2 to Grow With : November 2020: Disney Trip

November was quite s we looked forward to Disney, planned for Gracie's knee surgery, and prepared for a busy December and Christmas. There was very little to capture. The girls did have about 10 days of virtual school before break due to higher COVID positive counts and guaranteed groups mandated by the Health Department. It was actually a nice break to have them home and change up, but we do strongly believe they do the best in a structured school setting with peers.

Maggie can be a snuggly one still some days, despite her strong independence.

The most rotten one! Bella still remains a great addition to our family over 6 years ago now.

Big change... I have officially packed up my office and moved it home. The offices are going to change in my new role post legal day one for the Truist merger closing I can do my job at home. It was an odd feeling as I had been in this office for the last 10 plus years and the bank over 19 years.

Family picture outing selfie! I am so proud of this girl, but so not sure how I am old enough to have a Freshman in High School!

These two! They are the ones that tolerate the photos the most but they do it for me!

The girls elves don't do any messes or fly around, really they are just fun to decorate with as they don't believe in that. But they do always love to have them show up when it is Christmas!

We love when my brother's crew stops by!

Sunday Pic... remember when I did a Sunday pic every single week when they were little?

Snuggles! In an effort to limit exposure to COVID prior to Disney, we decided to not trick-or-treat or go to any parties. We got the girls PJs, let them pick candy, and played some games. It was sweet and probably a new tradition as they get older.

We booked the Disney trip fall 2019 to go with my bother and his family. We were so excited to go as we had not been since Silas was born. COVID hit and we debated each month if we should go. We decided to tackle it and make the most of what would be a very different experience.

We had a few days at Disney before my brother and his crew joined us. What a fun week! We debated as we booked the trip for a total of 9 days, 2 travel days and 7 park days if we would regret it being that long....we did not. It was great to have two days in most parks and one at Epcot. Our favorite park was Hollywood Studios with the Star Wars and Toy Story Land. The kids never seemed to miss the characters and enjoyed all the rides.

Gracie was our secret to limiting the wait time. 2 weeks from surgery on her knee we still thought she would be able to walk with some resting, however day one at Animal Kingdom and walking all day she was limping out. We were able to get her a wheel chair and a disability pass to be able to get a time to come back to the longer rides and not just wait. It really did allow us to ride more and not stress her knee. Everyone had wheels!

Day 1 in wheelchair!

Little Man and Gracie shared the wheel chair when Ellie and Maggie decided they were too tired!

Yes Maggie was too big and should walk, but it made for even longer days!

We voted on who pushed the wheelchair the best and it was not Daddy! (Uncle Gabe won as he did not make her as nervous or hit as many things/ people).

I feel so blessed to have a bother and his family so close. We adore each other's kids and laugh so hard together. And like all families we provide lots of grace when we are all really tried and grumpy! Count down is on for Disney 2025 and beyond!

Rides: They were great!!! Silas was the most fun to watch.

We rode this twice back to back and got a little sick but loved it. Maggie did not like the idea of going upside down so she went with Jimmy and Silas to the Star Wars area to wait.

Thanksgiving: We were at Animal Kingdom on Thanksgiving. It was different to not be home cooking a big meal hosting family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving. We always tried to snag a non mask picture before we left the resort. I have hundreds of pictures with our masks for the week!

So thankful for Aunts and Uncles who love our daughters well!

Documenting the daily temperature check required.

Likely the only non Starbucks breakfast day we had. This donut was the size of their heads!

We have to entertain ourselves somehow!

We did snag Starbucks at some point. I got some great Gracie time while we did some people watching.

So Thankful!

Auntie Rach sure loves this girl and her brother.

She does not always snuggle up often, but when she does I sure soak it up.

Favorite character. We wish we would have seen him in person though.

On our way to dinner

This trip we really enjoyed Disney Springs. It had the most dining options and the decor was great too.

Mexican for Thanksgiving..yes please! It was delicious

It was a long, full, and fun day! We were all worn out waiting for the bus.

#OhDisney Day! Our last Disney trip we joked with this hashtag so this trip we decided that needed to be the family shirt. We had a great day at Magic Kingdom.

This one is for you Mom and Dad :).

My best ride partner!

Don't be fooled, they were not suppose to take their mask down!

We did not make morning no mask pics so we did a quick one at night.

Uncle Gabe promised the girls if they would not fight (yes, they do fight like siblings some times and especially when they are tired) they could each get a balloon.

The castle at night was one of my favorite things!

Other photos to capture through the week.

Last Disney trip we went through an entire bag of dummies. This trip we were about a bag and a half. They make the perfect snack when you need it and don't want to wait in line or need to keep the kids happy.