Scary?...Not Scary!!!

Costumes + Mickey Mouse = Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

I had one more night. So how do I choose to spend it? Celebrating it at the Magic Kingdom, of course! However, this was not just any other trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Because I was going to be in limbo (neither here in Orlando nor there in Chicago) for Halloween, I just HAD to celebrate it the only way any Disney fanatic would. Plus, this gave me another opportunity to prance around in my fancy bee costume. After all the insects I had to put up with here in Orlando, I figured, if you can't "bee"t 'em, "bee" one with 'em! *chuckles* No locking up these "wild animals".

It was such a riot! I don't think I've smiled harder in my life!

MK never looked so different before!

Cinderella's castle during HalloWishes Fireworks.

Everyone was in good spirit. I was excited to see people of all ages dressed up for the occassion. *GASP* They even let the inmates out for a night of fun!! :o)

There were lines to go trick-or-treating! Check out all of my yummy goodness. (There were more, but I couldn't resist munching away on some as soon as I got them). *blush* As though we didn't get enough candy, Goofy and his candy company passed out even more at the Boo-To-You Parade. Believe me...it was Boo-licious! :o) *licks lips*

I think I'll be on a nice sugar high for the next 10 years!!

There were dance parties with characters. Of course, I got the one and ONLY picture that mattered!

I could not have asked for a better departure with Disney. I was sad to leave, but looking back at all the times I've spent on Disney property this month, I was okay with saying good-bye...because I KNOW I'll be back! :o)

See-Ya-Real-Soon!

*I have tons more pictures I wish I could share with you but due to time constraints (having to pack to head back to the Windy City), I only put up a few to give you a taste of the FUN-NESS I had. Plus, this is one experience you DEFINITELY have to experience for yourself.*

Simply Magical

So, it's been three jam packed days!!!

Where oh where do I begin? :o)
(no worries, I won't bore you with tons o'writing)

IN THE KITCHEN:

We've been busy little bumble bees baking MORE bread!

To my surprise...I'm actually starting to get the hang of it...but all thanks to our instructor, Chef Tim.

Timothy Kitzman was the Executive Bread Baker at Dewey's Bakery, where he created new varieties of artisan breads daily, in addition to Dewey's Traditional and Stone Mill breads. Prior to joining Dewey's, Tim was a baking instructor at the renowned San Francisco Baking Institute where he taught students throughout the world the fine art of baking. He has also worked and consulted with leading companies including King Arthur Flour Company, Della Fattoria and Hotel Dupont, among others. Tim attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York. -Dewey's Bakery

Some have been working hard...

...some have not! *chuckles* (waiting for dough to proof is so boring....I had to find a way to keep myself entertained) :o)

lots of GREAT team work!

beautiful MASTERPIECE!!

(good job Kiku!)

Today we made honey whole wheat, ciabatta, and medium rye bread!

I'm not quite sure why I bothered shopping for food because NOW I have bread to last me for the next 6 months!!! I'm going to look like a dinner roll by the time I return to Chicago.

OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN:

-Delicious dinner on Tuesday night at Kiku's along with Lorenzo (my first home away from home cooked meal)

-Puppy Playtime

-and of course, CELEBRATING MY BDAY!!!

I could not have asked for a better birthday in Orlando.

It started out with yummy cupcakes made by none other than fellow trouble maker, Samantha.

During lunch, I received a bouquet of balloons from my Googly Bear (aka my boyfriend) at school. (sorry for the fuzzy pic...it's the only one I took)

AND flowers in the form of a slice of CAKE!

Flowers AND cake?!?!?!

My hunny boo knows me so well! *missing him*

Then it was time to get ready for DISNEY!!!

I got my makeup done...and others got their eyebrows done???? *laughs hysterically*

After an hour or so of primping up for the bday bash...we FINALLY made it!

This was DEFINITELY a magical (VIP) Disney experience:

• We had two cars that got free ROCK STAR parking (didn't have to take the ferry or tram to the front gate)
  
• EVERYONE entered in for free!
  
• Didn't have to wait in ANY line (without a fast pass-was able to cover 7 rides in 3 hours!!
  
• Fun pin trading experience (everyone had to trade my pins in for Goofy pins...MISSSION ACCOMPLISHED!!)


• Saw fireworks at the Magic Kingdom for the FIRST time (even though I've been there 7 other times)
  
• All in all, it was another Goofy experience with some of the GOOFIEST friends!

I am DEFINITELY blessed to have good people in my life. I am grateful for my Orlando experiences (and it's ONLY been 2 weeks) and the opportunity to have met some of the COOLEST people ever!

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined my birthday away from Chicago to be this MaGiCaL!...DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!!!!! :o)

I've decided that no matter how much I want a low activity profile life...it'll never happen! I'm so sleep deprived *yawns*

I SHOULD have the next three days off...but instead, I'm going to have my hands in CHOCOLATE! TORTUROUS, I KNOW!!! :o)

Tomorrow begins a three day course on Chocolate Showepieces with Vincent Pilon....you have NO idea how excited I am for this!!! More on Vincent tomorow....stay tuned!!! :o)