Princesses Isabel & Olivia

Happy New Year!!!!

2012-01-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

Liv and Belle's Sunday School Program

2011-12-28T17:38:00.000-08:00

Belle with Baby Jesus

Liv "The Angel"

McKenna, Belle and Anna (Belle's BFF's)

Liv's Preschool Christmas Program

2011-12-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

Hurlburt Christmas

2011-12-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

Madi and Papa Vern

Thanks to The Salrin's for our Barbie Jeeps

Belle, Morgan and McKenna

It's finally Christmas morning!!!

2011-12-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

Liv gets her favorite movie "Tron Legacy" from Santa

Belle and her American Girl Doll (named Megan after her cousin)

Barbie Cruise Ship

Liv's first guitar

In Memory of Papa Smith

2011-10-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

We will miss you Papa Smith. We are so thankful to have made many memories with our Great Grandfather.

Olivia and Papa

Isabel Olivia and Papa

Isabel and Papa

So far in 2011.....

2011-05-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy's girls made him a Mickey Mouse Pizza for his Birthday January 10th

Liv had her 4th Birthday Party at Fun City

We played in the snow

We danced on our stage

We modeled our new Spring clothes

We met the Easter Bunny and hunted eggs

Isabel went to a softball clinic where she met USA Olympic Softball player Crystal Bustos

Isabel's 8th Birthday and More....

2011-05-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Isabel One day old

Isabel's 1st Birthday

Isabel's 2nd Birthday

Isabel's 3rd Birthday

Isabel's 4th Birthday

Isabel's 5th Birthday

Isabel's 6th Birthday

Isabel's 7th Birthday

Isabel's 8th Birthday (yes that's right 8)

Liv loves the Camera

Isabel's First Communion

Isabel and Adam

Cousins

Dance Recital 2011

2011-05-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

Disney World Trip - Day 2 - Thursday, May 13-Isabel's Birthday!

2010-05-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: We approached this trip with a different perspective than usual. We have been to Disney multiple times and know we will be going again, so this trip was not about "how much we could get in." This trip was about Isabel's birthday and enjoying the parks as we could, at whatever pace the girls set. I think the pictures show that it worked out perfectly. -Seth

We woke up at a fairly good time Thursday morning-we had to-it was ISABEL'S BIRTHDAY! Dina went to get breakfast first thing, so the girls woke up to beignets for breakfast-just like Princess Tiana makes! ;)

We all got ready and headed out to the Magic Kingdom (of course). The birthday girl was pretty excited to ride Splash Mountain for the first time.

And Olivia was pretty excited too.

We arrived during Extra Magic Hours, so the crowd wasn't bad. As soon as we walked in, we saw Pluto out meeting folks. I pointed him out to Olivia (her first Character sighting) and she said "I want to hug him." I was relieved she liked the idea of meeting characters, since I had a little bit of concern she might feel overwhelmed by them.

We headed down Main Street USA, enjoying the sights, sounds, and that awesome Confectionery smell. The Main Street singers were out and Isabel got a couple of birthday wishes from them as we made our way towards the castle. There is nothing quite as pleasant as the first walk down Main Street on each trip. We stopped for a picture at my favorite spot and continued towards Fantasyland.
-Note: Normally, if we are at the Magic Kingdom for Rope Drop, we head left into Adventureland. Always a great tactic in the morning as most people head for the castle or take a right into Tomorrowland and you can get several attractions in before people make their way around the park. Due to arriving before Rope Drop, Adventureland was not yet open at this time, though.

We headed through the castle and the girls were on cloud nine. As we walked into Fantasyland, we headed to Snow White's Scary Adventures first per Isabel's request. I was curious how Olivia would react since this is a classic Disney dark ride and does have it's dramatic moments. Isabel and I got the front row and Dina and Liv took the second. As we entered the attraction, I made sure to point out how it matched the movie and Liv took it pretty well. As we came through the "scarier" moments into the more pleasant ending of the story, Liv was really wound up. That gave us a pretty good indication that she was gonna be OK with anything she was tall enough to get on. I headed over to Peter Pan to grab FastPasses and we hit Mickey's Philharmagic which we walked right into with no wait. Next we headed to it's a small world (which I actually don't mind...it's a classic), and the girls were excited to see it.

We had some time before our FastPasses for Peter Pan were up, so we decided to hit Mickey's Toontown Fair before it got too busy. The crowd was growing quickly in Fantasyland and I wanted to see Toontown before it is gone. (It will be removed to make way for the Fantasyland Expansion soon.) We saw Minnie's house, Mickey's House, and then headed into the Judge's Tent to meet Mickey. It was a bit of a wait (maybe 30 minutes or so) but we were glad we waited because Minnie was there too!

We then headed back to Fantasyland for Peter Pan's Flight. Olivia threw a fit (stay tuned for more about this), so Isabel and I rode Peter Pan while Dina watched Liv. Next, we decided we'd better ride the Cinderella's Golden Carousel and we walked right onto it. As you can see, we all enjoyed this classic Disney attraction.

Next we headed to Liberty Square and took advantage of an opportunity to walk onto the Haunted Mansion. Isabel and I shared a Doom Buggy and thoroughly enjoyed yet another Disney classic. We decided none of us wanted to be the 1,000th happy haunt so we left the other 999 behind as we made our way to Frontierland for Splash Mountain FastPasses. There wasn't much of a wait for the FastPass return, so we made a quick detour to Adventureland for The Enchanted Tiki Room. We enjoyed the shade and cool temperatures of the queue area during our short wait.

Liv got a brief nap and after the show, we headed back to Splash Mountain. Isabel wanted me to ride it with her so I was happy to ride this for the first time myself. She absolutely loved it and we promised her she could ride it again, next time with Dina, before we came home.

We made our way towards the castle for Dream Along with Mickey and really enjoyed the show. It had the girls' full attention.

After the show, we were all hot, thirsty, and hungry. I was thrilled when everyone agreed to Casey's Corner for lunch. It is one of my favorite things about the Magic Kingdom. Great hot dogs and fries and it just fits Main Street. We were lucky to get a prime table in the shade and we all just soaked in the festive atmosphere as the ragtime piano player entertained the crowd. After we ate, we headed towards the gate, shopping as we went. We secretly purchased some gifts for Isabel and surprised her after we returned to the resort. She also had a surprise birthday card from Mickey waiting in the room. Gotta love those special little touches that you only get at Disney World. We rested up a little and I received a message that our delivery from Garden Grocer was waiting at the front desk. This was the first I had used this service and I was absolutely thrilled with it. Great way to get some breakfast items, snacks, and bottled water (as well as adult beverages) to save a little money.

That evening, it was time to head to Isabel's surprise birthday dinner at the Polynesian Resort: The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. We decided that a princess experience was maybe a little young for Isabel and didn't want it to be all about Olivia on Belle's birthday, so we thought this was a fun alternative for a new experience for Isabel. We were all rested and ready to get into the "spirit". We took the bus to Magic Kingdom and then hopped on the monorail to the Poly.

We all got lai'd (hee hee) and headed into the show.

The show was terrific, as was the food. The waiter seemed a little surprised the girls didn't need something from the kids' menu, but they loved the food. Isabel especially liked the ribs (so did Dad). The girls had a great time getting up and learning to dance the traditional Polynesian dances and Isabel got to go twice since it was her birthday.

She loved the chocolate mousse volcano with raspberry lava, too.

After the luau, we took a little time to admire the beautiful view of the castle changing colors from the beach. Dina decided that we HAVE to stay at the Poly. I agree, it is an amazing resort. Maybe next trip we can swing a stay there.

We headed back to Port Orleans French Quarter via monorail to Magic Kingdom, then the bus to our resort. Due to a wreck, we had to take a slight detour around the back of MK, but I was impressed with how soon the bus driver received notification of the wreck so he could avoid it.

Disney World Trip - Day 1 - Wednesday, May 12

2010-05-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Isabel and Byron's son Dylan enjoying Animal Kingdom

The kids had a good time just playing around the area and enjoying a "Mickey cold thing" or two as Olivia called it (a Mickey Ice Cream Bar).

That pretty much covers it for day one, I'll post Day 2 soon!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

Great Grandpa Smith and almost all of his Great Grandkids

2009-12-06T16:16:00.001-08:00

Can you find us???

Holiday Fun!

2009-12-06T16:05:00.001-08:00

Mommy had the great idea to buy a bigger tree this year. The top is not even on yet and we are standing on chairs to reach it. If you are wondering, yes princesses do wear their underware and dressup shoes to help!

We are trying to look sweet for Grandma Sandy's christmas card picture!

Princesses see the Disney Princesses on Ice

2009-12-06T15:49:00.001-08:00

Mommy and Daddy surprised us and took us to the Disney Princesess on Ice. We can't wait to see the show

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-10-31T19:12:00.001-07:00

Liv the Fairy Princess

Belle the Bunny

Belle's artwork

Princesses Visit the Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-10T11:13:00.001-07:00

Liv and cousin "JackJack"

BFF

Oh how Olivia loves Papa Vern's cat

Doesn't anybody KNOCK around here?

Olivia's First Dance Class

2009-09-28T14:28:00.001-07:00

This is me with my teacher Mrs. Jennifer, she is showing us how to stretch just like real ballrina's

This is my cousin Adriane, we are the best in our class!!!

Mommy gets to come too and help me dance

2009-09-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Papa Vern's new Cat.

Liv just can't get enough of the Cat. Kitty does not even care if she has the right shoes on!

Isabel and McKenna Cheer at Western Illinois University

2009-09-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Notice anything missing on Belle?

2009-09-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Belle lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy pays big these days, under her pillow was $5. Beats the heck out of my quarter!

Grape Stomp 5k Run

2009-09-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

Grandma Sandy 2nd place in her age group
Madi and Morgan 2nd place in their age groups
Mommy 3rd place in my age group

Putt Putt golf -A Schaller summer tradition

2009-09-05T11:35:00.001-07:00

Liv making up her own rules

Belle the pro!

Olivia kept asking to go down the slide, we did not know what she was talking about until we finally made it to this hole.

2009-09-05T11:29:00.001-07:00

Belle and Friend Madi

Liv and Aunt Chel

Olivia's Big Girl Bed

2009-09-05T11:27:00.001-07:00

Looking Back: Isabel One day old to First Grade

2009-08-22T14:55:00.001-07:00

Isabel one day old

First Day of Pied Piper Preschool

First day of Kindergarten

First day if 1st grade

Our summer vacation with the Princesses

2009-07-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Liv ready to go on vacation!

Nap time before more fun at Six Flags
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Daddy and Liv ready for the lighted parade

Fun times at the St. Louis Zoo!!

We liked the reptile house a lot more that Mommy!!

Sweetest picture ever!!

Belle having fun in the hotel pool

We are ready for the Magic House

Enough with the pictures Mom

The Princesses have Fun at the Magic House

President of the United States Isabel Schaller

The Princesses in their carriage

Bathing Beauties!

2009-06-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!!!!

2009-06-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Summertime Fun!

2009-06-20T06:44:00.002-07:00

Thanks Aunt Chel for the sprinkler!

Check this out Tera, can you believe Mom let me do this!

T-Ball Time

2009-06-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

I would smile better if I was on the Cubs!

All-Stars, Schaller and Hurlburt

All-Stars

Isabel's 6th Birthday Celebrations

2009-05-21T18:45:00.003-07:00

Isabel and her Friends

Isabel's Birthday Celebrations

2009-05-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

Elizabeth teaching the "Hoe Down Throw Down"

The Next American Idol?

Isabel's school friends

Happy 6th Birthday Isabel!

2009-05-13T19:58:00.001-07:00

Isabel's 3rd Birthday party!

Isabel on her 6th Birthday!

Belle and Liv performing on there new stage built by daddy.

Isabel's spring dance recital

2009-05-02T19:47:00.001-07:00

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Belle performing on far right

Belle and McKenna with roses from Mrs. Jennifer

More Easter fun !!!!

2009-04-14T18:06:00.001-07:00

Cousins

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-12T05:53:00.003-07:00

2009-04-12T05:51:00.002-07:00

2009-04-12T05:51:00.001-07:00

2009-04-12T05:46:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it, Mommy gave me m & m's for breakfast WooHoo!!!!

2009-03-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

2009-03-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

2009-03-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

2009-03-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

Liv used her wand to turn the frog into a sparkly shoe.

2009-03-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

Belle and McKenna at the princess tea party

Happy 2nd Birthday Olivia!

2009-01-24T17:52:00.001-08:00

LIv watching her Build A Bear come to life. We took Belle and Liv to Build A Bear Workshop for Olivia's b-day

Liv giving her new bear a "bath"

Fun at Chuck E. Cheese's

Being 2 wears Liv out!!!

Home with my new bear

Belle with her new Build A Bear "Bunny"

Olivia's 2nd Birthday Party (one week early)

2009-01-18T17:56:00.003-08:00

Getting ready for my 2nd Birthday Party!!!

2009-01-18T17:55:00.001-08:00

How did you know that I love Dora!

2009-01-18T17:54:00.003-08:00

My very own cake?!?!

2009-01-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

Princesses eat cake with a fork not with their hands. (That's what Isabel says anyway!)

2009-01-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all for coming to my party and for the great gifts!!!

2009-01-18T17:47:00.003-08:00

Tea party with JoJo

2009-01-18T17:45:00.003-08:00

LIv and Mylee at Liv's 1st birthday party

2009-01-18T17:42:00.000-08:00

Liv and Mylee at LIv's 2nd birthday party

Princesses New Year's Eve Party

2008-12-31T20:27:00.003-08:00

2008-12-31T20:26:00.001-08:00

2008-12-31T20:25:00.001-08:00

2008-12-31T20:23:00.001-08:00

CHEERS TO COUSIN'S!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2008-12-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

Santa we are ready for you, we hope that you like cheese sandwiches and Guinness

2008-12-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

Santa will you please go to my cousin Veronica's house, I know that she has been very good!!!

Merry Christmas from the Princesses

2008-12-25T18:11:00.001-08:00

Christmas makes me happy

2008-12-25T18:06:00.001-08:00

Liv needs a little help from Daddy getting started

2008-12-25T18:03:00.001-08:00

Liv gets a new Dora talking vanity

2008-12-25T18:02:00.001-08:00

Belle's new doll from Santa

2008-12-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks Grammy Schaller and Papa, I love all my new toys!

2008-12-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks Grandma Wanda and Papa Schaller, I love my new Dora book!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

Isabel is Princess Ariel in her "marryin' dress."

Livvie is Snow White. Don't take any apples from strange old women, Liv.

Isabel did it, I swear!

2008-10-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Liv got a little crazy with the marinara!

The joy's of having 2 princesses in one house!!!!

2008-10-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Belle has to try out Liv's new markers to make sure they are ok for her!

2008-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Do not interrupt a future artist at work

2008-10-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Belle ready for school pics. Thanks Grammy Schaller for fixing my hair!

2008-10-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Liv tangles with a bar stool (not at the Wood Inn)

2008-10-08T18:15:00.001-07:00

Schaller girls love to lounge

2008-10-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

2008-10-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Miss Attitude!!!

It's all about Liv

2008-09-06T17:35:00.001-07:00

Liv has discovered playing with babies

2008-09-06T17:34:00.002-07:00

2008-09-06T17:34:00.001-07:00

2008-09-06T17:32:00.001-07:00

Hello, Veronica, it's me your cousin Liv

2008-09-06T17:31:00.001-07:00

I miss you, when are you coming back!?!?

2008-09-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

2008-09-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

Daddy's girl

2008-09-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

Who me? I did'nt do it!!!!

Isabel's first day of Kindergarten

2008-08-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

2008-08-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

2008-08-21T18:57:00.001-07:00

Daddy's helper

2008-08-21T18:52:00.001-07:00

Isabel and classmate Anna

2008-08-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Liv loves her Daddy

Hey, Uncle Mike: Go, Cubs, Go

2008-08-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Princesses' dad went to his first Cubs game at Wrigley Field Sunday, August 10. It was great! Cubs beat the Cards 6-2 on a beautiful Sunday night. We sat in the left field bleachers behind Soriano. Gotta love the Bleacher Creatures. Soriano was a blast to watch, too--he really plays to the crowd. The pitchers were Dempster, Samardzija, Kerry Wood, and Marmol so I got to see the best. I'm officially a Cubs fan now. I still love the Tribe, but as far as National League goes, I'm totally a Cubs fan. And if the Tribe and the Cubs ever face each other in the World Series that'll be like the end of the world or something anyway, so I won't have to worry about choosing sides.

More Summer fun with the Princesses

2008-08-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

If Mylee is driving I am not watching!!!!

2008-08-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

Look Mom, Daddy and I have been building

2008-08-04T20:11:00.003-07:00

Liv never misses a chance to eat!!!!!

2008-08-04T20:07:00.001-07:00

Belle and Cousin Elizabeth

2008-08-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

Who could say no to this smile!!!

2008-08-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

The Princesses summer fun, so far.............

2008-07-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Belle and Adam play on the Cardinals t-ball team this Summer. Sorry Uncle Mike we did not get to pick Cards or Cubs.

2008-07-13T15:30:00.001-07:00

Belle in action, looks like a homerun!!!!!

2008-07-13T15:20:00.001-07:00

Fun at the new Ferris park

2008-07-13T15:18:00.002-07:00

She is looking so grown up. Ready for Kindergarten this fall!!!