Disney World

"It's Tough to be a Bug" Show at Animal Kingdom.
On the streets at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Front entrance of Magic Kingdom.

Downtown Disney

At the airport Disney store.

Jason and I just got back from Walt Disney. We went with my in-laws Tommy, Nancy, sister-in-law Jennifer and niece and nephew, McKinley and Brennan. We had such a good time. We left for Orlando Monday, June 22 and met everyone at the airport. So here is what we did:

Monday: Not much went on. We settled into our rooms, which were awesome and headed to Downtown Disney. We all ate a restaurant called T-Rex, which was similar to the Rainforest Cafe. It was themed with an underwater bar scene, an ice cave, and dinosaurs on every wall. We then headed back to our rooms for an early morning.

Tuesday: We went to Magic Kingdom first. I will never forget McKinley's face when we cleared the trees and she saw the castle for the first time in real life. Priceless. Her face was aglow the entire day. We had reservations at Crystal Palace for lunch and got to take pictures with Pooh and the gang. Brennan was not too thrilled about the characters. He was terrified. Some of our favorite rides were "It's A Small World", "Haunted Mansion", "Splash Mountain", and "Big Thunder Mountain". I was soooo disappointed that "Space Mountain" was closed for renovations. It is one of my favorite rides. We really enjoyed the "Jungle Cruise", Minnie's house, "Pirates of the Caribbean", and "The Mad Tea Party". McKinley was so funny when we did "Stitch's Great Escape". This was the first ride of the day and it terrified her. She kept saying "What is happening to me?" and "I don't know about this". It was pitiful but adorable at the same time. We were at the park from 10am to 12am. It was definitely a long day, but well worth it. We ended the day with an amazing firework show which neither kids liked because of the loud sounds.

Wednesday: We then went to Disney's Hollywood Studios. This was a great place because there were lots of shows to see that everyone could do together. We got to experience the American Idol stage with real people competing for a golden ticket to move to the front of the line in the "ACTUAL" American Idol tryouts. This was really cool and all three of the contestants we saw were good. We got to see the Muppet 3-D show, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Fantasmic!, and the Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show. The stunt show was incredible and pretty amazing. Each car goes through a set of four tires after every show. After the stunt show we sprinted to see the Studio Backlot Tour. Of all the times I have been to Disney, this was the first time I have ever been on this ride. It takes you behind the scenes of how they make the costumes and props. Their was so much going on while walking down the streets of Hollywood Studios; bands, acts, and character greetings. We got to take pictures with Monsters Inc. characters and even got to see the long lost Power Rangers. I have to say that I was really disappointed with the Rangers. I waited in line to get my picture taken with the Pink Ranger and she took off when I was third in line. If she only knew I use to want to be her when I was kid............... We all have dreams that will never be fulfilled!!! Hahahahaha. Anyway, the Rockin' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror made up for it. I love these two rides. Jason and Jennifer had never ridden either so I was pretty excited when they agreed to ride with me. Me, Nancy, and Jennifer rode Rockin' Roller Coaster and the picture is worth a thousand words. Then me, Jason, and Jennifer rode Tower of Terror and Jason was so nervous. He does not do roller coasters because he gets severe motion sickness, not that he is afraid, he just did not want to spend the rest of the evening sick. I am proud of you babe. You did so good and he even like it. For lunch we ate at the 50's Prime Time Cafe and this was an experience. They talk to you like back in the day. There were three rules: No elbows on the table, use your manners, and eat your veggies. Jason ask our waiter for more Sprite because we had been in the heat for quite some time and the waiter returned with 10 Sprites and a load of straws. We were all laughing because Jason was speechless which does not happen too often. Then the waiter came back with a map of the park and he had circled all the bathrooms and made Jason a bed wetters guide. Too funny! Then Tommy did not eat the green beans on his plate and wanted dessert. Our waiter told him he could not have dessert because he failed to eat his veggies. Instead the waiter brought him a plate of green beans, with whipped cream on top and sprinkles.

Thursday: My in-laws were only with us in Florida for three days so we spent our last day with them at the water park; Typhoon Lagoon. I love this park because it is set on a ship wreck with trees everywhere. When Disney does decorations, they do not miss a step. Everything is done to a tee. We rode everything over and over and over again, swam with the sharks and sting rays twice, and battled the outrageous wave pool. I was so proud of McKinley. She rode all by herself in the big kid tubes and just came bebop pen down those water slides. She is growing up too fast. We were all water logged, but enjoyed the sun-filled day. Later that night Jason and I went down and walked around Downtown Disney. It was nice to slow down and enjoy the night life.

Friday: This was our first day, just Jason and I. We went to Animal Kingdom and had the best time. We saw some of the most amazing shows and experienced some pretty cool rides for the first time. We saw "It's tough to be a Bug", "Festival of the Lion King", and the best of all "Finding Nemo-The Musical". The Musical was phenomenal and known to be the best show running right now in the United States. We went on The Kilimanjaro Safari, rode "Dinosaur", and even braved "Expedition Everest" (Yet another roller coaster that Jason rode). There was a water rapids ride that I avoided all day, but Jason really wanted to ride it. Then I thought, "Hey, if we wear our rain ponchos we will not get wet" and we were only ones that walked away afterwards dry. I know; brilliant. We spent another night at Downtown Disney doing our shopping and ate at Planet Hollywood Cafe. We got VIP sitting right in front by the DJ. It was a wonderful evening with my husband.

Saturday: It was our last day, but our flight did not leave till 5:55 pm from Orlando. So we got up and went swimming. While we were in the pool, we saw the coolest thing. A plane was spelling out "TRUST JESUS" in the sky. We took it as a sign for various things in our life and it was strange because no one else around was making a big deal about it. We cleaned up and went back to Downtown Disney to eat lunch before the cab was picking us up at the hotel. Downtown Disney was only two blocks from where we were staying so it made it nice; granted we walked way too much. My feet were killing me every night. Once we arrived at the airport we had to fly to New Orleans, switch planes, then onto Dallas Love. When we were in New Orleans, our flight was delayed due to "Operation Delays" in Tampa where our plane was coming from. It was the same day the plane carrying TV man, Billy Mays, tire busted and left debris all over the runway in Tampa. In the end, we made it home safe and headed to Houston early Monday morning.

*********Lots of things had changed since the last time I was there. You can make your own anything. There is make your own Mr. Potato Head, make your own My Little Pony, make your own Light Saber, and make your own Treasure Trunk from Pirates of the Caribbean. We bought tons of the Mr. Potato Head parts. Also, there are people virtually on every corner "trading pins". They spend tons of money for these pins and then walk around and camp out in Downtown Disney to trade pins. Crazy, I know. However, the employees of Disney are given 'special' pins with little Mickey heads on them that you can only get by trading with an employee. I saw this lady wearing a 'special' pin with three triangles on it and yes, you guessed it. I traded. :) I am a Tri Delt and the three triangles are representational of our sorority. The pin was ugly, but it is so neat because it had triangles on it.

Hopewell-Pollard Wedding Festivities

The happy couple and their first dance as husband and wife.
The Hopewell's.

Ashlee and Ashley.

At the rehersal dinner at T-Bones in Denison.

Kangaroo's!!!!!!! (A little inside joke)

On June 20, 2009 Scott Hopewell and Ashlee Pollard were married at Tanglewood Resort. Scott and Jason graduated high school together and Ashlee and I graduated together. We have many memories together as we both started dating around the same time; long ago. We went to many formal dances together, hung out at the lake, and acquired Australian accents along the way to name a few. We are excited for them to start this part of their relationship together. Congrats Scott and Ashlee Hopewell. We wish you the best.

My Wacky Water Adventure

So I ordered off the kids menu at The Rainforest Cafe and in the menu there was a story you had to fill in the blanks. I asked Jason for the words without him knowing what the story would read and it could be one of those situations that you have to be there to laugh, but I laughed until I cried. I justed wanted to share. Here's the story:

"One day, I went to the river with my friend Ashley. I was so scared as I looked out over the orange water, and I said to Ashley, "Let's go eating!" So we took out our shoes and our flowers, and ran to the river. After swimming for a long time, we were pretty. So we took out our shorts and began snow skiing. In the distance, we saw a butterfly splash out of the water. "Wow, that was tall!" I exclaimed. We kept watching and soon another one refilled. Then we decided to swam in the water for awhile before it was time to go home. What a fat day!"

Bold words are the words Jason filled in!!!!! :)

A Day at the Beach!!!!!!!

A boat out in the middle of a field, not yet claimed. One of the many signs of the storm. Living in Houston, this picture is a recognizable sign that we saw daily on the news and in the papers.
Birds.

Jason, aka my beautiful husband.

Us.

Jason was so sweet and took me to the beach yesterday. We went early so we could go walk down The Strand and drive around to see the clean up progress from Hurricane Ike. I have to say, everything looked really good. Being down only three weeks before Ike hit though, you can really see the devastation that has been the result. When we were down there last August, we walked down the sea wall in all the shops that now are nowhere to be seen; gone. That was really heartbreaking to think about because that was some one's life, their livelihood. But, on the up side, there is rebuilding, repainting, and hope very visible on the island. We sat out on the beach while I read and believe or not Jason chilled. Jason never chills. He has to be moving at all times, so it was really nice to catch up on some reading and not feel guilty. The beach was so clean and for a Tuesday rather busy. Afterwards, we ate at The Rainforest Cafe which I love. It was wonderful spending the day with my awesome husband, but also nice to see Galveston in this time of rebirth.

Note: When the sun moves, make sure you readjust yourself under the umbrella so you do not get sunburned on ONE side. Just FYI for those of us who tend to not pay attention to those types of things. My right side is a nice shade of pink. :)

Going to the Chapel........July 18, 2009

Jennifer and I at dinner.

Later that night at dinner. Yummm.

The bride and the bridesmaids, minus three.

Jennifer opening presents.

Mom and I at the shower.

My cousin Jennifer is getting married July 18, 2009 in Plano, Texas. This past weekend was her bridal shower and bachelorette dinner/party. My mom and I got to hang out all day together and join in on the festivities. It was a long day and a very short weekend trip for me. I left Houston Friday and quickly returned early Sunday morning for an event with my job. Saturday was nothing but on the go. In a nut shell; we left Sherman, took my Aunt's dog to her in Denton, back to McKinney to Market Street, over to the shower in Plano, then to Willow Bend Mall to look for some dresses, and then to dinner. It was 11:00 when we headed back to Sherman. Even though it was a rushed day, her shower was a success as was the rest of the evening. Lots of mingling and goodies to opened. I have to brag on the restaurant we ate at; Mattito's in Uptown. They had the best queso ever. It had sour cream and avocados in it. She is blessed with good friends and family. What a long day!!!!!!!!!! Good thing is I found two dresses, mom found her and dad a comforter set for their bedroom, and I made to and from Houston with no problems. Congrats Jennifer and Blake and we look forward to the wedding.

III Forks

Jason and I with my family at III Forks. It was so very good. While we were there I ran into two of my sorority sisters from Tech Bailey Hurt (which I did not expect to see because she is from Midland) and Stephanie Haney (my best friend which I knew would be there). We had just had dinner with her and her husband, Josh, the night before. Small world. Love III Forks.

A thru Z

My friend Kendall has this on her blog and tagged everyone who read it. Thanks Kendall, for sharing your A thru Z.


A -Age: 25 and wishing I would stay here!
B- Bed Size: King: sometimes seems too big. At times I say, "Where is Jason?"
C- Chore you hate: This is going to sound crazy, but I like chores!!!!!
D- Dog's Name: Maddie aka Madeline Christine Glover
E- Essential starts to your day: healthy breakfast and a kiss from my husband
F- Favorite Color: green (any shade)
G- Gold, Silver, or Platinum: Platinum
H- Height: 5'5" 1/2 (I actually grew 1/2 since last year)
I- Instruments you play: I TRIED playing the clarinet in junior high and that's where it stops.
J- Job Title: Teacher and Cheer Coach (I know, I am crazy)
K- Kids: Hopefully sooner than later.
L-Living Arrangements: I live with my husband and Maddie in a four bedroom house.
M- Moms name: Susan
N- Nicknames: Burrus, Kinky, G-love, Curly Q, and my husband calls me Ash
O- Overnight stay in the hospital other then Birth: Nothing yet. I am knocking on wood right now because I am very accident prone.
P- Pet Peeve: Where to start: Messy people, clutter, smacking or slurping, rudeness, and being hypocritical just to name a few.
Q- Quote from a movie: "You had me at hello".
R- Right or Left handed: Right
S- Siblings: 1 sister, Lindsey (sister-in-law, Jennifer and brother-in-law, Josh)
T- Time you wake up: 5 am on workdays, 7 or 8ish am on the weekends, and during the summer it is whenever my body decides to wake up
U- Underwear: No comment!!! :)
V- Vegetable you dislike: Cabbage (if you have ever been in Sam Moon's when they are cooking this; makes you want to gag)
W- Ways you run late: Waiting on someone else. I live by the motto: "When your early, your on time, when your on time, your late, and when your late, your rude."
X- X-rays you've had: Regular Dentist X-Rays, CAT scan for sinus surgery, and too many to count when I broke my back in 1999
Y- Yummy food you make: Macaroni Salad (family recipe and my husband loves it)
Z- Zoo Favorite: Seeing all the animals; then I look for hand sanitizer.

Ballpark Pictures

Our delicious food. The fries were a little too much to eat.
You can barely see it, but this is the latter that I ask Jason if he would go across for a million dollars. He had no comment. It scales above the field from side to side.

Mattress Mac in the yellow shirt. That is his body guard to the left in the blue shirt.

Our baseball bat. I asked Jason if he got it for me for the next two years; maybe to use as a "this is why I am right........." weapon.

Josh and his beloved blue cotton candy. He was so excited to get this. All I thought was gross.

A Night At The Ballpark

Our new seats!!!!!
The coolest cup holder ever! If someone tries to steal my drink, I will redefine knuckle sandwich!!!! :)
Jason and Josh

The happily married couple

So yesterday Jason and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We both had to go into work to take care of some things and Jason's brother, Josh, is in town so we decided that we would celebrate in July with a little trip. So us being the exciting couple we are, we ran some errands, Jason mowed the yard, and I went over to a good friends house to hold her precious twin girls, Lauren and Elizabeth, that she had June 2, 2009. Jason suggested that we go to the Houston Astros game against the Chicago Cubs because Josh had never been to a Major League Baseball game. We had a ball. I have always wanted to ride in one of those carts behind the bicycles so Jason flagged one down and it took us right to the ticket booth. We ate at the park and it was the B-E-S-T chicken sandwich I have ever had. Although we sat in the nose bleed section, we had a great view. About the eighth inning, we moved down right behind home plate and had an even better view for the one and only homerun we saw last night from the Astros. While we were sitting there, Jason spotted Mattress Mac and those of you who are Houstonians you know who he is. As for the rest of you, he owns Gallery Furniture which recently suffered a horrific fire in their warehouse and are now having to rebuild. Any who, he is a celebrity in Houston so that was exciting (I know, I know. I am boring.) Once we started to get ready to leave, Jason went in and bought a miniature, cherry wood baseball bat and had our names and wedding anniversary engraved into it. I had to remind him that most wives would not agree to go to a baseball park on their anniversary, but that he married an exception; granted I enjoy sporting events. I told him as long as we are together, I am game (no pun intended).

Happy Anniversary

Partying with our closet friends; and then some.

Husband and wife!!!! At last, finally, it's about time; whatever you want to call it :)

Saying I do!!!!!!!

Jason and his boys.

Me and my girls.

On this beautiful day two years ago I was getting ready to marry the man of my dreams. I have been blessed with someone who loves me unconditionally and that still gives me butterflies when we kiss. God put us in each other's lives eleven years ago because he knew we needed each other. Jason, thank you for all you do for me and the way you treat me like I am the "QUEEN"!!!!!!! I love you with all my heart and cannot wait to see what the future holds for us. Happy 2nd Anniversary!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Lindsey!!!!!!!!!!

The back porch at my parents house. Peaceful.
Lindsey and her friends.
Lindsey pondering her wish. Ummmmmm!

Again, her friends unprepared for a picture.

June 1st was Lindsey's 19th Birthday. I cannot believe how old she is getting. We had a fun little cookout and celebrated with family and friends. Her boyfriend, Zach, from China Spring came down with his friend Caleb which made her really happy. Our family definitely approves of Zach. She had several friends from Sherman come over and then our family to help celebrate. I have to share with everyone what happened later that night.

So my dad was telling us about all these "ghosts" stories around Sherman. I was a little disappointed because I grew up in Sherman and never once heard the stories. I love watching "The Haunting" and all the ghosts shows. I know, a bit ridiculous to say the least. Anyway, the stories led my sister and her friends to want to go try the stories. The first place we went there was nothing. Me and Caleb saw a figure out in the field, but naturally no one believed us. A truly disappointing experience. Now for the good stuff. We went out to Friendship Road to see hand prints appear on the windshield. Again, ridiculous. Once we got out to the cemetery, we stopped on the bridge next to it and turned the lights out. Lindsey was driving and got the bright idea to turn off the car. Well, that freak us all out and at the same time a car suddenly appeared coming towards us. We started screaming at her and she fumbled to start the car. Like I said the car suddenly appeared towards us and as we drove by it was a Sheriff's car. What is the likelihood of this happening again. Perfect I thought. I told my sister that if we got pulled over to stay calm and tell them exactly what we were doing. Blame it on dad. :) We got around a corner and a car suddenly started gaining on our tail end. Lindsey said, "It is not him, we weren't doing anything wrong." True, but we did something very very very stupid. Right then, all we saw was red and blue lights behind us. We were getting pulled over. The Sheriff approached the car slowly, shining his flashlight in all the windows. I know he was looking for alcohol. But all we had was Sprite, Dr.Pepper, two teachers, and four college students on a Monday night. How exciting! He asked my sister for her license and who owned the car. Zach drives a brand new black Escalade so we looked a little suspicious. Then we heard, "Miss Burrus, please step to the back of the car." I know my sister was freaking out. He stood back there and questioned her for a few minutes, then came to ask us to verify her story. We started laughing when we told him what we were doing, then he proceeded to tell us we were at the wrong cemetery and directed us where to go. Needless to say we went home after that. Lindsey not only got presents for her birthday but a nice little visit from the Sheriff's department. What a memory. Happy Birthday Lindsey!!!!!!!!!

Childhood Friends

Husband and wife.

The beautiful couple.

Entrance table.

The beautiful church.

Saturday I had the honor to attend the wedding of Megan Malone and Roy Fuller. This couple truly exemplifies the meaning of soul mates. A year ago Roy was nearly killed in a car accident and Megan never left his side. For a day they never thought would happen, it turned out beautiful. Megan and I danced at Kristina's together and it was so wonderful to see her so happy. She looked stunning and I wish them all the happiness in the world. So here is to the most deserving couple. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stomping Grounds

So Jason and I are officially on vacation for two months. I have said all along that as a teacher, you need the summer to regain your sanity so here we are. May the sanity keep coming! We have been in Sherman visiting our families and it has been really nice. Granted, once we got here, we have had a pretty packed schedule. That seems to be the case everytime we come into town. Saturday we had a wedding, Monday was Lindsey's birthday, Wednesday we went to Six Flags Over Texas, Thursday dinner with friends, Friday dinner with family at III Forks, Saturday my cousin's graduation party and back to Houston on Sunday. Talk about being busy. I have many posts to publish but it will take me some time. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping my mom in the flower beds, getting a mani and pedi with Mom and Hannah, and just being around our families.