Disney 2015

We just came back from a "surprise" trip to Disneyworld.  Carrie and Andrew thought they were going to Vermont to look at the leaves change and eat maple syrup.  We had the flight attendant read a note to them on the plane to tell them about their fate. It was pretty cute!  Below are some pictures! We stayed at the Bay Towers at the Contemporary and went to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Family favorites were riding the monorail, going up and down escalators, the Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom (I got soaked!), Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios, Star Tours at HS and story time with Belle at MK. Andrew's personal favorite thing was shooting his new Star Wars gun 24-7.  Andrew had one nap in 5 days - not so much fun, but he rallied pretty well. We had a great view of the fireworks from our suite so that was super fun. 

Merry-Go-Round - a welcomed ride after we were scared to death on the Dwarfs Mine Train

Cars....how could Andrew not love this ride?

My musketeers

Two tired and crazed parents

Andrew dancing at the Disney parade. Mommy was dancing too but we didn't get pictures of that :).

Andrews Alter Ego -  Stitch - In the flesh

Family Photo in front of the mother ship

Time out for the Gontarek Ladies

Carrie dressed up to meet Belle

Paul got selected in our Beauty in the Beast story telling experience

Andrew has a way with the ladies!

My princess with Belle the princess.

The Gontarek ladies do like their chocolate

Everybody but me refused to get picture with this guy, but this is just Paul after a long day at work!

Carrie with that girl doctor character at Hollywood Studios (sorry Doc mcstuffins or something like that)

My loves - waiting for a boat to take us to dinner at Wilderness Lodge

Me and kids

Crazy Kids after no naps

Kids using the force

Sweet Kids

Gontareks meet and great with the Mouse Family

This thing almost attacked us on our Safari at Animal Kingdom. Even our guide got nervous! It jumped out of forest onto trail.

Santa Rosa 2015

We were fortunate enough to get to spend 2 wonderful weeks at the beach this year. We went back to the same house that we have been several times in Santa Rosa, FL. While we were disappointed that neither set of grandparents could join us this year, the Hills came to join us for the 4th and we had a lot of fun! We also got to celebrate Carrie's 7th birthday here.  I am surprised we were able to fit all the toys in the car. Here are some pictures!

The car is full - can't believe there was actually room for us!

Kids at the beach (Hills girls, Carrie, Andrew plus little girl of old friend who used to live in Nashville)

Captain Andrew of the dolphin cruise

Carrie and Maddie Hill

Celebrating the 4th with Abby and Maddie Hill

The best family photo of the bunch and it isn't that great - oh well!

Carrie opening her new barbie car

Happy 7th Birthday Carrie!

Let's go fly a kite (and then promptly get it tangled in the dunes of our neighbors house)

Gymnastics Recital

Andrew and Carrie both did gymnastics this winter and really enjoyed it.  Here are some photos from their year-end recital. Poor Andrew was the only boy in his group, but he didn't seem to mind!

Easter 2015

Very delayed in my blogging!  Sorry!  Here are some pictures from Easter!

Easter baskets!

Wishing the bunnies a happy birthday.  Real Rabbit turned 37 this year. Bunny Rose Caroline turned 1. We both got our bunnies when we turned 5! 

Andrew decorating eggs at Gigi and G-Pops

..and Carrie

...and even Daddy got into the action

A special bunny surprise was waiting for us when we got home  (Miss Patti)

Batboy Turns 4

I can't believe my baby turned 4 this year but it is true, it happened!  We celebrated in style with a batman party. This was Andrew's first 'real' birthday party and it came equipped with a real batman (aka Adam, Bridgette's husband).  We called Batman when a villain stole the birthday cake and Batman came bounding down the hill to the rescue!  The party was a huge success - lots of fun games. Gigi made an amazing life-size beanbag and 'pin the bat' on batman game (see pictures below) - it was so big we couldn't fit it in the car!  We also had fun on bubble wrap!  Happy birthday Andrew!

My precious 4 year old!

Andrew and Bat-Adam

Gigi's work of Art!

The bubblewrap game

The cake

Carrie attached by silly string

Batman and the other super heroes

Carrie and Batman

Batboy enjoying his cake