Happy Memorial Day weekend!
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Grandparents came to visit us this week! We played games, cooked, planted flowers, made some cute face masks, talked and laughed. It was good for the soul. We definitely made some memories.
On Monday, we attended the virtual Honor's Night at the high school on our couch! We made a party out of it with cupcakes, flowers, and balloons. We decorated around the house, clapped and cheered when Sarah and Bradley's names were called out. It was not quite the same as being in the school gymnasium with a huge crowd, but as granny said, "the seats were way more comfortable than gym bleachers!"
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A flag for honor and respect
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Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today.
We raise our flags with honor and out of respect for the grieving families and loved ones who are left behind.
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Memorial Day celebrations will look very different this year. Many picnics and gatherings will be cancelled due to the virus.
CBS News and the National Band Association are calling all musicians to participate in "Taps Across America."
The website has a registration form and a download of the music to use.
At 3PM local time on Monday, they are asking all Americans to pause for one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States. After the moment of silence, they are encouraging veterans, musicians, teachers, and students of all abilities to sound Taps on their front porches, lawns, or driveways.
You can share a video of your performance with the hashtag #CBSTaps on social media. Tuesday the CBS Evening news will be sharing some videos of the participants!
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Orlando Destination updates
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So many loyal Disney fans are missing the "Happiest place on earth" these days. I receive lots of questions during the week about updates, so I am sharing some of the information here for everyone.
Currently, only
Disney Springs third party operating participants are open. This includes many restaurants and shops. To see a list, go
here
.
On May 27th, World of Disney, D-Luxe Burger (mobile order), and the Marketplace Co-Op will open. These are Disney owned and operated stores.
If you plan on visiting soon, please be aware of the guidelines and requirements on the photo to your right. It will most definitely feel a bit different than your visits from the past, but at least you can have a little of the Disney magic back!
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For the
Universal Orlando fans out there, they will be opening on June 5th. Everyone is required to wear a face covering during their visit, and temperature checks will be required upon arrival.
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Legoland Florida has proposed a June 1st opening date for their parks. It is currently pending approval by the state.
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Each of the locations listed will open at reduced capacity and with restrictions, such as social distancing and face masks for guests. I hope to share more official updates with you soon!
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This week's cooking challenge
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In line with the Disney talk this week, I thought it would be fun to have something Disney lovers might be missing.
Let's try a favorite dessert from the Be Our Guest kitchen in Fantasyland at the Walt Disney World Resort.
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It’s time to tie your napkin ‘round your neck while we try a new easy at-home recipe inspired by the ultimate “Grey Stuff” found at Disney Parks around the world.
Why not make it a “Beauty and the Beast”-themed evening and serve while watching the movie?
Post your results on the @FamilyMemoriesTravel
Facebook Page/Instagram Feed
and continue this cooking adventure together during the next several weeks.
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Simple At-Home Grey Stuff Recipe Inspired by the Ultimate “Grey Stuff” at Disney Parks
(Makes 12)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cold whole milk
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 15 chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- 3 tablespoons instant chocolate pudding mix
- 12 scalloped sugar cookies
- Edible sugar pearls
Directions:
- Pour milk into large mixing bowl. Add instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, until firm.
- Place chocolate sandwich cookies in food processor and pulse until puréed.
- Fold puréed cookies into pudding mix. Stir until fully mixed.
- Add whipped topping and instant chocolate pudding. Stir until fully mixed.
- Place in refrigerator and chill for one hour.
- Spoon grey stuff into piping bag fitted with desired tip. Pipe grey stuff onto cookies. Top with sugar pearls.
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I would like to say thank you to all of the loved ones of the fallen. As we remember and honor veterans this week, I am deeply grateful for all of the spouses, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends who have also paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Have a fantastic weekend!
In gratitude,
April
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
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Fond memories of traveling with her parents and grandparents inspired April Hicks to launch Family Memories Travel in 2009. April blends her passion for creating strong family relationships with her love for travel. She focuses on multi-generational travel, and considers the needs of each individual family member. She offers a specially tailored trip planning service that will make every trip special. Having 3 children of her own, and 2 with special needs, she has seen the importance of getting away from the daily stresses of life at home to strengthen and nurture the family bond. She shares her expertise of Walt Disney World and many other family friendly destinations throughout the world with her clients. April has extensive experience in group travel and planning. From senior adult and couples getaways, to family reunions and school groups, she has taken her clients to cities throughout the United States and beyond.
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