So behind.....

I am so incredibly behind in my blogging, I don't really even know where to begin. So instead of playing catch up over the last few months I thought I would share a quick story of my precious Grace face.

This past Sunday was Easter. It was our first holiday away from family and friends back home, but we were able to go to church on Sunday morning and then headed over to celebrate with some wonderful friends down here in Utah. We set up an Easter egg hunt for the kids in the front yard after a delicious dinner and all of the kids were so excited to see what the "Easter bunny" had brought them.


After gathering their eggs together the kids were opening them up to see what treasures they had found. Grace happened to open one egg that had not fully sealed and found that some ants had taken up residence in her egg. She instantly burst into hysterical tears and cries as she exclaimed "the Easter bunny gave me ants!! Why did the Easter bunny give me ants??"


It was so difficult trying not to giggle as I consoled her. I assured her that the Easter bunny didn't really mean to give her ants and she eventually believed me. I just hope the experience doesn't scar her for next year :).



Happy Easter from the Benedick family, He is risen!

Gingerbread House

This year I picked up a gingerbread house kit from Costco for the kids to work on. It was perfect - pre-made and easy :). Steve did the piping and the kids did the decorating.

This is Andy's gingerbread man...

And this is Grace's. Can we see some personality differences? :)

The finished product, they had so much fun! Between decorating the house and making sugar cookies with friends, they are definitely getting their fill of frosting and sweets this holiday season!

Disney World day 5: Magic Kingdom

This was our final day in Disney World, and we sure made the most of it. The lines were very managable and we didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for any of the rides! The kids loved Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain Railroad, going on the train around the park, Winnie the Pooh, It's a Small World, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and on and on!

Meeting Tinkerbell!

Grace had been waiting the whole trip to meet Ariel, her favorite Princess! However, she got unusually shy and would not even say hello. After we had finished getting her autograph, Grace told me she didn't like having Prince Eric there, it made her too shy to meet Ariel. Oh my silly little girl :).

While the girls were meeting Ariel, Andy got to meet Peter Pan! He was thrilled because "he's a boy!"

Aladdin's flying carpets.

The whole crew meeting Jasmine and Aladdin.

We enjoyed a nice and cool jungle cruise :).

And we all enjoyed it's a small world :).

At this point in the day, my camera died. I know there are more photos from family members, but this is all I ended up with. Whoops!!

Overall, it was an amazing vacation. We created such wonderful lasting memories as a family that made it all worth the effort.

Disney World day 4: Chef Mickey's / Magic Kingdom

Day 4 started off at Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Hotel. We had a fabulous breakfast and the kids got to meet some of the classic Disney characters.

The grand kids and grandparents waiting for breakfast.

Mickey!

Minnie.

Donald Duck.

Pluto, and Goofy (not pictured due to poor picture taking skills :) ).

After breakfast was over we headed the the Magic Kingdom. The day was a slower one with more shopping and meeting even more characters. The boys weren't quite as thrilled with the princesses, but they were good sports nonetheless.

Meeting Princess Tianna (Andy was walking around with Grandpa at the time, when I asked him if he wanted to meet Tianna he said "I want to meet Peter Pan, he's a boy.")

The boys waiting in line while the girls got to meet Cinderella, Belle, and Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty).

At the very end, Andy decided that Princess Aurora was worth meeting. He ran over and got his autograph book and wanted a picture :).

Disney World day 3: Epcot

Day 3 we ventured to Epcot. All of the different countries represented were all decked out for Christmas. There was so much to look at and enjoy, and the fireworks display in the evening was beautiful! Some highlights of the day were the Finding Nemo ride and aquarium exhibit, the figment imagination room, the jumping water fountains, and walking "around the world."

One of the Christmas topiaries at the entrance of Epcot.

All of the kiddos outside the Finding Nemo exhibit and ride.

Andy and Daddy on the Nemo ride.

One of the rare instances where the kiddos actually took a nap :).

Andy and Caleb had been on the lookout for light up light sabers after the Star Wars ride. We found them in Epcot and they were battling while the girls waited to meet Snow White.

The girls waiting at the well to meet Snow White (Macy's favorite princess!).

Grace and Andy met Mr. and Mrs. Clause. Grace decided before she went up to meet them that she was going to ask them what the "REAL reason" we celebrate Christmas. She said "I can tell them that we celebrate it because Jesus was born! He was the best Christmas gift ever!" Love it! :)

And, we save the best for last. We can thank my lovely son for this photo. Andy had asked to use the restroom while we were all waiting to watch the fireworks display at Epcot. After searching for a restroom, he decided he no longer needed to go. We brought him back to the group and then took Grace to go potty. When we returned we learned that Andy had decided he needed to go the bathroom after all, however, he didn't want to find a bathroom. He simply pulled his pants down and decided to go right where he was!! The adults keeping an eye on the little ones noticed some strange looks pointed in their direction and looked to see what the commotion was. Well, it was Andy, peeing on the pavement. Ahh boys, you gotta love it.

Disney World day 2: Hollywood Studios

Day 2 was a lot of fun in Hollywood Studios! We got the opportunity to meet some more characters, see the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show, and experience the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights and Fantasmic. There were also a few "big kid" rides thrown in for the adults, like the Aerosmith Rockin' Roller coaster and the new Star Wars ride!

Grace waiting in line to get signatures from Buzz and Woody!

Andy was so excited to meet "my Buzz!" and had big hugs to give :).

Mike Wazowski and Sully.

Daddy and Andy watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse production.

It was a very fun and interactive show for the kiddos.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of lights. The lights were choreographed to musical numbers, it was pretty incredible!

Getting ready to watch Fantasmic. Andy was so exhausted that even with all of the loud music and fireworks, he fell right asleep.

At the end of the show all the characters came by on this riverboat. Grace kept wanting me to take a picture of Ariel and Prince Eric. Thankfully we were able to meet them in a person a few days later.

Disney World Day 1: Animal Kingdom

After a week back from vacation, I think we can finally say we are getting back to normal! We had such an amazing time at Disney World making wonderful memories with the Benedick family. Here are some photos of day 1 in the parks, the Animal Kingdom!

All the grand kids.

Andy and Grandma on the jungle safari.

A giraffe up close and personal.

Grace and a life size tiger.

The Finding Nemo show!

Grace and Andy enjoying some Mickey ice cream during the parade.

The special Animal Kingdom Christmas parade.

Grace and Emma were chosen to participate the Lion King performance for the closing sequence. They had a great time!

Meeting Tigger and Pooh bear down at the docks!

A great first day!