(2) Vorld Ravelers!

Disney 2024, Part 2: Fireworks & Fast Passes

Okay, doing my best to write this quickly before going to bed tonight.   I regretted not doing a fuller blog recap of my 2015 trip, so I'm doing multiple posts to cover this week-long Florida extravaganza!

I adore this pic (taken from Trent's Apple Watch).

On my way to meet the group!  Quick pic of the Nemo section at our Art of Animation hotel, and a pic with Scar since the kids refused to humor me and take one. lol

We met at the Skyliner for our second Disney park day... it's one of the best new-to-me things at Disney - highly preferable to the crowded bus system!!

The famous Epcot ball, or as Parker calls it, the "Oana Ball" (she leaves the M out of Moana). lol  Karli bought matching pink ears for her and Parker, but Parker saw the mini-crown on my headband and wanted it, so we switched for this photo. lol

The lakes of Epcot are a big draw for my introvert self... I love walking by water wherever I see it.  Also, Eric (the photographer that took our group pic above) got a selfie of himself and the other photographer on my phone, and that made me happy!

Giant checkers at our hotel, and me and the guys riding Guardians of the Galaxy yesterday!  Super fun ride!!  (We did a Disney "rider swap" thing where Karli and Melissa watch the kids as we wait in an extra long line, then they ride in the Lightning Lane as we watch them.  I'm gradually learning the system - they all come every year, so they've got it down!)

The Wilsons brought sandwiches for us for lunch (from Donetta's house) yesterday.  We found a cute little shady lunch spot outside near the Encanto performance.  Parker was happily sitting by me until I wanted a photo. lol

Meeting Mulan... the kids and Bill didn't wanna join us for this pic, which kinda makes it funnier to me!  Thankfully, they all hopped in for the top pic in this post with the cool Chinese ceiling above us!

Stopping by a German bakery for some caramel treats before heading to Magic Kingdom!

Our standing-room-only, super crowded bus ride to Magic Kingdom.  I mentioned to Chettles that he and I would be the first through the windshield if that bus had a wreck, to which he replied, "Well, we'd get a free trip!!" lol #notenoughcomfort

A "Minnie Van" (Disney's version of Uber) in front of us. =)

Thanks to the time change, the fireworks show started at 8pm!  It's Chet Lee's FAVORITE thing the way the Vegas fountains are mine, so I loved seeing Tate and Parker watching it with him this time around. ❤

Karli was kind enough to make these fun shirts for all of us!  Sadly, the glittery vinyl she used for the girls was a bit more flaky, so by the end of the night, I lost the T and part of my W, inspiring this "Vorld Ravelers" post title (said in a Russian accent). =)

Girls pic by the giant Christmas tree as we walked back to the bus at night + a selfie with the castle and random late fireworks going off behind me! =)

They're filming a Christmas special, so there were a few random bouts of finale-style fireworks a while after the real show ended... fun!

We had Pecos Bill nachos for dinner then rode Pirates then watched the fireworks then grabbed my first Dole Whip (yum!) then rode the Magic Carpets and a couple more rides after the fireworks.  We walked over 21,000 steps and it was a late night and tiring day for all of us!

This morning, we were up bright and early to take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios... this is the mass chaos crowd lining up at the park entrance.  They'd told me it is usually less crowded on weekdays, but since this was a holiday Monday, that rule did not apply!  (Happy Veterans' Day - thankful for all who serve!!)

Tate pulling a Jace move and going with a mohawk for today + Parker checking out her reflection on the Skyliner. lol

After standing in line for 30+ minutes for a stalled Tower of Terror ride (still haven't gotten to ride that one, even after psyching myself up to do it today)... we had lunch reservations at Prime Time Cafe, a '50s style throwback where I have fun memories with my fam!  Our waitress, Rachel, was entertaining, and I enjoyed my chicken caesar salad and chocolate peanut butter cake!!

My posed candid with the balloon bouquet and Chet accidentally matching our restaurant! lol

In an ill-advised but fun move, we did two Lightning Lane rounds of the Rockin' Roller Coaster right after lunch!  (Someone in front of us threw up after exiting the ride, and I felt lots of empathy for them - so rough to have motion sickness issues, especially right after a meal.)  But we were fine, and I'm so happy to have these pics! lol  (We could download these free since we bought the Lightning Lane pass for this ride).

Other ride pics that were not free = the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (they came in late to the app, but so happy to see them there), the Buzz Lightyear ride, and the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster!

Here we are today on the Toy Story ride... Parker wanted to ride with me and GiGi, and Tate wanted his dad and Uncle Trent... fun!

A little playground after the aquarium ride! =)

Rockin' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, a green tree in Star Wars world, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway ride!

Group pic before leaving Hollywood Studios

We did Soarin and a couple more rides at Epcot, then Trent and Bill and Melissa stayed there a while, but the Wilson fam and I came back early (around 6pm).  As you might expect and can probably tell from these posts so far, it's been *a lot* of walking and constant activity and stimulation, and after what Chet deemed "Pretzel-Gate," we all appreciated a low-key night with some extra downtime.  I grabbed a slice of pizza at my hotel and came back to the room early and had a quiet night of photo editing, TV watching, school catch-up, and blogging. #noragrets #yesplease

On my way back to the hotel, I walked by a couple firepits where kids were roasting marshmallows for s'mores, and that made me happy!  So we have hot and humid summer weather and lots of swimmers + cute fall-themed activities + full-blown Christmas in the park.  "The changing of all seasons at once."

Tomorrow will be Trent's last day with us before flying back to New York.  I'm glad I've gotten to know him and the Weatherford fam a bit better here!  We'll be starting the day with breakfast at Gaston's (famous for their cinnamon rolls) and riding as much as we can in Magic Kingdom before he has to leave.  My feet are currently a bit angry with me, so wish me luck as I navigate three more days with tons of walking!  That's all for now.  Happy Monday, and make it a great week ahead!!

❤ ❤ ❤

(1) Disney Madness!

Disney 2024, Part 1: Florida Flight & First Park Day!

Hey, friends and fam!  I'm blogging from sunnnny Florida this morning.  I spent a couple hours editing and collaging photos while watching National Treasure last night, then I was too tired to write a blog before going to sleep.  We had a short day at the park yesterday (9am to 4:30-ish), and we still got in over 15,000 steps!  Thankfully, my feet are doing pretty well with no blisters thus far - yay, God!

Anyway, without further ado, here is the narrowed down version of my pics from Day 1 and 2... starting at the Tulsa airport where we ran into Lesa, which was memorable!

The flight was smooth and fun, then on our way to the hotel, we stopped for lunch at Dairy Queen (Parker pic on the left).  The right pic is Karli and Melissa running into their old pastor from FBC at the Tulsa airport!

We're staying at the Art of Animation Hotel (in the King Triton Building of the Little Mermaid section)... all cute and fun!

After a short break to unpack and rest, we went to Disney Springs for the night.  We had dinner at Earl of Sandwich then shopped around at the Christmas store, the Art of Disney store (where Chettles found several things he wanted!!), Once Upon a Toy, and more.

Cute pic with Buzz Lightyear + a fun carousel!  It was a long day (particularly since I got up at 4am for the drive to Tulsa), and both kids were over it by the end of the night.  Parker Elizabeth was distraught over her parents choosing the glass slipper ornament, which they eventually exchanged for Marie from the Aristocrats (or "Merida" as she called her), which was the only thing she desperately wanted in that moment of life. lol  Tate and I grabbed dessert from Ghirardelli, then we came back to the hotel for the night... where Karli's brother, Trent, had flown in from New York and arrived around 8pm!

Bus ride to Magic Kingdom, Saturday, day 2! (Park Day 1)

They're filming a Disney Christmas special (I think?), so we will get our Magic Kingdom castle group pic another day (I'll do my best to make sure of it).  I got this one from afar, though. =)

This and the very top pic are just before you walk into Magic Kingdom!

The Aurora cone (blueberry/grape Dole Whip swirl) and the cars ride!

Yay for the giant Christmas tree (and the ability to Magic Erase other people in the photo's background)!

It was a 45-minute wait for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster, so we did a rider swap where Chet, Bill, Trent, and I rode while Karli and Melissa watched the kids, then they rode in the Lightning Lane while we stayed back with the kids.  We finally got to use the stools we ordered on Amazon (HERE) in that long line. lol  Highly recommend.  So happy I finally got to ride this one (I skipped it due to very sore feet in 2015).  *Ride photos in the next post.

Other than the one I took (center pic below) while we were temporarily stopped on the big ramp up. lol The top pics are from Chet of them on the Cars ride. =)  The bottom two are the Teacups and the Buzz Lightyear ride!

Ready for the Star Wars ride... we waited in an hour+ line for this in 2015, and there was zero wait for it this year!

Tate excited about losing a tooth last night + Parker happy about getting to be in the pink teacup!

Me and Karli with the kids on the Peoplemover ride + them behind us + Mickey cinnamon rolls at breakfast this morning!

Height check for presh Parker E (who was a couple centimeters short and will wear taller shoes next time). lol  Then Parker enjoying the Amazon stools. ❤

It's fun seeing everything in the park decorated for Christmas and Christmas songs playing!  Feels ironic as the weather is still hot and every pool is full of people, but I'm always a fan of early Christmas!

On our way into the park!

Tate keeps wanting to push the stroller, but struggles to keep it straight, so here he is pushing it with Chet guiding it on the side. lol  Karli Marie and Parker E were matching yesterday and looking ever so cute!

We did a girls teacup and a guys teacup... fun times!

Parker meeting Chewie + Parker's cute Disney shoes!!

Despite being the biggest Star Wars fan, Tate opted out for this group pic!  And despite barely caring about Star Wars, I ended up next to Chewie. lol

Riding the Skyliner (loved it - very peaceful!) back to our hotel with the Wilson fam... the Weatherfords opted to stay at Hollywood Studios a bit longer!

We stopped by the hotel briefly then went to Donetta's.  This = the kids showing me where they sleep (in their separate beds on the floor).  We had pizza + cornbread + ham + beans + pumpkin bread and cranberry bread for dinner/dessert!

It made me happy to see this again... I remember making this family tree canvas and ordering it at Walgreens several years back for people to sign at their anniversary party! ❤

Chet drove me back to the hotel, with a quick stop at Walgreens for bottled water and protein bars.  Then I worked on school stuff and edited photos till I fell asleep.  And that's the highlights of day one and two. lol  Now I'm off to meet everyone downstairs to ride the Skyliner over to Epcot for the morning!! ❤

Thankful Thursday #213

"The LORD protects and defends me; I trust in Him.

He gives me help and makes me glad;

I praise Him with joyful songs."

~Psalm 28:7

Today, I am thankful...

1.  That most problems are not as bad as we imagine they will be.  And for the power of taking action and moving forward.

2.  My happy Christmas house!  (And Mom and Kristin adding a few things while I was at work this week.)

3.  This sourdough cinnamon roll by Karli... and the plethora of brunchy foods that make me happy!

4.  Getting to spend the week ahead with presh Parker Elizabeth and the Wilson/Weatherford crew in Florida!!

5.  Abby working hard and winning a full scholarship to John Brown University - so exciting!!

6.  I see this from many angles and feel genuine connection with people on both sides of the political spectrum right now.  I will say I am grateful the election results were clear - that we aren't spending the next week+ in ambiguous recounts and dramatic debates.  I am also thankful to feel more peace this time around for several reasons I'm choosing not to dive into here.  Random side note: The last time President Trump was elected, Jenna and I were roommates at 522 staying up to watch the results together... it's been a minute!

Yep, I'm going with a peaceful tree bridge pic that has nothing to do with politics. lol

7.  Inner grit and resilience... it comes in waves, but I'm grateful for the strength to keep going... because I deserve to know what not giving up on myself feels like!  Today, I am 5 months out from surgery, and I have some new goals for myself through the two months ahead.

Happy Thursday!  Prayers appreciated for safe travels and a fun vacation week ahead! =)

❤ ❤ ❤

Guess Who?

"It is God who changes the times and the seasons;

He removes kings and raises up [establishes, appoints] other kings.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning."

~Daniel 2:21

Happy Election Tuesday, friends and fam!  Based on the polls and the past several election cycles, I'm not at all sure that Americans will know who our next president will be by the end of the night.  Either way, I'm praying we use God-given wisdom and find centered peace in trusting His power, will, and timing for the major and minor events that shape our lives!

Personally, I'm finding real comfort, strength, and inspiration in the verse above and the entire book of Daniel!  His story highlights the value of personal integrity in the midst of national crisis, chaos, and loss.  Daniel and his friends made hard choices in the face of captivity and grief.  They chose to hold onto their faith and integrity rather than caving to peer pressure and blending into the powerful  new culture surrounding them.  There is global drama and change through the course of the book... where God literally deposes kings and appoints others, and through it all, Daniel stays close to Him and is promoted for his valuable, unmatched wisdom.  He sets himself apart through loyalty to God, and God is faithful to Daniel and his friends even as the nations around them repeatedly shift and crumble.  There are some clear parallels between ancient Babylon and modern-day America, and Daniel is an exceptional role model for God's people.  We can pray for God's blessing and peace on our nation, acknowledge the dangers of pride in our leaders, be unapologetically set apart from the surrounding culture through steadfast obedience to God, and live with faith and hope that are deeply rooted in God's greatness (and not in any way dependent on America's greatness).  I haven't done this perfectly by any means, but it's something to strive for!!

Okay, thanks for listening to my election day pep talk. lol  On the lighter side, my adorable niece made a homemade version of the Guess Who? game for us to play at family dinner last night... like, she cut the paper and drew these cards 3x, making up a name and state for each person.  She and I played several rounds and it was super fun... I adore her imagination and creativity!!

I'm tracking my fitness goals and sleep with my new Apple Watch, and even though I understand that 8 hours would technically be better, seeing 7-7-7 this morning made me very happy!! =)

I think that's all for today.  Let your words and thoughts be pleasing to God.  Stop any anxious thought spirals, and don't let election day steal your peace!

In case no one else tells you today, I'll remind you that I love you and believe in you, and that your heart matters.  I know we're all created differently, but in times of national confusion, it always helps me to zoom in (focusing on personal obedience and faith) and/or zoom way out (acknowledging God's overarching plan /Kingdom focus).  "It is God who changes the times and seasons."

May God bless America...

And may His will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven! ❤