Disney Vacation

My family and I (Parents, sisters, niece, & nephews) went to Walt Disney World over the week of Thanksgiving. My philosophy for the trip was “flexibility.” All together we were a party of twelve; eight adults and four kids (three – one year olds and one two year old).  Call us crazy, but it was fun and exhausting but totally worth it when Taran would get so excited seeing Winnie the Pooh, Mickey, and Ariel.

So here are a few tips that I learn from the trip…..

-          -  Make sure you pack plenty of snacks. (for adults and kids – saves a lot of money while in the parks) 

-          -  Make a stroller cover – so the little ones can nap while you walk in the parks and you don’t have to go back to the hotel every time they need a nap. 

-          - Pack extra socks and shoes (ones with shoe strings) for the day & pacifiers. You never know when they will chuck them overboard when you aren’t looking. 

-          -  Even if the forecast is supposed to be warm – pack a few items to keep you warm if it turns cold, because the weather man was wrong for two of the days we were there.  ( We were ill prepared for cold weather) 

-           - Make sure you go with a “go with the flow” attitude or you will never make it when traveling with a large group. 

-          -  It’s ok if you want to go off for a few hours and do your own thing. 

-          -  Get to the parks when they open – and ride all the little kid rides first….we had hardly any wait time. If you wait then you will wait for hours and no kid (at least mine) can be happy for that long standing in a line. 

-         -   Staying for fireworks is well worth it! 

-          -  Always check your receipts that you get in Magic Kingdom because almost all of them have a 20% off coupon to multiple places within each park and Downtown Disney.

Hope this helps for any of you traveling to Disney in the near future – with or without children. 

Fridays at The Gruver's

Fridays at The Gruver's 

So, today has been really good.  First I got to sleep in a little thanks to my sweet girl T then the first thing on the agenda was meeting my mom at what I call " The Supply House." For those that don't know, this is one of my favorite stores because it has every product imaginable for hair and nails and  I laugh because I'm pretty sure this is the main reason why I wanted to get my Cosmetology License.  It doesn't get better than professional level hair products. :) 

I  love going to CosmoProf (The Supply House) because usually I come home with a new product to try out! Today I came home with Joico's new hairspray - Power Spray. So far I love it. It is fast drying, firm hold but you still have flexibility with your hair. That is key with long hair...I don't want my hair to feel like a cement mold, but I want a good hold for those pesky fly-aways.  It is definitely in the running with Kenra 25 hairspray. 

After stocking my mom up with every hair product she will need to get her through the holiday's - we headed home because my grandparent's were on their way. You know when the day starts out at CosmoProf - the Gruver household is turned into the Beauty Shop for the day. 

My wonderful mamaw needed a perm and mom needed a little a color and cut before we leave for vacation on Sunday. Poor papaw - he became the broom boy.  

After all the craziness, I'm doing laundry and cleaning the house before we head off to Disney World on Sunday. Yes, I typed that correctly! I can't wait to see Taran's reaction to all the magic of DW! 

*Bonus - I got my necklace that I ordered for super cheap today in the mail. I love it when I get an unexpected surprise! Can't wait to wear this baby! 

Happy Friday! 

Taran is turning ONE!!

My sweet baby girl is turning ONE!  Where has the time gone? She has brought so much joy and laughter to our little family. Taran has always been “nosy,” even from birth. After she was born she kept her eyes open for well over two hours just looking around and taking it in. A year later, she is still like that, so afraid that she might miss something!

Taran Makenna Gruver

Bright Eyes!

Our "normal"

1st Halloween

Solids!!

Love at first sight!

 Taran has such a sweet temperament - always smiling, giggling, and just babbling about something. Even though she is tiny (at the time of her birthday she will fully be transitioned into 6-9 month clothing and size 3 diapers) she holds her own.  Right now her three favorite words to say is daddy, doggy, and “ishy,” (fishy) everything is one of those. I can dream all I want that she will say mama on a regular basis….lol!

Boiler Up!

Easter 2012

Cutest Purdue Pete!

1st corn on the cob

I want to thank my daughter for making me a better person. She has taught me so much. God has truly blessed Collin and I. We look forward to teaching her about Jesus and what a special place He has in our lives.  

Point your kids in the right direction -
    when they’re old they won’t be lost.  Proverbs 22:6 Message