WDW 2012

In February, (yes, I am just now recapping February) we took our last big trip as a family of 3. What other place than Walt Disney World would be perfect for our little girl?! Yes, this was her second trip to the House of Mouse, but this time, she actually remembers going.

We had a great time exploring Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios with our girl. My parents also tagged along and it was so fun to have them there. We paced ourselves, since I was 7 months pregnant, and took it slow and easy. Since Virginia naps every afternoon, that meant rest time for this Mama, too. Our only downside to the whole trip was that Virginia contracted a 24 hour stomach virus on our 2nd day. She has never been sick to her stomach before, so this was something new to all of us. Thankfully she was back to normal the next day, but still a little weak. No one likes to see their babies sick. Sadly my Mom was the only person who fell victim to the virus.

Here are some pictures that tell the story of our "magical" time at "The Happiest Place on Earth!"

 Virginia would NOT take these Minnie Ears off the whole day! Had to have her Ears on

 TWINS!

I love how Sleeping Beauty even hugs like a princess!  

Our girl Jessie 

The "real Jessie" signing Virginia's hat 

This was probably the highlight of Virginia's trip. This is a show based on all the Disney Junior TV shows that come on. We got to see Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Little Einsteins, and Handy Manny in PERSON! She was beside herself! 

Character breakfast with a few of her favorites. 

Virginia and Handy Manny 

Oso Bear 

Jake from the Neverland Pirates 

Virginia's FAVORITE show is Little Einsteins and her FAVORITE character from the show is June, the dancing ballerina. Look who she spotted! 

This moment made the whole trip worthwhile! Sickness and everything! 

Kisses from Minnie 

Virginia and her GiGi. I forgot to mention that we were in Florida during their RECORD LOWS of the season! 40's and 50's on this COLD night at Magic Kingdom. Thankfully we packed appropriately. 

So sleepy and worn out from being sick. Daddy's arms are always best! 

So happy to be with her favorite ballerina! 

Quick power nap with Bullseye while Daddy rides roller coasters. 

A nice popsicle midday will make anyone whose been sick, feel so much better!

Overall, our trip was wonderful, minus the sickness that plagued us. So thankful we were able to take Virginia to WDW while it was just the 3 of us. Next time, we'll have one more little princess in tow! 

P.S........We're on the countdown to meeting Miss Charlotte! 2 weeks away from our due date, but praying the Lord decides to let her come earlier! Will keep you posted.

Year End Review....2011 Edition

So, for the lack of posts in the past 4 months (sorry!), I will give you a recap of what's been going on in our lives. (Warning: this post could take a while!)

September

We took a trip to Gulf Shores for a week vacation. School was back in session by then, so the crowds were minimal. Sadly, a tropical storm followed us to the beach, so our trip was plagued by rain. After the rain finally subsided, a cold front blew in. What a great time to be at the beach, cold and rainy! We made the most of it and relaxed.

First time in the water and loving it!

When the rain cleared up, we headed to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo 

Can you tell she loved it?! 

Sunset pictures at the beach are the best 

Guess who didn't want to get out of the water?! 

October

In October, Virginia and I got to tag along with Eric on a business trip to Chicago. It was such a nice break from our every day routine. Virginia did so well on the flights to and from Chicago. She's a traveling queen! Although, it wasn't her first time on a plane.

Thankfully Eric's conference wasn't an all day, every day sort of thing. He was able to go in the morning and be with us in the afternoons.

We took Virginia to Shedd Aquarium one afternoon. She had never been to an aquarium before, so this was such a fun experience. She absolutely loved seeing all the animals.

We also went to the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier. We've taken Virginia to the Children's Museum of Atlanta, but this took the cake! There were 3 floors of activities for children. I'm not sure who had more fun, Virginia or Eric and me! 

Virginia's favorite part of the Children's Museum was the building area. We believe she might be an engineer one day. We spent over 30 minutes in this area alone!  

You tell me who's having more fun?  

The water area was also a hit. However, the cute little raincoat did not prevent every bit of water getting onto Virginia's clothes.

This was the first time I had seen Virginia wear a raincoat. I thought she was so precious in it, that I was very tempted to take it. Then I remembered all the other nasty, germy children who'd worn it before her. Gross! 

No big deal, Virginia just drove the city bus for a while! :) 

Tired and happy after a long morning at the Children's Museum.

You can't go to Chicago without eating some good food. Our first night there, we ate at one of Eric's favorite restaurants, Bubba Gump's. Eric is helping Virginia find peas and carrots in the crossword puzzle. 

Ed Debevics is a must each time we go to Chicago. Normally we have such a fun experience every time we've been, but this time was kind of a disappointment. We didn't get to Ed Debevics until later in the evening, so most of the dinner crowd was gone, along with almost all the waitresses. The food was still good and our waitress was silly with Virginia. 

We stayed on the Magnificent Mile while in Chicago. Our hotel was just a few blocks away from The American Girl store. We couldn't pass up a trip without taking our girl there. She was mesmerized!

Eric....not so mesmerized! Besides, this was probably his 100th trip into one of these stores.  His sisters indoctrinated him into the world of American Girl while growing up.

And he caved! 

Meet Bitty Baby. We tried to name her something else, but Bitty stuck, so that's her name!

Also in October, we took a trip to a local farm/pumpkin patch with our playgroup friends.

Virginia loved petting the goats. Mommy hated the smell! 

Don't you love Virginia's "fallish" outfit! Sorry, Mommy didn't get the fall outfit memo.

She asked for her sunglasses on the hayride. Miss Priss! 

November

November was a busy month. Eric's youngest sister, Laura, got married. It was a beautiful ceremony and fun weekend with family and friends. Virginia was the flower girl in the wedding. She did such a good job with her duties as flower girl. This is the only picture I have from the wedding, so far.

We also took Virginia to her first Alabama football game. Eric chose the Alabama vs. Georgia State game, hoping there wouldn't be much of a crowd. We were wrong! The stadium was PACKED! I think all the season ticket holders gave their tickets away. We were sandwiched into our seats, but had a good time anyway. Virginia lasted until the 3rd quarter, then we headed out.

One proud Daddy!  

Someone would have no part in posing for pictures that day. Priss pot! 

ROLL TIDE!

The week of Thanksgiving, we found out some exciting news............

Meet Charlotte Elizabeth Blackman

We can't wait to meet her this April! 

December

We continued our Christmas tradition by taking Virginia to ride Macy's Pink Pig in Atlanta, on Christmas Eve. She loved it even more this year!

While we were at the mall Christmas Eve, we took advantage of seeing Santa. This was Virginia's first time to ever sit in Santa's lap. She went right up to him and sat in his lap, but when he asked her what she wanted, she became shy. This is as good a smile as we got! 

We also started a new tradition of making a gingerbread house together, as a family. This is our end result. Can you tell who worked the hardest on it?

After the Christmas Eve service at church.........

Santa was good to Virginia this year!

2011 was an eventful year and one to be thankful for. We look forward to what God has in store for our family in 2012. Stay tuned to see what's to come!