Akin Bits: Orlando Trip with Grandpa Jim

In September we had the fun chance to go on vacation with Grandpa. Davey, unfortunately, had to leave mid-week for a trip, but he got to be there a couple days and go to Magic Kingdom with the kids. I stayed the rest of the week and we all had a great time.

The resort where we stayed had a pair of large birds, Sandhill Cranes, I believe, and they were pretty friendly. Davey said he ran right past them on a jog.

Checking out the cranes

Riding with Grandpa

Sunset over the lake

Besides Magic Kingdom, another of our favorite activities was a speed boat ride. This little boat was called "The Mouse" and Lailey and I had a blast! It was fast but not too fast and handled turns pretty well. She thoroughly enjoyed herself.

My little boating buddy

Out on the lake

So, speaking of Magic Kingdom, what lucky kid gets to go TWICE in one year? That would be Lailey. When we originally took her in June (see post here) we had no idea that in September Grandpa would take us again . It was a really special day for the 5 of us, and I enjoyed seeing Lailey re-experience things with Grandpa, which made it very memorable for both of them. She made sure to hold his hand on the Pirates ride and assured him it was not scary. Same with the Haunted Mansion. It was very sweet. I tried to take different pictures than the first time we went, especially with Grandpa and Maddox since it was his first time.

Maddox's first trip to Disney!

In Pooh Bear's house

Playing the pumpkin drum, He enjoyed this.

Daddy and Lailey on the Carousel

Mommy and Maddox on the Carousel

Pulling the Sword in the Stone

Lailey telling me "He doesn't have legs! Why doesn't he have legs??"

Grandpa and Lailey at the top of the Dumbo play area

Slide time with Grandpa

Dumbo!

Water splash area. I just stripped Maddox down to a diaper so his clothes wouldn't get soaked.

Enjoying a treat before the parade.

Waving to Aladdin and the Genie!

The first time we went, Lailey did not take a nap all day. But this time both kids were getting very tired in the middle of the day. Maddox finally nodded off in the stroller, but we weren't sure where to let Lailey sleep. Luckily, we found a little eating area in Adventure Land that was pretty much unoccupied, found a quiet corner, and she was out in 10 min. Yes, my child slept on the ground at Disney World with her miney (blanket). And she was a much happier kid for it.

Since both kids were asleep, Grandpa offered to stay with them so Davey and I could go ride the "big kid" rides. I felt bad initially, but they weren't missing anything because they were sleeping! So, we got to ride Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain. I'd forgotten how much I loved those rides! We felt like little kids again.

I did not include this story on my first Magic Kingdom post, but it's worthy here. When Lailey woke up to get in the car and go home the first time, she burst into tears of disappointment, exclaiming, "I didn't get to ride the People Mover!!!" It was quite funny actually (what kid cares about the people mover?), but we consoled her and had a lesson about being thankful for what we got to do. Then she was off to sleep in the car.

Well, this time, we made SURE we rode the People Mover in Tomorrow Land!!!

We finally rode the People Mover! Lailey loved it too.

The closer we got to the end of the day, Davey got pretty adamant about wanting to ride Space Mountain. With just enough time left (and a minimal wait time), Grandpa stayed with the kids and Davey and I ran - literally - thru the line and got right on Space Mountain. As we exited, we looked at our watches and said, "let's do it again!" So, we ran thru again, got right on, and zoomed through outer space. Then we made it back to Grandpa in time for our last ride on Buzz Lightyear. So, now that I'm writing this I feel silly, but we felt so impulsive and mischievous for riding twice while our kids were waiting. Wow, we need some more excitement in life! (just kidding, we love our life)

Maddox was less than thrilled about being in jail with Emperor Zurg after the Buzz Lightyear ride

"Wishes" fireworks show

All the fuzzy feelings are coming back thinking about what a fun day we had at Disney. It truly is a magical place.

The day before we left to come home, Dad (Grandpa) and I took the kids to Downtown Disney and the T-Rex restaurant. It was a favorite when we came before and I was looking forward to going again.