D is for Doughnut!

(I think her love for Starbucks began in the womb)

Two-fisting it--doughnut & Starbucks. Perfect

Before the first bite.

"Eye" see you.

Half-way gone.

And, she's done. Woah, big eater.

Part 2: Momma Bear.

First bite: oh so good.

Does my bite pattern look ok? Suddenly I feel self-concious my teeth.

Not finished yet.

Oh, yes I did.

My affinity for doughnuts is well documented. I am particular, and some do not past the test (ehm, duncan doughnuts). I do not prefer raised doughnuts--unless of course, they've been mercilessly stuffed with creme filling.

My love for the doughnut has come to a fever-pitch now that we live in such close proximity to (the demon-possessed) Martin's Supermarket, which boasts some of the best fried dough around. Yum-O. And, just to complicate things, the doughnut case is only 7 steps from Starbucks.

Martin's: you're killing me. And my dream of ever wearing a swimsuit again.

Happy Birthday Great Grandma Jean!

Schaeffer gave Grandma a birdhouse for her front yard that we'll paint together

Beautiful lady, beautiful cake

Blow out the candles & make a wish!

It was a delight to celebrate Grandma's birthday over the weekend. Grandma Jean has been influential in teaching me how to be joyful in hardship, how to love selflessly, how to be a true hostess. She has shown me what it is to be a matriarch of faith-and how to lead a family for Christ.

It is hard to imagine a day without Grandma--without talking to her, chatting over a 'half-cup' of coffee, or watching her love Schaeffer Jo. I'm so blessed to have her in my life, she has changed me for the better and I love her deeply.

Happy Birthday, Grandma.

Tinkerbell!

Tinkerbell & Terance

Say Cheese!

Tinkerbell the teacher

Schaeffer Jo & Tinkerbell are BFF's. Tinkerbell spends more time in our home than any other 'digital' friend, and SJ was beyond excited to meet her.

Tinkerbell and Terance were as taken with Schaeffer as she was with them--they asked repeatedly if they could 'keep her' and 'take her home'. Schaeffer was flattered and fell even more in love.

Thursday Night, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Cinderella

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

The Princess Promenade

Snow White

Ariel

Schaeffer Jo singing "Jesus Loves Me" for Sleeping Beauty

Our last evening at Disney was spent at the Princess Castle, Akershus, in Epcot. The most special moment was when Schaeffer was chosen to hold Cinderella's hand during the Princess Promenade around the banquet hall. She loved every minute of it.

Day Four: Epcot Character Spot!

Daisy Duck

All SJ wanted was to see Mickey--it took us 4 days to find him! She was elated.

She's smitten.

Pluto

Lovin' on Minnie Mouse

Minnie Mouse signing SJ's autograph book

Happy Saint Patty's Day, GG! It's your birthday!

Donald Duck

Goofy

Griffin and I felt conflicted about where to spend our last 'park' day--if we should go back to Magic Kingdom or try Epcot. We had made reservations for dining in October for a day at Epcot--and decided to stay the course.

We are so glad we did! Instead of waiting in each individual character line all over the park, Epcot has one central location, the Character Spot, where you can wait in one line and see all the above characters. So much better.

And, Schaeffer Jo was over the moon to finally see Minnie & Mickey. It was a fun moment.

Wednesday night: the Hoop Dee Doo Review!

Schaeffer Jo & I waiting for the bus. Bribing with candy.

Happy at the Hoo Dee Doo!

It was THAT good.

Playin' and old fashioned wash board

Wednesday night we ventured to Fort Wilderness for the Hoop Dee Doo Review. A great throw-back to a western dinner show, we all enjoyed it very much. The food was served family style and our waiter went above and beyond, even bringing SJ special mac-n-cheese.

The performers were high-energy and talented, and the show could bear a G rating. Very family friendly, and Schaeffer Jo loved every moment, especially playing the washboard with her spoon.

Breakfast, 1900 Park Fare

My little Cinderella

On the boat to the Grand Floridian

Winnie the Pooh

Tigger!

(And no, there was not a ghost in the background. I'll let you wonder)

Mary Poppins (Part 2)

Alice in Wonderland

Mad Hatter

My two favorite people

We're sick of waiting. We hurry up and wait.

Waiting for the bus

Wednesday morning we went back to 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Florian Hotel for a character breakfast. It was great fun.

After breakfast, we enjoyed a lazy lunch by the pool, and took a long nap. It was a great day.

Disney, Day Two

Snow White

Snow White was smitten with Schaeffer

She gave her a big ol' kiss!

Handsome family

Teacups--Schaeffer Jo's FAVORITE!

Mary Poppins

Practically perfect in every way

Another kiss!

Beautiful way to end the day!

Our day at Magic Kingdom was, well, BUSY. The park was mobbed. We chose to have fun despite the chaos around us--it was a good reminder to be the thermostat and not the thermomter.

We had a great time bouncing from the Teacups to Dumbo, Dumbo to Winnie the Pooh, to the Carousel, to Small World and on and on.

We had lunch (with Cameron Diaz!) and headed back to the hotel to rest. Because SJ had rested, we were able to stay at the Park to enjoy the 'electric parade' and fireworks.