Golf with Mickey , Dinner with Cinderella & Epcot with Friends

 Matt and Lily lugged their golf clubs to Orlando and enjoyed playing on Disney's Magnolia Golf course.  It was a tough course but they had a great time.

After golf we cleaned up and enjoyed a late lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table inside the castle.  

We ended the day by meeting some of our closest friends at Epcot to ride, explore and enjoy a late dinner.

Matt and Gracie were spoiled with these well equipped carts right down to the ice cooler on the side.

There were plenty of large magnolia trees all around the course.

Right down to tee boxes marked with Mickey

These signs are posted in several places along the course for good reason.  There was an alligator swimming along one of the holes.

The iconic 6th hole with the Mickey shaped sand bunker.

Too cute!

This was a tough course and they both had their struggles but Gracie calls the win.

Inside the castle for Cinderella's Royal Table lunch.

She made several appearances.  

How fun to have some of your closest friends from home at Disney the same time you are.

Best friending at Disney

Cuties!

The topiaries were beautiful and so fun!

I thought the Twinnings Tea cottage and tea garden were adorable.

While Matt and I were waiting for Gracie to come home, we traveled to Venice Italy in early 2006.  We had our picture taken on the Bridge of Sighs while there.  While visiting Italy at Epcot, we had Gracie take our picture on the replica Rialto Bridge.  We got a kick out of looking at then and now. 

Back to the Galaxy and a visit to Animal Kingdom

 We spent another day at Hollywood Studios at Galaxy's Edge and our little fast fingers once again managed to get us one last ride on Star Wars Ride of the Resistance.  

Later in the afternoon we visited Animal Kingdom before heading back to the resort to clean up and meet friends at Disney Springs for dinner.  

Lily and Bo

Rey

Back inside the Millennium Falcon for one more ride.

We were so excited to see Chewie.  He even posed for us.

One last lucky ride on Rise of the Resistance

Visiting Animal Kingdom for the first time

The Tree of Life- the carvings in the tree are pretty cool.

We went on Safari

 

We rode the Kali River Rapids and while we all got wet, Matt got soaked!  It was so funny.  

Back to Disney Springs to meet friends for a late dinner.  On the bus rides, and in the lines everybody, including us was playing Heads Up.  

One Last Day in Magic Kingdom & Epcot

 Our last day at Disney was a bittersweet one.  We had fun exploring areas we hadn't spent a lot of time in and riding rides we enjoyed.  Matt even agreed to go all in on the rides, arms up and eyes open.  *However, he did refuse to revisit Space Mountain. ha!  

We made some wonderful memories and remarked several times how we were glad we waited until Lily was older to do this.  She had such an appreciation for it and I. have to admit, I don't how people drag young kids in that heat and crowd.  It was was also fun watching her wave at the characters and just be a kid.  We enjoyed being able to share in it with her.  

I have to say, when we maid it to the end of Main Street and took one last look at the castle before walking out, it was a little emotional.  Gracie had said it and it read all over her face that she didn't want to leave.  She thoroughly enjoyed herself.  It made me quite emotional as well.  I even teared up a bit seeing what that trip meant to her and I always cherish the time three of us spend together on new adventures.  

Our family certainly had a magical time!

We started the day with a stop at Gastons.  Gracie and I took on the manly cinnamon bun.

True to his word, Matt went all in on the rides our last day.  His arms were in the air on one of the rides he really didn't like. 

Beauty and the Beast Castle

Repunzel's Tower

Lily and I tried Henna and I couldn't wait to scrub it off.  She keeps hoping it lasts longer.

One last look as we left

A pop over to Epcot in the afternoon got us selfies with two of the best.  We enjoyed some rides and a little shopping.

And just like that...

 ...Gracie has finished her freshman year of high school.

She came out all smiles after her last final this morning.  Gracie, daddy and I are so proud of you!  What an amazing freshman year you've had.  We are so proud of you!!!!!

Mary, Queen of all Saints, thank you for watching over our girl this year.

Freshman Honors Program

 Last night we attended the Freshman Honors program.  Lily Grace received several awards including BD scholar for her 4. grade point each nine weeks, Good Samaritan in Honors Geometry, St. Mother Teresa Service Award and club memberships.  

We are so proud of her!  She's had an amazing first year of high school!  

Rea Golf League

 This year, Lily Grace joined Matt as his partner in his company golf league.  They play each week and it's something they have both been excited about and looking forward to. 

They played for the first time tonight and Gracie held her own against those men.  She only lost by one stroke to her opponent.  

They were all so good to her.  However, the guys gave Matt a hard time about LG having a better swing.

HaPpY Mother's Day!

 She is absolutely the best part of me.

A New Fitting

Golf is starting back up now that the courses are beginning to open and the weather is allowing for play.  Coach Gary decided it was also time for Lily Grace to be fitted for some new clubs.  She needs more weight as she is getting stronger and hitting farther.  

On Friday, we visited the golf shop for her to get fitted for a new set of custom clubs with a senior shaft and men's club head. We are so excited to see how her game grows and improves this season.