Ahhh, the most magical place this side of Heaven. I think since the day of Kirby's birth I have dreamed of taking her to Disney World. I so desired to keep princesses (mainly the mother overload of princesses and the princess like attitude that often accompanies) away from Kirby. I have known many of toddlers, and some much older for that matter, that took the princess thing way too far and just short of insisted others call them as such, so I did not want to have to go there. You know what I mean ... I am sure you have met one or five in your lifetime as well. I was scared that they would overtake my dirt loving, boot wearing, curly toped little doll; instead they brought her more imaginative play than I could have ever dreamt up. Slowly they have found her, but thankfully between prayer and parenting, we have been able to keep it down a notch. She likes the idea of them and seems to play dress up throughout they day, but the movies they are in don't seem to appeal to her too much. Rapunzel is her favorite. Favorite. Cinderella comes in a close second. So we knew this was the time in her life that we needed to get to fantasy world. 
Rewind back to this post. We decided that since we have been putting all we could towards debt the last six years (if only we had found Dave Ramsey before we got married!) that our family deserved a bit of a celebration and treat. And treat it was.
I am so glad she got to see Sofia. She is her all time favorite and I am so happy about that. I love what Sofia's story portrays, her humbleness, and her love for just about everyone she meets.
We got the photo pass added on to our package. Eh, I may say next time we save our money. They did get some good shots, but for the most part I was disappointed in their "eye". Right behind us is a gorgeous, HUGE, lovely Christmas tree. I wanted to get one in front of the tree to show just how big it was .... hmmmm, well we can see an ornament or 2.
Snow White gave Patton a kiss that stayed on all day.
Day 2 in the afternoon came down pours .... it did not slow this squirt down one bit!
It got cold, I mean super cold on us. Yes, we are from South Texas and wimps for the most part, however, we were not prepared for 40 degrees, wet and wind. I had on 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of socks, boots, 3 shirts, a fleece vest, gloves and a ski cap and still was chilled to the bone.
Possibly the best part of the whole deal for CR and I was the musical light show that was at Hollywood Studios. Amazing. Took my breath away.
CR was amazed that the tractors in the movie Cars started out as a cows head. So need to see the animation side of things.
I think it is safe to say that Disney World was a good run for Patton Luke. This was him on the plane ride home. Funny story ... on the way there he was great but active and bouncy, and Kirby slept most of the way there. So I told CR, "Hey, how about on the way home we switch so you can be blessed by Patton's inquisitiveness for 2 hours and I can snuggle with Kirby." Bit me in the booty ... Kirby was the bouncy, active, curious little doll on the way home.
This is for sure something that I would love to do with my family again. We would like to wait probably another 2 years, though, so that Patton could enjoy it more and for Kirby to be taller. She was just shy of the 40" marker so there were quite a bit of rides we missed out on. Also, at this age they are both a little skeptical (ok scared to death) of dark and loud, so some of the shows were not great for them. But the princesses at this time in her life were worth every minute and dime of the trip. Disney does everything over the top and awesome. On our anniversary, they had balloons and a card delivered to our room. Everywhere we ate, the food was great, whether it be at a quick stop, buffet, or the sit down service restaurants. Everyone was over the top friendly and greeted you with the warmest of smiles. I also felt like we went at a great time of year; despite the crazy cold front that came through (everyone there said it was totally unexpected and rare) I would do that exact week again. The lines were fast, even the ones that we did not have a fast pass for. The longest we waited was about 20 minutes for the Sofia signing and that was because she had to take a quick break while we were in line.
All praise goes to the Lord for allowing this trip to come to fruition. I am so thankful that he blessed me with clients who booked me, bought their pictures, referred me, and for the many extra opportunities that CR has been given to make a little extra money here and there. When you are diligent, faithful, and pray about your funds, it is amazing (aaahhhhhmazing) how the Lord provides ways for you to earn it. The money is not going to just fall on your plate (I am still looking for that money tree I once heard about) but sometimes the opportunities do. I am forever grateful for this moment we got to step away from the farm and from my business to completely be a family of 4. I am thankful the kids adjusted well and did not have trouble napping or sleeping in the evenings. I am thankful for a husband who became a kid again to join in on the adventure and memories.
""Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:14
