Although fall and Halloween are truly one of our favorite times of the year, as the girls get older it seems like we don't celebrate as much. They're getting too old for pumpkin patches, yet too young for haunted houses. But, like always, we celebrated as much as we could between soccer games and swim meets.
Ady insisted on being Judy Hopps (from Zootopia), and, yes there are costumes at the local party stores, but they looked so cheap, so like Julie fashion, I decided to take on the task myself. At least her costumes was the only one to be made this year. (Hard to believe I found time to actually make 3 homemade costumes at one time).
It wasn't easy, but we pulled it together thanks to a successful thrift store visit! I just can't get over her adoreable-ness!
Chandler insisted on a witch this year, so easy peezy for me!
And Brooklynn started the day as a ghost and ended as the "Corpse Bride". Whatever makes her happy!
We're always excited when the Thompsons come to town, but this time was extra special, because it was a long one! The kids had a blast playing together enjoying the beautiful fall Colorado weather.
We've said for years that one day, when the girls are old enough, we'll take them to Disney World and go all out - multiple parks, stay on a resort, and engorge ourselves in junk food! So when Steve said he had a training at Disney that corresponded with a 4 day weekend in October, we knew this was the opportunity.
We learned from our previous Disney trip that the kiddos struggle with the wait, asking everyday if it's "the day", so we kept this one a secret. We surprised the kids by picking them up at school right before we were off to the airport. Their reaction was less than excited, a little disappointing for us, but what can I say? We have rule-following children who are scared to death to miss school. Could be worse, right? Here's the video:
Once it finally settled in we were off to the airport with 3 happy kiddos!
On the plane - it's really happening ?!?!?
After settling into our hotel after a long day of flying we were up and early the next morning to Animal Kingdom, a first for us. We were delightfully surprised at how fun it was! Magic bands.....go! I was amazed at these! It was our park admission, room key, and our charge card for anything and everything you could ever want!
Since an extensive amount of research is needed for Disney, we rushed to our first ride - Everest, because it'd soon be busy with a long line. It was our favorite (probably for the entire trip). We started off the trip with a bang, but Brooklynn did NOT enjoy the roller coaster, and made sure we understood how upset she was with us!
Everest in the background
On the ride (you can hardly see her scared face)
Next on to the tamer rides.......
Token ram pic
Last time we went to Disney they were insistent on meeting every character, and although they were less persistent, they still enjoyed meeting as many as possible.
Meeting Rafiki from Lion King
and Chip and Dale
We bought the photo package, which was awesome! They station photographers all over the parks and take pictures, swipe your magic band, and then you can have them all. Amazing investment!
Even though Day 1 was exhausting we were right back at it the next day. Luckily our resort, The Polynesian, was right next to Magic Kingdom, making our trek over very easy on the monorail. We ended up doing 2 days at Magic Kingdom, because there's always so much to see!
Again we had to start a day with the most popular ride - the new Snow White and 7 Dwarves roller coaster. We tried to convince Brooklynn it wouldn't be too scary, and since we waited almost an hour she needed to do it. I absolutely love the picture they captured! By this time Brooklynn was a hot mess - stressed to the max with the rides. The other 2 loved them all and had no reservations. Crazy! Needless to say we weren't going to get her on another coaster!
The only ride they remember from last time - the coveted Dumbo!
And always a favorite - the Aerial ride
Teacup fun for everyone but mom and dad - too much spinning!
They absolutely loved "It's a Small World". We had to ride it a few times!
Selfie on Small World
Waiting for the parade to start
Awesome parade with all the characters. I never can believe they do this twice a day! So magical!
Meeting Aladdin and Jasmine
Just a couple competitive sisters on Buzz Lightyear
Beauty and the Beast show
Our cute little "Chip"
Always my favorite photo spot
No trip is complete without meeting a princess!
Rapunzel
Space Mountain - notice no Brooklynn! Ady even rode in front. We couldn't comprehend her "no fear" of any of these.
Splash Mountain - Brooklynn is there and loved it! Woohoo!
Had to meet Mickey, the mouse himself!
We spent our evenings relaxing at the awesome pool on the resort. One night we even brought dinner to the pool to squeeze in more swimming. These girls are fish!
The beautiful grounds of the resort
Each night we'd watch the boat light show on the water followed by fireworks at Magic Kingdom right outside our room. The resort location couldn't be beat!
Between our 2 Magic Kingdom days we squeezed in a visit to Disney Studios, which was subpar compared to the other parks. They're undergoing a major renovation adding lots of Star Wars experiences, but we were able to enjoy some other favorites.
Meeting Sofia the First
And Doc McStuffins
Our last day I was with the girls by myself since Steve had to work, so we hit up a Disney mini golf course in the scorching heat.
The next morning we were headed back home and to reality!
Although the kids are still a little young and it was exhausting for us all with the long days, it was such an amazing trip! To see the joy and excitement on their faces was priceless. I can see why people call it the "happiest place on Earth"!
