Turing five the best way... disney style trip report

[mchhp]

It has been hard to get this started. Going to Disney right before Christmas takes a toll on a person. Now that Christmas has come and gone, I can finally get into reliving the trip through photos.

My DD Harper decided she wanted to go to disney for her birthday instead of having a party. I think she decided this because we decided for our DS to spend his 2nd birthday in disney this past april. Either way, it was a win win for her and the family.

We traveled over two days.

so:

Travel Day 1: Ga-FL

This day started out by celebrating Harper at school. I made cupcakes for her pre-k class and we attended her little party there.

DH was so anxious to get on the road, we took Harper out of school right after her little party to get a head start.

We drove to Jacksonville, FL to my parent's house to make a pit stop. We planned on having a small Christmas present exchange with the inlaws (they live in J-ville too), had dinner with them and settled in so we could get a early start the next morning.


Index:

Travel day 2= Arrival day

Travel day 2= Arrival day part two for too many photos

The Birthday Part one

The Birthday Part two

The Birthday Part three

 

[mchhp]

And we are off. We got up, and ready to leave rather quickly. We were so excited.

Can you tell they are excited.

We were happy to be going the I-4 route believe it or not. During our last trip (in april) we went the I-75 route and we were directed through the back side of disney. DH quickly coined that route "coming up through the bowels of disney". The entrance and excitement is much better coming from the I-4 side.

Patiently waiting to get checked in. We decided to stay at POFQ, which we loved. The only thing was we requested joined rooms, but they tried to put is just in the same building ( i don't even think the same floor). That was a no go. I just don't understand that. My parents paid for our room this trip as part of our Christmas present, so they paid for the whole reservation with one card, but yet they couldn't even get us rooms near each other? really? we talked to someone else. they said, we could get rooms closer together but it would take a few hours. We didn't care. We were about to head to DTD anyway. So we gladly waited.

My DH couldn't wait 5 whole minutes before surprising me with my favorite dessert:

The kids were just amazed with the fountain in the lobby:

An added bonus of this resort is the boat to DTD. Love it! Waiting for our ride. we JUST missed the boat.

On the boat:

DTD:

Earl of sandwich= heaven in our tummies!!!

We loved loved loved the lego store:

Harper made a dog...

I think this is a sign she is going to LOVE the teacups:

He is a little more cautious

Even bitty baby got into the disney spirit

continued in next post....

 

[mchhp]

continued... (because I had too many photos)

My parents surprised Harper with another trip to BBB. This is her 3rd time. It is kind of bitter sweet, because I just have this feeling it will be her last. Maybe not, but the next time we go for a big trip she will be 7. Time will tell.

We ate dinner at T-Rex. it was meh.... It was better last time. We had a table really close to the front of the restaurant, which I would have really been upset about but both the kids were a little leary of the action in there, so it worked out for the better i think. The food was ok. I remember it being better. DH was really disappointed. In fact, he got another sandwich from Earl of Sandwich before we headed back to the hotel.

We even saw Santa

It actually started to rain a little, so we decided to head back to the resort, to get the kids bathed and ready to start early the next morning.

 

[mchhp]

My precious Harper was born December 15th 2006. She came 4 weeks early due to me having pre-eclampsia. She wasn't due until January 12th. She was 36 weeks to the day. She was born with a genetic Skin disorder Ichthyosis. She does have a mild form of one of the types but we have quite the skin care regimen in place for her. We also have to take some precautions in hotter weather since she doesn't sweat making her at risk for heat stroke.

She has been such a joy in my life... actually... I really can't remember much before her. Happy Birthday Harper Annmarie.

*yes, our ELF "Buddy" followed us to Disney*

Ready to get this party started!!!

Watching the opening show at MK (12/15 8am at EMH)

The Guest List: Pawpaw, Nanny, DH, Me, AA (my sister), Harper the birthday girl and the best little brother around Harrison

FLASHBACK to 2008

Riding the carousel. btw: what are they doing with it? It has this large structure around it. Are they making more in the shade/covered waiting area for it?

A quick haircut for the boy. I really love the Harmony Barbershop.

cool dude!

ready for another FLASHBACK (April 2011)

to be continued...

 

[mchhp]

Birthday Lunch at Tony's Town Square. Review: two thumbs up from my family.

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday sweet Harper, Happy birthday to you!!!

Minnie face cake... FABULOUS!!! $48.


After lunch we hopped over to DHS. It was around 1:00-1:30PM. for the record, TSMM FPs... GONE!

Harper and Harrison LOVED the parade. This is the first time we have seen this parade.

Oh, the photos.... so many photos. Will continue in a few...

 

[mchhp]

My boys (DH and DS) loved the Lights Motors Action car stunt show.

I think I watched Harrison's reactions more then the show... totally priceless.

First reactions to the Osborn Family Spectacle of dancing lights

Then to round out the night we took our "plan B" for TSMM and got in line later in the night. The posted wait time was 60 minutes. Actual time was 35.

Mr. Potato Head was all covered up! I guess he needed some rehab or something.

What a great day!

Every year I make a video montage for my kids. Here is Harper's for this year:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2872564540063