Christmas Eve

Before moving to Florida, Christmas Eve was always spent with my family at my Grandmother's house. This year we were looking to make our own traditions. So, what better thing to do in Florida on Christmas Eve, when the temperature is in the mid 80's? Miniature Golf of course! We went to Disney's Winter Summerland Mini Golf. There are two courses, both Christmas related. One is Summer themed, the other winter. We chose Summer! It was so much fun!!!! Matt's brother, Art and his wife Jemina, were with us. It was Jemina's first time ever with Putt-Putt!

Elizabeth and Jimena on Santa's sleigh when we arrivedThe elves built a beautiful sand castle

Everyone is very serious about the game

Elizabeth didn't pay much heed to the sign, she tried to wake Santa up!

I loved the themeing, especially the "elfstreams" that the elves used to get to Florida!

As you can see, this was a great time! We even let Banastre play the last hole, but I was too busy helping to get pics. Hopefully next year he can play them all with us!

After a fun day golfing, we went back to Sue and Reg's and had a good Christmas Eve dinner with everyone. We went home and Banastre and Elizabeth opened gifts from Granny and Paw-Paw and the customary pajamas from Mommy and Daddy.

Both of the kids were worn out, so it was time for bed. But first, we had to make and put out cookies and milk for Santa.
Will the big man find us in Florida? Stay tuned to find out!!!

Christmas Recital

My Little Toy Soldier
Elizabeth is the one in the very middle
Christmas Princess
This pic didn't come out too well, but she is third from the left.

On December 20 and 21, Elizabeth's new dance school held their Christmas recital. With only three weeks of practice, they allowed Elizabeth to participate. She did a wonderful job. We were very impressed with all the dances at this dance school and are very happy we made the switch! This week they are starting practices for their competition pieces. I know Elizabeth will be wonderful!!

Mom's Christmas Vacation

Mom was with us until The 23rd. We had such a great time together!! I don't have too many pics with her, I was too busy enjoying myself. Hopefully, she will be sending me a cd with all of her pics on it soon. (Hint, Hint)

We visited the Magic Kingdom and Epcot during the rest of her stay. We also stayed the night with Mom one night at the timeshare at Disney. Here are just a few pics from those trips:

On the TTA Main Street USA decked out for Christmas Waiting for the afternoon parade Cinderella's Castle with "Ice Crystals" "Wishes"

And no, I can't believe I actually got this pic!!!

100th Post!!

Wow!! I can't beleive I made it to my 100th post!! Just watch..there are a ton of posts coming to show all of our Christmas fun!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Tarleton Family!

May you remember the true reason for the season!!!!
Best wishes for all of your Christmas dreams to come true!

Christmas activities already!

My mom, otherwise known as Nana, arrived Saturday evening!! We are so excited to have her here!!!!!!!!!! On Sunday we took her to Disney's MGM Studios. She rode lots of rides and Elizabeth rode her first upside down roller coaster, Aerosmith's Rock'n'Roller Coaster. We went to measure just as a joke and she was tall enough! (This means she has grown four inches in a year, wow!!!) She almost backed out, then screamed the first half of the ride. When it was over I thought she would NOT ride again. To my surprise, she went right around and got back on with Nana and Daddy! She asked to ride again, but we had other things to see and do. We also went to Lights!Motors!Action! Extreme Stunt Show! Matt knows one of the stunt drivers...so we also took Mom on a backstage tour. That evening we went to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing lights. With the lights, music, and snow Mom says she is finally in the Christmas spirit. Here's a few pics of what we have done so far...

Walking alone to the VIP entrance.

Checking out one of the stunt cars. Elizabeth and Banastre backstage with Herbie. In honor of Elizabeth's first ride!

Nana will be here until Sunday. We have lots more fun planned, so expect a lot more pictures. I am going to copy her memory card too, so I am sure to have plenty!

Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday the 15th, we had breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the clubhouse. Both kids enjoyed breakfast. Elizabeth loved seeing Santa and telling him what she wanted. Banastre loved seeing Santa from across the room. Up close was a little too much. He was happy to say "Hi", "Bye", and "Ho Ho Ho" when Mr. and Mrs. Claus weren't near.

Elizabeth with the famous couple. Banastre was not happy to be this close. How does Santa arrive before Christmas Eve?

In a truck, of course! It was decorated all around!

Silly Pics

We had silly time with the camera this week. Banastre has the habit of sticking his tongue out when we take his picture now!! In the first pic, you can also see his "fangs". The bottom ones are in now too and don't seem to be bothering him to bad!!

Lamborghini Gallardo Road Tour

On Thursday, Matt's company Signature Motorsports, sponsored the Lamborghini Gallardo Road Tour. I went out to help a little with the food Sue had fixed. Matt took me for a run around the track in this car...

It was a lot of fun. Here are some of the other cars Matt got to Drive:

Unfortunately, this time I didn't get a chance to drive. I hope next time I will be able to drive one around the track. It's an incredible adrenaline rush!!!

Candlelight Processional Video

Candlelight Processional

On Friday, we went to Epcot to see the Candlelight Processional. It is a very moving and beautiful telling of the Christmas story. The celebrity host this night was Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser and How I Met Your Mother). There also four choirs that perform. It was an amazing time and a tradition I hope to continue every year. There were times I had chills and others where I had tears in my eyes. The video above is the last song "Hallelujah". Unfortunately, Banastre did really good up until this point and then needed to be held by me, so this is all that I was able to get.

We were originally supposed to be there for the performance by John O'Hurley, but 10 minutes in, it was raining so hard we were all thoroughly soaked and miserable. I am so glad we went back for this performance though!!! The rain is also probably where I picked up my case of Strep Throat, Ear Infection, and Sinus infection I have been battling for over a week now!

I'm not moving the pics, I don't want to mess with the video(I guess I screwed it up anyway..it's not here!), but make sure you check out the finger Banastre is using to direct with!

Shooting Stars

Ok, I know these are out of order, but I wanted to share this while I am busy uploading videos.

Elizabeth started at a new dance school tonight!! She is now a member at Shooting Stars Performing Arts Academy. The school she was attending had not allowed her to join the competition team since we moved after their audition dates. They also stated the they didn't have a competition group with her age group. We found out that they do indeed have a competition group for her age group and allowed someone else to join that moved at the same time as us. Matt and I both didn't care for the fact we were lied to. Elizabeth was also in class there 3 nights a week, with weekend practices for the performing group, and they also make them perform a ridiculous amount of holiday performances. We were scared she would burn out at this young age. So, last week we contacted Shooting Stars. They were listed as one of the Top 50 dance schools in the US for 2007 by Dance Spirit Magazine. They auditioned her and have now added her to their competition group. We are all very excited, but Elizabeth is ecstatic!!! Wish her luck at her new school!!

Thanksgiving

Sorry it's taken so long for new posts! Been very busy around these parts!!!

We spent Thanksgiving in NC with my family. We drove up on Wednesday and drove back home on Friday. It was a very short trip, but we still had a lot of fun and it was great seeing all of my family!!

I was so busy catching up with family that I didn't take a lot of pics..hopefully someone else will share with me...

The few I got were of the kids having fun. Elizabeth taught Banastre how to roll down a hill! He thought it was great!!!!!

Le Artist

We made salt dough Christmas ornaments for the family yesterday. Here are my little artists at work. Notice even Banastre is really paying attention to the details! They all turned out so well, but some family members won't have theirs until after Turkey Day, so I won't post more pics until then!!!

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who needs toys?

We unpacked the new Christmas tree today and put it up. Banastre found this a lot more fun!!

Christmas Lights at MGM

The white specks are snow!!! It's snowing in Florida when it's 70 degrees!!!!

The whole family enjoying hot chocolate.

We had Thanksgiving dinner with Grandma and Grandpa on Sunday evening, then headed over to MGM to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. These are just a few pictures, but it is unbelievable!!!!! The lights are choreographed to music and dance every few minutes. I have a video I will post later. I am now officially in the Christmas mood!!