How can you beat this??

 Kate - silly times with the noodle!  The sun and warm weather felt so good (-;

 then we had to venture off to our favorite "putt-putt" course, and who scored the hole in one first but  ME!!!  (-: beginners luck!

 a gorgeous afternoon at the beach - I just love it here!

We woke after our day at Disney, filled with excitement to get to St. Augustine to spend the rest of our trip with Papa and Gramma Cairney -- it was a gorgeous day and I could feel the beach and ocean breeze calling me.  Kate wanted to hit the pool right away and Ben the shuffle board court. Then we made a trip to the putt-putt course, beach time, delicious dinner, and before you knew it, day # 3 of vacation was wrapping up.  Feeling very relaxed and blessed!

the final "magic" of our day

 the kids decided that "big thunder mountain railroad" rollercoaster was their favorite. Kate and I laughed so hard each and every time Ben talked about his "tingly" feeling. Even in the rain, this was a blast and thanks to Daddy for trying to get our picture! 

 the castle lighting at night, followed by the fireworks

 Ben thought it was a little "loud" (covering his ears)

 the perfect bedtime snack...Mickey pretzels!

 Happy Valentine's Day from Mickey and Minnie

 Ben found this little snail while we were waiting for our shuttle back to the hotel

 

Well, despite the rain, cool temps, requests to "go to Gramma and Papa's (in the middle of the afternoon), we had a GREAT day at Disney!!!  I mean, sure, maybe I had the most fun of everyone, but who says that can't happen for the Mom every once in awhile. To top off our favorites: we loved the mickey philhar-magic show, the hall of presidents, space mountain roller coaster, big thunder mountain, .  All day long we were amazed with everything we experienced ~~ "Magical" memories were made!! 

Rainy afternoon character parade

 Donald, Mickey and Minnie

 the princesses

 Woody and Jessie

 Pinocchio and his gang

 playing during a break from the rain on Tom Sawyer's island

Kate and I sporting our Mickey ears while investing in our poncho's at the souvenir shop...

Magic Kingdom

 getting closer (our view from the fairy)-- we can hardly wait!!

 we are here with Walt himself and the castle

 this was one of Ben's favorite games - Buzz light year (it was like you were an active part of a video game)

 it's a small world after all.......(over and over again, just like people say (-;  ) but I loved it!!

little mermaid and her prince

waiting for the afternoon parade

more small world...(last one...I promise (-; )

February - trip to Disney

 

 Airport donuts to start off our day

 a quick visit to downtown Disney to check out the lego store and pick up our tickets for Magic Kingdom for the following day...the rain had already begun that night )-;

these lego creations were amazing!!!

      Kate with two of our fav. guys -- Buzz and Woody

We look forward to our time in Florida with Doug's parents each year.  This year was going to be a bit different as we decided to add on a day at Disney World. I had always wanted to go there, so I was just as excited as the kids.  The forecast however was unusually colder and rainer than expected, but we were going to make the most of  it! Our flight went smoothly, and we had a fun first night at downtown disney.



Basketball -- Ben 2013

 All lined up for player announcements with coach Jeff, Ben is #1

 ready on defense

nice bounce pass buddy!

 The Jr. Bison Team:  Kayleigh, Owen, Pierson, Ben, Megan and Max

Our favorite coach!!!

Ben played with upward sports for another season of basketball this winter and he had a blast. Doug was his coach and their team name was the "jr. Bison". What a great year they had! It was so fun to watch them all progress and Doug did an amazing job with those kiddo's. His extreme patience, guidance and genuine kindness is a gift to each child he coaches.  Some of the kids had never played before, and  everyone made a basket by the time that the year came to a close. Heck, they were even running plays by the end (-;  The joy that you see on those little faces when such a task is accomplished is truly priceless! I just LOVE it (-;

Ben would probably say that his best moment of the season was his "buzzer beater" shot that he swished! It was "amazing" according to him!! As a family we love what upward sports teaches for kids/athletics, and appreciate the Christ centered approach. Each week they have a memory verse and Ben's favorite's for the year were John 3:16 (For God so loved the world.....) and Matthew 22:37 (Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind")

What a blessing and joy it was to watch you each week Ben. You give 110% for each shot, rebound, fast break, and I love your passion. Thanks for making it so fun for all of us!! We are proud of you buddy --  XOXOXO, Mommy