Friday, February 28, 2014

the happiest place

We did it...our very first family trip to Disney World. And it was crazy and logistically complicated and utterly magical.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon. It's held at the end of February and sells out each year, so you must commit well in advance. This past summer, very pregnant with Shepherd, I signed up to run in 2014. It seemed a little nuts, seeing that I would only be 5 months postpartum, but I wanted to try. And Sunday I finished 13.1 miles in the Florida humidity, checking off a major life to-do for myself. Granted, it wasn't fast or pretty, but I finished.

But that wasn't the magical part. The magic ensued as we watched Barnes and Frances literally light up while seeing their favorite characters in person and experiencing the true enchantment of a few days in the Magic Kingdom. B&F loved it. Barnes adored all the characters. He had practiced "high five, autograph book, big hug" before we left, and he stuck to his routine with each new friend he met. Frances couldn't get enough of Minnie Mouse. She talked for hours about touching Minnie's pink sparkly dress. They both loved the few rides we did, especially Winnie the Pooh and Dumbo.

And while we were quite uncertain about taking a 5 month old to Disney World, Shepherd may have had the best time of all. If I have failed to mention it before, Shepherd has turned into quite the little charmer. He is the smiliest, flirtiest baby, and he worked his charm on literally everyone in the park.    No one could pass by without playing with Shep. He loved the characters, laughing out loud at each of them.

We went at a two-year-old's pace, but it was perfect. We were so grateful for our fabulous February break.

first Mickey & Minnie sighting.  they could care less that these are just statues.  can you tell they were excited?

B&F's favorite ride--Buzz Lightyear

obsessed with their pens and autograph books

their favorite meet & greet

probably the best moment of her life

Shep found a new girlfriend

pretty excited about Cinderella

pluto--another favorite

after Dumbo with mom

riding Dumbo with dad

mommy's two princes...and dinosaur of course

Eeyore--Shep's favorite

Barnes literally loved every character

so happy

watching the parade while mom takes a "pump break"

loving the parade

showing Goofy his hot dog dance at breakfast

loving the hot weather...Shep's first swim

No comments:

Post a Comment