Day 4: Going Home

On Sunday we packed, ate some breakfast, and headed over to Downtown Disney for some last minute shopping and fun.

Sophia and Cory rode the train together.




Then we went to Pooh's Corner. What better place to get Sophia a Pooh Bear for her new grown up bedroom. She had to pose with her new Pooh Bear before we even left the store.




We all played together at the Lego store. I really love me some Legos. I can't wait until she gets older and we can really build some cool stuff together.

The merry-go-round was calling our name.


Finally, we had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. I have never been there before and don't plan on returning but Sophia loved all the fish.


Checking out the menu


Posing with Momma before the food and enjoying the chocolate dessert with Daddy

Day 3

We were lucky enough that Steve agreed to take us back to Disney on Saturday. We had a great time again and were able to ride a few more rides. We also caught the big show in front of the castle. Sophia really seemed to enjoy that. We didn't get as many pictures of this day. I am not really sure why.





I really enjoyed looking at her face as she saw the characters dance and sing. Se was very into it and very excited. It was so cool.


We rode the merry-go-round together. Sophia kept saying "up, down, up, down".



We rode Mickey's train. She was mad at me in this picture because I wouldn't let her sit on the outside part of the seat. It was "her seat" after all. What a mean momma I am. Oh, well. After a ride on the Jungle Cruise and some lunch, Sophia was out. I was a little disappointed that she didn't get to see the parade, but maybe next time.



We went back to the hotel, showered up, and drove out to my cousin's house for dinner. Great Uncle Ken and Great Aunt Cheryl were there as well as some of Steve and Jen's friends. They have two children, Cameron and Abby, who Sophia quickly became friends with and soon we heard, "I love you Sophia" and "I love you Abby" throughout the house. It was so cute. Thanks guys for inviting us and for a delicious dinner. We'll have to do it again soon.

Day 2: Disney World

We got up nice and early on Friday to go to Disney World. We had a great time. Sophia was really excited to see the characters and loved the few rides we were able to go on. It is amazing how different a trip to Disney is with a child. Before we would race around trying to get Fast Passes and go on as many rides as possible. Now, the day is counted a success by the excitement and wonder on Sophia's face no matter how many (or few) rides we get in.

We waited at the gate to the boat to take us to the Magic Kingdom for my cousin, Steve. While we were waiting, we took a picture of Sophia and then she insisted that we take a picture of Binkie too. That crazy binkie is becoming a member of the family. We have to nip this in the bud soon.

Then we were off to visit some characters. We met Goofy, Donald, and Pluto. She loved meeting them even though she was a little shy. Hey, at least she didn't cry.

I love this picture of Sophia and Steve. They were walking through Minnie's garden.

We stopped for a quick bite to eat, then we were off to see TiggaPooh. Pooh took a break right before we got to him, but Sophia didn't seem to mind.

She was so excited, she couldn't take her eyes off Tigger.

We spent some time at the Hundred Acre Wood which consisted of a slide, some other toys kids could crawl through, and a fountain to play in. We then ventured across the street for Sophia's first ride which was the Winnie the Pooh ride. I was worried she might be scared but not even close. She loved it. She just said, "Again, again" when it was over.

I was hoping that when we stopped and posed for this picture, a Disney employee would come up to us and tell us that we had won the night in the castle, but it didn't happen. I have such fond memories of walking through Cinderella's castle when I was little. Sophia was not impressed....yet.

All that excitement makes a girl tired.

After she woke up, we went on "It's a Small World". She seemed to like it although that song is still stuck in my head. She doesn't look really thrilled in these pictures but she had just woken up. She takes after her mom in that way.

Steve gave us some tickets to Cirque de Soleil. I was concerned that Sophia wouldn't sit still, but she suprised me again. She was mesmerized. We were in the front row so at one point she got down on the floor and danced along with the cast. After it was over, she said, "I liked it, I liked it". During the show she and her daddy snacked on some popcorn. There was some leftover which they finished off when we got back to the hotel. She really is her father's daughter.

Showing me her ticket. Sharing popcorn with Daddy.

The Flight and Day 1

The flight to Orlando was uneventful. Sophia was a good girl thanks in part to a tip from Angie about the color magic markers. They are so cool. Sophia loved them and enjoyed working with them on and off for almost the whole flight.


Our view from the hotel. If you use your imagination, you can see Downtown Disney.

On Thursday, Cory had his class so Sophia and I had the day together. I remember when she was younger and spending the day together by ourselves sent fear down my spine. Boy, how times have changed. It is a real treat now. First, she enjoyed a bath in the big bathtub in our hotel room.
Poor Darbi from TiggaPooh looks like she is drowning. I think we are going to have to enroll her in swim lessons at the YMCA.

Then we headed down to Downtown Disney since it was right by our hotel, to hang out. Sophia enjoyed her Mickey Mouse sucker. I think it was almost as big as she is. She was one sticky mess afterwards.


Then we rode the train and the merry-go-round. I don't have pictures of these activities. Way too hard for me to take pictures and manage her. Then we ate some lunch. She insisted on eating her grilled cheese laying down. Hey, whatever helps her eat something, I am all for it.

Next she posed for a quick picture with TiggaPooh. She was very excited to see both of them. She talked a lot to them and was fascinated with Pooh's honey pot.



I tried to get her to play in the fountain, but she was so concerned about getting messy (as she calls it). Where does she get that from??? She even walked across the fountain to observe another little girl getting "into" the fountain. I thought this would be the breakthrough I was looking for. But, no. She ran away as soon as the water came in her direction.


After her nap and some pool time, Daddy was done with his class. The Cissells plus a friend of Cory's from work, James, headed out for dinner. I can't remember the name of the restaraunt, but it was Irish and delicious. Sophia enjoyed her mac & cheese and looked really cool in my glasses.

Sophia deciding where we should eat.

Getting some princess lovin'.

Cory was able to get her to play some in the fountain. She had a blast once she decided it was okay to get wet.



Tomorrow is Disney World!! Yeah!!