Colorado Yellow

We've made it a yearly tradition spend a day in the mountains right when the leaves are changing. It's pretty tricky to hit the peak of color and we barely missed it this year. We had such a good time anyway seeing the gorgeous yellow aspen leaves and playing in the river.

Thankfully, we had the fore site to bring a change of clothes for the kids.

We are 1 for 3 on hitting the height of the aspen yellows, but it's always beautiful in the mountains. It's hard to be disappointed when you are surrounded by such beauty. Oh, how I love the Rockies. We're going to miss them terribly when we move.

Disney World: Finished!

Our last morning in DW was spent in Epcot consuming one last, fantastic meal. We ate at Tempanito, a Japanese steak house. It was really tasty, but I think we were all a little tired and anxious to get home.

From there we headed straight to the airport and said goodbye to Orlando. It was an amazing trip and one we will not soon forget.

Post Disney:

After a few days reflection, Anna decided that she definitely loved Grim Grinning Ghosts (aka The Haunted Mansion) the most. A close second was Soarin'. She is still wondering who could have left the stuffed animals in our hotel room.

Isaac sings "Yo, ho. Yo, ho." every time he sees a skeleton and then follows that up with his own version of the Haunted Mansion song.

Disney World: Day 7

The last couple of days we jumped around the parks and hit all of our favorites on last time. Toy Story in Hollywood Studios was definitely the longest line we stood in the whole trip. Plenty of time for pictures.

We also caught up with Chip and Dale. Over the course of the trip we skipped most of the characters because they had such long lines. But apparently Chip and Dale are not too relevant anymore because there was no line.

One of the best decisions we made was to take part in "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" at Magic Kingdom. The park closed early to the general public and had trick-or-treat stations set up all over the park. In addition, there was a special Halloween parade and fireworks show. It was so fun. Anna went a black cat. Isaac was set to be a pirate, but he only kept his costume on for about 2 seconds.

Buddy staying safe on the way to party.

I love this picture of Anna and Grandma Marlene.

One of the trick-or-treat stations was at Minnie Mouse's house in Toon Town. Anna thought it was the coolest thing.

Isaac was as mischievous as he appears to be in this picture. We almost lost him a couple times.

The Halloween parade was my favorite! The Headless Horseman led the parade.

Spookiness at the entrance of Magic Kingdom.

On the way back Isaac threw up all over the stoller, the monorail and me. I think he just had too much sun and too much candy. Luckily the hotel had a laundrymat and we were able to do damage control. He had a couple more episodes that night. So fun.

Disney World: Day 6

We tried to keep things more low-key on Sunday. Our original plan was to take a drive out to the coast and play in the sand but after watching the forecast we decided against it. While the weather was sunny and warm, Hurricane Igor was producing 8-10 foot waves and nasty rip currents.

So we opted for the next best thing, the beach at the Polynesian Resort. Anna was placated (she was really looking forward to the beach day) and it was small and contained. And, bonus, there was non-sandy pool to hang out in as well.

Anna and Isaac played in the sand forever. There was a nice breeze off the water and made for a really relaxing couple of hours.

Of course we spent some time in the pool as well.

Biergarten in Germany (Epcot) was on the docket for dinner. Brats, sauerkraut, and all manner of German fair was available with the buffet.

Anna found her favorite German toys while we were waiting to be seated.


Isaac was seriously into the polka/German folk music. At one point, we even went down to the dance floor. It was great fun.

I had to post this picture even though Anna is not in it. Jeff's parents took Anna and Isaac so Jeff and I could walk around together for a little bit. (So lovely, by the way.) Anna discovered that she could make a little money by reaching into the fountains and plucking out all the pennies in reach. She spent the rest of the trip checking each fountain we passed for coins. Uncle Chris would be so proud.

(It sounds so terrible that I let her do this now that I'm writing it. Bad parenting moment? Maybe. I think at the time I was impressed by her industriousness. Don't worry, she only made about 22 cents.)

Disney World: Day 5

Wait. You thought we were done? A few more days to go...

We spent the day at Epcot again. When we entered the park we were delighted to see Mary Poppins. Anna and I read the book (highly recommend, by the way) together a few weeks ago and then watched the movie. She loves all things Mary Poppins right now. In fact, we had been looking for this "princess" since we arrived in Disney World. (According to Anna MP is in the same category as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.)

We should have known to look for her in her home country, England! Anna was a little shy, but Mary Poppins was perfectly in character and encouraged Anna to stand up proper and told her she was lovely in pink. This may have been my favorite Disney moment the entire trip.

Anna trying on the feminine version of a German warrior.

We also hit up the front of Epcot that is more "theme park." Our favorite ride was Soarin' but sadly no pictures. The kids enjoyed Nemo's Underwater Adventure and the little play area after.

This is what you do when you are prego with twins and you need a break.

Not the best family picture ever, but I had to document the best meal of the trip. Le Cellier was beyond delicious.



Handsome boy at dinner.

Disney World: Day 4

Hollywood Studios was our next stop.

Isaac loved the big dump truck at the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" play area.

(Is it possible that it might be time for an update, Disney? I loved this movie as a kid, but honestly. Hollywood has progressed a little since then. Just sayin'...)

Remember the ant the kids befriended? I spy Isaac screaming in this picture.

We did not invest in this souvenir hat.

Looking a little red in the cheeks. It was H-O-T.

Anna was trying to get Isaac to stop for a picture. The boy can not be stopped. He was also feeling the heat. He may just grow up to be the sweaty kid on the basketball team that no one wants to guard for fear of getting slimed.

Waiting in line for Toy Story. I may get slammed from Disney enthusiasts for saying this, but I just didn't get why everyone raves about this ride. It was fun. But really, an hour and a half wait? I don't get it. (Note: we did not wait that long. Thank you very much Fast Pass.)

Everyday when we returned for naps, the housekeeping staff would set up the kids blankets, stuffed animals and add these fun, folded wash rags. Anna LOVED it.

We ate dinner at the Floridian Resort. We weren't expecting more characters, but the whole cast from Cinderella showed up. Prince Charming seamed a little greasy to me.

I love dessert.

The kids watched cartoons in the lobby while I pretended we were rich and really staying there. The Grand Floridian=much nicer than the Pop Century.

Still pretending in front of the Grand Floridian beach.