Ernst 5: Disney Highlights

A few weeks ago, Dan and I were able to take the kids to Orlando, where we had planned to go to Walt Disney World for a couple of days. My mom had won 4 airline tickets and very generously gave them to us, along with a day's worth of tickets to enter one of the parks. We decided to utilize the offer on the part of WDW, that if you come on your birthday, you get a free ticket and then be able to try out 2 different parks. This blog and the next one I will get to (hopefully before our trip to Trinidad) will give you a visual idea of the fun we had!

This was Lydia's first time on an airplane. Jake flew when he was 5 1/2 months old to PNG, so really it was his first time, as far as remembering goes. Unfortunately, I did not get a great picture of him on the flight.

She looks quite the experienced traveler already, huh?

Cool spaceman we took a photo op with.

We got to pick our rental car! Wish you could have seen the way Dan squished our luggage in there.

J & L could hardly wait to go swimming as soon as we arrived. They (un)patiently waited for mom to unpack. Finally, she was ready and Dad got a much needed nap.

Glad we swam then, because there was only time for swimming one other time during our trip. Had about an hour and a half in the pool until it was time to go have supper with Mickey & friends!!!

Apparently, Daddy wasn't the only one who needed a nap.

They slept just about the entire 20 minute drive to...

I tried to wake them up to see this sign, but it was no use. (Although Lydia still claims that she never fell asleep). The power nap was good for them so all could be in a good mood for Chef Mickey's! We got to see and get autographs from all these peeps...

Donald Duck

Goofy

Pluto

Minnie (aka "Meanie," as our trolley driver called her, which completely cracked up the kids). Who...

stole a kiss from the Jakester!

And of course, Mickey!

This was my mode of transportation for Friday and Saturday. Due to breaking my leg, I was not going to be able to walk WDW for 2 straight days. I offered to push Dan around in it as well and we could take turns, since he had injured his ankle with a bad sprain the weekend before. But he declined. However, it was great for Lydia, who if you know her at all, tends to walk at her own "speed of life." I would sit back as far as I could, which left a little spot for her to sit in the middle. Jake got a few turns too, but was great in understanding Lydia's "need" for it.

Gotta love the 3D shows...I believe this was the Muppets.

Had to include this pic...how often do you get to hug a snowman in May?

This was taken on our family favorite ride, Toy Story Mania. We liked it so much we got fast passes to go again. As you can see from the pic, you pull on the little string, while aiming to shoot all sorts of things (all 3D).

Remember Honey, I Shrunk The Kids? I loved that movie. They had a little playground area where kids could run around. Was fun for the kids, but impossible to keep track of them, so I planted myself near the exit.

Dan found a glorious bit of shade and planted himself there...smart man.

Lid in my chair. We separated from the boys so Jake could do Star Tours one more time and Lydia could see The Little Mermaid show one more time (one of her favs). This was during our short wait time.