Perfect Mother & Daughter Date

Today was an extremely hot day, but that didn't stop us (Mimi and I) from going on our "Mother-Daughter" date. Since we (maybe, slightly maybe, me more than we) love our Disney princesses, I've been making plans to take Mimi to see Brave. I secretly promised myself I however would not fall for another princess for Mimi's sake, even though I've always wanted a red headed child (my maternal grandmother had red hair). We already have plenty of stuff in the apartment with Rapunzel and Tiana in it, I don't plan to add Merida to the family :)

We headed out about 3:10pm and since the movie didn't start until 4:50pm, we made a quick stop at Tuttimelon (the frozen yogurt place close to the movie theater). We enjoyed strawberry and chocolate/vanilla swirl, top with granola, blueberries, mango, and strawberries. It was quite yummy and Mimi enjoyed it too. Delicious!!!

Once we finished up on our yogurt, we headed back to the theater and waited until we were able to enter the room.  Finally, it was time and we headed on it, sitting close to the front.  I was hoping we'd have space to move around, but that did not happen.  The theater was FULL, more full than I even expected.  But, it is a children's movie, so what should I had expected. 

Overall, Mimi did pretty good during the movie.  She did move around quite a bit and talked a little, but nothing out of the normal.  I went into the movie knowing a little bit about it, basically just from what I saw from the previews.  I didn't read up on it, I just went in there with the little knowledge I collected from the trailer.  I was highly impressed with the movie Brave.  It turned out to be the perfect movie to see for a mother and daughter, and I am so glad we went.  The whole time I watched it (well, maybe 75% of the time), I held on to Mimi and just kept give her little cheeks kisses.  Seeing the relationship between the mother and daughter in the movie, I just couldn't imagine my life without Mimi.  We may not agree at times and we may have a hard time communicating with one another, but I love my mini me to pieces <3

This afternoon was a good time for us (Mimi and me) and I am so glad we spent it together!

Disney Dream (April 30-May 3)

Monday, April 30
The first night, wasn't all that lovely, when it came to falling asleep.  It was a bit rough, and both me and Kai, could feel the boat rocking all night (on a good note, that was the only night we felt that way).  The plan was to enjoy the Bahamas to the fullest that day.  It was Kai's first time there and I wanted to make the best of it.  Unfortunately, it rained and rained...........and did not STOP!!  Ugh.  What a way to mess up my plans.  Good thing I didn't book any excursions.  However, Kai was going to step foot on the Bahamas, even if it was for just a second.  I didn't take any pictures while on the island, because I did not take my phone/camera with me.  I was not taking the chance of it getting wet.  But I will admit, that I did regret not taking it.  I was going to buy a disposable camera from one of the shops, but didn't feel $15 was worth it.  We stayed on the land for about an hour and I decided it was time for us to get back on the boat.  I can only handle heavy rain for so long.  Luckily, the crew decided to do an early showing of one of the show's (Villian's Tonight!).

  

Picture for our Mimi <3

Kai saw Peter Pan

Villain's Tonight!

Kai on the boat, with the shops of Bahamas behind him :)

Kai felt the need to take a picture of me!

Royal Palace for dinner.

Surprise from the housekeeper :)

Kai relaxing in the window on one of the decks.

What a beautiful pool at night.

Tuesday, May 1

Today was a much prettier/nicer day.  The sun was out and the rain was gone.  I had wanted to run the 5K on Castway Cay, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to because I had Kai (which was perfectly fine) and the child center wasn't open.  So, we got off the boat.  Enjoyed a nice long walk from the boat.  There were tons of characters on the way.  Kai saw Captain Jack Sparrow and Pluto.  We walked to the water area where there was a gigantic water slide.  Oh my God!!  It was FUN!  We only enjoyed it once, because the water was beyond freezing and obviously, the water was a bit deep for Kai, even with a life jacket.  After walking around a little bit, I went ahead and dropped Kai off at the children's area, where he played around with Disney friends, while I ran 1.5 miles.  I wanted to run the 5K route, but got lost and confused, and ended up not where I wanted to go.  I then went and laid out on a hammock and soaked up some sun!  It was a nice hour of relaxation.  Then, I decided to go ahead and pick up my big boy.  We went to the room, cleaned up, and got ready for Pirate Night :) at dinner and a Pirate Night on the pool deck.

Captain Jack Sparrow

The water slide :)

What a beauty!

Let's get ready for Pirate Night!

Part of the play area on the island!

Our table view!

"The hook" with friends!

Magic tricks at the table.

Pirate Night on the deck.

Wednesday, May 2

Today was Day at the Sea.  Kai hung out at the lab/club, while I spent time just relaxing and resting, and enjoying a cooking show of lobster ravioli.  Enjoy the pictures :)  This was our last night on the boat!

Cooking show, Lobster Ravioli

Crush

Last night for dinner at Animator's Palace

Disney's Believe show, Kai showing the hook.

Our AWESOME housekeeper :)

All and all, the trip was AWESOME and I can't believe its been two months already since we went on the boat.  I can't wait to plan our next Disney cruise with Mimi :)

June 2012

I try to get on here as much as I can, but it doesn't seem to work out in my favor.  I still plan on posting the other half of mine and Kai's Disney Dream cruise trip, one day :)  I can't believe, half of June is already over with.  No complaints my way, I'm just saying.  So, here's a re-cap of what's been going on in our lives....................

On June 7, 2012, Kai graduated from Pre-K from the Child Development Center.  My big boy is officially a kindergartener.  I am so proud of him.  He will be attending Sunset Park Elementary in the fall.  Here's my baby getting his diploma.  I think he was a little too excited!!!

Kai and Friends

Kai

Since my mom came down for his graduation, she volunteered to go ahead and take Mimi down to Hope Mills with her, since she's already planning to spend "Grammie & Mimi" time for the next few weeks.  So for the next couple of weeks, I will be getting to lab around 7:15am and leaving around 5pm.  This gives me plenty of time to work on my graduate research and hopefully, have the chance of graduating in December, but this is still questionable.  

Facetime with Mimi <3

So, last week and this week, Kai is attending the YMCA.  So far he loves it and I love it too, because he's super tired by the time he gets home.  LOL.  Here he is on the monkey bars.

This past Friday, June 15, me and Kai went to Camp Dixie for an overnight stay.  It was fun.  I haven't been there since I was about 12 years old.  It was fun and it was great just to be there.  Since he's not entering 2nd grade this year, he's unable to stay during the week, so this gave us the opportunity to see how the camp is and to see whether or not he would enjoy it.  I enjoyed it and I'm sure he did too.  I wasn't going to swim, but finally gave in Saturday afternoon, before we left, and got right in.  Then, I headed straight to the diving board.  Boy!  Was I in heaven.  I can't even tell you how many times I jumped off of it.  Kai did too.  At first, I was right underneath the board to assist him, if need be.  But then, he got the hang of it and enjoyed himself to the fullest.  It really was a great trip :)

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Itinerary 
Nighttime swim, huh??!!!  Lights out 10:30, seriously?!!  I was glad when "lights out" came around.

Kai next to our set of bunks :)

Walking towards the pool.

Viewing the go kart area.  Man, did I enjoy riding the go karts when I was younger.  Had the chance to do it this past weekend, but honestly, I wasn't in the riding mood.

And this would be "nighttime" swimming.  Kai is swimming under the water.  See if you can find him :)

Do you see the BLOB????

Kai and a "new" friend.

Kai showing muscles (image taken by Camp Dixie photographer).

My FAVORITE picture of Kai (taken by Camp Dixie photographer).  Saturday was the first time (s) Kai ever jumped off a diving board.  Definitely after seeing me do so and definitely, with me underneath the board spotting him. However, this picture was taken with him jumping in on his own and me standing on the sideline outside of the water.  Proud mommy moment!!!