Disney World

We were so lucky to have the opportunity to spend three fun-filled days at Disney World! We got home last night. Although we were super exhausted, it was worth it to now have so many magical memories.

The House

What I loved the most about the house we stayed in is that it looks like a regular house in a regular neighborhood. Instead of feeling like a tourist, I felt right at home  :)  The kids enjoyed the short walk to the clubhouse, where there was yet another heated swimming pool. It featured an 80' tube slide, which Noah was tall enough to go on. Emma was a little bummed, but quickly got over it when her daddy jumped in the pool with her. Only our first day there (Thursday) was warm enough to swim. So we spent the morning walking down to the clubhouse for a quick swim and to check things out. Then we came back to the house and let the kids finish swimming in the pool there while I made lunch.

Here they are Wednesday night, getting settled in their new beds.

Sharing a room was not a problem for them like we expected.

They were so exhausted at the end of every day that they didn't even keep each other awake!

Carter was catching some rays (while catching some Zs) while we enjoyed the pool.

Our kids are such goobies, lol.

... still sleeping when we got back to the house!

He stayed just like this almost the entire time I made lunch.

The Magic Kingdom

Later that afternoon, we started our theme park adventures off with The Magic Kingdom. What a day to remember! That park wins my fave, hands down.

The Jungle Cruise was a little bit creepy!

in line to ride Pirates of the Caribbean

Noah on Daddy's shoulders, watching the night parade

(Emma and Carter both asleep in the stroller)

The fireworks display was spectacular!

grand finale

the end

"When you wish upon a star ..."

Most adorable moment: Any time Chris looked away for a second, Emma would grab his chin and turn his face back towards the castle, while saying, "Look, Daddy!"

The lights show at the end of the day was SO AMAZING to watch! They somehow projected images of some of the guests who were actually at the park that day. This, along with the music and the other animations to transform the castle, makes it a truly unique experience. Unfortunately, Blogger won't let me upload the two minute video I have of this. I'm sure you can find one on YouTube, however. You have GOT to see what I mean ... words and even video cannot do this performance justice.

Hollywood Studios

Day two was spent at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which I think is formerly known as MGM(?). The most exciting part of this park was realizing that Noah is tall enough to ride pretty much any ride that an adult can ride. This was a new experience for Chris and I, and we were just as thrilled as he was to have "big kid" time with us. And he actually LOVED every bit of it! He is really growing up! We could tell that he was a little afraid to ride these things ... but he sucked it up and endured the torture ... and came out alive and wanting to go again! It was awesome! My parents were super nice to sit with Carter and Emma while us big kids had our fun! Thanks again, Mom & Dad!

When it was time to leave for the park Friday morning, this is how we found Emma: blasting the television in her bedroom, watching HSN. She was so into it, too, lol!

We found out that Emma is the character lover, and Noah is the ride lover.

Here she is with Handy Manny and Jake.

Brace yourself: Here is Noah in line to ride the Tower of Terror, and THEN Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. We had a BLAST!

Emma enjoyed seeing one of the carousel horses from Mary Poppins.

For  dinner that night, we very tiredly shuffled our way into a pizza place. With an all-you-can-eat buffet, we were soon uplifted. It felt good to have warm pizza in our tummies after being frozen for an entire day! Friday and Saturday, the temperature was in the 40s in Orlando ... and windy. Brrr.

There was a balloon artist in the restaurant, willing to make any animal or character your child desired. Emma chose Minnie Mouse ears, and Noah chose Spiderman. I'm not so sure about his "web" though.

Animal Kingdom

Carter's first ride!

Emma did a sporadic little dance. It was precious.

Pooh and Eeyore ...

... and Tigger, too!

Expedition Everest

If you look closely, you can see Chris holding one arm up and screaming in the back row. Noah is with him, but he's so little that he can't be seen above the seat in front of him. I cannot believe they let him ride this!!