tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255727972024-03-06T00:09:33.653-08:00just deniseDenisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-40710293640139108332012-05-05T22:23:00.001-07:002012-05-05T22:23:41.934-07:00I've movedI finally transferred my blog over to its own website -- please head on over to www.justdenise.com and check me out over there.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-14525451960569427522012-04-29T13:52:00.001-07:002012-04-29T22:20:31.986-07:00watch the grooms eyesYou know when you're at a wedding, as soon as the bride starts walking down the aisle, all eyes are on her. Ever since the movie 27 Dresses when they talked about seeing the groom the minute he sees his bride coming down the aisle, I've always wanted to watch a groom at that exact time. <br />
<br />
Well it finally happened. While I was at work coincidentally. We had an event at the Four Seasons a couple of weeks ago and there was an intimate wedding taking place right outside the windows of where we were setting up. <br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/04/29/2737.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/04/29/s_2737.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='199' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
(pic from a coworker)<br />
<br />
We were lucky enough to watch once everything started taking place. I told my co-worker, "watch the groom's face". <br />
<br />
Well, things didn't go as planned because the look the groom got on his face as the bridesmaid was walking down the aisle I thought "oh Lord he's in love with the bridesmaid". <br />
<br />
Luckily the person I thought was the bridesmaid in a black dress, yes a black dress, was actually the BRIDE! And the look the groom gave her was pure love. <br />
<br />
So all ended well. And the next time you are at a wedding, watch the grooms face as his bride walks down the aisle. <br />
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-45985428694229218652012-04-05T23:14:00.002-07:002012-04-05T23:28:04.023-07:00Instagram - March Photo a DayI kept up with the March Photo a Day, much to my surprise, but travel has hampered my doing the #AprilPhotoaDay. Maybe May?<br />
<br />
<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6959124941/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday Up" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6959124941_6e92289bbd_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday Up" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6814745168/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="Another fruit I bought and forgot to east" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6814745168_5ddf9bbd05_s.jpg" alt="Another fruit I bought and forgot to east" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6960864007/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="Sometimes I feel like I spend all my time on the road so it could be my neighborhood" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6960864007_0d505dd228_s.jpg" alt="Sometimes I feel like I spend all my time on the road so it could be my neighborhood" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6814753258/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="A little reading waiting bedside" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6814753258_a740ff3381_s.jpg" alt="A little reading waiting bedside" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6814756716/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="This pic of my niece makes me smile every day at work" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6814756716_234211a579_s.jpg" alt="This pic of my niece makes me smile every day at work" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6814759806/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="Shutting this baby down for the day" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6814759806_9aae32c84e_s.jpg" alt="Shutting this baby down for the day" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6816315236/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday These were the choice for today." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6816315236_de2906169e_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday These were the choice for today." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6965944137/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="On my way home I noticed someone still has a Christmas tree up. It's March. #marchphotoaday" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6965944137_edf05973b7_s.jpg" alt="On my way home I noticed someone still has a Christmas tree up. It's March. #marchphotoaday" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6968396339/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday A sea of red seats at #ntcatx workshop today." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6968396339_38e6c95bc4_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday A sea of red seats at #ntcatx workshop today." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6971233071/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="It got loud up in here when the @texasstars scored those goals! #marchphotoaday" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6971233071_a21bbd06fa_s.jpg" alt="It got loud up in here when the @texasstars scored those goals! #marchphotoaday" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6974547641/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday I talk to this beautiful girl almost every day. My niece." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6974547641_3214b9ffae_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday I talk to this beautiful girl almost every day. My niece." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6977953907/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday Fork." style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6977953907_4d82f4819a_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday Fork." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6833917890/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="One of my favorite signs. #marchphotoaday" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6833917890_3f97b7fb9b_s.jpg" alt="One of my favorite signs. #marchphotoaday" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6837025808/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday Clouds aplenty today." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6837025808_acb900b868_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday Clouds aplenty today." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6987535083/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="Hoping this #car wins soon! #marchphotoaday" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6987535083_b957929ee5_s.jpg" alt="Hoping this #car wins soon! #marchphotoaday" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6844844534/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday New sunglasses I can only wear one time of the year." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6844844534_1522259293_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday New sunglasses I can only wear one time of the year." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6992245667/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday green drinks" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6992245667_f9a9d774f9_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday green drinks" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6997714977/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday my fake grass area" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6997714977_de60e3ffcf_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday my fake grass area" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6852625004/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday Funny - playing Draw Something with my nephew." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6049/6852625004_382a1aa337_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday Funny - playing Draw Something with my nephew." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/7003250027/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="I love Painting with a Twist. Did this one with my niece. #marchphotoaday" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7003250027_91cbdc6ba7_s.jpg" alt="I love Painting with a Twist. Did this one with my niece. #marchphotoaday" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6859845622/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday These were actually scrumptious." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6034/6859845622_1f5b895d0d_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday These were actually scrumptious." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6862502206/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday The office kitchen sink" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6862502206_177494d72b_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday The office kitchen sink" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6864270844/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday not tonight's moon but one of my fave moon pics" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/6864270844_cf2590b9dd_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday not tonight's moon but one of my fave moon pics" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6868554072/in/set-72157629526327035/" title="#marchphotoaday Scary #animal." style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/6868554072_8911e6efa0_s.jpg" alt="#marchphotoaday Scary #animal." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157629526327035/">Instagram - March Photo a Day</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div><center><a href="http://anightowlblog.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/ashlyn_williams/INSTAGRAMbutton200x100.jpg" /></a></center>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-75517895977868893272012-03-21T23:04:00.001-07:002012-03-21T23:04:16.406-07:00Casablanca Movie QuotesThis week I was able to see Casablanca at the theatre with my sister. This was her first time seeing the movie and I hadn't seen it in years. To see it on the big screen was fabulous and reminded me just how great a movie it is. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/03/21/3274.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/03/21/s_3274.jpg' border='0' width='259' height='194' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Before the film began, TMC had interviews with those associated with the movie which was interesting to hear. And they ran the credits at the beginning back in those days - 70 years ago to be exact. <br /><br />At the end of the film it was just a blank screen and nobody in the theatre got up. I don't know if people just didn't want to leave or it was because they were waiting for the credits to roll but it was entertaining. <br /><br />Of course, there were quotes from the movie that stood out because they are so iconic to the film. <br /><br /><blockquote>"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." - Rick</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>"Play it, Sam." - Isla</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>"Here's looking at you, kid." - Rick</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>"If that plane leaves the ground and you're not with him, you'll regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life." - Rick</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>"We'll always have Paris." - Rick</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." - Rick</blockquote><br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-7712664016883707192012-03-06T07:47:00.003-08:002012-03-06T07:50:46.980-08:00Instagram - February Photo a Day<p>These are my photos for the February Photo a Day Challenge on Instagram. I had so much fun that I'm going to attempt to keep up with this challenge for the remainder of the year. </p><br />
<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6951374969/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Follow the wiener folks" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6951374969_f4a91fa705_s.jpg" alt="Follow the wiener folks" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6951386067/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Beautiful words from my niece Sydni" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6951386067_e151eb4de1_s.jpg" alt="Beautiful words from my niece Sydni" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6951389771/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Oh what I wouldn't give to have lived in the Regency era. As a Duke's daughter of course" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6951389771_2a7cf8060a_s.jpg" alt="Oh what I wouldn't give to have lived in the Regency era. As a Duke's daughter of course" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6805278670/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="My obstructed view at Wicked." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6805278670_c6f8271590_s.jpg" alt="My obstructed view at Wicked." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6805283196/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Lazy Sunday morning" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6805283196_4a1751451b_s.jpg" alt="Lazy Sunday morning" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6805285246/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Awesome steak and pepper au jus hoagie" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6805285246_caed79419d_s.jpg" alt="Awesome steak and pepper au jus hoagie" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6951401211/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Buttons that I never use and usually have covered up." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6951401211_ccbf2b832c_s.jpg" alt="Buttons that I never use and usually have covered up." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6951402701/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="The Sun" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6951402701_4cab3190c6_s.jpg" alt="The Sun" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6951404935/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Shut the front door. I'm usually at the office so I chose that door to share." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6951404935_a69916f2e3_s.jpg" alt="Shut the front door. I'm usually at the office so I chose that door to share." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6954697455/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Self portrait" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6954697455_0fafdb9dda_s.jpg" alt="Self portrait" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6808592166/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="These monkeys make me oh so happy" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6808592166_d1fe458a3e_s.jpg" alt="These monkeys make me oh so happy" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6954703685/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="I was out of town hence the hotel closet" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6954703685_e3be7fe69d_s.jpg" alt="I was out of town hence the hotel closet" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6808601092/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="One of my new masks" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6808601092_bae2e1a576_s.jpg" alt="One of my new masks" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6958026155/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Happy Valentine's Day y'all." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6958026155_5999b84a17_s.jpg" alt="Happy Valentine's Day y'all." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811918584/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="I. Heart. My. iPhone 4s" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6811918584_40e5dca182_s.jpg" alt="I. Heart. My. iPhone 4s" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6958030349/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Weekend reading." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6958030349_93318d7379_s.jpg" alt="Weekend reading." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6958034411/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="It's hockey time somewhere." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6958034411_09c539b34e_s.jpg" alt="It's hockey time somewhere." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811956042/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="My fave drink is anything that is in my new flask" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6811956042_20943cde8a_s.jpg" alt="My fave drink is anything that is in my new flask" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811959538/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Something I hate to do - get up to charge my laptop" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6811959538_654e0b6b98_s.jpg" alt="Something I hate to do - get up to charge my laptop" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811962286/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="My handwriting" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6811962286_26298aa581_s.jpg" alt="My handwriting" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811965016/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Not a fave pic of me but it reminds me of super fun times with the family" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6811965016_eae3f06ae6_s.jpg" alt="Not a fave pic of me but it reminds me of super fun times with the family" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811966848/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="My messy desk. Notice Beyonce on the file cabinet." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6811966848_0f3d5b9f48_s.jpg" alt="My messy desk. Notice Beyonce on the file cabinet." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811977348/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="Totally mislabeled my new shoes" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6811977348_966b6dc13a_s.jpg" alt="Totally mislabeled my new shoes" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6811981966/in/set-72157629507650689/" title="In a hotel so my makeshift bathroom cabinet" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6811981966_d7c7ce7c08_s.jpg" alt="In a hotel so my makeshift bathroom cabinet" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157629507650689/">Instagram - February Photo a Day</a> </p></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-11823443095287541702012-03-05T07:10:00.001-08:002012-03-05T07:10:28.297-08:00Favorite Movie QuotesI have to keep a list going of my favorite movie quotes so what better place than here! <br /><br /><blockquote>"You is kind. You is smart. You is important." -- The Help (2011)</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -- Dr. Seuss/The Lorax (2012)</blockquote><br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-16766565701788636762012-03-03T23:33:00.001-08:002012-03-03T23:34:17.271-08:00March Photo a DayAre you on Instagram? I am and I'm addicted to it. So much so that I'm now taking part in a monthly photo challenge. I'm going to post my photos from February shortly but I wanted to share the challenge list in case anyone wanted to play along. Let's not mention that I didn't do January's challenge ok. <br />
<br />
Just tag your photos with #marchphotoaday if you want to join in. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4dt1naxWuStMOYrDISqr2IuRevIGEqhChGsn4u9gmHa4I5DjbKqbhjTG4kzMaMvlhYnys_s44szI96HWEXgi3B5sehAqjlsn5frwNkp6c0_fAW-3gjq2cjX1uiTHBMV369PG/s640/blogger-image-32510636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4dt1naxWuStMOYrDISqr2IuRevIGEqhChGsn4u9gmHa4I5DjbKqbhjTG4kzMaMvlhYnys_s44szI96HWEXgi3B5sehAqjlsn5frwNkp6c0_fAW-3gjq2cjX1uiTHBMV369PG/s640/blogger-image-32510636.jpg" /></a></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-13028293722329502922012-02-16T23:39:00.000-08:002012-02-18T23:31:45.680-08:00Mardi Gras - Krewe of JanusI haven't been to any sort of Mardi Gras celebration since I went with our high school band. So when an invitation to attend the Krewe of Janus parade came from my friend Nannette, this year's Queen, I knew I had to go. <br />
<br />
My friend Sheryl and I drove up on Friday and immediately went to the world premiere of the movie New Hope. This was a Christian based movie about the effects of a teen suicide. It was very moving - so much so that when I was telling the kids about the movie when I got home my nephew Jacob asked me to stop because I was crying. Again. See it if you have the opportunity. <br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/16/3310.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/16/s_3310.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='195' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
We were able to visit with the writer/director and actors after<br />
the movie. They all did a fabulous job. <br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/16/3311.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/16/s_3311.jpg' border='0' width='266' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Next, we went to downtown West Monroe for the Krewe of Janus pet parade on Saturday. Having never been to a pet parade I wasn't sure what to expect but it was adorable to see all the furry animals decked out in their finest Mardi Gras attire. <br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/16/3312.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/16/s_3312.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Saturday night found us with friends of Nannette's (the Queen) for the viewing of the parade. It all seemed so orderly before the parade began but once the floats started rolling by, it was no holds barred trying to get those beads. And that was just from my friend Sheryl. (I kid. I kid.) <br />
<br />
It was so fun to hoot and holler for beads. I was shocked that some parade goers actually would look at you and shake their heads no that they weren't giving you beads. Seriously?!<br />
<br />
One man called me over and gave me a thong. What did he see that said she needs this? Whatever it was thank you!<br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/16/3313.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/16/s_3313.jpg' border='0' width='266' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
The whole weekend was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again next year. I'll definitely take the kids for their first Mardi Gras experience. <br />
<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6889852867/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="Mardi Gras - Krewe of Janus Parade 2012" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6889852867_0990e673c2_s.jpg" alt="Mardi Gras - Krewe of Janus Parade 2012" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882383273/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6882383273_3ff2971f8e_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882386819/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; 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margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882456849/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The King at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6882456849_dbd44cb5e6_s.jpg" alt="The King at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882529019/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The King at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6882529019_e9dac91e1e_s.jpg" alt="The King at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882530821/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The King at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6882530821_0ba9281db0_s.jpg" alt="The King at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882532373/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="Queen Nannette White at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6882532373_edeccdc25e_s.jpg" alt="Queen Nannette White at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882535177/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="Queen Nannette at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6882535177_ebb2a80607_s.jpg" alt="Queen Nannette at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882541579/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="Queen Nannette White at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6882541579_2e892815cc_s.jpg" alt="Queen Nannette White at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882543775/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="Queen Nannette White at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6882543775_c3b6149108_s.jpg" alt="Queen Nannette White at the Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882550261/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; 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padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6882567523_d411318e02_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882570479/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6882570479_724abfd933_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Pet Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882580615/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6882580615_db9a0bc152_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882585589/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6882585589_80033e16cb_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882588121/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6882588121_150911a565_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882590535/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6882590535_0b246214d9_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6882593025/in/set-72157629353202177/" title="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6882593025_622627b22f_s.jpg" alt="The Mardi Gras (Krewe of Janus) Parade" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157629353202177/">Mardi Gras - Krewe of Janus 2012</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-45542587139613488982012-02-16T21:04:00.001-08:002012-02-16T21:04:23.799-08:00Feeling Wicked!I have been to New York City a lot in my life and have had the opportunity to see Wicked on broadway during my travels - but unfortunately I never took that opportunity. Oh how I wish that I had. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/16/3251.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/16/s_3251.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />When I saw that Wicked was coming back to Austin I immediately bought tickets for me, my mom and my sister as a Christmas present. <br /><br />On the day of the show, my mom ended up being sick so it was just me and my sister. We showed up late so missed the very beginning of the show. Even that couldn't take away from the amazingness of the show. Oh how we loved it!<br /><br />My friend Kristin is a huge fan of the show and kept telling me I would love it but I thought, eh it will be ok. No. It was. Amazing!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/02/16/3254.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/02/16/s_3254.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />When my niece Sydni heard we were going she was so upset. So, of course I had to get tickets to take her and my nephew Jacob both to see it. My other nephew Caleb turned down the invitation so my sister and I took them both by ourselves. I'm so happy that they both loved it as much as we did. <br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-64668831153145887292012-01-21T17:44:00.001-08:002012-01-21T17:44:57.896-08:00Bridal Shower Dish Towel CakeBridal Shower Dish Towel Cake<br /><br />I love Pinterest. Like really love it. There are so many wonderful things on there just waiting to be made. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/2851.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_2851.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This bridal shower cake made out of dish towels came to be because I saw a picture on Pinterest and knew I'd make it eventually. Well the time finally came when I got my invitation for my cousin's fiancée's wedding shower. <br /><br />It was fairly simple to make. The shape of the bottom layer gave me some problems but all in all it was simple. I had such fun putting it all together. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/2852.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_2852.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Supplies:<br /><br />8 piece kitchen tool set with utensil caddy<br />Wooden cutting board<br />Wooden spoons<br />Whisk<br />Sifter<br />Scoops of love scooper<br />1 set of 3 dish towels (coordinating colors)<br />1 set of 6 wash cloths (coordinating colors)<br />Popcorn bowl<br />Packing tape<br />Can of soup or nuts <br />Ribbon<br />Bow<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Wrap the bowl and caddy in dish towels. Use packing tape to keep towels down. <br /><br />You can also make round circles out of cardboard boxes. If you go this route you can use pins or hot glue to keep everything in place. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/2853.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_2853.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Take the can of soup or nuts (empty nuts can) to use as a stand for the caddy. Add the caddy to the can securing with packing tape. Spread the last dish towel across the popcorn bowl to peek out of both ends. Place the can and caddy on top of the dish towel. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/01/21/2854.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/01/21/s_2854.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Start adding the utensils and extra kitchen items. Make a fan out of the wash cloths and double over and place between the utensils. Add ribbon to a few of the utensils. <br /><br />Add ribbon and bows to the bowls if desired. Place finished "cake" on the cutting board. <br /><br />I planned to add a "W" to the bottom layer for their last name but just ran out of time. <br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-13191711583319468912011-11-04T10:14:00.001-07:002011-11-04T10:27:50.805-07:00my partial bucket listI've never written down a bucket list before. Oh I have things rolling through my head about what I would love to do - and I've done many of them - but just never got around to writing anything down. Until I saw this contest and decided to kick my list into gear. Once I started writing things down, I had to pare it down because there is so much I still want to do.<br />
<br />
Now some of these are doable I just haven't done them yet. The others are ones that might require a bit of difficulty in accomplishing. But they can be accomplished. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Bucket List</em></strong> <br />
<ol><li>Take cooking classes in Italy</li>
<li>Go to my namesake place in Spain and say "these are my people!"</li>
<li>Ride a NASCAR around a track at 150mph</li>
<li>Stand on the sidelines of a Dallas Cowboys football game</li>
<li>Live in a log cabin</li>
<li>Take photographs off automatic setting </li>
<li>Take a road trip across the US </li>
<li>Sit on the players bench at a hockey game</li>
<li>Spend a couple of weeks in Orlando exploring Universal, Disney World and Sea World</li>
<li>Swim with the dolphins</li>
<li>Read the "Classics" that should have been read in school</li>
<li>Read on the beaches of Hawaii</li>
<li>Enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans (didn't appreciate it when I went in high school)</li>
<li>Ride a dog sled in Alaska</li>
<li>Take a cruise</li>
</ol><br />
This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. <a href="http://bit.ly/justaskbrac" target="_blank">Just Ask</a> offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to <a href="http://wp.me/pR10l-3Kw" target="_blank">TodaysMama.com</a> to get the details.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-34559372214866986042011-09-11T01:54:00.000-07:002011-09-11T01:54:00.397-07:00We will always remember.....On that life-changing date ten years ago I was actually home sleeping when the attacks happened. My life was so different back then. I was lucky that I had an amazing boss and was able to take off work for a year, only working two days a week from home, after my sister went back to work once she had my triplet niece and nephews. <br /><br />On that Tuesday morning I was catching up on sleep at my mom's house when she came in to give me the phone from my boss's chief of staff. He was calling to tell me they were all ok at the US Capital in Washington, DC. I had no clue what he was talking about. He told me we were being attacked and to turn on the television. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/09/10/5529.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/09/10/s_5529.jpg' border='0' width='234' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center>(<i>photo from </i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.september11news.com/111wtcreutersitaly.jpg">www.september11news.com</a>)</center><br /><br />With that one statement, our lives would never be the same. I don't think anyone's life has ever been the same since that dreadful day.<br /><br />After that call, my mother and I turned on the television and sat in utter silence watching it all unfold. When I saw those stunning and heartbreaking images on television I couldn't even grasp the seriousness of it all. I was in such shock. <br /><br />Images of my own visit with my mom and aunt to New York city in May 1997 played through my head. We visited the World Trade Center on that trip and to this day I'm grateful we had that experience. <br /><br />The main thought in my mind watching all this was to get to the kids and hold them tight. It was so hard to try and shield them from the news when all I could do was watch it on the screen and cry. I had to force myself not to watch it while they were up because at one-year old they had no idea of the horrendous act of violence we had just suffered. And I didn't want them to know of that kind of hate ever, much less at such a young age. <br /><br />It's no longer possible to shield them from that kind of hatred or violence when everyday we see it on the news. But I can still hold them tight and tell them how much I love them. And I gladly do that every day I see them. <br /><br />We will never forget....<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-76521786178300312882011-09-07T18:42:00.000-07:002011-11-15T22:23:01.983-08:00Truly the most magical place of all...Magic KingdomI think the Walt Disney World park I most wanted to visit was Magic Kingdom. Just because who doesn't love castles? And I couldn't wait to ride Dumbo's ears (that totally sounds wrong) and a teacup. We ended up going to Magic Kingdom over several days by taking advantage of the magical hours afforded us by staying at a Disney Resort. <br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/09/10/4728.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/09/10/s_4728.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
Diane and I and the boys went here first while Granny Gran and Sydni spent some quality time at the hotel. Our first site of the castle was late at night and it was stunning to see Cinderella's castle lit up in different colors. <br />
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Because the lines weren't too long, we headed over to Frontierland so Diane and the boys could ride the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. They loved it and wanted to ride on Splash Mountain but we didn't want to be soaked all night long. <br />
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Then it was on to Adventureland to see the Pirates of the Carribean followed by a ride on The Magic Carpets of Alladin. I rode with Caleb and he had control over the carpet and that little boy went up and down and up and down. Then up and down again. <br />
<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/09/10/4732.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/09/10/s_4732.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
Then we went to one of my favorite places - Fantasyland. Now who doesn't want to go for a ride on Dumbo after seeing all those commercials with people having fun flying around with those big 'ole ears? It was so much fun! Jacob was my co-pilot and that little monkey was even more brutal with the controls than Caleb was. <br />
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We also hit up Peter Pan's Flight where Jacob said this had the potential to be a dangerous ride because we are suspended in the air riding in a hot air balloon. Then Snow White's Scary Adventure which isn't so very scary. <br />
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And who can go to Fantasyland without going on "it's a small world"?? They do such a good job with those puppets. They remind me so much of my Madame Alexander dolls so that may be why I like them so much. <br />
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When we went back with GG and Sydni, we all went together to see a performance in front of the castle. All the princesses were there and so were Robin Hood, Donald Duck and more characters!<br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/09/10/4741.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/09/10/s_4741.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
Then we went to Tomorrowland to see Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor. It was such a treat! I love me some Mike Wazowski (so much that I got a shirt of his face) and this was seriously funny. They involved the audience (Sydni and I were on the smile cam) and just made it one of the best treats of the day. <br />
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<center><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/09/10/4744.jpg"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/09/10/s_4744.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
One of the rides I had been wanting to ride the most was Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. And it did not disappoint. I had to fight Sydni to let me spin us as we were shooting at people. So much fun! <br />
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The next visit it was pouring down rain. We split up and Diane and the boys went to ride some of the more adventurous rides like Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter and the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. <br />
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The Tea Cups we saved to ride when Granny Gran and Sydni joined us at Magic Kingdom so I headed that direction with them. We couldn't wait any longer, and actually lost Diane and the boys so the three of us got in and rode our hearts out in those tea cups. I've been waiting my whole life to ride that thing so I savored every moment. <br />
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We took Sydni to ride the ones I had ridden already and knew she would enjoy. She had a ball. Then we all joined up together again for another turn in the cups and to see Stitch's Great Escape. <br />
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Without a doubt Magic Kingdom is the park we took the most advantage of but we thoroughly enjoyed them all. I'm already anticipating the next trip!<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6054198324/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="The family at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="The family at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6054198324_664b50dfd6_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6020934468/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="Enjoying a little midnight stroll around Cinderella's castle."><img alt="Enjoying a little midnight stroll around Cinderella's castle." src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/6020934468_929b9f5e83_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6026012611/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="Enjoying a rainy day at Magic Kingdom with these kids who turned 11 today!"><img alt="Enjoying a rainy day at Magic Kingdom with these kids who turned 11 today!" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/6026012611_7246019809_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066616397/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="Night view of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="Night view of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6066616397_364bea12e3_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6067162550/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="Night view of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="Night view of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6067162550_700b7dae0b_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6067164568/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; width: 75px;" title="Night view of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="Night view of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6067164568_0386900150_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066665831/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="It's a Small World at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="It's a Small World at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6066665831_52865b830d_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066669599/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="It's a Small World at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="It's a Small World at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6066669599_aa7d73df3c_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066672819/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6066672819_86d078cea6_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066676079/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6066676079_c89d57ac31_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066680177/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 75px;" title="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6066680177_a6b45aeeb0_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6067228824/in/set-72157627457629406/" style="display: block; float: left; height: 75px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; width: 75px;" title="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom"><img alt="Snow White's Scary Adventures at Disney's Magic Kingdom" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6067228824_d25120d8fa_s.jpg" style="border: currentColor; height: 75px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 75px;" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157627457629406/">Disney's Magic Kingdom</a>, a set on Flickr.</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-29088536859370491012011-09-04T15:57:00.001-07:002011-09-04T16:50:52.771-07:00An Epic (or Epcot) day at Walt Disney WorldI wasn't really sure what to expect at Epcot. What I knew was that we had two character dinner reservations there and it was home to Mission: Space -- and having a future astronaut in the family, I knew that was definitely on our list of places to go see. <br />
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Our first stop at this park was the aforementioned Mission: Space. We started off on the mild version aka Mission Orange. We got loaded into the shuttle and set off into space. Each person gets assigned a position: engineer, flight commander, etc. So you really feel part of the mission. <br />
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Don't let the mild version fool you. It still rocked and was one heck of a ride! While Diane and the boys went for another ride on the wilder green version, Sydni, Granny Gran and I went playing around in the space zone they had set up at the exit. Definitely a place to spend some time away from the heat and rain on this day. <br />
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We then headed to our dinner with the Princesses at <a target="_blank" href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/akershus/">Akershus Royal Banquet Hall</a>. When I asked Sydni months before if she wanted to have dinner with the Princesses she was adamant that she didn't. I told her fine, we would just go without her and the boys because it was something I wanted to do. Not really meaning that I didn't think anything about it until two days before our trip when I was busily planning our itinerary. Sydni mentioned dinner with the Princesses and I was confused and said we're not seeing them because you said no. I'll leave all the drama out other than to say I frantically made a call and we were on our way to meet royalty. <br />
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We had a very late dinner but it was totally worth it. The first princess to greet us was Belle. She was so welcoming and we felt right at home. <br />
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Next we met my all-time favorite Cinderella. Which was a total surprise to us as we had been told she wouldn't be there that night. Lucky us!! <br />
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Seeing the excitement on Sydni's face as each princess came out to meet us was so rewarding. She enjoyed herself so much! Sleeping Beauty even came out and had Sydni lead the princess parade through the restaurant and the boys escorted her. Although the boys looked like they were being taken to the guillotine. <br />
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This was definitely worth the price of the meal. Oh and the food was good too! They started us off with buffet appetizers then for the main meal I had Seared Herb-Dusted Beef Tips which were scrumptious. The kids had the Swedish meatballs and they were heavenly. We were so full we couldn't even really eat the dessert but it did look delectable. <br />
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The kids were treated to another birthday celebration here. So fun!<br />
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They even got birthday cards from the princesses. <br />
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Our other character meal at Epcot was the <a target="_blank" href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/garden-grill/">Garden Grill</a> with Chip 'N Dale. I love these little guys and who isn't interested in seeing what a rotating dining room looks like! That's right. The restaurant floor rotates. It is so mild that you don't feel it but over the course of the meal we went around the entire restaurant. Our characters at this restaurant were hands down the best characters out of all the restaurants we visited.<br />
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They interacted with the kids so much and just made the whole experience so much fun. In addition to Chip 'N Dale we saw Mickey Mouse and Pluto. Such sweeties. <br />
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The food was served family style which just means they bring the food put all at once and you just get what you want from the serving platters. It was simply delicious. <br />
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And of course there were Mickey ears everywhere. <br />
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The only other rides that we did here were ridden by Diane and the boys: Test Track and Soarin. They liked the test track a lot but thought Soarin was ok. Thank goodness for those magical after hours once again. <br />
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We didn't really explore the countries at Epcot and I am totally bummed that we missed both Finding Nemo rides but what we saw was awesome. Missing those is just another reason to head back to Orlando soon. <br />
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<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066721036/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Disney's Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6066721036_a36140ec32_s.jpg" alt="Disney's Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066180357/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Mission Space at Disney's Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6066180357_450970fc68_s.jpg" alt="Mission Space at Disney's Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066727970/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Mission Space at Disney's Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6066727970_c911d12005_s.jpg" alt="Mission Space at Disney's Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066731652/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Mission Space at Disney's Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6066731652_14332decd7_s.jpg" alt="Mission Space at Disney's Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066735626/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6066735626_51de977b3e_s.jpg" alt="Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066196397/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6066196397_0ed10a7c82_s.jpg" alt="Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066743384/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Belle at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6066743384_953cf8a9e7_s.jpg" alt="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Belle at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066203427/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Sleeping Beauty at at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6066203427_df1f7f475e_s.jpg" alt="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Sleeping Beauty at at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066751202/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Cinderella" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6066751202_0fb67374bc_s.jpg" alt="Cinderella" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066210885/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Cinderella at at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6066210885_ceb757bffd_s.jpg" alt="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Cinderella at at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066213117/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Snow White at at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6066213117_aea2fc7108_s.jpg" alt="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with Snow White at at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066215447/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Jacob, Caleb and Sydni with Sleeping Beauty during royal procession at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6066215447_9d2414fdce_s.jpg" alt="Jacob, Caleb and Sydni with Sleeping Beauty during royal procession at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066218099/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Caleb being forced to march with Sleeping Beauty" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6066218099_f5ddbd64d7_s.jpg" alt="Caleb being forced to march with Sleeping Beauty" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066221913/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni, Caleb and Jacob with Ariel at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6066221913_65c664d566_s.jpg" alt="Sydni, Caleb and Jacob with Ariel at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066773214/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with their birthday cupcakes from the Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6066773214_189290402c_s.jpg" alt="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with their birthday cupcakes from the Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066233709/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with their birthday cupcakes from the Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6066233709_1ae9b96dc0_s.jpg" alt="Sydni, Jacob and Caleb with their birthday cupcakes from the Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066781026/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Birthday cupcake from Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6066781026_e1f064e050_s.jpg" alt="Birthday cupcake from Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066784474/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Birthday card from Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6066784474_cbd657b130_s.jpg" alt="Birthday card from Disney Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066787260/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Birthday cupcake from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6066787260_044ba53738_s.jpg" alt="Birthday cupcake from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066247537/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni after dinner at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot at Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6066247537_6235fbd2ec_s.jpg" alt="Sydni after dinner at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot at Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066861674/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Sydni with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6066861674_6c13e0018c_s.jpg" alt="Sydni with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066321195/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Jacob with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6066321195_511b4c2b3c_s.jpg" alt="Jacob with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066324953/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Caleb with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6066324953_9252917aba_s.jpg" alt="Caleb with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066327867/in/set-72157627486332812/" title="Jacob, Sydni and Caleb with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6066327867_08469d3b2f_s.jpg" alt="Jacob, Sydni and Caleb with Dale at The Garden Grill in Epcot" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157627486332812/">Disney's Epcot</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-50537525947552118582011-09-03T11:43:00.001-07:002011-09-04T16:54:11.929-07:00It's all about HollywoodOur second day at Disney World had us visiting Hollywood Studios. This is the home of Toy Story Mania. I had been keeping up with the wait times for this ride and knew in this heat, a wait time of 2 hrs was not going to work for us. <br />
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So we started our visit with a ride on the Hollywood Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Oh yeah, that elevator ride that drops you then brings you back up only to drop you again. Several times. <br />
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Diane and the boys went on this first to gauge the terror rate of the ride. Granny Gran, Sydni and I went in search of a cool treat to bring down our heat level. I did finally get up the nerve to try the ride and it was so awesome. I screamed my head off and laughed the entire time. <br />
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It was so hot we had to retreat to a show of Beauty and the Beast to cool off once they got off the ride. <br />
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This was my first time watching this story (seriously!) and it was such a sweet story. The characters were all good and it did deliver on the cooling down. The little rain shower after the show probably helped too. <br />
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Then it was off to try and ride Toy Story Midway Mania. We got sidetracked by the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Which was another way to cool off. (are you getting the idea of how HOT it was here?) The show featured Ariel singing through the show with a little interaction in the way of mist coming through the vents for effect. <br />
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Afterwards it was off to Pixar Place to see some of the Toy Story characters. It was still too long of a line so we didn't event attempt midway mania. <br />
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The rest of the park would have to be conquered during the magical after hours. We still had to wait in line about 40 minutes for the Toy Story Midway Mania but it was unbelievably worth it. I enjoyed it immensely. <br />
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Diane and Jacob got to ride the Aerosmith - or as Jacob says "You know that guy who was on American Idol!" - roller coaster.<br />
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Another magical day at Walt Disney World. <br />
<br />
<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066006977/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Sorceror's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6066006977_0b3eecbe41_s.jpg" alt="Sorceror's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064925652/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6064925652_1a4ed07b44_s.jpg" alt="Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064925664/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6064925664_c181beed76_s.jpg" alt="Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064925672/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6064925672_f348217260_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064925686/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6064925686_17ea2a873f_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064925688/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6064925688_fec47ea1cd_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064925698/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6064925698_d1f67e3b7f_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064958466/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6064958466_f7b81e240f_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064958470/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Caleb and Jacob getting out of jail at Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6064958470_6e5eb7b4d0_s.jpg" alt="Caleb and Jacob getting out of jail at Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064958480/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6064958480_a55c0293fa_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064958494/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Jacob, Caleb and Sydni in front of Mr. Potato Head at Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6064958494_02be86c267_s.jpg" alt="Jacob, Caleb and Sydni in front of Mr. Potato Head at Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064958502/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6064958502_89427b52b5_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064958506/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6064958506_c914a32999_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania in Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064965192/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Sydni and Diane ready to ride Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6064965192_5acaedea73_s.jpg" alt="Sydni and Diane ready to ride Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064418889/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6064418889_d19ce657e7_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064421097/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Jacob getting ready to ride Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6064421097_811655c60e_s.jpg" alt="Jacob getting ready to ride Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064424113/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Caleb getting ready to ride Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6064424113_2b41a4baab_s.jpg" alt="Caleb getting ready to ride Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6064426461/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6064426461_2de9b0f84e_s.jpg" alt="Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066454406/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Welcome to Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6066454406_faab3f26aa_s.jpg" alt="Welcome to Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6065914381/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Welcome to Walt Disney World" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6065914381_20b30b236c_s.jpg" alt="Welcome to Walt Disney World" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066463232/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6066463232_15edccd7e3_s.jpg" alt="Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066468220/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6066468220_d18ca7b968_s.jpg" alt="Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6065927299/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6065927299_e817c511f3_s.jpg" alt="Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6066475798/in/set-72157627485873228/" title="Hollywood Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6066475798_7b2b519260_s.jpg" alt="Hollywood Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157627485873228/">Disney's Hollywood Studios</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-42761639759215969642011-09-01T22:30:00.001-07:002011-11-15T22:22:31.064-08:00The most magical place on earth.....On our second day in Florida, we started on our Disney Adventure with a visit to Animal Kingdom. This was one of the parks I was so looking forward to because I had heard so many great things about it. And who doesn't want to take a safari ride?! With the kids about to turn 11, I wasn't sure how they were going to respond to Disney World. Were they too old to appreciate the magic? <br />
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It was another stifling hot day but we weren't going to let that stop us. The minute we started to drive to the park you could feel the excitement building. That may have also to do with our eating breakfast at Caleb's favorite place - Denny's. <br />
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The entire day was perfect beginning with a tram being there to pick us up at the end of our lane. From there we went to get our tickets and the "Birthday" buttons for the kids. Then it was off to see the Tree of Life...<br />
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then off to Africa to ride the Kilimanjaro Safari. I love going to the zoo and this safari ride was like being in an open zoo (that's all I can compare it to since I've never been to Africa). So many beautiful animals. <br />
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We then took the train to the reptile area (unbeknownst to us that it was leading to a dead end) where we ran into a couple of characters. <br />
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We had to hurry back to Africa to catch the afternoon parade. It was such a treat to see these elaborate animals that were driven by Disney staffers. And more characters! I'm not sure who was more excited to see Mickey and Minnie - me or the kids!<br />
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Now it was time to hit the serious rides so off to Asia we went. Diane, Jacob and Caleb braved Mt. Everest to ride the roller coaster as well as the water ride. I wasn't brave enough for either. But the boys were and rode the coaster three times. <br />
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The park had so many trees so it wasn't that hot during the day. It rained as we were leaving which was the perfect end. Well the perfect end would have been us seeing the Finding Nemo live show but enough about that. Before we left the park, we went to have dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, which is always fun. And it was the first of many birthday celebrations. <br />
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A magical time was had by all!<br />
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<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6048440850/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6048440850_23d3b41a37_s.jpg" alt="Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6048452560/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Jacob, Sydni and Caleb at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6048452560_08276889c7_s.jpg" alt="Jacob, Sydni and Caleb at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6048462346/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Warthogs at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6048462346_d9949e366f_s.jpg" alt="Warthogs at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6047929771/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Tree of Life Garden at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6047929771_b3612b9d8a_s.jpg" alt="Tree of Life Garden at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6047941403/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Flamingo's at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6047941403_39635bc08b_s.jpg" alt="Flamingo's at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6048505858/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Caleb, Jacob and Sydni at Africa entrance at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6048505858_7fa13fce89_s.jpg" alt="Caleb, Jacob and Sydni at Africa entrance at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6048516160/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6048516160_85836780d8_s.jpg" alt="Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6047972523/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Harambe Wildlife Reserve" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6047972523_18e8bf8497_s.jpg" alt="Harambe Wildlife Reserve" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6048540600/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6048540600_031d624f57_s.jpg" alt="Animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6048550058/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Giraffes at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6048550058_503f1728d4_s.jpg" alt="Giraffes at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; 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padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6051513873_1656919ac9_s.jpg" alt="Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6051557659/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6051557659_cef5861fb7_s.jpg" alt="Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6051604649/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6051604649_e9b02c4edc_s.jpg" alt="Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6052165778/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6052165778_e86c531812_s.jpg" alt="Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6051623615/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Chip (or Dale) at the parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6051623615_7d50e763f6_s.jpg" alt="Chip (or Dale) at the parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6052183648/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Minnie Mouse in the Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6052183648_676a0ef80e_s.jpg" alt="Minnie Mouse in the Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6051641117/in/set-72157627320091249/" title="Minnie Mouse at the Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6051641117_1a75ffa84e_s.jpg" alt="Minnie Mouse at the Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157627320091249/">Disney's Animal Kingdom</a>, a set on Flickr.</p></div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-90151850208073798842011-08-13T21:39:00.001-07:002011-08-14T12:25:04.957-07:00Muggles only please...The Wizarding World of Harry PotterThis year for vacation, my mom, sister and the niece and nephews went to the most magical place on earth.....Universal Studios and Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. We also went to celebrate the kids 11th birthday which took place during our trip. <br /><br />Our first stop on our magical tour was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure park. My niece Sydni has wanted to go here ever since she first found out there was a theme park for muggles and all things devoted to Harry Porter. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5427.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5427.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Seeing her face when she first saw the sign saying you were entering Hogsmeade was worth the trip itself. She nearly took off running towards Hogwarts when she caught a glimpse of it. The folks at Universal have done an amazing job with the entire park. <br /><br />We arrived at exactly 8 am when the park opened (great tip from one of my Twitter friends) and had already bought our tickets online so off we went to the will call kiosk and printed our tickets. There was no wait and the lines were short to get in. Everyone had the same idea though and the entire crowd went towards Hogwarts. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5428.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5428.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Along the way we passed Dr. Seuss's place and Poseidon's Fury but we didn't have time to stop as we knew the day would be devoted to the Wizarding World. We were on a mission. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5429.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5429.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5430.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5430.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />To say it was hot that day would be an understatement. It was a brutal day but so worth it. We bypassed the long line for Olivanders in order to get in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Being there that early, they were not as long as I had read they could be. My sister Diane got on the ride with my niece and nephews and they absolutely loved it. So much so that they went on twice. The boys went on the Flight of the Hippogriff and enjoyed it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5431.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5431.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5444.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5444.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then went to get some Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks. If you ever have the opportunity to go and have some Butterbeer, Do It! It was so delicious. Very sweet but it hit the right spot on a hot day. It wasn't until later that night back at the hotel that I got a taste of another unique drink from the park, Pumpkin Juice, and I honestly don't know which one I loved more! This juice tasted just like a pumpkin pie/pumpkin muffin rolled into a drink -- delicious!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5433.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5433.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next it was off to stand in the line for Olivander's. The wait was over an hour ad about halfway through the kids had enough of the heat and just wanted to go home. So I took the kids into Dervish and Banges to do a little shopping while my mom and sister continued to stand in line. There was so much to buy and everything you can think of was for sale. So, neither the kids or I got to see the actual show at Olivander's but boy did we get a lot of souvenirs. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5434.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5434.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5435.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5435.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On our way out of the Wizarding World we stopped at Honeydukes and stocked up on Bertie Botts Every-Flavour Beans and chocolate frogs as well as some toys at Zonko's. There are so many little things to see so we took our time walking around. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5436.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5436.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/13/5437.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/13/s_5437.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I am so glad that we were able to spend a few hours at the park but next time we will definitely plan our trip in a cooler month and plan to spend a few days at Universal to really enjoy this park. <br /><br />Tips:<br /><br />1) Plan to arrive as soon as the doors open<br />2) If you stay at a hotel on site, you can get in an hour early to the park<br />3) Even if you don't want to ride the Forbidden Journey, you can still stand in line to see Dumbledore's office, etc and skip the actual ride<br />4) The lines for Butterbeer are long - you can get it at Three Broomsticks with lunch and skip the lines<br />5) Valet park. That is all. <br /><br /><div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037145266/in/set-72157627419683644/" title=" " style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6037145266_e557b96216_s.jpg" alt=" " style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037153520/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Entering Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6037153520_7c0f52bfd0_s.jpg" alt="Entering Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036607645/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Entering Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6036607645_379fdb2c03_s.jpg" alt="Entering Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036614567/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Entering Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6036614567_d3f0436e60_s.jpg" alt="Entering Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037175556/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6037175556_e4af3c532c_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036627677/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6036627677_c6d3943f67_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036633411/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6036633411_be4c8a0265_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037194034/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Hogwarts" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6037194034_b59612ea59_s.jpg" alt="Hogwarts" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036650063/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Hogwarts" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/6036650063_91c76f15b2_s.jpg" alt="Hogwarts" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037209706/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Hogwarts" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6037209706_4358b1350e_s.jpg" alt="Hogwarts" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037215514/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Sydni outside Hogwarts" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6037215514_56b85eff0d_s.jpg" alt="Sydni outside Hogwarts" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037222282/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Hogwarts" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6037222282_59a85d2466_s.jpg" alt="Hogwarts" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036676513/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Olivander's Wand Shop" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6036676513_2fb8fb4583_s.jpg" alt="Olivander's Wand Shop" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037236100/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6037236100_f5327385e3_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036856335/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Flight of the Hippogriff at World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6036856335_39e67548ae_s.jpg" alt="Flight of the Hippogriff at World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037415376/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Flight of the Hippogriff at Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6037415376_763f8c644b_s.jpg" alt="Flight of the Hippogriff at Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036868943/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6036868943_8fb9f7c01a_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036879019/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/6036879019_1ababa588e_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036913995/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/6036913995_376dfa7081_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036921183/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6036921183_b2bf4a5794_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037478960/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6037478960_b27f31b33d_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036938147/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6036938147_a1690002c6_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6037495574/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/6037495574_3f0471446e_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/6036952573/in/set-72157627419683644/" title="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6036952573_16f038cf38_s.jpg" alt="Wizarding World of Harry Potter" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157627419683644/">Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2011</a>, a set on Flickr.<br /></div><br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-30856377875040912352011-08-04T08:40:00.000-07:002011-08-04T08:40:09.040-07:00This ain't my first rodeo....well actually it isIf you're from Texas you have more than likely heard the saying "This ain't my first rodeo!" and probably even been to a rodeo or two.<br />
<br />
Well, I've said that little diddy several times but having lived in Texas most of my life, embarrassingly enough, I've never been to a rodeo. I hope they don't take away my Texas card now. <br />
<br />
In the span of one month I was able to go to two different rodeos in our area and let me just tell you, I am hooked.<br />
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<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905771261/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5280/5905771261_620dddc5eb_s.jpg" alt="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905771249/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/5905771249_54edcb76d3_s.jpg" alt="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905771239/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5905771239_c1ea2227e2_s.jpg" alt="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905771229/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5905771229_76f7af1029_s.jpg" alt="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905771215/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/5905771215_bd69c6d610_s.jpg" alt="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905771199/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5905771199_cf5a30d0ce_s.jpg" alt="Bronc Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905705537/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5236/5905705537_3f024486c3_s.jpg" alt="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905705527/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Horses doing their thing..." style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5905705527_0d494afb8c_s.jpg" alt="Horses doing their thing..." style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905705489/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/5905705489_c262f9e20b_s.jpg" alt="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905705479/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5312/5905705479_0c884f8b14_s.jpg" alt="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905705475/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5234/5905705475_60dcc9edbb_s.jpg" alt="Calf Roping at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905705461/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Horses at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5112/5905705461_09a48754fe_s.jpg" alt="Horses at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905663563/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5271/5905663563_8011cf9074_s.jpg" alt="Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905663553/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Getting ready to open the chutes at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5905663553_aaf4cfca02_s.jpg" alt="Getting ready to open the chutes at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905663525/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5905663525_ea394de685_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905663513/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/5905663513_324221b6be_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905663485/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/5905663485_577d559936_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905663469/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5905663469_4187ddeac5_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905630411/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5905630411_b1c98b4ba1_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905630407/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5905630407_5287690b2c_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905630385/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/5905630385_07378eb75a_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905630377/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5905630377_3cedf55bf6_s.jpg" alt="Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905630365/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5905630365_f7a8eff096_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5905630347/in/set-72157627132995491/" title="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5312/5905630347_5c81ab1830_s.jpg" alt="Bull Riding at the Cedar Park Rodeo" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><br />
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><br />
<p><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157627132995491/">Cedar Park Rodeo</a>, a set on Flickr.</p><br />
</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-21638459608521766212011-08-03T00:21:00.001-07:002011-08-03T00:27:48.511-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Who's ready for Disneyworld?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/03/119.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/03/s_119.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-9793145926517458992011-08-02T14:53:00.000-07:002011-08-02T14:59:06.886-07:00Summer Blog SocialA couple of bloggers have started a Summer Blog Social this week where they have asked readers to answer some questions and participate in the blog party. As I was looking at the questions, one hit home for me so I thought I'd answer it and give out some of my grand wisdom.<br />
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<strong>Advice for Others:</strong><br />
<em>If you have gone to a blog conference before, tell us what your experience was like. Was it what you expected? </em><br />
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<br />
Yes, I've been to a blog conference before - one for work and one because it was in my area and I wanted to learn more about blogging. Was it what I expected? Yes and no. <br />
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Since this is more of a personal blog, I'll focus on that conference. It was a one-day conference that was mainly focused on blogger tips and how you could market yourself. Speakers gave tips on everything from finding your passion, how often to blog, safety in blogging and photography. There were a lot of tips that were wonderful and very useful, and some that I still use to this day. But as I have no dreams of having this blog be a source of income, the tips on marketing for income weren't geared for me. This is a fun hobby and an outlet, but I have no goals of becoming the next Pioneer Woman. <br />
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Some of these blogging conferences are geared more for bloggers who are just getting into this arena so it's very important to pay attention to the agenda to see if this is the best one for you to attend. Conferences range in prices and experience level and the best place to find out about them, I find, are through Twitter.<br />
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One thing I did expect going to this conference was to find interesting people to follow on Twitter and while I did that, I also realized that for a socially introverted person like myself, it's hard to put yourself out there. While I am not an introvert with people I already know, when it comes to complete strangers, I just seize up. You have to go into the conference knowing that if you want to make friends and have people to talk to during the conference, you have to make the effort to put yourself out there. <br />
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Now that I have the wisdom from that conference, here is what I recommend you do in advance of any blogging conference you plan to attend (<em>I will next time</em>!): It's best to follow other people who will be going to the same conference on Twitter -- the conference promoters will usually have a list of attendees and their Twitter names. If you can start those conversations before hand, it will be easier once you get to the conference. Make plans to meet before hand so you will already have a read-made buddy for the conference.<br />
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And don't forget the business cards! That is the best way to remember who you met and also to get your social media info out to others.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.bellebeanchicagodog.com/"><img src="http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/bellebeandog/BeachLaptop-1.jpg" /></a></center>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-11346376961700486382011-08-02T11:11:00.001-07:002011-08-02T11:13:17.443-07:00I embarrass my nephewThough there are many reasons I can think of that would embarrass my nephew, the one he is most embarrassed about me is my laugh. <br /><br />I had no clue until recently. We were at the movies and let's be real, these so called kids movies are made for adults. A lot of the humor in them is lost on kids so there are times when I am the one person laughing the loudest at the theatre. <br /><br />Here's the scene: we are all at the theatre enjoying this stupid movie about animals that could talk. Throughout the movie I'm snickering and then finally let out a big belly laugh, why, I can't remember as it's all a blur now. All of a sudden I couldn't breathe because my nephew covered my mouth and harshly whispered "Dede don't laugh so loud!!!" and my niece on the other side of me was shushing me. <br /><br />I was shocked. But not enough to stop me from laughing. Well he continued to do it and I **finally** realized that he was embarrassed. It was hard to control myself for the rest of the movie but I did for my little monkey boy. <br /><br />We didn't talk much about it but it happened again at home so I had to ask him what was the problem.<br /><br />He said: "You're supposed to chuckle not give a psychotic laugh!" <br /><br />Then he proceeds to laugh like a hyena to show me what I sound like.<br /><br />There you have it folks. If you need me I'll be refining my laugh. <br /><br /><br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-17494142691208526612011-07-27T07:42:00.000-07:002011-07-27T07:42:00.441-07:00How do you get the URL to your tweets?I love entering contests. But when they call for you to tweet a specific post and then leave them the link I always forget how to do it. Ok, honestly, for a while I didn't know how to do it and spent time wondering how to do it. So now that I do I'm sharing it with you. <br />
<br />
When you post the tweet, on your timeline click the time and it will open up to show just that post. Voilà.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/23/2600.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/23/s_2600.jpg' border='0' width='244' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/23/2601.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/23/s_2601.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-57518158895136647052011-07-24T04:41:00.000-07:002011-07-24T11:43:09.176-07:00History in the making....NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis LaunchI don't even know where to begin with this post. I guess that's why it's taken me so long to write this. <br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/23/4721.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/23/s_4721.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
It all started with a dream. A dream of a 13 year-old chunky Mexican girl who wanted to be an astronaut. For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with NASA and the space program. As I grew up, my dream of one day going into space withered away but my love for the great beyond and those who strive to go there never wavered. I still go out at night and look for that fast moving star, aka the International Space Station. <br />
<br />
When my nephew Caleb announced that he wanted to be an astronaut - to be the first man on Mars - I couldn't have been prouder or happier. This kid will live out my dream. His fascination and knowledge of space astounds me. So when we went to Houston to visit the Johnson Space Center and they talked about the retiring space program, he turned to me and said "I want to see a launch." I told him I did too. Every time we would see a launch on tv he would remind me that he wanted to see one in person. I told him I would do whatever I needed to do to make sure we got to see one. Then before I knew it, the time for the last shuttle launch was upon us. And I hadn't done anything to get us there. Yet. <br />
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Thus began my mission to get us to the last Space Shuttle launch. Ever. STS-135. <br />
<br />
Getting the airline tickets and hotel was simple. Trying to get closer than 13 miles to see this historic event was another issue. I asked so many people who had previously seen launches their advice of the best place to see this take place. Aside from paying for tickets to see the launch on the Causeway, we were doomed to see the launch from miles and miles away. <br />
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Trying to make mine and Caleb's dream come true, I was determined to get those tickets. Getting them was harder than I thought. I was on the phone and internet practically the entire day the day tickets for causeway viewing of the last launch went on sale. I was flying to Milwaukee that day and was still trying to get those elusive tickets as I was waiting for the plane to load. Finally I got through right before I got on the plane and I wanted to cry when the salesperson told me they'd be waiting for me in Orlando. Originally I had hoped the whole family could go but with us going to Orlando in August, that just wasn't in the plans. With an expected one million people coming out to watch the launch, I knew everyone was nervous about just me and Caleb going. Including me!<br />
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So on Thursday, July 7, 2011 Caleb and I headed for the airport for our adventure. All week long the weather in Orlando was horrendous. NASA officials said they would make a decision early Friday morning on whether or not we were go for launch with the weather. When we were in the van going from our car to the airport, I saw on Twitter that lightning had struck so close to the shuttle that they were testing to make sure there was no damage to it. I was very close to canceling our trip. There were just too many variables that seemed to be working against us seeing the last launch. <br />
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Right before we left I told Caleb, "You know we don't have to do this. We can drive to Houston and watch the launch from the Johnson Space Center." He said "No, I still want to go!" I knew he was nervous. This was our first out-of-state trip by ourselves. And one of his dreams was about to come true. We knew there was a very good possibility that we wouldn't see the launch due to the weather but at least we'd get to see Atlantis on the launch pad. <br />
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Our flight there was smooth and thanks to Jet Blue we were entertained with tv the we whole way. Once we got out of the airport we knew we weren't in Texas anymore. To say we were unprepared for the humidity would be an understatement. We ate and got to our hotel by 9:00 pm and then tried to take a quick nap before we had to head to catch the buses that would take us to the NASA Causeway to see the launch. Caleb slept but I was too excited to sleep.<br />
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I didn't understand why we had to be at the rendezvous site at 2:30 am if the launch wasn't scheduled until 11:40 am. I soon found out just how many people would be at every stop we made. We set off at 1:00 am for Festival Bay to get our tickets and load the bus. In hindsight I shouldn't have taken the time to put rollers in my hair. With the humidity and drizzle I ended up putting my hair in a banana clip in less than an hour after we left the hotel. <br />
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We got there and the line to get our car into the parking lot was so long. Once we made it in, we got our tickets and loaded up on the bus. Having no idea what we'd find at the launch, we were prepared for the unknown. We had snacks, drinks, ponchos, electronics, cameras, tripod, chairs, you name it. Luckily we had a nice tour guide and driver and a nice couple across from us. I didn't even realize until we were back from our trip that Caleb was the only kid on our bus. I didn't see too many kids on the buses. <br />
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We finally took off for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center and when we got there we went looking around at everything. The Rocket Garden was nice and Caleb enjoyed playing some of the simulator games. There were so many people there and we only had about 1.5 hours to see things before we had to be back on the bus. <br />
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With probably over 60 buses from our tour company alone, it took a while to get everyone ready to go. Our planned 5:30 am departure from KSC turned into 7:30 am. Then we were off for the Causeway. They told us to look for alligators along the way. I thought they were kidding but there was actually one in the water very close to us.<br />
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Wow! To see the Space Shuttle Atlantis on the launch pad was overwhelming. I didn't expect to get so emotional. I think I kept the tears at bay because I knew it would embarrass Caleb. By the time we parked we still had over three hours before liftoff. From the moment we got on the bus the rain was a non-issue; at least for us. We got off the bus and quickly found our spot and set up our chairs and camera equipment. <br />
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If you spoke to me before the trip, you know one of my main concerns was how we were going to go to the bathroom out in the middle of nowhere for over nine hours. I couldn't leave Caleb alone or leave all our stuff alone. As soon as I saw those porta-potties I told Caleb we were setting up right there. Problem solved. The crowd was huge but very orderly. They even had concessions so we had hamburgers at 9:00 am. <br />
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The wait for the launch didn't seem that long. Once the countdown got closer you could feel the excitement building. When they started the countdown I was a nervous mess. Then all of a sudden I heard the word you never want to hear at a time like this -- FAILURE. There was a problem with a camera or something but they fixed it and the countdown resumed. <br />
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I couldn't believe it was actually happening. We were going to witness the last Space Shuttle launch ever taking off. <br />
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My camera was set and so were we. I can't even begin to describe to you the feeling of what it is like to see the shuttle lift off. My mouth was open in awe the entire time the shuttle was lifting off. All I could say was "Oh my God!" over and over. It was unreal. Then to hear the sound carry towards us after liftoff -- there were so many emotions going through me.<br />
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First, I couldn't believe with all the weather problems throughout the week Mother Nature played nice and let the weather hold off long enough to get the launch in. Second, we actually made the trip from Texas and were lucky enough to get tickets to see it from six miles away. Third, just pure awe of watching something that you have seen only on television actually taking off and knowing that there are four people, astronauts, actually in there taking off with a huge ball of fire behind them. Going into space! <br />
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I can't say it enough. It was amazing. And life-changing. I still get chills thinking about it and just amazed at the pure genius of thousands of people who are part of the NASA team. <br />
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The next day we went back to the Kennedy Space Center because Caleb had to take part in the Space Shuttle Experience. What another amazing experience and makes me envy the ones who have been lucky enough to go up in that amazing piece of equipment. <br />
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And I must say the entire trip was totally worth it. My only regret is that we didn't do it sooner and that my sister didn't get to go with us. But I'm thankful she let me take Caleb to see it. Now I'm off to plan a trip to Great Wolf Lodge for the two kiddos who didn't get to go with us. <br />
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Even as I relive that glorious day, I always remember those who lost their lives in the Challenger and Columbia expeditions. We owe every astronaut and those who work/ed in the space program a debt of gratitude for their tremendous service and dedication.<br />
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<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/sets/72157627042465409/">Click to see all the pictures from the Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135</a>.</p><center><br />
<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922880269/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5922880269_f0764a304e_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922575085/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Alligator waiting for Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5922575085_582e996384_s.jpg" alt="Alligator waiting for Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922585363/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Caleb waiting for Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5922585363_fd8429be4a_s.jpg" alt="Caleb waiting for Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922588291/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Causeway crowd at Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5922588291_ec8bfb1922_s.jpg" alt="Causeway crowd at Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922592883/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="port-a-potties at Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5922592883_1afbcca3c7_s.jpg" alt="port-a-potties at Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922596685/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5922596685_df3ef0499e_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922599961/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5922599961_fcce3c5ac3_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923173316/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="A dolphin waiting for the Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5923173316_477c9edf9c_s.jpg" alt="A dolphin waiting for the Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923186738/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5923186738_ae392d7476_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922632781/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5922632781_13a26f4d35_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922638003/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5922638003_3f05ffba16_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923210176/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5923210176_45750a8f39_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922771183/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5922771183_cae4a77887_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922780125/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5922780125_38600340c9_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922789925/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5922789925_3af182ae48_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923359974/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5923359974_5d7d1843d5_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922798463/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5922798463_61073378c0_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922801893/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5922801893_3b0b8ce3ef_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923370272/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5923370272_8337eebd60_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922809083/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5922809083_91c0e748e5_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5922813711/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5922813711_39d0aa7ac5_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923383752/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5923383752_98621d3c2d_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923389980/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5923389980_25453c6c98_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/just-denise/5923393612/in/set-72157627042465409/" title="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5923393612_89618d05dd_s.jpg" alt="Space Shuttle Atlantis launch STS-135" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"></center><br />
</div>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-55693318786722755542011-07-23T04:50:00.000-07:002011-07-23T10:28:03.568-07:00I'm a published photographer!So, have you picked up a copy of the July/August issue of Food Network Magazine? If not, run out and get it! And quick turn to page 80. It's my photography debut. <br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/21/5514.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/21/s_5514.jpg' border='0' width='233' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Imagine my surprise when I was contacted via Flickr by not one, but two different people about using my photos in their publications. At first I was in shock at even being approached then I saw the photos they wanted to use and I was like "Really?? Out of all my photos you pick those two?" -- but it fit their needs so who was I to say anything. I'm just thrilled they wanted to use my photos at all! Thank you for picking mine!!<br />
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So here I give you my debut photo in a magazine. And not just any magazine. But one of my favorites and in a segment about one of my favorite shows. Side note - the food at Alcenia's is pure heaven. Loved it!<br />
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Food Network Magazine<br />
Page 80<br />
<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/21/5517.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/21/s_5517.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='355' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
And next, my photography debut online (well where I am given "official" credit - there are plenty of my pictures floating around without any credit). This one is of my favorite meal ever (well after turkey and dressing).... Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles. For use in <a href="http://atlanta.schmap.com/restaurants/gladys_knights?pn=11">Atlanta Schmap!</a> I seriously tell people they HAVE to eat here if they are going to Atlanta. An absolute must. <br />
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Thanks to both Food Network Magazine and Atlanta Schmap!Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25572797.post-63122545333024530922011-07-15T09:45:00.001-07:002011-07-28T07:03:17.342-07:00On the road again....One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Sclemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated. <br /><br />After not traveling for work for over a year I am back at it once again. I don't mind the traveling - it's the flying that gets to me. (more on that in another post) But I bucked up, put on my big girl panties and headed off to....wait for it.........<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2364.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2364.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Milwaukee. <br /><br />The first thing I do when I go to any city is see what professional sports teams are playing while I am in town. Having never been to Milwaukee or even considered going before I had no idea what to expect. I was excited the Brewers were playing at home so I could at least catch a game. <br /><br />Then I went to see the movie Bridesmaids and was then even more eager to go in the hopes of finding my own rugged police officer. <br /><br />I won't keep you in suspense - it didn't happen. <br /><br />But I did end up enjoying the city immensely. We had some of the best food that I've ever had there.<br /><br />Mo's. A place for steaks. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2365.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2365.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One of the best filet mignon I have ever had. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2366.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2366.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Comet Cafe...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2367.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2367.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A recommendation from Guy Fieri on Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives. The meatloaf and egg brunch item was so delicious. And so heavy. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2368.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2368.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2394.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2394.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also ate at the Harbor House and the best thing was the view of this building, which is in the latest Transformers 3 movie. Here it is pictured wingless but it's still recognizable. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2395.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2395.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The game was not what I expected but only because mister hottie Ryan Braun was sick and didn't play. He obviously didn't get my message I posted on twitter that there was an empty seat next to me or else I'm sure he would have come and kept me company. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2396.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2396.jpg' border='0' width='250' height='250' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2397.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2397.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Another perk in Milwaukee -- one of my favorite authors spoke at the conference I was at. Jennifer Weiner. I didn't make it to her speech, which by the way I heard was hysterical. I told Jennifer I followed her on Twitter and she asked if I watched The Bachelor. I think she was disappointed that I don't watch it. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/28/1354.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/28/s_1354.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(Side note: I'm not sure what I'm doing with the head tilt/chin up pose but I did it in every pic I took on this trip.)<br /><br />After Milwaukee we hit the road for my favorite city -- Chicago. Oh how I love this place. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2398.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2398.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2443.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2443.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='211' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2444.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2444.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />(I want to live in those corn cob towers.)<br /><br />We stayed out in the boonies (aka O'Hare airport) and were supposed to go to the Sox v. Cubs game. However we saw the weather was going to turn bad so we opted to go to dinner instead. And let me tell you, this place Carmine's was heaven. So good. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2402.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2402.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The best eggplant Parmesan. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/15/2403.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/15/s_2403.jpg' border='0' width='250' height='250' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Back at the hotel at the airport I'm sitting in my room reading and all of a sudden I hear an alarm going off and a voice comes over a loudspeaker saying to seek shelter immediately. To say I freaked is an understatement. I called my co-worker and asked if she was going downstairs and she laughed at me. Literally laughed at me. It was not funny to me. I've never heard a tornado siren before and I freaked. All was well though. The front desk assured me they would personally call me if I needed to vacate my room so I relaxed. The next day I did hear that there were a couple of tornados in our area that night. <br /><br />On our last night I did have an accident. I accidentally dropped a metal tripod on my sandal wearing foot and nearly broke my toe. What's a girl to do? Take it to twitter. Folks helped me with advice and that got me through the airport nearly pain-free. <br /><br />All is good. I'm back in the 100 degree heat and in the drought laden Texas.<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02144840767884290442noreply@blogger.com0