Magic Kingdom

Around Thanksgiving, Josh and I decided that we would do a little family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Josh had been so fortunate to get a generous amount of time off from work to spend with family this year. I thought it would be great to do a little trip with just the three of us while he already has taken the time off. I've always wanted to visit Disney World and now living so close, well, it was the perfect opportunity!!

We drove up Monday, after finishing a bunch of little things we needed to get done after being gone for eight days! We hit a lot of traffic and bad weather, which made the drive longer than we originally thought. But we finally made it to our Expedia-reserved hotel. Since we decided so late to do this trip, there were no Disney resorts available. Now after doing the first day without staying in the resort, I don't think I would ever come back without staying on the property. It took us an hour just to get into the park. Our hotel advertised a shuttle, but when asked the schedule, it only left twice a day. The first time not until 11 am! It's pretty much a dive, but we wanted something close and cheap (considering it is the holidays and so last minute). I'm pretty sure I heard gun shots at 4:00 this morning, but I'll pretend they were something else ;) We gave Charlotte some Sophia the First pj's and she was in heaven! 

Monday morning we got ready to go, brought stuff for breakfast to eat in our room, and started the trek to the park.

We finally arrived on the Disney property, parked, took a team to will call, got on a ferry to get to the Magic Kingdom and entered the park! Phew!  From then on out, it was pure magic!! 

I know it sounds crazy, but I literally had to hold back the tears while walking down Main Street. It was perfection! Everything was just BIGGER than Disneyland. There were no bottle necks anywhere! I told Josh later in the day that it seems like Disneyland was the practice park and everything was perfected in the Magic Kingdom. 

This how Josh and I rode the rides...alone. 

One highlight of the day was eating at "Be Our Guest." We weren't able to make dinner reservations, so we went for an early lunch. It was so good. And make you you try the "grey stuff"...it really is delicious!

We ate in the ballroom and it was decorated beautifully for Christmas. The food was great and the waiter even brought a new entree for Charlotte when she didn't want to eat the original thing we ordered for her! 

The fanciest soda machine

I have never been able to get a "1st Visit" button.  I was pretty excited!

At 4:45, we headed to the castle to see Elsa turn it to ice. It was definitely worth the wait (until 6:00). It was beautiful!! Charlotte loved it too. We had bought her a little toy Minnie with a car earlier when she fell asleep. That kept her occupied during our long wait! There was a little Christmas show with some characters as well, while we waited. 

Is that the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?  

I hope I told Josh enough times "thank you" yesterday! It seriously was such a memorable day and I'm so glad we could spend some time as a family doing something we (at least Josh and I) will remember for a long time! 

Up next? Animal Kingdom! 

Monday Mommy Giveaway {CLOSED}

I have been so fortunate to be able to collaborate with some boutiques recently and be involved with a few giveaways.

Today I have teamed up with Cherished Impressions Boutique, who specializes in making custom hand stamped jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and rings that are fashionable and personable.  We are giving away a $36 value necklace!! This is the greatest necklace for the mom on the go (like myself)!! This necklace not only will go with EVERY kind of outfit, but better yet, it tells a story. A story about YOU! 

First, it's a LOCKET, then you choose a disc to insert and charms that tell your story. I love it! Here are the ones I chose, that describe me.

Some may consider me a shopaholic. 

I am a mom to the most amazing daughter. 

Playing with makeup is a hobby. 

I take more pictures than I probably should. 

I am a Mormon. 

Having a May birthday rocks!

These charms tell my story. How would you sum yourself up in five charms?? 

The locket is magnetic; easy to open and change out the charms whenever you want. It also comes on a great, reliable chain. 

To enter the giveaway make sure you like Cherished Impressions Boutique on Facebook, me on Instagram (@tiersha_w) and comment below. Pretty easy, right?  

The winner will be announced on Wednesday. New Years Eve! 

Christmas in Connecticut

We have spent the last week in Connecticut and had a great time with Josh's family. The weather was amazing (according to ONLY me) with sunny days, fun-filled activities and lots of shopping! 

We left Friday after Josh got home from work early and arrived at 2 am. Saturday, we ran a couple places and Josh's older sister, Rachel, and her family arrived. Each night, Charlotte stayed up very late. It was a battle that wasn't worth fighting. Toward the end of the week, we tried putting her to bed earlier. It's hard for Santa to come when your toddler is up til midnight...wide awake and happy! 

Sunday, we all went to church and enjoyed a relaxing day at home. Tess turned 3 and we celebrated her birthday that evening. 

Then the week started. Monday morning we woke up to the only snowfall. The kids were in heaven and took advantage of the little snow we got.

The kids also fell in love with Rock Band and played frequently. Charlotte loved hanging out with her cousins and was the singer for the band ;) 

Meg and Adam came on Tuesday and revealed the sex of their baby. IT'S A GIRL!! They sprayed pink silly string on the kids and boy were we shocked. We were all convinced they were having a boy (even bought boy clothes for them). 

Here are a few pictures leading up to Christmas Day...

Christmas Eve we decided to forego the traditional meal and ate at the food court of the mall after taking a spin on the carousel. It was very fun and again, the kids loved it! 

Once we got home, the kiddos got their Christmas pj's and were so excited for Santa to come! 

Eve had the kids reenact the Christmas story. Charlotte was supposed to be the angel but didn't cooperate very well. She did stand in for pictures though. It was adorable to see Tess come in as Mary, Bennett as Joseph and Liam and Adam as the wise men. What a fun tradition I hope we continue to do! The kid portion of the night ended with putting out milk, cookies and carrots out for Santa and the Reindeer.  

Our room was the party/wrapping room.  Christmas Eve had been the second night where we had lots of company and everyone was doing last minute wrapping!

One of the many desserts we had during the week...and a new favorite.  Oreo Delight.  

Finally it was Christmas! I woke up before Charlotte and Josh. I went down and the rest of kids and Adam and Meg were awake. They allophones their stockings and Santa gifts. Charlotte eventually woke up, too. She was a little too tired to appreciate what she received ;) I think it was more fun for me.   Rachel and I made homemade cinnamon rolls (both our first time) and they turned out so great! I feel a little more confident to make them again...and on my own.  Eek!

Look at this weather we had!  Gorgeous!  

Later that night, we had a delicious dinner and the adults opened presents.  We did it a little backward, opening our stockings after the kids went down for bed (except for Charlotte).  We also played Pictionary, which was a ton of fun!!  

Josh surprised me at dinner with this MASSIVE cinnamon roll he had found while doing a grocery store run.  Thanks for thinking of me!  

Saturday, we did our annual trip to Duck Pin Bowling.  Charlotte was more concerned about Meg's purse... We always have such a fun time as a family.  I, personally, am no good at this kind of bowling.  It's in it's own league!!

Charlotte's first pigtails.  I was dying!!

A HUGE thank you to Rick and Eve for making Christmas so fun and enjoyable.  Despite the long drive, it was a great trip!!  It's always fun to be with Josh's family and Charlotte loves being with her cousins!  We have seen each other a lot this year and have made so many fun memories.  

I hope everyone reading this had a wonderful Christmas and that the magic of the holidays continues through New Years!!