We had such a blast in Florida. Again. This time we went for 7 nights, which made Andy very nervous. Overall though, I would say the trip was a success. We switched it up after staying in Orlando for 4 nights and headed to Daytona Beach for 3 nights, which was a nice change of scenery.
Luke was a little bit of a struggle, as that age is on.the.go, but still needs naps twice a day, doesn't understand you can't shovel sand in your mouth, and still wasn't sleeping through the night, but he went with the flow pretty well overall. Here are some pics of our amazing trip. And thank you again to my wonderful parents for making it possible to take such great trips!!
This time around - unlike last year when we woke up the morning of our trip, we told the kids two weeks ahead of time. Andy made a paper chain, and each morning the kids took off one chain each morning to show them how much closer we were getting. They did really well with it - and it was nice to not have to hide it. Which way did I like better - definitely telling them the morning of - I thought way that was more exciting.
Picture overload below!
Kids excited and ready to go in their Mickey and Minnie gear! Our flight was at noon, so plenty of time to pack and get to the airport.
Picking out her sleep toys.
Leah was right in front of us on the plane!
All buckled in her car seat. Henry and Hannah had their own seats, and Luke was a lap child. We checked Luke's and Henry's car seats for free at the gate - which is awesome if you purchase a car seat carrier bag because you can throw other stuff in there as well (blankets, diapers, clothes, etc.)
Selfie with the sleeping babe. On the way down he was great. Slept on me for most of the flight.
Henry was perfect. Watched Frozen, colored pictures, perfect. Same with Hannah. She decided on her own she wanted to nap, so she could be ready to go once we got to Florida.
Besties.
Checked into our room. Beautiful view and sunset.
Up bright and early. If it was before 8am I would take the kids out for a walk to let the others sleep in. Bonnet Creek has a great play area for small kids.
Poolside with my Hannah girl.
These baby ducks were quite the hit!
Hannah brave on her new raft. Note to self for next time - pack a raft so you don't have to pay $15 for one poolside.
Zero entry pools are a must for small children. We stayed at Tower 6, which had zero entry, and Tower 5 right next door did as well, plus they had the lazy river that Henry loved.
Uncle Brian is so great with the kids!
Deep conversations with Papa.
Singing 'Let it Go' at the amphitheater.
Loved sunsets on the deck.
Getting ready for Disney!
Even Henry got a gem on his face.
A lot of time outside. Playing cards was a hit. We even moved the couch from inside to outside so we all had comfy seats.
Of course none of the babies slept the night before Disney. Luke had an ear infection, and was super fussy, Henry had a bad dream so Andy ended up out on the pull out couch with him, and Leah was up on and off all night too. So 7am rolled around really early. We all sprinted to get ready, coffee in hand, and were out the door by 8am to get there right at opening. These girls were super cute in their matching outfits for Disney!
Papa in charge of the napping babies.
Met the princesses this time! The Anna and Elsa line was 4 hours, so we settled for Tangled and Cinderella, which were just wonderful. And we got a fastpass and were in there in 15 minutes.
Luke snoozed a lot on mommy! At the end of the day my back was killing me - but it was sure nice to keep him snuggled up on my chest all day, which pretty much all the rides allowed for!
Awesome new parade with Frozen!
Meeting Mickey! Kids loved it, Luke was terrified!
Annual family picture with Mickey at 11pm at night after the longest most magical day:)
Day 4 - ready to go!
Kids loved the pool.
And the adults loved the hot tubs with sangria:)
Leah Leah Leah!
In the hot pool with Grandma Deaner.
Trip to TRex to eat at Downtown Disney.
Luke is ready for his food.
Last night in Orlando was spent by the fire roasting marshmallows listening to live music. Danielle and Brian left Friday morning, and we had to pack up to head over to Daytona Beach. We considered a trip to Sea World, but the long day at Disney still had us exhausted! Next time Orlando, next time.
