Monday, November 28, 2011
Christmas In Lee's Summit
Monday, November 14, 2011
In the news!
Ashlyn and I have been interviewed my several local news outlets over the past couple of months. We have shared her story and that of Winter the Dolphin with anyone that wants to listen. Check out some of these stories:
Fox 4 News
NBC Action News
Channel 9 News
Independence Examiner
Lee's Summit Journal
I am a single mom that hasn't really found the extra time to do special things to raise awareness. (Do single mom's get "extra" time? :) ) I've met some fantastic people that are doing great things to inspire and educate and I hope you take time to check them out as well.
Born Just Right and Lucky Fin Project.
Thanks for visiting!!!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Day 6 - On our way back home.
We woke up late again. No reason to rush to the airport today. I gave Ashlyn a much needed bath after her princess makeover left her hair a bit stiff...and glittery.
We all got ready to go. Had our bags delivered to the airport and enjoyed one last lunch at the resort. We had no idea that we almost missed our bus, but we made it just in time.
We were headed to the airport at 1:30 pm. When we got to the airport, Ashlyn found one more princess to have her picture taken with. She doesn't miss a princess. *smile*
She also found a nice big giraffe at the Sea World shop.
Giraffe's are one of her favorite animals so we HAD to take a picture.
We arrived in Kansas City around 6 pm. My uncle met us at the airport and we headed home.
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Mom, Ashlyn and I got to spend a lot of quality time together. This is a trip that none of us will soon forget.
(Pedometer Steps: 8,670 - A mostly "sitting and waiting day")
P.S. By the time I got to work on Monday it seemed like it had never happened.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Day 5 - Epcot and Downtown Disney
align="center">We all made our way to The Seas with Nemo and Friends. What a cute little ride it has. Just takes you on a search for Nemo. Then project Nemo, his dad and Dory into an actual fish aquarium so it looks like they are really swimming with real fish. That was great!
align="center">We even found the REAL Nemo and Dory!!
align="center">After Nemo, we walked around looking at the different fish and aquatic life including seahorses, eels, manatees and yes, even dolphins!
align="center">We went our separate ways from Trish and Marty after this as they were going to ride something that looked awesome ("Soarin'") but Ashlyn was too short and the fast passes were for MUCH later in the day and I wasn't sure we would be there then (and we weren't). We thought we would catch up with Trish and Marty later...but that didn't work out. *sad face* It was still great to visit with them for a little while. *happy face*
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Halfway done...
Finally, her autograph book was full!!
We then went back to the hotel and I began the process of getting things ready to go home the next day. Ashlyn wasn't much help. I got all of her make-over undone and she passed out. Oh yeah...her hair was hysterical the next day. Thank goodness we had time for a bath 1st thing in the morning! Hee hee!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Day 4 - Hollywood Studios and Relaxing
We decided to venture to Hollywood Studios on Friday. We got a late start to the day as it was raining first thing in the morning. We decided that we would take it easy. No need to rush around ALL the time. So we ordered room service for breakfast and ate on our balcony. We watched people walking around the courtyard with umbrellas and ponchos. Yep, no reason to rush anywhere with the rain.
Pedometer Steps: 10, 126)
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Day 3 - Animal Kingdom and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
We wandered around quite a bit until we found a ride that she enjoyed. It was just a ride that goes around and around and up and down (at your control) as we sat in a dinosaur. We could see a lot of things from up there as she liked me to us as high as we could go. She's such a little dare devil.We also got to meet several characters such as Pluto, Goofy, Chip 'N Dale, Donald, Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger and Pocahontas.
We had so much fun walking around, visiting with the characters and seeing the animals that it was hard to make ourselves leave. However, just as we were making our way back out of the park, my little princess fell fast asleep. This made the walk back to the bus a little bit more difficult carrying 30+ lbs of dead weight. LOL. But we made it and she slept the whole time we were on the bus back to the hotel. She woke up at just the mere mention of going swimming for a while before the party.
The pool at the hotel was beautiful. A bonus to stopping by mid-afternoon is that there weren't as many kids in the pool either. We got to enjoy it for about an hour before we had to head back up to the room and get ready to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party. How exciting!
I got Ashlyn all dolled up and ready to go as Cinderella. She looked so adorable. As you might have guessed, in Disney World she was not going to be the only Cinderella. She was one of probably 1,000 of them. But she was the cutest one in my eyes. *smile*
We made our way back to the Magic Kingdom to enjoy all the wonders of the party. We walked. We danced. We watched the parade. We rode a few rides (including the infamous teacups).
We watched the incredible fireworks. We trick or treated. By the end of the night we were completely exhausted and ready for bed.
(Pedometer Steps: 21,148)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day 2 - A Day with Winter!
We arrived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium 2 hours later and ready to meet the animals. We were given the royal treatment with a tour guide showing us the ins and outs of the aquarium and the different aquatic life that has found their new home at this very special place. Ashlyn and Jordan looked at the animals swimming above as soon as we walked in.
After touring the facilities the girls (and Jordan's brother, Cameron) were given an even better special treat. The chance to get up close and personal with Winter herself. Yeah, I'm jealous that I didn't get to touch this beautiful creature. However, watching the kids enjoying this moment was even better to me. It made my heart all warm and fuzzy. *smile*
They got to touch her, feed her, wave at her, talk to her. It was more than incredible...but I am at a lack of words to describe how awe struck I was. It was....beautiful!
Oh yeah...Ashlyn totally kissed her!! *squeal*
We enjoyed the afternoon at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, learning about the different animals that live there, how they came to be there and how the aquarium gives them an incredible place to live, make friends and be happy critters.
After the aquarium we managed to squeeze an hour in at the beach. Clearwater is absolutely gorgeous. I could easily live here. We walked into the water and strolled around on the beach.
On the way back to Orlando, we all caught a quick nap in the limo. We needed a little refresher before heading to the Magic Kingdom that evening.
We made our way to the Magic Kingdom to change our Not-So-Scary trick or treating tickets from Tuesday (when we got in at 1 am) to Thursday so we could enjoy this special treat. We decided to explore the Kingdom while we were there. It was nothing like I expected...it was even BETTER!
We stayed for the fireworks and then decided we were exhausted and wanted to get some good sleep in order to enjoy a full day at the parks on Thursday.
Ashlyn barely stayed awake for the ferry ride back to our hotel. We had a terrific day with Winter and friends. This was probably the best day EVER!!
(Pedometer Steps: 9,682)