~ HAPPY MOMMY'S DAY ~

I am having a lovely and reflective Mother's Day. I am beyond thankful for these 3 beautiful and unique children. It took many years to get here ~ we are complete. I love my handmade cards and pictures, thank you for the hundreds of hugs and kisses today alone. You all made this a beautiful Mother's Day for me:)

A special thanks to my wonderful husband for all you "put into" today to make it so special!To all the mommy's still waiting to physically hold your children, Happy Mother's Day! I pray that you will feel the complete joy and love of your child sooner rather than later! You are always in my thoughts - had I not found Mia on that WC list last April, I would not be surrounded by my children today. I will always be thankful and grateful!

My mom, me and Mia

(my mom is blending into the trees & bushes!)

My parents stopped by for breakfast this morning. The kids adore their grandparents and love spending time with them. I am blessed with wonderful parents, but today I want to say "Happy Mother's Day" to my amazing mother. I love you and would not be where I am today without YOU!

Anthony & Poppy

My little guy inherited his love for baseball ( and his name)from my dad!

~ My darling girl ~

~ You inspire me ~

~ I could admire you all day long ~
~ I'm in love with you ~

(To all my Eddie fans, he was not "in the mood" for mommy-razzi today. I was lucky he agreed to take the first photo!) He spent much of the day gathering worms, helping daddy transfer plants; and when I least expected it, he'd charge over and hug me!

~ OUR VACATION COMES TO A CLOSE ~

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS: We were all looking forward to this day since it would be our first time going to Universal. I was so excited because they had Barney (Mia's favorite, "Bar, Bar", as she affectionately calls him) and Spongebob (Eddie's favorite). Anthony tried to convince us that Islands of Adventure would be much better (more rollercoasters and big kid stuff), but we decided "Studios" would be best, this time around ~ we promised our big boy we'd go to his "spot" next trip. Barb, me & Mich

You've seen and heard about the "4 of us" on this blog,

we were only missing Debbie, who couldn't get away from work :(

I know many mom's don't prefer the big yellow guy,

but he makes my little "E" so happy.

I love the way Mia is leaning in for a hug :)

Mia & Barney!

This was adorable and highly recommended.

Barney had his own area in the park!

He had a show with BJ and Baby Bop;

and afterwards we were able to meet him, take pictures

and play in the play area. All 7 kids in one spot!

Aunt Michie was thrilled Mia went to her!

Our girl is making big strides :)

**The dress Mia is wearing above is one of the dresses I had taken to China with us. When I put it on her (in China) it was baggy and looked too big. When I was packing for Disney and came across this dress - I was thrilled to see it fit her perfectly (mind you, it's a size 12-18 mos.!). My petite little princess is growing!

As it turned out Anthony went on some fun rides: ET, Men in Black, Jaws, etc. While the big kids went with the dads, us moms let the little ones play in the Curious George and Woody Wood Pecker area. It worked out real well and we all enjoyed this day!

BACK TO MAGIC KINGDOM: On our last day we chose to return here for some "unfinished business" !

First stop, was our photo with Mickey (and Minnie). I had had a strange "dream" of sorts the night before: we went to have our picture taken with Mickey and when I got the photo back there were two older people in the background. In my dream, when I looked closely at these two people ~ they were my grandparents!! (who passed away a few years before, six months apart from each other. They were married almost 65 years and were the BEST grandparents you could ever wish for. They loved Florida - had a home there in the winter and came back to NY to be with us in the summer). I don't see them in this photo below, but I know they were with us :)

Mia making herself at home in the store!

So. . . I left daddy in one part of the store and

went to do some shopping-

when I come back to him, I ask "Where's Mia?".

He points in the corner and this is what I see!

"Can they all come home with us?"

I guess Mia's not ready to leave yet.

This was Friday and our flight was 8:00pm this night.

We had a wonderful last day in Magic Kingdom,

and then drove straight to the airport.

"No, really I think we can fit them all in the overhead!"

GOOD-BYE DISNEY

WE HAD A BLAST!

THANKS FOR THE UNFORGETABLE MEMORIES :)

~ EVEN MORE VACATION MOMENTS ~

Continuing on our Disney vacation: The following day we went to Epcot and started out on as many rides as we could get on before heading to the "countries". Did I mention that we traveled with our wonderful friends, The Crazy "C" family, along with Aunt Michie? They are often mentioned here, as we have been friends for over 26 years! The "C" family have four children who are 11 yrs, 8 years and the twins are 3 years old ~ we were outnumbered by children 7 to 5 and there were moments they almost took over :)

Back row: Anthony, Alexa, Brandon

Front row: Eddie, Mia, Madison & Max

I love the way Mia stops to smell the "owers"!

I actually took this photo when I had to walk out of movie-type show,

- have I mentioned Mia is extremely active

and doesn't prefer to sit still for long?

I actually ran around some trees and bushes

to catch this father/daughter moment :)


Mia & Mommy and
"Lady & the Tramp"
(this ones for you Aunt Debbie!)

The guys favorite "thing" in Epcot

Epcot, China

Mommy and her kids!

We had been looking forward to bringing Mia to "China". We were curious to see her reaction, and if she would "recognize or feel" something while walking through. The boys were real excited and even though it was raining a bit we charged on and into ... the shops!

She was glued to this panda ~

how could daddy resist?

China Princess!

As we walked through the "China" shops, Mia did get much attention. I asked one of the women there to say something in Chinese to her, curious if she'd respond to her. I had her ask Mia "where is mama?" and Mia actually patted my leg and said "mama". Afterwards, I thought I should have had her say something else - she may just have heard the "mama" part and thought of touching me right away :)

At another counter, two younger Chinese woman asked about Mia's Chinese name. Then they proceeded to say her name and also "Dan Dan" which was her nickname at the orphanage. Mia's face was looking down at the floor (I was holding her) and when I bent down to see her reaction, she had this huge smile on her face! It was adorable and touching. We stayed in this store until it was closing time ~ oh, how I miss China!

NEXT DAY, ANIMAL KINGDOM:
We began the following morning with breakfast at The Tusker House in Animal Kingdom; which was a delicious buffet. We had many visitors, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy! The staff made sure all the kids saw each character, got their autograph and picture. It was run very well and a great way to start our day!

"The Traveling Circus" with Mickey

(as we affectionately call ourselves)

One of the highlights of our trip =

matching outfits for

Madison & Mia!

The boys:

Brandon, Anthony, Max, Eddie

Next day, off to Seaworld!
We enjoyed breakfast at our resort before heading off to see the sea animals. We were lucky to have gorgeous weather, in the high 70's. It rained that one day in Epcot and the rest of the week was perfect weather wise.

Eddie spots a baby duckling before breakfast comes ~

My boys love Seaworld and were so interested in the dolphins.

Here they are feeding the dolphins and watching their

every move :)

Love how she's posing , pocketbook and all!

My pretty girl!

Cool car guys!

We saw many of the shows at Seaworld, and no matter how many times I've seen them - it just doesn't matter! I loved watching the kids faces as they watch the shows - priceless!

I must admit it was tough to actually watch sometimes - all Mia wanted to do was go up and down steps or try to walk or climb. At one point, I was tired of having to walk out of shows (I know, I know she's only 2 years old....) so I tried to quiet her and put her shoes back on (she wanted them off and then she wanted to walk on the dirty concrete!) well, she threw one of her famous fits, where she screamed and kick her shoe off right into the row in front of us! The man kindly gave me back her shoe and I sarcastically handed her to hubby and told him to take her out!

So, I get to watch the rest of the show and as we are about to leave, Eddie grabs the man in front of us and hugs the back of him-thinking he's daddy (this is the same man who gave me back Mia's shoe earlier!). Poor guy, I assured him we would leave him alone the rest of the day!!

***Answers to some questions from my comments:

Shandra: No we didn't keep the trip a secret. We told the kids and counted down together. We have neighbors (who are off to Disney today) - they did keep it a secret, and when they told the kids they video taped it! Cute idea!

*When our friends mentioned going to Disney (the bunch in the above pics), we originally said "no thanks". We had just been home from China a few months and didn't think we should. However, we do own a timeshare and the more we thought about it...well, you get the idea. That's why I'm glad we have this - it "forces" us to take a family vacation :)

Ronda: No we did not meet the princesses ~ this trip! The princess breakfast was BOOKED up, and I know Mia was not ready for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I'm lucky she'll sit still for some pigtails! Luckily, I know we'll be back in 2 years (with our timeshare we go every 2 years)- she'll be 4 years old then and hopefully full of love for the princesses by then!

Andie: Thanks for coming out of "lukerdom" ! I'm actually excited for YOUR trip in Jan '09...let's see what would I recommend? Definitely that Bib. Bob. Boutique - I saw so many girls dressed in their princess attire, glitter in their hair ~ you could tell they felt so special, as a princess should! Book it early though!

We went back to Magic Kingdom on our last day and we're so glad we did. It is SO big, there are SO many rides and things to see and do for the entire family. It is magical - must see the fireworks at the castle and the parade! There is a new "Nemo" ride that was adorable!!!

*Don't let your son "talk you into" going on Space Mountain (if you're a chicken like me) - I'm sure my foot prints are embedded in my "ship's" floor!!! It was dark, scary and my stomach was in my throat. BUT, it's a memory Anthony and I will always have, laugh about and cherish. So, go ahead and do it (just don't eat beforehand!!!)

Don't miss Seaworld- it's such a nice day! We are animal lovers, so we always go to Animal Kingdom; and this was our first time at Universal Studios (there is also Universal Island of Adventures, which I think they have more for older kids). Universal Studios was FUN, we saw Spongebob, Barney, Dora - everyone really enjoyed this park!

My next post will end our vacation (you're probably tired of all this by now - but this is a scrapbook for our China Princess - so please bear with us :)

~ MORE VACATION MOMENTS ~

The first morning we woke early - isn't it always hard sleeping away from home? We had a character breakfast at the Crystal Palace! I'm so happy Anthony still enjoyed meeting the furry guys, Eddie woke in a grumpy mood and would not cooperate too much; and Mia was a joy to watch. She loved each and every one of the characters to the point of obsession! Her hugs were many, her kisses and cuddles had to be stopped when other children needed a turn!!

Happy to pose for pictures with Pooh!

See her petting his belly :)

Tigger wouldn't take no for an answer!

Mia loved this puppy, I mean Eeyore
(she needs some animal "lessons")

Ready to bring Piglet to her crib!

ALL of my children in front of the castle!

WOW!

ahhhh, a nap at last!

Eddie is such a big boy,

he was so proud to ride with

the big guys!

There were many times

I could have used this

cage :)

Anthony watching the magical light parade.

I'm so glad we stayed to watch.

This really is a magical place!

I love how Eddie's watching the parade on daddy's shoulders,

chin resting on his head. We had a fun, but

exhausting full day at Disney.

Tomorrow we're off to Epcot!

P.S. I must note: Mia carried her (old, decrepit, dirty) bunny pocketbook throughout all the parks . . . while eating . . . napping . . . and it was run over by our strollers many times!

At this moment, that bag is still on her arm ~ I cannot get it away to wash it!

See, I'm not exaggerating!

(Mia's playing with her Asian cooking set.

Isn't that cute! thanks Meggie & Michelle -she uses it all the time!)

~ FAVORITE VACATION MOMENTS ~ Part I

I'm having a hard time choosing pictures, so I will just post some of my favorites from each day. I really want to document our trip here in our "scrapbook", so bare with me :)

We took an early morning flight to Orlando, FL; which went rather smoothly - excitement was in the air. It was so much fun to get the kids ready and see and hear their enthusiasim - I loved it! The picture below gives you a glimpse into how independent Miss Mia can be - she looked darling pulling her backpack through the airport, all the time saying "da da", she was being like daddy who was in charge of ALL the luggage!Everyone carried their own backpack,

with stuff to do during the flight...

and stuffed animals!

MGM Studios!
We rented a car once we landed,
shopped at a local grocery store,
and then headed out to our first park!
(We were moving!)

Mia did not want to sit in the stroller,

she wanted to push King Edward all over!

This first day we rented a double stroller for Mia & Eddie. As I previously mentioned, Mia was not very comfy and had a few . . . well, FITS. The rest of our vacation we rented a single (for the "King") stroller and used Mia's own stroller, which worked out much better.

Princess Mia smiling big!

~ DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE ~

Yes, "Dreams Really Do Come True" ~ My dream of going to Disney World as a complete family did indeed happen this past week :) I stopped as often as I could to cherish every moment (in between the "screaming mimi" fits, the whinning, the bathroom "breaks") - all kidding aside it was a special and memorable family vacation.

Mia standing on Main Street,

~Magic Kingdom~

DISNEY WORLD!

That's my girl
still holding her
bunny pocketbook!


I quickly took these photos on our way
out of Magic Kingdom . . .
when I realized our professional photos
had come out awful!

Yes, we vacationed at Disney World!. It was 7 days of fun, rides, walking, characters galore and eating out; and we were so very happy to walk into our home LATE last night (1:30am to be exact! Our flight was delayed) - greeted by our lovable Penny!

Wow, what a vacation!

I was a bit worried at about how Mia would react to a plane ride and "living" out of a condo-like home for a week. It was a rough start - she was thrown off a bit - but, when we opted to use her familiar stroller instead of renting a double stroller (Eddie really needed to sit a bit too) in the parks, things were better - she was able to nap a bit.

Right now, I'm catching up on laundry (the worst part of being away) and busy getting the house straightened up; but I will leave you with a funny "Mia-ism" : everytime we saw Mickey Mouse, a stuffed toy Mickey, and even when we met the big guy himself; she would make a monkey sound ~ she seriously thought Mickey MOUSE was a monkey :)