Day 3 in Orlando: Epcot Adventures!

Today was day number 3 which was dedicated to our journey to Epcot. We had mixed feelings about going there in the first place because alot of people told me that it was not that great and that the kids would hate it. Well I am glad that we decided to develop our own opinions because it was actually pretty fun. There were alot of fun, interactive, educational exhibits for the kids to enjoy and there were some great attractions as well. Braiden saved up his allowance money before the trip and he bought his first souvenir today. Can you guess what it was? No its not the striped shirt.

What is that giant golf ball thing anyway? I have always wondered so we were sure to check that out. Its a ride called Spaceship: Earth and it was pretty cool. It takes you through a bunch of eras of time and in to the future showing you the evolution of inventions and technology.

Also its just the Icon of Epcot.

Paige was looking especially cute today with her coordination headband and dress. She also was being a super stinker today. Her favorite game to play is take-off-my-shoes-and-drop-them-wherever-making-mom-and-dad-mad. That was just the beginning. This is what happens when we go non-stop for 3 days with little sleep and don't get Paige a nappy.

One of my favorite rides today was the Finding Nemo Adventure. It is VERY similar to the underwater adventure at Disneyland but you don't sit in a submarine. Then when you get off there is a huge aquarium that you can wander through and see all kinds of cool fish.
In the dolphon tank the Dolphin would come up to the window and do fun tricks for the people with the help of the trainer. There was also a shark tank. That was separate from the dolphin tank, don't worry. That would not be a fun show for the kids.

All in all, critique of Epcot was everyone needs to go to check it out and make up your own mind. My kids enjoyed it and I thought it was pretty interesting. There are also a couple fast roller coaster type rides there similar to Space Mountain.

Tomorrow is Magic Kingdom day and that's the one we have all been waiting for. We have an appointment at 10am to have breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and Friends. Braiden is probably the most excited about that. Not! Really he has been a pretty good sport about all the Princess and Pooh Bear stuff but don't let him fool you. He likes Playhouse Disney as much as Paige when nobody is looking.

Until tomorrow!

Day 2 in Orlando: Wild Animal Kingdom

So as you can guess I decided to pay the dinero and post my pics. These are beginning from yesterday. This was in the Orlando Airport. We decided to kick-off the tourism with a pic in the airport. This was perfect timing because I think that Paige was beginning to not believe that we were going where Mickey Mouse was since the plane trip was so long. (Sorry for the sideways pic)

Paige was absolutely taken by Snow White as you can see my the look on her face. This was also in the airport.

Ok. I am guilty of putting my 3 year old in a "bikini". Eric looked at me sideways when I bought this last year at Wal-Mart. Doesn't she look cute? We just got her those floaties and she has developed a dangerous confidence by being able to just jump into the pool. One of these days she is going to jump in and forget to put the floaties on first.
The hotel has a great pool with a kiddie wader and an indoor area. We were out there for about 30 minutes and I got burnt. I put 70 SPF sunblock on everyone else but forgot to put it on myself. Luckily at the first feeling of over exposure I went in so I an not a lobster. There is nothing worse than getting fried the first day of vacation.

As you may have noticed, most of the pics with me in them are taken as self-portraits since I am the camera operator. This is at Playhouse Disney.

Yesterday we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios Park and saw Playhouse Disney and other movie related attractions. Playhouse Disney is a must see for those who have little kids that watch the Disney channel. Paige was in awe at first sight of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gang. This is her with Leo from Little Einsteins.

Today we made our way to Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom. This was so fun! The kids have never been able to see this many characters as they did today. They were everywhere and so easy to see. The first of the day was Flick.

This recycle bid was talking to Braiden outside of the conservation station. This was pretty clever. Braiden was a little surprised I thinkbut then afterward he claimed he "knew it was not real mom". He spotted the guy in the croud that was taking into a microphone and controlling the motions. Nothing gets by him.

Tired and waiting in line.
Braiden got pulled up to participate in the Lion King show (my favorite, by the way). I love the Lion King so this was particularly exciting for me. I may have been the only adult inthe audience singing full blast to all the music. Hmmm, or not. Braiden was very proud to be up there. He always tells me that he wants to learn to sing and dance so this was a new thing for him. I think he may have changed his mind though.

Donald Duck
Goofy and the fam (the one in the hat is Goofy) hehe.

Whitney and Amy in front of the Tree of Life and at the end of the day. I got soaked on the wild rapids ride so I was ready to get out of there and change my wet bum.

What will we do tomorrow? Its a mystery...stay tuned.

We are on the other side of the USA!! Day 1 Adventures!!

I am writing this post from the Internet office of the Embassy Suites in Orlando, Florida. I brought my laptop and fully intended to post everyday the we are here so that I would not have to do a huge catch up post when I get back with pics and all but I found out that to have wireless in the rooms is $10 a day!! WHAT? Can you say rip-off? I am a total believer that Internet should be free to all. So anyway, here I am in the public business office trying to post and check email really fast.

Lowdown on the trip so far:

The travel day here was good. Long but uneventful an in the world of flying, uneventful is very good. We left SLC at 1pm. Arrived in Denver @ 2:30. Left Denver @ 4:50pm. Arrived in Orlando @ 10:30pm. Got to hotel and checked-in by 11:30pm. Got Paige and Braiden settled down by 12:30am. Barely fell asleep at 2am to be awakened by seriously loud, screeching, high-pitched, nightmarish noise @ 2:15am. Looked out of room to see entire hotel evacuating to parking lot. Got out to parking lot with half-asleep kids by 2:30am. Sat in parking lot for 15 minutes with lots of angry people while the fire dept checked things out. Got the OK that all was clear and stood in line for 15 mins to get back up elevator to the 6th floor and get riled up kids BACK in bed by 3am. Whew.

We got up at 9:30 this morning and went to the pool and swam for a little while. That was very fun. It's a good thing they have a free soda fountain or I would have been really ticked about last night.

Guess what!? Florida is very humid and hot. I can truly appreciate the dry weather in Utah now after having been here for 24 hours. Anything for a little Disney, right? I am sooooo glad that we left little Cameron at home with his Aunt. He would have had a terrible day today in the heat.

We did make it to Disney's Hollywood Studios today and saw Playhouse Disney and some other fun stuff. Whitney and I went to Downtown Disney. Guess what else we learned? Nothing is close by or easy to get to around here. This place is huge. I thought I was the expert but this plaec has humbled me.

Now I am very tired and ready to rest my weary feet so we can get up and do it again tomorrow.

Let's pray for no fire alarms tonight!! Maybe tomorrow you will get some pics if I break down and decide to pay for Internet in my room. Hasta manana!

Paigey is 3!!

Why on earth would I put that picture on the Internet for the world to see, you ask? Because I am proud to say the the giant beach ball did eventually go away.

So May and June are busy birthday months for the Ericksons. 3 years ago to day I had a 4 day old beautiful baby girl and I was seeing pink like you would not believe. I was, and am still, so happy to have my little girl. Boys are fun but I love having a girl. She is a little mirror image of me (so y mom says) and she brings such a special sweet spirit into our home.

Paige was born after 12 hours of labor @ 10:30pm. I remember that I was soooo hungry that Eric went to Subway and got me a foot long sandwich and I scarfed the whole thing and practically fell asleep with it still in my mouth. Paige's labor was fairly smooth but was just really long. My due date was not actually until June 9th but Dr Yamishiro agreed to induce me early as I was more than ready. So we got the hospital at 6am sharp and I guess there was a full moon that night or something because the entire L&D floor was full. So I went home with head hung low and sobbing. They did call us back, however, about 3 hours later so my sorrow did not last too long. (Scroll back to the top pic and you will understand why I was sobbing. I was GINORMOUS!)
Well, she finally came to an audience of 6 people including my mom, my 2 sisters, my mother in law and my sis in-law, and Eric. I apparently put on a really good show because they were all in tears. She finally came and weighed 8lbs 12oz. Does that explain anything about the huge belly?
From Day one Paige has been the happiest, smiliest, sweetest little thing ever. I have been blessed to have all happy smiley babies so far but Paige by far stole every ones hearts.
Even when she got "bonked" she had a smile on her face. Nice bruise.
My favorite moments with my children by far are when they are sleeping and dreaming about things that make them feel happy and safe and I can watch them and just enjoy their sweet faces.

Paige's birthday was kicked off by a lunch at the place of her choice which was of course, "McDonaldDucks". I am not sure if she even really cares that they sell food there. She just likes playing.
Cameron enjoyed the fries.
This was my attempt at tucking Paige in that night. We all squeezed ourselves into her toddler size bed and played hide and seek from Daddy. I am so irresponsible!!
Paige helped Daddy pick all the lovely Dandelions off the lawn the next day.

We had a joint family party for Paige and my mom that day since Paige was born on my moms 49th bday. So my mom will forever get a Hello Kitty or Princess cake from here out. Even Baylee was partying like a rock-star.
Paige was showered with presents mostly of the Princess and Tinkerbell kind. She was not even sure what to do with it all.
Barbies Barbies Galore!!
Paige wanted nothing but fun-fetti heart shaped cakes for her birthday. Your wish is my command (But only on your birthday!)

Paige got a new Red Radioflyer wagon. This present was the hit of the evening. It has little seat belts and even drink holders!!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

Pinewood Derbys and Ballerinas!

Last week proved to be a busy one between all the adtivities we attended to with the kids and trying to get everyone healthy before we leave for Orlando next week.

Braiden had his second Pinewood Derby Race and did very well but mostly just had a good time making his car and racing his friends. As you can see they are a very well behaved bunch. Ha.
Braiden's car is the second one from the closer end. It had lightning bolts on it and weighed EXACTLY 5oz.
Braiden ended up winning the Gold Medal for his Den. This is something like 4th place I think. Anywho, he did great and had a good time.
I only posted this pic because Braiden begged me to. He thinks its hilarious that he snuck my camera and took this of himself.
So with our trip to Orlando coming up and my stress that something will happen to prevent us from having a good time I think I have managed to jinx us. Sure enough Paige came down with the double ear infection and strep throat on Friday when her dance recital was on Saturday. Needless to say she was in no mood to be dancing so I ended up having to bribe her with a Barbie. I actually had this Barbie to give to her on her birthday which is June 6th but I caved and gave it to her early. Guess what?! It worked! She smiled happy for the rest of the day and danced like a super star.

Ok so maybe not a Super Star exactly but she danced like a super 2 year old..
Ok so maybe she didn't really dance much but hey she got up on stage! Thank goodness she couldn't spot me because I am sure she would have gone running off the stage to me or Eric.
She got her flowers at the end of her performance and proceeded to climb the stairs and run around crazy in true 2 year old form.

So she isn't a Prima Ballerina but hey, she sure is cute anyway!!

Somebody turned 9 on May 20th!!

Lets see...9 years ago today I had an 8 day old baby. My first little baby boy Braiden. At the time I was working at Alpha Plasma Center in Provo and had just finished my 3rd semester of Nursing school. I was due on May 19th and my Dr. said if I made it through my due date that he would induce me. This was much to the dismay of Quinn because that was opening day of Star Wars. He quickly got over that. Well, you can bet that I showed up at Orem Community Hospital at 6 am the next morning and was ready to go. They started me on Pitosin at 7 am and he was born at 6:40pm. It was a Thursday. This I recall because I delivered just in time to see the season finale of Friends. He was 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 inches. He has managed to gain about 40 lbs and a few feet since then.Braiden is a very happy and smart kid. He loves to play and have fun and has a very competitive spirit. This is why he is a great soccer player. In fact he does well at any sport or activity he chooses to participate in. He likes to be independent and pretty much challenges me on everything but I will admit that there have been times that it turned out he was right and I was wrong. He is always concerned for others well-being and will always ask me how much something costs before I can buy it for him. Maybe he will be a financial analyst when he grows up. He is an awesome big brother and helper (most of the time). Since his birthday was preceded by a couple of funerals this year we had to sorta throw together a party but it turned out fun and he got some cool gifts as always. Would you believe that nobody ate the black cupcakes? What you don't like having grey teeth?
I bet Braiden was wishing for a Wii. Will the statute of limitations on wishes run out by Christmas? Hmmmmmmm.....
On his actual birthday day, Braiden desired for all of his "parents" to take him out and have a date night. He chose Joe's Crab Shack. Unfortunately, Eric got the flu that morning and couldn't make it but we had a good time. He ordered a huge shrimp dish and at it ALL! I didn't even know he liked seafood.
Braiden also did not know that Joe's is notorious for making you do embarrassing things on your birthday. I guess they go easy on kids because they just had him stand up and sang to him and he had to say all the "you"s in the Happy Birthday song. This pales in comparison to the time they made me ride a stick pony around the entire restaurant yelling "yee-haw".

Happy Birthday Bud! Don't grow up too fast!

Race for the Cure a huge success...

Well, it finally came an went after all the preparation and excitement and it was a BLAST!! The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was on May 10th, 2008 @ 8:30am in downtown Salt Lake City near the Gateway Mall. It was so fun. They said that there were something around 18,000 people registered for the event and I have no doubt that they were all there. It was amazing how many people you can cram into one place. As the race began it felt like we were being herded like cattle as there was no way we could pick up a quick walking pace. Shuffle for the cure was more appropriate. "Race for the bathroom" would have also been an fitting name. Have you ever tried to wait in line for a bathroom with 17,999 other women. Its impossible. Note to self: Next year, do not drink 32oz of diet Coke on the way to the race. Duh!!

This was taken the day before behind my office building. We invited all who wanted to come to have their pics taken with the amazing Pride for Pink team. I am the one in the front with the white legs!
I forced Eric and Braiden to walk too. No actually, Eric was happy to do it. Braiden was too until I made him wake up at 6am and by mile 2 he was complaining that his knees hurt. "Man up!" I had to say. As I was writhing in pain with a full bladder whilst walking 3 miles.

This is the official Pride for Pink Team photo. I think that we have permission to get this blown up large and hang it in the office building. We are pretty proud of our team. The banner gives the whole thing a nice touch, don't you think?


Rebecca, our inspiration for Pride for Pink, is beautiful, isn't she? She has an amazing strength to keep on truckin' through all the nasty stuff she is dealing with right now. The race was 4 days after one of her roughest chemo treatments but she walked the race without complaint and insisted on finishing. And finish, she did.

Kiley's sweet pink shoes. I plan to steal them next time I am near her closet. So cute and so appropriate.

Ginger, Karley, Kiley's mom Carol, Kiley, Shelby and her hubby.

Me. Love those self-portraits. A note about the hat: The night before I realized that I wanted to wear a hat but needed a pink one so I ran (drove fast) to Wal-Mart and all pink ribbon paraphernalia was GONE! So it was either this Hershey Kisses hat or a Budweiser hat with a can opener in the bill. Guess which one I chose...

Pride for Pink crossing the finish line...

Special survivors finish line...so symbolic of the journey to the end of the trial. Very cool for Rebecca.

HCI nurses: Brenda, Ginger, Myself, Kiley and Friend Tara.

Race for the CURE.

We will return next year. Rebecca plans to run. I'm there...