The (Not So) Magical Disney Trip

I don't want to sound so melodramatic here....but honestly the Topolskis don't have any luck when it comes to going to Disney World. Last year when we arrived, Florida was setting records for weather....the coldest weather Orlando has probably ever seen (OK, this is probably an exaggeration, but seriously it was so cold we never took off our winter coats, hats and mitts). So, we figured when we booked our trip this year, the weather had to be in check. The weather was lovely, perfect temperature to be at a theme park. It was just everything else that didn't go our way. I do have to say however, we will be booking again next year. Three times a charm, right?

There were a couple of glitches we had along the way and I don't want to go into all the details, but my poor husband was admitted to hospital and then under went surgery. How could this not put a damper on our vacation? Luckily, Jerry is fine and healing well and thank goodness we were travelling with another family who helped us out so much. We managed to have four fabulous days at Disney before Jerry was hospitalized and a few days after as we stayed in Florida a bit longer so Jerry could recover.

Truman's favourite park again this year was Magic Kingdom, but he had a new favourite ride "Buzz Lightyear". In fact, I started to enjoy the ride a lot too...how could I not enjoy trying to improve my score and defeat the evil Zurg. I think we went on this ride at least 20 times or more, Truman could not get enough. Truman loved the Mickey roller coaster ride so, I thought I would take him on Thunder Mountain. Oops! It was a little too fast for him. If you ask him what rides he liked best, he will say all of them, except Thunder Mountain!

Most days, we would go to a theme park in the morning and then either stay in the room for the afternoon while Oliver napped, or I would take Truman to Epcot since it was walking distance from our hotel. It was nice having the one on one time with Truman and he seemed to really enjoy it too. The only theme park we didn't quite understand was Hollywood Studios...we spent about a half hour there one morning and left for Epcot. I think it may be more interesting to older children???

Oliver became such a toddler on this trip. His favourite word was "walk" as he rarely wanted to stay in the stroller or in my arms. He wanted to walk with the other big boys and be in on the action. He loved the rides (especially Dumbo and the Magic Carpet). He also became infatuated with Rebecca. He wanted to hold her hand when they walked or be carried by her. Oliver was amazing on both flights (although he refused to sleep). He is becoming very proficient in letting us know what he wants. Let me tell you, my boy has a stubborn streak no matter how sweet he can be!

We are happy to be home and we are looking forward to a (more) magical Disney trip next year! Who's in?

Happy Merry

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that it is already 2011! Where did 2010 go? We started last year with a trip to Disney World, which I have to say was probably one of the best vacations I had been on, despite the freezing temperatures. I was a huge skeptic, but honestly, it was amazing just watching the joy on Truman's face for an entire week! Our life became a little more hectic upon our return as Jerry started a long trial that lasted until May. We rewarded ourselves with another trip, this time to Atlantis. This trip too was unbelievable and we had a fabulous time relaxing in the sun.

This past summer we anxiously awaited the arrival of our Belgian relatives and spent a wonderful few days at Geneva Park with more family and friends that travelled from Vancouver, Calgary and Windsor. Truman and Joachim were inseparable and we cannot wait to reunite them soon. We are hoping sometime this summer.

Truman started JK in September and loves being in school. He especially loves doing his homework (yeah!). Oliver started crawling, then walking and now talking. Although he is extremely sweet, he does have a hot temper that shows itself now and again! Hard to believe I know, but let me tell you that he threw our iPad recently when he didn't get his way!

The biggest change for me, was making the decision to stay home with the boys and not return to work. I have to say that it was the best decision I have ever made and I am so thankful for spending everyday with them. Although, the last few months have been difficult and challenging at times, our family life has become easier.

This year, we also welcomed a new member to our family, little baby Elliott! I have been very blessed to have been able to spend this last year with my sister while she has been on maternity leave. I can't tell you the amount of hours we have been able to spend together weekly, and I will cherish the times with my adorable nephew.

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents home with the O'Brien clan as per usual. It just wouldn't be Christmas without waking up together and heading downstairs to open up the gifts Santa left for us. This year, Truman was particularly excited about Santa. It took him an awful long time to get to sleep and he kept coming downstairs to check things out (and to make sure that Avery too was sleeping). I thought it would have been more hectic having four boys in the house under one roof for two days, but it was quite manageable. Trips to the park seemed to help! We just have to get my father to work on the basement so that we have a place to throw them as they get older!

In November I lost someone very dear to me and I wanted to take the time to say good-bye and acknowledge her. Although, I was not related to Lilly, I always considered her (more than) my aunt. She is an amazing woman, someone I will always remember. If you met her, you know she is hard to forget! I have always held her close to my heart. I will and do love and miss her greatly.

I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! I hope that 2011 brings you much joy and happiness!