Day 29 - Things that make me smile - Exploring something new

I went back and forth on what I was going to do today.  Universal/Islands of Adventure or Epcot/Hollywood Studios?  I really wanted to see the Harry Potter part of Islands of Adventure so I headed there.  US/IoA has a different feel than Disney parks to me.  It was fun to go in Harry Potter's world - I almost bought my own magic wand:)  I went on quite a few rides, staying away from the big roller coasters and met one of my heroes - the Grinch.  While it wasn't Disney (I discovered I am more of a Disney gal) I enjoyed exploring a new park - and today that made me smile.

Day 28 - Things that make me smile - Memory Lane at the Magic Kingdom

I am in Orlando on vacation.  One of my favorite places in the world is Disney World and the Magic Kingdom.  (Fun fact - Did you know Ella's full name is Cinderella?)   Sun was out, high of 80 predicted, free ticket in hand, bright and early I headed out to out to the Magic Kingdom.

I have been fortunate to be able to go to Disney World on 7 different trips.  This 7th trip, I was alone. While I thought it might be strange to be there alone, it was a great day riding most rides, taking in shows and reflecting on memories from past trips.

I was in high school when I went to Disney for the first time.  I went on a road trip with my friend Kris and her family down to Florida.  We spent 2 days at WDW - As I rode the monorail through the Contemporary  Hotel, I though of our stay there and riding the monorail back and forth to the parks - Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

My second trip to WDW was the year after I graduated from college - my friend Tami and I went to Orlando to celebrate her graduating from college.  As I drove through the gates of the Magic Kingdom I thought of that taken with my friend - my first vacation as an "adult".

The third trip was with my mom and Margrette.  As I rode Dumbo, I remembered the bumpy ride that my sister and my mom had riding the elephant.  Splash Mountain was closed, but I smiled as I remember them making me go on that ride, which I rode with my eyes closed.

Ben's ten year old trip was my fourth time and Jerome's ten year old trip was my fifth trip - so many memories there...  Roz, Teacups, Buzz Lightyear,  every corner seemed to remind me of something I did with with the two of them there - good memories.

My sixth trip was with my mom - this was the trip where we took the Keys to the Kingdom tour and got to go behind the scenes.  Thought of our trip as I walked by Woody and Jesse - remembering seeing them coming off stage and taking their heads off and when the floats went down the street the memory of seeing them up close and personal.

So today my seventh trip was full of memories - I was there when Mickey rode the train to welcome everyone as the park opened and left after the night fireworks.  I made a few new memories in the new Fantasyland and going to see the talking Mickey (did you know that he now talks to you when you visit?)  It was a great day full of great memories - and that makes me smile.

Day 27 - Things that make me smile - Looking out an airplane window

Taking a few days off and flew down to Florida.  When I fly, I like to sit by the window.  Normally, I fly during the daylight hours, tonight I flew at night.  Looking out the window I got to watch the sunset sky and the bright light of the city - so pretty, tonight that made me smile.

Day 26 Things that make me smile - A shootout win

Jerome's Bantam A team played in the Eden Prairie Tourney this weekend.  This morning they played Farmington - after ending in a tie and going through an overtime period, they went to a shootout.  4 shots for each team - Edina ended on top 1-0 in the shootout and got the win and today that made me smile. (Later in the day the won the tourney)

Day 25 Things that make me smile - Painting with Erin

Those who know me know I like arts and crafts.  Today I went to spend time with my cousin Katie and her two little ones, Erin and Megan.  I brought over canvases and paint and we had fun painting.  My favorite part of painting was watching Erin, tongue out, taking her painting very seriously - and today that made me smile.

Our first canvas - love all the little handprints!

Making sure there is paint on the sponge

Concentrating, tongue out:)

The sponge "hopped like a bunny"  all over the canvas.

Megan was a great audience while we painted!

Second canvas - Didn't she do a great job!

Day 24 Things that make me smile - Emma Margaret

Six years ago, Emma Margaret, my

niece, was born.  It seems like yesterday I got a call in a meeting saying she was born and I made my way that night to meet her.  Emma is an awesome little girl with a twinkle in her eye. 

Emma, Ella and I are so glad you were born, today you make me smile! (For one month you are six and Ella is only five - can't wait to be six like you)

Day 23 - Things that make me smile - Quiet

Usually when I get home from work I turn on the TV, Radio or play a Podcast for "noise" in the house.  

Tonight I left everything off even my computer - reading and reflecting with Ella snuggled close.  It has been relaxing enjoying the peacefulness of it all - tonight it makes me smile.