Magic Kingdom!

March 22, 2013

Well, we did it. We took James to Disney World the day before he turned 15 months old! (Something we said we wouldn't do until he was at least school age, i.e. old enough to remember!) However, how could we be IN Disney World without going to a park?! We were just too close to pass it up. And, he loved it!

Ever since I spilled the beans to my parents that we *might* take James to Disney on this trip, Mickey Mouse stuffed animals snuck into our house around Valentine's day.

To James, Mickey is the new Santa. He LOVES Mickey Mouse now. Which is a great thing when you visit the Magic Kingdom and see Micky EVERYWHERE. And get to watch him dance and sing in parades. He was a little confused at first, then amazed.

Since Phil and I had gone a few years ago, we weren't anxious to ride every ride. It was nice to be able to just ride a few and enjoy the 84 degree weather as a family. James rode a horse on the carousel, flew threw the air on a ship on Peter Pan and an elephant on Dumbo, twirled around in a honey jar on Winnie the Pooh, shot monsters and aliens on Buzz Light Year, took in the colors and sounds of different countries as he danced on the It's a Small World boat ride, and watched Mickey's Philharmagic 3D show (sans 3D glasses). He ate all sorts of things he's never had before too, like mac n' cheese, lunch meat, pulled pork, turkey straight off a giant turkey leg bone, and goldfish crackers, to name a few.

We were proud of ourselves that we survived our first Disney adventure - we had a great day, and now have great memories to look back on!

Watching the characters sing and dance to "When You Wish Upon A Star"

Singing and dancing life-size Disney characters is a lot to take in

First Carousel Ride

(Note: This look of uncertainty was before we starting moving.
Once it got going he enjoyed the people watching and the breeze. :)

Winnie the Pooh Adventure

Dumbo

Of course, he fell asleep right before we boarded Dumbo...

We still enjoyed it!

Buzz Light Year

                         

Characters Parade

Milk/Water/Snack/Nap Breaks

Picking out his Mickey ears

It's A Small World

What's better than Mickey or just a balloon? Mickey ON a balloon!

Until next time, Mickey!

Florida Getaway!

March 20 - 23, 2014

Thanks to Phil being invited to speak at a steel convention in Orlando, James and I happily tagged along to enjoy some fun in the much needed sun! As this was also going to be over my birthday weekend, bonus points to Phil that I was able to spend my 30th birthday sunning it up at the pool with the cutest little toddler I know.

Getting ready for his 2nd plane ride! Letting lots of wiggles and running out before we boarded the plane. Those traveling with toddlers: this is key for a successful non-wiggly baby in-flight. As you can see, our airport wasn't too busy at the early hour of 7 am!

 Enjoying his view from our first class seats! 

(Thanks to Phil's flight status, James and I enjoyed our upgrade, both ways, while Phil kicked it back with those in coach. I hope James doesn't expect this kind of treatment every time he flies...)

 Hotel. Shorts & FREEDOM!

Climbed in all by himself (a first!): Take me to the pool!

Early morning stroll 

 Not bad for a baby pool, right?! 

James was eager to take those shoes off and get in!

A perfect way to start your birthday morning!

First time in a pool

James LOVED the water

(as well as his raft & the lazy river!)

Checkin' out the babes 

Like I said, he couldn't get enough of sitting in his raft!

He also couldn't get enough of trying to steal other people's rafts.

Like this Shamu...

...and this Giraffe 

James also made a little buddy, Gabe, who is just one month older than James. 

We couldn't get over how much they looked like they could be brothers! Too cute.

After a fun day at the pool, we came back to the hotel room to find this awesome surprise from my parents!

I definitely felt special on my special day.

Thanks Mom & Dad! 

30 is going to be a great year!