We just got back from a week long vacation to Disney World. Okay... we actually got back like two weeks ago but I am just now getting around to posting. Anyway, this was our very first vacation as a family and it was everything I imagined it to be... So many wonderful memories! I was pleasantly surprised with how much E enjoyed this trip! I was unsure of how my shy little girl would react to the giant sized characters and was unaware of all the fun rides and attractions geared towards pint sized little ones, but both of my hesitations were pushed aside by my little girls reaction to the park. She absolutely adored the characters and not only enjoyed the rides, but delighted in the small little things such as climbing on park benches, collecting leaves, and chasing birds. She brightened even the rainy days as she happily splashed in every puddle and danced under umbrellas.

She developed quite a love for Minnie, Donald, and "Hot Dog" ( Goofy), at our character breakfasts. She sweetly kissed Minnie's nose, high fived Goofy and, was thrilled when Donald Duck kissed her boo boo all better. The second morning at breakfast she somehow wooed each character into taking her for a walk around the restaurant. I was absolutely shocked when she hopped right out of the booth and traipsed down the aisle holding Goofy's hand and not even looking back!

Donald just kissed my boo boo ( blurry but too cute not to share)

The funny part was that as much as she loved the cartoon characters, she wanted nothing to do with the princesses. We ate dinner in Cinderella's castle one night and though she loved watching them visit with the other children, each time they made their way to our table she leaned away and her lip began to quiver dare they lean in for a hug and photo op. I guess the princesses look too much like real people whereas the giant cartoon characters just look like huge toys!

Look there's Sleeping Beauty

She's getting closer!!!

and closer...

too close!!!

She did however enjoy the magic wand she recieved at the dinner and all the Bibity Bobity Booing!

While all of the parks were fun, the best park for small children was, without a doubt, The Magic Kingdom. E's favorite rides were the magic carpet ride and Dumbo.

She loved pressing the leaver to move us up and down and did not want to get off when our turn was over.
We spent Halloween night at the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's not so scary Halloween party as well. She LOVED the Halloween parade. Especially from her first rate view atop daddy's shoulders, dripping lollipop juice on his head and even offering taste now and then!

The best part of the vacation, however, was just being with family and all of the little moments we shared.

E provided an endless source of entertainment, cracking us up with the silly things she said and did. For an entire day she ended everything she said in "do da day". "Emmy eating breakfast do da day", "Emmy see Minnie do da day", "Daddy sleeping do da day".... It was hilarious! E also swayed her Nana, Papa, and Auntie Lia into giving her bandaids like they were stickers. We carried our mummified toddler all through Disney World and I can only imagine what some people were thinking. It was quite a sight. Needless to say, our trip was full of countless wonderful memories and I can hardly wait to go back!