Danny's Disney Trip, Day 1

On Black Friday, instead of shopping (been there, done that, never again), we set out for Walt Disney World Resort. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, and if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend it. Upon arrival, we made our way (by boat) to the Magic Kingdom.

Once there, we ate at the newest counter service restaurant, a Beauty and the Beast themed place named Gaston's Tavern that serves pork shank and a frothy apple drink named LaFou's Brew.

After eating, we headed over to the riverboat and Tom Sawyers Island.

Megan had just read Tom Sawyer's and Huckleberry Finn's adventures, so this visit was extra special. She got to hear the stories on the steamboat and then explore the island and remember the books.

After walking around a bit more, we had to experience a Creamer Family Disney tradition - the Dole Whip.

If you've never had one, it is a wonderful concoction of pineapple (orange or vanilla) soft serve ice cream with pineapple juice. Yummy! In fact, so yummy that George was too busy eating his to take any pics of the actual treat. Around dusk, we ate some dinner, and then headed out of the park.

We went to the resort area and snapped some photos in our own lodge,

and then went by boat to the Contemporary to view its decorations

and to jump on the monorail

headed for the Polynesian

and ultimately the Grand Floridian Resort.

The main attraction of the Grand Floridian, besides the sheer grandure and beauty of the hotel itself, is the gingerbread house that they construct ever year. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, it was closed for sales, but we still got some good pictures.

We headed back to the Wilderness Lodge, and we got off the boat just in time to catch the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom.

It was beautiful, and Danny really enjoyed his first day there.  

A very Happy Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, we made the trip to Jacksonville to visit Grandma and Paw Paw Gilbert, Daisy, and Granny. After watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and the Westminster Dog Show (yea for the great dane!), we ate a wonderful dinner (thanks Mom!). After cleanup was complete, we celebrated Danny's birthday a little early as this was the kickoff to his birthday trip to Disney. He got some cool stuff,

 

 

 

and we all got some big hugs from him.

Then, we all went over to visit Granny for Thanksgiving. We got to sit with her in the sunroom (at night) and Danny tried his hand at taking pictures. After several attempts, he got some decent shots.

Oops, I meant this one...

Then I took over, and got some of the kids with their Great-Granny

and with their grandparents.



 It was a special day for us all.

Awesome Job, Danny!

Last night, Danny attended the belt test ceremony at his karate studios and received his blue belt. He has worked so hard for this one - he's moving up and the level of difficulty has increased exponentially over the last. Here are some pics from the event.

We are so proud of you, Danny!

Thanksgiving lunch with Daddy!

Today was the annual Thanksgiving lunch with parents at Danny's school. Danny begged and begged for his dad to go with him for one reason - "Daddy doesn't make him eat his green beans." Here they are, having a great time together...

No beans! Just wait...I'll be there next year!