We're Baaaack!

Okay, so we're getting more settled and I have a little time to sit and write about the 2nd half of our trip.

Overall, we'll never forget this trip for so many reasons! May it be the Snow White Fiver or meeting Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty...everything was magical!

Day 2 at Disney was incredible. Being that it was Christmas Eve the parks were crowed, but we didn't think it was any worse than the Minnesota State Fair. We started the day in Animal Kingdom and just as we imagined MacKenzy loved every minute of it! We started off with their Safari ride where we got to see grazing Giraffes, sleeping Lions, bathing Hippos, and a herd of Elephants. We made it our goal early on to make sure MacKenzy got to meet some of the characters, as we didn't get the chance the first day. We stood in line to meeting Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger & Goofy and Pluto while in Animal Kingdom. I'd have to say meeting Tigger was by far her favorite!

MacKenzy loves Dinosaurs and Animal Kingdom has quite an exhibit. You can dig for fossils, ride dinosaur themed kiddie rides, and a scary Dinosaur ride. MacKenzy was insistant on going on it, so crossing our fingers we took her...and she LOVED it! I held her hand and had to hold her back in her seat (the ride is pretty jerky) and the entire time her eyes were wide open with amazement...again, I'm sure she thought they were real (she doesn't understand that whole extinction thing yet!). She was a brave little solider! A woman and her teen-aged daughter approached us as we exited asking what the ride was like...they figured since a small girl came out of it all smiles it couldn't be too bad. Little do they know our little Braveheart!

We made our way over to the Magic Kingdom around 3 o'clock and set out to do the things we hadn't done the previous time. On the first day the Tea Cup ride was closed, and that was one ride MacKenzy saw on the promo DVD and said she wanted to ride, but this time it was open. I mistakenly trusted my husband to be gentle and midway through the ride I had to give him the ol' knife across the throat sign. I used to be able to sit on the Tilt-O-Whirl fours...but 10 seconds into the Tea Cups and I was about ready to toss my cookies! MacKenzy loved it and laughed afterwards about how dizzy she was...meanwhile I fought off the desire to stick my head in a garbage can!

After the Tea Cups we decided to stand in line to meet some Princesses! MacKenzy isn't into the Princess scene. Once and awhile when I actually get a dress on her, she'll twirl and say, "Look Mommy! I'm a princess," but other than that she's into Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Buzz Lightyear (or as she says it, "Buzz Ight-ear:). She does however love Ariel (the Little Mermaid), but I think it has more to do with the fact that she swims with fish than anything. The line moved pretty quickly and before we knew it we were ALONE in a room with Cinderella and Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). When I say ALONE I mean...ALONE! A couple staff, the princesses and us! It was completely the coolest thing! They were so genuine and sweet I almost tear up when I think of it. Princess Aurora greeted MacKenzy and said, "Wow! Aren't you a beautiful princess! What is your name?" They asked her how old she was and if she was having fun....it was so personal! She first had her picture taken with Cinderella and they sat and chatted. Then Aurora joined them...and then Aurora held MacKenzy's hand and walked her over to her thrown for pictures. It was one of those moments that will forever be etched in my memory!
After that incredible experience we stood in line for Mickey Mouse. The was a bit longer but it too was a neat experience.
After the characters we had dinner and took a chances at letting Kenzy drive. We drove the little race cars where I pressed the gas and MacKenzy took the wheel. We were all over the road and she had a blast!

Lastly we watched the evening's fireworks and made our way to the front of the park. We called it an early night and said Good-bye to Mickey and his friends.

This trip was unforgettable!!!

Florida- PART I

Hello everyone! We are having an incredible time and couldn't ask for better weather.

We flew in on Tuesday and basically got acclimated. I actually started feeling pretty sick on the plane so when we got to Bob & Jean's house I instantly headed for the bedroom and made myself at home- went to bed! For hours I fought off the fact that my body simply wanted to throw up. When I finally did it, I felt perfectly fine! I really don't think it was the flight that did it; I've never gotten sick while flying. I think it may have been a combination of the lack of sleep, nerves, excitment and a Sun Country breakfast sandwich.

Wednesday day was the start of our fun. We were at the gates of Epcot at 9:30 am to meet up with a guy (Bob's daughter's... sister-in-law's... brother...) and we got in using his free passes- he's an Employee of Disney. The first thing we 'experienced' was FINDING NEMO. It was very cute and a great way to start out the day. After a few attractions we made our way over to the Magic Kingdom.

Where to begin... LONG STORY SHORT- it was AMAZING! We watched them light the castle (which we had learned about on the Travel Channel just the week before) and it was incredible. We went on Pirates of the Caribbean. At first we though Kenzy would be a bit scared by it, but in the end she wanted to go on it again! We also went on the Jungle Boat ride where they have all sorts of 'fake' animals...but she didn't realize it so she was super excited to see a Hippos and Aligators...etc. It was pretty funny to watch her. Later on they had the Parade in Lights where Pluto came up to her (she was on Jason's shoulders) and gave her a big hug...the look on her face was worth every penny and every blister! On our way out of the park the parade was going again. We weren't going to watch it again, but Kenzy plopped her little butt on the curb and gave her Nana the thumbs up...how could we say no to that!?! Near the end of the parade Snow White graciously came up to Kenzy to shake her hand...well, our child doesn't have the ladylike manners of Snow White, so she gave her FIVE. Snow White was a bit surprised and said, "Well that's never happened to me before!"

Thursday was our first day of rest... we went to Bass ProShop so Jason could do a little shopping. Santa was there and his sleigh was hooked up to 7 tiny white-tailed deer (to Kzy they were reindeer!) We did a family photo because she refused to sit with Santa on her own... For dinner we took Jason's mom (Bob would have come but he was laid up with a broken rib) to our favorite Orlando restaurant, Salt Island. We found it two years ago when we were here for Jean and Bob's wedding. Jason had his prime rib steak and I had the routissere chicken- YUMMY. Waiting two years to have it again was far too long of a wait!

Friday was a day to give Jean and Kenzy some time, and Mom and Dad a day to themselves. Jason and I went to Universal and Jean and Kzy went to SeaWorld. Let's just say, we would have had more fun at SeaWorld. Universal Orlando is pretty lame...or at least we think so. The attractions are spread so far apart that you spend most of your day simply walking from one to the other. One bonus to the day was the fact that the park was empty! Waiting in line for rides was pretty quick! I was disappointed to see they really don't have any attention to the details. In Disney you'd never see dusty or dirty attractions. On the Men In Black ride many of the aliens or guns, etc. were dusty. On the Spider Man ride (which was our favorite) the bottom of computer monitor was melted. I could go on and on...but I won't bore you with the details of our disappointment.

If all you want to do for the day is eat and shop, then go to Universal...but if you want to have FUN pick another park!

We beat MacKenzy and Jean home. They had a wonderful time at SeaWorld. They had a 4pm reservation to have dinner with Shamu and the trainers. Jean said it was a really nice dinner but maybe more exciting for Kzy in a few years.

Yesterday Jason woke up sick during the night and didn't come out of the bedroom until about 7:30pm. We took the day for resting! I only left the house to run to the store for Gatorade. Kzy took a long nap and watched movies and I hung out and played cards with Jean. It was a much needed day of rest!

Today Jason feels better, but not great. All that we ask is that he feels good tomorrow- Day 2 of Disney. Tonight we're going to go to the Peabody Hotel to watch the ducks. They have ducks that live at the hotel and in the morning they put down the red carpet and make a big deal over them as they head to the water. In the evening they do it all over again to bring them in. Jean says its really cute so I'm sure Kzy will get a kick out of it. After that we'll head over to Celebration. It's a multi-million dollar Disney housing development. During Christmas the houses are completely decked out and they even do fireworks...how would you like to live there? Guess you buy the house knowing that though...

Tomorrow will be about doing the things we didn't get to on Day 1 of Disney. First things first, we're starting the day in Animal Kingdom. I'm sure Miss Melby will be over the moon when she sees all of her favorite animals! Once we've seen all there is to see there we'll head back to the Magic Kingdom.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Christmas Day will be spent relaxing as a family and doing whatever comes to mind. In the evening we have to go back to Downtown Disney to pick up some items we had personalized, but other than that we have nothing planned!

When I get home and have better access to the internet, I will post our pictures!!

I hope all of you are staying warm...

It's About That Time...

We made our annual trip to Bachman's last weekend to take our Christmas photo...our little ham didn't make it all that easy, but I'm sure we'll find one to use.

The all black Christmas dress wasn't a wise decision, but there is always next year.

MacKenzy actually did an incredible job with meeting Santa. In past years she has refused to look up for the camera. This year she understood that she had to tell him what she wanted! And what is that you might say...a "pretend kitty."

Next week at this time we will be relaxing in, what I hope is 70+ degrees of Orlando heat. We leave on the 18th and will be staying with Jason's mother and her husband, Bob.

Like I said previously, we will be going to Disney. Our first trip will be on the 19th...if we waited any longer I'd fear MacKenzy's head would pop off! On the 21st MacKenzy will be spending the day with her Nana, as they got to SeaWorld. Jason and I will be taking a Mommy and Daddy day at Universal Studios. Then on the 24th we will be making yet another trip back to Disney!! Fortunately Jeannie and Bob have the right connections and we're getting into the parks both days for FREE.

This weekend we let her pick out a backpack to use as her carry-on. She is very proud of her backpack and when she put it on to take to 'school' (aka daycare) on Monday she was a bit confused. When Jason said something refering to school she was a bit disappointed because she thought we were going to the airport.

This Christmas will certainly will never be forgotten...

I will be sure to share more after the trip~

Disney World!

The Melby's are spending Christmas in Orlando!

We have booked our trip and we're counting the days. MacKenzy is absolutely through the roof with anticipation. Any time she spots a plane in the air she has to ask, "Is that a big plane or a little plane?" Her response to a 'Big Plane' is, "Big Planes go to Disney World to see Mickey. Little planes can't fly that far."

Jason made her a calendar to countdown the days. Each day has a Disney character on it and on the day we fly out, Cinderella's Castle. We've bought a digital video camera so hopefully I'll be able to figure out how to post video when we return. I'm sure her eyes will bug out and steam will come rolling her ears, so I wouldn't want you to miss that piece of footage.

In October the Muelken's went to Disney so when she got their post card she was a bit confused. I think she thought maybe they were coming with, but since I've explained that "they went to see Mickey and now it'll be your turn!" (For anyone that doesn't know the Muelken's- Cady and Maiah are 9 months older 9 months younger (respectively) and they are MacKenzy's most favorite kids to play with outside of daycare!)

I've been to both Disneyland and Disney World, but never before I have I been more excited to go! I wish I could have a film crew follow us around while we're in the parks! Watching MacKenzy take it all in will be the best gift anyone could give me!

Goose Egg

This past weekend was Dozinky Days in New Prague. The short of it, it's the town's celebration...reason to have a parade and drink A LOT! Czech people sure can drink!

On Friday night there was a classic car show for cars from 1987 and older. 1987, to me, is far from an old car!!! To drive, yes, but seriously! My favorite car is always the old corvettes- red with white!! After the car show it's basically a free-for-all. Well, not free but nonetheless everyone gets a little schnuckered up. The entire main street is blocked off, so it's basically a street party. People party in the street or go from one bar to the next.

We were home by (get this) 9:45! Jason was already pretty tanked (which I have not witnessed in a very long time) so it was time to cut him off! Some friends came over and we had a bonfire in the backyard. It was really nice to sit out there on such a cool night...no bugs...nice warm fire! All was nice but I kind of forgot about the allergy thing (dust from the wood burning and we're basically inhaling it)...I sneezed for the next two days!

On Saturday we had the parade. Jason being the FNG (F***ing New Guy) he didn't have a dress uniform to march in the parade, so he was in charge of driving one of the trucks. MacKenzy and I joined him- I love having her IN the parade because then she doesn't get all that candy to fight over! New Prague doesn't allow you to throw candy from a moving vehicle which was not alright with MacKenzy! I bent the rule, okay I broke the rule! I had her throw one piece at a time, and told her to throw it really far. She did really good...and as of now, no complaints.

After the parade the fire department had their annual water fights. First all of the guys competed and then the women went at it. There were two teams of New Prague firefighter wives, one team of Jordan FD wives, one team of NP Ambulance, and then our team; Explorers. It was SO much fun...but A LOT of work! To say it's easy would be a complete lie!

In 14 years of doing the water fights NO ONE has ever gotten hurt...that is until I came along! Long story short, I fell backwards and took my skull into pavement. Yes, we wear gear but I landed at the right angle for my helmet to shoot off my head. My first thought was that I had get up. I imagined that someone getting hurt would be grounds for not allowing the water fights...or at least not allow untrained folks like myself! While the two Explorers (Kate and Jackie) rushed over to me, I tried to sit up and play it cool. I no more than sat up and I was laying down again. I was really dizzy and felt like I could pass out. I laid on the ground for a bit longer (while hords of people stood over me) and then stood up (with the help of everyone around me...how embarassing!). I went to the sidelines, got myself together, and five minutes later was back out competing.

The headache didn't hit until much later. Monday morning is when I first noticed I didn't have a headache any longer....but still today I have the sore spot. What a dope!

Saturday night Jason and I actually went to A MOVIE! We saw "I Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" F.U.N.N.Y.

Pod 4

I see Kindergarten off in the distance.....

Yesterday MacKenzy made a transition that is putting her on the path to starting school, in two years. Playworks, where she goes to daycare, is sectioned off in Pods. Pod 1 is made up of babies 6wks to around 16 months. They move onto Pod 2 once they are developmentally ready...eating without assistance, walking, etc.

Pod 2 is a huge transition! On day one they set a cup in front of the kids and expect them to figure out how to drink out of it. For the first two weeks MacKenzy came home a mess! She figured it out though. Pod 2 is also where they start potty training. Peer pressure is such a great thing at this age! It may have taken a year but she's potty trained. Those teachers have some serious patience!

Just after MacKenzy's 2nd birthday she moved up to Pod 3. This move was a much needed move! Her favorite teacher from Pod 2 moved there about a month before, and then so did most of her friends. She was stuck back where she was the oldest only because she wasn't 2 yet. Every day for about a month was a nightmare. Drop offs were rarely full of smiles, and she kept to herself or fought with the other kids. It wasn't fun for anybody! I personally sat down with the manager and expressed my incredible desire for her to move up. They moved her up the first Monday after her 2nd birthday and she was a happy kid again!

She has now been in Pod 3 for just over 15 months. She went in as a toddler, and now is very much a little girl! The things that come out of her mouth are unreal...I have to remind myself that she's only 3!

Yesterday was her first day in Pod 4- the PRE-Pre-K program! She is leaving behind her favorite teacher, but the upside is that she's in the same class as her little boy friend, Chase. She's pretty excited about that! At first, when she learned that Ms. Amy (her teacher) wouldn't be moving she told me she didn't want to go. I quickly reminded her that she could play with Chase all day in Pod 4. Her position changed.

She still gets to see Ms. Amy in the late afternoon when all of the kids in Pod 2-4 play together in the trike park- so at least it's not cold turkey! After school yesterday she was so excited to tell me about her day. She tattled on Jamison for not letting her play on the computer, but said that her and Chase played this and that, and napped by each other! (oh, God no)

This time next year she will enter into the official Pre-K program and she will be on her road to starting school! In the meantime we get another year of watching her grow into a magnificent little girl!

Catching Up

...I started this post last week and never finished it, but I thought I'd post it anyway.



Hello Everyone!

The State Fair starts next week! You know what that means don’t you? Summer is almost over! It’s been a hot and extremely dry couple of months, but I’ll take it over freezing temperatures and snow any day! Fall is my favorite holiday, but on the other hand I hate that it means winter is around the corner! There’s nothing like the 70’s and all of the beautiful colors…and that smell of burning leaves! Anyone have some trees so we can play in the leaves? Our lone Ash tree isn’t going to do it!

In the last few weeks nothing too exciting has happened. I started my job last month and I am still enjoying it. There are many nights I go home exhausted…mentally drained! There’s a lot to take in and yet try to figure out how to remember it all.

A couple weeks ago Jason interviewed for New Prague Fire. Over the past 5 years he’s been working for Mdewakanton Fire, but he doesn’t get to see fire like he did when he was on Prior Lake Fire. Mdewakanton also is an ambulance service, so 90% of their calls are medicals. He likes that aspect of his job, but simply misses the firefighting.

New Prague Fire is a volunteer service, like Prior Lake. They placed an ad in June and Jason played with the idea of applying. We’re both so busy and we needed to think it out before adding one more log on the fire! Finally we decided it was a go. New Prague doesn’t have a call ratio, nor do they have a high volume of calls. The only time he absolutely couldn’t go on a call is if I’m on call for ambulance. Any other time, he is good to go. His first meeting is Tuesday, which is also Family Night. The water rescue team will be training at the city pool and after their training the families meet up at the pool for a little party. Great way to meet people! I know a few of the guys because of the ambulance service, but we’re both pretty much walking into a situation where neither of us knows anyone. I stand corrected, one of our neighbors is a member but we simply know him in passing.

Next Friday Jason and I will be at the State Fair all day with our Explorer post. Every year the first Friday of the state fair is the Governor’s Fire Prevention Day. Fire services statewide come and show off their trucks and enjoy a day at the fair for free. This is also where our Fire Explorers get to compete against other posts and also do an auto-extrication demonstration. I’m excited for the day… not for the competition, but for the FOOD! I need to start fasting now! My all time favorite are Fried Green Tomatoes. If you haven’t had them, and you like pickles, try them! They have the tart taste of a pickle. Their booth is always by the food building, outside the KARE 11 Health Fair exhibit.

The fair is this week now... I haven't started my fasting! Better get on that!