Even though 3 of us (still don't know how Lily dodged it) went down at different times with fever and chills our holiday vacation was amazing and such a fantastic time for our family. We spent 10 days with our Florida parents and enjoyed every second.
We were up bright and early Christmas Eve morning with bags ready to go for our Uber driver to pick us up for the airport. I am still laughing about what the poor guy thought when he rolled up in his little compact car and we convinced him that yes, we would all fit.
The girls love the airport and the idea of flying on an airplane. It is practically as exciting as the prospect of meeting Mickey.
Bob was such a trooper and let me have a seat all to myself while he kept the girls fully plugged in and happy as little clams. The only time I had to get involved was potty time and THAT was a fiasco. We did it though (multiple times) and the entire flight was just perfect and so exciting.
Upon arrival, the little girls practically sprinted full out into Grandma and Grandpa's arms. We had an audience of fellow travelers smiling so big at how audaciously they had run through the airport without any care. These kids love themselves some Grandparents.
We immediately packed up the car and headed to Disney Springs for Dinner at Splitsville and a gift trip at the Lego store. Evie picked Beauty and the Beast's castle and Evie picked a Moana boat. Too cute.
Grandma Lynn had been in full Santa mode at the hotel before our arrival and the girls were surprised to find that Santa had not forgotten them and had left them plenty of loot on their hotel beds. Here they are in their new jammies, matching dolls and Mickey Ears. Boy, that Santa......he doesn't miss a beat :)
Bob and I had the amazing chance to sleep in our own room while the girlies bunked with Grandma and Grandpa. They LOVED it and were only too happy when Grandma got us up and moving bright and early Christmas Morning.
Merry Christmas from the Magic Kingdom! We knew it was going to be a packed day in the Kingdom so we got an early start with a plan in place. Everything was so exciting and magical. Disney just gets the magic.
One of the highlights of the day was the Enchanted Tales with Belle. Bob, Lily and Evie each got to play a role in the story time. Bob was a guard, Evie was Chip and Lily was a dancing picture frame. It was a blast and they loved the one on one time with Belle.
We finally got to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I have wanted to ride it for a long time, but the last time I went the wait time was over 2 hours......um no thanks. This year we booked some Fast Passes and got the tour. Lily, while brave, doesn't like the feeling big drops give her in her stomach. She had braved Space Mountain and tackled this one, but was convinced after this ride that big roller coasters are not her thing. Evie on the other hand LOVED this ride and immediately got off it squealing, "Lets go again!!!" That's my girl!
We took a jungle cruise.......
And helped Buzz Lightyear blast some funny looking creatures.......
We had a dance party on Main Street......
And fell asleep once we saw Santa in the parade........
We REALLY dug in..........
And then watched as Elsa covered Cinderella's Castle with ice (lights) and snow (yes....real snow).
After Elsa spruced up the castle we sent the exhausted kids home with the Grandparents and then closed down the park together. We got to ride my 2 favorites, Splash Mountain and The Big Thunder Railroad. So nostalgic. It made me smile to see all the places I remember walking as a little kid.
The crowds were simply oppresive towards the end of the night, but we mustered our courage and surrendered our personal space for the final amazing show of the night, the Magic Kingdom Christmas Fireworks show. It was perfect, AMAZING, and all things Disney is. They go all out.......all the time.
We pulled back into our hotel exhausted, only to find that our little girls were still wide awake partying with Grandma and Grandpa. I was impressed. It had been a good first day.
Such a great beginning to our family holiday vacation. I absolutely love how you capture moments with pictures and language entwined. I relish your words: "..mustered our courage and surrendered our personal space"- such a great title for our Disney adventure. One of my favorite exchanges with Lily was when she advised me: "Remember, practice patience, Grandma!" Lily and Evie magnificently navigated the stampeding herd of Disney patrons.
ReplyDeleteSanta's visit was such a delight for grandparents! I smiled at our Mary Poppins picture in Magic Kingdom, which was our first stop, because you and I are wearing the girls Mickey ears! We kept them on most of the day! The spirit of the season was with us.
Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed the pool time with the girls while you and Bob escaped to memories of your past! Can't wait for more reflection of such a memorable trip!