left. My ears hurt alot. On the way back my dads muffler was dragging on the ground. My dad took it off. When we went by house it was still burning. My dad needed to by me medicine so he went home to get the check book. (he didn't bring it because my mom had it) When we got home my mom was walking with Linda, and Terry. My dad told my mom to get the cheakbook so he could by my medicine so I am using Terry's medicine till I get my medicine so when I get my medicine I'll put as many as used into Terry's. Then I went inside and watched Roseanne. Then I went to sleep. It was a exciting night. This morning I woke up at around 6:45 and got ready for school. Then I went to the Paquettes and waited for the bus when it came. I was last in line. When we got to school we were late.
talk to you later
Your student
Patricia Crosby

Dear Powsner,
Yesterday I changed my room around. now I don't have my tv on my desk. before I could not even open my desk draws now theres barly anything in the draws.
Bye-Bye
Trish

Dear Ms. Powsner,
last Night I went I went to Religon it is so boring. When I came home Danielle's Mother and father was not home so she came to my house we watched fresh Prince of Balair then we watched blosson then I read then I went to bed.
Patricia Crosby
bye-bye
write alot about last night at least a page long

Dear Ms. Powsner,
How are you I am fine. I watched full house it was Funny. then I watched Home Improvement.
Your student Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
last night My uncle Peter came and he and my dad turned off the electricity and put in new wires. It was fun to watch them.
your student
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday my mom and I looked at pictures (when my dad was little and mom was little) and we cleaned the selfs. I found a book from 1893.
See you later
Trish Crosby

Dear trish,
How are you? What did you do over the weekend I like to read long messages.
bye-bye
Trish

Dear Ms. Powsner,
This morning I won a computer game for my first time it was called home alone I got 100 points and 1:28
Bye Bye
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Are you going to dress like a nerd or Steave Urkle tomorrow? I am, I am going to dress like Steave Urkle I will wear red glasses, red sespenders, black pants, and a white blouse. Hope you dress crazy.
Your student
trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
On Saturday I slept at my friend Danielles house it was fun.
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
This morning I was at the bus stop and I fell. I called my dad and he came he looked at my foot and told me to go to the nurse when I get to school I did she looked at it then she gave me ice for it.
Your student trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday my mom, amie, stacy, and I started peeling wallpaper off the wall. My dad took the cupboards off the wall.
ask later Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yes we are getting new cupboards and a new stove. Yesterday People were putting seetruck up when I got back from Religon. We tore the wall down it was fun. Then I wachtched The Fresh Prince of Balair then Blossom then my mom read part of the tinderbox “she like it” we got to the part when the solider was just living the first door. It was hard to fall asleep because the kitchen is right next to my room and my dad was hamering all night.
Trish Crosby

Dear Trish,
Here is a poem I made up Trish the dish likes to look at fish. She likes her hair, but I bet she doesne’t dare. She like her shirt but it’s a piece of dirt. She likes her eyes but they where dyed. I bet her feet look like beets. If I looked at her nails they would tell a tale. If I looked at her car I would show a dumb bar. Her books always look like little brown hooks. Looks are’t counting as long as you look at a fountain. She lives in a house with a little brown mouse. So don’t go looking for a mans who’s cooking. Just come see meand I’ll tell you about a bee
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
This morning at 1:30 these teenage boys smashed my neighbors pumpkins that weighed about 100 pounds each. And took my other neighbors pumpkins. On Monday after Religon everything in the kitchen will be out and it will be in my room or Amie’s room because they have to put the flooring in. And our garage is filled with cupboards. to put in after the floor is in. If I write a lot you write a lot so write a lot.
ByBy trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner when I get home from Religon today If I look in the kitchen there will be nothing to see because everything will be in my room or amies room (I’ll take the friege)

Dear Ms. Powsner,
I got a great book to show you for science I will share it with the class tata Trish

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Last night in the hanted forest my sister got scared (little sister) How did Katy like it? Here is a birthday song Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Whopee do Whopee do Hope your day is plesent open up your presents. Just for you (hey) Just for you (hey) like it Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
On Saturday my dad put the Nintendo in my room and gave me cable “Cool” talk later Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Today the workers are going to put the bathroom floor in almost everything is out of my room from the kitchen
Talk later Trish Crosby

Dear Powsner,
My new stove and dishwasher are put in. I can’t wait till the addition
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I got my tooth pulled it didn’t hurt but it felt wierd. write a lot
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Saturday My dad caught a deer and it is hanging by it’s antler and it’s belly opened it looks like this gross.



Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to Religon and had a test (boring) What have you been doing tell me about your teaching years.
By Trish

Dear Ms. Powsner
Today my dad is going to bring the deer to a meet cutter (yuck)
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
I went to the place where they cut animals up and they shot a lamb then cut its head off, blood was everywhere. Later that day the man who cut the Deer (Dave) brough the meat to my house. the meat was raped in green paper. He also gave us the head, antlers, and feet we put it in our freezer.





Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday we baked all day, we baked cranberry sause, cranberry bread, and I forgot what the other was called it was fun cooking I also watched the invisibule women. It was a good show.
bye bye

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to Religon I got a report card I got a 89. After Religion I watched The fresh jPrince, then Blossom

Dear Ms. Powsner, How was your thanksgiving mine was fine. Write to me!!!!

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I played in the snow with my friend Brittney and my sister Stacy

Last night I made peanut butter fudge for our bake sale! Yum! Yum! Yum! Write to me use up half a page

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I watched the Grinch who stoll Christmas with my little sister. My sister liked it.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to the doctors to get my ear checked then I had supper then I went to Religon.
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I got my hair cut I saw Mrs. Dieco there too.
Trish Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
On Saturday I watched The best Christmas Pagent ever and Ernest Saves Christmas

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went Ice Skating. I also went Ice Skating last Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. How do you like your new ice skates. How does Katy like Skating.
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to Religon

Dear Ms. Pownser,
Last nigh I d id my home work intil 8:12 I am doing my map at home.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
last night I help babysit a 5 years old and an 1 ½ year old. It was fun I made two dollars.
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I got index cards and started my report on giraffes. Do you know there is only 7 bones in a giraffes neck?
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
My uncle had to go to the hospital to get something out of his stomach. Instead of sewing it up they stapled it up with real staples, it looks gross. Hopfully he will come out today or tomorrow. Yesterday his sons came over they played the Nintendo and the computer, they slept over (on the floor in sleeping bags) the boys names are Robert, and Andrew.
Write back soon
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to Religon It was boring. Jessica, Holly and I put on a play about a girl named sally and her friend were talking about Emma and Emma goes up to them says that is not true. And they have an argument Sally: Jessica Whitehouse friend: Holly Norten Emma: Patricia Crosby
Write Back soon
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner, Jan. 15
Yesterday I watched Full House it was when Stefanie Tanner Had a party and her favorite Movie star went to her party

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Pretty soon my sister will be going to Washington D.C. She will take a plane she will also meet George Bush the president of the United States.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I got my counter tops they are blue and are very pretty they look like this.




Dear Ms. Powsner,
On Saturday I had ice skating lessons and practiced for the ice show on Friday Kendra wrote to me.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to Religon (boring) after Religon I watched Fresh Prince of Belair then Blossom This Morning I went Ice Skating in my back yard. I almost missed the bus this morning. Next Monday we don’t have Religon (My sister Amie who’s in 8th grade has to go) but Febuary 3rd we are going back to Religon and having a test (boo!) Our addition is almost finished we just have to nail the counter tops onto the island also cupboards and put put wood or something around the windows so the insulation is not showing. Friday Candise Bell is coming over to sleep (Amies friend) Our Ice skating rink is pretty big Have you heard from Kendra yet. How is Katy Have you gone Ice Skating yet (besides the two Sundays when I so you) if so is Katy enjoying it. How is she dong I can’t wait intil Kendra comes up for the summer.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Last night I watched full House, Home Improvment and Roseanne. Full House and Roseanne were repeats. Home Improvment was when the dad was on Tool Time (his job) his head got stuck to the table and Al had to saw around the table he came home with a piece of wood on his forehead.

Last night I went Odesee of the Mind I finished my report on my computer.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went in a snowmoble it was fun I also wrote back to Kendra. Sunday I went to the Dinosaur exibit it was neat. They had life size dinosaurs that move you could even control a dinosaur.


Dear Ms. Powsner,
Last night I watched full house and Home Imporvemnt Full house was when Stefanie lost a spelling bee. Home Inprovement was when Tim put a sadulite dish on his house (so he could get two hundred channals) for my project I did a four Page report a word find and a poster.
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to a concert for my sister Stacy. They did an Indian dance and sang some songs. I saw Rebecca Miller, Shannon Trombley, Brad Kaanta, Phillip Caycedo and Ms. Miller.



Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I took a Religon test it was easy. Some of the questions were What is the Litudecul Year? How parts is it divded into? And a lot of other questions. What are you doing for winter carnival. I am swimming. Have you got your winter carnival Button? I haven’t.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I watched Full House it was good.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Friday I went to the dance it was fun. Saturday I went to the winter carnival it was awesome.


Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I watched Kindergarten Cop it was very funny have you ever seen it if you haven’t I think you should see it. (it is on Friday Cannal 5 8:30-11:00

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Today I have special chorus. Saturday I have to get my hair cut 8:15 am boo-who

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Saturday I have to get my hair cut. I hope you feel better then yesterday.
Sincerely,
Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Saturday I got my haircut.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday night was fun. Did you like being in the rap?

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Monday night my grandma died. Yesterday Sharon Pierce and Donna Laffan brounge us food and drinks. My Aunt Kathy offord to make us dinner one of these nights. Today my mom has to go see my grandma 2:00-400 and 7:00-9:00 durning those times people put flowers by her coffin. Thursday is funeral at 10:00. My grandma is having a girl Priest. At 7:00-intil 9:00 I am going to my Aunt Kathys. Last night My family went to my Aunt Annie My moms sister we food drank soda and talked. My sister moved her bed down into my room.
From Patricia Crosby

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to my Aunts we went sliding and I also kept them company. My Aunt says that they usually fight but they didn’t fight. My cousins names are Mindy 10 years old, Melinda 9 years old, Laura 7 years old, Christina 4 years old and Janet 2 years old. They have a super Nintendo.
Patricia Crosby

Dear Miss McCormick
Last night Mr. Caycedo, and Mr. Kaanta brounge all om members to Lee Zachery’s pizza. The om members are Bradley, Adam, Matt Josh, Philip, Angela, and Me! Angela had caffenie in her soda so she was very wild. Angela is Adam’s sister. I got home at 8:00 My grandma died last Monday so we got her snow machine, food, books and more I got my grandpa’s pencil and pen. Angela kept spinning and spinning on the spin chair at the restruant we had a crazy night but it was fun.
Patricia Crosby write back soon

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday stuff from the Japan Embassy came in. I brounge it it. It has music in it. I was hoping Ms. Miller could play it heres a message in Japan try to figure it out if you figure it out circle the yes if you didn’t circle the no.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Yesterday I went to the high schools auditorium to practice for om only 5 kids can participate those kids are Adam, Philip, Brad, Matt, and Josh.

Dear Ms. Powsner,
Tonights the night we have the compition Ms. Miller and Mr. Moses are the Juges it is going to be fun.

Dear Ms. Pownser,
Saturday my cousin Melinda slept over my sister Stacy had a friend over too. Stacy had Nicole. Saturday I went to to dinner (McDonalds) yesterday I went to Ames my sister got jeans and socks me and Melinda slept upstairs in sleeping bags and Stacy and Nicole slept downstairs in beds. In the morning we had donuts we played Nintendo and The Computer alot. Melinda stayed intil 7:30 last night. We had a Nintendo computer great time. Write back soon.

Disney

Sean and I just got back from a week trip in Disney World with his family. 10 adults, and 4 children all under the age of 5. We had a lot of fun, but are glad to be back and able to sleep in our own bed. We stayed at the Polynesian Resort which was very convenient getting to and from the different parks. It would be an extremely long blog if I explained everything we did, therefore I've attached some of my photos from the week. If you want to see the entire album let me know and I'll e-mail it to you.

Taking the Magical Express from the airport to the Polynesian with my future nieces Anna and Lucy

Anna showcasing her lei that we got on arrival to the Polynesian

After Checking in we all met at the Magic Kingdom. Sean and Anna stand in front of Cinderella's castle for a photo

Larry, Celeste and Ella take a ride on the Carousel

Inside Cinderella's Castle the kids pose with Cinderella

While waiting for them to call us for dinner Sean and I pose with the older girls

At dinner all kids were given a toy, Alex shows his sword, and you also can see the lip stick mark left by Cinderella's kiss

Tuesday Morning we headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Then Tuesday night Sean and I went to downtown Disney to visit the lego store

and also the Cirque de Soleil store

While walking back I found some very tall friends

Wednesday we went to Animal Kingdom. The kiddos waiting for the bus, too cute not to take a photo of.

Celeste and the kids pose with the Jungle Book guys

During the Safari ride we got to see a lot of different live animals up close. This giraffe walked right next to the jeep...

...and this rhino walked in front of us

There was a musical re-enactment of Finding Nemo. A nice chance to relax and the show was pretty good.

Lucy just chillin'

These guys loved meeting the characters

This was right before we went on the white water rafting ride where all of us were soaked. A nice sibling photo, minus one.

Wednesday night out to dinner at Chef Mickey's

Alex kissing Minnie's nose, while looking extremely masculine in his Minnie Mouse ears headband

I had to throw this photo of Scott and Anna in to show how much she "loved" meeting the characters

Thursday was Epcot. Anna and Alex smile in front of one of the rides

The Epcot ball

Lucy doing her "UT....OH" currently her only word

Sean and Anna pretend to be astronauts

At lunch we celebrated the three December Birthdays. Alana, Ella and Lucy. (Anna filled in for Lucy)

After lunch Ella and I went on a clam mobile ride. You can see her wearing her effective napkin visor made by herself.

Sean and I enjoying the nice 70 degree weather

Another long day for Lucy. We all thought it was cute how she had her fingers wrapped through the holes in her blanket.

Thursday night half the group went out with the younger kids for dinner, while we let Ella hang back with "the adults." We can't believe how big she's getting. She's going to make a great flowergirl in less than 6 months.

Friday morning before heading to Magic Kingdom Anna poses for us.

Finally Sean got a chance to play with his youngest Goddaughter, without her screaming and asking for one of the girls to hold her...not a big fan of guys at this stage, but she gave in to her Uncle Sean by the end of the trip.

Ella and I ventured over to Tom Sawyer Island while the others went on Thunder Mountain. She had done it earlier in the day and had no desire to go on it again.

Sean and Ella wait under Splash mountain, waiting to see if we can see Tara and Larry

Sean and I had to pose with these awful Mickey Bride and Groom hats that soooo many people wore around Disney.

Friday afternoon they had a big parade past Cinderella's castle. We took a break early and got a prime spot on the curb.

Alex and Sean play around while waiting for the parade.

Magic Kingdom at Night

Sean and I pose with our Flowergirl one more time

Saturday morning, we went back to Magic Kingdom for a few hours before going to the airport. Ella poses right below the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

Saturday the park was so crazy. Maybe because it was a Saturday but probably because they were filming for the Regis and Kelly Christmas show along with a live show with Miley Cyrus. We didn't realize that this was going to happen and although it was neat to see a few celebrities, it was pretty crazy manuvering around all the people. They say this is the slow season, if this is the truth, I can't imagine going during the prime season.

We had a great time visiting with Sean's family, and especially seeing how excited the little ones were with the characters and some of the rides. It will however be nice just to relax at home and not be surrounded by so many people.