It was strange how this trip evolved. Originally, we were going to go to Little Gasparilla island for the full week of spring break. It would be inexpensive, warm, and relaxing and we would get to be with Eric's mom too. Then, Eric got a phone call from his brother and sister saying they wanted to come too, and they wanted to spend a couple of days in Disney as well. We looked into Disney (even though we had just been in the fall) and found a good military deal on tickets for a 4-day pass. Why not? So we bought them. Then, figuring that his Mom's Kissimmee house would be too crowded, we decided to reserve a large room at Shades of Green for 3 of the nights. Unfortunately, his sister nor brother were able to come in the end due to plane ticket prices, but another brother, Kyle and his wife Jessica decided to come with their 4-week old baby. So, we mixed it all up and made it into a great vacation. We spent the first 2 days at the beach with Grandma Cindi & Steve, the next day with Grandma Guelde, and the last 4 days at Disney. Then drove back on Sunday. It turned out to be a great combination...a little bit of everything.
After leaving the beach, we spent the rest of the day and that night with Grandma Guelde. I always enjoy talking with her, and the kids and Eric love to swim in her pool. The next morning, we got up and headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios. We had a totally different experience this time than last time we went. We only repeated two of our favorites: Rockin Roller Coaster (which even Alex went on this time--twice) and Toy Story Mania which is Jarem's favorite. We went to the Indiana Jones stunt show (for the first time) which was Alex's favorite attraction of the day. Some other new ones that we went to this time were: American Idol (mine and Jesikah's new favorite) and Beauty and the Beast live performance. Eric's favorite was still the Rockin Rollercoaster which goes from 0-60mph in something like 3 seconds. Tessa couldn't decide what she liked the best...she listed all the ones she liked which included most all of what we did that day.
Now that we have learned the tricks of the book. We still keep it with us for reference, but we plan our own schedule according to what we want to see that day.
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| The Beauty and the Beast live performance was a favorite of mine also. |
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| Eric and Jarem watching Beauty and the Beast |
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| We all took an afternoon break for Mickey Mouse ice cream bars. YUM! |
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| Alex trying to avoid a picture next to the shop where we bought the ice cream |
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| Eric and I after eating out ice cream bars |
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| The American Idol stage...it was just like the real show where you got to vote and everything |
The cool thing about the Hollywood Studios American Idol is that people who are at the park that day audition for the show. They select 15 people to be in the shows that day (3 perform per show in 5 shows). In each show, they have the judges who make comments, etc and then the audience votes. Whoever wins each show goes on to the finale which is the last/6th show of the day. We went to the last regular show of the day and it was so fun. When the show was done, I wanted to go to the finale to see all the finalists and see who won. Only Jesikah wanted to join me in the finale, so the others went to Toy Story Mania and met us after the show. It was very fun! It felt like you were in the real American Idol.
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| Alex being a twirp |
We learned something new this trip. In the past, we have carried our lunch around in a backpack along with other necessaries. This time, we rented a locker and put our lunch and other things we didn't need all day in the locker. Then when lunchtime came, we went back to the locker and our lunch was still cold and fresh instead of being warm and swishy. Also, the backpack was a lot lighter without all those water bottles and lunches.
However, at the end of the first day, we got out to our car and realized we forgot to get the stuff out of our locker including the car keys. So, Eric went back to the locker while the kids and I waited in the parking lot. Alex was being a twirp while we waited, so I got the camera out and started taking pictures of him because he hates pictures. These were a few that actually were kind of cute, regardless of the fact that he was being a stinker. I love the one below that shows his dimple so well. I've always loved that dimple.
3 comments:
Great pics of Alex! I remember when my kids would mug for the camera and now they complain (Gabby more so) about getting their pictures taken. That doesn't stop me, though! The B&B show looked like a lot of fun. Corey & Scott would have liked the American Idol show. They both watch it every week. I am not such a big fan of the show.
I remember when the kids finally outgrew their strollers we had to start carrying the backpacks around. We never thought to use the lockers. That's a good tip for the next time we go :)
you'll be so glad to have those twirpy pics of alex. good job, mama! and yes, his dimples are adorable :) this looks like such a fun day! it's nice to see some things we can look forward to as the kids get bigger instead of mourning their littleness. :)
I didn't know there was so much to do there! That is cool to see a live Beauty and the Beast show! I am soo sorry we were not able to come- especially after you put all that extra effort in for us. I cannot appoligize enough, I feel so so bad! I hope you guys still had fun though with Kyle and Jessica
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