Our "Home" away from Home

Animal Kingdom Lodge made our week and a half at Disney World our home away from home! The kids LOVED it here, they would wake up every morning and run out on the balcony to see which animal was out in the Savanna. The room was nice and spacious and the kids loved the bunk beds.

The next two pictures were the view from our balcony.

The inside of the lodge was a bit dark, but I found it to be very quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. Inside the lobby, there was a large fireplace with a lot of areas to lounge and take in the African ambiance.

This is a picture of the lobby area. I should have taken a picture of it during the day because this picture just doesn't do the lobby justice.

Every night at the Lodge at 7:30, there was a parade that the kids could be a part of. They were able to pick their African instrument and they would march around the lobby singing and playing!



Everyone LOVED staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but Brandon and I have talked that we would like to try the Wilderness Lodge sometime just to compare. The bunk bed rooms were a wonderful perk, the other resorts we have stayed at in the past didn't have rooms like that. Every day when we would return to the hotel I could always expect that a Cast Member will be standing outside with a big smile on his or her face and saying to us "Welcome Home!"

Cinderella's Royal Table

After Abbie's princess makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, we walked over to Cinderella's Royal Table for an excellent breakfast! The breakfast was quite busy (and heads up.....very difficult to get reservations to), with the princesses always stopping by, but I would recommend this to any princess at heart!

This is the back of the castle looking at Cinderella's Royal Table.

Walking up the royal staircase

Wow! Even the doll had her own seat!

Abbie had to close her eyes, wave her wand over her star, make a wish, and say "bibbidi bobbidi boo!"

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

We arrived at the "World" on Wednesday and right away Thursday morning we had an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the Magic Kingdom Castle. I purchased a Cinderella outfit, at Downtown Disney, for her American Girl Doll so all of the Fairy Godmother's were just thrilled! I don't know who got pampered more - Abbie or the doll!

The "before" picture

Abbie had a choice of what crown she could have and of course she chose the "Cinderella" crown!

Abbie got quite pampered! She loved having makeup applied and getting her nails done!

The Fairy Godmother said that "Tinkerbell" insisted that Abbie's American Girl Doll have a makeover also!

Abbie had to make a wish while her Fairy Godmother said "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo"
and with a little bit of "Pixie Dust"

I give you a PRINCESS!

Reece Gregory Nykamp

Last week Monday, my friend Sue gave birth to a beautiful baby boy! On Wednesday, there were some complications and those complications resulted in an immediate transfer to Spectrum's DeVos Children's Hospital. Thursday night, Reece went into exploratory surgery to eventually find out that he has NEC. NEC is an infection that eats away at the intestines and is usually common in premies - Reece was full term. During surgery, Doctors removed a third of his intestines and pumped his abdomen and flushed his intestines out with antibiotics. Reece is expected to remain at DeVos for another 6 to 8 weeks. During that time, the family is in need of prayers for God's healing presence. Please pray that Reece's infection doesn't spread and that the doctors took care of all the infection. 2nd - please pray for Sue, who just had a c-section, pray that God will continue to give her the strength and healing that she needs. Pray for BJ as he has a load to handle and that God will give BJ His Grace to lead their Godly family. Also, continue pray for them as a whole family. BJ and Sue not only have Reece, but they have another son Ben, who is 2 years old. Pray that God will be with Ben through all of this as he is passed around amongst Grandpa's and Grandma's - Aunt's and Uncle's every day. BJ and Sue do have a blog set up and I have to apologize, but I don't know how to insert a link properly so I will type out the blog site below or you can click on the side of my blog were it says "other blogs I read."

sweetbabyreece.blogspot.com