Snow

It started to snow in Dacula (or my part of Dacula) around 1:30. And it's been snowing since! Reagan said her class went out & played in it before gym at 2. I can imagine that was a fun site to see those kids jumping up & down for the snow. After the girls went through Valentine's we went outside & played in the snow. They loved it and had a great time. Bailey made it much longer than I thought she would, she does not like to be cold. We played out back for awhile then moved up front. Plus it's easier to dump our wet clothes in the garage that way. We get to the front and see that Lee has done what Anita did last year and slid in the car down the driveway and bumped the mailbox. I missed when Eric & Suey tried to help him and the wood flew up and hit Suey and took her out. She is okay other than a badly bruised foot. Lee finally gave up and just completely took out the mailbox and then backed the car down the driveway. Reagan had fun playing with Jaime in the snow. We were all soaked and ready for dry warm clothes!

Jonathan checking out the snow (around 3pm)

This is around 4 pm when we head out to play in the snow!

Jonathan acted like a puppy and wanted to run around & play

Reagan being silly

Reagan throwing snowballs at Eric

Bailey having a blast swinging in the snow

Lee's vehicle stuck in the front yard

Reagan & them sliding down the Salin's driveway, this is why Lee & Anita have issues getting down their driveway in the snow!

This is the backyard about 10 mins after we had just been running around & playing in it; our tracks were almost covered up

Eric & Lee trying to figure out how to get the car "unstuck"

Bailey was happy once she was in the garage out of the snow sitting on Suey's golf cart

This around 6:30 pm

Blurry picture but shows how much snow we've gotten up to 6:30

Bailey's Valentine's Day party

Bailey's class had their Valentine's Day party Friday at 3. Reagan & I got there around 3:10 and it was pretty much over! I think they did a lot of the stuff earlier due to the snow. But Bailey was still thrilled that we (well mainly Reagan) were there. Bailey just hugged on Reagan and was saying "she's my big sister".

Bailey & Anna Claire (she says Anna Claire is her best friend)

WDW Last Day - Back to Magic Kingdom

The morning started off pretty rough as we were trying to head out for our last day at the park. We were hoping to get there a little early to be able to miss some of the long lines to see Daisy & get in other rides. The girls wouldn't let us put sunscreen on them so that set off the meltdowns. We finally got everyone lathered up and headed out.

When we got to the park; Eric & Reagan headed to ride in the cars while Mom, Bailey, Dad & I waited in line to see Daisy. As soon as we got up to meet Daisy, Bailey started to act up and not want to meet her and then the music started to play over the loudspeaker. So we met Daisy with Bailey still in the stroller with her covering her ears so she couldn't hear the music.

Since I had not eaten breakfast, we eat the bakery on Main Street and enjoyed some yummy treats!

We met up with Eric & Reagan and headed towards FantasyLand. Got in another ride on the teacups and then met Ariel. After we met Ariel we headed over to see Belle's Storytime. Bailey didn't like this at first and then calmed down. Belle's Storytime was nice and a great place to eat lunch or a snack. Afterwards the girls got to meet Belle again!

We ate lunch at a spot around the castle and we were able to hear the Move It Shake It Celebrate It parade. Bailey actually started dancing when she heard the music instead of covering her ears. Reagan started dancing around also and both girls wanted to go join the parade and dance in the street. So Dad took them up there and they all danced in the street!

After that we just hung around the castle so we could see the Dreams Come True show. Reagan & I went up and sat close to the castle. She enjoyed the show except when Captain Hook & Maleficent showed up. She moved around and hid behind my back. Of course Dad had to stroll Bailey away from the show.

We then got in another ride on the Carousel since there were lines on all the other rides. Reagan really wanted to ride the Big Mountain rollercoaster so Eric & Dad took her over there. Bailey, Mom & I tried to see Princess Tiana but she was about to go make some more gumbo and would not be back until later. So we went and had a snack at Casey's Corner. We then got to see the afternoon parade on Main Street. Bailey loved watching the parade and just danced & danced.

We got in some shopping and then headed out. As we left we saw Pluto hanging out in front of the main entrance so we stopped to meet him.

Overall it was a good day, even with the meltdowns. We enjoyed some yummy treats and saw the parade on Main Street and got to meet a character at the main entrance to the park!

Now to head home tomorrow!

WDW Day 5 - Magic Kingdom

Got in a 3 mile run this morning and then we were off to Magic Kingdom. We had thought about going to Hollywood Studios to try & get in the Toy Story ride and a few others and then head over to Magic Kingdom. But once we explained to Reagan that you had to wear "those" glasses to see it she said she didn't want to ride it. The Toy Story ride is in 4D so we figured that Reagan would not want to see it. We figured it was best to find out before we got there and she flipped out there.

We got to Magic Kingdom and the girls got to meet Chip & Dale, they were thrilled! Bailey really wanted to meet Daisy but her line was too long. We're hoping to meet her tomorrow.

After we met Chip & Dale and got a few pictures in front of the Castle we headed over to AdventureLand and rode Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride and the Jungle Cruise. Eric, Reagan, Bailey & I walked through the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. After that Mom & Dad headed to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and Reagan & Eric to ride Big Thunder Mountain. Bailey & I walked around some and she got to meet Woody & Jessie. We then rode the Riverboat around and got to see some of FrontierLand.

Eric, Reagan & Dad headed over to ride the Haunted Mansion and Mom, Bailey & I went to see if we could watch the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate parade/party. Bailey got nervous at first but then once she saw Mickey & that it was "fun" she was fine. Eric, Reagan & Dad showed up as it was time for us join the parade and "dance in the street". So Eric & Reagan joined Bailey & I out there to dance with Woody & Jessie. Bailey loved it!

Lunch time!

Reagan, Eric & I watched the Country Bear Jamboree while Mom, Dad & Bailey walked around. Then we took the train over to Toontown. Bailey was so excited to be over there. The girls got to meet Tinkerbell and some of her Fairy friends. After the girls met them they rode Goofy's Barnstormer with Eric & Mom.

Mom, Bailey & I went over to Ariel's Grotto because Bailey had not met Ariel yet! Reagan for some reason did not want to meet her. Bailey loved meeting Ariel and showing Ariel her Ariel doll she had gotten the other day.

We then enjoyed some yummy ice cream. The girls rode the Carousel with Mama & Papa D. Bailey actually wanted to ride Snow White's Scary Adventure with us so we went on that. She did good.

It was teacup time! Reagan loves the teacups and making them spin fast. Bailey got a little scared after the first ride so her & I sat out the next ride while Eric & Reagan took another spin.

Dinner time! Bailey actually snoozed during dinner time.

At this point it was time for us to get a spot for the parade. So Mom, Bailey & I headed up that way while Eric, Reagan & Dad headed to try & ride Buzz Lightyear. We got one of the last sitting spots along the end of the sidewalk. Bailey of course freaked out and would not even sit there before the parade even started! Mom pushed her around in the stroller while we waited on Eric & them. Once they joined us, Dad & Bailey walked around (Bailey kept him busy). Dad had to buy Bailey some dinner (since Eric had the bag with food in it & her jacket), take her to the bathroom and on the Dumbo ride. Eric, Mom, Reagan & I watched the wonderful nighttime parade (Spectromagic). It was great! Reagan seemed to like it.

It took us awhile but Eric finally found Dad & Bailey. Eric took Bailey away from the fireworks area and got the items we had bought earlier in the day and then just headed back to the car. We ended up in a good spot to watch the fireworks. We loved the fireworks, especially seeing Tinkerbell fly across, that was great!

WDW Day 4 - Epcot

When we got to Epcot we decided it was best for Mom & Dad to head to Soarin' while Eric, Reagan, Bailey & I went over to the Nemo ride. Bailey was nervous about the ride but she did it. After the Nemo ride we headed in to see Crush talk. Well as expected Bailey freaked out and had to "go potty". That is what Bailey says when she wants you to take her out of the show or parade.

We tried to go on the Mission Space and Test Track rides but those wait lines were a little long. So we decided to hit the World Showcase since that was open and come back and try the rides later in the day.

Epcot has Kidcot areas where the kids get a stamp from each country along with one of the country's symbols. You could also have your autograph book signed and they would write something in that countries language. Reagan loved doing that and she got all 11 stamps.

While we toured the Worlds, we saw several characters like, Princess Aurora, Marie the cat (from Aristocats), Belle (one time she was with the Beast), Jasmine & Aladdin, Snow White, Alice, Mary Poppins, and Mulan. Reagan, Eric & I actually hit a little Character spot with lots of different characters as the World Showcase was opening up. We met Pinocchio & Geppato, Meeka, Baloo, Rafiki, Annie (Little Einstein's) and Suzy & Perla (the mice from Cinderella). Dad had his picture made with Princess Aurora (from what we heard she was the best looking Princess Aurora they had seen).

We ate some yummy fish & chips from England, good beer from England, Germany & Japan and margarita's from Mexico. And of course Eric had his funnel cake from America (surprised?).

We did get in some rides. We rode Soarin', Test Track & Mission Space Mars. For some reason I trusted my husband and went on the "orange" ride, which is more intense. Well that was stupid. I seriously almost had to use the barf bag they provide you! That should have been the sign when they provide barf bags on the ride. Mom & I were queasy the rest of the night. We of course feel like wimps as Reagan keeps saying how she loved that ride and just laughed through out! The real reason we rode the most intense ride was because Reagan wanted to ride the orange ride. Well originally Eric thought it was red so when he asked her if we should ride the red or green she of course chose red. Well anyway, I'm still never listening to Eric when it comes to a ride (or Reagan).

Reagan loved the Test Track and just laughed with that. It was a good ride, just a little rough. But it was pretty neat going out on the "track".

We got camped out on a bench around 7 to get "parked" for the fireworks show. The girls got their 5th wind and entertained us for awhile. Then they started to play some music and Bailey started to freak out. We were able to keep her somewhat calm enough to make it until the fireworks started. Reagan actually watched the fireworks, but she did have her ears plugged. The fireworks show was great, even if I did have Bailey crying in my arms through out the whole show. When it was over she immediately said "it's over!".

WDW Day 3 - Animal Kingdom

Started the day off with a good 5 1/2 mile run. The temp was great, but it is not completely flat like you think.


We got ready and headed to Animal Kingdom. We went straight to ride the Kilimanjaro Safari. We got on that quick so that was good. We saw lots of animals and up close at that. Some of them crossed the road as we were coming up. The girls loved seeing the animals.

After the Safari ride we walked the Exploration trail around Africa and then went to Asia and walked around the trail there. We got to see lots of animals on the trails and the girls loved that. Some were sleeping and some were up and about and walking around.

Once we were done with the trails it was time to hit some of the rides. Eric & Dad went over to ride Expedition Everest while we headed over to DinoLand. Of course Reagan was ready to ride the Tricertops spinning ride. Her & Mom sat in the front and controlled if the dinosaur went up & down while Bailey & I sat in the back and made it tilt back & forward. Eric and Dad actually got done with their ride quick and made it over to DinoLand as we got on the ride. After that Mom & I took the girls to the Dinosaur playground while Eric & Dad rode the dinosaur ride. The girls loved playing around in the Dinosaur playground. They had dinosaur foot prints on the floor and when you jumped on it, a dinosaur would roar. Bailey just loved that and giggled as she jumped around.

It was then time to eat a little lunch. We got some good bbq while the girls ate their uncrustables.

After lunch we headed down to meet Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger. Bailey loved meeting them and was so excited. She just looks at each character in "awe" after she has met them.

We then headed back over to Africa to take the train over to Rafiki's Planet Watch. The girls loved taking the train over there and getting to see a few animals along the way. Animal Kingdom has a Kids Discovery Club that kids can do through out the different countries and get stamps. Reagan loved doing that and got a few stamps. At Rafiki's Planet Watch they have a petting area with goats and other animals. Bailey went in the petting area with Mom & Dad while Reagan, Eric & I did the Discovery stuff and then went in the building to see Reagan pet a snake! Reagan actually touched a snake while she sat with Eric! We got to meet Jimny Cricket while we were there. All of us (well mainly Mom & me) were excited to meet him. It was then time to head back on the train to Africa.

We then headed over to see the It's a Bug's Life show. Well that was a mistake. It is a good show but not for Bailey and not too sure about Reagan. It's 3D so it scared the girls and pretty much made Bailey scared of any show after that. Even the Finding Nemo the Musical that we tried to see after that. Eric had to get up & leave with her when the musical started. The musical was great and Reagan loved it. She was swaying her arms back & forth enjoying the music. Eric & Bailey rode the Tricertops Spin, walked around and saw characters and animals.

The musical was over after the park had closed so it was time to head "home". We went back to the condo to get ready for a dinner out just the two of us! Eric had made reservations at Maggiano's at 8 as a surprise birthday treat. It was wonderful and nice to get out just the two of us.

WDW Day 2 - Magic Kingdom and my birthday

We had reservations at 8:30 for breakfast at Cinderella's Castle so we headed out early to make it there on time. We actually got out of here with the rain going from heavy downpour to light rain. It's nice getting there that early to Magic Kingdom because you can walk down Main Street without tons of people all around. You get a great view of Cinderella's Castle and can have your picture taken in front of it without lots of others around.

We got to the Castle and got all checked in. They asked if we were celebrating anything special and Eric of course had to tell that it was not just my birthday, but my 39th birthday. So I got the Happy Birthday pin to wear all day. One of the ladies checking us in was from Georgia and is a Dawgs fan, so that was neat.

Then it was time to meet Cinderella. Reagan of course was excited and went on up there to meet her and get her picture taken. But Bailey was not too sure about meeting her. She had to have Mama come up there with her. And of course typical Bailey turned around and gave her a hug as she was saying goodbye.

The breakfast was yummy. Lots of great food that was not so great for you. I got the omelet while the other adults got the french toast. Eric got seconds of course. The girls got french toast sticks and neither really ate any of it with all the commotion going on.

Bailey wasn't too sure about the Wishes ceremony. I think her eyes were already closed when it was time to close your eyes and make your wish. She has been replaying that part for us tonight.

The girls got to meet all the Princesses at the breakfast but Ariel. Bailey loved watching the Princesses walk around but was shy as soon as they came up to meet her.

For my birthday I got a cupcake and signed birthday card from the Princesses. The waiter and my family sang to me also.

After breakfast we were able to get in most of the Fantasyland rides in no time. Bailey did good on all the rides, even though she was scared and had to hold someones hand the whole time.

While Bailey, Mama & I waited to meet Tigger and Eeyore; Reagan, Eric & Papa D rode on the Teacups. We were still waiting so Reagan & Eric rode the Snow White ride; we knew that ride would scare Bailey.

After we finally met Tigger & Eeyore, we headed over to Toontown. We rode Goofy's Barnstormer rollercoaster (all of us), saw Mickey & Minnie's houses and met Cinderella, Princess Aurora, Belle, Mickey & Minnie. Bailey loved meeting Mickey & Minnie and actually went up without us!

As we headed over to Tomorrowland, we all got to ride the Teacups. Bailey rode with Eric & I and Reagan rode with Mama & Papa D. Reagan and Papa D had their teacup spinning and Reagan loved it while Mama looked a little green. Bailey loved it and just giggled the whole time.

The girls rode the Tomorrowland train while the boys tried to ride Space Mountain but the line was too long so they rode Stitch's ride. After the Tomorrowland ride we rode Buzz Lightyear's ride. Reagan rode with Mama and had a blast spinning them around in circles.

We then ate lunch while Eric & Papa D finally got to ride on Space Mountain. It has been windy so everything has been blowing around when you try to eat. And poor Bailey is afraid her food is going to blow away so she covers it up. Today she wrapped part of her banana in her napkin and tried to eat it that way.

After lunch Eric, Reagan, Bailey & Papa D rode the Astro Orbiter.

On to Liberty Square to see if we could find Princess Tiana. We finally found where she was and got in line. Eric & Papa D headed over to the Hall of Presidents while we waited. Well we found it she was going to be there in 40 mins so we left the line to see what else we could do or see. As we were walking through Liberty Square we saw Goofy & Donald in their Frontierland outfits. So we got in line and got to meet them. Then we headed back to get in line again to meet Princess Tiana. Eric & Papa D came & got Bailey and got our spots for the parade. Reagan was thrilled to meet Princess Tiana, especially since she had her shirt on. She was nervous about meeting the Prince so I had to go up there with her and stand beside the Prince.

We enjoyed watching the parade, well most of us. Bailey didn't like the loud music so she covered her ears most of the time. It was fun and Reagan really enjoyed it.

After the parade we were able to get in a few more rides. We all rode Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride and then Eric & I rode the Pirates of the Caribbean. As we left that ride, two pirates saw my birthday button and sang Happy Birthday (Jolly Roger version). I tried to walk away but Eric made me stop. Eric said there lots of others singing along that I didn't notice.

Then we headed to the condo to relax! Eric & Reagan went and got me a birthday cake, which we will be eating all week.

Tomorrow is Animal Kingdom!

WDW Day 1 - Hollywood Studios

Our trip down on Saturday to visit our family went great. We only made one stop around 11:15 for gas & lunch. The girls were great the whole way, reading their Tag books, watching movies & playing games. No naps though. We got in a good visit with Uncle Richie & Aunt Bonnie, Clarissa & her family & Derek & his family. We got up Sunday morning and headed to Orlando (after I got in a 3 mile run).

The weather was great today, only sprinkled on us once. It was windy off & on but overall great.

We met Mama & Papa D, who were already there and made our way to check out the wait time for Toy Story Mania. That was 80 mins! So we just headed over to see The Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Both girls of course got scared, Bailey actually screamed at one point. Once that was over we headed to meet a few characters. We got our picture with Mr Incredible & FroZone (i think this is how you spell his name). The girls were not thrilled with this at all. Reagan did not want her picture with Mickey in his Sorcer hat but I did. So Eric & Reagan made a soundbite from the Lion King Show (well Eric did) while we waited in line. Bailey loved meeting Mickey and even gave him a kiss afterwards. Reagan didn't want to meet the characters from Up, so we just headed to eat lunch. After lunch Eric & Dad headed over for their long wait to ride Hollywood Terror while we walked around and waited for the Beauty & Beast show to start. Bailey fell asleep in my lap while we were waiting for the show to start and then woke up a few mins before crying she had to go potty. We were able to go potty & make it back with a minute to spare before the show started. Then one minute later Bailey started crying again she had to go potty. So I had to just leave with her and let Mom & Reagan enjoy the show. After the show we headed to the Star Wars ride. Only Reagan, Eric & I rode this and Reagan said that was her favorite thing from today. We got to watch some of the parade afterwards and then headed to watch the American Idol show and Bailey says this was her favorite thing from the day (she must get that from me). The American Idol show was pretty cool. We kept trying Toy Story but the line was just too long. We saw one more little show about how they made one of the Narnia movies, then we headed out of there.

We ate some dinner & got to our condo. We are now unpacked & just trying to get settled. Mainly trying to get the girls to sleep!

Looking forward to having breakfast at Cinderella's Castle tomorrow and being at Magic Kingdom. Just not looking forward to starting it off in the rain!

Bailey's encounter with Vaseline

If you happen to look off into the Dacula sky you might just see several shining objects coming from the vicinity of Daniel Park. Namely a child, Minnie mouse, Dora, several books, bedding, and last but definitely not least ( just check out the art work, great finger painting) the walls. At least one child in this world will have soft and delicate skin from the vast amount of Vasoline lathered across the room belonging to Bailey, A.K.A Tiny Terror.
Once quiet descended upon the household the first clue should have been triggered, for Bailey has never been quiet before 10pm so no good had to be occurring. When what should our wondering eyes appear but an oily haired grinning girl who was so proud of what she accomplished. Making sure Minnie and Dora had a nice layer of care.
Reagan used diaper cream and Bailey prefers Vasoline.
As for cleaning, diaper cream was easier, that comes off walls with much more ease.

Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and are very blessed! We spent Christmas Eve with Eric's family as always. We ate & drank wine and had a great time watching the kids run around, do scavenger hunts & play games. On Christmas morning we woke up to find some great gifts from Santa! Reagan got an American Girl Doll that "looks" like her and a ballerina clothing set for her to wear. Bailey got a tricycle and a Minnie Mouse doll. Eric got a tennis raquet bag that holds 3 raquets. And I got some new items from the St Nicholas Christmas village selection. And of course we all had wonderful things in our stockings! We then opened up our family gifts. Reagan got to choose to either be the first to open a gift or give a gift to someone to open and she chose to give me a gift to open! Such a sweetheart! The big family gift (well I say it's more for Eric) is Band Hero for Xbox. So the kids got to play with that before we got ready to head to Mama & Papa D's to eat lunch & celebrate Christmas there. We had a wonderful lunch that Mama prepared! Then we got busy opening gifts and everyone got wonderful gifts. Then on Saturday we went down to Ganny's to visit with them and exchange gifts there. It was a nice visit with Ganny, Aunt Rachel, Susan & Jon. We missed seeing everyone else.

The girls are having a great time playing with all their new toys! I am all set with some new running stuff to wear during this cold winter!

I just posted some pictures to the web album instead of trying to post them here. So here is the link! Enjoy! I actually still have to add some pictures from Christmas night and then our visit with Ganny!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dgakstatter/Christmas2009?feat=directlink

Holiday Lights at Lake Lanier

The bridge after you pay to come in to see the lights
Sponge Bob

Nativity Scene

The girls being silly

Santa

The girls getting ready to ride the train

The girls having fun on another ride

Reagan on the merry go round

Bailey won't ride a horse, she has to sit on a bench

Bailey did not want to ride in the same boat with Bailey

Reagan loved it

Bailey had a blast on this ride

Bailey was so excited to be riding the rides with Reagan

The Merry Go Round lights

St Nick Day & family celebration

Well, I'm a little late with posting these since the pictures are from our family celebration on the 5th and then St Nick Day. We had everyone over on Sat the 5th for brunch. The kids had a great time and we ate lots of great food and had wonderful Mimosa's! We were lucky to be able to have the family celebration the day before James left to head back to Korea so he was able to make it.

I only have pictures of Bailey from St Nick Day since Reagan spent the night with Emma. Bailey was a sweet sister and put Reagan's shoes out for St Nick to be able to leave her gift in them.

I have a lot of pics of this crew but this was one of the best ones I got
Thought this picture was cute since it kind of represents each ones personality

What cuties!

Opening up their goodies from Dorothy

Bailey putting out her shoes for St Nick

Don't you like her layered look

Looks like St Nick came by!

Jonathan seems thrilled

Bailey was excited to see what St Nick left her

Christmas in Albany with the Gilbert Family

We celebrated Christmas with my Dad's side of the family on Saturday at Kristi's house. Anne, Teri & her family were able to come up also, so we had a nice celebration.

I think this was the best one I got of the 4 of them
Bailey asking Kristi if she could open her gift

Bailey was excited to get her own set of Pet Shop toys

Reagan got a Ken doll

Bailey got a Princess lunch box from Kristi and it was filled with lots of other gifts all wrapped up, that kept Bailey busy for a little bit

Reagan with a Pet Shop Light up Dome

Eric, Teri, Tony, Anne & Matthew

Reagan & Emma with their matching Christmas pjs from Mama & Papa D

Grandmother, Mom, Geri & Dad

Bailey Reagan with their matching Christmas pjs from Mama & Papa D

Brandon helping get Matthew's new game set up

Reagan & Bailey playing with Matthew's new game

Matthew was the only one that sang for us using Emma's new microphone