Thursday, November 30, 2006

Wanna play "telephone" regarding the CCAA review room?


Well the rumors have been confirmed regarding the referrals for this month (two sets of referrals in one month, woohoo, may be some progress of speeding up some???), the CCAA has updated its website and the referrals go through September 8, 2005.

People seem to be slightly saddened by this news as the rumor roller coaster (which is kind of like that game telephone we used to play as children, you know the one where you tell the first child something in that paper cup that connects the two of you with string and then that child tells another most likely slightly changing what was originally said until 5-10 children later it is a totally different thing than what was originally said) comes to a temporary stop before loading back up and starting all over again, but I find it a little uplifting. It is not yet December (today is the last day of November) and we received a batch of referrals the beginning of this month, so that is two in one month (although officially we haven't received the referral batch yet, but the CCAA did update so it is kinda the same), and the time period for the batch of referrals appears to be the same, so it is not slowing down any.

Now if only the review room part of the CCAA website will update and let us know if we moved anywhere in that line...can the family at the front of the line please let us know your LID and pass it down the line to us (hopefully the date won't change by the time it gets down to us).

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Rumor Roller coaster ride


Usually this time of the month we get an update from the CCAA (China Center for Adoption Affairs for all you non-adoption lingo folks, which is the Chinese government agency who matches us with our Chynna) that tells us where we are in that long line (we are still waiting in the long line to the review room, this is where the Chinese government reviews the numerous documents we forwarded to verify everything is in order and we "qualify" according to their requirements).

And so far, no news. Rumors are flying around that we will know something "soon" (that word that is driving us all crazy, it's so indefinite), but nothing has been confirmed.




So here we go, riding along on this rumor (and emotional) roller coaster in hopes that we will hear something concrete soon. Please remember to think positive thoughts and maybe just maybe if we all are positive, we will get positive news sooner rather than later.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

My Secret Pal strikes again (thanks "MW")




I am so very blessed to have such a thoughtful and wonderful secret pal (otherwise known as "MW" or "mystery woman"). She puts so much thought into each month's gifts and this month was no different (the theme was ladybugs), she so kindly gave me the beautiful ladybug bracelet above (the one in the middle, and soooo sorry for the quality of the picture, Ray is learning about the digital camera and he is still trying to get it, practice makes perfect though I understand). I immediately put it on and won't take it off until we get our Chynna baby in our arms.

Thank you MW, you are the best!!!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

The holiday decorating has begun

Ray and I are quite excited to once again be able to decorate for the holidays.

Last night we put our tree up:
















And decorated around the house:









And Ray hung the outside lights and icicles while Freckles and I did our part (hey somebody has to watch to make sure there's no bare spots):




Hopefully next year we will have our darling Chynna. That definitely would be the best gift we could ever receive.


Saturday, November 25, 2006

And the bragging rites go to......



Okay I know you all have been waiting on pins and needles to find out what happened today. It definitely was a nail biting experience. Back and forth, back and forth, a penalty flag here and a penalty flag there, here a flag, there a flag, everywhere a flag flag (and sometimes Fagg, De'Cody Fagg that is, FSU's wide receiver).

CBS Sports Line has reported the following....

The often-criticized senior quarterback Chris Leak came through, directing
one of the best drives of his career when Florida needed it most and
delivering a 21-14 victory over rival Florida State on Saturday.

Way to go Gators !!!

So remember to sing loud at the top your lungs:

Dah nah nah nah nah GO GATORS!!
Dah nah nah nah nah GO GATORS!!
Dah nah nah nah nah GO GATORS!!
COME ON GATORS GET UP AND GO!!! (ALL THE WAY TO NATIONALS THAT IS!!!)

Florida football rivalry (Fla. v. Fla. State)

VS.







Okay today is a big day in Florida...the day that the Florida Gators are going to wipe the field with the Florida State Seminoles' tushies.

Each State has its college football rivalries, and ours is this game. It comes down to bragging rites and I feel quite confident that at the end of day today, people in other states will be hearing.....



Go ahead and sing along....

So Give a Cheer for the
Orange and Blue,
Waving Forever!
Forever Pride of Old Florida,
May She Droop Never.
Well Sing a Song for the Flag Today,
Cheer for the Team at Play!
On to the Goal,
We'll Fight our Way for
Florida!


Friday, November 24, 2006

"Dannye" is unique

I "borrowed" this site from Samantha of
  • Lilly's Adoption

  • and had to share it with you.


    HowManyOfMe.com
    LogoThere are:
    0
    people with my name
    in the U.S.A.

    How many have your name?



    Let me know your results (guess this does show how unique "Dannye" really is).

    Thursday, November 23, 2006

    Thanksgiving the aftermath

    Okay, today was a day of giving thanks, sharing the love with the family, and eating til our tummies hurt.

    Today our family took on an all new meaning to the chocolate fountain, aka fondue.

    We went to this really nice restaurant (notice how dressed up we all are):



    And we started off as civilized persons....



    But then the chocolate fountain was located, and the restaurant staff made the horrible mistake of telling our crazy family that "as long as it is on a stick, it can be covered in chocolate"....did I mention we are quite crazy????








    Well, there was chocolate covered TURKEY.... (Okay, Bryce didn't find it too appealing but he did eat it, yucko!!)...

    And there were chocolate covered cucumbers....






    And chocolate covered broccoli, and chocolate covered cauliflower (which after my adorable nephew flashed those baby blues, boy am I a sucker for baby blues of the men in my life, yes I did eat it, and the sad thing I didn't like the chocolate).

    We were all on a true sugar high induced by chocolate covered things....










    And the finale was my cousin having to actually kiss my sister's feet as she is quite superior to him in many ways (okay family inside joke, but I told him I would tell the world how my sister is far SUPERIOR to him and he would just have to admit it).




    All in all, loads of fun was had by all.

    Thanksgiving Quiz



    I saw this cute quiz on Jonni's website,
  • Jonni's Site

  • and figured it was great to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday with.

    1. Where are you going for Thanksgiving this year? going out to the Rosen Shingle Creek Cafe Osceola, with family.

    2. Favorite traditional Thanksgiving food? Turkey, and Stuffing, and oh yeah Pumpkin Cheesecake, yummy!!

    3. Least favorite traditional Thanksgiving food? Does such a food exist???

    4. Stuffing or mashed potatoes? BOTH!!

    5. Any horror stories about cooking on T-Day? No, because we go out for Thanksgiving, now Christmas that's different.

    6. Do you pull the wishbone? Don't get to as we don't cook for Thanksgiving.

    7. Pumpkin pie--with or without whipped cream? Neither, pumpkin cheesecake (I am already having to wipe the drool just thinking about it, bring on the cheesecake).

    8. What food would you love to see become a traditional Thanksgiving food? Meatloaf (sounds like a Thanksgiving food doesn't it?).

    9. If you had a pet turkey, what would you name it? Gobbler (original I know).

    10. As far as holidays go, where does Thanksgiving rank on a scale of 1-10? If 9 1/2.

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Please let me know if you posted the quiz answers on your blog too.

    Happy Turkey Day One and All




    Today is a day to give thanks, and I wanted to take a moment and do so.

    I am thankful for my loving husband and my supportive family and friends. I am thankful for my good health. I am thankful that the CCAA is considering our adoption. And I am thankful for being an American where we are free to be thankful.



    Today is also a day to eat a lot of food (yes Katy it's finally here, cheat away), and see family members we only get to visit with during the holidays (Chad we are glad you able to come up and share the day with us. Troy, Naomi, Desi and Ryan: we can't wait to see you all next month -- Troy safe travels back home from your "sandy vacation").

    We miss our other loved ones who are unable to be with us today, but wanted to let each and every one of them know we think about them each and every day and love them all very much, and appreciate their love and support in all we do.


    Now go watch the Macy's Day Parade, get some turkey, and enjoy the day, and be sure to give thanks!

    Wednesday, November 22, 2006

    Snow in Florida????




    Can you believe it??? Snow in Florida. Well it happened last night, but unfortunately all we got at our house was true Florida snow, yup rain and lots of it. But others seem to think it really snowed (I just couldn't seem to believe it), and even the newspapers are "confused". It is a headline on U.S.A. Today.

    Maybe we will see the snow tonight. I'll keep you posted, until then I'll just curl up with a nice cup of hot cocoa and watch Top Chef.

    Thank you OHGWQ 10/06 Secret Pal




    I was always told that "good things come to those who wait", and that is so true.

    I came home from work yesterday, and there awaiting my anxious opening, a box addressed to me (wooohoooo), I carefully (okay okay I ripped and tugged and threw open) the package, and lo and behold, Chynna made out like a bandit yet again.

    My wonderful secret pal sent Chynna an adorable Carter's yellow with pink flowers P.J. outfit with little footies, an ohhhhhhh so soft plush pink Carter's blanket, and a fabulous book called "Umbrella".

    Thank you so much secret pal.

    Now if only that turtle carrying those referrals will hurry up, and quit stopping to eat every few steps we'll get to bring Chynna home, where she belongs.

    Tuesday, November 21, 2006

    Western Potty anyone????




    With many thanks to Eggrolls & Chopsticks (and since Blogger still does not wish for me to upload photos, here is my test photo.

    Western Potty anyone????

    Adoption thru a baby's eyes

    From a4everfamily.org


    This article really hit home. It really made me see adoption through a babies eyes.

    Imagine for a moment…

    You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.

    The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world…the person who will be with you for the rest of your life.

    The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face.

    But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved?

    You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay.

    But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?

    Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.

    You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.

    Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it.

    More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?

    You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried.

    The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you.

    You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy.

    The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.

    Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair.

    Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.

    He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black.

    You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep.

    People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness.

    Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.

    Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.

    --Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Mille

    Monday, November 20, 2006

    Why won't Blogger let me post pictures

    Okay I am feeling ill (as I have had a cold for a few days now, thanks to Ray wanting to share the "love"),and I have been trying to add pictures to posts I have so creatively created in the past few days (okay, maybe they weren't as genuinely funny and creative as I believe, but I have been on cold medicines, so I will chalk it up to that), but Blogger is not allowing me to post pictures.

    Maybe Blogger can tell I am operating machinery while under the influence of Tylenol Cold, and "friends don't let friends use Blogger while under the influence". Wonder when this laydfrog picture ban will be lifted by Blogger and pictures will once again be adorned on my blog.

    Gotta love Blogger's sense of humor (or my lack of patience).

    Friday, November 17, 2006

    Happy Birthday Mom (and Damion too)


    Today is a special day, it is my mom's birthday and my great nephew's birthday too, both of which are very special people in my life.

    When growing up, Mom and I weren't that close, now mind you, we did get along and we did do things together (Mom and daughter things), but as I "grew up" (okay who am I kidding, I haven't grown up, I just have gotten "older and wiser" hehe) and became an adult, Mom and I have become the bestest of friends. We laugh together, we cry together, and talk on the phone all the time (sometimes between 10-15 times a night). It is the coolest thing (I hope Chynna and I have this type of relationship someday).

    Well today is Mom's birthday. I think she's.......okay she'd kill me if I tell you how old she is, but I can say she was born on the exact day that a new world air speed record 606 mph (975 kph) set by HJ Wilson of RAF, and things cost:

    A car: $1,250
    Gasoline: 21 cents/gal
    House: $10,000





    Bread: 9 cents/loaf


    Milk: 62 cents/gal



    Postage Stamp: 3 cents
    Average Annual Salary: $2,900
    Minimum Wage: 40 cents per hour

    Pretty cool stuff.

    Now join in and sing along with me (sing loud, and sing proud): HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (AND MEN---EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE MORE)!!!

    And Damion, the cutie he is, turned 2 years old today (wow where does that time go), just for fun here is a comparison of the cost of things the year Damion was born:

    A car: $21,000
    Gasoline: $1.50/gal
    House: $145,000
    Bread: $1.05/loaf
    Milk: $3.57/gal
    Postage stamp: 37 cents
    Average annual salary: $55,000
    Minimum wage: $6.90

    Now it's time to sing to Damion:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR DAMION, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (AND MEN---EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE MORE)!!!


    Hope your day is filled with loads of fun and lots of happiness and gifts galore.

    Wednesday, November 15, 2006

    IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?



    Ok - I found this really cool game to play from buckeyesinchina.blogspot.com.

    It was amazing how many songs were actually appropriate (or just plain funny).

    Come on... play along and let me know in the comments if I should be looking for you.


    So, here's how it works:
    1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
    2. Put it on shuffle
    3. Press play
    4. For every question, type the song that's playing
    5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
    6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool

    Opening Credits: Jesus take the wheel -- Carrie Underwood
    Waking Up: Honky Tonk Badonkadonk -- Trace Adkins
    First Day At School: Reproduction -- Grease 2 soundtrack
    Falling In Love: Romeo -- Dolly Parton
    Fight Song: Somebody to Love -- Ella Enchanted soundtrack
    Breaking Up: Papa don't preach -- Kelly Osbourne
    Prom: It's your love -- Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
    Life: Angels above us -- Alabama
    Mental Breakdown: Lion King theme song -- Phil Collins
    Driving: My Humps -- Black Eyed Peas
    Flashback: Fancy -- Reba McIntire
    Getting Back Together: She's my kind of rain -- Tim McGraw
    Wedding: There goes my life -- Kenny Chesney
    Birth of Child: I am a survivor -- Reba McIntire
    Final Battle: Where is the love -- Black Eyed Peas
    Death Scene: Erotica -- Madonna
    Funeral Song: Shake that A$$ for me -- Eminem
    End Credits: Do it for our country -- Grease 2 soundtrack

    Tuesday, November 14, 2006

    A quiz from fellow DTC'ers blogs

    A quiz from fellow DTC'ers... play along

    1) What side of the heart do you draw first? Right
    2) Can you dive without plugging your nose? Yes
    3) What color is your razor? blue
    4) What is your blood-type? O something
    5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours? Why would I be tied up? Sounds kinky
    6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you? Since I am such an innocent, there is nothing anyone can spread about me (hehe)
    7) How do you feel about carrots? just how sweet are they, and are they cooked?
    8) How many chairs at the dining room table? 4 or 6 depending on which table
    9) Which is the best spice girl? WHO CARES
    10) Do you know what time it is? 8:05 am Tues. morning (I will be late for work if I don't finish this soon and leave)
    11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince song? Not sure...let's see, okay maybe
    12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator? depends on who I an stuck with
    13) What's your favorite kind of gum? anything sugary
    14)T or F: All's fair in love and war. True
    15) Do you have a crush on anyone? sure my hubby, and L.L. Cool J, and Mario, and...
    16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning? Probably, but I am sure others out there would know the answer to that one better than I would.
    17) Do you like to sleep? when I can, HELL YEA!
    18) Do you know which US states don't use Daylight Savings? Do they exist???
    19) Do you know the song Total Eclipse of the Heart? Yes, thanks now it’s stuck in my head!
    20) Do you want a bright yellow '06 mustang? ewwww ... NO WAY
    21) What's something you've always wanted? to be a mommy
    22) Do you have hairy legs? Probably it's getting to be Fla. wintertime so I get lazy during that time.
    24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake? Neither, how ‘bout a Pool?
    25) Do you wear a lot of black? Yup, makes me look skinnier, anything to help.
    26) Describe your hair. shoulder length and needing to be colored again (darn that early grey).
    27) Do you have Entomophobia? Dunno, what is that?
    28) Are you an adult? Supposed to be, but don't want to admit to it.
    29) Where is/are your best friends? All over (I am quite popular, hehe)
    30) Do you have a tan? A natural tan, does that count?
    31) Are you a television addict? can be if the stations quit taking my shows away
    32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother? Yes, she's one of my best friends.
    33) Are you a sugar freak? Absolutely
    34) Do you like orange juice? yup, but it doesn't like me
    35) What sign are you? Cancer (Moon child that dances by the light of the moon)
    36) What color is your Cell Phone? Silver with a frog bling sticker (thanks Margrette)
    37) Where do you wish you were right now? Back in bed sleeping (or actually in China getting my baby girl, yeah that's the better answer)

    Okay fellow bloggers, please copy and paste the quiz, change your answers and post it on your blog...it's fun, I promise!

    Four months already???


    Okay, we seems to have moved a 1/16th of an inch in the line to the review room (or was that 1/32nd of an inch, I can never judge distance), and to think we have been in line for four months now.

    The good news is that the line is moving (no matter how slowly), so we know we are that much closer to meeting our daughter.

    So today, while you wait in line for your groceries, or while you inch along in traffic, just remember, at least you are ultimately moving towards that goal, the front of the line, and you will eventually get there.

    Besides, I believe in the saying "Good things come to those who wait" (I just hoped I wouldn't have to wait for soooooo long).

    Happy 4 months fellow July DTC'ers.

    Sunday, November 12, 2006

    Another Celebrity Sighting.....

    Oh my goodness, am I ever blessed, I met yet another celebrity, and this one is just amazing.... who is this handsome celebrity you ask... well..... it's......







    my nephew Adam, the soccer star !!! My how time flies, I can't believe he is almost 7 years old, where does the time go (but yet it is creeping along for our referral for Chynna, it just doesn't make much sense huh???).

    Enjoy the celebrity posting (and I do believe he has a small fan club, if you are interested in joining just let me know).

    Update-- Celebrities we "met" at Disney on Friday

    Finally, Blogger is allowing me to post the pictures of the celebrities we "met" at Disney on Friday (guess Blogger is no longer jealous of my celebrity meet and greets).


    First off, we have Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc.








    followed by Sulley:













    and the ever popular Lilo and Stitch:





    and Dad's favorite, Sweetums from the Muppets:











    These are the ladies who introduced "Luke" and "Laura" before the Motorcade started, they are so cutsie.









    And finally, this is "Luke" and "Laura" (notice how close we were to the stage, amazing how lucky we were, especially considering how short we are) who was being interviewed by "Carly" (Laura Wright). I did get video of them in the Motorcade, but until I become a little more Blogger literate on how to post it (or on You Tube), you'll just have to take my word for it that it is pretty good photography.


    Now my vacation is over, so tomorrow it's back to the grindstone and back to reality (do I really have to do that??? why can't we just win that Fla. lottery?).

    Saturday, November 11, 2006

    More celebrity hobnobbing

    Friday was the last weekday of my vacation week and was quite a long day, but one full of more excitement and celebrity hobnobbing.

    My mom, sister Katy, and I went to Walt Disney World to "meet" General Hospital's Luke and Laura Spencer, which kicked off Super Soap Weekend (and celebrated 25 years since "the wedding of a lifetime"). We started the day off meeting Katy and her mother-in-law Jan at Disney's MGM Studios at 9:30 a.m. With Katy's "magic", she and I rode the Rocking Roller Coaster (which is a stretch limo ride to Aerosmith's concert, it's an amazing roller coaster that travels quickly through "rush hour" traffic in the dark to get you to the concert) with very little time in line, you are the Master, Katy. Then rushed off to Soap Central, which is the store set up to sell the props, costumes, etc. used by the actors/actresses/extras on the shows. Katy was so thrilled to be able to wear some the tiny actresses clothing (and she looked absolutely amazing in their outfits too) and even purchased an amazing dress from AMC depicting the 1800's (I think), and all I can say is WOW !!

    Jan then left us to get some rest (as she worked til 1:30 a.m. the night before meeting us and was dead on her feet, thanks again Jan for meeting us).


    This is Katy on her favorite ride, the western potty !!













    We then went over to Animal Kingdom, had lunch, and then the three of us (Mom, Katy and I) rode Mt. Everest (yup, we got Mom to ride it), this is again another roller coaster not too wild of one though so we were proud of Mom for riding it. This was Mom's and my first time on it, and Katy tells us Adam rides it frequently (way to go Adam).


    Then we went back to MGM and waited to "meet" Luke and Laura, and was fortunate enough to get to see the afternoon parade. There we met a few more celebrities such as Woody, Buzz, and Mr./Mrs. Potato Head from Toy Story, Lilo and Stitch, "Sulley" and Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc., Sweetums from the Muppets (along with Kermit and Miss Piggy), and starring Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I felt honored to "meet" each and everyone of them.

    Finally the moment we were there for, we had fabulous seats for the motorcade. Tony Geary ("Luke Spencer") and Genie Francis ("Laura Spencer") went right by us (and of course Blogger isn't allowing any additional pictures, so will post those later on). It was pretty cool. We stayed for the audience questioning session and had a great view there too, thanks to Katy's quick thinking and ability to get us through the crowds.

    Then we were off to Epcot, where we had dinner, rode Soarin' (I unfortunately didn't tolerate this one real well so had my eyes shut the entire "trip"), and then we went off to ride Test Track (which was absolutely amazing). Katy unfortunately had to bode us farewell after that one as she had to get back home (her energy was wearing down and she needed to get back home to being a mom and wife, of course it was now after 8:00 p.m. so the full day was coming to a close).

    Mom and I however still having a small amount of energy left and one park still to go (the Magic Kingdom, I mean how can you go to Disney and not go to visit the Magic Kingdom). So off we went to the Magic Kingdom (getting a little lost along the way since we decided to drive our car from MGM to the Magic Kingdom and I kinda missed the turn-off, oops, so after a u-turn and watching the signs to lead us to the Magic we parked appropriately in Dopey 101, rode the tram to the ticket center, and caught the orange Monorail over to the Kingdom, arriving right before the 8:30 p.m. fireworks over Cinderella's Castle. We hurried along and rode Pirates of the Caribbean, watched the end of the fireworks while waiting we thought for the last Country Bear Jamboree show which we missed, proceeded to the Haunted Mansion taking home a hitchhiking spirit in our cart, and ended the evening with Small World.

    After taking Mom back home and driving home myself, I finally put myself to bed around midnight or so. Thus ending a really long but fun-filled, exciting day (however leaving me quite tired and containing a little less energy today). We really had a great time.

    More pictures will follow as Blogger allows. So stay tuned.

    Friday, November 10, 2006

    Tourist update

    Okay, the answer to yesterday's celebrity meeting is:



    That's right Sprint, the Clydesdale Donkey from the Super Bowl Busch commercials. And he is even cuter (if that really is a word) in person than on TV. Of course we couldn't convince him to sign autographs, but we did get him to pose for this picture and a few others (which we really will treasure).


    We also got to see baby pink flamingos







    and of course adult flamingos too:











    Jimmy tried to outrun the pouncing tiger:















    While Ray (otherwise known as "turtle hero") "fed" the turtles (he wants to make sure they are well nourished on their way to bring us our referral of Chynna).
















    Captain Morgan anyone????




    Well I better get going, places to go, people to see, more celebrities to meet.

    Stay tuned to find out who is next on our celebrity meet and greet.

    Thursday, November 9, 2006

    Playing tourist is quite exciting and funny

    Today we decided to take a break from painting the house and "play" a little.

    Since we are AAA members and Fla. residents, Ray and I decided to take advantage of our membership and resident perks, and took a trek over to Busch Gardens in Tampa with my parents and brother Jimmy.

    As this is the "off season", some of the park was closed down due to renovations and some of the more popular animals were not there to "entertain" us, but we still had plenty to keep us busily entertained.

    First off, Mom and I couldn't resist trying on hats as soon as we got inside the gates (we were "fighting" over the hamburger hat and look at who "won").
    Oh well I guess I could be the "Court" jester for the day at least.











    We saw quite a few animals, the alligators















    Gorillas



    Pigs














    Porcupines


    We even got to see a celebrity (one I was quite thrilled about "meeting"). As Blogger is giving me a fit right now and not allowing me to upload any additional photos, stay tuned and find out who this "celebrity" was (I'll at least give you a hint, "hee haw").

    Ray and I even went on Sheikra, the first dive roller coaster that carries riders up 200 feet at 45 degrees, holds you in the air for 5 seconds while looking straight down towards the ground, then hurtles riders 70 mph toward the ground at a 90-degree angle, and includes a second 90-degree 138-foot drop through an underground tunnel. It was the best rush.

    Well, I better get some rest, tomorrow our touristy days continue as we are off to visit the Mouse (Mickey that is) at his house (better known as Walt Disney World) for more enjoyment and hopefully some additional celebrity sightings.

    Stay tuned.