Last week, Carter Reese and I hopped on a plane and went to Orlando. It was our first time back since moving in April. It was bittersweet - it still felt like home! We love living close to family now but we really miss our friends. Carter did great on the plane. We met the pilots at the beginning of the flight. They invited Carter to the cockpit for a picture.
She was a little nervous so mommy had to go too!
Before landing the pilots made their announcements, then they added "We hope Carter had a great flight." She popped up and said "Carter Reese, Carter Reese". She knew they were talking about her. We had to find the pilots once we landed and thank them!
After landing, we met Erin and Tate at Chick-fil-a (our usual meeting spot) for lunch.
Carter and Tate were really sweet to each other. We headed back to their house for the kids to take a nap and for Erin and I to catch-up on everything! Later on for dinner, we all met Ryan, Devon & Reid at 4Rivers (my fave). So sad I didn't get pictures!
On Friday morning, Carter and I met Hellen, Gracyn & Camryn Reese at SeaWorld.
Carter was super excited to see Gracyn. That was all she talked about on the ride over to the park. We got to see the Elmo & Abby show...and of course our day at SeaWorld wouldn't be complete with a picture with Shamu. No matter how many times we have been to SeaWorld - Carter always wants to wait in line to get her picture made with Shamu. We also grabbed a few moments at the Whale & Dolphin show - impressive! It even held Carter's attention!
Rachel & Andrew met up with us for the penguins and carousel.
It was a great day with friends (one miserably HOT day)!
After a much-needed rest for all, we headed to Magic Kingdom with Kris, Erin & Tate.
We had recently seen the "Winnie the Pooh" movie so Carter was thrilled for the new ride!
This was Carter's first time to see the Disney parade and fireworks! I couldn't tell who was more excited me or her! We did have to put our hands over her ears for the fireworks!
Saturday was another fun-filled day!
We started out at Gracyn's Royal Ball for her third birthday party!
This was quite a treat. Hellen didn't forget one detail in this princess affair. Before we left for Orlando, Carter was just getting into the princess-stage...now I feel there is no escaping it.
I'll hold off on posting party details until Hellen does...I don't want to still her thunder!
Carter also got to hang out with Ella at the party...oh how we miss Ella Bella.
Here are a few pics of my princess...
Before our carriage turned back into a pumpkin...we had dinner with Erin & Tate at Downtown Disney - Wolfgang Puck's...ah-mazing! The best Pesto Chicken Sandwich ever!
We did a little Christmas shopping for Carter...praying she still loves the Princesses come Santa time. We met Melissa, Parker & Brody for ice cream at Ghirardelli's. Another must for ice cream lovers! It was great visiting with Melissa and her boys are the sweetest.
Sunday was our last full day in Orlando - but it was no rest for us!
We had lots of people we wanted to see!
We went to church at Summit - we really miss it! We grabbed lunch with Ny & Abbie (plus families). It was great spending time with them - truly wonderful friends!
Can't believe how big Tiago & Campbell are getting!
After lunch we visited with Oluchi & Faby, Allen & Courtney and Aunt Collins...sadly no pictures! It was so important for me to see everyone - I have such amazing friends - I couldn't leave without seeing them.
I huge THANK YOU to Kris & Erin for opening up their home to Carter & myself. It was a special time for me and will always be remembered. With making the trip to Orlando, it does make me miss it even more...but I know there are wonderful things ahead for our family in Memphis. But one thing is for certain...come winter in TN, this girl will be making another trip south to the Sunshine State.
1.jpg)
