Let the Magic Begin!

Once it was decided that I would drop off Philip before heading to Disney, I had a great idea. Instead of driving back to Atlanta and then to Orlando, why didn’t I just fly?

Wesley thought it sounded like a fabulous idea so a ticket was purchased for me to fly solo to Disneyworld. Sounds silly, but I was so excited that for 2 hours, I would be responsible for only me! No worrying about bathroom stops, sippy cups or crying. Just me, a book, and a bag of peanuts.

Then, when I checked into the hotel, I would have several hours to explore on my own before Wesley and Jackson arrived in the car. I could swim, read, run, or sleep!

Everything was looking good until at the last minute, Wesley and Jackson had a change of plans. Instead of traveling down on Sunday, they would catch a ride with Jack and Lynne on Saturday.

So instead of the planned solitude awaiting me at my final destination, I would instead be greeted by an enthusiastic three year old. I think for a magical Disney experience, that was a great trade off!

Knowing the fun would be in full swing when I landed in Orland, I decided to relax on the plane. Luckily, I was seated next to a nice gentleman who helped me pass the time with a 30 minutes Kindle sales pitch and an overview of his son’s band competitions :-)

Once I landed in Orlando, I quickly boarded the Magical Express and headed to the hotel. Twenty minutes later, the energetic smile of Jackson greeted me as I walked into the Caribbean Beach Resort.

Wesley, Jackson, Jack, Lynne and I settled into our rooms and waited for the rest of the crew to arrive. Once Shannon, Ron, Macey, Cole, Joel, Abby, Luke and Trent drove in, our magical family vacation began!

Jackson and Wesley spent Saturday night at the All-Stars Sports Resort

On Sunday morning, Wesley and Jackson went back for 14 refills of this mug.

I have no idea what was in that cup and at that point - it was not my issue!

The view from our room at the Caribbean Beach Resort

Jack and Lynne outside our rooms

The section of the hotel our rooms were in was pirate themed. With a party of mostly little boys, that went over very well!

Jackson driving his boat...I mean bed!

Downtown Disney

Earl of Sandwich - my favorite!

Ready to go for a week of Disney!

The girls - Lynne, Shannon, Abby and Leanne

The cousins or as Jackson calls them - his friends

Trent, Macey, Luke, Cole and Jackson

Lots of love!

And admiration!

Macey, Wesley, Luke, Grammy, and Cole

The first ride of the week - the $2 train at Downtown Disney

Weekend in Nashville

After we arrived home from the field trip, Philip and I packed up and headed to Tennessee. Next week, the Bender crew is heading to Orlando but Philip will be spending the week in Nashville. He is looking forward to his own Magical Experience with Mimi and Pop Pop.

Before I left, I had some visiting to do. Friday, we went to Tucker photography for Philip’s 8 month panel shot. Philip did a great job and looked so adorable. For lunch, we joined Laura, Ford, and Cody at McDonald’s. It was so nice to catch up with them.

This little boy is too sweet! He brought in two toys so I think he was a little sad when he realized Jackson wasn't with me.

Cody, Laura, and Ford

After lunch we stopped for a brief visit with Emily at work. Then we headed back to the house so Philip could go down for a nap, and I could go get a pedicure with Emily. Freshly pampered, I then left for dinner with Susan, Ashley and Erin. Philip stayed home and was spoiled by Mimi, Pop Pop, Net, Drubby, and Uncle Melvin.

Bricktops - yummy!

Leanne, Susan, Erin, and Ashley (the birthday girl!)

Saturday was so relaxing. The morning began with a baseball game staring Caleb and Joshua.

Caleb the catcher

Joshua running to his position on third base.

The cheering section

Tim, Pop Pop, Drubby

Caleb and Pop Pop had a little chat about running bases. My dad loves going to these games though it does make him miss coaching - he coached all three of us in softball for 10+ years.

After the game and lunch, everyone came over to play. Ryan entertained Philip with Lego container.

Then Caleb entertained Philip with a book.

Then Joshua entertained us all by announcing that he and Pop Pop just walked two "ka-lam-a-na-tors" (kilometers). Too cute!

After all the play and laughter, a very tired Philip headed to bed early. I quickly joined him ready for Sunday- an exciting day of travel to Disneyworld!

Philip is 8 months old!

Each month, as I go back and reflect on how much Philip has grown, I am amazed and this month is no exception. Back in September, Philip was just pulling up to things with some help from Mommy, and now, he is pulling up on everything and sometimes holding on with just one hand! It won't be long before he is standing on his own.

Philip has also started responding to his name and eating Cheerios. He is getting to be so big and fast! He sure can get around (and into things) crawling!

Of course, he hasn't lost his smile and laughs all the time. He is a precious little boy!

Always on the move!

Look, Mommy, I am standing!

And holding on with just one hand!

Pumpkin Patch

Today was Jackson’s first field trip, and Philip and I got to go with him. His class traveled to Burt’s Farm in North Georgia to visit the pumpkins. A few other classes from his preschool joined the fun including his friend Lydia’s class. We carpooled with Lydia and her mom Allison and enjoyed a beautiful fall day.

Jackson and Lydia

Jackson seemed a bit distracted by the pumpkins!

Jackson's favorite part of the field trip was the hayride around the farm. He loved being pulled by the big tractor.

Though I couldn't get a good smile out of Jackson, his teacher Mrs. Mary was able to capture a precious grin.

Mommy and her boys

Philip and the pumpkins

Again, no smile for Mommy!

Jackson trying out the tractor on display.

Jackson and Mrs. Mary (and Philip) at lunch.

Busy Sunday

Today was a fun filled day. We started out at church with our annual Ministry Expo. This event is for all members to see the different ministry opportunities at Grace Chapel and get involved. I was helping my friend Amy at the Nursery table so I spent all Sunday morning fielding questions and talking baby!

After the Expo, we headed to a cookout at the Browns house. Grace and Tom worked with the college/young adult class at our church over the summer. Once fall hit, Wesley and I started working with the class. We wanted to do a get together with the group and the Browns offered to host it. We all had a nice time eating and socializing with this great group from our church.

Side Note: While we were at the cookout, one of the college students, Amanda, mentioned that for a class she has to follow a blog. I volunteered my blog so for the next several weeks, I will be posting more regularly so she can use this blog in her class! Hi, Amanda!

After the cookout and short naps, we headed to the Mall of Georgia to do dinner with Minutha and her boyfriend Aleem. Wesley had met Aleem, but I had yet to give my okay. Well, within minutes of meeting him, I was won over. He is a great guy and he and Minutha seem very happy together.

Jackson was in rare form at Olive Garden so we didn’t get any group shots with him, but you can see Philip loved all the new attention.

Aleem and Philip

Minutha and Philip

Brotherly love

A visit from the Kohrings

Back in June, the Kohring family moved from Arlington, TX to Montgomery, AL. YAY! Only 2 1/2 hours away!!!

Due to crazy summer schedules for both of our families, we hadn't been able to get together since they moved. The opportunity came up for them to travel to Atlanta for a Braves game Saturday so they just made a weekend out of it.

Jack and Lynne left Friday morning around 9:00 and by 1:00 the house was cleaned and ready for the Kohrings. Once Jonah, Micah, Wes and Cristal entered the house, none of us left until Saturday evening.

The boys played and played while the adults chatted, played cards, and just hung out as friends do. It was so nice to have nothing on the agenda but being together.

Wes and Cristal said the drive was so easy, we should plan on getting together every 2 or 3 months so we went ahead and made plans for us to head to Montgomery in December. I can’t wait to head their way, see their new home and worship with them at Landmark.

Thanks Kohrings for making the trip! We had a blast!

I love watching the friendship of these boys develop!

I love you, Cristal!

Micah and Wes

The boys spent most of the afternoon in the air - thanks to Wes and Wesley