Animal Kingdom - Day 4

Animal Kingdom was scheduled for Day #4 and we were up early to get there just as the park was opening!  I was so glad we made the extra effort because we were one of the first groups of people to go on the Kilimanjaro Safari!

We were all on the lookout for the animals!

We saw tigers, rhinos, an ostrich, giraffe and a lot more that I cannot remember right now!

The ostrich was in the middle of the road and we had to wait for it to ever so slowly move out of the road so our jeep could pass!  I couldn't believe how big it was!

We not only saw animals, but this really cool tree.

I don't remember the type, but I thought it was beautiful.

This giraffe was so cool - - he was just standing there beside our jeep - - he was close enough to touch!

We took a train ride out to the conservation station which housed the vet clinic for all the animals.

While we were there, the vet was operating on a bird and it was being broad casted outside the operating room on a tv.  The vet was explaining what he was doing and you could see through the glass walls and watch everything!  Sarah loved it - - she was mesmerized!  I think she stood there for more than 20 minutes!

Sarah couldn't even be torn away to meet Rafiki!

Caleb got to meet him though!  So cool!

 We also got to see a really neat parade with all our favorite characters!  They were all dressed in jungle attire too!  The park closed at 8 pm, so we spent the evening back at the hotel swimming with the kids.  Uncle Jason even taught Sarah how to swim using strokes! 

Then we went and looked around the new Art of Animation resort, which was stunning!

The two sections we saw were themed for Cars and Finding Nemo.  Cars is definitely one of our family favorite movies!  On a ski trip we took when Sarah was 3 years old I think she watched the movie about tem times!! 

It was a great way to end a busy day! The kids were so tired they fell right asleep!!!

Epcot - Day 3

Epcot was on schedule for Day #3 of the vacation.

I was a little nervous about the kids reaction to Epcot because it is so different from Magic Kingdom,

but I think they really enjoyed it!

Notice our matching shirts?

Grandma made these for everyone before we left!

The best part of the day was getting to meet the Fab 5 characters. . . Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Donald & Goofy!  We only waited about 20 minutes and got to see all five characters - what a bargain!

I loved watching the kids expressions as they met the characters!

It was so exciting for them (and me too)!

Of course, Dad & I had to jump in on this picture too!

A good group shot with Grandma too!

After we got to see the characters, Caleb said "Who's next Mom?"

Oh boy!  Then he waited a minute and asked "Wait, where's Daisy?"

Wow!  You can't get anything by him!

Caleb and Grandma were having fun trying on different hats . . .

Grandpa got picked out of the crowd. . .

he does bear a resemblance to Caesar, right??

Grandma, Sarah, Caleb & Grandpa

The kids relaxing by the water waiting for the Great American History program to begin.

Truth be told, they weren't exactly relaxing as Caleb was more trying to lay on Sarah.

This is the typical, "Mom, I'm hot & don't want to walk anymore" picture.

Don't I look comfortable???

This picture was taken before enjoying a wonderful lunch at Le Cellier restaurant near Canada.

What a wonderful meal!  Sadly, I didn't take any pictures other than of Brandon's dessert. . .

so clever and very delicious!  It was a chocolate moose.

Next time I'm going to take more pictures of the food!!

The laser light show was excellent and another fun filled day was done.

Magic Kingdom - Day 1 & 2

It was finally time for the big vacation!!!

Our flight left at 6:05 am - yikes!  The kids were so excited though they got up & ready to go without any encouragement!!  A short flight later & we were in Orlando!!  Flying was a definite plus for this vacation!

After getting checked into our resort we headed straight for Magic Kingdom!

Grandma, Caleb, Sarah & Grandpa

The weather was beautiful . . . clear sky all the way!

The kids enjoyed their first ice cream treat, of course shaped like Mickey Mouse.

It was delicious ice cream; I had to help Caleb so his wouldn't melt!!!

Shortly after we arrived, the Main Street Party was taking place . . .

it was our first Mickey Mouse sighting!

The kids were so excited!!

We used Disney transportation since we were staying at a Disney Resort.

The kids were enjoying some down time while waiting in line for a Winnie the Pooh ride.

This was the longest line we had the entire time at the park, about 30 minutes.

Thankfully there was plenty to keep them occupied!

This picture was taken on Tom Sawyer Island - a small, hands on discovery play area.

The whole family together . . .

My favorite (or at least one of my favorite) attractions was Mickey's Philharmagic.

It was a 3D movie about Donald Duck taking over Mickey's orchestra . . wonderful!

The kids enjoyed it as well as the adults!

We had breakfast on the second morning we were there so we got to enter the park about 30 minutes prior to opening, which turned out to be the greatest picture opportunity!  Look - - - it's just us in front of the Castle!!!

We had our first character meeting on the first day. . . Woody & Jessie from Toy Story!

The kids were so excited to see them - the kids dressed up as these two characters for Halloween!

Eeyore from our character breakfast

Even Grandpa & Uncle Jason got in on the fun of meeting the characters!

I think Sarah wanted to take Winnie the Pooh home with her!

Caleb & I were waiting for the Electrical Parade to begin - - - it was awesome!

And of course the fire works over the castle were really cool!  We got to see Tinker Bell fly from the castle as well!  It was a great way to end the second day of our vacation!