December 29

We chose to go to Epcot on our first day because there were several Christmas festivities going on that weren't going to last the entire week we were there. We planned today well in advance, but after seeing that there was an 80% chance of rain, we were glad we chose Epcot since most things could be done indoors. 

Grayson has been terrified of characters for years, but we decided to give Disney World a try anyway, knowing that we might have to avoid every character like the plague. As soon as we walked into Epcot, a short line for Pluto was forming, so I asked the boys if they wanted to get in it to meet him. I had bought them a photo mat with lots of sharpies to get autographs. To our surprise, Grayson agreed and got in line. He had plenty of time to gather his courage and get ready for the encounter. When it was his turn, he gave Pluto his frame, marker, and waited patiently for him to sign it and then posed for pictures. It was GREAT!!!!! 

There were lots of fun Nemo rides and activities!

And then it became our day's goal to find every character possible! So much fun!

Neylan refused to meet Chip & Dale because he was eating a snack at the moment and was  not about to put it down to get a picture!

Another highlight to the day was the Candlelight Processional, which was one of the Christmas things we did not want to miss. Amy Grant was the guest reader of the Christmas story and the choir and orchestra were superb.

Playing drums in Mexico

And we stayed until the very end of the day to see the Illuminations fireworks show. Neylan fell asleep as soon as it started,  

but Grayson was wide awake in amazement! 

We had such a fun day and the rain didn't slow us down much. We met so many characters and the boys behavior was really good. Onto Magic Kingdom tomorrow!

December 28

After two long days of driving, we finally made it to Orlando! We are ready to get our Disney on tomorrow! 

Our first stop was to Grayson's favorite restaurant- Cici's pizza, for dinner. The boys got fun balloon creatures while they ate.

And then they got to have a little dip in the pool before going to bed. We are so excited to be here!

December 25

Merry Christmas!!

This is the morning we have been waiting for for weeks. Santa came this morning and brought lots of surprises!

The one and only thing Neylan asked Santa for this year was a Buzz and Woody camera. Santa fulfilled his request and he was one happy boy!

And then they found a letter that Santa left them. It led them on a scavenger hunt for some pretty cool stuff. 

Each clue led them to a new room of the house with a gift that contained something Disney related in it. 

After five clues, they brought all of their stuff back and laid it out to see if they could figure out what the theme was. Grayson figured it out. We then read them a letter telling them that the rest of their Christmas present was going to be going to Disney World for New Years! Their reaction was less than exciting. I don't think it sunk in. 

After the big announcement, we made a Disney themed breakfast!

Maybe the excitement is building!

After breakfast, Adam and I had another special announcement to make!! We shocked everyone!

Christmas night is always spent at Mimi and Papa's house. Today was also a big day of announcements for Adam's brother, who got engaged this morning. Grayson and Neylan now have instant cousins!

And more Disney themed gifts!

What a fun, busy day!!

Merry Christmas everyone

December 24

 Christmas Eve! 

Again, a day unlike any other Christmas Eve, but so much fun (for some of us)

The boys opened wood pieces last night to make a tool box and a bird house, so this morning Granddad helped them put it all together. 

Adam spent the morning waiting at the minute clinic to get a positive strep throat diagnosis (that part of the day was pretty much like many other Christmas Eve's for Adam)

We opened a few more presents

And then went to Bass Pro Shop for our one picture with Santa for the year

It was a huge success!! I'm not sure why Neylan was so upset, but he was not excited to sit on Santa's lap this year.

After dinner we went to an amazing light show; again very different than the usual Christmas Eve service we go to!

Our last day with Joseph Frosty for the year. He's just hanging out watching everything unfold so he can make the most accurate report to Santa

December 23

We made it to TN today and the boys were immediately ready to open presents. Guess that's what happens when there are actually presents under a tree (unlike at our house)!

Look who showed up!

And because this Christmas is going to be different than any other (in a good way), we let them start opening presents on the 23rd!

December 22

We finally got some snow last night, so JF made a snow angel!

We are headed south today for Christmas. I think the snow and ice have cleared enough for us to go. So ready for a little break!

December 21

We are furiously packing and getting ready for a big two week trip down south. My little helper is just "hanging" out with me. Or maybe this a three-year-old's idea of how to hang yourself!

This certainly doesn't look like much, but it was. Before the accident! JF and Mr. Potato Head were having a snowball fight until Neylan tried to climb the bookshelf and Joseph Frosty fell over and the snowballs went everywhere! Adam carried him away on a stretcher and we just hoped that he would be healed quickly. Thankfully, he was and he was able to come back to play in the snow. Whew! That was a close one. He never was touched, so he didn't lose his magic today!

December 20

He must be checking to make sure there is enough room in the stockings for all the presents- unless he is reporting naughtiness to Santa each night! (Which might be the case!!)

December 19

Naughty, naughty!