Week in Rewind: July 24

This was one fast week. Mommy in DC for two days. The little guy and daddy roughing it at home. The pups depressed mommy wasn't home. Somehow we all survived

Not much new this week. We continued our streak of 3 straight weekends of birthday parties. And are headed for another one this weekend.  When will they stop!

This week we started our search for an after school babysitter for the little guy. Hard to think that in a month he'll be starting school.  Crazy step forward for all of us. 

Weekend in Rewind: July 14

Last weekend, we celebrated the little guy's 5th birthday. Sometimes I look at him and simply can't belief how big he has gotten.  Where did the time go?  With that said, we have really enjoyed this age. It's fun to see him grow and become his own person. I often laugh when he gets serious and tells me a new fact that he learned at school...such as did you know that cold and warm air sometimes makes rain....(maybe I should get him in touch with the weathermen because the boy has it down).

To celebrate, we had a swim party with family and friends. The little guy was in his element. We are very grateful to have such wonderful people in our loves. He really couldn't have asked for a better day.

So here's our Top 10 List that rocks our world:

1.  Still loving that mischievous smile, tilt of the head and arching eyebrow
2.  His independence. Hey guys, I have an idea.
3.  Love for the outdoors. This kid is active.  Ladies, check out my ride
4.  Thirst for knowledge. I can't tell you how many "whys" we've answered
5.  Love for family. Nothing better than hearing "I love you"
6.  His ability to include everyone. The ladies love me, mommy, even though they're gross.
7.  His daper looks. The boy's a sharp dresser
8.  His deep sleep. The peacefulness takes your breath away
9.  Love for Bella, say what??  We're still working on Trojan and Mattie
10. His quest for the road ahead.

As we are approaching a new beginning with the start of Kindergarten, we've been preparing him for changes.  Change is good in life and the little guy seems to embrace it. We talk of his journey from Korea to America.  And how a little boy made the life's of so many others complete.  So for me, I love watching him grow and evolve as a person. Or as he so proudly explained, "someday I'm going to grow up to be a super hero who helps others....and drives an ice corvette".  Ladies, at least he'll have a nice ride and a cool super hero outfit

July 5

Fly me to the moon.  Let me play among the stars. Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars

We arrived early in the morning at Port Caniveral. Mommy got up really early to watch them bring us back into dock. Really cool.  But hard to believe the cruise was over. After a quick breakfast at the Royal Palace, we headed to the Kennedy Space Museum. Literally, we were first in line for the picture with the astronaut.

It really is mesmerizing to think that humans have been in space. I was the Challenger generation...and to see pieces of it, breaks your heart.  And don't get me started with Neil Armstrong and John Glenn...heroes.

The little guy, for his part, loved it. The best part was the blast off simulator. As we waited in line, he simply didn't want to do it...which we both found hard to believe. This from the kid has the need for speed. So we coaxed him on it. He sat holding his ears and watched intently to the video monitors. When it was over, there was relief. And the question, so mommy are we in outer space now???   Outer Space, Dear God, I hope not.

Move over Astro, we're home.

July 4

Fireworks at sea, yes please. These were actually not on the 4th but from Pirate Night. Unfortunately, the little guy tired so we watched from our verandah.

Happy Birthday to my mom. We missed celebrating with her, but she was in our thoughts. We spent the day back at Castaway Cay. And this time, we met up with our table mates so that the boys could play. Bonus, we got floats for free because of the 4th.  So, we spent a good portion of the day in the beautiful waters.

On the way back, we ran into Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. Someone was a little nervous taking pictures with them...but mommy, they're bad guys. But we managed to get a few pics.  We also discovered shuffle board on a Deck 4. And someone fell in love with it..although he's more into knocking everyone off (including himself) than scoring.

After a quick picture with Donald, we chilled in the room until dinner. Tonight, our restaurant was The Royal Palace. And we had prime seating, right next to a big window.  Best meal of the week. We laughed most of the dinner. And said our goodbyes to our table mates.  Afterward, we headed to the last show. It did not disappoint. Front row seats for us. Someone was a little scared with the pyro fireworks, but he made it.

For one last time, we headed up to Deck 11 for our last tour and ice cream cone.

I've never done a cruise...and to be honest didn't think I'd like one. I'm more of a go out and see vactioner, and I worried being confined to a ship would not be my cup of tea. I couldn't have been more wrong. It's clear why Disney is consistently ranked among the top cruise ships. It has something for everyone

July 3: Nassau

Today, we did the dolphin interaction. Really cool. Someone was a little scared initially, but after much coaxing eventually got in. These Dolphins  are so smart and well trained. The only mishap...our dolphin popped on the guy next to mommy. The instructor response, don't worry these waters are filled with their poop.  Thats when mommy had enough.  Time to get out after our last kiss from Jake, our 19 year old dolphin.

We really didn't spend to much time in Nassau. The big resort was miles away. And we took a 30 minute boat trip to see the dolphins. Instead, we opted to go back to the ship for lunch. Someone desperately wanted the noon buffet. As we sat down with our food, I suddenly noticed workers clearing food out. By the time daddy figured it out, he was too late. No second plate for him. Instead we headed to the pizza joint and rode the AquaDuck afterward.   There was an energy to the ship...because of Pirate Night.

Argh, a pirates life for me. After dinner, we all enjoyed the pirate activities. Deck 11 was the place to be.  Unfortunately, we were stuck on Deck 5 waiting for Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Carribean.  We nailed that picture and then headed upstairs. It was packed. So we actually went to the front of the ship to play Goofie's Golf. Someone really like to play. And it is really cool to play at night with all of the lights and the sound of the ocean.

The Aqua Duck at night also looks cool.  We didn't ride it, but I could see if he was a little older. ...

July 2: Castaway Cay

Overnight we headed to Disney's private island in the Bahamas. I have to admit, I was worried the little guy may get seasick, but the tide was so smooth, you barely noticed (felt slightly at dinner and in bed). Someone had a favorite vantage point.

After last night's dinner, we headed to Deck 4, where the place was jamming. We met Mickey, a personal favorite. We also grabbed a picture with the captain's crew.  And the show, The Golden Mickey's was amazing. We had really good seats and characters ran up and down the aisle.  The little guy loved it

By morning, we woke to turquoise water and beautiful beaches.  The little guy was raring to go. And with the first store, the "I need" began. So we caved and bought a sand castle maker and he played for hours. The water was so refreshing. By lunch, we were hungry. The cool part about this cruise....Disney ships out food to the island.  So, we enjoyed a barbecue....and, of course, more ice cream

We headed back to the ship around 3 to rest and clean up. At 5, the ship's horns play the Disney theme song letting everyone know to get on board. We sat on our verandah and watched the ship start for Nassau.

Dinner was at the Enchanted Garden, super cute. We got really lucky with our table mates, three sisters, a daughter and grandson, and they were originally from the Jersey Shore. The little guy enjoyed playing with Cole while we talked. And the food was, once again, exceptional.

After dinner, we headed to Deck 4 for more character pictures.  We eventually made our way into their movie theater and saw their latest flick.  By 10, someone was really tired. But we arrived to the room to a neat surprise. We has a really good cabin attendant, lol.

July 1: Birthday Boy

Today, was a very special little boy's 5th birthday.  And someone was super excited. We arrived around lunch time to check in for our cruise. The place was packed.  As soon as he saw Goofy, it became obvious how much he loved his birthday present. No fear here, ladies. He marched right up and proudly proclaimed "it's my birthday".

Disney does it right. The Dream is amazing. Staff incredibly friendly. The Ship itself, kid and adult friendly. And daddy once on board...knew just where to go...deck 11 for their buffet.  Carved turkey, yes please. Unreal desserts, yes please. Chicken nuggets and pizza by the boat load, heaven. And don't get me started with their ice cream.   The only downside, we couldn't find a spot inside, so we ventured into the heat to eat.

After lunch, we headed to the AquaDuck, this water ride features long lines and a wet ride around the Deck. Really cool.  And the little guy loved it.

Our first dining option was Animator Place. Totally Awesome. It features animation design from Disney and cool, interactive screens. This night, daddy was asked how to say hello in Jersey. Cruz had a whole section saying "what's uppppp", with Philly attitude.

But the highlight was the Staff's birthday celebration for the little guy. They sang, brought out cake...and had a special surprise in the room. Pretty good first day.

June 30: Magic Kingdom

This week, we headed to Disney for one day at Magic Kingdom and 5 days on the Disney Dream a Cruise. The little guy is becoming quiet the pro at airports. We worked our way through a long security line, which is definitely more complicated with tons of electronic gadgets and chargers. But we made it and even had time for munchkins at Dunkin Donuts (a big hit with a certain someone).

We arrived in a Orlando to a bad lightning storm, which resulted in hotel time in the room. Someone was not happy. After the storm, the fun began.  We had intended to go see downtown Disney, but made it as far as the pool. This Marriott Resort was huge and the pools were unreal. Too bad, the little guy was too small for the water rides. He did, however, totally love the pools.  Ladies, surf's up!

The next morning, we headed bright and early for Disney. Theme of the day:  Hot! Hot! Hot!  We started off a little rough, as in suntan lotion in a certain someone's eyes.  And this made him very unhappy. So picture this, everyone else laughing joyfully in front of the palace for their iconic picture...our family not so much. Boy bawling.  Daddy nowhere to be seen. Mommy upset because said picture was a disaster. But alas, our hot mess, became a pleasant surprise...a Disney worker seeing our unjoyfullness (at the most magical location) offered us two fast passes.   And with that, we headed for Peter Pan's Magic a Flight and It's A Small World...factor, in some well timed food...and the boy's mood changed...that is, until the dead heat of afternoon. Let me tell you there isn't enough water ice in the world to tame the thirst...but somehow we managed.  The Log Ride certainly helped. And remember those shows that were hated as kids...well, let's just say we saw a few. And yes, mommy and daddy desperately needed that break (it's called full circle).

By dinner time, we were convinced that we could gut it out to the Fireworks....but let's be honest, The Light Show is just as good....and with a tired little boy who did pretty darn well all day...it was time to head back to the hotel.