My Date With Mickey

Thanks, Mickey, you're a real gentleman!

Where do I begin? We spent three wonderful days in Florida. I have never seen Kayleigh and Everett so excited. When Everett found out we were going to Disney with our family, he jumped up and down so hard, that I sincerely thought he may break his leg. Kayleigh did a party dance that lasted for about three days. I have often said the anticipation of an event is far more exciting than the actual event. Not this time! Disney World is truly a magical place.

Epcot Center

Kayleigh and Everett loved riding the Test Track. They rode it three times. My favorite ride is Soarin'. It is the most delightful ride where you literally feel like you are hand gliding over the State of California. I made an effort to look at people's reactions as they got off the ride, and I noticed how happy everyone was. Even Kayleigh agreed it was her favorite ride. Everett liked the rides that went fast!

We especially enjoyed the World Showcase. As we visited the different European Countries, it felt as if we were there. The buildings and scenery were exact replicas of European villages. We enjoyed a boat ride through Norway and Mexico. Cozette especially enjoyed the rides and the vibrant colors.

Melbourne Beach

Having a day at the beach was a brilliant idea. We were exhausted from our long day at Epcot and did not want to go back to Disney the following day. We enjoyed a beautiful day playing in the ocean. I was amazed at how high the waves were as they crushed against the shore. Truthfully, the waves were a little intimidating, but I was determined to play in the water with my family.

I did not regret it!

I have never laughed so hard in my life. We had to brace ourselves for the waves. Kayleigh and Brad had it down to a science. Kayleigh LOVES the ocean. I enjoyed watching how adventurous and daring she was. As the huge waves approached, I tried to either jump over or go under the wave. One wave was so big that it literally swept me to shore like I was a little sea creature. When I finally caught my breath, I wanted to cry, but Mom was standing there and we started laughing hysterically. It was very amusing as I watched my sisters wash up to the shore. Sadly, Nikki, lost her sunglasses in the ocean's waves. I did not laugh at that. I also did not laugh when Dad almost lost his swimming trunks.

I didn't laugh.

Well, maybe a little bit.

Magic Kingdom

We arrived at Magic Kingdom very early. I was SO excited to take pictures. I had all sorts of visions for family pictures and hoped to even use some at Christmastime. Splash Mountain changed that for me. The kids were able to ride Thunder Mountain about four times with out any wait. We decided to go ahead ride Splash Mountain since we were right by it.

How wet could I get?

My mom and I rode at the back at the boat. As another boat came down the mountain, it was if we had had 10 buckets of water poured on us. I will never forget my Mom's reaction!

"THAT IS NOT FUNNY!" She said in shock.

I was in so much shock, I did not realize just how wet I was.

We then looked at each other and laughed and laughed. Poor Kayleigh, Zoe, and Kaija were not happy that they got so wet. Nikki and Papa were also just as drenched. Kayleigh even started to cry and Zoe exclaimed, "I HATE this ride!" Nikki asked Kaija if she liked the ride and her response is classic and true to her gentle disposition.

"Weeeell...kinda!"

So, it became a family joke for the rest of the trip if we really did not want to do something, we would repeat Kaija's famous words. Somehow, Brad and Everett were only a little wet.

Our special luck for the day was getting to ride Space Mountain three times. The amazing part is that it was closed off and on all day due to a malfunction. At one point, we were not even sure if we were going to be able to ride it. Fast passes and baby switch passes are the best invention ever!

Everyone agreed at the end of the day that we were surprised at how many of the attractions we were able to ride!



The SpectraMagic Parade and fireworks display was the culminating event and a perfect way to end our time at Disney World. Here are a few our our family highlights at the parade:

Mommom danced with Pluto two times. It was the cutest thing ever. I told her I was very jealous.

Ursula the sea witch looked at Dad and asked, "Do you want to be my friend?"

Ariel acknowledged Kayleigh's red hair and waved at her.

We shook hands and got high-fives from Peter Pan. He even asked Everett if he was having a good time. Everett really liked that.

Minnie Mouse blew us kisses.

The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland approached me and as I reached out to her, she withdrew. It was funny. She really is a bad queen!

Prince Charming winked at Mommom. He did not wink at me.

We loved the parade so much, we watched it twice.

It was truly sad when we left Disney. We are already planning for when we can return. I am grateful for the many memories my children have.

I can't wait for my second date with Mickey!