::disney with my parents::

I am very lucky that my parents joined the Disney Vacation Club in 1997.  Due to that good choice on their part I get to go to Disney a few times a year.  Josh and I try to go at least once a year just us.  Josh decided this year that we should talk my parents into coming with us, for an adult only Disney adventure.  

My Dad loved all the ears I have been making

It ended up being the most pleasant trip I have every had with my parents.  We went for three night and really tried to set the pace fairly slow and relaxed.  

  

Josh never gets enough Dole Whip.  

We are in love with AP.  It's a super fancy perk for us that we don't do every year.  

I got a new vintage cut Disney dress this trip.  I came right home and made ears to match it.  The Mary Poppins theme was just too cute.  

Treats in France are always a tradition.  

We tried the new Nomads Lounge for a break from Animal Kingdom.  

Dad loved it.  

Margaritas in Mexico and vintage red Coach backpack are more Disney traditions.  

It was Flower and Garden at Epcot.  I loved the Figment topiary.  And I loved getting to wear my Tiki Room dress.  I loved dressing up to play in the parks every day.  

::Little Mama the silkie with her babies::

I love living on a farm so much.  Seeing new babies makes my heart sing.  I got a pair of silkies chickens from a friend this winter.  I had heard that silkies can get broody but I hadn't had the chance to see it in action before.  My rooster had been locked in with my hen for a few weeks and she laid her nest of eggs and carefully sat on them.  She's such a great girl and so sweet with her babies.  She hatched out her three little babies and has been taking such good care of them.    

On day two I went out to make sure she had fresh food and water.  After I gave it to her she got out of her nest and clucked at the babies to follow her lead.  Here is a video of her showing them the ropes.  Prepare to die from the cute.  

::parenting a teenage::

Lily and Poppy - BFF

Yes - I have been through this age with Emma.  She is 20 now and off at school being a almost grown up.  But that was totally different.  She had a mom.  She had a very good mother who was very involved and it wasn't my job to try and be that role.  This round of teen daughter it is my turn to lead the charge.  It's a terrifying amount of responsibility.  How in the world can I be in charge of this crew?  Doesn't everyone know I have no idea what I'm doing besides how to plan a Disney trip?

I've got to tell you, I LOVE parenting this Lily teen of mine.  She's 14 now.  We moved her schools about 1.5 years ago.  It was a huge gamble.  We were coming close to family (1.5 miles away) but we were leaving what we knew.  BEST CHOICE WE HAVE MADE SINCE HAVING QUINN!  I love our new little town.  Our whole family fits right in.  There are just enough hippies and yuppies for us to blend in, but enough of an artist vibe that we can be our slightly weird selves and it be cute not crazy.  

Cast as Wendy

That seems to be exactly the experience that my Lily is having.  She is living her best life.  Her musical and theater talents are being developed by her teachers, and she is thriving in that.  She was in the head choir and got the vocal lead in her school play.  We found a summer theater camp for her to do and she got another primes role (exactly the one she wanted) and Miss Hannigan in Annie.  She's going to rock that.  She's taught herself to play the ukulele and is getting better and better every day.  This kid just loves music and singing and I love seeing her be successful.  She is participating in an open to the public talent show and I am excited for her.
 

    

Most importantly, she has found the best little group of friends.  They call themselves the Dream Team.  It's a nice group of 4 girls that are so loving and supportive to each other.  The kind of friends that might be stay friends forever.  She had friends at our old school but not like this crew.  These girls are wonderful and I am so happy she has them in her life.  

Now, she still have her teen moments.  She roles her eyes or rages out about something or another.  She can loose it on a little brother in a way that is somewhat scary.  But she is quick to apologize and take responsibility for her choices and actions.  I can't wait to see how this little Lily keeps rolling along.