This is my cousin Camille. This photo was taken yesterday–can you guess where? Yes, that’s Cinderella’s Castle Suite. Needless to say, I’m sooooo jealous (and thrilled for her)! Camille works in Guest Relations at WDW, and I’m so proud of her accomplishments and love that she has such a fun job!

In a related note, I’m also incredibly proud of Camille’s brother Cody. He’s currently performing on Broadway in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. (There’s always a Disney connection!) You can read about Cody’s journey on this Broadway World blog.

Don’t I have amazing cousins?

You have to possess a certain item to see this one…do you know where it is?

Want to find all the Hidden Mickeys around the World? Check out this book:

You have to possess a particular item to see this one…do you know where to find it?

Want to know where all the Hidden Mickeys can be found around Walt Disney World? Check out this book:

I hope you will forgive my absence for much of last week–besides a full week of Easter preparations at our church that included numerous rehearsals, a Good Friday service, a dramatic “Walk Through Jerusalem” experience, and our Easter Sunday morning worship, we’ve also been making the final preparations to get our home on the market! Needless to say, it was a busy week. I hope to regain some sort of grasp on a normal schedule this week.

There is, however, a Hidden Mickey connection to all this Easter business (or, perhaps that should be busy-ness). Our Next Gen pastor Josh and his family are big Disney fans, just like we are. During “Walk Through Jerusalem” he played the narrator, Benjamin. In the final room that guests visit, he sits at a desk and explains all that they have seen, and essentially offers the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection. But in true Josh fashion, he added a little something to his desk–a Hidden Mickey made from one of the loose strands of burlap that covered the walls. (It’s a little hard to see in this photo, but it’s there in the front.)

 photo by Neil Andrews

Despite the momentary levity, the Walk Through Jerusalem is an amazing experience that allows guests to catch just a glimpse of what it might have been like during Jesus’ last days of human life. And since this is my website and I can do whatever I want (and hope you keep reading!) here are a couple of bonus pics with a personal connection. The first is my husband, Scott, as “Shadow Jesus,” and the last is a photo of my girls and me next to the well that one of our awesomely skilled church members built. And yes, there was a “woman at the well” who told about her encounter with Jesus.

 photo by Lori Floyd

 photo by Faye Harlin

If you live in the Nashville area, this is an annual event at New Hope Community Church in Brentwood. Mark it on your calendar and listen to WAY-FM or read Nashville/Williamson Parent for specific information on dates/times next year. And you can always visit our website for more information on the church and it’s events.

Here’s your opportunity to explore Walt Disney World–and Animal Kingdom, especially–with a living legend! Dr. Jane Goodall is considered THE foremost expert on chimpanzees, due in no small part to her 45-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania. In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, Disney is offering a VIP Safari Weekend with the distinguished scientist, April 20-22. I have no idea what this weekend will cost (honestly, I’m afraid to ask), but it will certainly be a priceless experience for those that can afford it. Highlights of the weekend will include:

• Exploring all of the Disney Parks with Park Hopper passes
• Savannah-view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Behind-the-scenes animal viewing on the Backstage Safari Tour
• Breakfast with Dr. Goodall and Disney characters at the Backstage Prop Shop at AKL
• Campfire meet-n-greet, featuring s’mores and hot cocoa, as well as amazing stories from Dr. Goodall

Registration information doesn’t seem to be readily accessible, but you can learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute here.

UPDATE: I have read from a few sources that the pricing is around $8,500 per adult and $7,500 per child. Yikes! Although I still haven’t seen official Disney registration information, you can contact the representative from the JGI via email (azarillo at janegoodall dot org ) or phone (703-682-9288). Space is, obviously, very limited.

Did you know you could get this close to Space Mountain without ever entering the Magic Kingdom? This photo was taken on Disney property from a road that runs along the back side of Tomorrowland. While Disney doesn’t encourage guests to travel these back paths, they are not in a restricted area and are open to all vehicles.

I trust everyone had a Merry Christmas! We made these gingerbread beignets last week as part of our family celebration…but they didn’t turn out quite right (faulty yeast, I think). Boo. Still, they looked kinda cute, don’t ya think?