Spring has Sprung

Samuel and I enjoyed some afternoon sunshine today among our blooming spring flowers. Oh we can hardly wait for summer!

Grandparents Round 2

The day after we returned from visiting family in Florida, the other side of the family arrived in Tacoma. It was nearing the "2 month limit" that Sarah's parents have when it comes to seeing their grandchildren! Grace and Samuel have had quite a bit of fun since they've arrived in town and Mommy and Daddy got to have a date night at their favorite restaurant thanks to Grandma and Papa. It had been WAY too long!

Sidewalk Chalk Fun

We spent our last day in Orlando enjoying the wonderful 80 degree weather. Scott and I took a nice walk while both the kids were sleeping...a rarity. Grace was introduced to sidewalk chalk and helped create a driveway masterpiece.  Daddy also caught a small lizard from the front yard and got Grace to touch it, although brief. Now every time she steps foot outside, she says, "lizard!"

Grace Double Time

A visit to Florida would not be complete without a visit with Great Grandma Grace. After 92 years her spunk is alive and well. She was introduced to Samuel for the first time, her 8th great grandchild. We love you Grandma!

Animal Kingdom Adventure

Grace was introduced to full size Disney characters yesterday and we were pleasantly surprised at her reaction. We were all expecting a nervous, shy toddler but we couldn't be more wrong. Grace was so excited to touch and hug them we could hardly contain her as we waited our turn in each line to see them. Watching her amazement and the intense glow on her face through the new experience as we traveled through Animal Kingdom was so enjoyed by Scott, his mother, and I that we could hardly put it into words.

Grace went back and forth between the bunnies hugging each one several times with such an enormous smile.

Greeting Chip and Dale

Trying to see Pluto and Goofy before her turn!

I'd say she was most excited to see Tigger, even did a short dance with him.

Grace was also wide-eyed through the Lion King and Nemo shows as she saw large jungle animals and fish, complete with acrobatics, fire, elaborate costumes, and fun music. She clapped along and stood on our laps.
She also rode her first carnival-like ride; in a triceratops flying her high up in the sky. As soon as we stopped, what was her first word? Nothing other than, "again!"

We chose Animal Kingdom as our destination to take Grace because of the zoo-like experience. This girl loves herself some animals! She got to see gorillas and hippos which she hadn't seen yet, among many others.

Observing the Silverback Gorillas

We spent about 7 hours at the park and Sam did great through it all too. We can't wait to take them both back again! Thanks Grandmuhie for all the fun!

To see all our photos: click here.

Stirring

...not a creature is stirring, not even Sam waiting for Mickey Mouse...

Disney!!!

Grandmuhie treated us to a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom. We were pleasantly surprised to see Grace so friendly with the characters, especially since she has never been introduced to them before. Looks like its going to be a good day.

Florida Visit Day One

Our day was complete with a trip to the park by the lake. Grace spent plenty of time on the slides and in the swing and actually managed to wade in the water. I could barely get her into the pool while in Phoenix but she seemed to have no problems in the lake along with the sand, lily pads, and minnows. A new adventure!

Travel Diaries

We are on our way to Orlando today and are currently in St Louis for our layover. This trip is turning out to be rather stress-free. Perfect layover timing and a cooperative Grace makes for a thorough nap time and happy toddler for the second leg. We found a new and deserted wing to the airport complete with relaxing music for sleeping and feeding Samuel. We are all eagerly awaiting the 80 degree weather ahead of us and can't wait to post pics from Disney!

Salsa!

You know this girl is part Hesseltine when she starts dipping her goldfish in salsa. Did she learn this from PaPa?