November 12th Hollywood Studios

The weather was not cooperating today but it looked like it would clear up later. We walked out of our room and went right back in to get jackets. I never knew that it got cold in Florida. I am so grateful that we had jackets or it would have been a miserable day. The best thing about the weather was that not a lot of people were at the park. When we got to the park we did adjust our plans for the weather. We started out by doing the stuff inside in hope that it would be warmer later. Our first stop as a Muppet 3-D show. This was an older show it wasn't as real as some of the others we have seen. Ashley actually enjoyed this one. She kept her glasses on the whole time which was a first.

When the show was over the weather was getting better and we were close to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Play area so we thought we would head there. Madison and Allison remembered this from last time and were really looking forward to playing in it.

Madison sure made me feel old while she was playing. She told her sisters lets go over to the battery and I looked up to see what she was talking about and it was a roll of film. She had never seen one before it was so funny. After they were done playing we were off to see if we could find Woody and Buzz, this is the whole reason Ashley came to Disney World. Ashley was so excited when she saw that we had found them. The line was a little long but that was not going to stop us. They really thought this one out and made it fun to wait in line. They had different scenes from Toy Story the Movie.



Ashley loved it all but the best part was about to come. She loved it when we finally got to the front of the line and she was not shy at all. I love watching her get so excited. These memories are priceless. Unfortunately it wasn't time to ride Toy Story Mania so we had some time to spare so we caught the High School Musical 3 show. I really thought Madison and Allison would enjoy this but they were hoping for the real people. I didn't know that was what they were expecting. Oh well Ashley and I really enjoyed the music. Now it was finally time for Toy Story mania. Everyone was so excited. It was a 3-D ride where you moved from game to game trying to get the most points. The kids really wanted to ride it again but they were out of fastpasses and the wait was over an hour so they would have to wait a few days will we are back at Hollywood Studios.

It was finally time for lunch at Pizza Planet(just like the Pizza Planet from Toy Story). After lunch Madison and Allison were ready for some big rides. We headed off to Tower of Terror. Allison was so excited for this one even though she said she would never ride it again after last time we were here. This is a picture of Kevin and Allison riding it. She would have rode it over and over again if she could have convinced us to go with her but once was enough for the rest of us. We also rode the Rock'n Roller Coaster and I can say that I will never ride it ever again. I love roller coasters but this one is too much for me. They take you from 0-60 in 2.2 seconds. I thought I was going to lose it. Madison and Allison loved it and could not get enough of it. Kevin enjoyed it also.
Our last thing to do before we leave for the day was Lights Motor Action the stunt show.

It was really cool to see how they do things in the movies. They would do a stunt and then explain how they do things. The kids were amazed with all the hi tech stuff that they use.
Next we were off to meet my parents at Downtown Disney. This was so supposed to be a surprise that they were coming but I slipped up and spilled the secret. The girls were really excited to have them come. We met with them and shopped for a while before our reservations at Chef Mickey. We finished our day by eating with Mickey and his friends at Chef Mickey. This is the best way to see the characters because there is no waiting in lines. They just come right to your table. Ashley could not hold back her excitement. We could hardly get her to eat. The theme this year is Celebrating at Disney World so they are always finding a reason to Celebrate. Since we went to Celebrate Allison's 8th birthday and Madison's birthday is around the corner too, they got a birthday cupcake and sung to almost every time we ate. At this restaurant you swung your napkin around during the celebration. Ashley loved it. She really got into it. Ashley was just at the perfect age to go to Disney World. Everything was so magical to her and she enjoyed every bit of it. Another great day.

November 11th Animal Kingdom

We spent our whole day at the Animal Kingdom. Kevin and I were really excited for this one because we didn't get to see much of it 3 years ago. We were really looking forward to the Safari and a few shows that we missed. It was over cast and sprinkling a little but the weather said that it would get better later on so we stayed with our schedule. The weather made it really nice in the park, the lines were short and we got to ride rides one after the other. Ashley was in heaven because she got to ride this dinosaur spin several times in a row. These types of rides were her favorite and she could not get enough of them. Next we were off to see "It's tuff to be a bug," as we were walking in it said it might be scary for young children so we kept Ashley close to Kevin. It was a 3-D show narrated by Flik from A Bugs Life. It was so cute but I should have known how things would be. At one point it felt like you got stung by a bee, pinched by an ant and that bugs were crawling behind your back. Ashley did not like it at all. She ended up on Kevin's lap with her 3-D glasses off. They also used smoke as special affects and that made her miserable after our Stitch adventure on the first day. It really was a lot of fun and Ashley wasn't too traumatized. Madison and Allison really enjoyed it.

Next Kevin took the Madison and Allison on a River Rapid ride that Ashley wasn't tall enough for. I knew that it was very likely that you would wet if not soaked so I was happy to stay back with Ashley. I wish I would have got a picture of them when they were done. They were so wet but Madison was the worst. Every bit of her was soaked. She did not dry until it was about time for us to leave for the night. I felt so bad. I guess some people buy ponchos so they don't get so wet but we didn't know.
While we were waiting to go on the Safari we stopped to see some characters. You can kinda see how wet Madison is in this picture. We still had time before out Fastpass time for the Safari so we walked some of the nature trails to see some animals. As we walked in they had maps so Allison and Ashley took one. I thought it was funny that we were in theirs hands.
It was fun to see all the different animals. The girls didn't like the bat display though because they were not behind any glass or anything so they could fly over and say hi if they wanted. We did not linger there. Next we were off to ride Dinosaur. Madison was really excited for this one. We really did not know what to expect but there was another warning that it might be scary so I sat out with Ashley and Kevin previewed it to see if she would like it. As you can tell from the picture it was pretty scary. A huge T-rex jumps out at you. Madison and Allison loved it but sure jumped that first time that they rode it. Kevin came to the conclusion that Ashley did not need to ride it. I agreed after I rode it.
Finally it was our turn for the Safari. This is what Kevin and I looked forward to the most. It was pretty realistic. We couldn't get good pictures because we were really in a truck and the roads were really bumpy. Here are a few that we were able to get.

The girls really loved it. Ashley was so amazed by the animals and kept pointing and yelling out what she saw. They were all very glad that we didn't miss the Safari this time.
It was finally time to break for lunch and take a little break to see Finding Nemo the Musical. This was a well needed break. We were starting to have some break downs. Allison at first was not happy to see this but ended up loving it. It was so cute so I don't know how you couldn't like it.
After the show we rode a few more rides. We hadn't had a chance to ride Expedition Everest yet and the girls were not leaving without riding it. I have always loved roller coasters so there was not holding me back. We defiantly rode this one a few times so everyone had a chance since Ashley was not tall enough. We could have spent the whole night there if you asked Madison and Allison. By this point in the day Kevin is not feeling very well so we made it an early night and went home for some sleep. The girls were a little bummed but it didn't take much to convince them once they were in their beds. They were asleep before their head hit the pillow.

November 10th Epcot

We spent our day at Epcot. Madison and Allison were very excited because this is where Sourin is. We loved this ride the last time that we were here. We started our day out at the ride Test track. Ashley wasn’t tall enough so we ran over to get our fastpass for Sourin. The girls have learned that Fastpass is the only way to ride rides. They love it when we get to a ride and the wait is long and we get to just walk right into the ride. After Kevin and the girls were done we met up and headed to Nemo and friends. We thought Ashley would especially love this. After the ride we were able to walk though the aquarium. The girls loved that they got to pose for a picture in Bruce’s mouth. Next was Turtle Talk with Crush, it was hilarious. Ashley really loved sitting down close with Allison. We have really loved the interactive attractions. They pull the audience into the show. We have not been chosen yet but I bet it happens before the end. Next we were off to Sourin, Ashley still is a little skittish after Stitch so she was nervous. As soon as the ride started a huge grin shot across her face and she loved it. It is the coolest ride. You feel like you are hang gliding over California. It is so realistic. You smell the evergreen in the mountains and oranges in the orange fields. After exiting the ride we got another fastpass. You can’t do this ride just once.
We have another day planned for Epcot so we didn’t do the World Showcase tour this day. We really thought my parents would enjoy that so we are saving that for them. We had a pretty relaxed afternoon and caught a few of the shows that talked about the research being done on how to be friendly to the earth. Madison and Allison really got into them and thought it was cool the things they did with plants to make things more efficient. We caught Sourin again and then ended our day with Mission Space. It was a cool simulation of a flight to Mars. We had reservations for a luau so we had head off to that late afternoon.
The Luau was so cool. The kids weren't quite sure what to expect. Madison and Ashley were acting silly and Allison was about to fall asleep before the show started.
There was a dinner show that had a taste from all the Polynesian Islands. The hula dancers were so cool but I think the reason that Kevin really pushed to do this was for the fire dancer. They saved him for the end. Unfortunately Ashley didn’t get to watch it because she had fallen asleep. Madison and Allison were glued to the stage the whole time. We were quite lucky that we had reservations early show because the later show was canceled because of rain. I was also grateful for an early night because the girls really have not been getting enough sleep. We headed to our Hotel and got a little wet on the way but are in bed earlier then we have been the whole time and we are looking forward to a good night sleep.

November 9th Magic Kingdom

Our first full day at Disney, we spent at the Magic Kingdom. We were told about a great program online Ridemax.com that helped us plan our day out. It worked wonderfully. I was so amazed at how close they could get to what our wait time would be. We got so much done and had a great time doing it. The Magic Kingdom has so much to do and last time it felt like we didn’t get to see even a quarter of it but because of this program we got to do almost everything. We only missed one section but we will be back.
Ashley was acting funny all morning and we really couldn’t figure out why until we happened on Woody and Jesse from Toy Story dancing in the street.
We have been talking for so long about this and everyone that she was going to see and we weren’t really seeing any of the characters. She was so excited when we saw them she got behind me and started pushing me there. They were part of a dancing parade in front of the castle so we danced in the street with them. Allison joined us but we could not get Madison or Kevin out there with us. She wasn’t completely back to herself but it was still nice to see her get excited like she was on Sunday. Finally we had to take her on the train so she would sleep and that really helped.
While Ashley and I were riding the train for nap time Kevin took the girls on some rides. They rode Splash Mountain and thunder Mountain Railroad. I really didn’t want to get wet and Ashley wasn’t tall enough for the other so it worked out perfectly. Another ride Kevin did with Madison and Allison was the Haunted Mansion. We tried to tell them that it would be scary but they didn’t believe us. Kevin and I aren’t Haunted House type of people and they are begging every Halloween to go to one. I think we cured them of that. Kevin said he couldn’t peel Allison off of him. He also has never seen Madison jump so high before.
I have learned two things today. First let Ashley doesn’t get sick on rides that I would think she would since she gets car sick. She loved riding the Mad Tea Party ride. At first I told Madison not to spin it too fast to be safe. Ashley did not want any of it she loved spinning and wanted it faster. We rode that ride twice at her request. Second don’t ever take Ashley on Stitches great Escape. She was freaking out scared and there was nothing that Kevin and I could do to sooth her. It was a horrible experience. Thankfully we could take her to the Buzzlightyear ride and it totally made up for it. Ashley is not a princess girl. She came to Disney World to see Buzz and Woody.
We finished our evening off with a lovely dinner with the characters from Cinderella. We met Cinderella last time we were here but we did not get to see her stepmother and stepsisters before. They had me laughing so hard. It is amazing how these people take on their character and run with it. At one point Anastasia told me that glaciers moved faster than I did. If it wasn’t so outrageously funny the way they acted one might think they were rude. Prince Charles was also there. Ashley opted not to get her picture taken with him. She also wanted to know why Cinderella wasn’t sitting down to eat with us.
It was a really nice day. I have the best kids in the world. Two long tiring days and best behavior you could ask for. Let’s hope this trend sticks.

November 8th Traveling to Florida

We made it to Florida and without incident. On Sunday we had a long day of traveling but the girls flew through it like pros. We had two layovers on our way but they hung with us and we did not have any meltdowns. Anyone who saw Ashley knew how excited she was. She had a smile from ear to ear all day. When we were finally in Florida and she saw Disney bus she could not control herself. It is so fun to see things through her eyes.
We are staying at the same hotel that we stayed at three years ago. It is nice to have the familiarity. It is kind of a maze to find our actual building and we are mostly doing it the dark so we take a different way each time. A little extra walking never hurt anyone. At one point we weren’t sure it we were in the right place at all and I looked up and saw a sign and said, “No Alligator Bayou.” (our buildings name) Madison and Allison started getting upset and I couldn’t figure out why so Kevin had to point out that they thought I said alligator by you. It was so funny we laughed for quite awhile about it.
It was hard to convince the girls that it was bed time since they were still on Idaho’s time and they were very excited. It was very late when we finally got them winded down and we have early plans for Monday.

We made it toFlorida

We are in Florida having a great time. The girls are so excited to be here and are loving every minute. We have had three very long days and they have sailed through it. I have the best kids ever. Under normal circumstances we would normally have meltdowns but they are staying happy. Allison and Ashley did get a little whiny yesterday but nature took care of that. It rained so when we got back to our hotel we went to bed instead of the normal swim we have been doing. Today we are off to the Animal Kingdom. I wish I could add pictures so you all could see how much fun the girls are having but we wouldn't even have internet if Kevin wasn't here. Our hotel doesn't have any and I am using Kevin internet through Verizon and it would cost too much to upload pictures. We will be home on the 17th so expect a full update after that.

Halloween

This year we had three days of Halloween. The first night our school hosted a trunk or treat and it was freezing and wet out that night. We have never gone to the school one so I didn't want to back out after I had told them that we would go so we went and froze. Madison brought along one of her friends. They have been making plans for months for what their costume was going to be. They decided on green M&M's. Alli found hers at a store and when I found out how much she paid for it I decided that I was making Madison's. Kevin and I have a rule on how much we will pay for a costume and it was way out of our range. Madison wasn't happy but oh well. I personally like the one I made better and her friend Alli agreed. The next night was our ward trunk or treat/ Chili cook off. Kevin worked very hard all week on perfecting a chili recipe and we were sad when he didn't win. I was very happy that he made it because it was one less thing that I didn't have to do. It was the best chili I have ever had so I am not sure what the judges were thinking. After the cook off we went to the parking lot for the trunk or treat. The weather was much better. The kids didn't even need their coats. Ashley is at such a great age because she understands but she is still young and thankful. She had the best time. Allison was our little social butterfly. Madison gets alittle shy in her costume so she hung out by herself all night. Everyone thought she was so cute so I don't' understand what the problem was. We had a great time but we weren't finished yet we still had Halloween night. On Halloween night Madison was invited to trick or treat with her M&M friend so I started to think about what we were going to do. I don't do crowds that well so trick or treating at the mall has never been much fun for me. Since the weather got better we could walk around the neighborhood and not be miserable so that is what we did. Allison and Ashley were excited. We had a great time going from door to door. We even ran into some friends and trick or treated with them for a while. The girls favorite time of the night was trick or treating at our house. They thought it was hilarious when Kevin would answer the door.


You can expect alot of blogging in the near future. We are in the final countdown to our Disney World trip. I am going to try to blog every day so that we can remember all the fun stuff we did but I know it is also going to be very busy so we will have to see.