Spring 2011

 So, I thought I better update this thing before another school year starts and I'm that much more behind.  We wrapped up another baseball season.  It was really exciting this year.  The boys did a great job and played really hard.  They made it to the play-offs and ended with a heartbreaking loss, but it was such an exciting game.  I told Jason that I can't imagine how we are going to feel when he gets older and the games mean a little bit more.  I, especially, was beside myself, but B had a great game and played really hard, so I was a proud mama.

 Happy Easter!

 Another exciting thing that happened this Spring is the addition of Cooper Franklin Gibson!

 A.K.A. Batman Gibson

 Field Day

 1st grade performance

 Awanas Graduation

 School Book Buffet--Bowden read to Mom and I and served us cookies.  We got to choose from a menu what he would read to us.  It was a really cute idea and he did a great job!

These are all from Bowden's activities, but don't feel sorry for Piercey-baby.  He is not one to be overlooked whether he has a lot of activities going on or not.(:  I'll update soon with pics from his swim lessons. 

Last Day at Disney

We spent our last day at Disney at Animal Kingdom. We started out going on the safari tour, which the kiddos loved....

We also went to the Lion King show. As you can see here, Jason helped our side of the crowd make elephant sounds....thanks to Patrick's pointing him out.(:

We went to the Bug's Life show. It was really awesome, but I wouldn't recommend taking a little one to this show who scares easily. It's 3D and really life-like. The boys loved it, though!

Mrs. Kelly showed Piercey his cool move below. I asked them to show me their coolest moves and this is what they all did. So funny!

We had a great trip! The boys loved every minute and honestly, we really enjoyed it, too! I've since heard some not-so-great stories from other parents about their own trips. I would say our good time was due to several things, one being a smaller crowd (Let me prepare you, though, that even with a smaller crowd, there are still lines. This is Disney! We used a lot of fast passes!) I've heard February and September are both great times to go. We were with another family who had been A LOT, so they showed us the ropes and knew how to get around. We had reservations for most meals and did the meal plan, which just look a lot of the money stress away. This way you pretty much know what your signing up for money-wise before you go. Lastly, as I've said in the previous posts, it helped going with another family whose company we enjoyed. We laughed instead of getting frustrated when things didn't go exactly as planned. We thought this would be a one-time kind of trip, but as long as we are able, we will definitely go, again!

Disney - Day 4

On day four of our trip, we decided to take a break from the parks to swim our the resort. Believe it or not, the kids had been begging to swim all week...and we were at Disney!!! The pool had a slide, though, and I think it just looked too fun for them not to try out....and, yes, in true Disney fashion--the pools were heated.

That evening, there was a company mixer and the twosome that people wait for hours in line to have their picture made with a Magic Kingdom, Mickey and Minnie, were there. Since we'd already done that, we didn't do it, again, but Pierce ran over to Snow White and the dwarf to love on them some.

Serious milkshake drinkers...

We left the party and headed over to downtown Disney, so the boys could spend the money Nana and Papa had given them for the trip. Bowden was very excited to go to the Lego store and, of course, it was closed. ): He did get to build a pretty cool light saber instead and after a sundae from the Ghirradelli that was so big it fed nine of us, he was over it.

The dragon in the background was made from Legos.

This fence was around the Lego store. I'm guessing they were doing renovations. Jason was trying to help Bowden sneak a peek.

Bowden and Madigan fell asleep on the bus ride home. All the fun had finally gotten to them.

Guess who was still awake!?!

Disney - Day 3

We spent our third day at MGM-Hollywood Studios. We got there when it opened and had breakfast reservations at Hollywood & Vine where the kids got to meet Special Agent Oso, Handy Manny and a few others. Prior to eatting, I have to add that we sprinted to get fast passes for the Toy Story ride and get the kids signed up for Jedi training, both of which filled up quickly. We definitely weren't the only ones running to do the same thing....Pierce was soooo excited to meet Handy Manny....

Bowden's favorite part was the Jedi training and getting to fight Darth Vader.

Pierce didn't get to do the Jedi training, but I think meeting all the characters and getting to do the Toy Story ride made up for it.

This is my favorite picture....we were laughing so hard. I think Patrick even videoed Jason showing off his hula-hooping skills.

Green Army Man from Toy Story

We ended our day at MGM with the parade. It was really fun because the kids got to see characters from their favorite movies.


That evening, the kids played at the kid's club at our hotel and the adults went out to eat at Epcot. It was a lot of fun--I wish we'd had more time to spend there. I would have loved to explore all the countries. Also, the fireworks show was amazing--a must see!

Disney-Day 2

This was our Magic Kingdom day, and as cheesy as it sounds, it was pretty magical. I guess the little girl in me loved seeing the castle. I'm also a big fan of rides and there were plently here. Seeing the kids light-up was priceless. Their enjoyment was worth every step.

We arrived before the park opened, which from what I understand from the Disney regulars is the way to do it so that you can be the first in the doors. Let me just say that we were very lucky to go with our friends, the Matthews. They are Disney Vacation Club members and are very wise in the ways of Disney, so to speak. We would have been lost without them. I would also advise to go with friends or family whose company you enjoy. I don't know about your family, but mine can get grumpy when we're tired. Being with friends makes you be on your best behavior regardless of how you feel. It also makes the time pass as you wait in line when you're chatting with friends. By the way, this was a great week to go. We didn't do a ton of waiting.

Okay, so onto what we did. We started out the day having pictures made with characters. As I said in the earlier post, Pierce loved the characters and tried to form tackle most of them with his hugs. Bowden, on the other hand, was not. (just look at his face in the mickey pic--way too cool!) He did love the pin trading, though. He and Madigan were always on the lookout for people to trade with. After taking some pictures, we took to the rides. Our favorites at Magic Kingdom were the Buzz Lightyear ride and Space Mountain.

We stayed at Magic Kingdom all day and ate with Poo and Friends that night. We saw part of the fireworks show. Another favorite was the light show they did on the castle. It was amazing!