Disney World 2010: Days 5 and 6

Day 5 we headed back to the Magic Kingdom. We had reservations to eat breakfast at Cinderella's castle and I don't know who was more excited- me or Audrey. I remember wishing as a kid that I could go in Cinderella's castle but my parents always told me that you couldn't. I don't know if that was true or not. I never found the date when the castle opened so I will choose to believe that my parents were telling me the truth and not trying to deprive me of every little girls dream. (ha ha) We ran into Cinderella's stepmother and evil step-sisters on the way in the castle. I don't know why but this is one of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Audrey making a wish using her wand and wishing star. We saw Snow White, who was so sweet with Emily,
Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, and Belle, who was so sweet with Justin. I don't think Justin minded Belle interrupting his breakfast!

One of my favorite character visits was with Prince Naveen from "Princess and the Frog." I felt like I was talking to the real Prince Naveen. He sounded exactly like the character in the movie and looked just like him. And he was hilarious!

Thursday was a rainy day so we tried to do things inside as much as possible. Audrey and Popa being goofy with Zurg from "Toy Story."Audrey and Justin with Mickey and Minnie

The rain let up just in time for the "Main Street Electrical Parade."

We were halfway into the beautiful fireworks show when the heavens opened and unloaded a month's worth of rain on us in about 10 minutes. Not a dry spot on any of us!

The last day we decided to visit the Animal Kingdom again. We ran into Pooh Bear as soon as we walked in and Audrey was in heaven. She loves her princesses but Pooh Bear most definitely has a special place in her heart. In fact, when looking at stuffed animals, she chose another Pooh Bear. The exact same Pooh Bear that she already owns. But there was no changing her mind so now Audrey is the proud owner of one really beautiful, clean Pooh Bear, and his very loved, in desperate need of a bath twin. In the end I think it was a good choice. Now when she loses one (or when the dog tries to steal it again), we'll have a back up.

We also visited the petting zoo, ran into more characters, danced to some African music,

and watched "A Bug's Life Show: 3D." That show was disturbing on so many levels. Definitely not the show for people who hate bugs.

We ended the day at the "Lion King" show which is amazing. If you ever go to the Animal Kingdom, you must see this show. We were on the front row (thanks, Jus!) and it was just as beautiful as I remembered. Wish I had pictures.

After getting kicked out of the Animal Kingdom at 5 pm (it is crazy to me that they close so early!!!), we enjoyed one last dinner together at the Medevial Times.
When we planned this trip, I knew that we would have fun. I figured there would be little fights and maybe some drama here and there but I was wrong. The biggest drama was who was going to sit by Magra everywhere we went but after Magra started her list to keep track of whose turn it was, there was no drama. We had so much fun and created so many memories that I know none of us will ever forget. It was hard to come back to reality but I am so grateful for the pictures, stories, souveniers, and memories that will stay with us forever.

Disney World 2010: Days 3 and 4

Day 3 started with Emily waking up with a high fever and completely miserable. We knew that we couldn't take her out to the parks that day so Brett graciously volunteered to stay at the hotel with her. I felt kind of bad but I also think he secretly enjoyed the peace and quiet. So, Audrey and I headed off to Hollywood Studios to meet up with the rest of my family. We started our day by visiting Buzz and Woody. While we waited in line, they had different props from the movie that the kids could pose with so Audrey and I killed the time by taking advantage of them. Here are some of the cuter ones...

strapped to the firecracker

stuck in "Stinky Pete's" box

I threw this one in to show what a poser my child is. It is becoming quite difficult to get her to smile. She definitely prefers being goofy.

I couldn't believe how big Buzz and Woody were! They were GIANT!

While we waited for an animation drawing class, we said hi to Mickey

and harrassed Justin.

The art class was very cool. Unfortunately, I was reminded very quickly that I am not artistic at all- not to mention I was seated next to little "Miss Perfect Artist" herself. I decided to help Audrey and watch with fascination the artist sitting next to me. I was quite proud of Audrey and her rendition of Tigger. Even more proud to see her working on writing her name.

After a few shows and lunch we were headed back to the Toy Story ride when my brother realized that they were missing their camera. Luckily, the Disney workers are great with kids and this sweet girl kept them entertained while we waited.

Amazingly, the camera had been turned in so we headed to Toy Story. Audrey and Hailey all ready for the 3D ride.

Me and my spastic child...

who loves to poke and annoy everyone around her.

Unfortunately, as we were heading into another show, I got a phone call from Brett saying that Emily was getting worse and her fever was going up. So, I left Hollywood Studios and we took her to the Minor Med. Results: she had an ear infection. We got her some medicine and took her back to the hotel to rest. Thank goodness for wonderful grandparents who were there to help!

Day 4 we headed to Epcot. I hadn't been there since I was a teenager and when you are a teenager, places like Epcot are boring. As an adult, Epcot was so much fun. I could have definitely spent another day there!

We toured all the countries and enjoyed trying all the food. We stopped in France for pastries, ate lunch in China, and dessert in Germany. It was fab.u.lous. Definitely not the place for someone on a diet. In the American section, the girls got to participate in a ceremony where they were each given copies of the Declaration of Independence.

We were there during the "Food and Wine Festival" and Boyz II Men was having a concert that afternoon. Yes, I was excited. Yes, I was singing along. Yes, I may have been screaming like a 12 year old girl. They were very entertaining and it was funny to see the crazies in the front row (not like us calm folks in the back).

I think the best part of the day was watching Audrey and my dad play in the "jumping" water. It took me back to the days when I loved playing in and watching the water jump to each section as a kid. Of course, the most fun is to see the water jump over the sidewalk and Popa gave Audrey the best seat in the house.

Emily loved watching all the fun from a warm, dry spot.

After changing into dry clothes, we went to play in the exhibits.

We were hoping to catch the fireworks show, but it started raining and Emily was still sick so we called it a night.

Disney World 2010: Days 1 and 2

7 adults+3 kids+2 infants+6 days at the most magical place on earth= lots of laughter, smiles, and unforgetable memories

Our first day there was Halloween and we spent the day at the Animal Kingdom. Everyone went on the Kali Rapids

while Emily and I watched (and stuck our tongues out).

I think I got the better end of the deal because they all got off the ride drenched. But they sure were happy.

That night we went to Downtown Disney for dinner and trick or treating. The girls sure love their Magra and Popa and we all loved having them with us on this trip. Although, by the end of the week poor Magra was using a notebook to keep track of which grandchild she was suppose to sit next to!

Day 2 we headed to the Magic Kingdom.

More photo fun while waiting for the kids riding the carousel.

Audrey was able to go on more of the rides this year. She was a 1/2 inch too short from being able to ride the "big kid" rides but she had a blast going on some new rides this year. She raced cars

and experienced her first roller coaster

while Emily played with Popa.

We waited a sweet forever to see Tinkerbell and her fairy friends

and then made a stop to see Cinderella and the princesses.

That night we went to Chef Mickey's for dinner.

I love this one of Emily checking out Minnie Mouse (or rather her nose).

By the end of dinner, we were full, exhausted, and ready to get some sleep so we would have energy for another fun-filled day.

Naptime

We have hit a hard phase around here. Naptime. It used to be my most favorite part of the day. Audrey would sleep up to 3 hours during the afternoon and when it was just the 2 of us, I got so much done! Unfortunately, we've had to cut naptime out of the day because she started having major problems going to bed at night. Suddenly, I didn't care that I was getting a lot done during the day because I was eye to eye with my child at 10 o'clock at night. And as much as I love my quiet time in the afternoon, there is no messing with my quiet time at night. So, we bid farewell to the official nap. The only problem is that she really needs a nap and by 5 pm she is exhausted. I will let her take cat naps to get through the day and sometimes I find her in funny places.

I guess when you're tired, you'll sleep anywhere!

New Friends

Audrey has made some new friends in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, they are 8, 9, and 10 years old. She loves them and they are very nice to her but seriously, what 10 year old wants to play with a 3 year old? I frequently hear, "Where are my friends? I want to play with my friends." Drives me craaaazy. On the weekends, Audrey will go and sit at the end of driveway waiting for them to come out and play. Although, she swears she is sitting outside to watch the cars (Um, Okay. We live in a cul de sac- you might see one car every hour). Poor Audrey is restricted to our front yard so unless they stop by on their bikes, she is watching them from afar. It has been so sad and pathetic to watch that her daddy took her the store and bought her her first bike. I thought for sure she would pick out the Disney Princess bike but when she saw the Barbie bike loaded up with a basket (for Pooh Bear, of course), a mini bike for her Disney Princess Barbie Dolls, and a bell, she was s-o-l-d. Sold.

So much, in fact, that she rode the bike to the checkout counter and out to the car. I'm pretty sure she would have rode the bike home if we had let her!

She has done really well learning to ride her bike (as long as she keeps her eyes straight ahead) and is starting to get more comfortable (as long as we don't go down a hill, hit a bump, or leave the leveled ground period).