Tea Time Tradition

 Last year, my Mom began a new tradition of taking Ellison and I to tea over the holidays. Living in Central Florida provides us with the opportunity to take tea at some very fabulous places.  This year, we enjoyed the Ritz Carlton Teddy Bear Tea.

My very fancy child, Ellison, started the morning off by telling me that she is no longer fancy.  After arguments over wardrobe, questions as to why I am the way I am, and the promise that she could choose my outfit, we settled on a black dress and some new black heels (her first, but definitely the game changer).

As soon as we were inside the Ritz Carlton, Ellison took the pearls and headband off and proceeded to explain to me that she is not like me.  She does not like to be fancy.  Well, I saw another glimpse into her teenage years... lets just say I left a little (ok, a lot) freaked out.

Part of the Tea included a stop by Santa.  Ellison was not buying it! Frankly, I don't blame her.  First, I highly doubt that this particular Santa celebrates Christmas.  His think rimmed black glasses were an odd choice and leads me to believe that Santa's sleigh must have broken down and the Ritz Carlton manager filled in.  (Add in a very obvious wig and well it was not pretty!)

No when Santa handed Ellison a boy bear, she was done! In fact the picture below, says it all.  I think her words were "really? A boy?!?"

 Luckily Grandma had a discussion with a few elves and Santa quickly found Ellison's girl bear.  Phew!

 A few quick stories and Christmas songs to top it off!

 The Teddy Bear Tea was a treat.  Thank you Grandma!

Cutest Little Angels

 The cutest little Angels performed in this years All Saints School Nativity Pagaent.

Ciao 2014, Welcome New Year and Fresh Starts!

I was never an over believer of the New Year. I always saw it as a fun night, a quick woo-hoo at midnight, and a possible tune-in to watch the ball drop.

This year was different and I finally get it. I needed 2014 to be over.  I am so happy to see 2015!

There are so many wonderful memories from 2014, but there were also a lot of struggles.  I had to find more strength then I ever knew I had.  I am happy 2014 is over.

Cheers to 2015, fresh starts, and making this year better then the last!

Third Clark Family Surprise

Our Third Clark Family Surprise involved the one thing that was on Ellison's Must Do List for the Holiday Season.  In fact, the moment the tent went up on Park Avenue, Ellison was asking when we would be ice skating.  And after our first two surprises, Ellison made it well known that ice skating would be the ultimate surprise.  I guess the most surprising thing is that even after dinner on Park Avenue, the kids had no idea that we were heading to ice skate until we were half way through the Park.  They were thrilled. Graham and I are hoping that we can escape a 2nd visit to the rink this season!

Messages for Uncle Andy

No one can quite rile my kids up like Uncle Andy.  After Dylan spent the afternoon with his Aunt and Uncle, he came home feeling "tricked".  Apparently Uncle Andy got him to say that he was a Seminole and not a Gator.  So in retaliation, Dylan and Ellison clarified.

Second Clark Christmas Surpise

 Our Second Clark Christmas Surprise was a nice day at Hollywood Studios to enjoy the Osborne Spectacle of Lights. Unlike Legoland, Hollywood Studios was packed with long lines at every stop.

After an almost 2 hour wait at Toy Story, a 1 hour wait to see Baymax, we were relieved to find the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area.  I am not sure how we have not happened upon this magical area before.  It was certainly magical... I enjoyed a cup of hot coffee by myself, Graham was able to relax, and the kids ran off their weird funky energy (they were driving us mad)!

 After a nice long stretch at the play area, we resumed with the new Frozen Sing Along Show, a few more character visits, Dylan got a nap in, and all in perfect time to be right under the street lights when they turned on.

 Ellison was in a great mood by the end of the day.

Several days after our outing, both kids were still talking about their amazing experience under the lights.  It definitely made an impression.

STEM Time

 I had the opportunity to chaperone Ellison's field trip to the Science Center for a Stem Challenge.  Challenge is an excellent word for the experience.  All of the kids in my group had their own style of learning, exploring, building, etc.  It was in the final 3 minutes of the challenge, that the group actually constructed a bridge. And surprisingly (seriously) the Bridge passed the challenge.

 Needless to say, I was exhausted by the end of the day.  And rather excited to get back to the office.  I did love my time with Ellison :)