Disney's Magic Kingdom

 

On Sunday, we had a wonderful day at Disney's Magic Kingdom, another first for Emerson! He bravely rode Space Mountain, his first roller coaster. This day was all about the rides, very different than the March 2017 trip with the girls, which was focused on meeting princesses. Seth, Kit, and Winnie got to ride Tron while Emerson and I participated in a funny Monsters Inc. show.

Although it threatened to rain, it held off, and the temperatures were good. The mid-day parade was held rain-style, and we spotted Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and a few princesses. The only character we met this time was the bear. We got a lot in, and the lines weren't bad at all!

Two family favorites were the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride & the "Happily Ever After" fireworks. Despite tired feet, the kids were sad to leave at the end of the day.

AAU Gymnastics: National Championship

On Friday, Winnie competed in the AAU nationals meet in Daytona Beach. The competition was tough, and some high-scoring gymnasts were offered spots on the Junior Olympics team. It was exciting to have Ohio announced during the opening and see Winnie and fellow Ohioans run onto the floor. I appreciated having Jordan there to coach Winnie, especially since this was her last event with COGC before she begins a college internship.

Daytona Beach 2024

 

Next, we spent three nights in Daytona Beach at the Sun Viking Lodge. Although the hotel was dated, the oceanfront views couldn't be beat! We were fortunate that the weather was pleasant and cooler than it was in Ohio. I love that the kids had so much fun together riding/jumping the waves. We enjoyed meals out at Evolve Modern Vegan Kitchen and the Dancing Avocado Kitchen. Additional highlights included watching fireworks at the pier and exploring the downtown splash pad.

Reunited in Orlando

We enjoyed one overnight at the Rosen as a family, and Kit's team finished up bracket play. Good job to Kit for powering through while she was feeling bad. Emerson and Winnie got to enjoy the pool before we all headed out to the Pointe for lunch together at the highly requested Jo Jo's Shake Bar. 

Emerson's First Flight

 

Emerson experienced his first flight aboard Allegiant as he and dad traveled to Orlando on Wednesday night. 

AAU Volleyball Nationals

The girls and I headed out to Orlando ahead of the boys for 15 Shamrock's 4-day AAU national tournament. We enjoyed our stay at the Rosen Centre, right across the street from the convention center. Great job to the team for pulling out a couple of wins. Our highlights included pool time, dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy and exploring Pointe Orlando, and lunch at Rain Forest Cafe.

Happy Father's Day!

 

Happy Father's Day to Seth/Daddy/Doc, all of the grandpas, & great dudes out there! Emerson was dad's helper in the morning. I appreciate all that Seth does for our family, especially the loving care he provides to the kids.

Happy Birthday, Baylor!

 

The five of us celebrated Baylor's 8th birthday in Lima along with quite the crowd of friends and family!

Kit at YoungLife Camp - Lake Champion

 

Kit's reflections on YoungLife camp: "This week at Lake Champion has changed my life. Thank you to all my friends, leaders, and YoungLife family for supporting me in this journey of turning my chair to God." 

Alum Creek

By Sunday evening, the temperatures fell, but that didn't stop us from going to the beach for the first time of the season.
 

Splash Pad with Maggie

 

After the party, Emerson and Maggie got to play at the splash pad and dinosaur park. What a perfect day for it, too!

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