Magical Memories...Part One

We are home! And our hearts are full of wonderful, magical, Disney memories. As I begin, however, I feel compelled to mention that amid all of our fun and happiness, we were aware of the tragedies that struck so very close to us. We offered prayers for all those affected, and I humbly ask that you remember them in your own way as well. And now...Our Disney Vacation in pictures. And a few (too many) words here and there. : )

The night before we left, I had a small "We're going to Disney World!" party.

 

And Peyton was clever. She made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, so we would have something to grab on our way out the door early the next morning. : )

 

A quick phone snap as we loaded up the van for the drive to the airport...

 

And a Snapchat to say, "We're off!"

 

Aaaaaand one more at the airport. : )

 

I brought along some new friends for my girl to play with on the plane.

 

And she did...She also did a lot of this. : )

 

We surprised our Peyton with a special Sweet 16 surprise!

She didn't want a big party or a fuss, but we know how much she loves Disney World...

 

So we had some beautiful flowers and candy and a delicious chocolate cake waiting to welcome her to Disney World!

 

I surprised the kids with these fun Disney pillowcases too. : )

 

 Soon we had our first glimpse of the castle!!!

This is from our hotel right in Magic Kingdom.

 

Steve snapped this picture that first night as we finally arrived at Magic Kingdom!

The rain was a welcome sight...it cooled the air and cleared the park!

 

I think this look says it all.

The pure excitement of being there! : )

 

Day two had us on our way back to Magic Kingdom...

 

For dinner at Beast's Castle!

 

 

 

We waited outside to be summoned in by Beast himself...

 

 

Inside is as stunning as a dream...

 

 

 

And we were thrilled to find we would be eating in The West Wing...

 

Right near The Enchanted Rose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had one last surprise for our Peyton...

a birthday cake in Beast's Castle.

Beauty and The Beast is her absolute favorite. : )

 

Our Sweet Sixteen.

 

After dinner, we met The Beast himself...

 

 

 

 

 

Then took a few more photos before changing our little princess and heading back out to Magic Kingdom!

 

 

We found Dumbo...her and my...favorite. : )

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then...we went to see her.

Cinderella.

Flynn was thrilled to see her glass slipper!

 

First we met Rapunzel...

and Flynn was polite, yet couldn't keep her eyes off Cinderella!

 

 

Madison though?

They could have chatted for hours!

 

 

 

Finally!

It was time!

Flynn ran into the arms of the sweetest princess ever!

 

And it was just as magical as can be!

 

A hug goodbye...before promising to see her again soon. : )

 

Magic Kingdom at night...

 

 

 

 

breathtaking.

 

Day three we traveled to Animal Kingdom...

 

And loved The Lion King Show!

 

 

 

We also saw the Tree of Life in the daylight...

 

And lit up beautifully at night.

 

Day four we woke early for breakfast with some old friends...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the Mickey Waffles were as good as we remembered. : )

 

Afternoons were for napping.

And watching old Mickey Mouse cartoons on TV.

 

For all of us. : )

 

Monday evening we headed to Epcot...

 

 

 

 

For Dinner in Japan at our favorite Teppan Edo...

 

 

 

It is so fun to watch your meal being prepared right before your very eyes..

 

 

 

And The Chocolate Ginger Cake is delicious.

Just sayin'.

 

 

 

Then it was back to our lovely hotel for a good night's sleep.

 

And that is a wrap on the first few days of our Disney trip this year.

If you are still reading...wow!

Thanks for hanging in there!

Part Two coming soon.

I've missed you all!