Easter

Easter morning we went to church and afterwards I took a picture of Tessa in front of the cross.  Tessa already had a pretty good grasp of the meaning of Easter, that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the grave and later ascended into Heaven.  But, since Nanny had passed away just days ago, there had been a lot of talk about dying in our house.  Kids are amazing the way they process death and dying, they are so much better at it than adults.  So when it came time to talk about Jesus dying I think Tessa really had more context. 

After church we went to my parent's house.  My mom's yard is always so pretty and green.  Tessa hunted Easter eggs and opened her basket. 

 

 

 

Caring for Nanny combined with the shock of how quickly she passed meant that neither my mom nor I had had a chance to make any plans for Easter.  So we decided to go out to eat.  We had a lovely lunch at Nantucket Grill and then played in the downtown courtyard.  Tessa started a game of Duck, Duck, Goose and we ran around laughing hysterically.  Happy Easter! 

Easter Party

Tessa had an Easter Egg hunt at school.  While the kids were having story time we moms hid the eggs on the playground.  Once we were ready, they walked down the hill holding their cute little bags that they had made.  They all lined up and when Ms. Haynes said "GO!" they scattered in search of candy eggs. 

Afterwards they came inside for special snacks.  Tessa is so excited about her cupcake.  They went through their bags, compared eggs and traded with each other.  I love this age, the kids are just as sweet as all the candy they eat.

Saturday Travel Day - Or Not

On our last day in Disney World, we planned a late breakfast at 'Ohana in the Polynesian hotel.  It was one last chance to visit with the characters before we hit the road, at least that was the plan.  While we were waiting to be seated Tessa announced that she wanted to stay at Disney World forever.  Me too Baby, me too.  And that got me thinking, my dad hadn't used all of his days since he arrived late, a complicated package price thing that actually worked in our favor.  And we didn't really have to be home at a reasonable time.  And we hadn't actually done everything in the Magic Kingdom.  Ryan, resigned to my crazy whims, headed to the front desk to see about upgrading the rest of our tickets so we could go back to the park for one more day.  Hooray!!!  

 

Then we enjoyed breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, Pluto and Mickey.  It was delicious, the pineapple bread was to die for.    

Hopping back on the monorail we went to the Magic Kingdom.  We hadn't seen Gaston and we hadn't had a chance to ride the Great Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Tessa had another of her favorite popsicles while we waited for Belle's would be beau.  

Gaston arrived with his usual flair for the dramatic and took up a place in front of his Tavern.  He was hilarious, cracking one liners the whole time we took pictures.  Ryan said Gaston must have a great time doing his job, he just stands around being a conceited jerk all day.  Well, that is his character.  When we took this picture he said "Ah, one for the mantel!"  I am so glad we got to see him.   

Great Thunder Mountain Railroad was our last Disney attraction.  We used our FastPasses and boarded the runaway train.  I wasn't honestly sure how Tessa was going to like racing through the dark mines and swinging around fast turns but she loved it.  She told everyone that it was her favorite ride.

After a few wonderful bonus hours, we went back to our hotel.  We had many counter service meals left on our dining plan so we got lots of food to go.  Ryan kept warning me that the car was full, we really didn't have room but he managed to squeeze everything, plus us, into the car.  It was a long drive home.  I belatedly remembered how tired we were last time we stayed in the park on travel day.  We were even more tired this time.  I wouldn't trade these Saturday memories, but next time I ask to stay late, I told Ryan to remind me of this exhausting drive home.  Disney is unlike any other place on Earth and we love it.  Tessa told me that when she grows up she will work for Disney as a painter and I can be a Disney photographer.  Sounds good to me but for now we will just tour the parks like crazy.  Time to start saving money for our next trip! 

Friday at Magic Kingdom

On our last full Disney day, we went back to the Magic Kingdom.  In the morning we toured at a more leisurely pace and concentrated on group pictures. 

Mickey Mouse meets on Main Street and didn't have much of a line so we headed there.  It's a pretty cool set-up made to look like his backstage dressing area.  I especially like the wardrobe with his extra pairs of huge gloves. 

In Adventureland we stood in the long line for the fairies.  Tessa didn't mind waiting because they play Tinkerbell movies while you wait.  Once we made it around the corner we discovered that Rosetta was meeting with Tink.  The cast members keep it super secret which fairies are there that day.  My little fairy was too cute with her sparkling wings and puff shoes.   

Heading back across the bridge we found Peter Pan who wanted to hear all about what the fairies were doing. 

We had midday reservations at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  Tessa was anxious to have her turn in the castle salon and had been waiting patiently for this day all week.  After being escorted to a dressing room she stepped into her Snow White dress and matching high heeled shoes.  Then Tessa happily climbed into the chair for hair and make-up.  This time, she didn't need me to sit with her or even help pick her hair style, tiara, or make-up colors.  My mom and I watched from the couch as she grew up before our very eyes.  I have to say, she made great color choices.  Before long, our princess was sprinkled with pixie dust and ready for her photo shoot.  I'm not biased, she is the prettiest of all the princess.       

If you ask, Tessa might tell you this was her favorite part of Disney.  I think it's mine. 

We left the castle in search of characters.  We met White Rabbit in front of the teacups.  Unfortunately, we didn't catch Alice in Wonderland because she has crazy short hours.   

We watched the afternoon parade from Frontierland while munching on a Pecos Bill burger.  They do make a great hamburger at Disney.  All Tessa wanted was a popsicle.  Now that we have discovered popsicles, they are one of her favorite things. 

Back by the train station we found Woody and Jesse.  While waiting in line, Tessa told me she didn't feel good.  I asked her if we needed to go to the bathroom and was she going to throw up.  She responded that she could wait.  Not a good sign.  But, when it was our turn, Tessa danced and played with Woody. 

She was strangely shy with Jesse and wouldn't get near her until my mom and I got in the picture.  Again, not a good sign.  The weather was turning freakishly cold so we decided it was a good time take a break.

We took the boat back to our hotel and Tessa cried miserably.  We bundled her in the stroller, used Ryan's sweatshirt like a blanket but no sooner did we dock and start toward our room than she threw up.  Bless her heart, she was pitiful.  Back in the room, I dosed her with Zofran and snuggled with her in a chair.  She had a fever so I gave her some Motrin when I thought she could hold it down.  Of course, this was only a couple of hours before our reservation at the coveted Cinderella's Table.  Ryan was nice and said it would be okay if we cancelled even though that would mean losing our money because you have to prepay this meal.  Tessa napped on me and her fever came down so we decide to try to make it to dinner.  Yes, I toured Disney with a feverish kid who I would not have sent to school in such a condition.  I am convinced I am not the only mom to make this same decision, hence the nasty bugs we seem to pick up here at the happiest place on Earth.  By the time we arrive at the castle, Tessa seemed to be feeling better.        

While Tessa may still have not been one hundred percent, she had plenty of hugs for her hostess princess.

We were seated before the sun went down and the dining room was beautiful in natural light.  At the table right next to ours, a guy proposed to his girlfriend.  It was sweet, what a romantic setting!  At least it was until they pulled out their phones and started tweeting or texting rather than talking to each other.  Kids these days!  Back to my two loves, Tessa is gorgeous in her pink Ariel gown.  

The princesses made the rounds and you may notice that Tessa's dress is different.  This is one of my favorite dresses because it's reversible.  It is now Ariel's wedding dress.  She had wanted to take her dress off while we were waiting, which was fine, but I insisted it go back on for pictures with the princesses.  Snow White made it to our table first and she looked sweet as could be.        

 Aurora was next, beaming when we told her that she was Ryan's favorite princess.

 Ariel positively bounced with excitement when she met Tessa.  Ariel loved the wedding dress and I loved her reaction.  For the moment, Ariel is Tessa's favorite princess.    

And last, but not least, was Jasmine.  She remembered us from Epcot and again I wonder what is it that makes our family so memorable.  But, I am totally impressed that she remembered because she must have seen countless kids in the meantime.  Jasmine stayed and talked with us the longest of all the princesses.  By Jasmine's outfit, you can tell how cold it is getting.   

After dinner, Tessa seemed to be feeling much better, thank goodness.  My parents took her to Tomorrowland where she rode the rocket ships with Gampa.  They also drove the cars again at the Motor Speedway.  It was positively freezing by this point and Tessa was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt with only a lightweight jacket to keep her warm.  So my mom bought Tessa pants and gloves, cute little Minnie Mouse gloves.   

Ryan and I had taken off to ride Pirates of the Carribean and explore the Swiss Family Tree House.  By luck, we were up in the tree house when the fireworks started.  It's a great place to see the fireworks over the castle.  We met back up at the Magic Carpet ride and went for a spin.  My parents called it quits, deeming it too cold to do anything else.  We went to the Tiki Room to try to warm up a little.  Then I think we rode the Jungle Cruise, I honestly can't remember.  Tessa was feeling lots better and I just didn't want our last day at Disney to end.     

But eventually, it did.  One last shot of the beautiful castle at night and then we went back to the hotel to pack.

Thursday at Hollywood Studios

Thursday morning we headed to Hollywood Studios.  My mom was feeling even worse so she stayed in the hotel with a bottle of Robotussin to get some rest.  We drove to Hollywood Studios and arrived not too long after opening.  On our way to the back of the park, we saw Minnie.  Of course we had to stop for a picture with our favorite mouse.

Toy Story Mania was destination number one.  None of us had ever been on this ride and it notoriously runs out of FastPasses.  The standby line wasn't terrible so we queued up.  We shuffled along past all of Andy's treasures.  It's great how Disney works to keep you entertained while you wait. 

When it was our turn to load, we put on our 3D glasses and got our guns ready.  We were all set to ride through the very cool shooting arcade.  Ryan and my dad were on the back side of our car.  Mr. Competitive, aka Ryan, issued a challenge to see who would be the high scorer in the car.  Tessa and I blasted flying dishes, bullseyes and all kinds of other things for points.  I did much better on this ride than I did on the Buzz Lightyear ride.  I never can find where my laser is pointing on that ride.  Yes, I am admitting I am inept on a children's ride.  We all have our failures in life.  Anyways, of course, Ryan was the high scorer but we all had tons of fun.   

We left my dad in the super long and very slow moving Woody and Buzz line so that we could see Sorcerer Mickey. 

Then we waited in line for Ralph and Vanellope, characters from the new movie Wreck it Ralph.  None of us had seen the movie yet but we had read the book.  We ended up buying the movie and making it a movie night when we got home.  It's cute, especially for those of us that played video games in the eighties.   

We headed back to where my dad was making progress in his line.  We hopped in for pictures with Woody and Buzz. 

Somewhere around here, my mom arrived.  She was feeling better and had taken the Disney bus from the hotel.  Note to self, even though my travel book says your own car is faster, the Disney bus was apparently very easy and dropped her off right at the entrance.  After a few confusing group texts we found each other.  I was the youngest of the four group texting and I am the one who screwed it up.  That's a sad testament to my phone skills.  We bumped into one of the green army men from Toy Story.  Tessa pretended to march with him and then gave me this sharp salute.  Adorable. 

My parents went to ride Tower of Terror and we went to get seats for Beauty and the Beast.  The live production of Belle's story is so pretty, I love the costumes especially the dancing spoons and ice cream sundae.  My mom and I giggled because Gaston could have doubled for a Vegas Elvis.  We had reservations at Hollywood and Vine for lunch with the Disney Junior characters.  We saw Handy Manny, June, Jake and Agent Oso.  The characters had dance parties in the aisles where they sang familiar Disney Junior songs.  Tessa loved it.  This buffet was yummy with some not-your-average food choices available.  Plus a couple of margaritas always help.  Our waiter helpfully told us we could even have to go cups if we wanted.  Totally!     

We needed a picture in front of Mickey's hat, the symbol for Hollywood Studios.  It turned out pretty great.  Disney photographers are the best. 

Next up was our favorite attraction in Hollywood Studios, Disney Junior Live on Stage.  This puppet show is the only place to see the newest princess, Sofia the First.  My parents took Tessa and saved front row seats while Ryan and I used our FastPasses for Tower of Terror.  That is an awesome ride but Tessa is definitely not ready for it yet, even if she is tall enough.  We barely squeaked into the playhouse before the show started.  Tessa sang along, clapped, danced and thoroughly enjoyed herself.   

We watched most of the afternoon parade before going to Voyage of the Little Mermaid.  Two years ago, Tessa was scared of the huge Ursula in this show.  So I was surprised when she asked to see Ariel.  Of course, she cried and hid under her seat once the show started.  I should have listened to my instincts and not done this show again.  After that, we were pretty much done with Hollywood Studios.  We went back to the hotel and took a little break before going to Epcot for dinner.  

We ate at The Land, a revolving restaurant that takes you past the different scenery from the Living the Land ride.  Farmer Mickey visited us along with Pluto, Chip and Dale.  Chip got his feelings hurt when Ryan couldn't tell which chipmunk he was.  Tessa and I explained that you can always tell Chip because his nose is black like a chocolate chip.  Silly Daddy.   

Time for one last photo before we call it a night.  And this is a nice one, right in front of the Epcot Ball.  

Wednesday at Magic Kingdom

Ryan and I made a quick trip to the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday morning just the two of us.  We rode Space Mountain and then, literally, ran across the park to ride Great Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Why we felt the need to have this early morning work-out I'm not exactly sure.  But it was fun and, in less than an hour, we were boating back to our hotel so I could take Tessa to tea.  Gampa had arrived the night before and the boys planned to entertain themselves while we did our girly thing.      

We had reservations for tea with Sleeping Beauty in the Garden View Tea Room of our hotel.  We checked in early and waited for the party to begin.  This event is hosted by a delightful character named Miss Rose Petal and Aurora was the guest of honor.  Miss Rose Petal announced each princess by name, crowned her and then guests were escorted to their tables.  Waiting at each girl's seat was a My Disney Princess doll and bracelet.  Pretty great party favors! 

While we sipped tea and ate mini sandwiches, Miss Rose Petal told a fairy tale story of how she was plucked from the castle garden and turned into a lady.  Her singing and storytelling were very entertaining with the nice touch of live piano music.  Rose Petal taught the little princesses a song and how to greet Aurora in sign language.  So when Princess Aurora made her grand entrance, the girls sang and signed to her.  It was precious.  Aurora made her way around the tables and, as usual, Tessa was mesmerized.   

Aurora signed Tessa's autograph book "Sweet Dreams Princess Contessa!  Love, Aurora."  The two hours went by quickly and before we knew it we were waving good-bye to Sleeping Beauty.  The girls gathered up their dolls and lined up to parade around before having a photo shoot upstairs.  It was an adorable group of decked out little princesses that made their way through the grand lobby waving and smiling at everyone along the way.  The parade ended in the gift shop where the girls named their dolls and received an official birth certificate.  Tessa chose Jewel as her doll's name. What a special treat this tea party was for all three of us.          

We headed back to our room to change and regroup.  I didn't have a firm plan for the afternoon, shocking I know!  We rode the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and then decided to hop the ferry to Wilderness Lodge.   

The Wilderness Lodge is another Deluxe Disney Resort and none of us had ever been there.  I read on a blog that the cupcakes there are fantastic so we figured it was a cool place for a snack.   It is a gorgeous hotel with a Great Northwest theme but we will never be staying here.  Walking in from the dock a HUGE snake slithered right across the path mere inches in front of Tessa's stroller wheels.  My dad calmly kept pushing her along while I ran away screaming.  People at the nearby pool were laid out on sun loungers, how could they relax so close to a snake?!?!  I realize that Disney is in a Florida swamp but I never expected this to happen.  I have chills just writing about it.  I made it inside via another path and tried to calm down.  A couple of cupcakes helped.  One was a S'mores cupcake and it was just as good as it sounded.  This stop was not the highlight of my trip but my dad looks cute in front of this Indian headdress. 

Back in the Magic Kingdom, which is thankfully snake free, we rode Dumbo.  This ride was revamped and now has two sets of flying elephants plus a FastPass.  Gotta love the FastPass.  

Plus they have improved the photo spot. 

And just around the corner is Pete's Silly Sideshow with four great characters.  With two lines, we split up and saw all four in half the time.  Why did Donald have to be standing in between two snakes?  I much preferred Minnie's dog show background.    

Back to Goofy's Barnstormer again.  My mom did a great job with this picture, Tessa and Gampa are just bursting through the billboard.  

We had some time to kill before Mickey's PhilharMagic so we rode the carousel.  Always a favorite with Tessa.  The crowds weren't bad and we were able to get horses all in the same row.  I am ridiculously proud of Tessa's princess wave. 

 

Our dinner reservations that night were for the Be Our Guest restaurant.  Yes, we had already been there for lunch but the dinner menu is different.  And, more important than food, the Beast makes an appearance at dinner time. 

Tessa dressed as Winter Belle to dine with the Beast.  Our meal was delicious even if we couldn't ask the dishes.  Ryan ordered an appetizer of cured meats which included the foie gras so, we lucked into the "gray stuff."  This is the only restaurant in Magic Kingdom that serves alcohol.  You just can't have French food without wine.  After dinner, the Beast was available for pictures by his fireplace.  Tessa monopolized him for quite a while.  They danced and jousted and played together.  I highly recommend this restaurant.

Tessa was still full of energy so we did the teacups again, on a full stomach, fun!  We also did a few laps around the Tomorrowland Speedway.  Driving kiddy cars is harder than it looks, especially after that wine I mentioned.  Tessa was steering and I was working the gas pedal.  We could barely drive we were laughing so hard.  Good thing those cars are on rails.  

 

We finally called it a night and headed back to the hotel.  We all crashed from sheer exhaustion except for my mom who was, unfortunately, starting to get sick.