Monday, May 9th Magic Kingdom

We walked in and went straight to the line to meet Rapunzel. Elli posed then she and Brent left to enjoy the park for the next 2 1/2 hours while I waited in line. Everyone she met wanted her to twirl. She mostly obliged! Her shirt has Rapunzel's name on it at the bottom and she wanted it to show when she met Rapunzel. So cute. (And her hair was braided, like Rapunzel's)
Elli met Peter Pan and thought it was pretty cool! She also rode A Small World while I was in line. She said I would love it and wanted to take me on it later in the day. We managed to get back there and ride it. The whole time, Elli was saying, "See mommy, I told you you would love it." Just for that, I did!
Finally close to Rapunzel. They had the kids color a picture, dance, and pose with Pascal. Such fun while we waited.
Elli twirled and so did Rapunzel. They really spent time with each child. I loved this visit.
Elli was wondering if that was her real hair or a wig. She asked a helper who then asked Elli what she thought. Elli still isn't sure:)
I was just as excited as Elli. One of my former students will be Flynn Rider over the summer. We missed him by one week.
Last time we were here, the tea cups were closed. This time, we enjoyed them twice. I love Elli's face here!
She had a blast and I managed not to get too sick:)
Couldn't wait to get this huge popsickle. She ate the whole thing.
We watched a show in front of the castle. Another new thing this time around. Elli loved it, so did we. It was also a perfect place for a family picture.
We watched the parade where Elli waved to her favorite characters.
The moved Mickey and Minnie from Toon Town, which is being redone, to the theater. We were happy to see both of them in the same spot with only one short line!
Of course we had to also wait in line for the princesses. Not too long of a wait. Aurora.
Belle was also there as well as Cinderella. Elli loves Belle in her yellow dress.
The second time on the tea cups, we took daddy!
Posing in front of the castle.
The parade was a little different this time around. Still great, just a couple new floats.
They did a really cool laser show on the castle in between the parade and fireworks. The castle changed looks, and they showed pictures of people from the day as well as pictures from Disney movies. The whole crowd "oohed and awwwed," throughout. Then of course, we love the fireworks. Tinker Bell was a highlight again, but the fireworks were amazing!
Not long after the fireworks, maybe 5 minutes, this is what we found:) She didn't even wake up when we picked her up to put her on the train! What a great day:)

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.