The Disney Challenge

My daughter has proclaimed we are going to Walt Disney World next year. My husband has confirmed it -- we're going to celebrate his 40th birthday at Star Wars Weekends. Can't wait! So unbelievably excited. And it's still a year away!

So, I've decided to challenge myself. I'm going to learn one new thing about Disney World every day until we go. That's more than 365 days, but I'm up for the challenge. I've found lots of websites, blogs to follow, and of course, I'll be listening to the Lou Mongello WDW Radio Show podcast every week.

Here's my new thing for today: the next book in the Kingdom Keepers series is out! Book 5! My family is still reading book 4 (got sidetracked by the Lightning Thief series), but you know we will be in the bookstore buying Shell Game soon!

Love the Disney magic! :)

Disney Connections

My family is crazy about all things Disney. And most things that are linked to Disney. We really enjoy Star Wars, Star Tours, and that unique connection to Disney and Walt Disney World. (Kids are currently planning their next trip, as if it was going to happen tomorrow, when in reality, it will be a couple of years...)

Anyway, I saw the neatest picture today that really portrays the way my family feels about Disney and Star Wars, and connects to my kids' childhood innocence. Here it is!

Awe! :) I love the simplicity of this picture, and the way childhood innocence is captured. I love the way this picture makes me feel. And I especially like the look on my son's face when he looked over my shoulder a few minutes ago.
"Mom, that is so cool!" Yep, that's my boy. And my daughter instantly got it too, and made the leap to Pooh without prompting.

And may I recommend Peter and the Starcatchers for those readers who, like my family, love all things Disney-related!

Nighttime Reading

So, the kids and I read aloud together every evening. It started when they were little, with easy picture books (I think we wore out Jaxom's favorite, Are You My Mother?). But now, we read nice, thick books that I really enjoy myself!

Right now, we're working on a really cool series called Kingdom Keepers, by Ridley Pearson. The stories are set in Walt Disney World, which after our trip sounded like a fabulous series to read together! We are now on book three, and the kids love them!

The stories are full of adventure (like getting chased by audio-animatronic pirates and Stitch) and lots of scenes from all over the Disney parks. They are also pretty high-tech -- this third book has an icon which connects with a webcam online to show you a map, games, etc. (www.kingdomkeepers.com)

In my Advanced Adolescent Lit class (part of my journey toward my library masters degree), we studied about the Golum in Jewish tradition and lore. Imagine how cool it was to see parts of this legend at work in Kingdom Keepers!

Yep, you gotta read this series to understand.

Recommended Reading:
Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson