March Madness

 I feel like March has just flown by, and if I think about it, it really has. That's what happens when you have a full schedule and a million things on your plate. From opening and closing a show, to celebrating Kaitlyn turning 13 at Disney we've been busy bees.

 We opened and closed High School Musical Jr. March 5 and 6, and what a whirlwind it was. I think I have been eating, breathing, and sleeping the show for the past few weeks (though we have been rehearsing since October), and it was a joy to see it all come together. The kids did an outstanding job and I couldn't be any more proud. My mom was a godsend running sound (and a million other things), Kaitlyn helped with backstage, and Tim was my videographer. Connor was interesting through the entire process, and truly enjoys running across the stage during rehearsals, and being a good boy during show time! I can't wait to see him up on stage in his first performance. I know he'll be a natural. It was a blessing also to have such support from friends who came to see the show as well. You have no idea how much that meant to me, and it won't be something I ever forget. I am lucky!

 Kaitlyn is 13.......THIRTEEN!!! Can you believe it? Though the personality has been there, she is officially a teenager and a beauty at that. She is a joy, and we love her so much!

 For her special birthday we went where else, but Disney World. It was a gorgeous day, with perfect weather and we had a blast. She was certainly a princess for the day and we ate in Belle's castle for lunch and had reservations at Cinderella's castle for dinner. Who wouldn't love that? She got to pick what we did for the day, and of course she wanted a spin on the tea cups. Not only are they a favorite of hers by going super fast, but Connor loves them too!!! He squeals with delight at the slightest turn. He insists we go on them every visit!

Our evening at the castle was delightful and we even got a spectacular view of the Wishes Fireworks. The castle has always been a place we go for special occasions and this was the perfect opportunity. There was a huge hole with Casey not being there, but next year he will be. It's never the same if one family member is missing.  Kaitlyn was delighted none-the-less. Who could resist dining like royalty? The food was delicious, the company perfect, and Connor was even interested in the Disney girls. They couldn't get enough of him, and each requested special little kisses on the cheek from our little charmer.

 The princesses were great and all, but Kaitlyn really was the beauty of the evening. She is stunning inside and out. I can't get over the young woman she is turning into, and how proud of her we are. Connor can't get enough of his favorite Aunt, and we can see why. She is never above getting down on the floor and playing with him, and always knows just what he needs. She also knows exactly how to rile him up and make mom and dad go crazy. No wonder she's a favorite!!!

 After Kaitlyn's birthday we spent a second day at the parks. We got to dine and dance with some of Connor's friends from Disney Jr. including Oso, June, Jake, and Manny. Connor was on cloud nine, and I see us dining there often. It was perfect for him! To see his eyes light up each time a friend came by the table was wonderful, and watching him warm up and freely dance around the room with them was so endearing. Daddy endeared himself to the waitstaff by dancing with him at first to help him warm up.

 We spent some more time with our Disney Jr. pals and Connor even got some gold doubloons!! We missed the show when they were still performing his current favorite, Little Einsteins, but Connor loved it and didn't know any different. We got to see Apprentice Mickey and even Ralph and Venelope while we were in the area. He was in character heaven!

We spent the evening at Animal Kingdom and made the last Safari ride to see the animals. That's Connor's favorite. If I had to choose I think the first ride of the day is much better than the last ride, but he was thrilled since he loves it so much. It was neat seeing the trainers feeding the elephants these huge treats though. I appreciated that! No giraffes though, and those are Connor's favorite. He kept asking where they were, and we told him they went "night night". We caught the Lion King show, and Connor got to see his giraffe, sure it wasn't real, but it was huge!!! We had a wonderful day.

It has been a season for sure, and I'm ready to slow down a bit. I think I worked myself so hard my body finally said enough. I came down with a major cold Thursday, and am still trying to recover from it. Sadly, Tim and Connor caught a stomach virus while we were at Disney and were down for the count on Sunday. What a day that was. Connor's first experience with throwing up, and all he could say was "Mommy, my belly hurts". Poor baby. His stomach is still not right. I can't believe the affects the one virus has had.

I'm going to miss our rehearsal time. It was a joy to spend time and invest in these kids. Connor had fun playing with them too, and they couldn't get over how smart he was. He would spell his name, count, name his colors, and even tell them shapes if they asked. His verbal skills never cease to amaze me, and he talks so much. He is such a big helper, always wants to learn, and is full of energy. I have to admit though, my favorite is when he sings.

Click HERE to view the photo memory book I created for my cast. An insider view into our show!

Petersen Milestones

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

 Last weekend Tim ran in the Ft. Lauderdale A1A Half-Marathon for the second year in a row. He did outstanding! His goal was to break 2 hours, and his official time was 1:55:29!!!! What guy! We are so proud of him. You should have heard the shouting going on at the finish line. It was an unusually frigid February morning and we bundled up Connor under many layers to keep him warm. Grandma Glenda put him on her shoulders and I had my hands full with two cameras! Connor would say, "Race daddy, race!!"

 Daddy really is number 1! After he finished we went home, cleaned up, and off to church we went. I love that he sets such a good example for Connor. It helps that Connor now goes into his nursery easily and willingly. He loves his friends in his class and can't wait to see them now.

 Connor is certainly growing and maturing. He has spent most of this week in big boy underwear and is doing great!!! Grandma Glenda is so wonderful and makes him certificates, and gives him treats for successful days at her house. We tend to put him in a diaper to sleep but otherwise he's been living in the big boy world! Even if we are out and about when he tells us he has the urge, he is able to hold it until we find a potty, though it is usually Tim or I RACING to the nearest bathroom saying "hold it, hold it, hold it". It is a sight for sure, and a great parenting  rite of passage.

I have spent the better part of this month at stress level 10 in preparation for this year's school play, High School Musical. We have been working on it since October and we're in the home stretch. One more week of rehearsals and then on with the show. We are still polishing and working on sets, and we're about to start Tech Week. I see a million things that could go wrong, and a million things that still need work, and a million things that aren't ready for use, but I also see a wonderful accomplishment for my students, and I am so proud of them! If and when it all comes together we can all sit back with something to be proud of. In the meantime Tim is helping me find ways throughout the week to relax. He's even been doing an excellent job with dinners!!! I love my two boys, we'll finish this race together.

Disney....again

I know, I know, I know what you're thinking....didn't you just go to Disney World. Well, yes. And to be honest we've been once a month since November, and if you think about it we went to Disneyland in October. So, we're Disney people, no biggie. The first weekend of the month tends to be a good time for us recently.

 Connor has jumped right on board with our love of the Mouse. It is so sweet to hear him get excited about going to "Dinny Wirl". We have a plan in place with which rides are on the top of our list according to importance for our little big boy. We started our first day at Hollywood Studios, and ended the evening at Magic Kingdom. The next morning we went to Animal Kingdom and then got to enjoy a special lunch with Aunt Heather and Uncle Josh.

 We were so excited to take Connor to the Disney Jr Show at Hollywood Studios but sadly it was closed. We made sure to do Toy Story Mania, and Connor enjoys whirling around and watching the 3D images. At Magic Kingdom he is a huge fan of the Speedway Racers and the Airplane Choo-Choo otherwise known as the Barnstormer. He squeals on the Tea Cups and Dumbo, and this time even enjoyed some high flying on a Magic Carpet Ride. He always loves the Carousel, and this time the Electro-Magic Parade and Wishes (fireworks) were seen through the eyes of our enchanted 2 year old.

 We got to enjoy the Train at both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Both are always fun, but on Rafiki's Wildlife Express we got to enjoy special views of the Rhino's who weren't out on the Safari plains. That is another favorite of Connor's, the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. He goes bananas over seeing the giraffe's and this particular trip they were running around and playing. What a treat for all of us. I cannot express enough what a joy it is to experience Disney with our little boy. It was always special to us, but now it is magical. We did things this trip like watching Lights, Motors, Action, and the Backlot Tour that we haven't done in ages. Connor ate it up. I'm looking forward to our next trip where we will be celebrating a very special person's birthday...

Connor is very lucky because recently there has been a huge delivery from the stork of potential future girlfriends. All joking aside, even if there are no sparks later, it is so exciting to be meeting all of these beautiful little girls who I know will be play friends for Connor. I see years ahead of us of the joy and fun that will be had as they grow up together. Little Mackenzie isn't here yet, but Connor has been very patient with mommy as she and grandma sewed away to make her a very special quilt. Each of these gorgeous girls are so special, and we have prayed for each of them so much. What a miracle it is to watch life unfold before us, stitched together by an ultimate quilter. Each square of fabric working together to create a masterpiece.

Life's a Circus

Shhhhh, do you hear that? No? EXACTLY!!! Saturday and Sunday night we didn't hear anything either....Connor slept through the night both nights!!! We are up to 11 nights total! Let's see if we make two weeks! I just keep telling myself he has to sleep. Everyone sleeps. Right?

 A few weeks ago we got to enjoy the "Greatest Show on Earth" with my family. Grandma Glenda secured some amazing seats for all of us to enjoy, and enjoy we did. I love the animals, but there's something with the stunts that makes me uncomfortable. Connor loved it all! Tigers, Elephants, motorcycles, and dragons, he was on cloud 9. Every time the dragon would come out he would get so excited!

 Our fantastic church, First Baptist Church of Ft. Lauderdale, had a Family Fun day recently as well. It lived up to it's name and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the festivities. The big kids enjoyed the food trucks, and Connor couldn't get enough of each bounce house. He was nice and sweaty by the end, which leads us to his tiger face.

This was Connor's first time getting his face painted and after having seen another child walking around as a tiger, Connor was sold! The lady wasn't sure how still he would be and told me she was just going to do something small. I told her she would be surprised and to just go for the full effect. She couldn't get over what a good boy he was. Nice and still, and so well behaved. Tiger Connor indeed!

I love that our church values the family so much. I love that Connor enjoys going to nursery/Sunday School, and that he has his "friends" there. January has been very full, and yet we are lucky enough that it was spent with family and loved ones. We have gotten to see Great Grandpa Ernie and Great Grandma Jo, we have been to Ft. Myers, and even got to spend an entire day with Connor's buddy Nathaniel. Connor has been fighting a cold for about a week now, but at his doctor's appt they measured him at 36.75 inches and 28 pounds. He is growing so fast, and I am so lucky to be a part of his life. Hopefully this bug will pass quickly and we have our little tiger back on his feet. He sure is grrrrrrreat!

Independent Thinker

"In bad times and in good, I've never lost my sense in zest for life." ~Walt Disney

Last night while talking to Tim I asked, "Are you and I going to go out to dinner for my birthday?" To which Connor quickly and enthusiastically replied "YEAH!", thinking I was talking to him. He then added "and daddy too, and choo-choos." What a cutie!

 Five thirty in the morning is rather shocking, especially if it's on a Saturday, and also your birthday, but that's what time we riled the troops. Rarely does my birthday fall on a day that we can travel, so that's just what we did! Disney here we come! We initially planned the trip for just us three, but after talking about our upcoming adventure we got Uncle Casey and Aunt Arielle on board. Look out, here comes Funville, population 5!

We spent our day at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It was fun getting to roam around and do exactly as we please, each getting to go on rides and drink/eat at your leisure. Tim, Connor, and I even squeezed into Dumbo, and a Speedway race car, at the same time! Great memories. We even got to watch the Epcot fireworks from a special roped off section just for us. What a special birthday it was! After Epcot closed we trudged back to our car, and yes, decided to drive all the way back home (games were necessary). It was a looooong (birth)day to say the least, but absolutely perfect.The night before we had gathered with the rest of the family and Connor got to help me blow out my candles and open all of my presents. It was perfect.

New Year's Eve was spent with our loved ones, and was also the deadline for the photo contest. I am happy to say that I won a Kindle Fire, and I'm so excited to use it with Connor. I wanted something aside from "my" things to use with him. This will be more for him. He is so smart. He is recognizing more and more letters, and just the other day told me correctly that the letter block he was holding was an "A". He's been pretty good about the 4 letters in his own name, but now we're branching out. There are 22 more after all.

He seemed to transition back into spending the day at grandma's very well, though he has been showing signs of being very strong willed over the past week or so. More so than before. The Sunday before school started back up was his first major melt down, all because he wasn't ready to leave grandma's house. He is certainly trying to assert his wants, and testing to see who is boss. It is a very interesting new period in development. It hasn't happened every day, but when it does it's Chernobyl. I know he's frustrated because he wants to say so much more than he is able to, and it has to be frustrating. We just remember to be patient with him, but still let him know we are in charge, we have rules, and he still has to obey. It has gotten better.

My favorite time of the day is saying prayers with him at night. He has been more active in our time praying and I love when we are done and he says "amen". He also slept through one night over break, bringing us to a total of 7 times. That was a nice treat! Tantrums are normal, he really is such a sweet boy and we are so lucky!