Sunday, May 8th, Grand Floridian for dinner with Cinderella

She was so excited when we pulled up and she saw this carriage. She asked if it was the one Cinderella used. Apparently her carriage is kept at the stable with the horses that pull it. At least that is what Elli was told!
This nice man was stationed out front by the carriage. Elli wanted a picture with him. He said, "I would be honored." Elli got embarrassed.
Posing in front of the castle backdrop before dinner. I like this picture.
Lady Tremain told Elli not to smile. Didn't work:)
My favorite line of the night is when this sister said to a little girl at the other table, "What happened to your teeth?" The girl said she lost them then she replied, "That wasn't very responsible of you!"
These sisters were hilarious:)
Prince Charming gave Elli a spin and a kiss on her hand, then posed for a picture. I asked Elli if she was going to tell Cinderella about that and she got embarrassed. A second favorite quote is when Prince Charming said to Cinderella as he was leaving this room, "Bye, bye my little pumpkin pie!" I so wish I could be a character.
Cinderella!
They brought a cupcake and an ice cream sundae for Elli's birthday!
A kind passerby took this picture for us.
Elli found these pretty flowers, put them in her hair, then posed for a picture. She was having a great time here at the Grand Floridian. It was absolutely beautiful. Maybe one day we could stay here. One day when we get suddenly wealthy that is:)

Florida Vacation Day 1 and 2, May 6, 7

Swimming in the pirate pool. I say pirate pool because there is a big pirate ship in it with slides and sprays and cannons:)
She needed a little snack:)
Brent and Elli racing down the slides on the pirate ship.
This is the big slide. Love how cute she looks on this thing.
Not as cute, but just as fun:)

Our first two days, Sat and most of Sun, were spent just like this. We played ALL day, getting to the pool at about 9:30 in the mornings. Elli loves this. I think her vacation would have been just as fulfilling if we hadn't done anything but this! However, we did love going to Disney World.

Elli's Actual Birthday

We spent the morning doing things Elli loves to do. We read books in bed, played Leapster under the covers, played baby, played balloon toss, and made a tent. We also did some school and she read another new book. She was very proud of herself. We then went to the bank where she signed her own check and deposited her birthday money! Then we went to the mall to have her 5 year old pictures taken and she was all smiles and personality! After pictures we played with doggies:) She wanted to ride the train but I thought $3 was too expensive. But, a nice man gave us $6 so we rode anyway. (How embarrassing) From there we went to Toys R Us to pick out a toy with her coupon. She chose a doggie in a carrier. Just what she needed, another stuffed animal:) She got lunch at McDonald's and then home for nap!
When she woke up from her nap, she opened her presents. We got her a Giving Bank, an Ariel dress, and a princess book. She also got an invitation in the mail to return to Disney World and have dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming. Super excited little girl:) I asked her what she wanted to do for a special dinner. Her reply, "Go to Lily's. Paula can make dinner." Instead, we went to Chuck E Cheezits (as she calls it) She was so happy. She had been asking to go here for quite a while.
Cannot wait to get inside.
The first ride she chose, of course:)
Spinning the wheel to try to get some tickets.
And yes, we did see Lily. In fact the whole Raymond family was able to come and join in the fun. The parents played as much as the kids. (I think that is the point of this place.)
Brent and Sven did very well, but Andrew may have gotten the best score using his, "I don't even have to look" approach!
Elli and daddy in a motorcycle race. Elli thought it was real.
The happy kids after picking their treasures. Elli got some nerds and a "balloon head." (an air head but her name is much cuter) This was my first time going to Chuck E Cheese as well. I had a blast experiencing this with the best girl in the world and some of our closest friends.

Elli, I cannot believe you are 5. You are turning into a very responsible, loving, and fun little girl. I love to dance with you, play with you, and watch you learn new things. I thank God daily for the gift of you. You say you will let me hold you even when you get too big. I hope you do because there is no greater feeling in the world than holding you and knowing you are my little miracle.

Easter

Each year growing up, we had a riddle to help us find our baskets! This tradition is being carried on in our home. Here is Elli's riddle:)
Ready for church.
Posing.
Raymonds, Masters, and Ferguson. Fun group of lovable kiddos.
And here is where she found her basket:)
Looking for eggs.
Her basket at Gonga and Papa's. The bunny left a riddle saying he didn't hide them this year. My sister Heather though, found hers before we all got there, and hid mine and Leah's. Funny:)
Grandkids:)

I am thankful I have a family that knows what Easter is all about. Elli can tell you why we celebrate Easter and that is the most amazing part. She knows the basket stuff is just for fun. Praise Jesus for HIS gift of life.

Easter eggs from a helicopter

and playing drums with Great Grandma. Elli had a captive audience and playmate in grandma after the party so she took her upstairs to play drums and baby. Poor grandma came back downstairs after about a half an hour ready for a nap:)
Walking away from the egg hunt empty basketed. There were 12,000 eggs thrown from a helicopter for ages 0-5 and we didn't find a single one. Unbelievable! I asked Elli if she wanted to leave or if she wanted to go in the next round. She said, "This was a fun adventure, but I think we can just go home." So, we left. On the way out, they noticed we had an empty basket and pointed us in the direction of a tent with lots of eggs. We left with a dozen eggs after all:)
Pretty cool!

Elli's birthday party, April 23rd. Ballerina

Elli wanted a pink cake and purple flowers with ballerinas. When i showed this to her, she said, "Mommy, it is perfect. exactly what I wanted!"
So glad she liked it.
Cupcakes with little ballerinas.
Cookies, flowers, butterflies, and ballet slippers.
Balloon toss, the only game Elli wanted to play. She thought she won, even though there were no winners:)
They all did such a good job!
All the little girls lined up to watch the "movie." aka Elli's 5th year video.
Look at all these gifts. I could not believe it.
The girls were lined up watching Elli open her gifts. They were all so cute:) I was amazed at how creative these gifts were. With all these people, there was not a repeat gift, and she didn't get anything she already had. How amazing is that! Again, very creative thinking here. The best part is Elli LOVES her gifts. What a fun few days we are going to have:)
Leah and Matt.
Great Grandma
Mom and dad.
Heather and Gary
Caleb, who told Elli she was beautiful:)

According to Elli, this was a perfect day. She was so happy with everything. I enjoyed her play-by-play! She planned the whole party and told me what she wanted to do. I like that she has such cute ideas. What a sweet girl.

Easter Bunny and Build a Bear

While Leah and Elli were out, we got the boys. Wesley had a rough night so he sat with Brent and watched golf. He actually cried when I walked in front of the TV!
Elli not afraid of the bunny this year.
Each year for the last three years, Leah has taken Elli to Build a Bear for her birthday. She first chose a pink bear, Taylor, then a light brown bunny, Lillianna, and on Friday night, a dark brown bunny, Rapunzel. She loves them and the experience.

Egg Hunt at Preschool

The loot:)
Reach!
Run for those eggs.
Cutest little bunny I've ever seen.
I was able to join Elli for her preschool egg hunt. They played fun games, did easter crafts, and hunted for eggs. Elli found two dollars in her eggs too. Awesome:)