The Most Magical Place on Earth...

Well, we're home and Disney World was fabulous. There is no way that I would ever be able to tell about all of the fun. But, I will load pictures soon and share with you.

As we began our trip on Sunday afternoon, I realized that this was our first real vacation as a family. We have been on several small trips together. We have also been on some larger/longer trips, but we have always been with extended family. Our children love to travel and all of these vacations have been wonderful. But, it was very special to share this with our children all by ourselves.

We picked a pretty busy week to visit the parks, so I was VERY thankful for Tour Guide Mike's suggestions. He advised to be at each park 30 minutes before it opened. Then, we were to do all of the attractions that normally have long lines first. He was so right, and by the first afternoon, I was very thankful for our early risers (I never thought I would say that).

On Wednesday, we did Magic Kingdom. The park opened at 9:00. By 10:00, we had done Dumbo, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White and It's a Small World. If you have ever been to Magic Kingdom, you know that is just amazing -- busy season or not.

Wednesday evening, we ate at Chef Mickey's. The food was good. But, our reason for going was that Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto make visits to each table while you eat. If you have read previous posts, you know that this was an "ify" situation for Collin. He REALLY tried to be brave. He talked big leading up to our being seated. He was going to give Mickey a high five. :)

It was all too much, though, and as soon as Donald Duck looked our way, Collin was UNDER the table. Literally! I am not making this up. We had to put his plate and drink under the table and feed him like a dog.

Earlier in the day, Caleb had been too afraid to ride the Goofy roller coaster (it has 1 minor hill and lasts about 20 seconds). So, the one benefit of our traumatic dinner was that Caleb had a little confidence boost, because he was the brave one this time.

Our second trauma happened on Thanksgiving morning at Animal Kingdom. Collin bought a Buzz Lightyear costume (all he wanted from Disney World) Wednesday night. After purchasing it, he did not take it off for the remainder of the trip . So, Thursday morning at Animal Kingdom, he was Buzz Lightyear.

We were walking through the Jungle Trek, and he saw a bench he wanted to jump from while saying "To infinity and beyond." His dad thought it would be great to try to get a picture of him in the air like he (Buzz) was flying. I'm sure you see where this is going.

Soon into the process, Caleb joins in the fun. However, Collin decided to quit and began walking right as Caleb jumped. And, somehow, Collin landed -- face in the concrete -- with Caleb on his head. The one benefit from this traumatic experience is that we now know where First Aid is at Animal Kingdom. No doubt, we'll need it again.

All in all, we had such a great time. The weather was perfect. The kids were (taking into account very late nights and no naps) perfect. And, amazingly, our drive both ways was pretty perfect.

I am already looking forward to taking Claire for her first magical trip. And, by the way, she had her own fabulous vacation to Sassy's. I'll share about her visit in another blog.

Be looking for pictures. Hopefully, it won't take me too long.