Magic Kingdom Day 1

This was technically a day not recommended for this park, but with Deesh and Melissa only here a few days, we had to do it today. It was fabulous! We had researched that April (after Easter) is a perfect time to come for crowds and warm weather. It's true! We were actually a bit chilly from time to time on the first few days...but by the end of the week, it was warm (not hot) all day.

Melissa made a special trip to Downtown Disney to find the perfect shirt and ears for our first official day at Disneyworld.

After carrying Alayna for about 3 hours the first morning, she finally crashed. We quickly learned her routine and my arms eventually got some relief!

Samantha had 2 favorite rides. The cars and Splash Mountain. We did each countless times. We got her to go on Space Mountain, but I'm pretty sure she was scared...despite doing it twice!

It is always appropriate to stop and dance! Especially with Deesh!

Samantha thought of questions to ask each princess. It allowed her a bunch of time just to chit-chat. She was mesmerized by princesses. Even Alayna warmed up to them.

Have I mentioned how much Alayna loves Mickey Mouse!

 We had just come from lunch at the Lady and the Tramp place, had fast passes to meet the princesses, and when we walked out the door, we sat our butts down on Main Street and watched the parade. Alayna loved it!

After a mid-day snack, we all needed a nap.

The Mickey Show at the Castle featuring princesses. This little princess was happy.

We did everything, multiple times this first day! Favorites were Mickey's Philharmonic 3D Show, Splash Mountain, Parade and Castle Show. We decided to save the electric parade and fireworks for another night.

We started our vacation with an announcement...

 

 Coming This November!

18 Months Old

 

Height: 33" - 70%

Weight: 23 lbs - 15%

Head: 18" - 5%

Attitude: off the charts

Despite all the constant babbling, we are yet to get words out of this girl. She is far from quiet...and she can say all versions of mom, mama and dad at impressive decibels. Dr Young says to give her until 20 months to get 5-10 words. If not by then, we should have a specialist observe her. Blake and I are confident she will spat out entire sentences any day now.
 

Alayna loves to play puppies and wrestle with Samantha. She will do just about anything that Sam does.

 She loves to climb on all things and play all day.We are finally up to about an hour nap a day, and a blissful 12 hours at night.

 We have a healthy love-hate relationship. I am pretty sure there are times we don't like each other at all. But then, there are the sweetest moments that make all the bad completely disappear.

Disneyworld, Here we Come!

Blake and I have been dying to tell Sammie (and Alayna) about our upcoming trip to Disneyworld. We didn't want to tell her too soon, or we would be hearing about it everyday for an entire month. We opted to tell her one week before we left. We decorated her room with balloons, maps and Mickey Mouse friends. She knew right away! Alayna will be over the moon when she sees a life-size Mickey and Minnie Mouse.Samantha also got a personal phone call from her favorite princess, Ariel! "I can't believe Ariel knows my name! This is going to be the greatest day ever!"
Thank you, Aunt Ginger!

Hippity, Hoppity, Easter's On It's Way!

Our Easter Baskets were full of Church books, HOP the movie, a family-photo puzzle and tons of candy.
Sam got a leather-bound journal in her basket this year. We had stopped at the bookstore in San Antonio the day before, and she wanted it SO bad! That easter bunny is so wise! She writes in it everyday and carries it everywhere.
Egg dying with Dad.Cookie Decorating with Aunt Mel

We had a feeling Alayna would love the easter baskets and grass. Kudos to us for not putting them out until the day before. Sometimes, we have these genius moments.

Daddy and Sammie.

Alayna looking sweet and eating candy.

This may be the first and only year for confetti eggs. I am still finding that stuff everywhere!

Egg hunt inside.Egg hunt outside.

Does the fun ever end?
Sweet little Alayna. She loved finding the eggs and filling her basket.

After church we had everyone over for dinner and an Easter Trivia Game. I should've pulled the camera out...but got lazy. Brian & Diana, Jennifer-Danny-Declan, Jamie & Caroline, Grandma & Papa, Deesh & Melissa.

SeaWorld San Antonio

We had a great time on our quick trip to Seaworld San Antonio with friends. We caravan'd down with the Knies and Griffeths.

How do you not choose the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet...it was a no-brainer when kids out number adults.

Having buddies makes the day so much fun!

Shamu show.

Alayna was very hesitant on the carousel...at first, then she loved it!

These mapquesters kept us on track.First ride of the day...baby shamu...

Then it was off to the big leagues. Yes, the "too short" kiddos went on this...and whoa, they shouldn't have.Super-fun day with family and friends!