Oh, DEER!!  It's Halloween 2019!!  (and, it's freezing cold!!!)

 We'd been watching the weather report all week, and knew it was going to be cold, but we also knew it wouldn't stop us!!  So, Boo Boo picked up the pizzas, I simmered the cider, and Kylee loaded up the wagon.

 Jace - Elmo.  Harper - Deer.  Mollie - Creepy Clown. Bennett - Space Force Recruiter. Orrin - Soldier Ninja? Lucy - Maleficent.

 In the 90 minute door knocking session, the kiddos all filled their bags just enough.  After the traditional candy sorting and swapping, we began planning for the Halloween Bash of 2020 - because you know, Halloween will be on a SATURDAY!!

Thanks, Papa and Grandma for providing the perfect island space to carve the Prose Family Pumpkins!  The research was done on the ride over, and Harps decided that she would create a pumpkin person.  This (yet again) turned the conversation to snow, which lead to winter, with ended up with the upcoming ski season.

Bennett said he was going to create a VW van.  This lead to a conversation about a road trip, that led to Colorado, that ended up with the upcoming ski season.  (Yes, they are quite excited to get up on the hill.  Any hill.)

This year, also marks the first year that Harper carved her entire pumpkin(s), all by herself.  In the past, we (and when I say "we", I mean "AP") gets her started, and then scoops out the middle, and then assists with the final steps.  That little girl is just all grown up, doing the solo scooping.

Usually, we do the whole Pumpkin Patch - Apple Orchard - Corn Maze - weekend.  There is apple cider, and purchasing of apple crisp, and scouring the fields for the perfect pumpkins.  This year, it was more like "Oh, sh#$.  Andy!  We need some pumpkins for tomorrow!!!"  get the pumpkins from the neighbors, and then "Oh, sh#$.  Andy!  We forgot to take a picture!!" and we hop back out of the car for the proof.😂

 Home just in time to witness the beautiful foliage, and plan for the annual Morningstar leaf drop.

 Our final full day in the sunshine state was anything but...  a tropical storm was rolling through, so we awoke to torrential rain.  Thankfully, the covered patio provided an excellent space to drink coffee and catch up on the local news.  We decided it was a good day to do a bit of shopping - mouse style.  We browsed the shops at Disney Springs, and lunched at The Boathouse (go there -the lobster rolls are unbelievable), and per our usual routine, headed home for some pool time.

With the exception of missing two of our traveling partners, it was a great trip.  We loved the opportunity to just hang out, with limited obligations.  And we are so grateful for the lodging, Harper said it best, "I love it here, Mommy.   I don't want to leave!!  When can we come back?"  Thank you Grammy and Grampy - but, when can we go back??🙏😊👏💜

Day 2 - Pool Day!  Today's plan was to have a pool party all day long, and that we did.  First we went to the on grounds water park, and it is here something remarkable happened.  

 Grammy said "I've never been on a waterslide before.  I probably should try it."  Bennett and I glanced at each other, each trying to not overreact.  I think Grampy heard, but he pretended like he didn't...  Very carefully, and very nonchalantly, I said "You totally should.  It's a lot of fun."  A few minutes passed, and then Grammy said "Well, let's go."  And off we went.

Without hesitation, Grammy marched up those steps and slid down that slide.  It was awesome.  Proof that you are never too old to try something new, and embrace your fears.  Thanks for letting us witness this epic feat, Grammy!!

The rest of the day was spent chilling poolside, while our server kept our glasses chilled and snacks coming.

Oh - one more thing!  A world record was broken!  Grampy and Harper successfully volleyed 24 times in succession!!  Ok, now this may not actually be a world record, but Harper is quite certain that no one else would really be able to volley more times than her and Grampy.  They are willing to compete with anyone who thinks they can...

First stop - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!

Grammy opted to stay home (which I can't say I blame her, it's such a sweet home), but the rest of us laced up our sneakers and skipped our way to Hogwarts.  If you have never been, you must go.  It is incredible, and words do not do it justice.   It is simple magical, even for us Muggles.  Thanks to the fast pass option, we were able to jump the long lines for the expedited one.  Harper was able to select her very own wand, and perform magic all around Diagon Alley and Hogwarts.  We sipped butter beer, and dined at the Leaky Cauldron.  We visited Gringotts, and the Night Bus, and rode the Hogwarts express - twice!  

 And, when our time was exhausted (or maybe just Harper was exhausted) we gave our fast passes to a sweet family of four, and made it home in time for a soak in the jacuzzi.  

Thanks Grampy, for making our day so magical.  You truly are a wizard!