Spring Break 2009 - Disney Cruisin'

Posing with Minnie before embarking
The Golden Mickeys Show

We had an amazing view of the Shuttle Discovery Launch from the ship!

Some of the little ones thought Madeline was the real Sleeping Beauty

Cinderella and my princesses

Peter Pan and Wendy Darling

Snow White and my two dwarfs

Ella thought Stitch was hysterical!

Mickey's Pool

Toy Story Musical

Goofy reminds us of Daddy

Castaway Cay - Disney's private Island

Girls spent time at Scuttle's Cove while mom and dad hit the 'adult beach'

I don't want to meet Captain Hook!

Best part of the cruise? Mickey Mouse ice cream every night!!

Meeting Cinderella

The sound quality isn't great on this video, but it is still worth watching! Especially the princess twirl. Princess Ella is so graceful (wink). I found Madeline's Sleeping Beauty dress online because she has outgrown most of her dress up clothes, and it is a challenge to find princess gear size 7! I am dreading the day that she doesn't think it's 'cool' to be a Disney princess anymore. She looked so grown up, and she loved twirling her long gown. So precious!!

Fedora + Feathers = Theme Party

Every year, my company has a themed party for our annual recognition event. This year, the theme was the 20's. Mark and I had a great time dressing up and partying the night away. We enjoyed the night out with work friends!

Kalyra & Artiste

Kalyra and Artiste were so much fun! Artiste was my favorite because you could drink AND create art. Of course, after 3 wineries we actually thought our picture of the flower and sunset were valuable masterpieces. The next morning, it looked more like a Kindergarten project. We had fun making it, though!

30th Birthday Celebration at the Central Coast

Mark gave me the best birthday present EVER - time in LA with my mom and sister while he watched the girls at home. We had such a wonderful time driving up the PCH to Santa Barbara and the Central Coast Wineries. It was a slightly overcast day, but that didn't stop the fun! It was a weekend to remember. One of the wineries was seen in the movie Sideways (Kalyra). I celebrated 30 years(yikes) - California style!

Shopping & Sushi Saturday in LA

Shopping, sushi, and girl time...what could be better? Nancy now has an appreciation for great sushi. Keep practicing with those chopsticks, Nana!

Director Megan Long presenting...

My talented sister, Megan, directed 12 Angry Men at LMU. Her name in lights above. :) Her show sold out every night, and it was fantastic!

Ebert Family Together (cont'd)

The little ones were so good in Missouri. Madeline and Ella really enjoyed their cousins! The boys were so good with the little girls, playing cards and games to keep them 'entertained'. The reception at Norwood Country Club was so cool - - everyone shared stories and tons of laughs.

Aunt Marianne had some special 'bonding time' with her two nieces. Ella wants to play the 'what do I taste like...ice cream?' game all of the time now, Aunt Marianne! :)

Ebert Family Together

It was special that everyone had the opportunity to come to St. Louis for the services. I know it meant so much to my grandmother that her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren were around her during the services. Funerals bring families together, and it was wonderful to reconnect with the family.

Papa - January 2009

My grandfather, Robert Ebert, passed away in January. What a wonderful man, friend, father, and grandfather! His footprints are on our hearts forever, and we will honor his memory by doing our best to live as he did. He lived his faith every day, touching those around him with his optimism, generosity, love of family, and wisdom. His final resting place at Jefferson Barracks with other veterans was breathtaking with the 6" of snow that fell the day of the services. We miss you and love you, Papa Ebert!

Serenade to Papa's family from Mrs. Gray

Theresa Gray, one of my grandparents' best friends, serenaded the family at the reception after the services. It was priceless.

Soccer at GiGi's - January 2009

Mads and El had a blast in GiGi's basement playing soccer with their uncles and cousins. I think the former pro Uncle Don found a soccer soulmate in Madeline - - she loves soccer almost as much as he does! They got pointers from Uncle Don before scrimmaging (no hands, Ella). After playing around Madeline looked up at Uncle Don and said 'I thought you said you knew how to play soccer?' It was hysterical!! What a great memory...

100 Day Celebration at St. Joe's

The school celebrates 100 days of school by dressing up like you are 100 years old. Madeline's idea was to dress up like a 'red hat lady'. She thought of it all by herself, and she looked adorable in Grams' red hat!

First Sleepover - January 2009

We decided to have Madeline's 'first sleepover' with friends from school at our house. As you can see, the Cheetah Girls had a blast! They actually slept, too. From left: Ella, Madeline, Sierra, and Ella.

Uncle Brian's visit - January 2009

We were so glad Uncle Brian came to Fayetteville when he returned home from Afghanistan. What a blessing to have several days with him! He visited St. Joe's school and the girls' classrooms. Nothing like adorable 3's and Kindergartner's to help you remember what you've been fighting for. We love you, Uncle Brian!!

Time flies...

I can't believe it has been 2.5 months since I've posted on the blog! Get ready to be bombarded with Wilburn JFM fun. :) I guess 'once a quarter' isn't too terrible. Where does the time go? I guess it goes to the girls, cooking, working, picking up the house, soccer, tennis, dance, etc. At least we're having fun and loving life, though!