Just the other day I was all "yeah I am definitely getting my Disney on!" Well that was certainly not on the agenda this weekend. Not to harp, but I have had some kind of crazy back pain. Last week was the first time I had experienced it, and I am pretty sure it was from sleeping in a strange position? But usually it will go away after a moment or so, but instead it lasted all day! Flash forward to this week: same scenario. But this time I made matters worst at work when I accidentally put pressure on it and strained it. So blah blah, lots of pain, weekend plans were altered. 

    Since I didn't feel like driving all through Orlando, we slept in until 10 o'clock Saturday. My man reminded me why I love him when he said, "let's get IHOP!" So away we left. After IHOP, when I got my typical Bacon Temptation omelet, we decided that it was a beautiful day for exploring.

    We decided to visit Fort Caroline, the French fort founded in 1560's, I think. We scrounge around there for a bit, walking around the tiny fort, walked on a sick to see ajelly fish in the ocean and I photographed my boy. Fun fact- this was where Graham tricked me into thinking we were going the night we got engaged. (We didn't.) 

    Shortly afterward, we dropped by a little spot nearby called Ribault's Lookout, or something fairly similar. I almost went crazy seeing these gorgeous trees! So Savannah-esque. 

     On the opposite side was a view of the ocean, a small jutted peninsula and a few huge three story beach houses.

    After searching a bit, we finally stopped at the beach! I have had a huge craving to go to the ocean lately. We didn't have swimsuits it towels. It was so sweet, we just layed on the beach and just rested. The beach can do wonders for you! 

    And just as a thought, there are so many different types of people that a vacation there! We ran across a few drunks, fun families and a lady who walked her psychotic, snarling dog up and down about six times. An intense melting pot. Blah, blah. We also dropped by Copeland's, a New Orleans style restaurant here in Jacksonville. Graham and I were not fans! We called it a night at about 8 o'clock and actually fell asleep at 12 :)

    Sunday was another super relaxing day. We woke up early, walked to the park and swung as I spilled a few stories I had never shared. We shared a lunch and made it to church. 

    The two of us both had to teach, albeit I teach every week. My lesson was over "I Am Thankful for Fish." Before you scoff, remember that this is directed towards 3 year olds! We discussed Jonah and the Whale and the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. But I could hardly wait until our activity! The girls each had a pole and had to sit in the chair to go 'fishing.' 

    Eek, they loved it and wanted to do it for the remainder of our time! So we did spend a good bit of time fishing :) I seriously love my calling, it is so much fun teaching these munchkins. And just as a sidenote, these kids will spill anything they know- I love it and they're hilarious.

    Afterwards we spent time with Mom and Pop Alexander. 

    

    Our weekend overall was so nice. We relaxed, have fun and that's all I can ask for ;)

WL: A History

    If you're a reader of this blog, you have read a few blogs including my big baby WL. He is just one of those sweethearts that makes you want to sit him in your lap and smother him with kisses as he begins to squirm. Be prepared for the next bit of words to be gushy; you've been warned.
    To know how much I love WL, I guess you have to know how I feel about his father... Lucas is the youngest of all of my aunts or uncles, 13 years older than me, and I have several memories of Thundercats, Sonic and even tea parties together. I remember talking to him on the phone when he was on his mission, shutting myself in Grandma's room, so proud that I had him all to myself. I remember when he came home from that mission, I hung out with all of the boys walking to get his suitcase, not wanting to miss a moment. I remember the first time I he brought Kelly over, who I originally thought was Sandy after she turned into a Pink Lady. I remember the wedding, weekly weekend trips, the aquarium, beach trips, Tinkerbell the cat, and so many more things. I've always held my uncle in the highest esteem, he truly is a wonderful man and I love him dearly.
    Two years when by as quickly as it could, and as Kelly prepared her new classroom, I heard the news that they were expecting. It was one of those dramatic moments where your smile stretches to lengths it has never reached before. A baby! Our family's first baby in 6 years! And Luke's baby, at that!
    The school term loomed on, Kelly ended up being placed next door to my teacher's, and I couldn't wait to hold that baby. Complications arose for Mama K, I was nervous, but would not miss out on his arrival! Mama agreed to pick me up early if she went into labor, so I patiently waited through the next few weeks at school. And wouldn't you know that 5 minutes before the bell rang, I was asked to leave at the front office! As I got in the car, I remember hearing, "it's time."
    Now let's do a little recap, for a second. I'm a 14 year old girl who loves her uncle, missing school and babies, in general. I've just been told that all 3 things are merging together in order to form a more perfect union. The next thing that was said was, "They're naming him Walker Lucas, but want to call him WL after his Papa." Please, please, forgive my excessive cheesiness, but this moment it so precious to me that it just brought a fresh tear to my eye ;)
    As I waited on my newly dubbed WL to arrive, I walked off to the snack machine with Christopher (my cousin) and Melanie (Kelly's sister) when we heard the baby song play, allowing us to know that he was born! The entire family rushed to the nursery, ready to see what kind of baby we'd get. I saw his big, square head and immediately thought that he was hands down the sweetest babe to be born.
    He became older to my dismay, but I've always had a special place for him in my heart. He's been kind, caring, fun, handsome, lovable. I felt a strangely intense connection with him (and his brothers, later on) and wondered if that was similar to a parent-child kind of thing. We found out another baby would make an appearance, I was so troubled that I, in passing, told Grandma, "I just love WL so much! Do you think I'll be able to love another baby the way I do him?"

    Well this same boy has just turned EIGHT years old. I still can't believe it- 8? This is a very important age for LDS boy and girls. It is the official age that they are able to choose whether they would like to be baptized, nothing is forced, it is entirely upon the child to decide on this step. Well, welllll. I am so proud, so immensenely proud, that WL decided that he did want to take upon the name of Christ, as an 8 year old. Be still my heart.

    

    This is my little babydoll, WL. He was baptized, confirmed a member of our church and even went through his first trial all in one day! Kelly did an awesome job speaking and making his program. Luke performed the baptism and confirmation. Listi, halfheartedly, led the group as the chorister. Grandma welcomed him into primary and he was given his own scripture set. And I was honored to be asked to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. 

    Interestingly enough, Granger, sneakily, decided to see what WL would do after his baptism when they found a basket of candy. He casually asked WL to grab a piece (aka take something that wasn't his property) and he said, "I can't do that, I was just baptized! That's a sin!"

     I am so thoroughly impressed with his knowledge, I just can't get enough of this kid. 

   

Walker Lucas,

   I'm so grateful to be apart of your life. You're such a great kid. I am so proud of your decision to be baptized, but like I said, it makes your Heavenly Father even more proud! I love you for being you!

            Lacey

P.S. Kellan!

It's A Family Affair

    Disney. It's just a place made for everyone. Last month we made the exodus, in honor of two special trips.


NUMBER ONE:
                          ~Alexander Family Vacation. Our first complete family trip ever. We bypassed all of the long lines, stayed in a log cabin and dined in Italy. The Alexander's come to conquer, that's what is so fun about this part of the fam, mine as well have the Disney motto leave no stone unturned. For the first time ever, we visited all 4 theme parks in 1 day- which is exhilarating/exhausting. Also, Graham and I decided to play it cool by taking the ferry to our cabin at midnight and became devastatingly lost -I could slap whoever decided concierge wasn't needed after 10pm!-, thank heavens for answered prayers. All in all, it was nice to have everyone together, another reason to looove Disney.

NUMBER TWO:
                             ~Mizell Family Trip. We reunited the crew again to tackle the Animal Kingdom! The best part to me about going with my side of family is the fact that it's a whole new experience for them, it's just like taking a bunch of babes. We got the best fast passes in the land, Granger joined me in a latin dance show, I ran 'em around like little minions and Daddy sat 10 feet from a baby giraffe. Despite the onset of fluid travelers, we managed to squeeze every bit of our itinerary in, with the exception of a bird show, which wasn't so important. Props to my sister for many of these photos, I was way too busy trying to make everyone have hours of fun ;) It's true, if you let me plan the trip you're basically assigned me the role of "coordinator/event planner/boss lady." Thanks to Mama and Daddy for continuing to spoil their kids with trips to Disney with me!

(Granger's face is so beyond sweet in this picture, I can't stand it!)

TOP L- Mama, Me. 

TOP R- Granger. 

Bottom R- Acey, Listi. 

TOP L- Daddy.

    So what it people think I have an intense obsession with Disney World? It runs in the family. :) I am so pleased with Graham for granting my wishes to allow us to be season passholders! And we may go a little too much- clearly kidding here, never enough for me! But I'm just saying, if we have these bad boys we have to get as much use out of them as possible? Right? Right? Right! 

    Luckily, I'm Disney World bound this weekend and I can hardly stand it! I'm going to keep staring at these pictures until it's time to go.. Just 3 more days!

   

Ramblings

    Falalala. It's Monday, I have to work a day and night shift, and I am already sleepy.

    So what's been going on in my life recently? After Arizona there have been other things going on, and I've decided to write all my recent ramblings into one spot.

-What is it with cleaning? If I see another dish or piece of unfolded laundry in this house I think I might keel over. 

-All of my friends are getting pregnant or talking about getting pregnant soon. I can't handle it! I have finally concluded that I am trying to jump the gun with that one, and suddenly everyone wants to throw a cherub cheeked babe in my face. 

-Speaking of babies, have I told everyone that I now nanny for two? I do not always have the newborn and toddler together, but when I do I try to comprehend how others have did it in the past. Particularly getting both to sleep... It's so difficult! 

-Also, I feel bad for Graham sometimes because since my babies are the only part of my work day when we talk about work I feel like I always go on about subjects he couldn't care less about. "Did you know we started potty training?" "The baby spit up all over my shirt!" (He did giggle at the next one.) "He actually peed on me today! Can you believe it?"

-My Sunbeam class is wonderful. We have really grown together. At the beginning of the year I wasn't sure if they would be able to focus during a lesson, they are only 3 after all. So I didn't delve too much into making a great lesson, just gave them lots of leisure time. That happened about two weeks until I nearly died of shame when a parent sat in as I basically spoke for about 3 minutes and let them run amuck for the rest of the hour. I vowed "never again!" Since then I have prayed to be able to fill the time with a complete lesson, games and vocal interaction. I am so pleased to say that my class is really coming together! Perseverance people! (And a sprinkle of humiliation.)

-I've lost some of the fire I had for cooking. Probably because I am too lazy to go to the grocery store, but still, I have only cooked a real meal once in about 10 days. I have got to get back in the saddle. 

-The "polar plunge" is a new craze going on up in Douglas. Basically people jump into freezing waters, record it and dare specific individuals to do the same. I think I am just far enough to not have to participate :)

-I decided to try a new hairstyle when we went karaoking Friday. Basically it's just a few series of tight hair bows, then pulled for some added poof. The only problem is my hair is so thick that it looks too full. Oh well. Maybe I'll keep playing around with it.

-My sweet, sweet baby WL just turned 8. He is the apple of my eye, I love that boy so. My heart feels as if it could burst because he has decided to get baptized this weekend! Hooray! My big boy making decisions for himself! 

    And that's about it that has been going on with me recently! I am excited to creep on in to march madness. Until next time x) 

ARIZONA: Grand Canyon/Sedona/Home

    So Friday night we celebrated the wedding at the reception in Mesa. As the bride and groom ran under our intertwined hands raised in the air, we immediately began to pack everything up to head north. Months prior to this trip, we had decided that we were so close to the Grand Canyon, 4 hours away, and it would be a shame to miss out. Since we had the only rental car, Graham's brother and his wife traveled up with us to see it. We drove for almost three hours into a town called Flagstaff. I hear it's gorgeous, but by one AM after that exhausting day I jumped out of the car destined for the bed, I wouldn't of cared if it was Atlantis at that point.

     But mysterious things were going on. We noticed huge chunks of ice, the remnants of snow, as we walked inside. Wistfully, the four of us concluded how fun snow would be, particularly since my sister in law hadn't ever experienced it, and Graham even mentioned it in our nightly prayers.

    Five in the morning we jumped up, or kind of lumbered out like knots on a log, to see the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. It was our last day on the trip and we were determined to make the most of it. We drove the remaining hour, unhappily realizing we would miss the sunrise- seriously, we only got four hours of sleep only to miss it? But away we trudged, deciding that we would do other things after we left the Grand Canyon. 

    Funny thing, so right before you hit the National Park, there is a small town- more of a tourist trap really- with a special IMAX Theatre and a single McDonald's. We were starving, so we had to get breakfast and...... Then it was like the heavens opened. Eyes turned into the size of saucers. Our prayers were heard, and even answered. Right there, next to McDonald's, was a vast open space covered in inches of snow.  

    We threw snowballs (I even managed to get hit right square in the face with one), made snow angels, captured the memories with photos. Four college educated adults played like mere children. I'm sure those driving by thought we were nuts but hey- this is a rare event for Georgians/Floridians!!  

I know I have that crazed look going on, but it was our first time together in the snow :)

    

    From this point on, we entered into the National Park to see the Grand Canyon. 

    After we made a pit stop for hot chocolate, toboggans and warmth, we left the local shops to finally witness the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. And as we finally got uphill enough, and looked over the banisters, we could see......

    Fog. Yes, that's right. We drove 4 hours with 4 hours of sleep to see fog.  With a hint of the canyon, too. We piddled around with the snow, including a looong snowball fight between Graham and Jared. (After the snowball to the eye and frostbitten fingers, I preferred to watch.)

    After our wait, this is what we came to see. So magnificent. Of course, you can't go to the Grand Canyon without matching your beloved so, please, enjoy ;)

    After staring for a substantial amount of time, the rest of the gang showed up! Las Brisas (Billy, Sunny, and Josh) pulled up, and more snowball wars induced. Sunny hadn't even played in the snow either, so he was making it a memorable occasion. The Grand Canyon was spectacular, but the snow was truly the cherry on top. 

    I just feel the need to reiterate, one more time, how fun this way. So, so, so much fun! I actually did manage to throw a snowball. :)

    We spent several hours playing and enjoying the Grand Canyon, including an old watchtower. But as someone said, you can only spend so much time looking at one thing! So we left again for Flagstaff to try a restaurant that Guy Fieri encountered. Afterwards we drove back through a town called Sedona, a really gorgeous city nestled amidst mountains. I didn't take any photos of my own, so I am shamelessly borrowing my sister-in-law's!

    Sedona was the last of our sight-seeing for the trip. We drove back to Mesa, deposited J&K to the place they were staying and made it to our Phoenix hotel by 10. We were asleep by 10:30, exhausted by such a great trip that kept us moving! At 8AM we were on a plane, rising above all of the mountainous terrain, and my mind wondered to the past few days. In that short time I had:
-had my first plane trip
-rented my first car
-finally traveled out West
-entered a new state
-been in the desert
-saw mountains
-entered two more temples
-eaten at 3 new restaurants (Jack in the Box, Cafe Rio, In and Out)
-had my first true snowball fight
-made my first snowman (albeit tiny)
-saw the Grand Canyon
-drove through mountains
-realized how much fun exploring the world could be

    Arizona easily exceeded the expectations I had for it. It was such a wonderful trip. But how ready I was to come home to my little apartment. :)