Hello!

I’m finally feeling un-vacationed and back to normal after my New England road trip with Ham. I was so beat that I actually half-wrote a Monday Musings and then fell asleep before I sent it. Whoops.

Anyway, rested and more with-it, it’s time to tell the travel tales. First up, first stop, was Kennebunkport, Maine.

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Our photo journey (and my photo journal!) from my trip to the UP isn’t over yet. I’m embracing it because, let’s face it, it might be the only trip I take this year.

While I already regaled you with conquering the falls and the splendor of Pictured Rocks, I have to give a should out to the little town that became our home base for much of our trip, Munising.

Even if you don’t feel like hiking a crazy amount of miles like we did, you can still get your nature fix in a few ways. (more…)

Me, my family. We are Disney people. But you knew that already.

One of my family’s holiday traditions is to kick off the season at Disney World. It was easy when we were living down in Florida, and my first trip to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party was in 1987. I have the big button to prove it (they were free back then!) and a very 1987 photo.

The tradition continues today, and each weekend after Thanksgiving weekend for five days, my family and I (sometimes joined by a friend or two) head down to get ourselves in the spirit.  

Easy when you walk into your hotel to be greeted by this.

The Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian. Smells and all.

Every hall of the Disney complex is decked, with flowers, ornaments and special touches that never fail to get us all in the mood.

And sometimes, depending on what life looks like in the real world, take a little extra work.

One of our favorite things to when we first get there do is resort hop to take a peek at all the different decorations.

Each as unique and themed and awe-inspiring as the next.

As magical as the Magic Kingdom is on the regular, there’s something about seeing it all in its Christmas glory that is extra special.

And as usual, Disney never fails to put on a show and sprinkle its pixie dust.

And bring out some extra special treats just for the occasion.

I mean, why would I want to watch fireworks anywhere else??

Disney’s fireworks are always the best, choreographed to music and my favorite movies. I’m always awed that, with the exception of the beginning and the end of the show, very few people have their phones out. For ten minutes, we all stare at the sky, adult and children alike, captivated and appreciative, letting ourselves enjoy a few minutes of suspended reality.

After five days, I’m never quite ready to come home.  But I’m always sure to bring home a souvenir to keep the Disney high going just a little longer.

A sugar high in this case. Their rice krispie treats are my favorite!

And keep me craving more until we had back down in February for more Disney magic.

Some photos were taken by the amazing Tomato. Thanks to her for letting me share them.