Disney Trip Part 2!! Animal Kingdom!

On day 2 at the park we decided to go to Animal Kingdom. This park is awesome! There was a lot to do and it seemed like it was much more our speed.

Here we are in front of the Tree Of Life. If you can look closely, there are beautiful sketches of animals in this huge tree which is the center of the park.

Another big draw for us was a part of the park called "Dino Land USA".

Caeley and I riding the Triceratops ride ( Dumbo ride, but with Triceratops!)

My beautiful fam!

A little closer pic of the Tree Of Life

Now this is crazy! You see that rollercoaster behind us? Caeley went on that rollercoaster! She met the height requirement and she made it through the whole thing. I had gone on it before and warned her that it was going to be a little crazy (it really wasn't that too bad, for ADULTS!) As we pulled into the station, I put my hand on her and I could feel her heart pounding out of her chest. She said " I don't think I want to go on that till I'm older" haha! It was a special bonding moment with her rollercoaster obsessed dad ( I tried talking her out of it! Just for the record!)

Though it wasn't as hot as the day before, it still was hot! What a better way to cool off then some Mickey Ice Cream!

Another way to cool off and another reason why this park was just our speed was because they had amazing shows!! The "Finding Nemo The Musical" show was seriously as good as any Broadway show you could see. You would pay 50 bucks to see a show like this! We went to see this twice during the week. One of the major highlights of our trip

Another great show was the "Lion King" show. It was no "Nemo" but we liked it a lot!

We then went on a little safari. I felt like the kids have been so spoiled with their memberships to the Boston and Nashville zoos that it really wasn't much to write home about. But there were some animals that we didn't get to see at our zoos. Here was a cool sighting of a rhino!

Someone is getting tired...

Ok! Ready to go!

The funny thing is that we met most of the main Disney characters not at the Magic Kingdom but at Animal Kingdom!

This beat any show, any ride, anything! Note to parents: find ANY Disney character to meet!

On the way back to the car on the tram, there was a case of silly face that broke out. First with Elijah, then it started to spread!

THIS is what this trip has been all about. Most of you have seen a lot of pics of our kids, so you know the real deal when you see it! More to come soon....

Disney Trip Part 1!

So the day finally came! After winning the Southwest contest around Thanksgiving time, this trip was always in the background, something we looked forward to, something we talked about. But how would it REALLY be?

We landed in Orlando mid day. We decided the first day would be just swimming at the pool and then hit the ground running the next morning. And what a pool we had!

Here's Caeley showing no fear flying down the water slide! She loved this thing, actually everyone did!

"SUPERMAN!!!!"

The plan worked like a charm. The kids were tuckered out quite early. We had a wonderful suite with a bedroom in the back and a living room area in the front. This worked out very nicely for us to watch the series finale of "Lost" that night.

The first day we went to Magic Kingdom. We got there early and the magic was already starting....

Our first ride was the Dumbo ride. It was a little overwhelming for all of us at first. But after we learned the power of the Fast Pass (free service that tells you when to come back so you don't have to wait in obscene lines) we started getting the hang of it.

a little girl in search of princesses!

Mid day there was a great performance right in front of the castle with all the favorites, especially PRINCESSES!

And of course our first real sighting of Minnie and Mickey!

For those of you who don't know, Elijah LOVES Buzz Lightyear. One of his favorite things to say before he jumps off anything is "to infinity...and beyond!" He was so so excited to meet him! Here he does a pose down with Buzz (Uncle Robbie would be so proud!)

Nope not having fun at all, nope....

After a very long and HOT day, we cooled off on the way back to the hotel with a nice cold fruit smoothie. It was a great beginning to a great trip!!

(to be continued.....)

THE BIRTHDAY THAT WAS ALMOST WASHED AWAY!!!

First off, sorry it took me so very long to get this up. Things have been super hectic as we finish school, and prepare for our big trip to Disney! Many of you have been asking how Caeley's birthday was, so here it is!

"I'm five y'all!"

Due to the massive flooding going on in the area, we were forced to cancel Caeley's party. But Caeley kept her spirits up by going out to play in the rain wearing her new curlers, and waiting for Laine and Pop to come!

Despite the brutal weather, Laine and Pop made it!

After playing in the new river starting at the end of our property (see video ) Caeley put on a ballet indoors!

3 Generations!!

"What You Talking About?"

Laine and Pop saved the day, and they brought presents!

"Thanks Bunny!"

As the weather got worse, it took out our patio set. Not complaining though!

Though the weather got more ferocious outside, we would not be deterred! We also had some more company! Our good friend Adam came over with his Mom, who couldn't make it back to St. Louis due to the weather. We were sorry she couldn't get home, but we were glad to meet her and have her join the party!

Caeley with her brand new dinosaur jammies! Thanks Nana!

Caeley tickling a VERY ticklish Adam!

Bed time stories!

The next day the weather was beautiful! We got out of the house and went to the park! Here are some shots from that.

Back home to hang out on the back deck!

Thanks to Laine and Pop for making a potentially very sad weekend into a great one!

After Laine and Pop left, Caeley went back to school. Here she is sporting some curls from her new curlers! I call this the Caeley Temple!

And though we didn't have her original party, Caeley did bring in the leftover birthday cake to school and shared it with her friends! We will be having the makeup party this Saturday at a park here in Nashville. Thanks to all of you who sent presents and cards and warm wishes!

Here is a video of the weekend we will never forget! Next stop Disney!!!