Disney and the Beach

Hello all!  I'm backtracking a little here.  My OCD is not at all satisfied that these posts and pictures are going to be out of order.  But, I'd rather have a record of these events that are out of place than not have one at all, and it appears those are my two options at the moment, as I'm not willing to sacrifice any more sleep than necessary to play catch-up on our life events.  So, I'll just catch up here.  Tonight is Thanksgiving night, and I really want to record some thoughts on this year's day.  But, I just realized that most of the picture-worthy events in October and November have yet to make it on this blog.  So, here you go.  Fall is just a little scattered this year.
In early October we got to take a trip to the beach with my parents.  We tried a new beach, New Smyrna Beach, due to it's proximity to Disney World.  It had been a while since we had invited my parents on a beach trip, and they've never gotten to have the Disney experience with us.  So, we decided to take a family beach trip together and throw in a day at the Magic Kingdom while we were in the area.  Good times were had by all, although I think Mimi and Pa are just fine letting us do Disney on our own from now on!!  Cline and I love the hustle and bustle of the greatest theme park in the world, but it's not for everyone with 3 small kids.  We get that :)

 Christa and Abby Kate have been talking about surfing a lot.  I think a Barbie movie at Mimi's house has some surfing in it, so that's their thing right now.  Pa got the girls boogie boards, and Christa figured out how to "ride the waves."  I'm pretty sure that was her favorite activity of the whole vacation, and she would have been completely content to do that the entire time!

While at Disney World (sorry the pictures are out of order - no time to fix that tonight), we got to preview a great new attraction at Belle's Castle.  I was reluctant to take the time to do it, because the event wasn't open to the public.  The Disney people said they were "play testing" it for those who wandered into the area and asked about it.  Cline jumped on the opportunity to be among the first people to experience a new gig.  I am soooo glad he insisted on waiting in the 20 minute line.  We got to see Maurice's workshop.  Then, a mirror magically turned into a doorway, and we went into a room where the giant wardrobe talked to us.  Kids were selected to "play a part" during "Story Time With Belle."  Every kid who wanted a role got one.  Abby Kate got to be a plate, and Christa got to be an enchanted picture frame.

 We went into the next room, and Lumiere talked to us, also!  It was really cool.  The kids started acting out their roles, and then Belle herself came out and participated!  Each child got to take a picture with her.  It was really personal and special.  I have a feeling that when this opens to "the public" the wait will be much, much more than 20 minutes.

Obligatory Cinderella's Castle photo.

 We've had the good fortune to take several trips to Disney World with the kids, and this is the first time we've managed to get a picture in front of the Magic Kingdom.  I was determined to get a decent one this trip.

Elizabeth LOVED the Tea Cups, as you can see here!

 This was a ride even Mimi was willing to participate on.

 We had a great condo for the week, and the girls loved the bunk beds - complete with surf board bedding!

 Unsuccessful attempt at a family beach picture.

 Christa knew exactly how to surf, since she'd had professional training from Barbie's surfing movie.

 Dinner near the light house.

Some of our best friends from our Augusta days live in Orlando.  We simply can't take a trip down there without having a meal with them.  It was great to see you, Mike and Rosi!