I grew up going to Disney. I made my maiden voyage on my 4th birthday and haven't stopped. I went on my honeymoon and my first anniversary. I've been in the scorching heat of every summer month, Halloween, Christmas, Spring Break...you name it! I love organizing the trip almost as much as going. My OCD kicks in to high gear when it's time to book dining reservations (180 days in advance). I actually make charts to coordinate the parks closing times and extra magic hours with restaurant choices to maximize our park experience and lessen our transit times. I have also been known to color coordinate our clothing by the dominate colors in each of the parks. I say this with a tad bit of embarrassment, but really, a picture is the best souvenir!
We took Alex on his first trip when he was 2 years old and Carter when he was 3. I have the best memories of watching them meet their "real life" heroes. Is there anything more magical than having your baby say, "Momma, Buzz just hugged me!" I swear I could cry just thinking about it and I generally try to leave the sappiness to Hallmark. I try not to think about the years of college tuition we have handed over to the Disney machine. The boys may have to go to vo-tech, but they're going to have magical childhood memories...and I will have fabulously coordinated pictures to carry me through my old age!
Alex's first trip in October 2002. He's dressed up like Buzz Lightyear for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (one of my favorite Disney events!).
Trying to wrestle that sword out of the stone. Bless his heart, he wanted to try "one more time" every time we passed it.
The stuff of Disney dreams!
I love the sweet look on his face as he "pets" Stitch.
Hanging out at Blizzard Beach on Carter's first trip in 2006.
One of my all time favorite pictures! How's that for coordinating clothes?
At the end of a long day. I have pictures of both boys zonked out in their stroller or on Russ' shoulder.
Crazy faces at Epcot. Love those sweet babies!
We used this one on our Christmas card in 2007. It said, "Have an Incredible Christmas." I know it's cheesy, but I bet it garnered a few smiles!
Carter was all about Lightening McQueen on this trip. We 
At the Ohana breakfast at the Polynesian Resort. Please note the
Crazy faces at Epcot. Love those sweet babies!We used this one on our Christmas card in 2007. It said, "Have an Incredible Christmas." I know it's cheesy, but I bet it garnered a few smiles!
Carter was all about Lightening McQueen on this trip. We waited in this line forever, but he was so, so happy!
At the Ohana breakfast at the Polynesian Resort. Please note the Hawaiian shirts that tie in with Mickey's lei...ok, I'll stop now!
I love the fact, that at 3 years old, it's perfectly "normal" to have
I love the fact, that at 3 years old, it's perfectly "normal" to have a giant chipmunk hop into your booth and color with you.
Where does the time go?
Gotta have the classic shot with the mouse ears!
Can't even begin to describe Carter's awe during the Jedi training academy.
Where does the time go?
Gotta have the classic shot with the mouse ears!
Can't even begin to describe Carter's awe during the Jedi training academy. I think I brushed away a tear when I saw my little guy battle Darth Vader.
Hamming it up with our old friend, Buzz Lightyear.
Hamming it up with our old friend, Buzz Lightyear. This is six years to the week after Alex's first trip.
Lunch at the Crystal Palace with Tigger.
Lunch at the Crystal Palace with Tigger.
What a privilege and an honor that the Dales will be along for that last hoorah! I know it's going to be one for the history books! Love you guys more than you could possibly know! ~Susan
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