Florida

We were able to escape the cold, harsh Minnesota winter for some fun in the sun at Disney World.  What a wonderful trip!  Almost the whole Wieland clan traveled to sunny Orlando on a Sunday.  During the week, we were able to see The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  We also took a couple of days to go to Cocoa Beach and Sea World.  We stayed at a Disney Resort called Port Orleans Riverside which was not only beautiful but very convient with transportation to and from all of the Disney parks.  The weather was a little cool the first day (only in the 60's) but really warmed up toward the end of the week.  85 degrees on Saturday!  The only time it rained was during the night while everyone was sleeping after a fun day of activity.  It was so nice to escape the daily grind of life and enjoy some fun with our family.  Here are some pics from our travels:

Anxiously waiting to get on the plane for a first plane ride!

 

A Pic on the bridge at our resort.

A family picture outside Cinderella's castle.

 

 Animal Kingdom (Mount Kilomonjaro)

 Getting "goofy" with Goofy!

Hello Mickey Mouse!

 Cuddles with Minnie.

 3 princesses and 1 prince pose with Snow White.

Pluto loved the Wielands!

 Luke is ready for lunch in the sun at Cocoa Beach.

A view of the ocean from the deck where we were eating lunch.

First time at the ocean! The water was a little cold but they still loved it.

 

 The Whole Wieland Clan (well, almost - we were missing a few back home)

 

Sarah and her name in the sand.

 

 

 Dolphin Show at Sea World

 Touching Sting Rays

 I can almost reach him!

 Dancing with Chip - or is it Dale?

 

 

Fireworks behind the castle.  This was my favorite!



Back at home with a lot of great memories!

January Birthdays

January is always a busy time for birthdays in the Wieland Household. Todd celebrated his 48th, Jordan her 7th and Rachel her 12th. We enjoyed several celebrations and lots of cake. Happy Birthday to three of my favorite people!

Sarah, Jordan and Kylie Jo wishing Todd a Happy Birthday!

 A fancy 7th birthday cake!

 A girl after my own heart - yellow cake with chocolate frosting!

 Blowing out the candles!

 Present time!

 Two birthday cakes = twice the fun!

I'm getting a little too old for you to keep taking pictures of me.

Luke is sure glad his sisters let him have some birthday cake!



Spa Day January 11

School was cancelled on the Rascal's birthday due to freezing rain on the roads.  Several school were closed so we were able to enjoy a "Spa Day' at the Wieland household for Jordan's birthday.  She was sad she didn't have school on her birthday but loved the Spa!

 Ready for my make-over!

 Even Luke liked the foot spa!  He cried when we put it away.

 Before picture!

 Make-up station!  Rachel did a great job doing everyone's make-up.

A sign just in case couldn't find the Spa!

Letting our nails dry.

 

Sarah enjoying the foot spa!

 After picture!

 Ready for the runway!

 Beautiful Birthday Girl!

Christmas in the Cities

We traveled down to the Cities to celebrate Christmas with my family.  We started out visiting with Grandpa Printz and Grandma Karen.  Lisa and her family came over for a visit too.  It was wonderful spending time with everyone.  The next day, we traveled to my brother's house where we were able to celebrate the holiday with my mom, brothers and nephews.  Lots of fun seeing the boys getting bigger!  We then traveled up to North Branch to spend some time with Todd's cousin, Brenda and her family.  Even though it was a quick trip, we enjoyed visiting with everyone.

Luke having fun opening his gift.

 Picture with Grandpa Printz & Grandma Karen.

 All of the Printz Cousins for a family picture!

 Hanging out with Cousin Abby!

 Luke's new best friend, Hillary (named after Hillary Clinton)

Boy, it is rough visiting so many relatives! (although - she talked the first 5 1/2 hours of the trip and fell asleep the last 5 min.)

Christmas Day

The kids were up not too early (around 7:30) ready to see what Santa and Mom & Dad had brought them.  They enjoyed a gift from Santa, a gift from Mom & Dad, a gift from one of their siblings and a few stocking stuffers.  Even though it was only 3 gifts - it still seemed like a lot!  We are certainly blessed to be able to provide for our children.

 Pure excitement and joy!

 Please stop taking pictures so we can open our gifts!

 What is in the stocking?

 Luke was too busy trying to see what his present was to stop and smile.

Luke's first Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2012

We enjoyed celebrating Christmas Eve in the traditional Wieland Family way.  Pictures before the church service, christmas eve service, opening presents at Grandma and Papa's house and eating a late supper.  The seams of the house were bursting with family, food and fun!

 Family Picture Christmas Eve 2012

 All of the Wieland Grandchildren (Wil and Luke are the only boys - the eldest and youngest respectively)

 Sarah and Luke ready for church!

 All of the kiddos looking great!

 Rachel looking so grown-up!

The rascal is ready for Christmas!