Our Disney Vacation Blog Part One

I've decided to blog about our family vacation because there is just no other way to tell everyone all about it. This way I can tell all our friends and family at once. I will be making this two blogs, because it will be a lot to type! :)

Our Vacation started on Sunday July 4th, when we left for the Columbus, OH airport. The kids were so excited to fly for the first time in their lives. I have to say I was more nervous than them, because I didn't know how well they would do on the flight for 2 hours. They were the BEST two kids on the plane. I'm so proud of them & how well behaved they were. They enjoyed take off but I think their favorite part was seeing the clouds so close up. Our first day in Orlando was pretty much getting settled into our condo, going out to dinner, & taking the kids to the swimming pool. Our favorite of day number one was seeing our parents! Because we haven't seen them in awhile. We had missed both sets of our parents so much. And, the kids loved having them there.

The next day we got up & started on the day kind of late. So, we decided to go to the beach for a little bit. We knew that on our anniversary, we were going to Daytona. So, we decided to go & check out a beach none of us has been to. We ended up at Cocoa Beach, FL. About an hour and half from Orlando. The kids of course, thoroughly loved the beach (our little beach bums). After which we ate a great meal at the Florida Seafood Kitchen. The funny store of the night was when the entire staff came over with a mini-cake wth a flaming candle in it to wish us a Happy Anniversary. Wayne was gone to the restroom. I was sitting there all by myself with a big ol' smile on my face thinking yeah it's MY anniversary and the hubby is in the bathroom. They came out again after Wayne returned and I was hiding under the table to pull a joke over on our waitress! She was like: "you've got to be kidding me" and then I popped my head up so they could announce us together. :)

On Tues. we got up early just not early enough. It still took us until noon before we were officially in the Magic Kingdom park. The anticipation was almost more than any of us could bare. It was HOT and the sweat was pouring on all of us but it was the best feeling on earth. The kids were "star stricken" & "overwhelmed". All of us Adults returned to childhood ourselves. We were there for about an hour and I had already smiled so much my cheek bones hurt. It really is the happiest place on Earth! We rode rides, watched shows (in only the best fashion that Disny brings to a show), awesome parades & Fireworks that lite up the sky like nothing you've seen with the sound of your favorite Disney songs in the midst of the explosions. It was by far a Magical Day. Two things stick out the most about that day though. 1. was when we stood in line to meet our first character Buzz Lightyear (to get a autograph & picture). Jordan said: "Mom, it's not the 'REAL' Buzz, it's just a guy in a costume." Way to ruin the magic of the moment there buddy. But, when we got up there with him Jordan was speechless! Ha Ha Now that's just funny! We also waited in line for over an hour to meet Tinkerbell & her fairy friends. I would never do it if it weren't Norah's favoriteDisney character. When we got in the room...it made me almost cry to see her reaction to the fairies. She could not find her tongue and when each of them went to hug her...she was so easy and fragile with them like she was afraid of breaking them or something. It was a GREAT MOMENT! I'd pay for that moment twice over.

Magic Kingdom day two couldn't come fast enough even though we were so tired already from day one. But, it was a good feeling of tired. :) We had our main focuses of the day: MEET Mickey Mouse & Minnie was a priority. I did not come to Disney to not get close up to that mouse! On day 2, we decided to flip video some of the same shows & parades from day no. 1 so we could watch them whenever we wanted. We thought the kids would love that. That day was not as busy as the day before. So the lines were smaller. But, the line to meet Mickey was still a 45 minute wait! So worth IT! I was transformed as a little kid of age 9 or 10 (when I first began a love for Mickey Mouse.) When our kids walked in Norah screamed: "MINNIE"!!! I don't think she knew Minnie was going to be there too. They were super excited! It was a great highlight for us. Then it was off to get all freshened up to meet our photographers at the Candy Shop. Wayne had hired a wonderful Husband and Wife duo to capture some family moments at the park & then the next day at the beach (that will be in Blog 2). So, then we met who I would like to call our new friends, Kristen & Todd of KMDcreations (Orlando, FL). They were a perfect fit for us and our family. They did an amazing job and were so easy to work with. I enjoyed every second of it.

We finished off at the Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner at the Castle. Where I then, dressed Norah up in her Snow White dress. When we (Nana, me and Norah) went in. We were amazed: It was a REAL Castle. And, Norah's reaction to Cinderella was the most magical experience of all experiences of our Magic Kingdom days. And, I'll blog more about that and our wedding vow renewal on the beach on Blog no. 2. :) Hopefully with Pictures!

Spring Ball, Middle TN Photographer

We just went through another season of spring ball. Here are a few shots I got at one of Jordan's last games. I used some new action sets, to see what they would do and I have to say I really like the results I got from a few of them. Thank you and God Bless you today and everyday.

Lacey's Sneak Peek, Prenatel Photography

So, I know I have not posting on here in awhile. But, I've been keeping updates going in Facebook. Please take a look at Lacey's Sneak Peek of her prenatel session. The rest of her pictures are almost done and her baby is on his way soon. Prayers for Lacey and her son as they start their new journey in life together. Thank you for the opportunity to share in this special time in your lives.

My Father (Jay O'Donnell) called home to be with God

As most of you may know by being on Facebook, my real dad (Jay O'Donnell) passed away last Sunday (March 7th). Thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in our family's life. Needless to say, I have not put much attention on editing this week. I will be getting back in routine, hopefully, soon.

If you would like to sign a guest book for my father's condolences page, the link is below. Just search tribute Jay O'Donnell of GA. Thank you again for your patience, your prayers, and heartfelt thoughts.

http://www.heartfeltconnections.net/Home.aspx

Sharon & Jerry's Coffee Table Book (National Wedding Photographer)

Here are some more examples of a coffee table book I designed for Sharon and Jerry. It's a 40 page book, so I will only post a few of my favorites. Thank you Sharon and Jerry for allowing us to be apart of your special day. We enjoyed working with you, your family and your closest friends. God Bless you all.

See More on Facebook.

Facebook Fan Page

Become a fan of AMD Photography on Facebook. We are now on Facebook and you can see more photos and stay connected through our fan page.

http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=7136175764#!/pages/Smyrna-TN/AMD-Photography/7136175764

PINK GLOVE DANCE

Sometimes there are things you just have to share to anyone that will take a look or a listen. This is one of those times. My mom sent me this YouTube video in my e-mail. It has a wonderful way of putting a smile on your face and it brings such an important awareness to Womens Fight With Breast Cancer. Now, you say: how can Breast Cancer Awareness and a YouTube Video put a smile to someone's face. Well, you will have to scroll to the bottom of my blog and pause my playlist, then come back up here to this post and watch this video. Even if you are having the worst day...I promise you will be dancing and smiling in your seat before the video is over. ENJOY!

What I've Been Working On (Got a NEW JOB too)

I got a new job. To make some extra money during some down time in my own business. I took a job with Inter-State Studio. They are a School Photographers Company. I will be working there for their Spring Portrait Season taking pictures of little ones around all the state of TN. Wish me Luck, it's a lot of hard work.

I also wanted to share with you some of the other stuff I'm working on. I've been keeping really busy with the new job training and all the other projects I've got as well. Here is just a sampling of the things I'm working on.

A Wedding Book for Sharon and Jerry, here are just a few designs. I still have about 15 pages to design. I've got 25 out of 40 finished:

Preston is 1! I'm also working on editing Preston's 1 Year Portraits. I can't believe how much he's grown. Here's just a couple of pics I've finished:

And, a post wouldn't be complete without a couple of pictures of my little ones.

Here's one of Norah completely covered with bubbles in her bath:

And, One of Jordan on his favorite tractor. I should get a promotional deal through them, shouldn't I? I just love this picture of him:

And The Winning Picture Is

And, it was a close race between picture number 4, number 5, and number 7 of the previous post "Regis & Kelly Baby Contest". In the end, Picture number 5 of Norah on the slide has been voted the most times. I will be uploading this picture to the Regis and Kelly Baby Contest Site tonight. Thank you to all who voted and shared your thoughts. Fingers crossed! :) I just think it's so cute the way she has neatly placed her hands.

Don't forget to go to Live with Regis and Kelly's website and vote for Norah on March 1st, then tune in for the winner.

Live with Regis & Kelly Baby Contest Under Way

I almost didn't make the mark this year. I entered Norah in the contest the year before last (when she was just 6 months old). And, I was determined to enter her in this year again. The deadline is Jan. 29th! Next Friday (one week from today)!!! And, I need YOUR HELP deciding which picture to submit in of Norah to the contest. I didn't want to enter anything that looks too professional because I don't want her to be disqualified for having a professional photographer as her Mom. So, I didn't want to enter any studio shots of her (in other words, I couldn't enter her in with the purple dress from the previous post). And, the pictures had to be somewhat recent as well. So, here's what I came up with. Please comment and let me know which one you think I should enter in before Friday's deadline. I will then tally everyone's votes and enter that pic. I will also post which one was voted the most. Finger's Crossed for my little Norah PIE!

Norah in the purple dress

Norah at 2 and half years old. I shot these 2 days before Christmas. A little background on the purple dress. It has been passed down in the family for more than 25 years. I never wore it, it came after me (my cousins wore it). Now, I'm proud to say that my little Norah has been honored to wear it. The session didn't go as well as usual with my little Norah pie, she did not feel good that day and was not really into picture taking that day. But, I have some favorites:





My porcelain doll:

Jordan and Norah's First Time Ice Skating

I'm still getting the hang of this video thing. I hope this works. We went Ice Skating last night and had a blast. Now, Wayne and I feel old because the we have sore muscles and the kids would of stayed longer if they could have. We just couldn't keep up with them. We have really enjoyed being together as a family this week even though we are in Ohio. And, it's been snowing everyday.