Disney Day 3 - Monday

We were to start Monday morning with a yummy character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at 9:30.  That was the plan anyway - if we had known the most efficient way to get there.  But, being Disney rookies we took the longest possible bus ride to get there.  After 30 minutes on a bus, 15 minutes finding a cab, and 15 minutes in the cab, we finally arrived - an hour late.  Needless to say we were frustrated and hungry.  It didn't take long though for our moods to improve with a little bit of food in our tummies and some hugs from Disney friends.  We were recharged and ready for the rest of our day.

After an afternoon of pool time and about 20 times down the slide for Lily, we cleaned up and headed over to Hollywood Studios for the evening.  We went to The Disney Junior Live on Stage show.  Lily was very nervous but hung in there and enjoyed the show.  Buggy loved every second.  I loved watching her face light up as she saw all the characters she likes to watch on TV.

Sarah Ellen busting a move.  After the show we strolled the streets and dined at a pizza place that was an arcade.  The girls enjoyed playing some games after dinner.

We then spent some time in the Art of Animation killing time before Fantasmic and hoping to keep the girls from hearing the thunder outside.  

While we were walking around, we were shocked to get a chance to meet Minnie Mouse in her personal dressing room WITH NO WAIT!  What great luck.  The girls were in awe of how pretty she was.

While we were killing time before the big night show, Fantasmic, I got several texts that there were some intense parts that involved Disney villains.  After informing Lily of this and letting her watch some of it on the phone, she decided she wanted nothing to do with watching it live.  Some times we push her out of comfort zone because we know she will end up liking the experience. This was not one of those times. We divided and conquered.  Lily and I headed back to the hotel and played some games while James and Sarah Ellen stayed for the show.  They said is was really amazing.  Maybe Lily and I will enjoy the show some other time but we did enjoy some quality time together.   

Disney Day 2 - Sunday

Because I had made plans for us to watch the night show, Illuminations, at Epcot we had our evening mapped out there.  We couldn’t very well be in Disney World though and not hit the Magic Kingdom first thing.  So we decided to hop over and wing it for the morning.  

SE being SE when she hears "smile" 

Our first ride was It's a Small World.  There were some nervous looks and questions, but this ride was mostly a success.

   Next up was the carousel – another success.

From there it was down hill as far as rides go.  We hit the Under the Sea Little Mermaid ride.  Once Ursula made an appearance, I’m afraid it was all over for Lily, who obviously takes after her mamma.  Poor thing was shaking like a leaf.  Next we tried Dumbo.  This one wasn’t too bad, but still not great as our elephant seemed a little bit bumpy.  Sarah Ellen, who obviously takes after her daddy loved every minute of the rides.

So I really wasn't scared on this ride, but you would think I was riding Thunder Mountain!

After a quick lunch at Pecos Bill, we took the Mark Twain river boat ride around the park.  Although this was Lily's idea, she wasn't too much of a fan once on board.

Next we hit the train that took us around the park back to the front.  We were all thankful to give our feet a rest.  Well, all but Sarah Ellen - she was queen of the stroller.  And no, she is not mad in the above picture.  I just said "smile."

After a quick shopping spree, we headed back to the Animal Kingdom lodge for a little rest before hitting Epcot.

Our first stop at Epcot was supposed to be The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride.  Since this ride was very similar to the Little Mermaid ride, we decided to skip this stop.  The girls and I played around in Innovations while Daddy rode Soarin.  While we were inside Innovations, a typical Florida afternoon storm popped up.  Can't say that helped anyone's anxiety level AT ALL.  We waited it out and headed over to the The Land where we took the supposedly leisurely ride Living with the Land.  Wouldn't you know this ride started out dark and with a thunderstorm.  Really??  It was supposed to be about growing plants.  Well that my friends was the end of all rides for us at Disney World.

The Epcot visit was redeemed, however, with our first character meal at The Garden Grill.  The girls LOVED having the characters stop by our table for autographs and pictures.  

Pluto

Chip

Dale

Farmer Mickey

Daddy didn't want to be left out either!

We were supposed to stay for the night show, but as it was still lightening outside, we figured we better not push our luck and headed back home for the evening. Epcot was a bit of a bust, but we may try again later in the week.

So we probably bit off more than we could chew in our first day at Disney, but overall it was a great first day.  If you ask her, Lily won't agree but she did enjoy herself most of the time.  She certainly was a trooper walking everywhere and both girls did great in the heat.  Sarah Ellen was a fan of all things Disney.  I think we will stick with the plan of only ONE park for tomorrow.

Disney Day 1

We made it!!  A few weeks ago, we weren't sure this trip was even going to be possible, but we are here and happier than ever.  We had an easy ride down thanks to Sarah Ellen's early birthday present from Mrs. Amy:  Disney Headbands!

We are staying in the Animal Kingdom Lodge and it is beautiful.  We can see animals roaming on the savannah right from our room balcony.  Lily was a little nervous at first but it didn't take long and she was exploring the hotel and ready to hit the pool.  This resort has two sections so we ventured over to the over pool first.  It had a HUGE water slide that Lily couldn't wait to try.  James and I looked at each  other in amazement.  You could hear her laughing all the way down!  This place truly is magical.  Sarah Ellen enjoyed the smaller slide and swimming like a fish all around the pool.  Next we came back over to the pool closer to our room.  We then ended the evening with a quick soak in the hot tub.  The girls are snuggled up in the bed next to us and I even hearing a little snoring.  We are resting up for a fun filled day tomorrow.  

Both photos were taken with my phone.  Tomorrow I will commit to using a better camera and many more pictures.  

Climbing

So proud of my girls for gearing up for adventure at Half Moon.  Lily made it all the way to the top!!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

No one loves the chance of a good snow storm more than me.  I just couldn't get excited though when they started it predicting it for us in Charleston.  Why?  My husband was out of town is why!  I love snow, but do I want to be stranded without power and two small children by myself?  NO!  But that, my friends, is what happened.  I was determined to stay at our house and ride it out.  That was until I heard our heater outside making a very crazy and loud noise.  Allan came over to check it out and it was frozen over.  So the girls and I pack up and head over to the Clums for a sleepover.  The girls were only slightly thrilled by this!

Jason and Allan escorted me back home to see if we could get the heat working.

We didn't get the heat going but the girls and I huddled up together and stayed cozy.  We put a space heater in my bedroom and all slept together under the electric blanket.  

We survived the snow storm of 2014 and I learned one very important thing.  I am no pioneer woman!

James did finally make it home but only to crawl right in bed with the flu - aye, aye, aye!