Cramped in California...#tbt

Seemed that everyone wanted to visit California this past summer... For 3days we were housing 15people under one roof. Sure, Dad may have a big house, but still..!

My Aunt Sharon and Uncle Jesse, along with my cousins (Michael & Laurel) and two of their friends (Alissa and Anna) were in California to visit and go to Disneyland; my step-mom (Jennifer) had invited her sister (Sherry) with her husband and son (Michael & Rysland) to stay since they would be moving to California in the fall; and eventually we were joined by Suzette and Coraline, and of course my dad, brother Richie, and myself make 15! They all flew in on separate days but for 3days their visits overlapped- interesting how it all worked out... 

It was, as my father said, "like we were housing a military camp, with all the bodies sprawled out everywhere..!"

It certainly sucked after having the place to myself for weeks then to suddenly be kicked out to a couch, haha, but it was definitely fun. Dinner was always an interesting adventure. Not gonna lie, though, I love my family, but when we're all crammed in close quarters like that, you get tired real fast... I was pretty happy when they all left & it was just Suzette, Cora, and me..! (-u-)

Pooh's Corner: DCP Character Audition...

Wow, I'm actually pretty proud of myself for keeping up with this! 

Here's the 3rd video of the DCP Application Process! I had fun with this one, mainly because I got to finally have Kassie in a video! I was also super excited to show off the Pooh Bear TsumTsum she got me as an early graduation present! He's so cute! I'm also pretty proud of myself for having recorded this before midnight- see that back there? That's the sun! Wow! But, of course, it's only because I'm currently in Finals and really have nothing better to do, haha...

This video is pretty self-explanatory. What I love about the program is how they try to make everything real easy to understand. As mentioned, the audition process was very simple. Now, going in, I had completely different expectations- I had seen another video that said we would talk with the casting directors and be measured 1st, then go into the dance audition, all in a big group; however, we did things a bit backwards. I'm certain it was because there were so many applicants, they had to really divide and conquer. After signing in, Kassie and I were sent to a small dance studio with approximately 20-30 others. For the next few hours we sat around, talked, got to know each, and even played a few group games. Eventually we were taken into a larger studio to meet with the choreographer. We learned a very simple 4-step dance routine to a remix of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride," and as soon as we were done learning, he sent for the Casting Director. She sat at the front of the room while we performed in groups of 4 across the floor. There was enough space for 3times through the steps, and when you reached the end, you had to scurry away to allow room for the next group. And that was it. After a few minutes of deliberation, the Casting Director called out some numbers- the lucky few stayed for the next round and the rest of us left. (Although I have an idea as to what happened in the following hours of the audition, having not experienced it 1st hand, I'd rather just leave it there). And this is where my DCP Character Audition Adventure ends...!

Thousands upon thousand of students across the country were trying for the few hundred spots available as a character audition, so I was totally ok with not making the cut. Honestly, I had a blast. I got to meet some cool people and geek out about Disney- what could be better?? What I do know, is at the end of my Fall Program I will totally try again! 

I would also like to add, for those of you unsure whether you should try the audition or not: DO IT!! I promise you'll have a lot of fun! Also, don't be nervous. I was lucky- 2days prior to the audition I received my Acceptance Letter, so I wasn't nervous at all walking into the audition. Sure, I was a bit shy when it came to the actual performance, and of course I tripped all over myself, but I didn't care- I knew that no matter what I was going to Disney! Remember: the choreographer and casting directors are all super nice and truly want to see you succeed. And even if you screw up, just keep smiling! 

The role I really want isn't a Princess, like most girls I know, but a Parade Performer. So in the next year, I'll be sure to work harder than ever at my dancing skills and trying NOT to be shy when it counts the most! (^-^) 

Terrifying Threes... #tbt

My Cora turned 3years old this summer! 

 Although Coraline is my niece, not my child, I always think people on my Instagram assume she's my daughter. Just because I post a million photos of my Princess Coraline doesn't mean she's my kid! But, still, Cora is my absolute favorite model- she's always doing something weird/ funny/ cute & I just can't help myself! (>v<) 

It's kind of become tradition for Cora to have multiple birthday celebrations- 1 in California with my Dad and the rest of our Cali familia, 1 small little celebration on her actual birthday, and then a 3rd one with my Mom and all of us in San Antonio. Guess those are the benefits of being the first grandchild! 

Last year, while in California we celebrated at one of my favorite locations: Ariel's Grotto! Although it's super expensive and the selection is very limited, I still think the food is great and it's always fun to meet the princesses!  

The last time we were here Suzette picked out Cora's Belle dress (since she's her mother, I guess it was ok..!) But this year it was my turn! And the best part- Cora takes after her aunty with Ariel being her favorite Disney Princess! As soon as she saw her Ariel dress she started stripping down, and was so ready to transform into a Princess! 

The dress just happened to also match Suzette's hair, haha. 

And, as always, I was sure to take tons of pictures of my Cora's Princess Debut (again)! 

Every time we celebrate at Disneyland, I get super excited. I hope this can stay a tradition of ours! And it's funny because my dad is always saying that Suzette and I seem more excited to meet the princesses than Cora does... And, honestly, I wouldn't deny that, haha... I truly just love being able to share my passion for Disney with my Cora! She loves the Wonderful World of Disney almost as much as I do! 

And continuing with the Disney Theme! This was the cute little cake my mom got Cora for her actual birthday! Although we have parties on a different day, it's always nice to have a little sweet something in honor of our day of birth! 

Cora really is lucky, like me, and gets to celebrate her birthday several times over. Since my birthday is during the holidays, I usually get multiple celebrations, too, just so I can feel extra special, haha. (^-^)

For the San Antonio birthday party, Suzette and Billy wanted to celebrate in their new home! Since they had just moved into their duplex a couple months earlier, it was also their first party- what a nice way to break it in!

It was lots of fun, as always, and pretty laid back. Friends and other little ones were invited to come enjoy our home-made sweets and all the water games! I helped make a couple of our little snacks- there were so many, I wish I could put all the pictures on here! And not only were they super easy to make and really yummy, they were healthy too! These little clams were mine and everyone's favorite! They went out within the first hour! 

 

As a person who's not into big parties and such, I always love little celebrations like these. You can relax in your natural environment and enjoy the company of your friends and family. The Harkiewiczes were able to come too! I made sure to invite them- firstly because Sarah and Cora share the same birthday (7/11)! And secondly, since little Stevie is around the same age as Cora. I really hope they enjoyed the party, because I certainly loved having them and I really hope they'll be at our future parties! I can't wait to watch Cora and Stevie grow up!! <3 <3 

Pooh's Corner: DCP Application Process...

  2nd Video of my Disney College Program Vlog Series: Pooh's Corner! In this video I go through the application process for joining the program, as well as address the reason behind the Vlog's Title. Here's the one thing that I forgot to put in the video about the process: It's very important to sign up EARLY! You have to remember that thousands of students are also applying all over the country and spots fill up fast! As soon as the application opens, sign up as soon as you can!

  One other thing that I took out was me talking about the filming process of these videos. Basically, for the time being, I will be using my computer until I can get a proper vlogging camera, so please bear with me! And who knows, maybe I'll actually record one of these videos with natural lighting at a decent hour when I don't have to try and be quiet??