October 27, 2008 Disney World Edition

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Hello Everyone-

WOW! What a week we have had.

On October 16 we woke the kids at 6 am and surprised them with a video detailing our trip to Disney World over their fall break. Our plane left at 10:30 that morning and we were packed and ready to go. The kids had no idea. It truly was the surprise of their life.

We spent 8 sunny days in beautiful Orlando on Disney property. We were able to see all 4 of the parks more than once. We had some great meals and met some great characters along the way. The kids filled up their autograph books and posed for over 1100 photos. We would wake up and leave our room by 9 am most days only to return sometime around 11 or midnight.

I have to brag for a minute and say I have the BEST kids any parent could ask for. They were ANGELS the entire time we were gone. They begged for nothing, they cried for nothing and they were just happy go lucky kids. They had so much fun and were so consumed with excitement that lasted for days.

We learned a few things about Gavin while we were gone. He loves characters.....even Captain Hook! He LOVES rice krispie treats.....chocolate covered is best. He really can thrive on only a brief nap per day and still smiles like always. He loves to see a good parade! He likes elephants, giraffes and okapi. Tigger makes him laugh and Pooh does too. He thinks he is old enough to share a beer with daddy and not get caught. He likes to be a big boy and sit on the curb with his brother and sister for parades and shows. He can sleep through the noise of Indiana Jones and Beauty and the Beast. He HATES fireworks and really is not into 3D movies all that much. He does like to chew on 3D glasses. If you are not quick enough he now stands in his high chair and will make a move to get out....if he thinks you are not watching!

Gavin had his last flu shot the other day. At his appointment he weighed in just shy of 13 lbs. He is growing in more ways than one. He is starting to look more and more like a little boy and less and less like a little baby. He can pull himself up to virtually anything these days and loves to cruise. He adores his new activity table and will play there for hours. He likes to roll the ball back and forth with his brother and Ian claims he can play catch as well. He is still on Synthroid for growth and will remain on it for 3 years minimum. He will begin receiving synagis in November as we enter into RSV season. We are back into really good handwashing and being pretty cautious who we invite over that may expose him to that evil winter cold. While we were gone we discovered that Gavin was getting 2 more new teeth. Those top two are about to pop through any day now. I would look for Gavin to be walking very soon. He is very impatient and does not really like to sit still for too long these days....he wants to get down and go.

Ian and Brooke are back in school as of today. They were both excited to go back and tell all of their friends about their trip. Colin returned to work......a bit hesitantly I think.......as for me, just trying to get ourselves back into a routine. Gavin was able to take a 3 hour nap today. I was able to get to the gym this morning. The house is clean and I am working to finish the remains of Florida laundry. Life is good in our house.

We are looking forward to Halloween this week and the kids cannot wait to go trick or treating. Stay tuned to see their costumes because they totally changed gears on us last week. I will keep it a surprise for them to show to you.

Thanks again for all of your continued thoughts and support. This past week was amazing for us to be able to share together as a family. It was a treat for Ian and Brooke for all they were through last year when Gavin was in the hospital and to see their excitement and enthusiasm really was a treat for all of us!

Peace and Love-

Colin, Juanita, Ian, Brooke and Gavin