Disney

It is easy to say that we have had a rough year, between my parents' divorce, Grace's emergency surgery, losing Noah, financial strain...it's been hard. But the Lord has shown us so many of His gracious mercies. We were blessed to be able to spend a week in Disney while visiting my sister Kristen, who is currently in the Disney College Program in Walt Disney World, Florida. She is currently working on the Rocking Roller Coaster. (I have to show a few pictures below of her in action, we had to go by and stalk her while she was working. ;) It was so great to see her!!...I miss her so much!!

It was a much needed "break from reality" so to speak. It was so wonderful to be able to spend an entire week in sunny Flordia (an using my sister's discount made it extra special and easy on the wallet), without a care in the world! This trip was truly all about Grace. We skipped most of the "big" rides and focused on chasing down characters and princesses. Grace LOVED them! She was good about waiting in line for her turn to speak to them, until she was next. It was like she couldne't wait any longer. As soon as it was her turn, she would run up to them and hug them. It was wonderful!

Our first day we slept in and spent a lazy day at the pool at the resort, then we headed to the Magic Kingdome at 4:00 for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. At 7:00, the park closes to all of the other guests and the park completely transformed into a pumpkin and candy filled wonderland. We had never been in October before, so it was really neat to see all of the children (and adults, but not us...just Grace) dressed as their favorite Disney characters, and the parade...my all-time favorite! It was truly magical, and Grace was a trooper! We didn't leave until the park closed, at MIDNIGHT because she was having so much fun! Have favorite part, the dance parties (she is truly her mother's child.) The kids, and even us adults, got to Trick-or-Treat in the candy trails. It is an understatement to say that we got a lot of candy!

Our second day we spent sleeping in, hanging out at the pool, and shopping in Downtown Disney. Mimi let Grace build her own potato head for her birthday. HOW COOL!

Our third day was spent in Hollywood Studios, where Kristen works. We saw several shows, rode Toy Story Mania (one of our absolute favorite rides in all of Disney World) and Grace got to go to watch Disney Jr (Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Club House and Sofia the First) and meet PRINCESS SOFIA! I think this made the entire trip for her. We also watched Fantasmic in the VIP section (thank you Kristen).

Our forth day was spent back at the Magic Kingdom. It is such a big park, it takes at least 2 days to do it all! Today we got to ride the Monorail and eat at Beauty and the Beast's castle. It was awesome! We also got to meet Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy and Pluto and get their autographs. (Insead of a usual autograph book, I took an autograph mat and had the characters sign it. Once we get home, I will add the stickers and a picture and voila! A fun memory to hang in Grace's room!) We enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Dumbo, Mickey's Phiharmagic, the Country Bear Jamboree, just to name a few. Grace also got her very FIRST haircut in the Harmony Barborshop on Mainstreet. They did a great job, and they make a huge deal of it. She got a certificate, a set of Mickey ears, and her hair in a little keepsake bag with some Pixie dust. What a special memory. I think we set the bar pretty high for any future children, I guess we will have to go back each time.



Our fifth day was spent at Epcot. Today we spent the day riding rides, watching shows, and chasing princesses! We got to meet FIVE and get their autographs! Paul and I were also able to meet up with our sweet friends Angela and Andy, who lived in Raleigh for a little while and moved back to Florida about a year and a half ago. We miss them a lot, so it was great to catch up with them!

Our last day was spent relaxing at the pool, visiting at eating at various other resorts, and trading the last of our pins. We had so much fun and we can't wait to go back. Disney is magical and truly lives up to it's motto as the "Happiest Place on Earth!"