florida!

2 weeks ago Daniel and I got to take a short but sweet, action packed, trip to Florida. My youngest cousin (Nicholas) on my mom's side of the family was getting married, so we made the most of the limited time we could spare (as it was very near the end of Daniel's semester) and had a wonderful time soaking up some sun and spending time with some extended family we don't get to see very much. :)

Before I can begin writing about the trip, I must first write about a very important and exciting event that took place! On his own accord, by his own free-will, Daniel made up his mind that he wanted a hair cut. Now, last time around, I was putting on some major full court press so that he would cut his hair before our trip to Maui. Well, that all semi-backfired, since not only did he just grow out his hair again immediately afterward, but then continued to blame me for forcing him to cut it too soon. So, no pressure from me this time. Yes, I was not a big fan, and yes, I occasionally criticized how it looked to his face, but I never mentioned/forced him to cut it. Yes, I was aware we would be seeing a good chunk of my family soon, and yes, I knew Daniel's graduation was a month away, but I figured this time I would let him ride it out on his own.

Anyway, my patience was rewarded by Daniel getting it cut when I wanted him to anyway! Tuesday before we left for Florida Daniel declared he would like a hair cut. I was thrilled, but checked to see if he was REALLY, REALLY, REALLY sure before I cut it this time. He was, so I did. It took forever since I cut his hair with scissors nowadays...the electric buzzer thing makes it TOO short, and we both prefer it a slightly longer length. So the deed was done and we were both happy with the results. :)

Mid-cut, Daniel looking a little Spock-like. :)

The next day, enjoying the [random but welcome!] 80 degree Boston weather. :)

We flew out of Boston on a Thursday afternoon and rendezvoused with my parents at the Orlando airport. We checked into our hotel and then went to downtown disney for a yummy dinner at Wolfgang Puck's cafe/restaurant. We went back to the hotel to sleep, then checked out and headed northwest to check in to Mission Inn, where the wedding would take place.

We spent some time at the pool, me reading and chatting with family, Daniel playing in the pool with my cousin's son Laird. :) Then we got ready and went to the lovely and delicious rehearsal dinner.

Laird (L) and Harper (R) meeting for the first time. They are both 4 and only a few weeks apart in age!

Instant best friends. :)

The next morning, after a yummy breakfast buffet, we spent some time at the pool again before we had to get ready for the wedding.

Proud ring bearer just finished his job. :)

vows

And, I really THOUGHT I got a picture of the kiss, but clearly, this is just before or just after. :)

Laird and his ball. :)

The boys catching up after the ceremony.

Harper is relaxing after the stress of his duties with a little upward facing dog yoga action. :)

Hi Aunt Tammy and Uncle Don!

Me and my cousin Christina.

First dance

Daniel always taking silly pictures of himself. :)

My cousin Paul, his wife Ingrid, and their son Laird.

D$ + J-dogg

Laird inspecting his cupcake. :)

My parents, Aunt Tina and Uncle Ron cutting it up on the dance floor. :)

On Sunday, we checked out of the hotel, got breakfast at a delicious bakery, and headed back to disney to check into ANOTHER hotel, then headed on over to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a day at the park. :) Because we have family in Orlando, I have had the pleasure of visiting Disney World multiple times. Daniel was able to come once, back in December 2006. During that trip we visited Animal Kingdom and EPCOT. So this time around, we felt it logical to go to the one park (besides Magic Kingdom, which is fairly similar to Disneyland, where Daniel has also been before) Daniel had yet to visit. My cousin Michael (the groom's brother), his wife Shelley, their son Harper, my Aunt Tina, Uncle Ron, (and my parents of course!) all joined us as well.

Leaving the hotel...the alligator by the water is REAL, the deer on top of the waterfall is not. :)

At Hollywood Studios, upon exiting Star Tours we tumble upon a Toy Story parade...Harper was very excited and very cute! :)

Tower of Terror! Daniel was a little nervous about it, but when he found out Harper was tall enough to go on it, he sucked it up a little bit. Daniel survived, though Harper was a little shell-shocked afterward. :)

Harper playing a "Disney Magical Moment" game. :)

Daniel and Harper watching the ducks, as we wait to be seated at the Brown Derby. Yum, dinner was sooo good. :)

We stayed until the park closed, watched fantasmic, and headed back to the hotel. Unfortunately, Daniel and I only got about 2.5 hours of sleep, because a Disney shuttle was taking us to the airport at 3 AM for our 6 AM flight. We flew home on Jet Blue, which was a new experience for us. They have TVs in the seats which was quite fun! Of course we slept the whole way home, but in theory, it would have been fun to watch. :) Thanks to Reed who picked us up at 9 AM at the airport!

Daniel borrowing my jacket. :) While we sure didn't need coats in Florida, Daniel forgot that it can still be a little chilly in April in Boston early in the AM. :)

We had such a fun trip! While Daniel probably didn't get too much done for school during it, it was a much needed break. We had so much fun and had a great time catching up with our dear family. :) Love you and miss you all!

Other big news...Daniel graduates (with the Masters of Arts in Theology degree) 2 weeks from today! All his work for that degree was due yesterday, so he just has a few MDiv classes to finish up in the next week and a half before he is officially on "summer vacation". Not really, because he is still taking a few classes in the summer, but nowhere near the load he is just finishing up. :) I am so proud of you babe, you are such a hard worker and great student! Can't wait until to can take a little break!