M-I-C-K-E-Y....

Recently, I wrote a blog post about 'going to' Disney on a tight budget.  Well our budget hasn't changed but our Littles were given a generous gift for their birthdays - a ticket to Disney World!! 

So cool!!

Since our house is bursting at the seams with stuff -mostly toys- we asked family and friends that wanted to give a birthday gift to our boys to consider sending gifts towards a Florida resident pass.

Don't know what a Florida Resident pass is??  Well, its one of the many perks of living in the Sunshine state (or you could also look at as our pension for dealing with all of the tourists that come to see the mouse!)  Anyhoo.  Florida residents are offered discounted rates and even some annual pass offers. 

For instance, we were looking at the weekday annual pass.  Since we avoid tourist attractions during the peek times anyway (weekends and holidays), this was a perfect fit.  In the end, it cost less than the cost of 2 tickets.  PLUS, we have a friend that could get us another discount on top of that!! 

Needless to say, the boys had a wonderful birthday party on October 18th.

We were able to get the kiddos and myself (daddy has opted out of Mickey Mouse festivities) with a minimum expense for our family.  The older two have offered to put their band classes on hold until next year so we can apply those costs towards the 'field trips' we'll be making (hopefully twice a month - at least!)

Last week was our first time going to the "Happiest Place on Earth"!!  How exciting!!

I was in tears the whole way down Main Street.  It was amazing to think that this little child had not even seen running water just 8 months ago and now he was walking down the magical streets of Disney World. 

This was also Jack's first time going.  He is my 'strong, silent guy' and just took it all in.

We had such a wonderful day!  My mom bought a ticket too. 

Granny!!

That will be perfect for those times that the littles will have to sit out on a ride.  One of us will go with the older 2 and the other will stay with the little guys.

 

Jack and Sam could barely see over the top!

Not all of the rides were loved!

The Littles even got to meet one of their favorite characters!!

 

Fist bumps and high fives for everyone!!

Two days later, on Halloween, we went with some of our best friends instead of stocking up on unwanted candy.  Saying we had a BLAST would be an understatement!!  Here are some photos of our adventures... 

Two moms and 7 kids... oh my!

 

 

We are looking forward to a FUN year at the 'Mouse House'!!

There ARE Good People in the World

We have had our good ol' Toyota Sequoia for 10 years now.  She was bought while I was pregnant with Cole and has served our family very well.

Seriously.  Best vehicle ever!

Over the last couple of months, her old battery has been put to the test.  It seems that our family has had difficulty SHUTTING DOORS, turning off lights and such, thus leaving me with a dead battery to deal with the next day.  (and usually when my hubby is down in Miami and not available to help)

Thankfully, there has always been a neighbor, passer-by or even a lawn guy (true story) to come and resuscitate the old girl back to life.

Last Friday, I was taking the kids to Orlando and Stephen was working locally.  To save of gas money, I piled the herd kiddos into Stephen's little car and left our truck for him. When I was about half way to Orlando I got a call from Stephen that the old battery had finally, completely, thoroughly died.  Not even cpr (aka. a jump) could bring it back to life.

Thus, Stephen spent his day working from home.  Between you and me, I think he enjoyed a quiet day at home.  Just sayin'.

Late that same day, I received an interesting call from a neighbor...

He said that he had noticed our truck in front of our house and had heard about our battery issues.  He then said that he also noticed that the front 2 tires were quite worn.

Yes, these items are on our ever-growing to-do list.

But then he said that he had talked with his family and a local garage and they wanted to take care of ALL of these items for us!!!  WHAT?!

We were amazed and speechless at the offer!  ...and quite frankly, Stephen didn't feel that we could accept such a generous gift.

The neighbor then went on to say, "please don't say no.  You carry some precious cargo in that truck and I have it all worked out with the company."  How wonderful is that?!

So, at 6am this morning, they came over and got our ol' girl out of the drive-way.  She spent the day at the car spa!!!  When she was driven back to our house tonight, she had 2 brand new tires, a new battery, and oil change.  PLUS, they had replaced a faulty warning light breaker and flushed out the systems.

I don't even know if this other family grasps the gravity of this blessing to our family...


Pay no attention to the grumpy face on Jack... he had just woken up from a late afternoon nap

We are so incredibly THANKFUL!!  What a true blessing to our family!!
Now to think of a way to thank this family for their thoughtfulness....  Any ideas?