The Staab Boys

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That

With all the craziness of the New Year, I haven't taken too many pictures. Hopefully, things will start to settle down, now that the blog is up to date and my Disney book is finished, Tony's trip is over and conferences will soon be behind me. Here are the few pics I have taken in January.

Sean and Ryan love trying to make Brandon giggle. I have some video I will try to post later.

Mom and her ride to the airport!

Although you wouldn't guess it by looking at him, Brandon is suffering from an ear infection. This is his 4th or 5th in the same ear since the end of October. He was on prednisone and an antibiotic while we were away and checked out okay at his follow up when we got back. Last week we went for his 9 month check... yes I know he is 10 months... and he had fluid behind his left ear again... only 1 1/2 weeks after finishing his prednisone and antibiotic. I called the ENT who prescribed you guessed it.. prednisone and an antibiotic. He wants to see him on Feb 5 and "talk tubes". Looks like Brandon takes after his big brother Ryan, and will be heading to surgery in the near future. I can't say I look forward to putting him through that, but it beats being on meds and having ear pain all the time. Throughout all of this he got his 1st tooth... and his 2nd. He is now working on his top 2... they seem to be more painful. Last night was a long feverish night. Not sure if it is from the ears (finger is now frequently in his right ear), or his teeth. Such a happy guy despite it all.

Brandon enjoying some pizza!

Ryan is not a big fan of going to bed these day. Lately, I find it best to ignore him and he will fall asleep... Case in point... I was working on the computer at the kitchen counter. I could hear footsteps.. then it got very quiet... then he was out. Fortunately he transfers well. A couple of months ago, I was on the phone with my friend when a similar situation arose. I found him on the bottom step of the stairs that time. This past Monday, while Tony was away he had a hard time... I was getting in my pj's ready to settle in for some quiet TV time. I heard noises at the bathroom door, then it got quiet. he was asleep on our bedroom floor!

A New Year's Eve Dip Followed By a Cold Hard Dose of Reality!

Tony and the boys enjoyed one last dip in the pool on a very mild New Year's Eve.

New Year's day was spent hanging around and watching Star Wars with Daddy.

Upon our return, we saw what all the fuss was about. We had heard through text messages that we were lucky to get out when we did, and that we would not be able to get in our driveway due to the drifts. Luckily, Chuck came by with his tractor, so getting in wasn't an issue. We did see snowbanks higher than I have seen since I moved here. Back to life, back to reality!

The fort Papa and the boys built.

Animal Kingdom, New Year's Eve Day

On New Year's Eve day, we decided to go to Animal Kingdom. What a fantastic idea that was... no seriously... it was. Animal Kingdom was only open until 8:00 pm, so it didn't have the same crowds that were found at the parks (like Magic Kingdom) that were open until 2:00 am. We sailed to the front of almost every line. The longest wait we had was 10 min for Expedition Everest.. with a fast pass. That was the only line that required a fast pass.

The crowds at Magic Kingdom had the park at capacity at 9:00 am! We suspected that this would happen, so we cancelled our reservation at Chef Mickey. While we were disappointed that the kids wouldn't have dinner with Mickey and the gang, we were glad to be away from the madness. To make up for it we made sure the boys got to see as many characters as possible at Animal Kingdom.

Ryan and I wore jeans and tee shirts, Daddy and Sean wore shorts and tee shirts (mild temps that day .. low 70's). We rode a water ride where Ryan and I came off looking like we took a bath in our clothes. Sean and Daddy dried quickly and went about their day. Ryan and I were still wet when we got home hours later!

Balloo and the boys

Braer Rabbit

Sean waiting to go on safari

We're next!

One of the lions we saw on safari

The Tree of Life. The centre of Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest. Sean and Daddy would conquer this ride later. I had been too nervous to ride this the last time we went. Sean's bravery shamed me into riding this time.

Whack a Dino in Dinosaur land

Ryan and Daddy getting ready to go into "It's Tough to be a Bug 3D"

A quick visit with Flick from A Bug's Life

Ryan was so patient while Daddy and Sean, and then Mommy and Sean, rode Expedition Everest that he got to choose the next ride.

Pluto, Goofy, Sean and Ryan

Mickey, Sean and Ryan

Minnie, Sean and Ryan

Donald, Sean and Ryan.

Donald was quite the ham! He liked that Sean had a picture of him on his shirt. He made it know that he did not like my Mickey shirt!

The boys in front of the Icon tree outside Animal Kingdom

This was a great last day at the Walt Disney World Parks. Until next time... during low season!

Magic Kingdom December 29, 2009

Another fun filled day at Magic Kingdom. Crowds on this day made the 27th look like low season!! We arrived around 10:00 and were told that the park closed by 10:30 am! Once again, with the help of fast passes we managed to have fun and get on some great rides and into some great shows!

Magic Kingdom from the ferry.

Sean and Ryan riding the ferry to Magic Kingdom

Papa and Ryan in the crowd nearing Main Street USA

Parade on Main Street USA

Papa outside Mickey's house in Mickey's Toon Town Fair

Checking out the decorations inside Mickey's house

Waiting to ride Pirates of the Caribbean

Family photo outside the train station... Ryan... being Ryan!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Magic Kingdom - December 27

On December 27, we headed to Magic Kingdom. Nothing could have prepared us for the crowds and the lines! You hear about peak season... but until you have been there to see it... you can't imagine! Despite the crowds, we managed to have a fun filled day.