Tuesday, September 10, 2013

D23 Expo

Every time we got to the D23 Expo, we get the same question. What is D23?? D23 is the official Disney fan club. Each year they alternate putting on an Expo that is open to the public and a more private event that is only open to D23 members, called Destination D.

This year we went to our third Expo and it was one of our favorite events to date! Think Comic con for Disney geeks. Presentations by Imagineers, Bob Iger, John Lasseter (my personal favorite), park presidents and amazing musicians like Alan Menken and Richard Sherman. The history of Disney, Walt's dreams and legacy told by people who knew him and worked with him. Announcements and sneak peeks of new movies that are coming out, getting to see the actors that are voicing the roles, performances by broadway stars (namely Idina Menzel as Elsa from Frozen)... it's an amazing experience and we love going each year.

Although we could not take pictures of most of the big presentations or previews, we were able to catch some fun photos throughout the weekend...



 You will see more of this later, but these are some of the photos of our #TheOptimist scavenger hunt/journey that started weeks before the expo. It took us on a journey throughout the Expo and the park and allowed us to meet new friends. It was a blast! 
 We had to hold up our map with other people's maps to solve the clues. That's one way to encourage team work! 

 Meeting Wallace - the leader of #TheOptimist game 
 A fun sign that was outside of the imagineering display
This year there was no Parks & Resorts presentation so we had to just pick up some cues from the displays in the Journey to Imagineering area. 

 (More hints for #TheOptimist) 
 Our pin that we received for completing #TheOptimist journey
 Avatar land hints & clues



 Looks like Star Wars land might be in sight...




 One of the displays explained some cool effects. The new wrist band system will make it possible for items to respond to individuals - even call you by name when you walk up to it. 

 This plant responds musically to touch - it was really cool. 

Some of the items that were up for auction 
 Eating at a food truck. It beat the convention center food, for sure!
A beautiful line of designer gowns, designed to resemble the Disney princesses 
Once Upon a Time costumes & props 


Costumes from Oz: The Great and Powerful 
 China Girl




 Mary Poppins materials & costumes


 It's the bag! THE BAG!! 







So if you ever wonder why we like going to the Expo, these are just a few of the reasons. I will post more reasons from Andy's camera later... :) That's enough for tonight. 

Monday, September 9, 2013

Aunt LeeAnn's Tea Party

These girls are so lucky. They're the luckiest little girls since... well, since I was a girl. They have so much family around them that loves them and loves to do special things for them. High on that list is Aunt LeeAnn. As was the case when Staci and I were girls, she stops at nothing to make sure that we feel loved and this trip was no exception to that rule. Aunt LeeAnn put on a grand Tea Party for the little ladies and it was beautiful (like everything she does)! Every detail was well thought out and intricate, right down to the hand beaded bracelets and tinkerbell mirror/comb sets she gifted them with. 

The set-up
Mikayla eyeing the treats
What's a tea party without makeup & jewelry??






Time to dive in to our tea (juice & chocolate milk) and scones (goldfish, cupcakes and pb&j)


So many little details... :) 
Hmmm... looks like trouble!

Maybe they wouldn't notice if I just took one... 
Annalie & Brixtynn




Annalie has a special friend in Uncle Steve - she loves him! 

Amberlin & Aunt Staci
She likes dressing everyone up! Aunt LeeAnn's turn...

We ended the night with sidewalk chalk and some outside time