A "2 week" Safari, train rides and hugs from Mickey!

Today was the day I became a kid again and got to say I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!

Eric and I woke up early and enjoyed our version of a continental breakfast out on our balcony and enjoyed this beautiful view.



Eric was up earlier than I was today and was telling me that he spent a little time out on the balcony and saw some hot air balloons launching from a field nearby. I can only imagine how beautiful that must have been. After breakfast we got ready and went to pick Andrea up and we headed straight for Disney's Animal Kingdom.



We got there just after it opened and made our way to the center of DAK (Disney's Animal Kingdom) and made a stop at The Tree of Life.



With our "passports" scanned at the gate we made our way to Africa where we were scheduled for a 2 week safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.



We saw elephants and hippos, rhinos and lions. I even saw Rafiki hiding on a rock.



After our safari came to an end we hopped on the train to ride and then off to Asia for a visit to gander at Mt. Everest. Eric and Andrea went for a ride on the Everest Adventure (i think that's the name). I opted out as Andrea said that it goes backwards and I don't do backwards. I went over to where Andrea said I could catch them coming down the mountain side and snapped a picture of their "train". After Asia we headed over to Dinoland where I met Pluto and Goofy.



After a stop at the gift shop we hopped in the car and headed for the Magic Kingdom. We found parking again and then hopped on the little tram that took us to the entrance for either the ferry or elevated tram that would take us over to MK. We took the ferry over to the park which was a nice little ride filled with anticipation for what was to come.

We were greeted by the Magic Kingdom train depot which if there is a train you know it's going to be a good day. :)



As soon as we entered the kingdom I got to meet Snow White and have my picture taken with her. As soon as I said my farewells it was off to earn my ears. We were going to go with the bride and groom ears but opted for just the original ones.



As we rounded the corner to Main Street we were greeted with this amazing view. I felt as though I was dreaming because it didn't seem real that I was actually in DISNEY WORLD!!!!



A spin through the haunted mansion and a ride through a small world, Andrea and I took a breather on the carosel before I stood in line for a ride on Dumbo. I was the biggest kid in line and could not wait to fly through the air with Dumbo. My turn finally came and I found myself speed walking to my elephant. I don't think that the goofy grin on my face disappeared the entire time I was on there.



After my flight with Dumbo we headed to Toon Town where we got to meet Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Then we walked through Mickey's house and went to the judge's tent where we met Mickey and Minnie.

I have NO idea why I am bent over like a goober.... :P



We jumped aboard Walt's train and took a few spins around the park before deciding we were all beat and ready to call it a day.



While I didn't get to do everything I was hoping to at DAK and MK I can honestly say that my first visit ever to Walt Disney World was everything I had always dreamed it would be.

This says it all....



Stay tuned for more....I am beat and my feets are needing a soak.

Hello Sunshine State

Eric and I arrived in Florida last night after a very smooth flight (on board tv..yay jetblue) and then getting our rental car...seriously...who thought it would take 30 mins just to pick out a car?!?! :P~~~ We made a stop at Whattaburger for a late dinner and then checked into our hotel for the night.

We woke up and I gave my friend Andrea a call to make plans to meet at the hotel and then take off to Winter Park to meet up with our friend Shannon and her boys for lunch. It was sooo great to finally give Andrea a gigantic hug after knowing each other through only words for so long. Eric, Andrea and I hopped in the car and took off for Winter Park. We met up with Shannon and her boys for lunch at Urban Flats which offers flatbread sammiches, salads and other goodies. We had a great time just catching up in person and getting to meet her adorable boys.

Here is a picture of Andrea, Shannon and I.



After lunch Eric, Andrea and I headed to Winter Garden to check out the Central Florida Railroad Museum (http://www.cfcnrhs.org/). This museum is a very small memorabilia museum but had a lot of neat history relating to the Central Florida Railroad region. Here are a few pictures from the museum.

The old Atlantic Coast Line sign/emblem.







After the museum we headed to the Hilton Grand Vacation Club - Tuscany where we were staying for the remainder of our stay (http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/orlando-florida-villas.php). This place was GORGEOUS!!!!! I felt like royalty driving in the front gate. We had a 1 bedroom villa with a gorgeous view of the pond and fountain.

This is the entrance to our building.



After settling in we hung out for a bit and then took Andrea back to our hotel from last night so she could get her car and then we said good bye for the night. Eric and I then headed out to find some dinner and get a few groceries for our place. While in search of dinner we came across a Krispy Kreme that had HOT DONUTS NOW!!! You know we had to stop. :P

They have palm trees in front!!!!



After a busy day on the road we finally grabbed dinner and headed back to our villa for the night to rest up for our big day at Disney tomorrow.

See you tomorrow from the Magic Kingdom.

Florida or Bust....

Eric and I are Florida bound for our anniversary and am so excited. We will be spending a day at Walt Disney World and I can't believe I am finally going to meet Mickey. We'll be sure to update about our trip but for now....it's time to head to the airport.

More to come....

It smells like Chicken Broil time.

I have headed home for a solo visit to Michigan for the 55th Annual Manchester Chicken Broil. This is one of my most favorite childhood traditions and having missed the last couple it was time to head home. Go here (http://www.manchesterchickenbroil.org/) to learn more about the chicken broil and it's history.

I flew in last night and met my parents at the airport. We ventured into Ypsilanti on the way home to grab me a bite to eat at one of my most favorite local joints. The Chick-Inn Drive - In.



You CANNOT find places like this in Northern Virginia.

After I ate we headed home to Manchester.

My mom and I headed out for the day. A much needed haircut was in order and then we headed down to Adrian to do some shopping. We stopped in at Starbucks (cause you know I can't go without 'em. :D ) and enjoyed our drinks and just caught up on stuff. Then we headed over to Wal-Mart to pick some things up for the house. After all of our errands were complete we headed back to Manchester to get ready for that awesome chicken dinner.

Mom and I headed out for a walk to check out the field and so I could take some pictures. This is a picture of the cinder block pits that the men assemble for use. If you close your eyes you can smell the bbq...



You can take your dinners home or eat in on the field. Here is a view of the field diners.



This is what I've been waiting for....the awesome chicken dinner.



The first bite is ALWAYS the best.



and sadly that's about ALL I got. Shortly after my dad and I sat down to eat we got a call from my mom that the ambulence was down at my grandmother's (dad's mother). SO we packed up our food, threw it in the back of dad's truck and hauled rubber down to my grandma's. She had fallen out of her wheelchair and was being transported to the hospital. So we spent most of the evening in the ER until she was admitted. My dad and I headed out to McDonald's around 10 something to get us a bite to eat and then went back to the hospital to eat with my mom.

After a long and tiresome day we headed home for some much needed sleep.

Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.

Celebrating the 4th Inner Harbor Style!

Eric and I hit up Baltimore for the 4th this year. Our first stop when we got into town was http://chapspitbeef.com/ which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The food was so good and totally worth getting "lost" over. We headed towards the Harbor to check into our hotel and just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. We ordered in dinner and then headed out to enjoy a beautiful yet rainy fireworks display on the Inner Harbor. The hotel we stayed at had a 5th floor observation deck which gave us a very nice view of the fireworks.

Here we are waiting for the fireworks to begin with the Harbor behind us (don't mind the blur....a really nice and HAPPY stranger offered to take our picture).

From 4th of July

Fireworks are definitely one of the hardest things to photograph when you don't have a tripod to keep the camera still....but I ended up with a few nice shots.

From 4th of July

From 4th of July

Saturday we met up with our friends Adrian and Christie for breakfast and then some shopping as they were just getting back from the cruise to Bermuda. We had a great day together and were disappointed to see it come to an end.

** Backdated to July on 9/30/2008 **

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you and yours a very safe and happy 4th.

Happy Father's Day!

First off, I wanted to wish my dad and all the dad's out there a very happy Father's Day. I wish I could be in Michigan today to give my dad a hug and tell him how much I love him, though I know he knows. :)

On my way home from church today I decided to swing by the grocery store and get the goods for a nice relaxing picnic. I swung home, told Eric to get dressed and we were on our way. He had no idea where we were going or what we were doing which was my plan. :)

We took the ferry over to White's Ferry and found a nice shaded spot under a tree.

The view of the Potomac and a bunch of geese as we cross over to Maryland.



Welcome to White's Ferry, MD.



We laid out our picnic and then enjoyed the non-humid day and the nice cool breeze.

MMmm.....sandwhiches, potato salad and banana pudding. As well as soda and chips. :)



After awhile and once our stomachs were full we decided to head out as it was starting to get a little warm and the nice breeze seemed to have disappeared. We drove up through Poolesville and then over to Point of Rocks and then back home to Leesburg. It was a beautiful day to be out and about, but would have been better if we could have spent it with Dad.

Happy Father's Day Dad!!! We love you.