Our Disney World Vacation, Day 1: Arrival Day

Here we go!! So the night before our trip I was up late packing and just being incredibly excited about our trip!! So, needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that night!! We woke up bright and early at 5:45 a.m.! Our flight was at 8:40 a.m. and we live about 30 minutes from the Memphis airport. So we got dressed, ate a quick breakfast (well I ended up eating mine in the car), and getting things packed into the car. There wasn't much traffic since it was a Saturday morning but we ended up leaving a little later than I had liked--so I was a little stressed! We arrived at the airport around 7:40ish and the check-in line was LONG! Usually we get into the Platinum Elite line with no wait--but they didn't have that available for some reason. So we waited and it didn't end up taking as long as we had anticipated. (thank goodness) Oh--and the family in front of us were headed to WDW as well!! Then we headed to the security line (which was SUPER LONG) but again, thought we could go through the Platinum Elite line. The man told us we couldn't use that line with our family?! OK--we've done it before--oh well. Another worker overheard him and told us to go down to the next terminal--that the security line was nonexistant down there. So we did and just walked back to our terminal (all the terminals in Memphis are connected). As we arrived at our gate, they were already boarding! YIKES!! But we made it and got settled into our seats! Whooo hoo!! We were on our way to WDW!!!

Ally is super-excited!!

Brent & Claire
The flight took about an hour and a half and then we landed at MCO!! I took out our Magical Express booklet, looked at the map of the airport, and we were on our way!! We got down to the Magical Express line and I couldn't believe how many people I saw!
But we checked in, they scanned our Magical Express tickets, and they directed us to the Polynesian line. The line was not bad at all!

Ally waiting patiently
Brent & ClaireThe line started moving again and we got excited!! But when we got to the front of the line they pulled that black rope out and said we'd be on the next bus. Oh man! Oh well--so I took a pic of the sign since we were standing right beside it!
I told Brent that it was fine--it just meant that we would get on the bus first AND get front seats!! I would be able to get a decent picture of the WDW sign!! YAY!! So about 10-15 minutes later we were boarding our bus!
on the bus

Claire was such a wiggleworm during the busride--she was letting her freedom go to her head!! It was quite exhausting trying to keep her still and safe!

Claire & me

Then I started getting excited when our driver said we were almost to the sign! I took TONS of pics to make sure I got a decent one! Here is the best I got (excuse the bugs from the bus' windshield)!We were officially in Disney World--it was so surreal!!! I wasn't sure in what order we would be dropped off at our resort but we ended up being first!!

The entrance to the Poly (I couldn't believe we were FINALLY here!!)

We were all given leis and were warmly welcomed ("Welcome cousin!")

waterfall outsideWe entered the lobby and check-in wasn't that crowded!

Ally in the lobby

We ended up not having to wait at all! I was nervous wondering if we had gotten the longhouse that I had requested (Tokelau) and if we just MIGHT get an upgrade?! The cast member who checked us in was really nice. She explained everything in detail to us, gave us our anniversary and first trip pins, etc. But while she talked Claire was throwing a fit (it was way past lunchtime and she was hungry--not to mention tired!). I was so embarassed and was almost in tears myself. Finally the cast member finished up and we headed to check out our room (it was ready!!!). We DID get Tokelau!! Whoo hoo!

I knew we had a 3rd floor room but that was it--would it be garden view or Magic Kingdom view? We headed up the elevator and our room was the very first room on the left--so I knew we didn't get an upgrade. Oh well!! Our room was still VERY nice!! We were surprised to see a special gift from our travel agent!!

The girls just LOVED their Minnies!!

Ally with our Mickey towel!!Hey mom--check out the view!!

Our view was wonderful!! It overlooked the quiet pool! NICE!!!

So after we got settled I decided to see if we could get our Garden Grocer things delivered. So I called the front desk and they got me in touch with Bells Services. The front desk lady said, "Have a magical day!" Well Bells Services was not so magical for us! I called, gave the guy our name, and he checked and said he didn't have our things. I thought that was wierd as they were supposed to be delivered between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.! Hmm. . . so I checked my voicemail on my phone and had a message from GG saying they HAD delivered our groceries to Bells Services. Uggh!! So I called them back and the guy was really rude--not magical in the least! He said that he had just checked but he'd check again and call me right back. Well, I waited and waited and hear nothing! By that time we were all starving and wanting to go get something to eat. I didn't know what to do! Finally, there was a knock at the door and it was our stuff!! Thank goodness! Everything was accounted for and put away in our fridge. We headed straight over to Captain Cook's for some lunch!

I couldn't believe how much came with the meal plan!! We were so excited!! So we all chose what we wanted (I got the BBQ flatbread--YUM!!!) and sat down to eat. It was ready almost immediately! For dessert Brent had a Mickey ice cream bar!

Ally in one of the Poly's shops

After lunch we headed to the bus stop to catch a bus to Downtown Disney.

the monorail next to the bus stop

Ally waiting for the bus

We waited about 15 minutes and then a bus arrived!! Once we got to Downtown Disney the first thing we did was let the girls pick Mickey ears and autograph books. Ally chose the pink and silver princess ears and I chose the red/black Minnie one for Claire. They both got their names embroidered on them! Here are some pics from our day--we just shopped and looked around.

Then we found this grassy area and let the girls run around for awhile!

Then we headed back to the Poly. We had planned to meetup with some friends that night at the Poly beach to watch Wishes at 10 p.m. So we just watched the Electrical Parade, walked around the Poly for awhile, and let the girls play in the sand.
Brent

me and my girls

So then we metup with Sara, Nichole, Michelle and their families and watched Wishes from the Poly beach!

Sara, me, Nichole, & Michelle

So we hung out awhile and then we had to call it a night since tomorrow was our first day in the parks!! The girls fell asleep immediately!

Ready for Disney!

This will be my last post until we return from Disney! It's hard to believe that it's finally time to go after planning this trip since November!! We are all eagerly anticipating what tomorrow will bring!! And I'm not sure how much sleep I'll get tonight--I'm just too excited!! Anyway, I just wanted to share some pics from today as we prepared for our trip!

Today was my last MOPS meeting for the year and we did a gag gift and gift card exchange. This is what I won and Ally was sooo excited!! She just LOVES Tinkerbell!! (it lights up and makes sounds)

I stumbled upon these at Target!! I just had to get some for our trip!!
Ally before bedtime tonight!

Minnie Mouse earrings!!

the bows I made for Claire

Brent's suitcase (not quite all packed yet--still have to add our toiletries in the morning)

Ally & Claire's suitcase

my suitcase

Well, I'm going to sign-off and go take a shower. Hopefully I will get some sleep tonight! Our flight leaves at 8:40 a.m.!! CAN'T WAIT!!

Packing

While the girls were at school I was at home packing for our trip. I organized all of their outfits into jumbo ziplock bags for each day labeling the day and the park we'd be visiting.

I am VERY indecisive so that's why I went ahead and decided which days they'd wear which outfits. I knew that if I didn't I'd wake up in the morning and waste a TON of time deciding what they'd be wearing that day. So now Brent and I can just grab the bag for the day without having to wonder what they're going to wear!!
pajamas & swimsuits

Cinderella & Belle gowns

Bags of fruit snacks & Crystal Light packets and swim diapers
Ally's backpack

inside the backpack (surprise goodies!!)

So all I have left to do tomorrow is pack my things!

Last Day of School

Today was Ally & Claire's last day of school. It was quite an emotional day for me since Ally is graduating from preschool and will start Kindergarten in August. I'm not sure where the time has gone?!

Mrs. Debra & Claire

Claire would not smile for the picture but as soon as Debra put her down she looked up at me and said, "Cheese"!
Claire & her buddies

Giving Molly a big hug!

Mrs. Vicki, Ally, & Mrs. Lori

Ellie & Ally

Anna Grace & Ally

Ally & her friends

Zoe, Logan, & Ally

Kayla, Ally, & Kailey

Ally & Grace Ann

Ally's teachers both said that Ally was EXTREMELY ready for Kindergarten!! So as we close out this school year I look forward to what God has in store for Ally as she starts a new chapter in her life.

4-Year-Old Choir

Tonight at church Ally's 4-year-old choir practiced their songs that they will be singing on Sunday. Since we won't be there, I decided to bring my camera and sit in on their practice!

Ally & Isabella

Ally's choir

My singer!

Then the 3-year-old choir joined them for their final song!

Preschool Cookout

Today at preschool Ally had her end of the year party/cookout! It was outside and they had moon bounces for the kids to play in. The kids played and then they cooked out hotdogs. Here are some pics from today!

Grace Ann & Ally

Zoe, Logan, Ally, & Grace Ann

(most of them have been together since they were ONE!!)
Nana & Ally

Ally & Zoe

Ally on the moon bounce slide

Ally & me

Amy & Zoe

Donna & Logan

3 Mamas!!

I just can't believe that Ally's last day of preschool is Thursday!!! My baby will then be a Kindergartener!! Where has the time gone?!

5 Days!!

5 days until our trip!! Here is what our countdown chain looks like today!!

And in honor of our 5 days, I made the girls Disney princess SpaghettiO's for lunch!!

Aren't they cute?! This day next week we'll be seeing this princess at her castle!

Disney Customs!!

Ok--this has been long-awaited! (I ordered these outfits for our trip at the beginning of March) We got in at 10 p.m. last night and I stopped by my neighbor's house to get the customs (they had been delivered on Saturday while we were away in Alabama)! So we got home and I immediately opened the package and made sure everything I had ordered was there--it was--thank goodness!! And I could not be more pleased!! They all turned out BEAUTIFULLY!! I love them all! So without further ado--here they are!! (and the clippies I've made to match)

Minnie initial tees & capris

Minnie pillowcase dresses the Minnie clippie that matches the 2 outfitsAriel pillowcase dresses matching Ariel clippieTinkerbell pillowcase dresses

matching Tinkerbell clippie Ally's Cinderella tee & skirt
matching Cinderella clippie Claire's princess tee & skirt (Ally wore this for her 2nd birthday)bows I made for Ally to match her outfits

Happy Birthday David!!

My baby brother turned 27 today!! I just wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday David! We love you and wish we could have been there with you on your birthday! We look forward to seeing you very soon!

Mother's Day Weekend

This year we spent Mother's Day weekend in Alabama with Brent's parents. We had a really nice visit.

Ally & me yesterday in our matching outfits

(notice Claire on the floor--she's crying because she wants to be in the picture, too)

Brent's cousin Julie and her husband Patrick invited us over to their house for the afternoon. Claire had the best time playing with Eli . . .
. . . and Ally had the best time playing with Caroline!

And we enjoyed talking to Julie & Patrick about our upcoming Disney trip. They have been MANY times so they had a lot of great info/tips to share with us. Then we headed home and Ally helped Nana cut the vegetables for the dinner salad.

We had a yummy dinner of steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, salad, and strawberry cheescake pie. After dinner I got some good shots of Claire.

What a sweet smile!

"working" on the computer

me and my girls after church this morning

Ally & Garrett

Pop & Claire

We weren't able to be with Garrett on his birthday so we brought his gift this weekend--Disney Dollars!!Claire playing with her Aunt Jeanna

What a silly face!!

Jeanna, Judy, & Brent

Judy with her gifts

(2 BAMA frames & a Vera Bradley umbrella)

Here is a card that Ally made for me at school (in the shape of a fan).

the inside

Here is an interview that Ally's teachers did and wrote down the answers--so sweet (check out #8--it just blessed my heart)!

And another card--she made this one in Sunday School

the inside

Ally giving Pop his birthday present

(his birthday was in March and we were unable to spend it with him)

Pop & his three shirts

Claire was in rare form today!! She was cracking me up! She kept saying "cheese" and flashing the silliest little grin! She was carrying the gift bags around as if they were her purses!

Here she is sporting a gift bag as a hat!

And my Mother's Day present from Brent! A Wii!! YAY!!

A Little Disney Magic!

Katie (a friend of mine from the DIS board) wanted to spread some Disney magic and offered to make the girls custom autograph books for our trip!! Well they came today along with a BUNCH of other goodies!!! Thank you soooo much Katie!!! Ally was soooo excited (Claire was napping at the time). Ally has been playing with everything else since!!

Ally opening the goodies

posing with her new Ariel autograph book

(notice how her Ariel nightgown coordinates)
look at all these goodies (each girl got an autograph book, book of stickers, Hannah Montana word magnets, Disney bags, Mickey head straws, and Disney magnetic castles with Disney characters)

Ally's autograph book

first page in both books

example of inside pages

Claire's autograph book

the inside

Thank you again, Katie!! You are sooo talented!!

More Disney Shopping

Today I went shopping with my friend Beth while the girls were at Mother's Day Out. I was in search of a bathing suit--fun, fun! Uggh! I was pleasantly surprised at how fast we found one!! First we started at JC Penney and nothing really looked right. So we headed to Macy's. I tried on a TON of suits and this is what I ended up with! This is huge for me b/c I always end up buying black suits. It's really cute on--and slimming--which is nice!!

Then after a lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings (YUM--first time to ever eat there) I headed to Target to pick up some things for the trip. Here's what I got (HSM & Princess fruit snacks, Yogos, sunscreen, disposable washcloths, Crystal Light, ponchos, and jumbo ziplock bags):Today we also received a 2-in-1 harness that I ordered for Claire for our trip. It's funny--I vowed that I would never put my kids on a "leash"--now I'm eating my words. For my sanity (and Brent's) I knew this was a must for when we stand in line without our stroller. Neither of us wanted to fight holding her--she's just too mobile and independent. So I broke down and ordered this: It's cute at least--right?! Well, Claire LOVES it! Take a look at this:

Bibs, Bloomers, & Bandanas

A friend of mine that embroiders/appliques made Claire some bibs and bloomers for our trip. I had given her 4 Gymbucks that I wasn't using and she offered to make these in return. I LOVE how they turned out!! She's making another pair of bloomers that matches the princess Minnie bib but she had to order more bloomers. Check them out!!

We went to Hobby Lobby today to pick out some bandanas to decorate our stroller while in Disney World (so we can spot it easily in the sea of other strollers). This is what the girls picked!

Hula Girl Clippie

I've been working on filling bow orders all night. I had a request for a hula girl from a friend of mine in Florida. Once I made it I just had to make one for Ally. I thought it would be perfect for our stay at the Polynesian!!

The Hannah Montana Movie

This afternoon I took Ally to see the Hannah Montana movie!! We had wanted to see it when it first came out but have been busy every weekend since. So Brent watched Claire while I took Ally to the movies. We both loved the movie and I cried several times! I think our favorite song was the "Hoedown Throwdown"--so catchy!! Here are 2 pics from our movie day.

(It was pouring rain here today so I tried to get a pic with Ally next to the movie poster outside at the same time I'm trying to hold the umbrella and keep her dry)

2 Weeks Until Disney!!

Once we got home from dance pictures, I just had to take a picture of Ally & our countdown chain! It's getting shorter and shorter! Just 14 days left!! 2 weeks from today we will be in Disney World!!

Ally's Dance Pictures

Today Ally had her dance pictures taken at her dance studio. They did group shots and individual shots. We will get the proofs next week. Last year they were GREAT! It was so hard to pick which poses I wanted. Here are a few pics I took today.

tap costume

Ally and a few of her dance friends

ballet costume (I had to make the bows for these costumes)

I can't WAIT to see how the pictures turned out!!

Disney Outfit Planning

Let me share with you some of the clothing I have so far for our Disney trip! The girls will be wearing Cinderella dresses to Ally's Bibbiti Bobbiti Boutique appointment and breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table on May 18th. I'm surprising Ally with a new Cinderella dress (she has others that were really cheap and that are torn--I got this one on clearance at the Disney Store).

Ally's

Claire's (this was Ally's Halloween costume when she was Claire's age)Here are the giraffe dresses I bought last year at Baby GAP for our day at the Animal Kingdom on May 19th (I do plan WAY in advance--don't I?). Ally will wear her Pocahontas clippie with it.
The girls will wear Belle dresses to the Princess Akershus Storybook Breakfast on May 20th.

Ally's (I got hers for $9.99 on clearance at the Disney Store)Claire's (I ordered this from a lady on Ebay to "surprise" Claire--not sure how surprised a 19 month old will be, though)

Here is the Ariel bathing suit I got for Ally at the Disney store

(got her the matching towel, too)

And matching Tinkerbell bathing suits (I found Ally's at a consignment sale and my friend just happened to have one in Claire's size that she's letting her borrow for the trip)

And last but not least, shirts I bought for myself for our trip!!

I don't have a clue as to what Brent will be wearing. He's not really into anything with characters on it unless it's Star Wars related!!

Mickey Mail!!

I'm sooooo excited!! Our Mickey Mail arrived today!!! Check it out (everything is in the folder--cute folder--huh?). There were tiny stickers all in the packet--like confetti! That's what you see on top of the folder.

And then inside the packet was this:

I just LOVE my travel agent!! This is what was included: hotel voucher, Magical Express booklet and tags, luggage tags, How To Guide 2009, and then our travel agent's extras--laminated dining itinerary with confirmation #s, laminated charts on best times to do what in each park, insider tips for each park, fun things to look for and tips for each park, 2 Tinkerbell puzzles, Cinderella temporary tatoos, and a Sleeping Beauty velvet art coloring poster. I can't WAIT to read through everything!!! Oh--and I also received some new ribbon and resins in the mail today that I found on Ebay!! I'm going to make the girls some hairbows for our trip!

19 days!!! Whoo hoo!!!

Mom & Ally

This picture was taken after church this morning!