Where Dreams Come True

Well, I am finally getting around to blogging about our trip to Disney World! (This is me resisting the urge to analyze why my days go by so quickly. Let's just say, I have accepted the fact that I am horrible at time management.)

Tom and I honeymooned, 7 years ago, in Disney World and ever since then I have been dreaming of the day we would go back with our children. We finally got that chance in March, and though it wasn't a cheap vacation, it was worth every penny. Though you can't put a price on the incredible memories we made and the bonding time we had as a family.

The boys as we got ready to leave home.

We left on Friday, March 25th, stopped at a Chick-fil-A in North Carolina somewhere for dinner, and then drove as far as Florence, SC (after about a 7 hour drive). We stayed overnight in a little, not-as-clean-as-I-would-like hotel room at a busy Fairfield Inn. (Which was right next to a Mello Mushroom.) The next morning we grabbed a basic breakfast at the hotel and hopped back on the interstate by around 9:00am or so.

I can't remember what town we stopped in for lunch, but I think it was in Florida. For the first time ever we went as a family to McDonalds. (Tennyson still mentions it when we drive past one.) The boys wolfed down their food and we kept on driving. I still can not believe what amazing travelers the boys were! I am not exaggerating, there was maybe a total of 30 minutes of fussing/crying on Raleigh's part the whole way down and none at all from Tennyson. Amazing indeed! Of course, it helped immensely to have the computer so they could watch DVDs. We tried to limit that so they could enjoy looking at the windows, too, and see some new things.

Holding hands as we drive

As we got closer to our hotel the excitement was really starting to kick in! It was SO exciting to drive under the huge "Welcome to Disney World" sign!

This is what you see as you enter the parking lot for Pop Century.

As we were walking up to the lobby I actually started crying. I couldn't believe we had made it and we there with our children! I was just overwhelmed with excitement! We got checked in and after potty-breaks we went to find our room. Pop Century Resort is a HUGE 2,880 room hotel with sections of rooms representing 5 eras: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. We were given room 0201 in the 70s, which apparently is a great location, not too far to the main lobby, gift area, and food court.

The impressive lobby

Our room before we "moved in" for the next 7 nights

After we got settled in and grabbed dinner at the food court (the boys were too excited to eat anything). We decided to go to the pool. Raleigh did not care for the baby pool because the large water geysers were really loud. He did enjoy swimming a bit with me in the big pool. Tennyson, of course, l-o-v-e-s the water, and Tom and I think he would have been happy just to stay at the hotel and go swimming everyday. It was almost a perfect night, except there was a little incident at the pool. Tennyson was excited to try the big pool and despite my pleas to wait he walked down the steps into the pool.....and.kept.going. It was like I was frozen and I remember thinking "Hmmm, he can't swim. I should probably get him." For some dumb reason I didn't jump in, but told Tom, who was making his way from the baby pool to hurry up. By that time, some kind and quick-thinking bystander got in (with his clothes on) and saved him! I couldn't thank him enough! Poor Tennyson was fine but understandably upset, as was I. You can tell I have no medical emergency background.

By the baby pool

Tennyson enjoying the water

Well, after the excitement we were all beat and decided it was bathtime and bedtime. Bright and early the next morning we were going to the Magic Kingdom for our first day in Disney World!

Magical Memories

LOTS more to come on our awesome trip to DISNEY WORLD in April!!!!!

Cocoa-Vegas Vacation Part 2

On Monday (4.6) Tom, Tennyson, and I went to The Outlets at Hershey. It was cooler and windier than I thought, but I didn't want to stay indoors because I do that at home most of the time anyway. The highlight was the Disney Store (a shock, I know), where we bought Tennyson a Mickey Mouse placemat, bowl, and fork and spoon set, all for under $10. He was very excited about those!

We headed back to Chocolate World for lunch and of course we couldn't resist one more ride. It turned out not to be such a great idea. Tennyson was fussy and tired and refused to eat. So we cut things short and went back home to put him down for a nap. (We did manage to get in another ride though, and Tennyson was much more animated this time around.)

That night Lynley, Dan, and our little family went to Red Robin for dinner. We always go when we're in Hershey cuz I loves me some RR! We kind of rushed through dinner though because my sister had arranged an awesome surprise for Tennyson, a chance to see the Penn State medical helicopter, the Life Lion. Lynley's co-worker is dating one of the guys who works for the emergency transport. As soon as we got out of the car we heard the helicopter getting ready to take off. So Dan grabs Tennyson and goes running with him across the field. Meanwhile, I amtrying to grab the camera yelling, "Um, Dan wait. I need a photo!" Tom caught it on video, which Tennyson still wants to watch every day, over and over again. Tennyson was so cute hanging on to Dan saying "Opter! Opter!" Then we went into the hanger to see the other Life Lion. Tennyson was SO excited to see it up close and also to see a riding lawn mower, too! Ha ha ha!!

It was great to see his big, blue eyes light up, and his excitement made us all excited! Thanks, Lynley, for giving Tennyson such a great memory from our visit! It was the highlight for sure!

With Uncle Dan (and Lynley in the background)
watching the helicopter taking off

He even got to sit in the Life Lion!

Driving the tractor

Playing with Cheeto

Mmmm, fondue! Complete with pound cake,
strawberries, bananas, and pretzels for dipping!

On Tuesday we mostly stayed around the house, knowing that the next day we had a 3-4 hour trip ahead of us. We thought it best to keep Tennyson out of the car. Well, I honestly can't remember what else we did that day besides make a great dinner that night. Tom and Lynley made a fire in the fireplace, since it was a chilly night, and once Tennyson went to bed and Dan got home, we sat around the fire eating chocolate fondue and playing games. It was such a special way to end our vacation! The next morning we packed up, I threw a load of sheets and towels in the washer, and we met Lynley and Dan for lunch at The Hershey Pantry. It's such a quaint little eatery, and we somehow always end up eating there, too! (Yes, we ate LOTS of good food in Hershey!)

Thanks Lynley and Dan for having us! We really enjoyed our visit, and we are looking forward to coming back with Baby Boy Bates in the fall!

Cocoa-Vegas Vacation Part 1

I am a little behind in the world of blogging because the day after we got back from our vacation we had scheduled my 20-week ultrasound. So I have been mentally.....preoccupied. But I find myself with a few moments here to catch up on what we did over our spring break. (Tom's school was closed and I didn't keep any kids the whole week!!!!) It's so nice to have family that lives in a tourist destination, so we can go on a vacation for practically nothing.

We left for Hershey, PA on April 3rd to stay with my sister, Lynley and her husband, Dan. The trip there was almost uneventful. Tennyson threw up about an hour from our destination. Tom pulled over to the side of the road, but I didn't like the idea of stopping there for too long. I had to get Tennyson cleaned up though. So we pulled off at the next rest stop, where only a rundown gas station and not one, but two, strip clubs were. It was like something in a bad movie, let me tell you. So it was not a difficult decision where we would park so I could tend to Tennyson. Thankfully, there was another family there doing much the same thing. So long story short, it was cold, Tennyson was crying, and it was practically windy enough to blow me over (hence the door of our tank-like Maxima closing on my head). It was not fun.

So we finally got to my sister's and settled in for the night. As I expected Tennyson didn't have a great first night there, but every other night he slept like a champ and took no less than a 3-hour nap every day we were there! I can't blame him. I never sleep well the first night in a new place either.

Saturday we headed to Wegman's, or as I like to call it, The World's Most Awesomest Grocery Store. Going there makes grocery shopping enjoyable! Not only is it spotless, but they have tons of selection in every category, from Kosher to flowers to a seafood bar. They have an eat-in area, too, so that's where we ate lunch that day. They had pizza, subs, a salad bar, Chinese food, hot food, soup, etc. And it is gooood food, too! If you get the chance to stop in a Wegman's, do it, but be forewarned you may not want to leave.

I can't remember what we did Saturday night, but Sunday was probably the best day of our trip for me. At 9:00AM my dear friend, Lisa, and had made us appointments at The Chocolate Spa (in The Hotel Hershey) for chocolate pedicures! Oh...my....word. They were amazing! It was great to relax, be pampered, and spend hours talking, uninterrupted. After our pedicures we headed to the Quiet Room. We sat in front of the fireplace eating muffins and drinking tea and hot chocolate. Then we walked around the Oasis Dining Room and some of the hotel grounds. The flowers had bloomed yet, but it was still lovely and peaceful. Thank you Lisa for a memorable time!

The ceiling in part of the spa

The courtyard off the Oasis Dining Room

The Oasis Dining Room, where a light lunch was $25/person

I so wanted to lie down on those oversized, leather seats and take a nap!
I thought the window treatments were beautiful

Sunday afternoon Tom, Tennyson, Lynley, and I went to Chocolate World where we, of course, bought chocolate and rode the little ride that tells you how chocolate is made. (I won't post any photos since it hasn't changed since the last time we went.) But this time around Tennyson could really enjoy it. The first time we went on it he wasn't so sure and I don't think he moved or blinked the entire time! It was so cute! (We went on it again a couple days later and he was a little more animated.)

That evening Tom, Tennyson, and I went to see Scott, Lisa, and the kids, and to eat at Pizzatown. We always try to go there when we're in town. Scott and Lisa introduced it to us during a weekend visit to their home in the summer of 2006 and we have been hooked ever since! Afterwards we went to the playground at Messiah College so the kids could burn some energy. Lisa took a few photos of us to remember the day by.

I will post more later on Monday and Tuesday's adventures in Chocolatetown, including Tennyson's upclose encounter with a helicopter! He was one happy little boy thanks to his Aunt Lynley! Check back later....

Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum

On Saturday, January 10th, we headed to the Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, VA. Since Tennyson loves airplanes we thought he would enjoy seeing real ones and did he ever! My sister, Dawn, and her family went, too, so it was fun to spend some time with all six of them as well! I had been to the museum back in 2006, but Tom goes every May for the 8th grade field trip to DC. It's such a neat place, full of all sorts of fascinating aviation artifacts.

I don't remember the name of every plane we photographed. Next time, I'll have to write down the name, stats, and history behind each one we take a photo of. We had so much fun and hope to go back again soon and give our little boy an up-close view of the airplanes he loves so much!

I thought this pocket-sized plane was cute!

Isn't the artwork on this one amazing?

The cousins

This was taken in the observation tower overlooking the Dulles airport.

Tom's favorite, The Hurricane

Outer space has never been interesting to me,
but it was kind of cool to see a replica of the space shuttle.

Sad, but true. The big, silver plane is the one that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

Over the River and Through the Woods

...To grandmother's house we went. You know how almost everything in life turns out differently than you expect? I was looking forward to finally having a mini-break, no housework, no one else's child to care for, and just some relaxation with my man and our little guy at my grandmother's house on the river last weekend. Unfortunately, it was anything but relaxing......

I woke up early Thursday morning around 4:00am because my legs were itching. This is followed by a nightmare that I am pregnant again. (Oh, not now!) I get a little bit more sleep and get on with my day, not noticing the itching, probably because I was too busy packing and cleaning my house before heading on the road. Right before we left I noticed red marks all over my ankles. Ah, good thing I have the motherload of anti-itch cream that was oh so useless last summer. I spread it on and down the interstate we go. We get about an hour into our 3-hour tour when I notice that the irregular bumps are spreading almost before my eyes and the itching is enough to make me crazy. Meanwhile, Tennyson, who had woken up 20 minutes into his afternoon nap at home is pretty much crying and fussing the entire time. (Very unlike him, you will find out why later.) So I page my brother -in-law for some free medical advice (yes, he's a doctor). I try to describe the rash the best way I can and we deduce they are some kind of crazy bug bite and he advises taking an antihistamine. Luckily, the "problem" is below knee level. There's something to be thankful for.....temporarily.

Well, I am trying not to scratch my legs bloody when about another 30 minutes passes and the bumps have only doubled and tripled in size. This...is...so...not...good. Thankfully, Tennyson finally fell asleep, just in time for me to have a breakdown. I was having flashbacks to being very pregnant and having that h-o-r-r-i-b-l-e rash all over my legs last summer. It was just too much to handle. So I get myself together and call my grandmother and get directions to the nearest emergency medical facility to her home.

We roll into the parking lot about 20 minutes before their 9:00pm closing time. I desperately wanted them to give me a steroid shot in the lobby, but alas, I had to actually see the doctor. So $90 and 20 minutes later they tell me I have hives and prescribe a steroid and an antihistamine. After all that we finally pull into my grandmother's driveway 4 hours after we leave home. What a long trip already.

Friday we take our time getting to Costco, a place I normally love, but they were apparently short-staffed or drunk or something because it took them 2 hours to fill my Rx. HONESTLY!!! It's not rocket science, people. Tennyson could have counted out pills faster than that! Due to the tappering-off schedule of the steroids I decide to start taking them the next morning. I have noticed however that the hives were much improved and I start to wonder why I bothered to get the Rx filled at all. Ah ha, the hopeless optimist.

We head out to my uncle's beautiful riverfront property for dinner on Friday and by the time we get there I am having a full-blown attack complete with new spots on my upper legs. Oh CRAP!!! After a few hours of food and visiting, we head home to put Tennyson to bed, noticing that he's been a little out of sorts, but not thinking too much of it. Finally my hubby and are relaxing a little on the couch, watching "Monk" and "Psych" when I realize that I am itching all over my lower back and stomach. So I go into the bathroom to inspect and sure enough I am covered in red bumps. I take 2 anti-histamine pills and call it night. Bad idea.

Tennyson had a rough night and I could barely stay awake to help with the situation. I spent most of Saturday morning in bed, trying to wake up. Don't worry, I haven't taken those pills since. I am on day #4 of the steroids however and so far the hives haven't returned. There's some good news!

We decide to leave late Saturday so Tennyson will sleep on the way home and all starts off well. He's asleep before we hit the highway, but we made a fateful stop for gas. He wakes up and literally screams and cries the rest of the home. Saturday, 10:30pm, home. I have no desire to ever leave my house again.

I will be posting some happy photos I took over the weekend. It hardly makes up for the trip, but there were some good things that came out of it. My aunt, uncle, cousin, and his wife finally got to meet Tennyson and we got to spend some quality time with my 86-year old grandmother!

We racked our brains trying to figure out what in the world caused the hives, but as yet it's unexplained. I hope and pray it was just an isolated incident.

Oh yes, I did say that I would tell you why Tennyson was out of sorts. We think after 51 weeks of life on this earth he is finally cutting teeth. Oh Lord, please give me the strength to see this through. Amen.

Does Life Ever Slow Down?

We have had such a busy week I can hardly think straight. Last Thursday we headed to Hershey to stay overnight at my sister's on the way to NJ for Tom's brother's wedding. We got to the Garden State Friday afternoon and thankfully were able to rest and freshen up before heading to the church. Saturday morning was spent at the Garden State Plaza mall. Oh how I miss real places to shop! Tom forgot his dress shoes and we desperately needed an compact, umbrella stroller for Tennyson. The wedding was nice (though a bit long, sorry Buddy), but unfortunately I wasn't able to get as many photos as I was hoping to. Tennyson had been passed around to so many people and was overwhelmed by all the new faces that he was in Mommy-mode for most of the trip. So here's your common sense tip of the day: it's hard to take good photos while holding a squirmy baby. Brilliant, huh?

But it was so nice to see Tom's family (and his former church family), especially since most of them hadn't met Tennyson yet. I mean, honestly, how did they survive that long? And if I had $1 for every time someone remarked how much he looks like his Daddy I'd be rich!

Here is a photo of the tables, Maricel at the alter, and Buddy singing to his new bride during the ceremony.

To add to the craziness this was Tom's last week of school, so he's officially finished up his 6th year at BRCS! Where has the time gone? For those of you wondering, yes my handsome man will be in full Civil War period clothing (WOOL) in 90+ degree heat in Harper's Ferry over the summer. So if you need something to do and you don't mind melting...... We took Tennyson when he was 3 months old to see what Daddy's passion is, so I think it might be time for another trip soon.

That's all the time I have for now. Check back soon because this new Mom has LOTS of photos of her little one to post.

Chocolatetown

Well, we were finally able to get out of town for the weekend and went to visit my sister, Lynley, and her husband, Dan, in Hershey, PA. I was a little unsure how Tennyson would do on the 3-hour car ride since the last trip we took was right after Christmas, but he did surprisingly well. But he was definitely ready to be out of his carseat by the end of the 3 hours! I took this shot of a rainbow as we drove up. Not bad considering the car was going about 70 mph.


By the time we got to my sister's and unloaded most of our worldly possessions into their home it was time for the little guy to get to bed. (It's amazing how much stuff baby needs! Good thing my sister's house is roomy!)

Saturday was a super fun day! My friend, Lisa, and her family came over to my sister's house and then we all went to lunch at Isaac's, a yummy sandwich place, to celebrate Lisa's 29th birthday! (Crazy, huh? 29 again!) Next on the agenda, Chocolate World, a first for Lisa, Scott, and the kids.


Once inside Chocolate World we rode the ride which explains the wonderful and exciting journey cocoa beans take to become those confections we have come to love (Hershey Kisses, Kit Kats, Reeces, Mounds, etc.). Lynley carried Tennyson around and somehow he managed to sleep through almost all of Chocolate World. Upon leaving the ride you are directed to their giant store full of....yes, chocolate, but also candies, baked goods, and much more. A feast for the eyes and the waistline. Groan.

Please note his adorable "Hershey" shirt, purchased on a trip to Chocolate World last spring.)

After (reluctantly) leaving we all headed over to the Hotel Hershey. It was such a nice day and the flowers were in full bloom. We took lots of pictures in the gardens....

Tennyson and his lady friend

Can you tell our son does not like sitting in the grass? I think that will change in time.

This photo hardly does these gorgeous tulips justice.

How wonderful to make good family memories.