The Disney World Experience

Well we just got back from Disney today. We had a good time and did and saw most of the "must see" attractions. We had a lot of great dinners and did a lot of walking it off through the parks. There was more than enough things and events to keep us busy and going all the time if we wanted.

I guess I was thinking since we weren't going to being doing all the crazy roller coasters and alike that our trip would be more laid back, calm and allow us to take in the "magic" as they like to call it, of Disney. It took us a couple of days to figure out how to do Disney our way and let it be more relaxing. It is easy to get caught up in the do as much as you can in one day mentality. We did get a chance to go to all of the parks and see plenty even though we did not manage to see it all.

Here is how we customized our trip:

1. We would go to a park in the morning and stay for only a few hours. Ride a few rides, see a few shows and then get out of there! It gets more and more crowded as the day went on and that many people can be overwhelming!

2. We also found a pool we liked and laid in the sunshine in the afternoons. In the hottest hours of the day we would go back to resort and soak up some rays or catch a cat nap.

3. We would head back to the park in the evening to make our dinner reservation or to see a late night parade. Traveling around on the Disney resort can be a job depending on where your resort was so we would always allow at least 45 minutes for the transfer from one place to another.

4. We found fun in the small things! We were among the only ones there not with kids so we tried to take advantage of being silly and making our own schedule.


On a side note...baby also enjoyed his first trip to Disney. He is a movin' little guy now. He did plenty of step aerobics in my tummy while I did the walking this week. His kicks are getting stronger and more regular.

Eric with his twin. A very customized Mr. Potato head!

Another set of ears when yours isn't enough.

Little Baby Bump

I really can't believe how fast the weeks are passing now. They seems to be flying by. School is going good and we keep creeping closer and closer to spring break and Disney World! My belly is starting to fill out my first set of maternity clothes and it is becoming more obvious that I am pregnant. Here a couple of pictures of our baby growing!

I am still feeling fine besides my increasing hunger and need to snack in the mornings. I have a 9:00- 9:30 bedtime now also.

I just thank the Lord that everything is going so smoothly. I am loving being pregnant and the miracle that is growing inside of me.

ITS A BOY!

It is safe to paint now we have been told. Our baby boy is on the way!

WE'RE PREGNANT!!

There are some things in life it is said that "you will know when you are ready". Well I have always adored babies but after holding baby Allison last June 5th all wrapped in her hospital blanket with big eyes, I knew it wouldn't be too long before I had to get one of these. God is the giver of life and totally in control of these things I have learned. But now, in His timing, here we are with our first soon-to-be little one!


Meet baby Dollyhigh! We are so excited about being pregnant and all the changes our life is about to undergo. I always said that I just want to be a mom, so here is the beginning of a whole new chapter. Allow me to tell you a little about our little one. We loving call the baby "Tiny". Tiny got his/her name after my first sonogram picture when he/she just looked like a tiny peanut. Tiny is about 14 weeks old and will be born late July. This picture was taken at 12 weeks old. Baby already looks so big and human like even though he/she is only about 3 inches long in this picture. We can't wait to watch as baby and belly continue to grow!

Sky Ranch Adventures

This is our second year to take our 5th graders to Sky Ranch for their outdoor education. I had a great time this year and loved getting to know my kids so much better. I love Sky Ranch for many reasons but one is that it is a Christian camp. During the school year they do not focus or push their Christian influence but the presence of God is definitely there. In the back of most cabins there is a fire pit and a large cross erected. They have also placed verses up on the walls in the cabins, meeting areas and various places throughout the camp.


My favorite verse that I saw was Philippians 4:8 "Finally brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things."

The teachers dressed up one night for a live in the dark game of clue. This year I assumed the role of the cowgirl which my students thought was fitting since I have a barn in my classroom. As luck would have it, I did the crime out of all the characters!

Teachers were also the object of a friction, gravity, forces of nature experiment on the zip line. We dropped off of a 3 story structure all of the sake of science...my favorite!


The classes that the kids participated in while there were a fresh water study, an animal ecology, Native American (one of my new favorites) and forces in nature. We had great weather and the scenery was beautiful.

All 79 students that traveled to camp with us!

A Walk Down Memory Lane With Grandmother

I consider myself honored when I get to hear about my Grandmother's life. I often wonder what it would have been like to live in the 50's and sometimes feel that I was born in the wrong generation. Tonight she was gracious enough to share lots of details from her life.

Turns out she used to work in a sort of General Store named Hazwalds. Apparently this store sold wallpaper, paint, china, crystal, records and many other things. Brides would come in and register there! I have to say that I was a little shocked to hear that she enjoyed some of the music that they sold there and her favorites were in the "popular" section. One song that she named for me was Tennessee Waltz. I had to find this song to hear it!



Her next job was selling and applying Merrell Norman makeup! She applied masks, foundation, powder and "rouge" to faces! Who knew that she ever had her foot in direct sells. She went on to reveal that she loved the makeup and held a few parties.

She and Granddaddy decided that they were up to a change of scenery and moved to Austin. I don't know that I would ever picture Grandmother living in the very crazy city of Austin. They lived above a hardware store in a little apartment. Grandmother took up employment at Montgomery Wards doing an office job which didn't end up suiting her. Granddaddy worked for a short time at a grocery store and then moved onto a job repossessing cars.

I also got to hear about some intimidating police officers who made if very difficult for Grandmother to get her drivers license once Susan was starting school. She was not passed one time for driving too slow! Poor Grandmother! I love her to death, but yes this is something I can see her doing!

I feel like I have had a priceless picture of history and into the life of my favorite Grandmother!

Halloween Night

Well, even though we only had 6 trick-or-treaters, my bride and I are having a great Halloween night. We went and had some good mexican food, talked to one of our neighbors, carved a fun pumpkin, and watched Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin Patch. Here are some pictures of the night!