Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The day had come! For months I’d been talking to her about how we would go up on the plane and go to the beach and see Mickey. We got up early and left around 5:20. We had to stop to drop off a UPS package on the way. When Dada got out of the car, she yelled at him “Dada go airport!”
Here’s a sleepy girl at 6:30 in the morning in the SkyClub, waiting for time for us to board.
The day had come! For months I’d been talking to her about how we would go up on the plane and go to the beach and see Mickey. We got up early and left around 5:20. We had to stop to drop off a UPS package on the way. When Dada got out of the car, she yelled at him “Dada go airport!”
Here’s a sleepy girl at 6:30 in the morning in the SkyClub, waiting for time for us to board.
Here we are on the plane, getting ready to push back from the gate. She was sleepy!
Once we were on the first plane, she was very interested in what was going on, but fell asleep before we had even pushed back. I swear, sometimes nursing is my superpower – a few seconds after we had started nursing, and her eyes closed and she was out. She woke up after we had landed. We had a short layover in Memphis, during which we popped into SkyClub for a potty break, and then on to our next flight. For this one, she was wide awake! She liked the planes “chasing” each other as they taxied. When we were taking off, she yelled “go plane, go!” She loved going into the clouds. Fortunately, she experienced no ear pain/pressure change that I could notice. The flight was uneventful, and we arrived in an overcast Orlando.
We grabbed our bags, rental car (which she loved, since she had really good visibility from her seat) and headed to the beach. Unfortunately, it was so very rainy. I had hurriedly gotten us dressed in our swim gear in a desperate attempt to get some beach time, and the skies opened up before we got to the beach walkway. Alas, we had lunch instead.
After some time in our room and a nap, we finally made it out to the beach. Upon seeing it for the first time, she yelled “beach sand!” and started grabbing handfuls.
First time on the beach, part 1
First time on the beach, part 2
Once we were on the first plane, she was very interested in what was going on, but fell asleep before we had even pushed back. I swear, sometimes nursing is my superpower – a few seconds after we had started nursing, and her eyes closed and she was out. She woke up after we had landed. We had a short layover in Memphis, during which we popped into SkyClub for a potty break, and then on to our next flight. For this one, she was wide awake! She liked the planes “chasing” each other as they taxied. When we were taking off, she yelled “go plane, go!” She loved going into the clouds. Fortunately, she experienced no ear pain/pressure change that I could notice. The flight was uneventful, and we arrived in an overcast Orlando.
We grabbed our bags, rental car (which she loved, since she had really good visibility from her seat) and headed to the beach. Unfortunately, it was so very rainy. I had hurriedly gotten us dressed in our swim gear in a desperate attempt to get some beach time, and the skies opened up before we got to the beach walkway. Alas, we had lunch instead.
After some time in our room and a nap, we finally made it out to the beach. Upon seeing it for the first time, she yelled “beach sand!” and started grabbing handfuls.
First time on the beach, part 1
First time on the beach, part 2
We found shells, we splashed our feet in the water. All in all, a good first beach moment. We hopped in the pool a bit, and it rained after not too long, so we headed back in to get changed for dinner. We found a yummy Thai/Japanese place. While we were looking at the menus, she said “good appetite”, which I’d forgotten about from the night before. What a vocabulary she has!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Sleepy girl and sleepy Dada, enjoying the quiet bedroom!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Sleepy girl and sleepy Dada, enjoying the quiet bedroom!
View from our room:
In the morning, the concierge said good morning to her, to which she replied with a jaunty “good morning.” We managed to make it out to the beach twice – once in the morning and again in the afternoon for a longer time, when we had a chance to actually sit and let the surf “get you”, as she says.
Here she's telling the water to "stop."
Here she's telling the water to "stop."
I asked Lizzy what her favorite thing about the beach was and, silly girl, she said “the pool.” We did manage to swim for a bit, and she was so funny. I hadn’t put her swim vest on right away, so she was splashing around saying she was “in trouble.”
We were playing around being silly, and she decided to reenact this video from last July.
July 2012 version
Updated May 2013 version
We went and had lobster rolls for lunch, and then went to the Dinosaur store (“hi dinosaur”) and had ice cream after. We went back for a 2.5 hour nap, and then we went to Ron Jon to shop. She loved the waterfall, and picked out a fun cup.
We were playing around being silly, and she decided to reenact this video from last July.
July 2012 version
Updated May 2013 version
We went and had lobster rolls for lunch, and then went to the Dinosaur store (“hi dinosaur”) and had ice cream after. We went back for a 2.5 hour nap, and then we went to Ron Jon to shop. She loved the waterfall, and picked out a fun cup.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Someone liked having the bed to herself while Mama and Dada were packing up to prepare to head to Disney World.
Someone liked having the bed to herself while Mama and Dada were packing up to prepare to head to Disney World.
As soon as we left Cocoa Beach, the sun came out (naturally!) We had a nice hour ride to Disney, and got checked in at Coronado Springs.
It was great! She got a Happy Birthday button (“Happy day button!”), Mickey balloons, and stickers. We ended up with a room in a really great location, too. When we got to our room, I noticed a voicemail. It was from Mickey and Minnie wishing her a Happy Birthday. She wanted to listen to it over and over and over. Dada got video of her listening to it, and I’m so glad he did, because the voicemail erased that night.
Voicemail from Mickey and Minnie!
The room was really nice. We got lucky and got a preferred location, with two windows, on the first floor. Lizzy liked watching the squirrels outside our room!
Voicemail from Mickey and Minnie!
The room was really nice. We got lucky and got a preferred location, with two windows, on the first floor. Lizzy liked watching the squirrels outside our room!
We went to return the car, then headed to Downtown Disney. We ate lunch at Planet Hollywood, and she liked looking at all the memorabilia.
We then went shopping, and she chose a stuffed Pluto, and a stuffed Chip and Dale set. We activated our photo pass card, and then headed back for nap time.
We headed back to Downtown for dinner at an Irish Place. She loved watching the dancers, and we had a really yummy meal. Afterwards, we went to Disney Quest (a giant arcade, where you can play all the games you want] and she loved playing the games, especially the racing ones. However, after about 90 minutes she was tired, so we headed back to the room.
Saturday May 4, 2013
This had to be one of the best days of her life, because I know it was one of mine! We got up early to head to Animal Kingdom. We had an 8:10 breakfast reservation with Donald Duck. We got our picture taken, and then headed in for breakfast.
Saturday May 4, 2013
This had to be one of the best days of her life, because I know it was one of mine! We got up early to head to Animal Kingdom. We had an 8:10 breakfast reservation with Donald Duck. We got our picture taken, and then headed in for breakfast.
We headed into the buffet area and assembled our plates, then went to sit down. After not too long, Donald entered the room. I spotted him first and showed him to her. She immediately shouted “Donald Duck!” It was so sweet. The character interactions were really good. She showed Donald her Happy Birthday button, and her hat that looked like his.
Meeting Donald, Part 1
Meeting Donald, Part 2
Meeting Donald, Part 3
Meeting Donald, Part 1
Meeting Donald, Part 2
Meeting Donald, Part 3
The reason she's not looking at the camera in the photo above is that she now had her eyes on Mickey Mouse! She shouted loudly for him when she spotted him as well.
Here she is showing Mickey her "Happy Day Button."
Here she is showing Mickey her "Happy Day Button."
Then Daisy and Goofy. Goofy took her hat off of her head, even! We got some really good pictures, except for with Daisy when she was turned around looking at Mickey. She loves Goofy's stinky shoes, so we had to get a picture of those as well.
Hi Daisy!
Hi Daisy!
After breakfast we went to our safari ride. We saw SO MANY ANIMALS. Each one she said the name for, and she even noticed two giraffes "chasing." The animals were so active and close. Since she had on her "Happy Birthday" button, we got to sit in the front.
Then we did a forest walk and saw some more animals, including a fully underwater hippo!
Once this had ended, we headed over to Camp Minnie Mickey at apparently the most perfect time ever. We walked right up to Minnie Mouse, and got so much time with her. Lizzy showed Minnie her “Happy Day” button. She told Minnie it was muddy (the ground was stamped and colored concrete that looked like mud.) Lizzy even told and showed Minnie that she was two. She told Minnie that she always wears a bow in her hair, like she does. It was magical.
Meeting Minnie, Part 1
Meeting Minnie, Part 2
Meeting Minnie, Part 1
Meeting Minnie, Part 2
I cannot emphasize enough how much I adore this photo. She's showing Minnie that she's "2."
A kiss for Minnie.
Then we got to see Mickey again, and as we were leaving, she told him to “sign” her book (not realizing he’d already signed at breakfast!).
Meeting Mickey, Part 1
Meeting Mickey, Part 2
Meeting Mickey, Part 3
Meeting Mickey, Part 1
Meeting Mickey, Part 2
Meeting Mickey, Part 3
Showing Mickey her "Happy Birthday" button. She was so proud of it.
Then we got to see Chip and Dale and Donald Duck. She told Chip and Dale that she had brought them some nuts, and told Donald “ah phooey!” The characters loved it. Then, for some reason, she showed them her shoes, so they all bent down and touched their toes too. So cute!
Chip, Dale, and Donald
Chip, Dale, and Donald
This series of photos makes me laugh. First, my eyes are closed.
Next, Lizzy's eyes are closed.
Now, everyone's eyes are open, but she's looking elsewhere. Oh well, close enough!
Then we headed over to see King Louie and Baloo.
Monkey kisses and bear hugs, both of which made her giggle!
After this, we headed to see the Festival of the Lion King, and she fell asleep. During her nap, she missed this crane that was just walking around freely, right by us too.
During her nap, Dada and I each rode Dinosaur, and he rode Expedition Everest twice. She woke up after a nice nap, and requested ice cream, so I let her pick one. Then we rode Triceratop Spin (which she loved) and we saw Goofy (again) and Pluto! We told Goofy he had stinky shoes :o) She LOVED her interaction with Pluto.
Goofy and Pluto, Part 1
Goofy and Pluto, Part 2
Goofy and Pluto, Part 1
Goofy and Pluto, Part 2
This is another funny series of photos. Once we were turned around and facing the photographer, she spotted a ride directly across from us that really piqued her interest. That's what she's gazing and pointing at in these shots!
We also managed to stumble upon the greeting spot for Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger, with absolutely zero wait. We got to have really fun, lengthy interactions with each.
She was so squirmy in these next two shots because she was determined to wiggle away from me so she could go see Eeyore next!
She LOVED Eeyore. He turned around to let us touch his tail, and she said "it tickles!"
Tigger kisses!
As with Chip and Dale and Donald, we have another hilarious series of my eyes closed, then her eyes closed, then everyone's eyes open but her looking elsewhere!
We managed to get a great deal done, but by around 4:00, we felt we’d accomplished most of what we’d set out to do.
We stopped for a "magical shot" on the way out, and another few photos as we were leaving for the day. She decided to play peek-a-boo with the last photographer of the day.
We stopped for a "magical shot" on the way out, and another few photos as we were leaving for the day. She decided to play peek-a-boo with the last photographer of the day.
We headed back to the resort for some pool time! We got changed and immediately headed over. We started in the big pool, and she liked to watch Mama and Dada come down the slide. Then we went to the Baby Pool, and she wanted no part of the big pool anymore. She found a friend to throw a beach ball with. She played in the fountains. She gathered up all the beach balls. She had a wonderful time!
As it was time to leave, Dada noticed they were roasting marshmallows poolside. While I normally don’t like marshmallows, I decided to roast some with her. We had some and I encouraged her to try it by telling her it tasted like “warm ice cream.” She loved it, and had 3 whole ones! She said the word so well too – “marshmallow.”
There was a little beach outside our room, so we did a commemorative shot. Strangely, my foot looks as big as Tommy’s. I promise it isn’t, I just dragged my foot back a little when I left my print.
As it was time to leave, Dada noticed they were roasting marshmallows poolside. While I normally don’t like marshmallows, I decided to roast some with her. We had some and I encouraged her to try it by telling her it tasted like “warm ice cream.” She loved it, and had 3 whole ones! She said the word so well too – “marshmallow.”
There was a little beach outside our room, so we did a commemorative shot. Strangely, my foot looks as big as Tommy’s. I promise it isn’t, I just dragged my foot back a little when I left my print.
Afterwards, we went back to the room to get changed. We did some shopping at the resort gift shop, and had dinner. This was a truly amazing day.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Today was Magic Kingdom day. When we arrived at rope drop, we headed into the park. We hadn’t made it far when she needed changed (after a 100% successful potty day the day before!), so we headed to Baby Care. Then off for some photographs, and finally to Fantasyland.
I love this picture. I am so grateful that I get to be a part of this family, and that we get to have so many experiences like this.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Today was Magic Kingdom day. When we arrived at rope drop, we headed into the park. We hadn’t made it far when she needed changed (after a 100% successful potty day the day before!), so we headed to Baby Care. Then off for some photographs, and finally to Fantasyland.
I love this picture. I am so grateful that I get to be a part of this family, and that we get to have so many experiences like this.
Another magical photo!
We rode Dumbo, Peter Pan and the Carousel before we had to go back for breakfast with Cinderella.
On Dumbo for the first time
On Dumbo for the first time
We headed into the Castle, and met Cinderella. Upon meeting her, she said “Bella poop.” Really, Lizzy?
Here she is showing Cinderella her "Happy Day Button." She showed this to every single character she met. We didn't tell her to do this, she just did it.
Here she is showing Cinderella her "Happy Day Button." She showed this to every single character she met. We didn't tell her to do this, she just did it.
She wasn’t too impressed with the other princesses, since neither Belle nor Snow White was there, which were the 2 she really wanted to see.
Here she is showing Rapunzel how long her hair is.
Here she is showing Rapunzel how long her hair is.
Here is Lizzy being thoroughly underwhelmed by Ariel and Sleeping Beauty. In her defense, she was getting pretty sleepy herself.
Waving her magic wand was pretty fun though.
Afterwards, the Wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters were outside. Lizzy started crying as we were taking our photo. The character reactions were priceless. They were all really funny, too.
After a viewing of Philharmagic, I took her to Baby Care for nap time, and sent Dada on to Tommorrowland to get Space Mountain fast passes. She went to sleep pretty quickly, but she and I got stuck on the wrong side of a parade and had to wait for Dada. Once reunited, she napped while I rode Carousel of Progress and then we each rode Space Mountain.
While she and I were sitting there, waiting for Dada to ride, Stitch appeared, so we got a picture of me, Stitch, and sleeping Lizzy. Then, once Dada showed up and Lizzy woke, we all 3 got a photo with Stitch.
While she and I were sitting there, waiting for Dada to ride, Stitch appeared, so we got a picture of me, Stitch, and sleeping Lizzy. Then, once Dada showed up and Lizzy woke, we all 3 got a photo with Stitch.
We went back to ride Dumbo again (all waits were very quick, thankfully!), she had an ice cream, and I suggested at that point we go back to the room for a break, showers, and a little relaxation.
We headed back around 6:30, and got some photos as we were re-entering the park.
We headed back around 6:30, and got some photos as we were re-entering the park.
We were delighted to find nearly non-existent lines at everything we wanted to ride. We went and rode Pirate of the Caribbean (she did great during the little drop!), then Jungle Cruise, which was our longest wait at 20 minutes. She loved it.
Then, my oh my, we rode “singing boat”, otherwise known as “it’s a small world.” Everything was “Dada, look! Dada, look!” She was so excitable. Afterwards, we managed Dumbo again (very cool at night!) with zero wait.
Then, my oh my, we rode “singing boat”, otherwise known as “it’s a small world.” Everything was “Dada, look! Dada, look!” She was so excitable. Afterwards, we managed Dumbo again (very cool at night!) with zero wait.
Then she rode Tomorrowland Speedway with Dada, and then watched fireworks, which she did NOT like. She liked the lights, but not the noise.
Afterwards, we hopped on Winnie the Pooh and then one last trip on it’s a small world (more "Look, Dada, look!").
it's a small world part 1
it's a small world part 2
it's a small world part 3
Afterwards, we hopped on Winnie the Pooh and then one last trip on it’s a small world (more "Look, Dada, look!").
it's a small world part 1
it's a small world part 2
it's a small world part 3
The evening was wonderful, although Dada wanted to stay longer. It was already 10:30, and I was quite tired and she was barely keeping her eyes open. Just look at those sleepy eyes in the photo above! She fell asleep on the bus on the way back to the room. What a day it had been.
Monday, May 6, 2013
All good things must come to an end, so it was time to head home. We dropped off our bags with the resort service, grabbed breakfast, and did some last shopping. We bought her a Minnie Mouse shirt and then hopped on the bus to the airport. We got through security then went to the SkyClub which, at Orlando, has a really nice kids play area! She enjoyed climbing up and down and playing with the giant pillows.
Monday, May 6, 2013
All good things must come to an end, so it was time to head home. We dropped off our bags with the resort service, grabbed breakfast, and did some last shopping. We bought her a Minnie Mouse shirt and then hopped on the bus to the airport. We got through security then went to the SkyClub which, at Orlando, has a really nice kids play area! She enjoyed climbing up and down and playing with the giant pillows.
We got on our flight and, like usual, it was lights out for Lizzy. We had a quick layover in Memphis and she enjoyed our last flight, looking out the window and playing.
Once again, Elizabeth has proven to be a wonderful travel companion. She does great on flights (having now been on 13 of them in her short 2 years!), loves playing at hotels, and is such a good girl. Can’t wait for many more trips with her!
Once again, Elizabeth has proven to be a wonderful travel companion. She does great on flights (having now been on 13 of them in her short 2 years!), loves playing at hotels, and is such a good girl. Can’t wait for many more trips with her!