Walt Disney World

With Lauren's arm not broken, we decided to keep our plans of driving down to Orlando Friday after school. The girls were all excited, so the drive went pretty well. We didn't get to the hotel until 10pm, so they woke up and didn't want to go back to sleep right away.

Saturday morning came and we got to Magic Kingdom shortly after it opened. The girls loved seeing the show in front of the castle with all of the different characters. Dumbo was a big hit with Kaitlyn and Lauren, but not so much with Alexa. Alexa loved the merry-go-round. Kaitlyn and Lauren really just wanted to get all the characters signatures and not ride the rides, so that is mainly what we did, much to Bill's chagrin. We ate lunch at Crystal Palace, so we saw Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet. Alexa didn't like them too much, but started to warm up a little bit towards the end of lunch. After lunch Alexa took a nap in the stroller, while Bill went on his 1 ride of Space Mountain. I took Kaitlyn and Lauren on Buzz Lightyear, and they both were buried under my arms since it was too loud and scary!?! After we waited in some long lines for Tinkerbell and 2 other fairies and Mickey and Minnie. We had a great time, but it is always tough when it takes an hour to get to your car from the time you decide to leave the park. First, the train to the front of the park, then bathroom stops, then the boat to the parking area, then the tram to our car's row and, finally, the walk to our car. We then had to check into our hotel and move everything upstairs. Such a chore with 5 of us, even if it is for just 4 days. So this was an early night to bed for 3 worn out girls.

Sunday was a relaxing day by the pool. Lauren jumped into the pool and quickly realized that she doesn't know how to swim yet. Luckily, Bill was right there to pull her up. She wanted to wear Alexa's vest from then on out and didn't want to get out of the pool at all. I think it helped her shoulder out as well since it wasn't bothering her and she could move it around somewhat. Kaitlyn loved being in the water again, but just needs a little push to start swimming again. Alexa didn't know what to think of the water at first, but soon loved splashing with her hands and feet. We did have to watch a presentation for Hilton's Vacation Club, which was enticing, but just not something we can do right now. Lauren's arm was also starting to bother her more, so we just had a easy pizza dinner in our suite, and then went to the pool (Bill and Kaitlyn) and the playground (Lauren, Alexa and me). Another early night to bed was just what they needed once again.

Monday, we spent the day at Epcot. We were 3rd in line to get signatures from Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto, to that was very exciting. Alexa still was a little afraid, but managed to get through pictures in my arms. Bill went to get a Fast Pass while I took them all to the Nemo ride. Alexa was mesmerized by everything, while Kaitlyn and Lauren were afraid of the noises and the darkness. I think Kaitlyn makes Lauren more afraid than she normally would be sometimes. Bill wanted to go on this ride, so he took Alexa again since the other 2 wouldn't do it, and once again, Alexa loved it. Too weird to have her love the rides and hate the characters, while the other 2 are the complete opposite. We then went to the Honey I Shrunk the Audience show, and Kaitlyn was just so smart to realize that they didn't really shrink us. Bill's Siemens job definitely does come in handy since they got us in a hospitality area for Mission: Space, then quick access onto the ride and also a VIP Pass for GM and its' Test Track. The girls all loved having the floor change colors and getting on screen with some hats and costumes at the hospitality area and the ride itself. Afterwards, Kaitlyn and Bill headed over to Soarin' while I took the other 2 towards the lake and lunch. Kaitlyn loved the ride, so she isn't hopeless with all rides. We then had a great lunch with all of the princesses at Akershus in Norway. They all, including Alexa, loved seeing and getting signatures from Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White and Ariel. After lunch, we decided to head around the world looking for more characters to get signatures from while Alexa slept in her stroller again. The only problem arose when all the characters went inside since the rain came. Lauren loved running around in the rain, while Kaitlyn did as well, just with an umbrella. The one good part about walking around the world was that they served good beer, which I desperately needed after too much whining. I was then able to bypass the 150 minute wait to get on Test Track, which was a great ride. We then took a few more pictures with all of the beautiful plants made into all the characters before we headed out. We had been planning on going to Magic Kingdom that night for the parade and fireworks, but realized that they were all too young for that. That will be a must on our next trip, but I have already stated that will be at least 3 years!

With the rain and the wind, the temperature dropped that night, but the girls still wanted to go swimming again. I am just happy the pool was warm enough, and the hot tub was great for us to each spend some quiet time in separately. The girls loved swimming again and didn't want to get out, but they were all worn out from another long day.

Tuesday was a little long driving home, but not horrible. Alexa had a few rough patches, but she was happy to get home and out of the car seat. Kaitlyn and Lauren were just happy to watch their movies and play together in the backseat. All in all, it was a good trip, but the girls just need to be a little older to fully enjoy everything a little more.