We're Going to DisneyWorld!

No, we weren't going to try to find Eli Manning (for all you Giants fans out there), but we did go to join DH's brother and his cute family there. We had a ball. I wasn't so sure how it would be with a non-sit still 2 yr old, but we were able to find rides he enjoyed (who isn't enthralled by "Small World" and "Pirates" - arrgggh!?) and try to help him understand the magic of it all. I think we'll have to go back in a few years to refresh his memory, but it was a lot of fun. Mr. A had fun being with his cousins, "Cotty" and "Or-ick" and even asked for them after we had left.

We wondered what Mr. A's reaction to the fireworks would be - maybe be scared, maybe think they're too loud, maybe even not like them. Not at all - he started hysterically laughing when the first one went off and asked for "Mo'"- it was so cute!

Andrew and me getting ready for the Pirates adventure - when asked what they say, he says "ARRRGH!"
Everyone needs their mouse ears - only appropriate that these are Pirate mouse ears. Mr. A insisted that DH have pirate mouse ears on for the picture too.
DH and Mr. A watching the light parade on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom with DH's brother and Mr. A's cousin, "Or-ick"

Mr. A and his "buddy"/cousin, Tucker. Tucker was a SAINT and even admitted that Mr. A has more energy than he does (for anyone who knows Tucker, you know that is a hard one to beat!). But, Tucker helped us to chase Mr. A all around and keep an extra set of eyes on him. Thank you, Tucker, for saving my back!

We hit Epcot Center on Day 1 and saw the Energy Universe (or whatever it's called), the Natural Habitat ride, and ate some "fren fry" for lunch. DH joined us in the afternoon and we all went on "Soarin'" (btw - I LOVE Parent Switch passes! Disney really does think of EVERYTHING) and took turns watching the little ones. Soarin was one of the only rides I could go on (for some strange reason they don't allow expectant women to cruise down Thunder Mountain or ride around Test Track - go figure) so it was nice. While the boys went on some other thrilling rides, I explored the World Showcase. That place is awesome! I guess I should say I ate my way through World Showcase, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. DH literally ate his way through it later that night with his brother and niece and nephews - they got an appetizer from every country and shared it - the deal was they HAD to try everything (including the sushi from Japan - for anyone who knows DH you know that was pure torture).

DH's brother even told his kids to enjoy the site of the fake Eifel Tower because they'd probably never get to go to Paris as a family. His one brilliant son asked, "So, then we're not supposed to enjoy the other countries' fake sites because you're taking us THERE?!" Gotta love smart alecks. I really liked the little slice of each country around the world!

On Day 2 we hit up the Magic Kingdom and re-lived our childhood memories. I must admit I was bummed that they no longer had frozen Carnation malts available or even the Red Vine Ropes sold in the Confectionery (crazy, I know, but I used to think those were unique to Disneyland - my mom did a nice job of convincing me so! :)). I guess Marketing dollars win out in the end so now everything is Nestle. Sigh.

In any event, those who could did Space Mountain, Stitch, Thunder Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Pirates, Small World, the Pooh ride, and other fun rides. Nothing ever amazes me more than the look on a child's face when he's discovering something for the first time. I tried to capture Andrew on Small World and Pirates, but pictures never do it justice!

Little boys went back to the hotel for naps and then we all met back up at the Magic Kingdom for the evening activities (Light Parade, Fireworks), some Dole pineapple soft serve - YUM!, and the mass exodus from the park. Very fun.

Day 3 we made it to Animal Kingdom. I think this was one of my favorites because it was totally NOT what I expected. It is so cool! The safari ride was a highlight and the Everest Expedition was a must-do for all those who could. The report is that it beats Matterhorn - that's a pretty tall comparison!

We had a great time and will try to let a few more days pass before talking about the trip home - it's still pretty raw so we're going to dream of more Dole pineapple soft serve, authentic American funnel cakes, and frozen lemonade instead for now! Oh, and maybe we'll hope to pepper some mouse ears in there too. Thanks, M&M for letting us join your family fun! We loved it.