Epcot

On our final full day in Disney we started out at Epcot.

We could tell right away that the kids were pretty tired so we agreed to get back to the hotel for the afternoon to rest before our final big night of fireworks and dinner. 

We saw Nemo, drove a car on a test track going close to 70 mph, ate lunch, bought a few souvenirs, and journeyed through the iconic Epcot Sphere. 

In the afternoon, Brooks took a looong nap with Dad while the older two kiddos swam in the resort pools. It was a great way to relax and enjoy the sunshine. 

That night we had dinner at Chef Mickey's right in our Hotel. After a plateful of dessert we power walked over to get our spot for the fireworks.  

Once again - a show NOT to be missed. 

We made our way through the crowds following the fireworks towards the rides.  We were lucky because resort guests had "extra magic hours" that night which means more rides and fewer lines!

We made it to Dumbo, Tea Cups, Barnstormer, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain.  

Finally at 11:00, we said farewell to Magic Kingdom and walked back one last time to our hotel.

Animal Kingdom

I'm starting to sound like a broken record here but this day started out with a few of us running off to a ride - we couldn't be late or miss it because we knew the line would get long and we were so excited for it...Mt. Everest!!!

This ride was so much fun, it revolved around a crazy snow Yeti and a mountain trek.  At one point the ride stops at the end of the tracks and then you go backwards - such a fun way to spend a Tuesday morning with your kids!

After the ride, we ran over to The Festival of the Lion King show.  We scored some amazing VIP seats through a contact of one of Andy's cousins. This show was amazing - it felt like we were on Broadway. The kids were even chosen to participate in the show!  

This day was a full one - rides, show, lunch at Tusker House with Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy, more rides, a Safari...yes, I said a safari!  We saw so many great animals including giraffes, elephants, wild dog/wolves, rhinos, hyenas, and so much more!

We were all pretty hot and sweaty after the safari so we thought it would be a good idea to grab another Mickey Ice Cream and frozen lemonade, and then we headed to this water rafting ride.  It was another huge hit!  I really wish I had my camera for that ride because everyone's faces were priceless as we headed down the rapids.  We all got a little wet but Brooks and Dad seemed the most drenched by the end of the ride.  

Our final experience at Animal Kingdom was with the Pandora-Avatar Ride/Experience.  It was 3D and absolutely breathtaking.  The ride had a 2 hour wait but thankfully Andy's planning gave us a fast pass plus a "ride swap" which allowed the kids to go again with another adult - lucky ducks. 

After a quick meal we headed back the hotel for a nice shower - we were starting to smell like the animals on the safari!

Magic Kingdom

Our day at Magic Kingdom started with a ride on the carousel followed by coasters, splash mountain, and continued on and on and on.  

We squeezed in time with a few characters but mostly spent the day getting on as many rides as possible.

Andy & I have always been amusement park ride junkies and we are so happy our kids are following in our footsteps. 

Whether it's a coaster that has big thrills or slow and steady "It's a Small World" - we all hop and enjoy!

Brooks became starstruck when he met The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella's Castle. This was both surprising and endearing...who knows why but he blushed and definitely won that lady over. 

 

 After a full day of Magic, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner at the Polynesian Resort. This included family style Hawaiian dishes which were delicious!

Disney World 2018

Almost exactly 4 years after our first visit to Disney World, we were once again packing our bags for our big trip!

Our flight left from Omaha on Saturday, February 10th. The kids had their backpacks full of goodies and things to do on the plane. The flight went well and before we knew it we were waiting for our bus ride to the resort.

Our first evening was spent swimming in the resort pools and enjoying a poolside dinner.  We watched the Magic Kingdom Fireworks show from our window and got to bed so we could wake up bright and early for our first park day.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Marie and I sprinted ahead to the "Rockin' RollerCoaster" while the boys met Daisy Duck and the Muppets.  Next we met Olaf together as a family before enjoying our first Star Wars Ride when Aunt Tina arrived at the park.

Bennett is really into Star Wars and so this was a highlight for him.  

Next we met Mickey, Minnie, Chewbacca, and a storm trooper even picked Bennett out of the crowd for a one-on-one photo op.

 

We also met Woody & Buzz Lightyear.

It was a hot day, so after our first (of many) ice cream treats, we headed back to the hotel for a dip in the pool.  After a shower, we went to dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming, her evil step sisters, and her evil step mother.  A certain step sister found Bennett quite endearing...this made him giggle and blush quite a bit! 

After dinner we sprinted over to Magic Kingdom for a quick ride on the tea cups and dumbo before enjoying the fireworks show. 

Guys - let me get emotional for just a minute.  Those fireworks make me cry every time...seriously!

What happens is this: 

It's dark but the Disney trees are twinkling magically, you're holding your babies close, you're singing the Disney songs together, you start to remember cuddling on the couch with your babies while watching those movies, then you remember that they're growing up - some day they won't want to sing at the top of their lungs with you at the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and suddenly you're singing, crying, and literally squeezing your children so tight they can't breathe. 

So amazing. My favorite moments of the trip ever. 

On our first night of fireworks, Bennett remembered me singing a specific song to him when he was only 2. He recalled that I would sing that song to him before he went to bed, especially if he was scared. We continued singing the song together watching the fireworks.  This made me so thankful for those darn fireworks once again...

We walked back to the hotel, sleepy kids in tow, and went to bed excited for the next day!

Winter Wonderland

In between the oddly warm days and bitterly cold windy days we have found some good snow days too - Finally!

Our kids love the snow and this year it has been fun watching them explore more with even a few snowmobile rides from our nice neighbor.  

Even the dogs are getting in on the fun with hikes through the snow and walking across the frozen lakes. 

Van Beek Christmas

This year we were excited to host everyone at our home to celebrate Christmas over New Year's Weekend.  We had more than enough food and fun for the celebration.  Grandma's car was overloaded when she came and pretty bare when she left!

It was so cold outside that weekend so the original plan of playing in the snow was forgotten and instead we settled on an indoor no-holds-barred Nerf gun war. 

It ended with sweaty adults and children all nursing their wounds from those bullets. I'm STILL finding bullets in odd places over a month later!

Marie was so excited to receive an electronic puppy that she's had her eye on for some time. 

Bennett was pumped about his electric scooter.

Brooks received an entire tub of dinosaurs and a play mat that even has a tar trap!

The problem with so much fun is I often forget to take pictures!  Especially when I'm running from enemy fire...

These cousins are so much more than family, they are such good friends too. We are beyond blessed with this crew. 

Christmas Morning

Andy & I were so excited for the kids to open presents on Christmas morning.  

It started Christmas Eve with the annual writing letter to Santa and setting out cookies and carrots. 

Marie is becoming a little suspicious of all the Santa traditions but she is still taking charge with those traditions. 

We slipped into our matching pajamas, read a few stories and then hurried off to bed!

 Marie was the first one awake on Christmas morning, we kept her busy with some shoveling and other tasks to give the boys a few more minutes of sleep. 

Brooks was excited to see the cookie and carrots gone as well as the milk!

 Marie received a Gizmo-cell phone/watch that will give her some increased independence as she inches towards age 9! (insert parent panic here)

Brooks got a new bike and Bennett received his very own kicking bag to practice his Tae Kwon Do kicks. 

The BIG gift was of course the trip to Disney World! 
The kids were so excited to find out that they will be headed there in February!