I'm not exactly sure why we love going to Disney so much, but it is by far one of our most favorite places to visit. Maybe its the "Magic of Disney" they always talk about, or maybe its just because we always have such great memories when we return.
The first day always seems to be the longest, so it was no surprise that 2 hours after we got there, we were trying to figure out how we were going to haul 3 sleeping kids out of the park. (This is no easy task by the way, and we REALLY missed that 3rd adult then!) And it never failed that at least one time a day, Vance would fold his arms over his chest, stick his bottom lip out, and announce "I'm mad". The only thing that differed was the reason (our favorite being that Brecken was "ruining his name").
We quickly learned that our boys have no rhythm when they dance. They prefer karate moves, but it didn't seem to bother them as they "danced" next to Goofy, Chip, and Dale. Ryder grew much more timid this year and is more fearful of rollercoasters. One ride on Space Mountain was all it took for him to steer clear of roller coasters the rest of the trip. Brecken, on the other hand, is completely fearless and went on every rollercoaster he could and the Tower of Terror. He enjoyed the Tower of Terror so much that he started clapping when it was over! And Vance was happy as long as he seen Snow White.
I tried to enjoy every little thing because I know our next trip won't be the same. I won't get to hear Vance's little voice ask "Who is gonna carry me?" the minute we step outside. Ryder and Brecken will probably be a little less excited about the shapes the towels get made into when we are out of the room. And I really will miss having those little heads resting on my shoulder after a day full of excitement.....
Whenever I think of Disney, there is one thing I think of: Snow White! We can't talk about Disney without Snow White being mentioned. I have already lost my 2 year old's heart to a dark-haired beauty :)
When we first stepped off the plane, Vance's first question was when we were going to go see Snow White. After all, he had specifically picked out s Snow White Jibblet for his Crocs - there is no higher honor a 2 year old can give. Unfortunately, we didn't see her the first day and his little heart was so broken that he actually cried. My entire goal for Day 2: Do whatever was necessary for Vance to meet Snow White.
I
downloaded apps on my phone to tell us exactly when and where to find her, so it was off to Epcot to find her. As we were getting ready to leave, with all the enthusiasm he had, Vance excitedly stated that "Snow White is going to LOOOOOOOVE me!". And how could she not?
When he finally got to meet her, he couldn't stop hugging her. He showed her his crocs, hugged her some more, and then got embarrassed when she asked to give him a kiss. So, as our trip neared its conclusion, it came time to pick out a souvenir. We walked into the first store and lo and behold, there was a Snow White doll. Yes, a bit unconventional for my boy to pick out a doll, but that is all he wanted and I couldn't have cared less. After all, any little boy that goes to Disney to just see Snow White shouldn't be expected not to bring back a souvenir of her!
2 years old already. I know that time is moving at an alarming rate, but how did this precious little girl turn 2 already? It seems like just yesterday that Karmyn and I were making a mad dash into the hospital at 2 a.m. so we didn't miss her arrival (only to wait many, many more hours for her). Well, let me tell you - she was definitely worth the wait.
I am already a little overly sentimental this week, but let me tell you just how much I adore this family. Bri and I were destined to be friends, I just don't think we knew it until she got engaged. I consider myself so fortunate to have found a friend in her. Dress shopping weekends and countless email strings of wedding decor and picture trading - there aren't too many people in this world that love planning a wedding as much as we do!
And then little Alainee was born (which, to prove just how much we think alike, was the exact same name I was going to name Ryder if he would have been born a little girl). I remember us hearing the music play when she was born and then seeing Troy's face as he walked in to tell us all about her. He was just in awe and so much in love with his little girl, just minutes old. When I finally got to meet her, it was easy to see why. She was beautiful, just like her mommy. She was perfect in every way!
So yes, I am sappy, but I love this little girl (and to be honest, her whole family). 2 years has gone by too fast. Happy 2nd birthday Miss Alainee Grier. I hope you know just how lucky you are!
I have to admit, as much as I love having pictures of my kids, they are also the hardest ones to get pictures of all - after all, there are 4 little boys to wrangle. 4 little boys that don't always enjoy having their pictures taken! I love all the pictures of them not paying attention, fighting with each other, or just plain messing around because that IS how they are! I don't want pictures of them that don't remind me of how they are - I actually like all their little complexities. And now I have a picture to always remind me of the way Vance sticks his bottom lip out and points when he is mad. Oh the things you learn to appreciate as a mom!
Ahh.......the memories - not always a wall portrait, but treasured just the same :)
