November 2011

Another trip to Walt Disney World! Bryan, Sophie and I had a wonderful trip to Orlando. We were accompanied by some of my friends from work. We spent the first four nights staying at the Pop Century Resort. It's a value resort, so less frills. But I did appreciate being located pretty near the cafe area and within a few minutes walk of the theme park bus stops. We spent time at all four parks. Lucky for us, the Epcot Food & Wine Festival was going on while we were there and we had a Disney dining plan as part of our package, so we were able to eat our way around Epcot-- YUM! It was Sophie's first time at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. She enjoyed the Toy Story Mania ride, watching all of the shows and meeting characters. But her favorite part of the trip was probably just being able to go swimming in the lovely heated pools at the resorts. For the last three nights of our trip, we moved over to the Coronado Springs Resort, where my work conference was held. During those days, Bryan and Sophie spent their time exploring theme parks and hanging out at the resort. Jack stayed home with Grandma. I've already promised to bring him next time!

Stress-free Disney travel tips

Epcot Center (yes, I know that's the old name)

We've been so lucky to have taken two trips to sunny Orlando, Florida within 10 months! And we've learned a thing or do about traveling to Disney World with kids. If you're planning a trip to WDW soon, here are some tips that might help you out:

Schedule breaks into your day

Sophie did so much better when we took 3+ hours off in the middle of the day to return to the hotel room, take a nap, go for a swim and relax. It also gave me time to do some laundry, take a shower and rest my feet.

Bring in-flight entertainment

Bringing the iPad on the plane was a great idea. I bought Sophie a pair of child-size headphones, installed some videos and downloaded a few kid-friendly apps. It entertained her for quite a while. If that's not an option for you, on our last trip, we brought along a few small toys, a coloring book and some crayons. We also made a Cheerio necklace to bring along on the flight.

Rent or bring a stroller

Sophie in the CARES Harness

On our previous trip, Magic Strollers delivered a fabulous double stoller to our resort the day we arrived and picked it up on the day that we left. It was all done through the bell hop and the company sent me a text message when the delivery was made. The stroller reclines completely and it features an extra large sunshade. We liked the stroller so much, we ended up buying the same one when we got home!

On our most recent trip, we brought along out Maclaren Volo stroller. Weighing in at only 9 pounds, it is a perfect travel stroller. It was durable enough to withhold being gate checked and folded up quickly when we needed to board a bus. The small basket underneath held a water bottle and change of clothes for Sophie. The only downside of this stroller? Since it's so lightweight, it tips easily if you have anything hanging from the handlebars.

Should we bring a car seat?
If you're planning on renting a car, yes! On our previous trip, we rented a minivan (hot!), so I bought a hand truck/dolly to schlep our two car seats through the airport. It folded down flat and stored easily in the airplane's overhead storage bin.

On this trip, since we were staying on-property and using Disney transportaion, we used the CARES Harness for the fight. It's FAA-approved for take-off, landing and everything in-between. I was never even questioned by the flight attendant, but I had along the FAA certificate, just in case. The entire harness was easy to install and only weighed a few pounds, but unfortunately, since Sophie was sitting upright and strapped into her seat, she could never get comfortable enough to take a nap.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Some great planning websites
If you have a Disney-related question, chances are, the folks on DISboards have your answer. Their companion website, WDWinfo is also helpful for planning.

MouseSavers gives vacation-planners updated coupon codes for car rentals, tips on picking the best dates to go to WDW and steals on off-property resorts.

TouringPlans is the company website to The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World. The best Disney-related app is the LINES app, providing you with up-to-the-minute wait times for rides and other attractions. It's worth the membership fee! The guide is the best that money can buy.

Have fun!


What I'm looking forward to the next time we go back to WDW :)
- staying at the Art of Animation resort (opening May 2012)

- the new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom (scheduled to be completed in 2013)

Trains on the brain

Do your kids love trains? Then you'll want to add these stops to your next St. Paul, MN excursion.

1) Choo Choo Bob's
Our kids love playing with the train tables at the back of this delightful train store. They also host birthday parties, have their own TV show (available on DVD) and they are located right next door to Izzy's ice cream shop and Sweets cupcake bakery.

2) Jackson Street Roundhouse
My friend and co-worker Gary told me about this hidden gem. It's staffed by knowledgable volunteers and the admission fee also gives you a ride on a real train outside. If you're lucky, you'll get to ride up front in the locomotive. Or choose a comfy seat in the quieter caboose. In the museum, there are old trains to wander around and explore and exhibits to see. There's a couple of train tables for the kids to play with and a small gift shop. While we were there, we saw a birthday party taking place in one of the exhibit trains.

3) Twin City Model Railway Museum
This museum actually is split into two buildings. They offer a few train tables for the toddler-aged crowd and many larger models for the older folks. The kids enjoyed running the model trains and playing with the train tables. There weren't very many people there when we went and the parking lot offered ample free parking. Perhaps not as fun, or child-oriented as Choo Choo Bob's or the Jackson Street Roundhouse, the Twin City Model Railway Museum is still a worthwhile visit for train-lovers.

Our favorite Twin Cities indoor play areas

Now that the weather is getting cooler, it's time to think about heading indoors for some playtime. I love running around and climbing through the play areas with the kids. Here's our family's list of three favorite indoor play areas in the Twin Cities area. Don't forget to bring socks!

1) Edinborough Park, Edina
Admission: $6/child
My favorite indoor play area in the Twin Cities, Edinborough Park offers local residents a nice green escape from the snow and ice of the outdoors during the Winter months. There's an indoor atrium with trees, water and a large open area with fun push chairs and play equipment. When your kids get tired of that (it takes a really long time, trust me), they can head over to the large Adventure Peak play structure, hailed as "one of the largest indoor play structures in the country". There's lots of room for picnics and for parents to lounge along the sidelines.

2) Maple Maze, Maple Grove
Admission: $5/child
This indoor play area features a large maze structure for older children and a smaller toddler play area. There isn't a lot of places for parents to sit and watch, but the building also houses private birthday party rooms, a large gymnasium and a swimming pool. It's been recently renovated as of Fall 2011.

3) Eagles Nest, New Brighton

Admission: $5/child

Eagles Nest is a little hike from our house, but worth the drive. There's a very large maze structure that Sophie enjoys and a smaller area for younger kids. Eagles Nest features a decent size snack area with picnic tables for visitors to bring their own food and beverages. When we went, there was an attendant supervising the play area, especially helpful when there are many kids attending birthday parties and running around.

Jack's sayings

"Meemo, meemo, meemo"
Translation: "Meow, meow, meow"

"Bom" "Daddy bom"
Translation: "Truck" "Daddy's truck"

"Beelah-beelaah!"
Translation: "Peekaboo!"

3 reasons why I love WDW

There are really too many reasons to list. But here are my top 3 reasons:

3) Mickey head ice cream. A delicious frozen treat after a long day at the parks. What could be better (or tastier?)

2) Watching the kids ride Dumbo, the Flying Elephant. Wheeeeee! I get excited running to get back in line to ride again.

1) It's all magical. That's not a person playing the role of Snow White. She is Snow White.

Family pictures

A couple of sneak peeks from our most recent family pictures. Taken by JM Photography at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, MN.

October 2011

It's officially Autumn. Which means going to the apple orchard to pick lots of yummy Honeycrisp apples. Jack loved carrying around the "bapple" he found on the ground.

Sophie likes picking out her own outfits and dressing herself. This is one of those outfits to pieced together on her own. It's so nice to have only one kid in diapers. Sophie has been working hard on potty training and staying dry.

One of her biggest motivations to potty train was because she started preschool this Fall. Here's a picture of Sophie standing by her locker. She goes to preschool two mornings a week, for two and a half hours each time. Today, they tasted apples and Sophie decided that green apples are her favorite.

Sophie has also started ballet and tap lessons. She's the tiniest kid in the class, no surprise there! I think she's built like a dancer or gymnast.

Jack is growing up so quickly. He's discovering his love for sweets. He's been saying more and more words every day. He runs around, dances and loves to play "choo, choo".

We're looking forward to our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World (again!), Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Have a great Fall!

September 2011

In August, my Dad, sister Michelle and brother Daniel came to visit from Malaysia. They were here for a week and we kept them busy. Took them to a Twins game, a Vikings game, the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Children's Museum, the Mall of America and we went out to eat quite a bit. Here's a picture of them with Jack.

My sister and I took the kids to the American Girl Bistro for lunch. I love this picture of Jack taking a drink from the tiny doll cup. Sophie picked out a doll to sit next to him.

On Labor Day, Sophie and I went to the Minnesota State Fair together. We stayed there all day and had a wonderful time, eating our way around, checking out Little Farm Hands and going down the Giant Slide. I can't wait for next year!

Here's Sophie on the tractor at Little Farm Hands. She enjoyed the experience on our first visit to the fair that she asked to go back again.

Sophie starts ballet tomorrow, swimming on Sunday and then preschool next week! Jack is still too young for most activities, but maybe we'll sign him up for gymnastics when he's 2. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I love the cooler weather, beautiful colors of the trees and Halloween.

July 2011

Phew, the last half of June was a very busy month for us. Sophie was in and out of Children's Hospital. It took a couple of ER visits before the doctors were able to accurately diagnose her with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP). She ended up spending a couple of nights at the hospital. Her chief complaints were abdominal pain, arthritic pain in her knee and a reddish rash on her legs. Poor kid was a good patient. She has to have follow-up labs and blood pressure checks until the end of the year. I hope there are no long term side-effects.

We went to Brainerd for a night with the kids and had fun swimming in the lake, mini-golfing and enjoying ice cream in the heat. Then we went to Bemidji for the 4th of July with the McMillans and had a great time. The weather for most of July has been HOT and HUMID. Sophie turned 3 last week and had so much fun at her birthday party. I can't believe she's 3 years old already. She's recently started potty training and we're very proud of her :)