May 19th was our last day in Florida. We got back to our hotel sooo late last night that we hadn't even started packing for our trip home. We needed to be checked out of the hotel at 11am and we needed to make sure that the stroller was returned by 8am to the hotel's office. Luckily Mr H. got up early and took the stroller to the office and came back only to fall back asleep. Yup, we didn't wake up until the VERY LAST MINUTE. To say that we were scrambling around like mad would be an understatement. I finally just didn't care about organization when packing...I just started shoving things in a bag hoping that everything would fit. We finally got everything packed, put in the car, and locked up 2 mins late, the front office didn't care though, so that was a sigh of relief.
We decided to get some souvenirs, since we didn't really buy anything at Disney because it was so expensive. All of the touristy shops around were not impressive to me. So we went to Wal-Mart to buy some things. We let KK pick out one stuffed animal. He was having SUCH a hard time picking out the one he wanted to bring home. After about 5 mins. I sat on the floor and had him sit on my lap and I asked him what was making it so hard to choose. He told me that he was afraid that people would make fun of him for choosing a princess doll instead of a Disney character. I told him that I wanted him to chose something that made him happy. So I took a picture of him holding a Disney character and a picture of him holding the princesses and to chose based on the picture which one he looked the most happy about. And these are the pictures...
Remember this? KK is my Princess boy. He LOVES princesses and girly things...but he is also SUCH a boy. He is very well rounded and I hope his wife thanks me one of these days. Needless to say that he chose a Disney Princess...Aurora to be exact. We also picked up some Disney pins and a lanyard for me. Also, Mr H picked out a Goofy stuffed animal and KK picked out a Mickey for me. We had fun looking and buying souvenirs for us, I know that we saved a TON of money by shopping at Wal-Mart instead of at the Disney Park. Once we were done shopping we had lunch and headed to the airport.
We had some time before we needed to go to the terminal and we spent it taking pictures with a spaceman, Harry Potter, and Goofy. We also looked around at the Disney store that's there. There was a charm bracelet that you can create that I really liked, but I told mr H. that we could probably find all the charms cheaper on ebay.
The flight was rough again...I tried sleeping for a while, but it still made me queezy. I had to get up and use the bathroom a couple times and each of those times the pilot had told everyone to stay in their seats...so that kinda stunk. But at least the flight was only 2 hours and by the time we landed in Dayton, I was glad to be on the land and KK was excited to see Papa, my dad, who was picking us up. K's was so happy and run to jump into my dad's outstretched arms. We pinked up the luggage and realized that one of our bags was missing...so we had to report it. I was frustrated, thinking that someone took it, but they assured me that it was probably lost in transit, which is weird because it was the first bag we checked and the other bags got to us. Luckily we only had to wait a couple days and they delivered the bag to our home.
This vacation was awesome and we're already talking about the next time we go to Disney World. I would like to put together a post about things that worked and didn't work for us...but that might be a little while. I need to catch up on how life has been after the vacation.
May 18th was our very last day at Disney...I was sad to have our vacation come to an end, but also glad to go home.
We went to Epcot first, I told Mr H. that we forgot to have a family photo there the last time we went...so here's the family photo. Pretty much the only thing I wanted to ride at Epcot was Soarin' and Test Track. We went to Test Track to wait in line and I told Mr H. he should go to Soarin' to get a fast pass. So it was just KK and I waiting until he came back.
This is KK waiting in the Test Track line. It was cooler in the shade...plus he had that water fan pointed on him. He said his feet were hurting him and he was tired. So he just kind of hung out there until I moved to where I couldn't see him. Mr H. came back and said he didn't get the fast pass for Soarin' because we were expecting to be gone by the time they were ready to be used
So before we left Epcot, we saw this ride called Mission: SPACE. You can choose a less intense or a more intense version. I had NO idea what I was getting into and I said a MORE intense (bad choice).
Basically the ride simulates you taking a ride to Mars but before you enter the ride, it warns that anyone who gets motion sick or who doesn't like confined spaces should exit the ride before moving forward. Well, I get motion sick but didn't want to look like a baby in front of my 6 year old so I continued on in the ride. It was a bad experience. You felt G-forces and you were turned around and it just wasn't fun. I was just trying to breathe through it. Mr H. asked if I was alright, I said I'm just waiting for the ride to end and that I wasn't ok. KK liked the ride, but it pushed you back in your seat so hard that I was surprised that KK was able to lift his arms to hit the flashing buttons that the ride indicated to push. After the ride, though, KK said he didn't feel well and said he felt like he was going to puke. We had him drink some water and sit for a little while. There was a play area right before the exit of the ride and he wanted to play for a while.
After Epcot we went back to our hotel to eat lunch and get ready for Blizzard Beach. At Blizzard Beach KK and Mr H. went to go ride the water slides I hung out at the lazy river. I just relaxed, I may have even fallen asleep at some points because it was so relaxing. We chose to meet each other at the wave pool at 4:30 (the park closed at 5:00). Once the park closed, we went back to our hotel and KK ate more food (half of a pizza, mind you!) and swam in our pool for about an hour, then we got ready to go to Magic Kingdom to ride more of our favorite rides.
On the way to the Magic Kingdom
KK was a tired boy on the way over to Magic Kingdom for the last time this trip. Luckily, we had that stroller. He was able to nap while walking from the parking lot to the monorail to the park. He really needed that nap, especially since we were going to be at the park until closing time. I didn't get any other pictures of the day, but we were able to hit up ALL of our favorite rides, watch the electrical parade, and watch the fireworks from Splash Mountain.
We were so happy to have the opportunity to go to Disney World, we may need to pinch our pennies now but the memories were sooo super worth it. KK is at that right age to have it be so spectacular and magical. It's been 2 weeks since we returned home and he talks about Disney at least a couple times a day. He wants to know when we are going back. Mr H. and I think that we should be able to go back in about 2 years. Nugget will be almost 2 and we will be able to get a big discount as Nugget won't be 2 yet. We're also hoping that my parents (maybe siblings family) and Mr H.'s mom might be able to come with us. At least that's what we are tentative planning. Hope it works out!
Today (May 17) we went to Hollywood Studios, which was unlike anything I have experienced before. There is something going on at every corner, there are characters singing and dancing, people acting out scenes, it was very busy. It was so busy, in fact, that I had completely forgotten to take a single picture until almost lunch time.
One ride that is housed at Hollywood Studios is "Tower of Terror". This ride KK waned to out due G. Mr H had told KK that G started crying when he went on this ride, so KK wanted to out due him and show him up. The wait wasn't too long and so we got fast passes and stood in line. The ride starts off bringing everyone into a run-down hotel and shows a video of "The Twilight Zone", and then they ushered everyone onto these elevators. The first time we went, I sat next to the wall, KK sat in the middle, and Mr H. was in the aisle. When the ride starts, you wind around then settle into a shaft that lifts to high into the air, then drops you. The sequence is totally random, up, down, UP, down, DOWN, etc. Every time you go on the ride it's different every time. KK LOVED the ride, as soon as he was strapped in his hands went high into the air. When the ride dropped, I was holding on for dear life and KK was over there hands high and legs up in the air...he was weightless and squealing with happiness. He is my adrenaline junky, loves the fast and crazy rides! After the line had gotten too long of a wait we decided to do some other things.
KK meeting Ferb, from Phineas and Ferb
I'm not quite sure about KK's face
We went to the "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show". I wasn't quite sure if KK would like it, but it was nice and cool and we were able to eat some food and enjoy the show. KK's favorite part was when Indiana Jones was crushed by the big boulder and how Indiana punched 2 guys off the roof. I was pleasantly surprised that KK enjoyed the show and now he wants to watch the movies...which we'll have to see about. I know Temple of Doom is a little dark for him
Mr H and KK were SO SUPER excited to wait in line to have pictures taken with McQueen and Mater
Look at KK's pose...he cracks me up
I GUESS I will be in the photo too!
I love my family
After lunch, there was some time before the next show we wanted to go to. While Mr H and KK went to "Tower of Terror" again I stayed in the shade of the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" set. I watched kids play and just enjoyed sitting. After I rested, I made my way over to the "Lights Motors Action" Cars Stunt Show. There was about an hour before the show, but I wanted good seats and I've heard that those seats fill up quickly. So I texted Mr H. to tell him where I was. Just before the gates opened there was a surge of people who started cutting and pushing their way to the front. It was kind of annoying...but I'm really good at ramming the stroller at people's ankles maneuvering around people. Mr H and KK found me about 15 mins before they opened the gates and once opened, they ushered us through and we found our seats...Mr H. picked them out...which was an awesome location!
The show was too cool, lots of racing, chasing, and explosions
The location of our seats was optimal for KK to be able to be a part of the show! They asked for volunteers to help them drive a car...instantly Mr H's hand rose into the air. Then they said their helper would need to be good with video games and less than 18 years old. KK jumped up on the bench with his hands flying around and the lady picked KK. Now I should mention is that this place was JAMMED packed with people, the place sits 5,000 people and there was no open area anywhere...so essentially out of 5,000 people, they had picked KK to help them with their show. He was so super duper shy and wanted me to come with him. Later, he told me if he's a little shy then he will pick dad to go with him, but if he is super shy he will pick mom. So he must has been super shy to have picked me. Mr H. got it caught on video. It was so cool to get this experience with him.
After the Stunt show we decided to go to the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" set which was a huge kids playground that squirted water every which way
At the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" set KK gave a scare. There were these stairs that lead to 3 slides. I watched one slide, Mr H watched the other, and I suppose that KK went down the other because for about 3 mins (felt like 10 mins) we couldn't find him. Remember I talked about the whistle we gave him? Well, he wasn't going to use it because he didn't think he was lost! My mind was going crazy. Luckily, there was only 1 way in and 1 way out. If I just stood by the entrance/exit, hopefully eventually I would find him. Mr H. finally found him and once I saw him, I couldn't even stand anymore. I had to sit down. I watched that boy like a hawk after that.
Anyone recognize this!?
From "Flight of the Navigator" I loved this movie growing up
While we were at Hollywood Studios, it was Star Wars weekend and a ton of Star Wars characters and a ton of Star Wars fans. We're not really Star Wars fans but KK was able to get a Storm Trooper's autograph.
Toy Soldier KK was able to meet
Waiting in the Toy Story line. This was the longest wait we experienced for a ride...70 mins!
Goofy Face
At least they had fun little things to look at. The whole area looked like Andy's Room, it was pretty neat
Waiting for Fantasmic to start...my lap is getting too small for both my belly and KK on it!
This was an awesome show!
All the characters waving to us
It was sad to know that our time in Florida was coming to an end. We have had a lot of fun. Only one more day at Disney. We can't wait to come back!
Today (15 May) we went to Cocoa Beach, Florida. The beach was busy, but we found a nice area to set ourselves up at. We decided to rent a tent, 2 chairs, and a boogie board. It worked out great, we had a lot of fun with the boogie board, KK and Mr H caught some good waves, but I should say that I caught the best ones. The waves were rough and strong...I am SOOO thankful and grateful that Mr H and I decided to buy a life vest before our trip. Those waves could have easily knocked KK down and rattled him around, with the life vest he was able to float around close to us. I just felt a TON more comfortable.
KK wanted to be buried in the sand
Mr H's turn...I was buried too but I thought better of posting the picture once I saw my double chin
Mr H. wanted to try the boogie board by himself, without hauling a 6 year old along through the waves. I was dead tired from being in the ocean and KK saw two college kids digging up the sand. KK asked if he could help them and I told him to go and ask. The college guys were so nice and accommodating to KK, they didn't really know what they were building but let KK help. KK was in heaven...he LOVED it and I just watched him.
Hanging out
Pretty Proud of his creation
This is the moat that KK helped to build
Another side to it
This was KK's contribution
Once Mr H. was finished with the boogie board he came back and talked with the college boys and thanked them for letting KK play over there with them. And Mr H. got down and started digging up with them too. It was so tender to see my boys playing in the sand together. Mr H. is a WONDERFUL father...KK loves him so much.
Mr H. and KK playing
I love these Beach Boys!
Look at my freckles...my children are doomed!
Not only did we go to the beach to see the ocean today, but we went to the beach to see a launch of a Atlas 5 Rocket from Cape Canaveral, which was putting an Air Force GPS satellite in orbit. It was pretty cool, I had never seen a rocket being blasted into outer space before. KK wasn't too interested, he looked for about 2 seconds then went back to digging the moat. It was pretty neat...the rumble of the rocket was incredible, even being about 10 miles away.
We had a fun day at the beach
Today was a total success and KK asked when we could go back to the beach again...he LOVES the water. He's my little beach bum all the way! I'm so glad I got this experience with my family. I can't wait to come back!
OH! I almost forgot to mention that the next day, after the beach, Mr H. realized that his wedding ring was missing. He is pretty sure that the strength of the waves just took it right off his hand! Looks like we need to buy another one for him!
Today we slept in...or at least tried to. KK woke at about 8am and said he was hungry, I was so completely dead tired that all I could do was give him a blueberry muffin and pour some milk for him and turned the TV on so he could watch (don't judge!) while I slept some more. Once we were finally up, I made everyone a nice breakfast.
Showing how excited he was with his large pixy stick
Showing how to eat it
I tried some and this is what it did to my tongue
KK loved these huge millipedes
They were everywhere, you had to be careful where you walk or you could step on them
This was our awesome pool
He was LOVING the air boat ride...he loved going fast
It was so beautiful!
Lots of tiny baby gators
An egg...
...here is the mother of the egg
Family Photo
There was a park close to where we took the air boat ride and KK desperately wanted to play...so he played for a while
Sliding down
He loves swinging, especially if I push him
Later on that night we decided to go miniature golfing, while we were there, we fed the alligators that they had. There's not a really good picture of this, but there were about 20 or so alligators and they all were fighting over the hotdog pieces. I think I only fed them 4 times and let KK do the rest. He was so fascinated over them...I think Mr H. was too!
Feeding the baby alligators
This was a really awesome golf course
KK broke down once during the whole vacation and it was while we were at the mini golf course. He came to one hole and started crying, saying that it was too hard. He just broke down and it was getting to the point that I was ready to just stop playing and take him back to the hotel...eventually he started to feel better once he found out that he could hold an alligator.
Holding the alligator
KK loved this...he wanted to take one home
I want to wrap this post up by saying that I WON the mini golf, by one point. Mr H. is the golfer...but apparently I can golf (mini golf that is!) too!
