A Belated Happy Thanksgiving!

We are back from our second home at the House of Mouse. ;)

It was a little chillier than we prefer, but not compared to normal November weather at home. It could not have been too bad because Rachel managed to get some swimming in on Sunday and again on Friday. The days in between really were not warm enough for the pools though. We spent Monday in the theme parks, Tuesday at Cape Canaveral, and Wednesday at the Orlando Science Center (a nice day trip for families with kids BTW.. we also saw the Our Body exhibit http://www.osc.org/specialevent/ourbody.htm while we were there which was amazing even for someone who has disseted a cadaver). On Thursday, we hit Downtown Disney and some outlets before meeting up with my sister, BIL, niece, nephew, Goofy and Pluto for Thanksgiving dinner at one of the resorts. On Friday, we resort hopped, visiting most of the huge gingerbread installations created by the WDW chefs. I think our favorite was the actual working gingerbread and chocolate carousel at the Beach Club. Each creation had hidden Mickeys to find, a new passion for Rachel. After that, we hit the pool and then headed for the airport in the Black Friday traffic.

Hmmm... and I've been wondering my legs are so sore! LOL

I know... it's not fair to talk about it all without pictures, but they will have to wait. Still too much going on here. We're going to meet our new family member this afternoon (baby Marco was born a week ago today to SIL and BIL) and Sunday is, of course, Nutcracker rehearsal day. Rachel's huge Ethnic Pride project is due this week, including her costume that we *just* designed this morning. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that I don't actually have to run out and buy fabric to finish it! We were able to pull it together from clothing I already own. One good thing about being a packrat I guess. Ethnic Pride Day itself is Friday (full day of displays, presentations, a luncheon and a play by the kids). Then we are heavily into the last week of Nutcracker preparations. Of course, Rachel's "Star of the Week" poster and paper is due the next day after the last Nut performance. Sometime in there, I hsve to squeeze in some gift shopping because we have both dh's bday and Hanukkah. It really never ends!