Fresh Oil Today!: Bryan

I finally downloaded some of my pix from my family trip last month and just had to share, ya'll! And, until I have grand babies to brag about, I'll just have to brag on my wonderful kids.....they rock!!! I am truly one blessed mama with the best daughter - Katie and best son - Chris and the absolute best SIL - Bryan (whose just like a son to us!) and absolute best DIL - Laraine (whose just like a daughter to us!)!! We are doubly blessed!! Hallelujah!! What more could I possibly ask for.....um, let's see----GRAND BABIES, ya'll, GRAND BABIES - hint, hint!! LOL!

I digress......back to my family photo's!! Our family trip to FL was planned around Bryan's homecoming from deployment with festivities and then on to Disney for family fun. We also celebrated my b'day, my Sweeties b'day and Chris and Laraine's anniversary. How thoughtful of the US Navy to plan Bryan's return around our special day's too, lol!! We had a whole lot of celebratin' to do, let me tell you!!!

As I shared in a previous post, I was soooo bummed to miss out on Bryan's homecoming and festivities but had to stay behind in AZ to help with my mama's care and joined my family a week later. BUT, I so enjoy all the photos taken of that special day and share a few of them below. We are so proud of Bryan and honor his and all other committed service members who so willingly sacrifice to protect our freedoms. This also goes for their spouses who stand strong and "hold down the fort" at home. Until MY daughter became a military spouse I absolutely had no understanding of the sacrifices that they make as well. We, as Americans are indebted to our sailors and soldiers and their spouses and families!!! (Didn't know I was gonna get on my flag waving patriotic soap box......but, GOD BLESS AMERICA, ya'll!!)!

Whoo hooo!....So here we go with the photos:

The evening before the boat returned
there was a candlelight vigil with flowers

tossed into the sea to symbolize a
safe return and welcome home to their sailors!

Katie and Dad

She was really into this......it meant only a few more hours until
Bryan's boat would appear on the horizon!!

Early next morning family and friends gathered at the base........so excited to see Bryan's boat now....whoo hoo - he's almost home!!! PTL!!!

My Sweetie "Dad" is ready to see Bryan - GO NAVY!!

I luv this photo of my Katie.....She's leaning against the huge welcome home banner

waiting for her man!!

And I just had to add this one....my personal fav (it's a mom thing!!)!!

Does she look happy or what??!!

Soooo excited!! Just a few more minutes!!!

There he is!!!!

Tears, hugs and kisses...........her hero is safely home!! Thank you Lord!!!

Home Sweet Home - together again!!

Hammock time in the backyard with Mac and Shorty!

So glad their "dad's" home!

The next day it's on to our fam fav!!

The Beach Hut Cafe!

We loved it when we lived in Jacksonville for many years

and always eat there whenever we visit!

The owner's are such a blessing!
They had a huge "Welcome Home Bryan" banner,
a beautiful cake

and publicly thanked and honored Bryan for his service.
It was awesome!! Such a blessing to my kids and family!!

(If you're ever in Jacksonville Beach be sure to check out Beach Hut Cafe for breakfast or a wonderful blue plate special lunch....it's where the locals eat - flipflops, surfboards, beach hat's and all

....you'll love it!!).

Katie surprised Bryan with a new Beach Cruiser bike.

They love cruising the beach together (she has a pink one)!

And then on to Disney, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Typhoon Lagoon!....Whooo! Hooo!

We stayed at the Royal Plaza near downtown Disney. This is the second family trip

we've stayed there and really like it. Note: If you're ever thinking about heading to Disney, be

sure to join Mousesavers.com (it's free) before you make any reservations! Through Mousesavers we've gotten FABULOUS rates (including breakfast) and soooo happy with the Royal Plaza! Oh and Mousesavers has great specials and tips for Disneyland too.....check it out!!

I just have to show you my fav Mickey Waffle breakfast (included with our special rate through Mousesavers.com).

Luv my Mickey Waffle!!

(Who cares about carbs when you're on vaca anyway)!

Uh, I'll take a side of grits with my waffle please.....Just kidding, ya'll (maybe!!)!

Now, back to Disney! By the time we arrived in Orlando it was pitch black skies and raining cats and dogs! I bought rain slickers for everyone in the park (not cheap! yikes!) and decided to brave it and enjoy the fun! Not many photos, however, because getting our camera's out in the rain and taking a shot wasn't easy.....bummer! We had a good time though sloshing around!!

Always love the ginormous merry-go-round!

Watching the fire works (in the dark) during a brief break in the down pour!

Everyone was worn out and water logged but had such a wonderful time!!

Who say's you can't make memories in the pouring rain!!

The next several days were filled with Epcot, Animal Kingdom and
Typhoon Lagoon
and

copious amounts of junk food!

Sooo much fun!!!!

Here we are in the future on Spaceship Earth in Epcot!!

This was so much fun having my Sweetie and I superimposed into the future.
I think we're supposed
to be doing some kind of futuristic underwater farming??!!
Oh and I especially love just how THIN I look - hmmmm all I need is a Lifestyle Lift for my face, LOL!!

I see me in the future and
I look much better than I do right now!!! Glory!!

Love Animal Kingdom!!

Everything in Animal Kingdom is so lush and green and jungly!!
Ya see the snow capped peaks behind us?

That's Everest!! The roller coaster from......well, you know what I mean!!

Chris takes after me! We'd barf our heads off if we road that thing!

But, my Hubs, Katie, Bryan and Laraine LOVE it!!

Chris and I think there crazy, LOL!!

Last stop - Typhoon Lagoon!! Whoo! Hooo!

I absolutely LOVE doing absolutely nothing here.....vegging in the shade with an occasional float down the lazy river is absolutely heaven.....I mean heaven, ya'll!

Let the rest of my fam do all the fun and crazy water rides, but let me do my thing - NOTHING!!!