Kennedy Turns 5

On this past Friday my big girl turned 5. Every year I seem to say I can't believe how big she is...how grown up. I know in the grand scheme of things, 5 years is no big deal. That when she turns 16, or 21 or gets married, those are when I'll say, "Remember when she was just 5" but life is flying by so fast and she changes every day.
Kennedy Turns 2 Kennedy Turns 3 Kennedy Turns 4 So to my big girl, on your 5th birthday, here's to you!  You've changed so much this past year and done so well with change. We uprooted your whole life and brought you to a new state, a new home and a new school. You've done some pretty brave things, which honestly doesn't surprise anyone. You've been brave since the moment you were born (and even before that a little).

June Calendar Shot

We've had a lot going on lately at Living With The Magic Vacations! Recently we held an event that surpassed even my expectations and reminded me of WHY I do what I do and more importantly, why I love it so much! 
Disney really and truly offers something for everyone..including a bunch of grown women who spent the weekend at the most magical place on Earth! Check out my Instagram to see photos from our 1st Annual Girls Getaway Weekend (and stay tuned for next year's April 27-May 1st)

A few faces are missing but I love this group!

Girls Getaway Weekend 2017

Our 2017 Girls Getaway Weekend dates have officially been announced!

Check out all the fun from Girls Getaway Weekend 2016!

Girls Getaway Weekend

Packing for Alaska

I've said it time and time again but Alaska was one of my favorite vacations...but it was also the hardest to pack for. I want to shed some light on what you can expect as far as weather and what types of clothing you should bring.

Alaskan cruises occur in the summer which means milder temperatures...but it's Alaska right? Always snowing and cold? Nope! In fact there were a few days it was warmer in Alaska than back home in New York!

#1- The cold stuff...or rather the warm stuff!

Be sure you are bringing things with you to keep you warm I opted for a combo lined jacket that was also a rain jacket from Northface. It kept me warm when I needed it and on the occasion it rained, I stayed dry! Also don't forget WARM socks, gloves, scarves and hats! For the most part I used these things during our trip up Tracy Arm as well as our Whale watching excursion.

Tracy Arm was COLD and rainy! Disney Cruise Line does offer hot chocolate and cookies to help :)

Finley Turns 2

I can't believe it's that time again...these birthdays seem to be coming so quickly! My dear sweet Fin how can you be 2 already? These last few years seem to have flown by. I feel like every year I say that I felt like I was pregnant with you just yesterday! Read her first birthday post HERE.

You are growing into quite the kid I have to say.  Never in my wildest dreams did I expect you to have such an exuberant personality. The first few weeks with you, you were so quiet and calm. I thought for certain you would be a laid back, quiet child.  That couldn't be further from the truth.

You are outspoken, silly, determined, stubborn and just a ball of energy. You love to talk and sing...no matter where we go. You hate to ride in the stroller and are happiest when you are running around like a mad woman. You love your sister fiercely...and she drives you just as crazy. You try and do everything she does (much to her dismay sometimes).

You love to read although you hate to sit still so I very rarely can read TO you.  Your favorite toy is your baby dolls...you are so nurturing and motherly. You also love to do hair and wear dresses....you are far more girly then I imagined you'd be.

Most of all...you love to cuddle. You are very much a momma's girl and love to sit as close to me as possible...on more than one occasion you have slept on my face. You are teaching me a great deal of patience and it has been a wild ride.  

You LOVE to eat...you aren't terribly picky (yet) but donuts are your favorite.

I worried in the beginning how I would love two children equally but it's proven to be far easier than I feared....you are sweet and loving and embody your nickname Fin Monster. 

You have certainly given me a run for my money and made my heart stop on more than one occasion. The term spirited child is used around here often but I know that these amazing qualities you possess will take you very far in life.  I can't wait to see what the next year holds for you!