On day two in the parks we went to Epcot. This was the only day of the trip where the heat was almost unbearable. It was mid-afternoon on the second day of our five in the parks, and I seriously thought there was no way I was going to make it. My body was so exhausted that while the family went on Mission: Space, I laid down on a cement bench and took a nap. It was late afternoon. I dozed for about 30 minutes and the temperature dropped substantially during that timeframe. When I woke up, I felt much better and was able to really enjoy the rest of the trip.
Epcot had fewer rides than the other parks, but it was tremendously beautiful. It has food from around the world. Some of us had Italian, others had French, and others (gasp!) had Chinese:). The flower gardens were amazing. And Epcot has one of our very favorite rides: Soarin'. It recently changed from Soarin' over California to Soarin' over the World, so we were able to go back and visit the great wall of China.
Our younger kids can't wait to drive:
Posing with the floral sculptures was a must. They were incredible! (If you can't tell, Sophi LOVES to be photographed!!!)
That's Lady and the Tramp behind us.
In the Mexico area we enjoyed the music of a Mariachi band. Conner and Lexi wanted to dance. I also love Sophi's little wiggles at the end of this. (The devices that Conner and Lex have around their necks are descriptive services. They tell visually impaired people what some of the sights are as they walk through the park.)
For Lexi and Conner the sounds were very important. They liked this waterfall:
When we fell in love 24 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.
Our oldest by birth, he's the voracious reader, BYU fan, spiritual giant, sports nut, 4.0 student, huge-hearted ray of sunshine!
Parker Matthew--22
The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!
Jessica Anne "Jesi"--19
Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves fashion, friends, hanging with her siblings, and vacations. She sparkles!
Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004
Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!
Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005
Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!
Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--18
Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and new toys, she fights a courageous battle with autism while bringing joy to all who know her!!
Gracelin Kate "Graci"--24
Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!
Alexander Philip "Xander"--18
With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. He's a talented chef, a caring friend to MANY, our best helper, and is full of teenage humor.
Alexis Li "Lexi"--18
Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home six years from China!!
Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--14
Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is growing up and we would do anything to freeze her in time! She's beautiful, smart, and coy and can do amazing things with her toes! She has inspired people all around the world and we can't believe she is ours. Sophi = perfection.
Calais Rose "Cali"--22
Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way. She is a light in our family and a magnet for handsome young men!
Conner Allen-- 22
Meet our newest addition! Home nine years from China, Conner makes us wonder what we ever did without him. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. He is sweet, witty, girl-crazy, kind and finally, OURS! We love you, Conner!
The Dog
Baxter-- 3 years
She begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter telling us why she NEEDED a dog, and Sophi finally got her wish! Meet Baxter, the cutest mini-audssiedoodle on the planet.