Day 5

It was Valentine's Day, so we headed to Epcot.

Sweet Pea was very impressed with the 'big ball'.  We rode Spaceship Earth and the Nemo ride.  The girls loved all the tanks.

We had late breakfast reservations with the princesses at Akershaus.  It was a very nice breakfast and we saw all the princesses again.

(Funny side note:  At some point before breakfast, a seagull pooped on Mini Me's back.  We didn't notice it until we were headed in to breakfast.  So, we just had her put her jacket back on and decided we would get her a new shirt after breakfast.)

After breakfast, we started walking around World Showcase to find her a new shirt.  But, we happened to get to China just minutes before Mulan was going to arrive, so we just got in line...completely forgetting about Mini Me's shirt.  It was sunny and warm, so Mini Me took off her jacket--and met Mulan with bird poop on her.  LOL  Whoops.   In any case, Mulan was extremely nice and took so much time with the girls. We immediately went to get a new shirt for Mini Me and then got in line for Aladdin and Jasmine.  They were also very nice and took a lot of time to discuss all of Mini Me's pins with her.  They also took a pic with Sweet Pea, who was asleep in the stroller.

Hubby and I went to Disney on our honeymoon in February 2006.  At that time, Epcot was selling "Leave a Legacy" tiles and we purchased one.  So, on our way out of the park, we stopped to find our legacy tile. We found it and as it turns out Friday night-when we will be coming back to Epcot without kids for a date night- will be exactly 6 years to the day that we had that picture taken. How awesome is that?!?

We headed back to the hotel and went swimming. The girls had a lot of fun. We ate at the food court then headed back to Magic Kingdom for some more fun and fireworks. We saw Pluto, Mickey, Minnie, Tiana and Prince Naveen before finding a spot for the fireworks. The Magic, Memories and You show was very cool and of course the fireworks were amazing.  We had a great spot and Tinkerbell flew right over us!

Then the mass exodus began and we started walking along until we found and empty part if sidewalk that we ducked onto to wait out the crowd. When it died down, we continued on and made our way to the bus stop where there was huge crowd. We finally got on a bus and there were no seats left. Hubby had the stroller and I was carrying Sweet Pea and holding until Mini Me. Thankfully, some young gentleman who did not speak English gave up his seat, so I could sit with the kids on my lap.

The kids were asleep within minutes of getting back to our room.  We made some last minute dining changes and went to bed.  It was another wonderfully exhausting day.

Day 4

We got up early because we had 8:10 breakfast reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom.

Mini Me really was treated like a princess.  When we arrived, the girls had their picture take with Cinderella.  Then we were taken up to our table which was decorated with confetti and a balloon.  Shortly after breakfast was served, Mini Me was presented with a tiara on a little pillow.  The princesses made their way to our table, and each wished Mini Me a 'Happy Birthday'.  Towards the end, Mini Me was presented with every girls dream:  her very own pink glass slipper!

From our table, we also had a wonderful view of the Fantasy Land Expansion!  Here is Belle's castle as it looked on 2/13/12.

When we were finished with breakfast, we headed straight for Rapunzel.  We were the first in line and had a wonderful time.  Yay!


We decided to hit fantasy land first.  I took Sweet Pea on Pooh and she loved it.  This was a big turning point for her because last summer, she HATED rides.  I was overjoyed!  We did the carousel and both girls loved it.

We went on Small World, and it was immediately the girls' favorite...much to the dismay of hubby.

Sweet pea fell asleep and we had to wake her for her appointment at the Harmony Barber Shop.  If you know Sweet Pea, you know better than to wake her up.  It's just not pretty....at all.  She screamed and threw things the entire time.  She didn't care that her hair was being cut, but was SUPER angry about being woken up to do it.

Sweet Pea's 1st Haircut

We went and got fast passes for the Jungle Cruise and had an ice pop.  Things were better after that.  The girls love driving the boats while waiting for the ride.  I was also finally able to try a Dole Whip that I had be hearing so much about...and with good reason.  YUMMY!

We finished the day with a ride on the railroad before heading back to the resort.  It was a magical day and the Magic Kingdom.

Day 3

We added the extra night to our trip so that we could hit Dinoland USA at Animal Kingdom first thing since Mini Me was obsessed with dinosaurs for 2 months. So, we were there shortly after rope drop and headed to The Dino area. Mini me decided she hated it! She wouldn't go on Triceratops Spin but I decided to ride Dinosaur since we were there and there was no line.

It was ok, but broke down in the middle. I would probably ride it again, but wasn't all that impressed.

We decided to check out the rest of the park and just outside of Dinoland was a character spot. We were able to meet Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger with no line. The girls loved it.

We went to the Safari and only had to wait a minute or two. The girls liked it so we grabbed a FastPass to ride again.

It was chilly that first day, so we went to see 'Its Tough to be a Bug'. The kids were not fans. But, we got to sit in the heat, so it wasn't so bad.

We had lunch at FlameTree BBQ and did the Safari again.

Sweet Pea fell asleep on my lap while we were on the safari.  So, we took the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch and they let us board with Sweet Pea asleep in the stroller. We walked the trail in Asia, and then went to the Boneyard to play. Then we headed to Camp Minnie Mickey and met Goofy, Minnie and Mickey.

Minnie Me fell asleep on the way to the car. It was a great first day at the parks and Mini Me got lots of birthday wishes from the Cast Members.

Went to park fare for dinner and got tons of birthday wishes from characters. They brought place mats for both girls, and we had ordered a castle cake for mini me. Then they brought us an additional cupcake to bring back to the room as a surprise.

When we got back to the room, towel animals were waiting and a signed picture of mickey wishing happy birthday was delivered.

The view from our room

It was a wonderful Disney Day.

Day 2

Sweet Pea had a bit of trouble going to sleep, so hubby slept in the bed with Mini Me and Sweet Pea bunked in with me. Needless to say, I slept well with all the kicks to the head.

Mini Me was up at 5am and wanting to leave--until I made the mistake of putting the Disney channel on so hubby and I could get ready. They were glued to it since we don't have cable at home. Regardless, we were still able to get breakfast at the hotel at 6am. There we met a mom and 2 girls who were also headed to the World. They were from New England also. We finished breakfast and headed out. They were still eating. Hubby couldn't help but notice it felt like the amazing race. On the road at 6:45.

The first couple hours were a little rough: sweet pea fell coming out of the hotel, mini me had to pee just as we pulle OUT of the rest area after insisting she didn't have to go, and sweet pea was cranky because she was tired--it's hard work kicking mommy in the head all night. After a nap and a snack, all was well again.

Hit a bit of traffic in Orlando but arrived around 3pm. Girls climbed around in the little movie area while I ran up to the room to decorate and leave some surprises. Went back to get hubby and the girls and came up to our room. They think the pool is amazing and can't wait to go swimming.

Mini me got her birthday button at check in and we have already gotten a bit of 'pixie dust'- we were booked in a standard room for our package, but added a room only extra night at the last minute and had to take a preferred room. As it turn out, they upgraded us to the preferred pool view room for the entire stay! We were steps from the pool and main building--loved it!

We took the bus to MK and got on the monorail so the girls could have their very first look at the Castle! Big smiles! Then we got back to the resort and the girls crashed--much needed rest for all!

Tomorrow: Animal Kingdom!

Day 1

It's been quite a week leading up to this trip. Both kids have had 2 rounds of the stomach bug and we all are in various stages of a cold.

But, we are powering through. The girls went to bed a bit early with no problem so that hubby could get some sleep. We were out the door just before midnight.

The girls are having a bit of trouble settling down, but an hour into the trip and they are starting to drift off. We managed to get some sleep after we stopped for gas and made it through NY before rush hour. Currently 5am and we are in NJ. Only 8.5 hours more until our planned stop.

We made it to our planned stop before 2pm, so we decided to keep going. Of course, just after that it was back to back issues with both kids and we were thinking that we should have stopped. But we persisted to our new goal of Florence SC and were there around 5pm.

We logged a total of 17 hours on the road and about 1000 miles! Tomorrow--on to Disney!

Pictures

Wow, it's dusty in here...

So, yeah.  I fell off the face of the Earth.  Again.

Sorry 'bout that.

Things have been a bit hectic...our new schedule, birthday parties, traveling, blah blah blah.

The girls are doing great.  Mini Me is absolutely LOVING school and is doing really well.  Sweet Pea is now 2.  She's also doing really well.  She loves gymnastics!

And.....  we're headed into potty training.  Which, I'm sure will provide with plenty of material for the blog.

The other day, she pooped on the potty for the first time.  I'll be completely honest....  I hate potty training.  I'd rather change a diaper.  And, really....  I do NOT want to be driving to FL and spending a week at Disney with a newly PT'd child.  Ahh, well.  She calls the shots now.

I'll get a post together with some pictures of our fall fun so far.

Preschool

It's official.

My first born is growing up way too fast.  She started preschool today.  I was/am excited about this new chapter.  I am looking forward to getting to spend time with just Sweet Pea.  But, it was still hard to watch Mini Me wave goodbye and walk into school without us.

Sweet Pea was devastated that Mini Me was not getting back into the car with us....until she realized that she could have the toys all to herself.  :-)

Come inside it's party time!

Let's face it.  I only have so much creative energy left after a day entertaining a preschooler and toddler.  So, instead of using that to blog, I've been working on Sweet Pea's second birthday party.  I am making the gift bags, banner, lacing cards, and felt cupcakes for each child.  I am *trying* to finish knitting mickey washcloths too, to go along with some adorable Mickey shaped soaps.  But, the jury is still out on whether or not the knitting will be done in time.

I am also making a huge Mickey's Clubhouse feltboard for the kids to play with.

Thank goodness I have someone awesome who is making the cake for me.  I can't wait to see it!

13 days until party day!

Fall!

The past week has been busy with a visit from my parents, a trip to the zoo, my birthday (and subsequent obsession with my iPhone--thank you hubby!!!!!!), fall decorating (I LOVE fall, it is by far the best time of the year), and preparing for Sweet Pea's 2nd birthday.

Mini Me starts gymnastics tonight and we officially begin our fall schedule.  I can't wait!

Sorry.  Gotta run.  My iPhone is calling.