A Ton of Fun in 2021: Week 43 Recap

This week we had to power through Monday and Tuesday after school to head to the most magical place! Teaching classes went so slow, as I'm sure work and school for the kids went too, but eventually we made it to Cincinnati to fly down to Orlando. On the way there, we admired God's masterpiece in the sky.  So beautiful. We flew out on Frontier airlines and checked into our hotel around 11:30 p.m. Since the next morning we would be up early to head to Epcot, we tried to get to sleep quickly. 

Wednesday we got up and put on our matching shirts. We ordered them for our last trip, but they didn't arrive in time so we finally got to wear them. Maw and Paw were able to come on this trip too.  I was suppose to be at two conferences that were in Orlando and Tampa this week, but both were moved to virtual, so I could do both! Worked out perfectly. We were most excited to ride the new Ratatouille ride, which Jeremy got in the queue at 7 a.m. so we could ride around 3 p.m. It was amazing. It ranks up there with Fast Track and Soarin' at Epcot. Definitely a must do at the park. Kids don't like Epcot the most because we love to walk around the countries and eat and drink, and that's surely not a favorite of theirs. They endured, but Isaac loved the Ratatouille chef hat that lit up, yet it was only at the front of the park and we left through the boardwalk entrance. Ended up we couldn't get it anywhere on Disney property...so now it's on his Christmas list. The other noteworthy part of Epcot was the show at the end. It was over the top amazing. Everyone was tired, and the kids were ready to go back to the hotel, so not sure they enjoyed it as much as the adults.

Thursday we headed to Magic Kingdom. We had a game plan to conquer the park, but shortly into the day nearly directly in front of the castle, we stopped to take some pictures. That's when the melt down on the kids end came to head and Jeremy went off.  Nothing more magically than a dad losing his shit in front of the castle! Besides the rides (especially Space Mountain and Splash Mountain - opposite ends of the park) the best part of MK is the show on the castle. The technology and electronics combined with a flying tinker bell and fireworks make it the most magical thing you'll ever see. We've discussed several times that our kids are outgrowing MK, but it's the tradition that keep it coming back. This year is also Disney's 50th year celebration, making everything even more over the top awesome. 

Friday was Hollywood. We specifically chose this park for today since it's my least favorite and I had to stay back at the hotel for 3 hours presenting at the conferences that I was scheduled to present in-person, but was now virtual. I presented at PRSA's Educator's Academy and ABC international conference too.  What were the chances that I would have two separate conferences and have a 10, 11, and noon session? Apparently really good. When I was finished, I checked us out of our hotel and met up with the rest at Hollywood.  Jeremy and Olivia had waited in line for Rise of Resistance Star Wars ride. It was a 2 hour wait that turned into nearly a 3 hour wait when it broke down and they let 1 regular line person in to every 9 in the fast pass line. This was because the new thing (started the day we got there) was the Genie FP lane. You have to pay $15 per person for the genie line and $30 per person for this ride. Jeremy had not paid extra, so they were in the regular line. I'm sure losing it with patience! Olivia had to pee so bad that during one of the rooms they had to tell a park worker (Storm Trooper) and he luckily took them out of line to the employee bathrooms and brought them back. Funniest part he asked Olivia what color the soap was when she came out and said good when she answered correctly. It was his way to make sure she washed her hands!  When they returned to line, and eventually made their way to the ride, both raved on how cool it was. We once again closed down the park and had to head back to our original DoubleTree hotel in downtown Disney to get our luggage before heading over to the DoubleTree at the entrance of Universal. Maw and Paw spent a couple hours on bench at Hollywood while we all ran around. I think we are wearing them out. 

The kids have never been to Universal Studios. We were most excited for Olivia (and me) to see Harry Potter world. We didn't get park hoppers, which prevented us from riding the train between the parks, but Oh M GEE. Harry Potter land didn't disappoint. After the incredibly long lines the last three days at Disney, we were pleasantly surprised by the very short waits at Universal. The roller coaster rides were the bomb. The 3-D rides were amazing. But HP world was beyond fantastic. Everyone rode the first ride HP and the Escape from Gringotts was so neat. Walking in line wasn't bad because there was something to see in every room. The ride was so fun. Then everyone else was ready to move on and Olivia and I asked to stay behind. We had a wand from the Zigenbusch's who let us borrow their's. We did spells, drank Butter Beer, and tried on a Slytherin robe that I was easily talked into buying- customized with her name! We all enjoyed our first day at Universal so much, but was sad to exit by 6 p.m. so they could have their Halloween Nights people in during the evening hours. We went back and ate at TGI Fridays that was right next door to our hotel. Then I took the kiddos down to the pool for an evening swim before heading to bed. 

Sunday we were back at Universal, this time at Island of Adventure side. It was forecasted to rain today, so we tried to get in as many rides as we could in the morning. The roller coasters were so fun and we got on two right away. Then we headed back to the King Kong ride before it started to be overcast. Then Isaac talked us all onto the log water ride. Are you kidding me? We all got so drenched we had to stand in those family dryer's for $5 to try to dry out! Drowned Rats. When we headed to HP land and wanted to ride the rides, we went on the first one and Maw lost her thinking when it leaned you back and swooped you around through Forbidden Journey. Maw and Paw decided to pass on the Hagrids Motorcycles. Those were amazing and had an unexpected surprise that was so cool that made it unforgettable. Again we finished up early and headed back to Jimmy Buffets for volcano nachos for dinner. YUM. 

Monday was a wasted day. If we had to do it again we would have flown out first thing in the morning, but since our flights were late, we went back down to the shops outside of Universal. Maw's feet were killing her, so we ended up finding out there was a bus that left our hotel and took up the mile down the street to the entrance. That helped a bit. We ate at the sports restaurant and sat at a table that was a Foosball table. Kids were entertained.  Then we headed over the movie theater and watched Ron's Gone Wrong, a movie about a bot that was damaged, but the kiddo loved it. Reminded us somewhat of Isaac and made Jeremy and I cry. LOL. When we were finished we headed back to the hotel to get our luggage to head to the airport. All and all a super successful trip. Expensive as heck doing two parks instead of one, but overall the memories were made!

Here is the Snapfish Album of pictures if you want to live through them all. 

A Ton of Fun in 2021: Week 42 Recap

We got back the kiddos school pictures this week. Adorable. Wish Olivia's hair would have stayed more curled and Isaac would have smiled a bit more, but compared to others I've seen parents post, these will work! I went to put them in the frames and had all the others in there as well, so did a little video of both Olivia and Isaac.  Olivia's kindergarten picture is missing, but I'm sure it's around here somewhere. 

Wednesday night we had our last volleyball practice. I had to double dip and also be on the Zoom PRSSA National Awards evening. One of my favorite nights to celebrate all the PRSSA students, but I was pretty shocked when they read my name for the Teahan for Most Outstanding PRSSA Faculty Adviser. Say what? I told my students to quit submitting for that award, but they did anyhow. Nationals sent two dozen roses to my house (which was just unbelievably sweet) and I got the Teahan with my name on it in the mail and got to deposit the $300 award check into the PRSSA account for us to do some more amazing things in the future!

Thursday night Deb brought Olivia with her to Ada and we got tickets to attend ONU's production of Beauty and the Beast. We met first for dinner at the Inn before heading over to the Freed Center. Oh M Gee. They had scenery and technology that was mind blowing for the show. I felt like I was at a Broadway musical. We all were so impressed. It was wonderful on so many levels. 

This week both Jeremy and I's second COVID shot. Check, got that done. We both felt like death the day after the shot, but then back to normal the following day.  We got them four days prior to the exact date because otherwise we would have been on a plane, and we didn't want to feel like death then. If you see us traveling (because most things we want to do now require that magical card) we might have three extra toes in the future, but get me outta Ohio and back to traveling to tropical destinations! 

Saturday had us at Bath playing in the volleyball tournaments. If I look like death in the pictures, it's because I felt like death. The girls played so well against the first team (Shawnee) and won! They were so excited to advance. The second game we faced a very good Columbus Grove team and they beat us in two sets. My team played in the fifth grade tournaments, but we had four fourth graders on our team.  So I'm pretty hopeful for next year.  Afterward we headed to Sams Club for Jeremy to get his second shot and then to Cracker Barrel for lunch. I ordered soup but couldn't even eat it.  Ugh.  The good news is that by Sunday morning I felt like a new person and Jerm felt like death.  

A Ton of Fun in 2021: Week 41 Recap

Super busy work week for me as our PR program had our outside accreditor on campus for the re-accreditation of our program. Lot of planning on the front end and the massive report was actually filed in the spring, but because of COVID and travel restrictions, they no longer send a full team to campus. Instead most work is conducted electronically or virtually and then a whirl-wind visit happens with one accreditor. PRSSA lined up Ashley Dentinger to come be our speaker and talk about her work at Scott's Miracle Grow, a place she just started working with after her last year's work with Ohio Cattleman Association. It was fun visiting with Ashley and hearing how life outside the university has been treating her. 

This was the week for birthdays! Our friend Alicia was celebrating her 40th birthday so her sweet hubby decided to plan a surprise birthday party at the MET.  We got a babysitter from ONU (Brooke) who came over to the house to hang with our kiddos so we could enjoy a quiet evening without them at the restaurant. But there was the afterparty at their house, complete with more food and drink and a bonfire that they got to attend with us.  We had an absolute blast. Isaac said Alicia was as sweet as a cherry pie, thus her nickname was planted. Happy Birthday Cherry Pie!

Saturday found Olivia with plans at SODC for Sophia's birthday party in costume! Olivia was so excited to dress up and hang out with all her friends. She bought her a squish mellow as a gift as they are the new trend.

 

Sunday had us all at Isaac's first flag football game. Jeremy is coaching and they don't have many games scheduled since there are only Bath and Elida teams. We are going to play all games at Bath throughout the season and there are only four weeks, but Isaac enjoys it so much more than tackle. 

A Ton of Fun in 2021: Week 40 Recap

I believe I've mentioned prior that I am coaching the 5th grade volleyball team at Elida. I thought back to my younger years and remember going to an OSU game and sitting in the locker room with them on game day. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and couldn't wait until one day when I played college volleyball.  With my connections with ONU and also the coach, I thought it might be amazing to come have a little practice and tour the locker room and see the life of a college volleyball player. Coach Kuhn agreed to host us on Monday and both 5th grade teams met at ONU. It was as cool as I thought it up in my head!  The ONU girls warmed up with our players and played some games and worked on skills with them. Then one team at a time got to go see their locker rooms and the girls let our littles try on their jersey's. CUTEST THING EVER. 

On Tuesday, Kathie was passing through Ada, and we decided to meet at the Cask room. Being so close to her birthday, we were able to have drinks and celebrate her! We took a selfie lol

So up until this point, Elida fifth grade team is 0-4.  Probably my coaching! But I'm going to say they must have been inspired by Monday's practice at ONU because they came out winning! Our first wins of the season! Olivia is doing pretty well for 4th grade. She is one of the smallest and she struggles to get the ball over on her serves, but she did amazing today.  So proud of her in serve receive too. She's fearless and not afraid of the ball.  Makes this mommas heart proud. 

Friday night was ONU's Athletic Hall of Fame banquet. I was inducted back in 2013, but I love to go when I know the athletes being inducted. Well this year my volleyball coach, Kate Witte, was one of the five being inducted! But every year the athletic director Tom Simmons asks a past HOF person to welcome the new class. He asked me this year. It took me a few days to perfect the speech, but I ended up going with a theme of the Royal Flush and how these athletes/coaches being inducted were the greatest- similar to the Royal Flush in the game of poker. Andy and Kristi also joined Jeremy and I at the inductions because their cousin Liz was one of the inductee's this year too! It was such a beautiful night that I'll never forget. 

After playing Elida volleyball Saturday morning, we took the kiddos back to Ada for the ONU Homecoming Parade, festivities and football game. We really had a great time. We spent some time letting both kids explore the activities tent. Both Isaac and Olivia liked crushing the concrete canoe. From the loads of candy collected at the parade, to the tour of the engineering building, to the inflatables on the tundra, the activities tent, and the golf cart ride out to the football game, we had a really nice time telling the kiddos about all our memories on campus when we were students. This is our classes 20th reunion year- yikes. Doesn't seem possible! 

After we left Ada, we went back to Lima where my mom meet us to head to Olivia's Dance convention in Cincinnati. Since it was an early start, mom agreed to get a hotel the night before so we didn't have to drive in the morning. When we arrived, we had no idea what to expect.  Well the answer was, expect to sit around a lot watching Olivia and 100 other dancers learn technique and dances to grow in their knowledge. It was a LONG day.  Olivia was mad she didn't get any special call out or award, but I think it was eye-opening for her since she had never been to anything like this before. It was good for her to see all the potential she has to be an amazing dancer! Plus she got to do this convention with two dear friends from her team, so she loved that too!