2007 Dec 31 Magical New Year

"In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'" - John 3:3

Countdown To A Magical New Year

Spending New Year's Eve and New Year at Walt Disney World is really an experience of a lifetime! (I wanted to spend New Year's Eve at Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, counting down to the New Year and watching the Waterford Crystal Ball descends the 77-feet pole at One Time Square - especially when the crystal ball has a special makeover this year in honor of its 100th Anniversary. But I gave up that idea when I found out that one has to be at One Time Square by noon and remains there until midnight!) Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom offered the most spectacular countdown and fireworks I've ever seen!

We went into Magic Kingdom early in the morning because we read that it would deny entry once the park reached its maximum capacity. The park was overwhelmingly crowded - although this enhanced the festive mood. But we were still able to take all the rides after long queues.

Besides the Michele's favorite Philharmagic, Sonya's favorite Snow White, and Ethan's favorite Small Small World, we also went on my favorite Big Thunder Mountain roller-coaster ride and Splash Mountain. See the evidence of our adventure!

Toon Town was exceptionally crowded but we braved throught the crowd anyway ... Ethan loves Minnie's kitchen, especially the cake baking in the oven!

Sonya was spotted and featured at the Laugh Floor ... her Minnie Ears caught Wazowski's attention. Wazowski called her 'the girl with four ears' and asked when she got her extra ears. Sonya replied, "I don't know!"

The highlight of the day must be the countdown and the fireworks. The panoramic-style 'Castle-Surround' fireworks was the most spectacular fireworks I've ever seen. Stood facing Cinderella's Castle, fireworks around Magic Kingdom was synthesized with magical music, giving the countdown to 2008 a magical touch. This was really an experience of a lifetime!

We spent another 1.5 hours after that jostling through the crowd to exit the park and to queue up for the Skytrain ... just to get to our car!

Happy and Magical New Year!

2007 Dec 23 A Pocono Christmas

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas

We were dreaming of a white Christmas this year - you can't get one in Singapore! So we booked this penthouse chalet facing Lake Harmony at the Pocono Mountain. It was charming ... it came with a nice and cozy fireplace, and a jacuzzi! And Michele cooked for us great sumptuous feasts for Christmas ... thank you, darling.

The lake was already frozen ... so you can imagine how cold it was.

We built a snowman. It was the first time for the kids (and our first snowman in the USA)! Do you like our snowman?

We had fun with snowball fight. I also did my first night ski. It was a great experience. It was a wonderful white Christmas!

2007 Dec 2 Mickey's Magic Christmas

"The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." - Psalm 19:8

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Today is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. As usual, we got into Magic Kingdom early in the morning so that we have more time for all the rides ... Cinderella's Carousel, The Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, etc.

For this festive season, Cinderella's Castle was beautifully decorated and illumincated. It was an amazing sight. The special Christmas-themed Wishes fireworks display was absolutely spectacular and really brought out the festive mood. Merry Christmas!

2007 Dec 1 MGM & Epcot X'mas

"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple." - Psalm 19:7

Merry Magical Christmas @ Disney MGM Studios

We planned to visit two theme parks today - Disney MGM Studios and Epcot Center. We visited Disney MGM Studios early in the morning and were greeted by Handy Manny and Little Einstein characters. Sonya and Ethan adores them! We watched the Playhouse Disney Show, Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty, etc.

Dad and I conquered the Tower of Terror.

Merry Magical Christmas @ Epcot Center

By late afternoon, we rushed over to Epcot Center. And of course, the first stop was Epcot Character Center where we took the autographs of and pictures with our favorite Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip & Dale, and Goofy.

After the spectacular IllumiNation fireworks display and the Reflection of the World at the World Showcase, we went more than 200mph on the Test Track. Whooo!