Disney Vacation 2012

We returned home from our Disney Vacation 2 weeks ago.  We spent just over a week in Orlando, arriving on a Monday and leaving on a Monday.  The last couple days of our plans were interrupted by tropical storm Debbie, so our trips to the parks were cut a little short and we didn't make it to the beach as planned - but everyone still had a great time.  Poor Dylan got sick the last couple days of our trip also - so even if it hadn't been for the rain - we probably wouldn't have gotten much time in at the beach or park those last 2 days.  

THINGS I LEARNED ON VACATION:

1)  Dylan no longer likes to have his picture taken

Okay, seriously, what a dramatic difference from our disney vacation a couple years ago to this year.  Last vacation we probably took close to 100 pictures and Dylan was seen smiling big in most of them.  This year, our first day at a park (Magic Kingdom), he proclaimed that he did not want his picture taken.  This is him below trying to hide from our first attempt at a family picture.  This wasn't a mood that passed either - because we only managed to get a handful of pictures of him - and almost none of them included a smile.  He is growing up too fast!  I mean really - he is only six - not sixteen.  What is up with that?

  

2)  Toddlers LOVE Disney - and Avery is no exception!

There is nothing quite like seeing a toddler as they experience Disney for the first time.  I saw it with Dylan a couple years ago and this year with Avery.  She was with us for the last trip - but she was only 1 - so not memorable for her.  This time though - OMG!  She was in absolute amazement at everything.  She had such a great time and couldn't stop smiling (except of course for the occasional times when she needed a little nap to get her going again).  

This is her bubbling over with excitement on the safari ride at Animal Kingdom. (Daddy looks pretty excited too.)

This was Dylan on the same ride - refusing to smile for the camera - but at least he didn't cover his face this time.

3)  Lunch at Cinderalla's Royal Table is totally worth it

Avery, Polly, and I ate lunch at Cinderalla's Castle on the day we went to the Magic Kingdom.  Avery of course had to wear her princess dress.  She chose the dress because it was pink - not necessarily because Aurora (sleeping beauty) is her favorite or anything.  She looked adorable. :)  She was really getting tired and ready to crash just before we went into the castle for our lunch reservation, but once we walked in, she instantly lit up.  She was so excited to see Cinderella standing there to greet her!  Once inside we ate lunch while princess after princess came by to greet us.  It was so much fun watching Avery get excited each time a new princess was announced into the royal hall.

Avery's expression when the first princess, Snow White, was announced.

Snow White had Avery close her eyes and make a wish for Sleeping Beauty to appear (since Avery was dressed like her) - and when she opened them - there she was!  It was so cute!

Avery and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Avery and Ariel

Avery and Belle

Avery enjoying her ice cream sundae dessert in the castle. Yum!

4) Vacations are never long enough!!!!

Our vacation that seemed so long when we left - was over in the blink of an eye.  I think partly because of the last couple days of rain along with Dylan not feeling too well.  It was kind of a downer.  Brandon and I both returned from vacation already discussing and planning what we wanted to do next - which will definitely involve a beach!  We didn't get our beach time - and I really needed it... so looking forward to the next trip. :)

Daddy trying to teach Avery how to play putt-putt

Avery inside the cave at putt-putt

Daddy, Avery, and Dylan getting ready to feed the gators

Dylan feeding the gators - they were hot dogs on sticks

Daddy, Avery, Minnie, and Mom at the Animal Kingdom

Ah, look!  I managed to get a picture of Dylan with Donald - and he was smiling!  He actually volunteered for this - but Avery for some reason was afraid of Donald Duck - so she opted out.

And finally - the entire family with Mickey at the Animal Kingdom.  What a good time!