Singin' in the Rain

I don't remember an Apple Blossom with so much rain.  It was wet and cold, but I was amazed how many people still came out.  

I was really amazed that the parade went on!

This was the float I was waiting for.  They talked of just being in the cab of the pickup, but the crew all looked happy throwing candy in the rain.

Other activities to try in the rain:  Fly in the helicopter, but keep it grounded.

Ride bikes with a favorite three-year-old.

The weather really didn't matter.  I had two sons, two daughters and their friend, one daughter-in-law and two grandsons here for the weekend.  As long as we were together the weather could do what it wanted.

Relaxing Heaven

I wish I could find a good before picture, but this will have to do.

It has turned out beautifully.

It seemed every time I talked to our builder he had some other great idea, so the bathroom morphed into more than was initially planned.  I did stop with some of the extras like lights and cupboards.  Maybe later.

Orlando Travel Suggestions

When you visit Orlando we have some great suggestions to make the trip wonderful.

If you have family nearby they are always the way to go for a great trip.  We use them for free tickets, a place to relax and insider knowledge of things to do.  They also are great for chauffeurs.

 Visiting with friends is always great, especially if you haven't seen them for awhile.  We happened to meet up on Cassie's birthday, got to meet two of her daughters and catch up on each other's lives.

Another suggestion if you are in Orlando this time of year is to go to Epcot to see the topiaries.  It's amazing how they get every detail with foliage.  I have included some of my favorites.

Can you tell which one needs watering?

Visit Animal Kingdom and see the Lion King musical review.  I love the music in the movie, so hearing it live was wonderful.  This cast member sang Circle of Life and she was fantastic.  It's only about 30-45 minutes and well worth the stop.

When I told Dale we were going to a musical dinner theatre he rolled his eyes at me.  This show was made for him.  Songs he grew up with, comedy and great food.

We dined on buckets of fried chicken, the moistest chicken I've had, barbecue ribs, creamy mashed potatoes,  sweet cornbread and strawberry shortcake.  It was delicious and lots of fun.

The lady on the right was a riot, but they were all great in their roles.

For great beaches drive west through Tampa to Clearwater.  The sand is white, the beaches were clean, and the water was refreshing.  We didn't dress for swimming but I got to do what I love to do, read.  I sat in a comfy chair hearing the ocean and read!  My kind of vacation.

The cute couple.

Another great thing to do in Orlando is visit the temple sitting on what looks like the only hill in Orlando.

It was a great way to spend the morning with Lindsea and Travis.

An important tip for travelers:  Double check that you have the necessary clothes for dressing up.  Notice how far down the tie is and the fancy dress shoes.

As in every vacation it is important to take someone who is fun to be with, has a credit card, and looks out for your happiness before their own.  

Does school really start on Monday?

Sitting In For Aaron

Somehow Aaron's camera ended up in our luggage, so I thought I would help him keep everyone informed on the cuteness of Rock and Ryker.

It's always great to get to Rock's house.  He either meets us at the door or we can see him watching in the window.  The hugs are always there, and lately so is I love you Momma Rae.

Rock loves his Poppa Dale.

During the Saturday morning session DeAndra sweetened the air with the smell of cinnamon rolls.  It was the Little Red Hen type of rolls where if you wanted to eat you needed to help.  Rock took it very seriously and was glad to roll the flour.

He was very engaged in the work.  It was great how DeAndra loved all they were doing to help the process.

Ryker took his job of taste tester very seriously.  Flour was not a favorite.

The dough was a little better, but was quite welcome when the brown sugar made an appearance.  He couldn't get enough of that.

He did help reshape the circle a little bit with every bite he snatched.

The helpers were great help!

Ryker gives the rolls five stars.  A definite tradition in the making.

A Postcard for Rock

Dear Rock,

I met your friend Woody.  He sure is a lot bigger than he appears in the movies.

Woody loves you, as does your friend, Buzz.

He is pretty tall!  Momma Rae and Bampa Dale are having fun.  Woody and Buzz will help me find their train for you.

Be good for your mom and dad.  See you soon.  Momma Rae

Remodel

We have asked for bids on our small bathroom remodel.  We have received many excited contractors hoping to get this very impressive job.

 

One such applicant was a very cute guy with an impressive resume.  He brought some of his fabric swatches.

He sewed up some of his visions for window treatments.

Then he went all out and laid out possible floor designs.

He worked very hard on this masterpiece.

Unfortunately his schedule had some conflicts and we had to go with someone I'm sure less qualified.

Maybe this bright young star will be available next time we have a project.