Christmas in July - Part 1

Well we are back from our trip. Aisling and I took home a flu/cold as a souvenir so I am just now getting to this blog. I know lots of you out there have been waiting for pictures. There will be more to come, but for now these should satiate you for a while.

We left for LAX last Saturday at 5 am. Brian and I had hardly any sleep. It takes a long time to pack for 3 people. Brian ended up buying me my Harry Potter book at midnight since we were still up. We got to the airport and Ais had a few meltdowns in line at security, but she was fine once we were through. She didn't sleep at all on the flight. We were crammed in like Sardines and the flight was pretty uncomfortable, but she did well otherwise.

We spent the night at the hotel in the Orlando airport. Aisling loved the hotel. It had a balcony and she just thought that was great. Next morning we were up and ready to start our Disney Cruise. The bus picked us up and took us straight to the ship. We saw a Manatee and a Gator on the way in our sleek Disney bus that was painted to look like a cruise ship, complete with portals and everything.

Aisling met Donald while we were waiting to board the ship. She just loves the characters. It was so cool as we boarded, they announced our names as we entered and everyone cheered for us. The ship was amazing. It was gorgeous and very Aisling friendly. Our room had a little area where we could draw the curtains so she could sleep while we still could be up. Everything was plexi-glassed so no little ones could fall overboard. She loved our balcony. Overall the cruising lifestyle suited her well. She lived on Mac and Cheese and had several desserts along the trip. Everyone was so friendly. The food, service and entertainment was amazing. They had fireworks off the ship on Pirates In the Caribbean night. Plenty of character walking around for Aisling to look at. They played "When You Wish Upon a Star" from the horn everytime we set sail. It was the best cruise ever.


The best part of the cruise was the stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island. It was Aisling's first trip to the beach and she loved it. She played in the sand for a long time and then would shout agua and head straight for the ocean. The family watched her so Brian and I could go snorkeling. We saw a shark pretty close. We sent Ais back to the ship with her Aunt Joan and grandparent's for nap time. And Brian, Mike and I went for a thrilling eco-tour on waverunners. We saw Dolphins too on the wave runner trip. It was pretty choppy and bouncy as we were coming back since there was a storm coming. We got caught in the storm too after the tour was over. We were drenched by the time we got back to the ship. I don't think I have ever been so wet.

Anyway, the ship was so much fun. It was really special to get to share this experience with my family. We all had dinner together every night and really got to spend some good quality time together. I can't thank Chris, Lea and Becca enough for everything they did for us. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and an amazing memory I now have.

And the trip didn't end at the ship we still had 3 full days at Disney World. We stayed at the Grand Floridian, which turned out to be quite an adventure as mishap after mishap happened to the Kesinger clan. Our room got flooded and a bed broke just to name a few incidents. But we still had a great time exploring the parks. It was so ridiculously hot too. Poor Ais was drenched pretty much all the time. She had a good time though. She really loved being in the hotel. She liked her run around time and she had lots of fun playing with Uncle Mike, Bec, Joan and everyone else. She learned some new games along the way too, like ripping napkins to shreds, but she had a blast.

Well, I could go on for days at how fun the trip was. It was exhausting, but a trip I will always look fondly on. So for now here are some more pictures. I will add some more in a few days and hopefully some video too.


Time changes stink!! No way it is 8 am already!!!


Hanging with Daddy. This is the life!!!


Here Uncle Mike, this is how you do it. I love my veranda!!!


This splash pool is awesome.


I love it. I love it. More Water!!!


There is a bunny in my room and he left chocolates!!!


Now there is a monkey in my room. This place is awesome!!!


Crayons are fun. Now where is my Mac N Cheese??


I better practice my swagger for Pirates In The Carribbean night.


Viking Maiden spotted at Epcot???

Vegas baby

It has been a while since I updated this thing. We have been busy and I have been sick on top of it all.

So Ais had her first airplane trip a couple of weeks ago. We went out to Vegas to visit Tara and the kids. Aisling did great on the plane. She watched out the window and even said Wow after take off. She slept through the landing on the way home. She was pretty tuckered after having so much fun with Ethan and Cailyn in Vegas. She also hardly slept, no nap Saturday and barely shut her eyes in the hotel room at night.

Anyway here are some pictures from the trip.


In line to check in with Daddy.


Going over her travel documents.


Watching Daddy and Zack play Playstation.


Playing with her buddies Ethan and Cailyn. Cailyn is only about 6 weeks younger than Aisling, but Ais is closer in size to Ethan who is almost 3.


Aisling and Ethan chilling in their comfy chairs. They were so cute together. Ethan took such good care of Aisling. Giving her sippy cups and showing her all his toys. He was so sweet. It was so much fun seeing all of them. I sure wish we lived closer.


Aisling also met R2D2 on the 4th of July.


She kissed him too. I think I saw tears in Brian's eyes.


On a side note, Brian and I went to the KwikEmart for Squishees the other day. It was pretty fun even though the squishee made us both queasy.