Congratulations Chad & Aaron!

Congratulations to my brother Chad and my newphew Aaron. They both received their black belts today!

School Update

Elijah has a spelling test every Friday. So far he has done well and got all his words right. Next week he gets a math test too. He still says he likes school and his teacher. I hope it continues.

Happy Birthday Natalie!

Happy birthday to my niece Natalie. All the best!

Update

Everyone came through the hurricane okay. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

yIKEs!

Hurricane Ike is heading to Texas. I have lots of in-laws in the Houston area. Some have evacuated and some have not. Please say a prayer not only for them, but for all of those living in that area.

My brother-in-law sent me an email earlier that he was fine and staying back. I'll let you know if I hear more.

Never Forget

The day that changed America forever.


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Birthday Comments

Bummer

Thanks if you voted for Sarah, but she didn't make it to the top 10. I think she has a great career ahead of her though.

Vote for Sarah!

The mom that runs the latchkey program at Elijah's school, has a daughter that is on "America's Got Talent." Her name is Sarah Lenore and she has a great voice. Please vote for her online or by phone 866-60-AGT-05. She's great!

Happy Birthday Chelsea & Laura!

Happy Birthday to my best friend's daughter, Chelsea. Happy Birthday to my niece and Goddaughter, Laura. Both are celebrating milestone birthdays. All the best for a great year!

The First Day

Today was the first day of first grade. My handsome man is growing up fast. When I picked him up from school, he said "that was awesome." He really likes his teacher and seems so excited. I hope that continues at the school year continues on.

Happy Birthday Pam!

Happy birthday to my cousin Pam! All the best to you!

Back Home

After a turbulent flight and a few Hail Mary's, we made it back to MI! It was good to be home.

Winding Down

Our last full day in Orlando was spent shopping, relaxing, and hanging out at the condo. We decided to forgo a trip to one of the parks and deal with the blistering heat.

My mom's new hobby is quilting, so we found a quilting store outside of downtown Orlando. It was an interesting trip, but a fun experience. We also made the trip to Downtown Disney and hit the big store. Before leaving the grounds, Elijah and Grandpa stopped for Disney temporary tattoos. The evening closed with a nice dinner and round of mini-golf.

Hollywood Disney Style

Today we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney/MGM). It was hot again -- another 96 degree day. We visited the new Toy Story ride and it was very cool. The rest of the day was spent going on the usual rides and a stop at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. No elbows on the table and you can earn a sticker if you clean your plate!

More heat

Today we went to Islands of Adventure. It was another smoking hot day. We spent some time in Seuss Landing. The Lost Continent is pretty tore up since they started building the Harry Potter Ride. We wrapped up with a trip on Popeye's & Bluto's Barges. That ride leaves you soaked from head to toe. Needless to say that even though it was still smoking hot, we came back to the condo soggy.

After a nice shower and a change of clothes it was off to have dinner with a couple of friends. All in all a good day, but hot!

Feeling Hot Hot Way Too Hot

Today was a scorching 96 degrees. We started out the day at Animal Kingdom, but ended up back by 3:30 pm. It was HOT! The rest of the day was spent hanging out at the condo.

I was also able to secure our 2009 trip. Yahoo! That time of year is nice and not too hot.

Shop til you Drop

Today we ended up outlet shopping. A few pairs of shoes, and a few more purchases later (did I mention that there is a Coach store there?). Anyway, we came back in time for one of those quick FL showers and then off to dinner. Not a typical day in Orlando, but it was a good day. Especially having time to recover from all the sun the day before.

Blizzard Beach

We went to Blizzard Beach to try out a Disney Waterpark. Elijah went down the Summit Plummet -- the largest free fall water slide. He's a bit of a dare devil. It was a good day and the weather held out. Although at the end of the day I discovered the places where the sun screen was missed.

I also got "bit" by the chair lift (a chair lift takes you to the top where three rides are). A quick trip to first aid made it better. Today I'm sporting a nice bruise. Despite my injury, it was a good day and a great waterpark. Thumbs up!

Reporting Live from Orlando

We came to Orlando today. Nice and toasty hot. All week I was wondering at "Fay" and what it would be like down here. Last night positive news came that it was away from the central Florida area. Although on the plan today the pilot came over the intercom to tell us that "Fay" was to the right of the plane. Looked like a lot of clouds to me. Plus there was the wing of plane obstructing the view.

After checking in and grabbing lunch, we headed off to Universal Studios. First stop: The Simpsons Ride. (formerly known as Back to the Future Ride). It was pretty cool. I would rate it higher than it's predecessor. After that a few more rides and here comes the rain again. Good thing we had those ponchos! We wrapped up our visit to the park with an awesome dinner at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Highly recommended.

Happy Birthday Janinne

Happy birthday to my sister-in-law Janinne. I hope this next year brings you nothing but happiness.