Disneyworld and the Cruise

This year for Christmas, Todd's parents took the whole family on a trip to Disneyworld and a cruise to the Bahamas. Quite a gift!!! Get ready for an overload of pictures!

When we first arrived in Florida it was freezing cold. I know, Florida....cold???? I didn't know I needed to pack my parka, but I should have. We were all so cold, but once we saw this beauty we were all really excited and the cold seemed to disappear. (At least for me anyway.) The Cinderella Castle was all decked out with sparkling lights that changed colors. I loved it.

Jill and Tyler were coming the next day from Memphis so we put in an order for gloves, hats, and thermals in order to survive the freezing cold temps. To stay warm this is what I wore: four shirts, two hoodies, two pairs of pants, and gloves. So if I look like I weigh 500 lbs, it's because I have a million layers of clothes on. I just couldn't get over hold cold it was, in Florida!!!

We spent the first day in Epcot, it was tons of fun.

Mexico:

England:

Japan:

Here are some more highlights from Disneyworld:

Tree of Life in the Animal Kingdom:

If you know me, you know I am not fond of mascots or people in costumes. I was a little scared to get my picture with Pluto, but I thought that I cannot come to Disneyworld without getting my picture with a character, so I did. But then Pluto started poking me in the chest. Hmmmm.... I think that he was pointing to something on my sweatshirt, but I'm sure he had ulterior motives, so I will stay clear of costumed people from now on.

Spinning on the Teacups:

Of course the day we were leaving the sun decided to shine and it wasn't too cold outside, so we were able to relax on the cute little beach at our hotel.

Next we set sail to the Bahamas.

Leaving the port.

We stopped in Nassau. Look at that water. So pretty!!!

Heading out to snorkel.

We rode a catamaran out into the ocean to go snorkeling. There was a net you could sit on and look at the water underneath you. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Here we are snorkeling. The water was so clear, blue, and warm.

After we went snorkeling they dropped us of on a private island. It was paradise.

This trip was so fun, I cannot thank Todd's parents enough for taking us.

Merry Merry

Of course Christmas is always one of the best holidays and tons of fun, but it was especially good this year. Christmas Eve is the event of the year for my side of the family. We have many traditions we carry out each year and have done them for as long as I can remember. First, we all dress up in our pj's. We then head out to the bowling alley to complete for the coveted bowling pin and $10.00.










Last year sis beat everyone and won, she wasn't even trying and all the guys were so mad they got beat by her, but this year Brian took the title and the bowling pin was handed over.

After bowling we went to my Grandma's house to eat and eat and eat. We then acted out the nativity. This year my Grandma was so funny, she seriously snapped photo after photo of us. It was as if she had never seen it before, or as if we would never do it again.





After the nativity we played the famous Christmas BINGO. Some of the pictures on the BINGO card are kinda funny looking and year after year we make the same jokes about each picture when it is called. BINGO is my favorite, although I think I only won one time this year. I usually go home with three or more prizes.

Another tradition I love is the bubble lights. My Grandma has lights on her railing that light up and bubble. We each pick a light and the first person who's light bubbles wins some money.







I love Christmas Eve because of all the fun we have and all the family traditions we have.

Christmas day Todd and I opened presents and I must say I made out like a bandit.I got a new camera, some kitchen supplies ( I think someone was hinting at something),Todd's parents are taking us to Disney World and on a cruise for our Christmas present, and my parents got me clothes and diamond earrings. Wow I am a lucky girl. After presents we went to Aunt Stacey's for some delicious food and Bunco.

This year I just kept getting hit with feelings of gratitude for all the people I love. I am so grateful for all the great family Todd and I have. It was a really fun, special Christmas and it would have not been the same without them.