THE STEPHENSON'S

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Florida 3

F L O R I D A

(Day 3)

K, we got up super early cause we had to be on the bus by 8:30 a.m. (which is 6:30 a.m. our time) and mind you we didn't get back to the hotel until 1:30 a.m. so yeah we were TIRED! But we wanted to spend as much time as we could at EpCot!!! We had so much fun there. I wasn't sure what Epcot was all about so I was in for a surprise. Epcot has about 9 or so different countries in it. Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany, China, Mexico, United States, Noray. In each country there is a ride, restraunt, stores and fun buildings. It really was a fun and interesting place. Not sure that I would take my kids there (until they are older) because I don't think they'd enjoy it as much as the adults. We had to sample food from Italy and Germany. Sooooo YUMMY! We went on Soarin, Planet Earth (twice) and a ride in Norway! And of course some last minute shopping for the kids. We had to be back to the hotel by 6 so we caught the 5:00 bus back. Once we were back, Schwan's had an island party out back by the pool. Dinner was delish!!! All kinds of salads and meats (buffet style). At the end of each table were these people's heads all dressed up like pineapple, bananas, umm and this dude with a bone in his head. After dinner, we went across the water to a little island where they had a band, fireworks, ice cream floats/sundays, fire dancers, guys making totum poles, painted tatoos, karokee and visiting. The party ended at 1 a.m., but we left at 11 p.m. We had such a good time. Thanks MIKE for working so hard last year for us to be able to go. And thanks Schwan's for such and enjoyable time.

Sign into the island

Says

"Schwan's Island Party in Paradise"

This had Schwan's Ice Cream in it.

It was made out of ice and it said

"Dine In. Chill Out" Pretty Cool huh!!! There was a nice firework show!!! Here's one of the Heads!!! Heidi with one of the islanders!!! Ha Ha -- I can't Swim!!! Here's the guy's head--he had all kinds

of stuff to say...some things not so good!!! Mike and Heidi -- by the pool!!! Epcot-Germany

Epcot-Germany

Planet Earth!!!

Heidi and Mike - Epcot

Epcot - Japan

Epcot - United States

Heidi and Mike - Epcot

Epcot - Canada

Epcot

Epcot - Canada

Florida 2

F L O R I D A

(Day 2)

K, first we had a nice lunch. They served some of the new meals that Schwan's is now serving. I think there were five (5) different items on our plates. They were all pretty good. It wasn't really what we were expecting...nor was it what we were craving, since we had just eaten at Olive Graden the night before. It was all Itallian, but it was still very good. At 1:00 p.m. we went in to the meeting. They pumped up the guys and then had a nice surprise. The Scottos, an Itallian family that live in New York (the family who makes the new items above) were there, and they showed us how they make a few of their entrees. That was a nice treat! Once the meetings were over, we went out in the foyer and had our picture taken with the Scottos and also with Alford Schwan and his wife. Then, it was off to our BIG surprise. We had no idea where we were headed--They loaded us in several busses and we were off. GUESS WHERE we went???? YEP!!! SEAWORLD! we were so surprised and way excited. They shut the park down just for Schwans. We had a nice dinner and a quick word from the Regional Manager, and awards were given out. Then we went to a stadium where behind the curtain was CLINT BLACK! That was awesome. He sang for a couple of hours. Then we were off to play games. We played, ring toss, water guns, basketball throw, football throw, etc. I myself didn't win anything, but MIKE won the girls some really cute bears on the water guns. After that, we got to see SHAMU...he did a fabulous job! Then, they opened up the rides and more games. Mike and I got our picture drawn as a cartoon--it turned out pretty funny... We left at 1:00 a.m. It was a WONDERFUL day!!! Thanks Schwans!

SHAMU

CLINT BLACK

Flamingos, as we were leaving the park

Panguins
Ice Figure of Schwan' s and Panguin
Says "Chill Out"!!!

Mike, Heidi, and Donna
Seeing who can win the last
bear for the girls
(Thanks Donna-We'd have been there
the rest of the night if you didn't give us yours)

American Flag with

the SCHWAN'S flag below

that was pretty COOL!

Alford Schwan

At the Banquet

Cute little guys cheering for us

as we got off the bus!!!

On the bus to SEAWORLD!

Mike and Heidi with

Alford Schwan and his wife!

The Scottos at the Schwan's Meeting

Cooking up some of their yummy meals!

Friday, January 29, 2010

FLORIDA

F-L-O-R-I-D-A

Our first day in Florida (after we spent the night at our time share), we went to the Hilton at Bonnett Creek to check in. After we checked in we went out back to check in with Schwans. They gave each of us some nice sunglasses (Maui Jim's) and some spending money. After that, we went to Disney World - Magic Kingdom! This is where the castle is and all the different lands... Yes, in Disney World there are 4 or 5 different parks. We chose Magic Kingdom. It was a lot of fun, but all the big kid rides were over at Universal Studios (like Indiana Jones-which is one of my favorites)...but we did get to ride Pirates of the Caribean and that is my favorite! It was fun to go without the kids, but everything we seen I thought oh, the kids would like that or they'd enjoy that... The weather was fabulous 80 degrees!!! and it was snowing at home (he he!!!)

Mike (he said the picture

is on a tilt!!!-oops my bad)

Heidi (WOW! I almost didn't
make it!!!)

Such a pretty castle!!!

Heidi - The Haunted Mansion

Mike (The Haunted Mansion)

Mike and Heidi

at the entrance of

Disney World!!!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Sledding

January....brings SNOW and what goes better with snow, than SLEDDING!!! Mike took Shayley and Chloee sledding last week and they had a blast! Although, we really could use some more snow. They were having a great time until Shayley landed in the mud...when that happened, they were done!!! THANKS DAD! for a great day! (Lexie didn't want to go--she's getting to old for stuff like that --ha ha).

"S L E D D I N G"

Shayley and Chloee

Shay and Chloe

Shayley

Shay and Chloe

Christmas

Christmas was in such a hurry to get here this year, that I almost missed it. I was rushed to buy, wrap and unwrap it seems...but Christmas Day was all worth it. The girls woke up early, and went downstairs to see what Santa had brought them. Chloee was the first one up, and went down and woke up her sisters...of course, she had already been in to see what they had all gotten. Chloee ran up to get me, dad and Corbin up, but I told her she had to wait at least 30 more minutes. Finally, we got up and by that time, Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle John had made it...It was fun to see everyone having such a good time. For the first time of the season, I didn't feel rushed. Yeah for that. I made crepes for breakfast, and Uncle Jack and Aunt Carrie, Danzi and Rykker came...and we all ate breakfast. Then, we rested for a bit and we were off to Grandma and Grandpas for opening presents there and dinner. Thanks to everyone who made Christmas so memorable.

"C H R I S T M A S"