Orlando Vacation 2009

We just returned from our trip to Orlando (minus Mr. Simon who had to remain for his business convention). We are exhausted but still glowing from a WONDERFUL trip. The kids were such good travelers and it was such an awesome week. I'm feeling refreshed!
Here are some pictorial highlights (more can be found in our web album):
Jane trying to sabotage Will's nap on the plane
Finally in Orlando!


At a street carnival in Old Town Kissimmee



The view from our window (you better believe the guys golfed plenty during the week. Sidenote about our view--we could see nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom from our back porch)

Jane and Johnny taking in the view of Cinderella's castle at Magic Kingdom

Stroller parking at Magic Kingdom :-)

Janie being silly

Pa and Will on the Dumbo ride

Me and Prince Charming

Every little girl has to go on the carousel

Will LOVED meeting Lilo and Stitch (our friend Sarah Barfoot was Stitch!)

Will getting ready to feed Pooh "hunny" at Pooh's Thotful Spot

All pooped out on the Monorail after a fun day at Magic Kingdom

Downtown Disney






Will and Sarah Barfoot (We got to spend an afternoon with her. She was so sweet to give each of the kids a Disney stuffed animal of the characters she plays at Magic Kingdom. Stitch for Will and Minnie for Jane)

Enjoying a treat at the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain on a 98 degree/98 percent humidity afternoon


A real live gator at a Gatorland show (the guys actually saw a wild one while they were golfing, no joke)

Lots of fun at resort pools

Packing for Disneyworld

Today was full of laundry, packing and fun anticipation in the Simon household as we prepare to make the trek to Disneyworld bright and early tomorrow morning (I can still hear Will talking and singing in his room, so tomorrow will probably come all too soon for him). John has a conference in Orlando in about a week and we couldn't pass up the chance to head down early for a fun vacation. My Dad is also coming with us which will make the trip even more fun and special. We haven't flown with both kids since Jane was about 6 weeks old, so tomorrow could be interesting. Can't wait to get down there and have a good time!

Fun with face paint (which also turned into body paint as you can see)


Janie being cute

Helping me pack food for Olive, who won't be making the trip with us :-)

Trying on a life jacket that we'll bring with us to the resort

First Visit to the Dentist

I am VERY proud of Will for how awesome he did at his first dentist visit this morning. The office we went to did such a great job at making him feel important, listened to and not afraid. He was a little anxious at first, but once Pooh Bear (and I) sat with him on the examination chair and he made friends with the hygienist, all was well. After introducing him to all the instruments and letting him try them out, he eventually let them clean and floss his teeth! The dentist says all looks good which I was happy to hear.
I have friends that would literally rather give birth than go to the dentist, so I'm glad that Will started off on the right note and is actually going to look forward to his next visit rather than fear it.

Will looking a little nervous at first, but he was soon put at ease with the great dentist and hygienist. Having Pooh there helped, I'm sure!


Will could've played in the waiting room for hours.

Celebratory Weekend

We had a lot of fun celebrations this weekend! On Friday, our dear friends Phil and Leah had their baby boy, Isaiah Andrew Painter. In my excitement to hold him and hug the new parents, I didn't get any pictures but I will soon. He is healthy and beautiful!
On Saturday, we attended a friend's wedding. The reception was on the Skansonia Ferry, an old retired boat that is docked on Lake Union and has been converted into an event facility.
Yesterday, we had a bday celebration for my sister and Dad with the Myers extended fam.

Family Birthday Celebration
Gretchen and Dad

Aunt Mary (my Dad's sis) with John

Libby and John

Jenkins/Gill wedding reception


Oh yeah, and Clara and Jane are both potty trained! Yeah, right :-)

San Jose Visitors

We had a fun visit from some California relatives this past week. Dirk's sister, Patti and her daughter, Marissa flew up along with John's Grandma Dorothy (Dirk's Mom). Jane had yet to meet these relatives so it was an extra special time. We have had ideal weather here in Seattle lately and have been trying to live it up with as much time spent outside as possible including outings to the zoo and parks galore. Another added source of entertainment for the kids this past week was the installation of a new roof on our house. Will was especially excited about all the trucks and workers coming and going and has been pretending to be a "roofer" all week.
Jane enjoying the park

Trying to pick all of G&G's baby tomatoes

Will and Grandpa D at Coulon Park

Janie and Grandma at Ivars

An un-planned but much enjoyed mud bath


Will and his Great Uncle John (Nedra's brother)

Wrestling with Grandpa Dirk

Will and cousin, Marissa (age 15)

Will leading Great Grandma Dorothy to the playground

Will trying out Grandpa and Grandma's crop of pear apples (he eats at least 2/day)

Jane (15 months) and Clara (18 months)

Yet another picture of Will and his Pooh

Can't forget to mention that the Huskies pulled off an amazing win against USC last weekend!

These are a few of their favorite things...

Playing in Dirt


Grandpas and Grandmas



Playing in boxes

Looking at photo albums


Bugs and Spiders

Pajama Party

We had a little breakfast-time party this morning with the Myers cousins (minus baby John who was taking a marathon nap) complete with Mickey Mouse pancakes made by the talented Libby.
sidenote: yes, I realize that the huge and hairy tarantula next to Will is creepy, but the kid loves spiders!