Signing my life away!

For the past month an a half there has been a lot of stress, frustration, anger... and today I finally got to drive that all away.

When the prelude was stolen on my birthday I felt like our entire financial plan was turned upside down. We would now have a car payment. We need to think about where we were living. The debt we wanted to get out of will be there for a tad bit longer.

Since I saw the movie "Italian Job" I have wanted a Mini Cooper. And today I went to the dealership, with the settlement from the Prelude, and looked for a new car.

I am still not ok with getting a new one. I loved the Prelude. I still want to drive that car.... But I finally get the chance to say... that's MINE! I bought that! :) We could have gotten something more practical or less in cost. But I am thankful that Kevin insisted on getting this car. I will enjoy driving it as much as I enjoyed driving the Prelude. Kevin drove me to the dealership and told me I had to pick one out! That we were not leaving with out a Mini Cooper.

After looking at all of the cars on the lot I noticed that Kevin kept looking at the Blue one in the show room. It was an S model. It had everything that I wanted (except for XM radio) and even included things I didn't want. It was a demo car with some miles on it... but it still looked brand new. I kept looking at it... I really wanted a red, black, or white one... not BLUE! But the more I stood there looking at the car... it made me smile! I couldn't help but feel happy! They kept asking if I wanted to sit inside it... and I just said no. I was stuck looking at it's blue. And for the first time since the prelude was taken I wasn't angry looking at a car... I just raised up my hands and said in my best game show voice "SOLD"! That car was coming home with me!

On the way home I saw a black Honda Prelude... I thought it was mine... my heart skipped a beat... I held my breath... but for the first time I felt torn. I wanted my car back... but I didn't want to give the Mini up! I watched it drive away.

After I got home I started to read my cars info and realized this car was supposed to be mine. This car (that I now call Emma) arrived at the Miami Port on my Birthday!

Food and Wine Festival at Epcot

As Amanda and Eddy hit Epcot - Arianne, Pam (mom), Kevin and Wayne (dad) were left to try out the yummy treats and tasty adult beverages the International Food and Wine Festival had to offer and babysit the kids.









First Stop: Germany for Lunch and Beer











Tyler liked the Polka Music


















Jayden liked the food!

A quick stop off in Italy for old times sake and a cannoli...













Arianne and Mom near the Ireland Station enjoying some Honey Wine... yummy! (note: Self photo taking picture)












Even Dad had a good time enjoying all the yummyness...

Wines we tasted at this years events that we liked:

Ireland - Bunratty Meade Honey Wine

China - Dragons Hallow Chardonnay

Italy - Cecchi Chianti Classico 

South Africa - Fairview Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Door Chardonnay

Japan - Ozeki Dry Sake

     

Jayden and Tyler go to Universal Studios

No Trip to Universal Studios is complete without your silly JAWS hat!















Even with all the excitement of the parks Jayden still finds time to say "I love you" to his little brother!
















"So much excitement... must take nap... on Dads head..." - Jayden

Short Visit with Great Friends

We were able to catch up with Alison and Fred (and the kids) before they had to leave for home. Even though we only got to see each other for a little while... we had a great time talking and showing off the nephews.