Tuesday, November 18, 2008

It's Just Beachy Down Here

We spent the last four days at the beach and just arrived in Orlando today. We are having a great time, but I completely packed wrong. Today was sunny and beautiful, but we are dressed in layers. It has been in the mid to high 60s. It is definitely not shorts and sun dress weather. Tomorrow is our first day at Disney and we had to go shopping tonight to dress for tomorrow's high of 61. It's supposed to be warmer the rest of the week. We're having a great time, though, and the girls and their daddy braved the cold ocean water. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the first few days.

The first afternoon the ocean and sky were very gray. We were just thankful that it didn't rain, as the forecast had predicted. This is Mia's first view of the beach, as she was running from our condo. What a happy girl!

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The second morning, we drove south to a different beach. It was such a gorgeous morning! I have tried very hard to stop relying on auto mode and take all of our vacation photos in a/v or manual mode. The sky kept changing from dark to bright every few minutes and I had to keep changing my camera settings. I couldn't keep up with the ever-changing sky. I don't know how professionals do this!

My mom flew down with us and Nolan's mom was supposed to fly down to be with us today, but unfortunately, she has a bad ear infection and could not fly. (We miss you, Jo Ann!!) I love this picture of my mom and the girls walking to the water.

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Sunday evening I tried for Christmas card photos. I had grand plans for the images I wanted to capture, but the temperatures and wind put a damper on that. The poor girls froze, but were such troopers. They were such great models that we took them to a candy store to pick out whatever they wanted. They really did earn it. It was freezing!! Look closely, you might see teeth chattering. (I'm not posting my favorites, as I want to save those for the Christmas cards.)

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On Monday, we went to Busch Gardens and had a really fun day.

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Today, we went to downtown Disney. I just love the look on the girls' faces when they see themselves in the mirror after getting their faces painted.
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Tomorrow morning, we're having breakfast with the princesses at Cinderella's Castle. I'd better go get some beauty sleep!
p.s. If you haven't already, be sure to scroll down and leave a comment on the post below to register for my little giveaway.

19 comments:

Jboo said...

You're doing a terrific job -- gorgeous photos! Your girls are so adorable!! And it looks so beautiful there!

Have fun at Disney.

Janet

Stefanie said...

Oh my, how DREAMY!! We are freezing our hineys off up here!!
The pictures are awesome :)

Ohilda said...

Oh, Michelle! How I wish I would've known you were 20 minutes away from me. I would have absolutely LOVED to take a peek at your little beauties in person, even if just "in the passing".

Enjoy your time in the "Sunshine State".

And of course, I can't sign off without saying that the girls look STUNNING!

Hugs,

Ohilda

mommy24treasures said...

fun fun, what beautiful face painting! So glad you you caught it on film:)
Caitlyn fell asleep tonight talking about riding the dumbos soon!!!!!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

You look like you are having a wonderful time!! The pictures are BEAUTIFUL....look at that sky!!!

I especially like the pics of the girls in their white dresses....I am sure the Christmas cards will be just perfect!!

Have fun with Cinderella!

Lisa

Rydley said...

Love the jumping shot! It just radiates joy. Such beautiful photos!

Patty said...

Two years ago we did Disney the same week...we froze too! Your Christmas cards are gonna be gorgeous if those weren't even the best ones of the day. I thought all of those pics were awesome. Have a great time and bring back some of that sunshine!

Sarah said...

hey there... FYI - my mother in law works in the Disney character department. :) Let me know if you ever "need" anything re characters at the Magic Kingdom.

fleur de lis cottage said...

Your photos and subjects are so adorable. Looks like everyone is having a great time.

Pixel Fairy Princess said...

Love your images! I am so jealous because it is so cold here! Love the face painting :D Looks like a great trip!

Ladybug hugs,
;D

Stacy said...

Hey Michelle! What great pictures...and hey..enjoy the 60's. It's been 20-30 here!

LaLa said...

These are all so great!!! Happy you are having fun : )

Marla said...

What a fun vacation, I hope the weather cooperates. The pictures are great as always and the girls look so excited, enjoy.

Stacy said...

Hi Michelle! Thanks for posting while you are away. We leave for Indian Rocks Beach (just south of Clearwater) on Saturday. I'm thinking I better pack some warmer clothes. It would figure- I'm already packed (I NEVER pack early because it is one of my most dreaded tasks! Ha!). Your girls look SO cute! I love the pictures on the beach. Have fun at Disney! Stacy

Missy said...

Hey lady!
I don't know how I have missed your photos, but I am so glad I stopped by. Your images are amazing!!! Enjoy every moment with your precious family.

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

Hi M~

Loved seeing and hearing about your adventure so far. Okay, I know you're a perfectionist and have the perfect picture in mind but I'm blown away by how good the ones you posted are.

So happy your sweet family is having a lovely trip. You've captured it all so well. (Except where are you with your face painted?)

Please pray for Heather's Emily. She's been in the hospital and has had a terrible bug.

Love and fun!
Lisa

Heather said...

Awww Michelle - I have to say how much I'd love to be on this vacation!! The girls look simply gorgeous in every single picture and they are having such fun, what a joy:) Enjoy every moment and include us in as many of those moments as you can!

Thank you for your sweet, sweet message today - so many friends have been so faithful - we are truly blessed. Why is it again we don't live closer?? This evening Em seemed a bit better, so we are hoping for an upswing.

Keep those princesses popping on our screens friend!

Love,
Heather

Somewhere In The Sun said...

Looks like SO much fun! I LOVE the face painting.

~Lynn

kitchu said...

welcome to my neck of the woods!! yes, it does get cold once in a blue moon here (and we're loving it since we deal with sweltering heat 6-7 months out of the year)- hope it warms up some more for you this week though! these pics are GORGEOUS!!