Tag Archives: orlando

Bad Kid Christmas Orlando

Our enjoyment of the Christmas season is quickly followed by our annual Bad Kids Christmas reunion with some of our seminary friends. It is one of the best weeks of the year! This year we hosted everyone at a huge rental in the Orlando area. We had plenty of space for our 15 person-strong group (9 adults and 6 kids now), and the weather cooperated (highs in the 80s). This allowed us to enjoy the heated pool and hot tub everyday (even me)! Henry shared a room with one of the sisters (on rotation) and got his wish for a roommate.


We went to the small Legoland (Disney Springs) and the big Legoland in Winter Haven, where he lived his best life. He keeps talking about it because building things and riding fast rides are his jam. I didn’t really care about Legoland but could definitely see why little kids love it…Henry could do almost everything as a 3 year old.



We returned to the Alifia River for a boating party (thanks Dan Jr.) where people did some back porch relaxing and riding on SUPs, in addition to the main boat ride down the river. It’s really a perfect place, and I’m so happy our family shared it with our friends.


My favorite part, like always, was simply hanging out with everyone, catching up on our unique experiences of being clergy families, and the hugs. Because I love these people and once a year is not enough time but we make it work.

What’s Better Than a Baby Shower?

A whole weekend relaxing and hanging out with friends from college (Go Gators!) In lieu of a second shower or sprinkle, I opted for a relaxation weekend away in Orlando since we are planning on reusing most of Henry’s baby gear for baby boy number two. There’s just something about being around old friends who know you so well you can pick up right where you left off without skipping a beat. That’s how these ladies are to me, and it’s simply lovely.
Official plans for the weekend included a pedicure (with a mini massage), dinner at the Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and a trip to Harry Potter at Universal (since I hadn’t visited the Diagon Alley part yet, a travesty, I know). Those were the only priorities, anything else that happened was bonus donuts. So I was so happy to see Tina Fey’s new movie, “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” because I so rarely go to the movies anymore and it’s one of my favorite things. I enjoyed the movie, and I think the ladies enjoyed getting food and drinks at AMC Disney Springs’ Dine-In Theaters.

    
Now back to my favorite part of the weekend – visiting Harry Potter! I love the books (and movies) so much that I try to re-read the series each year. So when Lisa volunteered her free employee tickets to whoever wanted to use them that weekend, I said yes (even though I was allowed to go on one total ride at both parks; don’t go to Universal if you’re pregnant and have to pay for your tickets (or if you don’t like fast rides).) it was so much fun geeking out in London, Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, and Hogsmeade. I loved the design details, and the way it all came together to make it feel like I was in the HP universe. The Hogwarts Express ride was really cool, even if it wasn’t a train with real windows to the outside (you get to watch a fun movie instead). Next time, I’ll have to take the Gringott’s ride, so I’ll have to get back someday. It is totally worth it to go, especially if you’re a fan.

       

all the butterbeer types
  
headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix
                We relaxed, chatted, caught up on our lives, and had fun! I love my family, and my friends who have become family. I’m so lucky to have awesome people in my life, who will love this little guy just like they love me, Keith, and Henry.