Disney Day 2: Magic Kingdom

We started our first full day of Disney World with a character breakfast at the Contemporary Resort. The girls got to ride the monorail for the first time and loved it. For anyone taking small children to Disney World I highly recommend staying at a hotel on the monorail line. It's more expensive but we were able to just roll the stroller on and off, didn't have to take a bus or tram, and the wait was no more than 5 minutes.

Our first character meal was a breakfast buffet at Chef Mickey's. This trip was part of the girls' birthday presents and they had a special celebration song and dance for about 5 children in our area of the restaurant that were celebrating birthdays as well. Kayla and Macy were really excited to get their cupcakes although Macy only ate the sprinkles and chocolate Mickey and Kayla ate the icing.
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Pluto come around to each table to sign autograph books and have pictures taken. They LOVED this and hardly ate anything. Good thing we didn't have to pay for Macy since she was still 2 years old.

After breakfast we headed to the Magic Kingdom. The first ride we went on was "It's a Small World" followed shortly by the teacup ride. This one became a favorite and we had to ride it again later in the week.

Poor Macy was so tired since we didn't head back for a nap that day. She fell asleep in my arms while waiting to ride Dumbo. After a while I had to pass her off. She's getting so big and it was HOT out there. We woke her up just in time to ride. Must be nice to sleep through the waiting in line.

Kayla has really started this head-tilt posing for pictures. This was taken at Minnie's house.

We went back to the hotel for dinner and walking around the "beach." I say "beach" lightly because I'm from Florida and a man made lake with dumped sand on the edges is not a beach in my book. In the eyes of the girls it was wonderful. Sand. That's all they want anyway.

Marc wanted to get a picture of me and the girls. This turned out pretty good, but we were missing Macy.

Oh there she is. Making sand angels or something. I didn't even cringe at the thought of all of that sand in her clothes and hair. I'm proud of myself for that one. Quite an accomplishment for me if I do say so myself.

It was a wonderful, fun-filled day. My mom came with us and I have no idea how we would have managed 3 young children, a big stroller, a diaper bag, cooler, and all the other stuff that comes along with being out and about with 3 small children. We're thankful that she was willing to join us on this adventure. Thanks Mom!

Disney Day 1: Hollywood Studios

We arrived in Orlando on Sunday afternoon, checked into the Polynesian Resort, unloaded the car, and headed to Hollywood Studios. I wasn't sure the girls would have much to see there, but since it was a free ticket we thought we'd give it a try. I am so glad we did. The first thing we did was to go see the Beauty and the Beast show. Fabulous! Macy was completely mesmerized and didn't really move from this position for the entire 30 minute show.The set, costumes, and choreography were exquisite.

The rain started while we were watching the show. We searched around town before we left and finally found the smallest ponchos we could for the girls. Unfortunately we left them in the hotel in our rush to get to the park so we ended up having to buy some there. Guess we'll just be returning the unopened packages. It was supposed to rain every day while we were there, but we only got stuck in it 2 times and one time we were under cover at the train depot.

After the Beauty and the Beast show we went to the Playhouse Disney dance party. During the day there is a show, but in the evening it is a dance party. The girls had the BEST time dancing around. They danced with Mickey, Minnie, Handy Manny, and all of the Little Einsteins. There were quite a few kids in there and it wasn't brightly lit, so the pictures didn't turn out so well.

Macy is a monkey. We have always known that. Now the Little Einsteins know it too. This is one of several pictures we have of her climbing on someone or sitting on their big shoes while gripping their legs. Think she was a little excited?

We didn't think we'd be at Hollywood Studios for the Fantasmic show, but we were glad to find out we'd be there for it. We had heard wonderful reviews and it surely did not disappoint. We got there about 40 minutes in advance and still ended up with a seat in the outer section.

The coolest thing is that part of the show is projected onto water that is sprayed up in the air. This picture doesn't do it justice. It was really neat how they did it.

Yes, you can have fire on top of water, and yes it still gets hot.

We headed back to our room after this with 2 tired little girls, but we are so glad that we decided to give Hollywood Studios a try.

Macy's 3rd Birthday

We enjoyed a relaxing day celebrating Macy's birthday. We got home from Disney late the night before, so we slept in. No, just kidding. Macy doesn't sleep in. It doesn't matter what time she goes to bed. I'm sure there was a little excitement for her as well. She has been waiting for her birthday ever since Kayla had her day 6 weeks ago.

Opening presents from the family. The Barbie was a selfish gift on my part. It is meant to reduce the number of fights they have over the sparkly doll. Looks like she was pretty excited about it.

Tradition continues. The girls got their nails done for Macy's birthday. She did a better job this time of staying still and now has purple toenails and pink fingernails both of which have flowers on them.

Watching the lady paint her toenails.

We went to one of her favorite restaurants for dinner - Five Guys. She loves cheeseburgers and fries. Ok, not really. She loves the peanuts, but she did eat some cheeseburger too. My mom surprised her with a cookie cake for dessert.

Happy Birthday sweet Macy! We love you so much and can't believe that you are 3 years old already!

Happy Birthday Macy!

Three years ago I became a mother for the second time. I was scheduled for an induction so this experience was quite different from the first time around. Ten hours later we met our precious Macy Kate and a new chapter in our lives began.

Macy,
You are such a blessing to your daddy and me. You have grown up so much in the last few months, and yet it is still hard to believe that you are 3 years old. You have such a wonderful sense of humor and you keep us laughing. I am so thankful that God blessed us by giving us such a spirited little girl. I love you my precious Macy Kate. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mommy

Kayla's Dance Recital

Kayla's dance recital was so cute. She is really enjoying dance and did a great job performing in front of an audience. She always remembers to smile too! The pictures aren't too great because of the lighting in the building. Oh well. The recital theme was "Bon Voyage" and the tap dance was "Down in New Orleans" from Princess and the Frog.

I'm not sure what the ballet song was, but it had a Hawaiian feel to it.

Right after the recital we grabbed a quick lunch of her choice (Chick-fil-A of course) and then hit the road for Disney World!

No Shoes

This is what happened when I didn't come home with the shoes she thought I was bringing home. This girl loves her some shoes!

Mother's Day and Dedication

I had a special Mother's Day this year. We also had Brooke's dedication. We stood before the church and made a covenant with God to raise Brooke in a godly home and raise her in a way pleasing to our Lord. We have made this same commitment with Kayla and Macy, but this time it was on Mother's Day. When we walked across the stage there was a lot of talking from the choir and congregation. Thankfully it was more of the "oh how cute" noises rather than the "she has toilet paper on her shoe." From what we were told later everyone was talking about how adorable Kayla and Macy were in their outfits. We always get so many compliments on them when they wear them. And no, I didn't make them.

All the gals in my family.

We took a picture with Marc's parents too, but they didn't turn out too well. Maybe someone will send me a good copy - hint, hint. :)

Oh, and I can't forget the massage gift certificate at a local spa. Can't wait to cash in on that one!