Disney Adult: In Training

Now that all my kids are officially adults, and Asa and I are officially in our 'Adventure Phase', it's time to teach them all how to be Disney adults, so a few days after their birthday, we took Hayden to Epcot for FARTS. Ok, it's Festival of the Arts, but anyone who is anyone (aka the Disney Food Blog) call it FARTS. 

This is one of the shortest Festivals in Epcot (Festival of the Holidays is shorter, but only because it falls during the holiday season), but, in my opinion, it is very under rated. It's all about Art- in all the forms, and that is right up Hayden's alley. There is lots of artwork to look at, to be a part of, and even to purchase. 

The performances in the American Adventure Pavilion are also Broadway themed- which is also up Hayden's alley. Asa didn't *love* this part, but he sat for it, because he's down for like 95% of things. 

Obviously, it's Epcot, so there are special food booths and food items. They're so aesthetically pleasing too, because of the 'art' component of the Festival. 

I also love the interactive parts of the festival too- like the paint by number wall, and the presentations where they live paint awesome Disney art. 

Of course, what is an evening in Epcot without seeing World Celebration and Journey of Water? Those are both gorgeous at night- a total must stop. For some reason it seems like there's always a lot of space up here in the evenings- very little crowds, which makes me happy. As much as I love the Magic Kingdom at night, the crowds for me can be very overwhelming. This is a nice change of pace from that. I feel like Epcot is probably my favorite park these days. 

Before we headed out, we went over to Creations gift shop to get our free passholder magnet, and of course these two had to screw around because, that's just them. 

And since the Coke store is right next to Creations we swung in for some lychee apple juice, and for Hayden to confirm they still don't enjoy Beverly. Spoiler Alert: they do not. Because nobody does. 

In other February news, (aka old news) I'm saddened to report, we didn't get to go to Boston at the beginning of the month like we had planned. After Jake left the end of January, we were still a bit sick- and we were racing against our travel clock. Our tickets had long been booked to spend four days up there with Nate and Allison and Layla- all so Asa and Nate could go to a Caligula's Horse concert. We were debating on going or not- we obviously didn't want to bring the Foster's our germs. But then a few days before, Nate got sick- and that was the nail in our Boston coffin. I am so hoping we get to go sometime when the weather is better- but our calendar is filling up with no northeast trip on it, so we'll see. If nothing else, the LAN Party crew will be here in September- and I CANNOT. WAIT. I did tell you they're moving here, right? Cuz, I am stoked about it. 

Anyway, the cancelled trip left us with a weekend on the calendar with no plans. I was able to pick up a last minute market at the Pasco Flea Fest at Heritage Park. It's not the best of names, but it was a decent market for me, and I made a couple hundred dollars. Score! 

We also used that weekend to take our annual Lakeland/Plant City trip, because it isn't strawberry season if you don't go to Plant City for shortcake. We hit up Born and Bread (who is now open four days a week instead of two!!) for cruffins and coffee, swung by Parksdale for shortcake, plants, and a flat of strawberries, and then it was off to Keel Farms to stock up on ciders. Best errand run there is. 

February isn't just strawberry season, it's also state fair time! Calib, Asa and I went on a random weekday and pet and fed all the animals, played at a foam party, grabbed some honey from the bee guys, held some baby chicks, loved on some cows, and nabbed a $3 mini elephant ear. 

And of course, we did President's Day around here. We played True American, and despite some tough competition, and going last, I was still the winner. Asa had it in the bag until he couldn't name three correct facts about Grover Cleveland (he always gets Cleveland and Taft confused. Admitedly, I do see the resemblance). That meant I got to eat or typical Presidents Day meal of Nancy Reagan Mac and Cheese, Calvin Coolidge carrots, apples, and biscuits off the Benjamin Harrison china. I also had a lovely prohibition cocktail in the Thomas Jefferson copper mug.

Asa and I had a date day to Orlando, after swinging by Born and Bread (twice in one month, how lucky am I?) We renewed our Disney passes, complete with the Water Park, Sports and More option and played some mini golf on the Fairways course at Fantasia Mini Gardens (it's the hard one thats more like real golf than putt putt). Turns out, with practice, we are getting better at that one.

 Then we made our way over to Seaword, where we got our free tray of fish to feed the seals and sea lions. Some awesome nice guy told us about Lotus, a seal who will wave you to for food. And she did in fact do so. I gave her like three of my four fish, I was so impressed.

 After Seaworld, we changed and had a very fancy, romantic dinner out in Orlando, and then made our way to Epcot in the pouring rain. 

We didn't mind, though, we put on our rain jackets, and were the only people playing in Journey of Water while the rain poured down. It stopped in time for the fireworks, and by then there were hardly any people there, so we were able to nab a great spot in the World Showcase to watch Harmonious. All in all, it was a really great day. 

Other than that, there were a few random days. We did some dog walking. Some library events. I made Oakley pupcakes for her birthday, and then doled them out to the neighborhood pups too, so they could join in on the celebration. Jake and Ama came over and hung out, and Ama ended up staying over. She didn't mind that Hayden and Genesis were going to a play in the morning, while Asa and I headed over to the Grove for another market. I did pretty well there too, and made enough for Kratewalker fries from Flippin Fries (seriously so good), and some coffee from Provisions- plus plenty more to take home. That evening Jake came back to get Ama, and we rode our bikes through the neighborhood to get some tomato plants from the Buy Nothing group- and Ama told me how this was quintessential suburban life in the states. She's not wrong. 

In projects this month, I did get around to building Dipper his shelves on the wall by the French doors. He seems to like them enough- though the last two shelves still need some carpet on them, and I want to add toys and scratching posts. But still, it's pretty cool. 

And that *almost* does it for February. In the unlikely scenerio in which I eventually get to add pictures, I'm going to make our Leap Day trip it's very own blog. 

Next Up: A Leap Year! My favorite!