Organized Chaos
Travel & Vacation: DIY Disney World Autograph and Passport Book
Kids Autograph & Passport Books!
Before going to Walt Disney World we put together these two autograph and passport books for the kids to use while at the parks. If they met a character or wanted to get Epcot’s World Showcase stamps from around the world they could put it all in their autograph and passport books. They turned out really well! It is super easy, lightweight, and they worked really well! At the end of their trip they had a neat autograph and passport book full of neat memories. If we go back again we can just grab the book and fill in more of the pages!
Make Your Own Disney World Autograph & Passport Book
Passport Size Moleskin Books with Blank Pages: We picked up at set of two passport size Moleskin Notebooks with blank pages for their autograph and passport books. One was orange and the other one was a bright yellow. You can purchase them in several locations Amazon or Moleskin’s Website or Barnes & Noble!
Decorative Disney Tape: We picked up decorative Disney craft tape at our local Hobby Lobby (any craft store or even Walmart should have some options). We kept the autograph and passport books simple with just one piece of tape on the top and another on the bottom to make nice borders.
Disney Stickers: We picked up a pack of Disney stickers and had the girls pick out which stickers they wanted to put on their autograph and passport books. They picked one sticker for the front and a different one for the back.
Alphabet Stickers for Personalization: We found alphabet stickers at home and put the kids names on the autograph and passport books. When we first put the stickers on we thought that they may fall off during our explorations. The kids pulled them in and out of their back packs several times every day and the stickers stayed on perfectly. Although it is a good idea to make sure you get quality stickers just in case.
You can put an index card between the pages I you want. We did it, but it wasn’t necessary since none of the ink bled through the pages (and we used permanent markers). The kids kept a some click-able permanent markers in their back packs so they could pull them out whenever they ran into a character. We have included a few of the autographs and the some of the World Showcase Stamps (they visited all the countries) that they gathered on our last trip to Disney! They loved meeting several characters and getting stamps as well as messages from all the World Showcase Countries at Epcot!
Daisy Duck
Happy Birthday from Canada!
They were really excited about the books!
Chip and Dale. Probably their favorite Disney Characters they met while at the parks.
Morocco – it says “Karlie”
The back of the orange one and front of the yellow book.
Rafiki’s signature!
These make great souvenirs for the kids!
Mexico – the kids liked that all the countries in the World Showcase at Epcot wrote different messages in their passports in their own languages. Fun and educational for the kids. It means – “Hello my friend! Welcome to Mexico!”
The backs of the autograph and passport books
Norway’s message – “Welcome to Norway! Happy Birthday!”
Karlie’s autograph book and passport
Happy Birthday message from China!
Brina Bee
Germany’s message – “Welcome to the kingdom of Rapunzel and Snow White!”
Ready to fill out the next page in the book
Welcome to Italy!
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Travel & Vacation: Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort (Orlando, FL)
Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Our “Home Away from Home” during our stay in Orlando was at the Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Resort. We didn’t spend a large amount of time actually in our room, although it was nice to crash some place comfortable every night after a busy day of exploring. Our room (I think each room had the same) had a mini-refrigerator and plenty of space to put food and snacks.
We did all our breakfasts and dinners (except one) in our hotel room. For our lunches we packed sandwiches to take with us in our backpacks so we wouldn’t have to stop and eat. I shared a few tidbits about earlier resort and the neat pools they have on the resort. The only thing that really bothered the girls about the resort was that the fish on the signs and around the hotel did not actually look like a dolphin (something they pointed out to me on multiple occasions). They still loved it though!
Fun jungle gym. Great place to vent out any extra energy the kids may have had.
The ducks were very friendly. We were walking on the sidewalk when this duck decided to take a stroll with us.
Waiting with smiles for the bus to arrive. Sometimes we didn’t wait very long and other days it took longer before the bus arrived.
I had fun hanging out with the girls while Jake was in his conference!
Wild crew. Not sure how the girls sustained all their energy throughout the days and late into the evenings. We had a blast!
The girls were standing in the walkway for our hotel. It was really beautiful at night.
Our Mickey and Minnie Mouse in front of the fountain after a very long day at the park.
Our balcony overlooked this walkway outside of our hotel.
It was mesmerizing watching all the lights change colors.
It was very relaxing to sit out on the balcony at night, listen to the music from below, and watch the different lights fade in and out.
Pretty trees….
Several nights the kids would eat there dinner on the balcony so they could watch the lights.
You could even smell some of the great food from the restaurants nearby as you relaxed on the balcony.
I don’t know if it was the pretty lights, music, smell of good food, or the fact we were sitting down after walking around all day, but we spent a good bit of time hanging out on our balcony every night as everyone relaxed for the evening and got showers done before hitting the bed.
Goodbye Orlando….until next time! We had a great trip! Many fun activities happened and memories were made. Now it’s time to head on home!
Travel & Vacation: Disney’s Boardwalk (Orlando, FL)
Boardwalk during the day!
Disney’s Boardwalk was only a short walking distance away from our resort, basically you had to cross a bridge to get there from where we were staying at the Swan & Dolphin Resort. It was a neat place to walk to day or night. You could see the Epcot fireworks from Disney’s Boardwalk every night. You couldn’t see all the fireworks, but you got to see all the big ones for about 15 to 20 minutes. In the evenings on the Boardwalk you can regularly see magicians, a Children’s outdoor video playing, and more activities. They have stores, restaurants, and a lot more places to explore in the area too.
It looks like a bunch of twinkling stars over the edge of Boardwalk.
We definitely enjoyed the fireworks going off all around us every night!
Cool blue ones!
So pretty per the girls!
One of the entry ways to Boardwalk lit up at night.
I wanted to snap a picture of them with the Boardwalk sign in the back ground. Brina couldn’t look at the camera she was so worried someone was going to run over them since they were standing on the side of the road in the dark (there wasn’t any cars coming at that moment, but she was convince one would sneak up on them). Guess I would rather her be extra cautious than not care at all.
Travel & Vacation: Character Breakfast at the Garden Grove (Orlando, FL)
Meeting Goofy at Breakfast!
We were able to go to the Saturday morning Character Breakfast at Garden Grove Cafe while we were in Orlando. It is located on the Swan and Dolphin Resort, but anyone can come and eat there if they want. They had great food and we got to meet a couple of the Disney Characters during our meal. The girls thought it was pretty neat too. If you do want to eat at a character to meal make sure you work that into your budget while in the planning stages because they are a little higher priced than some of the other options. Also, if you have a choice choose the breakfast over the dinner Character meal because it is a little less expensive. If you have older kids any kid 10 years and up is charged the adult prices (both for the meal as well as to get into the Disney parks).
The kids did amazing the entire week. We were going full throttle this entire week, they didn’t miss a beat, and had great attitudes. We were going from sun up to way past sun down every night too. They did crash as soon as the hit the pillows every night, but still popped up as soon as the first ray of sunlight hit our room!
Delicious food complete with a Mickey Mouse Waffle! The fresh fruit and fresh fruit smoothies were amazing!!!
Having fun even at breakfast!
Hanging out with Pluto!
Love spending time with my man!
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Travel & Vacation: Disney Epcot at Night (Orlando, FL)
Hanging out at Epcot
Walt Disney World’s Epcot looks beautiful during the day, however, at night with all the lights it looks amazing! Thankful for a full and fun day exploring Epcot with the family. We were there when they opened and stayed until they closed the gates. The second day we left about 30 minutes early since we were driving home that night and wanted to get ahead of the crowds and traffic. Even with leaving early it still took us almost an hour to get from the hotel parking lot to the interstate. The kids were out cold and snoozing before we even left the hotel parking lot.
Our little Minnie and Mickey at Epcot
The Epcot ball and water fountain looked super cool.
Epcot’s World Showcase lit up from across the water
Epcot’s huge globe during the fireworks. The kids loved seeing this globe and watching it move as well as open up!
It was hard to get a clear picture of the moving Earth in the dark during the fireworks, but here is the North and South America side of the globe!
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot!
Fireworks are always a hit with our kids!
They had a lot of different fireworks and music during their firework show!
So neat!
Travel & Vacation: Walt Disney World Epcot (Orlando, FL)
Spending the day at Epcot
Thankful for a chance to spend time with the family at Disney’s Epcot. It was so much fun. The kids kept up remarkably well and had great attitudes the entire busy day. I am grateful for kids who love to learn and explore new places. They just soaked in all the neat stuff going on at Epcot in. The second day was not as hot which was nice too.
They got me to go on Mission Space again. This time we went on the Orange ride which is more intense. Let’s just say I was looking a little green after this ride, thankfully this picture was taken before take off.
Jake and Brina cruising along
Image Works was a cool place to explore
Playing music at Image Works
Our own little Mickey Mouse. Karlie wanted the black hat and ears.
Our own little Minnie Mouse. Brina wanted the headband with a red and white Minnie Mouse bow.
Walking with Dad, so exciting!
Sweet girls.
All smiles
Pausing graciously to let me take a picture even though she’s worried about missing something!
Brina Bee
On the move
Taking in all the cool sights around her
We found a place that engraved names onto leather bracelets.
The girls have unique names which makes it impossible to find items with their names on it so we got these for them as a souvenir. They were fascinated watching the worker do the engraving and proud of their bracelets.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was a busy one as we unpacked from our Spring Break Atlanta trip and got back into school and work full time again. We had a lot of activities going on this week which made it fly by quickly. Thankful for the time with my family. Hoping that it is a wonderful week and that we will be able to get a lot accomplished. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids – busy week and we just got started
Plan one special activity with the family– we did a kids date night and trip to the zooPlay a Game with the KidsPrepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforePrep for upcoming Family AdventureWork on the kids Science Fair Projects– we made some good progressPrep for upcoming Summer Break
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)Keep up with my FitBit Goals– I DID it this week (over 10,000 steps a day, 5 miles, 10 sets of stairs, etc)! Thankful to be excited to be moving more again since my herniated disc!Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily – I didn’t do as well staying on top of it this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Unpack Suitcase and Items Away from Atlanta Trip this weekend)- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from FL, STEM, and Atlanta trips) – almost done
Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Clean Out Van from Road Trips)Pet Care (Focus – Brush Goats & Dog – starting to shed with warmer weather)
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – working on it
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- Spend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with Homework
- Attend After School Activities
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure
- Finish the kids Science Fair Projects
- Prep for upcoming Summer Break
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from FL, STEM, and Atlanta trips)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Clean Off the Deck)
- Pet Care (Focus – Get Another Water Bucket set Out for the Goats)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Medical Bills
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Travel & Vacaation: Disney Epcot’s Butterflies on the Go Flower Garden (Orlando, FL)
Beautiful flowers at Epcot
The kids had a blast going into Disney Epcot’s Butterflies on the Go Flower Garden during their International Flower and Garden Festival. The flowers were absolutely beautiful and butterflies were fluttering all around us. You could even see butterflies emerging from their chrysalis! It was pretty neat seeing these winged creatures buzzing all around and a house containing rows of chrysalis. Not to mention educational for the kids too!
Resting on a leaf
Rows of chrysalis in various stages
You could actually see some coming out and stretching their wings for the first time which was really neat
2 butterflies hanging out in the flowers.
Loved the flowers as much as the butterflies. Epcot’s gardens were amazing!
