Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Play-date with the Roger's Family!!! Today I learned that I have a LOT to learn when it comes to planning play-dates! I got together with an old friend from Harding University - Hannah Rogers and her two adorable children - and she planned our entire day!....and boy did she do a GREAT job of it! Not only was it so fun to re-connect with her (gosh, I think it's been like 5 years since we've seen each other!), but it was so neat to see her two beautiful children in person....I felt as if I already knew them from their family blog, but it was definitely more fun to actually see them in action! We've been talking about having a get-together for about 6 months now but with both our busy schedules, it didn't happen until today - but I'm so glad we finally put it on the calendar and made the effort to drive...we both had quite a trek to get there! Hannah made reservations for our two families to meet at the Polynesian Resort in Magic Kingdom for a Character Breakfast at O'Hanna's. The food was great, the company was even better and Mickey Mouse was a true delight! :) Now, THAT is the look of true excitement! Anna-Kate having the time of her life! Afterwards, we hopped on the Monorail to ride around to each of the Disney highlights....Magic Kingdom, Epcot, etc,...including some of the resorts. The kiddo's had so much fun on that, that we decided we might as well take another ride - so we hopped on the Ferry which took us across a lake, back to the Polynesian where we had origonally started. Riding the Ferry to the Polynesian Resort... After arriving back at the Polynesian....Rauly and I had the scare of our lives! It turns out that traveling with 4 kids (3 of whom are HIGHLY active), isn't as easy as it looks! We all got on the elevator (including the double stroller and diaper bags), which took us to the first floor (we were on the second),...but Rauly failed to get on! By the time we all realized it, it was too late to stop the elevator and I had to wait an excruciating 10 seconds before the elevator doors opened again. I could hear her wailing while I was inside the elevator and I felt like my heart was about to pop out of my chest....I felt like the world's worst mom! Once I finally got out of the elevator, I sprinted up the stairs only to find that she had walked off, wailing, to try to find her lost family! I had to run all around the second floor (listening to her cries the entire time) before I finally found her! She was sobbing and one of the Polynesian staff was holding her hand....I think that scared her too. I didn't even thank the man who had found her - if I had tried to speak, I think I would have started crying and I didn't want to upset Rauly any more then she was already, so I just scooped her up and snuggled her until my heart stopped pounding and until she stopped crying. Poor Hannah - she probably thought I was such a lunatic chasing after Rauly like that! She forgave me very quickly and when we ALL made it downstairs safely, she was quickly distracted by the arts/crafts area the Resort provided....the kids played while Hannah and I chatted for a couple of hours. Over all, it was by far the most exciting day the kids and I have had in a very long time....we were all giddy when we arrived and had hoarse voices when we left from talking and laughing so much! Thanks for a fantastic day Hannah - hope to see you and your sweet family again soon!! Rauly and Anna-Kate playing and winding down....

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

looks like you had a great time other than the separation. sorry I didn't call back, been keeping busy tonight. talk to you tomorrow.

Amanda said...

Sounds like you guys had so much fun! She's quit the planner. I probably would've planned a trip to McDonald's and the park. I think you forgot to mention that Rauly is part Mexican. She's so tan! Love her face with Goofy.

Michael and Hannah said...

Wesley has made new friends for life! He has been talking about "Shep'nRauly" (like it's all one word) all day! Thank you guys so much for driving so far to see us. I didn't realize it was that far for you! I feel bad now! We're going to have to come see you guys soon! I adored seeing your kids and catching up. We'll have to make it an annual thing (at least!).

Unknown said...

Looks like so much fun! I love Disney World, and I haven't been in years!
If ya'll ever come up this way, I'll take you to, um Graceland or something like that! Not nearly as exciting was Disney! ;)

Jamie said...

You look so beautiful in those pictures, supermodel momma!!!
What a fun trip!!! Definitely "ups" the playdate standard, huh?

Kelly B. said...

You look amazing! Sounds like such a fun day! (except for the part about loosing Rauly) :)

Gina Harmon said...

A play date to remember, that's for sure! Glad you were able to take advantage of the cool things Florida has to offer as well as visiting with a friend and the kids making new friends! The kids and you are getting very tan from all your swimming and outdoor adventures!

Anonymous said...

new hairdo pics, please...

lauren said...

You are gorgeous!! What a fun playdate! How far away are you from Disney World?