Disney - Part 2 {the evening}

As I mentioned - we broke our Disney Day up into two parts. FYI - tickets are pricey and Tyson & I decided to "get our money's worth." It was a smart move. After naps, showers, warmer clothes, and dinner - we made our way back to the "happiest place on Earth." We weren't sure how long the kids would last - but we had a couple things going for us: 1) neither were interested in the parades or the fireworks 2) they were SO excited to be back there

Our first stop was Pirates of the Caribbean. We realized pretty quickly that the lines had dissipated A LOT. And once we were on the ride, I realized it probably wasn't the best parenting move for Josie's sake. She buried her face in me and I felt awful. Oops.

Next we visited Belle to for her interactive tale. Jack was cast as "Chip" - pretty appropriate. He felt like a real movie star and had so much fun!

There were NO WAITS for any of the rides our kids wanted to go on...and even better, NO WAITING to see the characters! This was HEAVEN for Josie. As you all know, my kids aren't afraid of creepy characters (only old men who bring them presents). Josie's reaction to seeing Minnie was hilarious. She was totally in awe.

Before we left we stopped at Mickey's Magic Show to say hello to "the Big Man" himself. Both kids were SUPER excited. Jack hugged him and professed his love...very loudly. "I WUV YOU, MICKEY!!" By the time we got to our car it was midnight and we had two VERY tired kids...and TWO very tired parents.

After a good night's sleep - we woke up for our journey back to Michigan. But Jack tried one last ditch effort to convince us we should go back to see Mickey. I found him studying the map of the park.

It was a great day, full of so many memories! We can't wait to go back!

Disney - Part 1 {the morning}

We woke up early last Thursday for our Disney Day. It was WAY too early for Josie {our 2 year old, living in a 15 year old's body}. Per usual, Josie swatted me away as I tried to wake her up. Jack, on the other hand, bounced out of bed, ready to go. The child honestly has an unprecedented amount of energy.

We walked into the park around 10am - because parking, tram, tickets, a monorail ride, and bag checks take FOREVER. Once inside the park Tyson jetted off for FastPass+ tickets and everyone else took a bathroom break. It was chilly - but we were ready.

We made our way to a few different toddler-friendly rides. Both kids LOVED Dumbo, the race cars, and Jack had fun on the Barnstormer roller coaster.

Josie and Grandpa Jerry took a ride on the carousel - which was, quite possibly, the highlight of Josie's day. She thought it was "the best ride at Disney!" {good news, kid, carousels are easy to find}

After a brief nap for Josie and lunch for everyone else - we headed off to It's a Small World. Both kids LOVED it! We also went on Buzz Lightyear's ride and met Chip & Dale. By 4pm we called it a day. Grandma & Grandpa headed back to Sebring, while we left for our hotel room.

No surprise - everyone napped well....which meant we were all ready for Round 2 that night.

Meeting Mickey Mouse - Florida Part 1

Our flight to Florida was pretty low key. Both kids were tired, but resilient. They didn't fuss or cry - and we even got compliments from the people sitting around us.

By the time we reached our hotel at 11pm - both of them were DEAD tired and Jack had seen/heard enough. He wasn't happy that we rented a car - "THIS IS NOT OUR CAR, GUYS." And then when we got to the hotel he said, "I don't like this house. It's too big. I want to go back to my house."

Needless to say - it was a rough hour or so. Josie slept like a champ in the Pack N' Play. And Tyson slept like a champ…on the pull out couch…with Jack. I got a great night of sleep in a Queen size bed, all by myself.

Wednesday morning we woke up and got ready - then headed off to Disney to see my parents.  Disney World seemed like it would be too much for my kids at this age, so we opted for a character breakfast at the Polynesian's Ohana restaurant. It was perfect!

 Both kids were SO excited to see Grandma & Grandpa!

Meeting the STAR himself, Mickey Mouse! And Lilo was there too…so were Pluto and Stitch. But Mickey was definitely the star and the highlight of Jack's day.

Josie tweaked Mickey's nose and pulled on Pluto's whiskers. But she loved all of the characters! No fear.

Before we left we took the kids on the most popular ride in all of Disney…the Monorail. It was free and Jack thought it was awesome. My dad claims it's child abuse to let your kids ride past Disney but not take them in… They'll get their day. When I win the lottery.