Turning 42

Yes...I turned 42 on October 17th. Fortunately my birthday fell on a Saturday this year and I did not have to spend the day at work. George and the kids let me sleep in, which I took total advantage of and I stayed in my PJs the rest of the day. It was very much a fall day out so I decided to make some chilli (perfect weather for it) for the family. I finally got a chance to finish watching the first season of Rescue Me (one of my favorite shows) and did a few loads of wash. All in all I had a very relaxing day. I am normally on the go on the weekends so this was a nice change. Each year for my birthday I normally try and think of three things I would like to accomplish throughout the year. This year I would like to drop 20lbs so I signed up for Weight Watchers (attend the meetings) and I am currently down 7 pounds so I am well on my way with that goal. I would also like to try rock climbing, hiking and I would like to to take a zumba class (latin dance). These are the things always wanted to try but always seemed to find an excuse NOT to do them. Hoping 42 is a good year. As long as I have my family and we all have our health I cannot complain.

Disney World 2009 - Orlando, Florida

This year George and I took the kids to Disney World for vacation. It was Jacob and Gracie's first visit and their very first time on an airplane and it was Georgie's second visit. We purchased 5-day park hoppers and managed to hit all four parts during our five day visit (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios). I must admit Magic Kingdom was and always will be my favorite park. While we were there, we met up with some friends that drove in from Tampa to spend the day at Hollywood Studios with us (Carlos, his wife Jen, his son Aaron and his daughter Victoria).
We were fortunate enough to stay on Disney at the Shades of Green Hotel which was a nice hotel, but nothing compared to the Contemporary Hotel we stayed at during our last visit. While we were there the kids managed to hit as many rides as they could and utilized the swimming pool each night as well. One evening Lil' George and I went to Magic Kingdom by ourselves to see the fireworks over the castle, which were just incredible and it was one of my favorite moments at Disney. I posted a few pictures that I took - they are a little blurry but I loved them. Another great memory is taking Gracie to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the castle and having her hair, makeup, nails etc... all done up - she had a wonderful time and looked like such a princess. I would love to be able to take the kids back again some day (5 years or so). Jacob and Gracie got on rides I never thought they would even think of riding such as "Tower of Terror" - I was shocked that Gracie went on the ride, I honestly don't think she had a clue what the ride was about until she got on it because she played it off as if she liked it but I could not get her back on the ride again. Jacob was just fearless and willing to go on anything in the park (that's my boy). My favorite ride is Rock-n-Roll roller coaster - I did forget how fast the take off was and I have to admit my stomach did turn a bit but I was fine by the time the ride ended.
I thought September was a good time to hit Disney as far as the weather goes, but I was mistaken because the heat was just overbearing at times. A dream of mine is to spend at least one Christmas at Disney, I think that would be awesome - who knows...maybe some day that dream just might come true.