Disney World

With a successful launch, we now had five whole days to "waste" in Florida.  What a terrible dilemma.  ;)  Although we didn't think the kids would appropriately appreciate Disney World, somehow it just seemed wrong to be so close and not go visit.  So we did!

Daddy and Kaiden scoping out the castle.

The boys  with Gigi and Poppy.

As soon as we approached the castle, we realized there was a parade going on.  Kaiden was intrigued.

Kaiden and Poppy moved in for a better view.

All I can remember is the sweat I could feel rolling down my back--and we had JUST arrived!

Kaiden really enjoyed watching all the floats go by.  He doesn't know too many Disney characters, but when he saw the ones he knew, he was sure to point them out!

Kaiden and Poppy

Deana and Lichar

Does Gigi make the perfect Disney tourist or what?

Deana and Poppy hanging with Mailee.  She was mostly unimpressed with Disney World.  Maybe someday she will appreciate it!

In line for the Mad Tea Party.

Kaiden missed the memo to smile.  ;)

But he made up for it once the ride started!

As we were walking out of the Mad Tea Party, he caught a glimpse of Pooh walking to greet kids and wanted to go see him.  We were shocked as we figured the life size characters would freak him out.  We missed our chance to see Pooh :( but went on the ride instead.

Since he was so taken with Pooh all of a sudden, we decided he needed one to take home.  I love this smile!!!

Pooh is so much fun to "bonk" Daddy on the head!

Pooh, Kaiden and Lichar watching out for the next parade.  (None of us were super excited about parades, but it seemed to be Kaiden's favorite part)

Again, all I can think of is how incredibly hot we all were.  Mailee and I escaped to an air conditioned gift shop while she had a little milk.

Yes, a grouchy boy waiting for parades!

For nap time, Gigi, Poppy, Kaiden and Mailee hung out in the air conditioning.  The little ones slept with Gigi and Poppy.  That left time for the big kids to ride a few "big kid" rides.  Deana and I decided we should cool off with some ice cream.

Sadly I have no pictures, but for a while we were stuck in a gift shop waiting out a torrential down poor.  You would think that would cool things off.  Nope!

Nice view of the castle.

When the kids woke up, we headed back and prepared for the electrical parade and fireworks.  While Kaiden was watching the parade, Mailee was making some new friends.  These girls next to us thought she was so cute and really wanted to hold her.  At the end of a long hot day, I was happy to pass off my wiggly little bundle.

I guess I should explain Mailee's white head.  Well, let's just say sunscreen doesn't rub into infant's hair all that easy.  And it doesn't take very much either.  But on the positive side, Mailee didn't get ANY sun on her head....for like an entire week!!

Kaiden waving at characters in the Electrical Parade.

We were in a decent spot for viewing the parade, but a terrible one for viewing fireworks.  (that's what happens when you take a trip to Magic Kingdom with only a days worth of planning--I was a terrible mom and didn't know any of the "tricks" you are supposed to know)  So no pictures of fireworks for us.

But after the parade we were all starving and got a burger.  After eating, we realized we were only a few minutes away from the 11:00 Electrical Parade.  (If you'd asked me in advance if there was anyway we would have lasted until 11pm, I would have said NO WAY)  But we stayed and it was by far my FAVORITE part of the day.  We were front row, no crowds and Kaiden LOVED it.  He was singing, dancing, and pointing out all the characters.  He still points out pictures of the Electrical floats and says, "I see that at the castle, remember?"

Plus since we stayed so late, we got really nice "uncrowded" pictures of the castle.

 Family photo with Kaiden looking.

Family photo with Mailee looking.

 Family photo with Gigi and Poppy. 

 Main Street

Here is everyone's "after" picture... (why I didn't include Gigi, Poppy and Deana in the "after" shots is beyond me!  My hunch is that it was well past midnight, I was exhausted and we had an hour drive in front of us)

Overall, a successful day at Disney.  My advice: When venturing to Magic Kingdom with small children, plan a little more than a day in advance.  :)