lizards

While hanging at the pools at Orange Lake Resort, the boys found lizards living in the bushes.  They were so excited!  

(I thought I had got a couple of photos, but could not find any among the 450+ photos I did take.)

The boys searching for lizards.

I did get a photo of a lady bug.

lego land

We could not pass up a visit to Lego Land while in Downtown Disney.  

C and I were here about 11 years ago (pre-children).  It was fun to visit again with our kids.  This was W's second visit to a Lego Land, the first was at the Mall of America in Minnesota.  

He loves Legos!

W could have spent all night playing with the Legos, but then we went to the dance party.

Z really wanted those Legos.

W posing with two of his favorite "actors".

Z pointing at the Legos he likes. 

It's hard to believe he was still not walking at this time.  He had no problems standing all by himself.

Z getting G-pa to walk him where he wanted to go.

Posing with the Lego family.

downtown disney

While in Florida, we made a visit to Downtown Disney.  W considered this to be one of the highlights of his trip to Florida.  We almost visited twice (but the next night the weather turned cold and windy, so we decided against it).  We had dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant with the grandparents, Ryan, Steph & Xander.  It was nice, we were able to sit outside and enjoy a good meal.

The cousins posing for a couple of photos.

W digging the dance party.  It took him a bit to warm up, but once he did he couldn't be stopped.  We spent almost 2 hrs while he danced the night away.

Zeph made his own fun (he was not walking at the time).

He had a family (2 parents with their 2 teenage kids) playing peek a boo with him.  

It was so nice to be outside at night and have it be warm, especially in January!

W had so much fun, he wanted to come back the next night.  We considered it, but the temperature dropped significantly the next day so we decided against it.

florida funk

My poor boys have been home sick most of the week with the flu (which we brought home with us from Florida).  Damn that flu. So much for flu shots.

the magic kingdom

Disney World's Magic Kingdom 2013!

It was a great day, not too hot for our visit.  G-pa and G-ma Erickson joined us for part of our day.The kids did great!  Zeph made it until 4 pm.  The kids did wilt a bit, but they always do in temps above 65 degrees.  It's kind of nice for C and I because they're more docile.

I think C and I were way more excited than the kids.  We had high expectations for W's reactions (we didn't tell him we were going until the night before).

W really wanted to get inside the castle, but that is not allowed.  

C and I could have sworn you were able to walk through it last time we were here (which was 10 years ago).

 First ride... the carousel.

Zeph and I watched.

 Waiting in line for the Winnie the Pooh ride.   

There is tons of stroller parking all over the park, so C and I did a lot of Zeph carrying.  

He had not started walking at this time and was a little freaked out, which was to be expected. 

Zeph on It's a Small World.  

He was not a fan of any of the rides.

 The entrance to the New Fantastyland. 

W, C and I went on the Haunted Mansion ride while Zeph hung out with G-ma and G-pa.

 While hanging with G-ma and G-pa, Zeph puked up his entire bottle.  G-pa and G-ma did do a great job cleaning up the best they could.  I only realized something had happened, because Zeph's shirt was off and we had not put sunscreen on his big white belly. Luckily I had brought an extra pair of clothes.  Not so lucky that it was impossible to clean the stroller completely.  So, there was a bit of a puke smell to it all day.  Zeph did get a sweet pair of $32 Mickey Crocs since I did not have an extra pair of shoes.  They are adorable.

We ate lunch in Tomorrowland.  

Food was ok, but my expectations were not very high.  I was surprised at how lenient they were with us bringing in snacks and milk to the park.  (I wish we had brought more!)

 We made it to the Main Street Parade at 4 pm!  I couldn't believe it!  

Zeph did nap through it, but W got to enjoy front row seats with G-ma and G-pa.  

I was glad we got to see the parade.  It's really the only way to see all of the characters.  They no longer roam the park.  They now have set times and spots throughout the park where you can wait in line to take photos and get autographs.  We missed all of those.  Can only get your kids to wait in so many lines.

 Since the kids still had some energy left, we headed to the Pirates of the Caribbean. 

W was stoked!  Zeph even went on the ride.  

 Swiss Family Robinson Tree.  

Not a "ride" anymore, you can walk freely through the tree.  W thought it was pretty cool.

 On our way out, we caught one of the many shows at the castle