Well, the sun is shining; the birds are singing; the grass is peaking from under the snow. Can it be? Is it possible that a new season is under way?
Before we kiss Winter goodbye, here's a reminder of how fun it can be:
But also how cold and unfriendly it sometimes is:
I hope this is the last time you see me with my white and black coat, black snow pants and red tuque which I have adorned on every walk this season:
A fun family vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Here's the gang at The Grand Floridian Cafe. It was our last group meal of the trip:
9 of us
Here are some famous landmarks:
Epcot
Magic Kingdom
Animal Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Mid-week Simon and I hit the 'town' sans Margot. We hit the roller coasters, the spinning tea cups and enjoyed a romantic dinner (ooh la la! - Simon's addition). Here are some photos of what Margot missed (shhh don't tell her):
OK…we also had some fun with Margot…well maybe not on the roller coaster:
The most child-friendly roller coaster. Simon had fun...
…Here's Margot's reaction at the end of the ride.
She did like meeting the local "celebrities":
Princess Sofia
Ariel
Margot much preferred seeing the characters from afar.
...and finding the Magic Mirror at Downtown Disney:
No trip is complete without a few ice cream treats:
the fireworks at Magic Kingdom were worth staying up for (8:00 pm):
I love these photos of Noa and Margot being adventurers with their maps on the Pagnini trail at Animal Kingdom:
Margot's favourite ride was the carousel. We went twice!
I recently read a blog post about a woman (a yoga teacher in San Fran) who always retreats (renting a cottage in Hawaii) for a few weeks during the holidays. She needs to take that time for herself to reflect on her year and set her intentions for the next one. She mentions how important it is to find quiet, alone and reflective time during this socially (and commercially) busy time of year.
My wish to you: find a few quiet moments to reflect and be grateful for the past year, and to dream and plan for your future adventures!
This Christmas, due to an extremely busy semester, I didn't send my yearly holiday cards. I apologize for all my readers who usually get a card from me. Know that I am sending you best wishes for the holidays and the new year. Perhaps I will mail New Year's cards this year… or maybe you'll have to wait for next year… we'll see...
What are my wishes for myself for 2015?
My word of the year will be play.
Smile more, hug more, offer little surprises along the way, say "yes" to new experiences, stand taller, walk lighter, skip more, be more graceful in my daily movements, take deeper reflective breaths, drink more water. Shine!
