Happy Birthday, Walt!

Today is Walt Disney's birthday!  We like to do a little something to celebrate him and everything he created.  One thing we do is put up our Disney Christmas train around our tree since Walt was a huge train enthusiast. 

This year I completely didn't plan ahead, but I think it would also be fun to make chili and beans, Walt's favorite food.  I first found Walt's personal recipe for chili and beans (which is in the cookbook Chef Mickey: Treasures from the Vault and Delicious New Favorites) over at Disney Food Report.   You could always take a bit of a shortcut and just use your favorite pre-made chili or go to a restaurant, too.  We will be having some leftover chili from our movie night the other day for lunch.  ;)

This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids, or yourself, about the man behind the mouse.  He was proof that you can have fun even when you work hard and, as a fellow Disney blogger we all know and love says, you can learn while you play!  So check out these two posts from Magical Mouse Schoolhouse focusing on the Walt Disney: One Man's Dream attraction in Disney's Hollywood Studios.  They are great posts and have some fun takeaways in the subjects of Art/Architecture and Creative Writing.

So, happy birthday, Mr. Disney.  You continue to be a great inspiration to us all.  Thank you!