Vacation Memories

We've been home for 10 days now, but I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from our family vacation. In my defense, I uploaded them when I got home, but didn't even have a chance to look at the images until three days ago. We got home on a Saturday night and I was sick in bed the next two days, then came down with something completely different and had to get my act in gear to host 27 people at our home for Thanksgiving. We did have a wonderful time, though. This was Leila's third trip to Disney, Mia's second and Kara's first. Kara was so excited, but didn't really know what to expect. To my surprise, she had never heard of Disney World while she was in China. Considering she seemed to watch TV every waking moment she wasn't in school, I was quite shocked. I was so excited to get away with the family, but especially anxious to see her reaction. The weather could not have been more perfect! We went during the same week two years ago and had record lows. I had to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe for all of us then - including winter hats and mittens. Not this year - it was sunshine and low 80s every day. Hallelujah!

A word of warning: to say this post is photo heavy is an understatement. If only my mom and mother-in-law stick around until the end, I'll understand. :)

On our first full day, we took it easy and relaxed - riding a multi-seat bicycle around the resort and going swimming. We gave the girls the choice of driving to a beach or swimming and they chose swimming in the pool - hands down. We were resting up for a long week of Disney.

We have always taken a more leisurely approach on our past Disney trips - three days max with a break or two to the beach in between. This time, we decided to go all out - five days in a row! The girls were the perfect age to do it and it ended up working out great.

Day One: The Magic Kingdom

And appointments at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, of course...

Day Two: Animal Kingdom

The Lion King and Finding Nemo are my favorite Disney park shows.

Yes, I am wearing a rain jacket, but I still got soaked!

That night, we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.

The castle looks so amazingly beautiful at Christmas time.

We had planned to meet up with some friends from back home. Mia and her friend, Gracyn, were so cute to watch. They were dancing in front of the castle and Mia had her hand around Gracyn's back during the parade. Adorable!!

Day Three: Epcot

I was so happy to see Mulan, as was Kara and Mia.

The girls all loved Soarin' and Test Track. They were their favorite rides of all four parks.

We had the Princess Dinner at Akershush in Epcot's Norway pavilion.

Day Four: Hollywood Studios

This was our least favorite park, but the American Idol show got two thumbs up from all of us.

Mia LOVES Handy Manny and Woody.

This was such a neat concept. Park-goers can audition for American Idol in the morning and then compete throughout the day. The audience votes for their favorite singer each show and then the winner moves on to the evening competition. Whomever wins the evening competition gets a "Golden Ticket" that will get them access to the front of the line at any American Idol audition in the country. The winner of our show was really good!

The girls were pulled out to dance in the street during the parade.

Day Five: Back to the Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear was one of the highlights of Mia's trip. Buzz is her absolute favorite!

Goodbye, Zai Jian & Dosvidania to Disney World... until we meet again. It has been a great week. (And the girls still had the energy to skip to the car that evening!)

Our bags were packed, the car was loaded and we were headed to the airport. I asked the girls if they had a good time and this was their response...

I'll take that as a yes. ;)