Today marked your first day of Pre-School. You began K-2 at Simpsonville First Baptist CDC today (the same school Sissy went to last year). You are in Miss Melissa's class (when you say it, it just comes out "Missa")and you will be going on Tuesday and Friday mornings this year.
We were so excited when a spot opened up for you to be able to attend. We thought you needed to be around some other kids your age for a bit, especially since you spend just about every waking minute with Mommy. (You're a bit of a Mama's boy.) Daddy and I took you and dropped you off and it was a litte bitter sweet. Of course, you cried when we had to leave, but I doubt that it lasted too long. I think after you get used to it, you will be just fine.
Have a great year in K-2 and we hope that you have tons of fun and learn all sorts of great things.
Makenna...my baby girl...yesterday was your very first day of Kindergarten at Mauldin Elementary School. I can't believe this time has come so quickly. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that you were just a little thing, and now you're off to "big girl school." You didn't seem very nervous,which is just like you. You tend to be somewhat of a social butterfly and make friends very quickly. You were such a big girl yesterday morning...you got up all by yourself when your "Bob clock" rang, you got yourself dressed and even fixed your own breakfast (pop tarts, of course). We all climbed in the car and were off to school. Daddy even stayed up yesterday morning so that he could be a part of your big day. We arrived at your classroom and you quickly put your backpack and school supplies in your cubby. Then we headed off to another classroom where you have to wait for your teachers (Ms. Hull and Mrs. Floyd) to get you and your other classmates. We were able to stick around until it was time for school to start. You went into your classroom and sat down at your desk. After a few minutes, it was time for us to go. I'm sure you know that Mommy cried when we had to leave you. (You think it's funny that Mommy cries over everything.) Daddy just stood in the hallway watching you in your room. When I asked him if he was ready to go, even he was a little teary-eyed.
Baby girl, we are so excited that you are starting this new phase in your journey through life. We hope that you have a fantastic year in Kindergarten with Ms. Hull and Mrs. Floyd. Have fun and remember that Mommy and Daddy love you more than life itself.
Now, it's Noah's turn. Unfortunately, this is not going to be quite as long as Makenna's trip reports. Alright, Noah...here goes.
We headed to Disney in October of 2007. You were just a few weeks shy of your second birthday. Sissy had been at that age, so we figured you would be okay, too. Boy, were we wrong. The trip started off pretty good. We drove up to Charlotte to meet Aunt Kirstin. The trip was a surprise to the both of you. Sissy didn't know we were going and it didn't really matter to you, you didn't quite know what was going on anyway. The flight down was fairly uneventful, thanks to the portable DVD player. It was all so new to you, that you were pretty much just taking in all of the sights and sounds. Like I said, you hadn't turned 2 yet, so we didn't need an airplane ticket. You just sat in Daddy's lap the whole way. Once arriving at the airport, we caught the Magical Express and we were on our way.
We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside again. This was the second time for me, Daddy and Sissy, but your first. We also met up with Nana and Poppi. Like many other trips (and probably more to come) it was a family affair.
I don't remember too much about each specific day. After about day 1, it all started to run together. It was October, so we thought the weather would be pretty good. Well, it turned out to be 90-95 degrees the whole trip. I know I was uncomfortable, so I can't imagine how you felt. It pretty much went downhill from here.
You were so excited to see the characters and I couldn't wait to get some great pictures. I remember taking you to where Woody was signing autographs (your absolute favorite at this time) and you practically came unglued. You couldn't stop yelling "Woody", "Woody". It was so cute. However, the waiting in line to meet the characters is something you wanted nothing to do with. In fact, you really didn't want to stand in line for anything. This was a huge challenge. I felt so sorry for you that you were so upset. You would just cry and cry and cry and then by the time it was your turn, you wouldn't take your picture. This is why we don't have quite as many pictures of you during your first trip and the ones we do have are mostly family pictures so someone could hold you.
It seemed as though you were the happiest when it was time to eat. We took you and Sissy to Chef Mickey's and to the Crystal Palace to eat with Pooh and the gang. These times were great and you were so happy. These are some of the best pictures we have. You loved the characters for the most part as long as it was someone like Mickey or Pooh. The princesses, however, you didn't want much to do with. I found that very strange because most kids your age would do just the opposite.
We did attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but we as a whole didn't enjoy this too much. We were not able to put your whole costume on (a pirate) becuase it was still so hot. The trick or treating was okay, but the parade was a truly different story. I say, if they are going to call it the Not So Scary Halloween Party, they should take some of the scary stuff out of the parade. (This is a whole other can of worms that I will not open here).
During the whole trip, Daddy and I basically had to take turns with you staying back at the resort because you just weren't having any fun in the parks. The pool was a true lifesaver and I think you could have spent the entire week there.
It is so true that not all kids are alike. You and Sissy were so different at the same age. I am sure that our next trip will be so great and cannot wait until that time comes.
Okay, Makenna, this one's for you... (it may get a little long)
Thanks to Nana and Poppi (actually more Nana than Poppi), Daddy and I were able to take you all by yourself to Disney the first week of December in 2006. You had just turned four years old. This was also your first time on an airplane. Mommy was a little nervous about how you would do, but you breezed right through it and now you love to fly.
We arrived at Disney's All Star Movies Resort, which you picked out, on Saturday evening. We checked in and our rooom was located in the "Mighty Ducks" section of the resort. You were a little disappointed because we had requested the Toy Story section, but there was a cheerleading and football competition that week and they took up most of that area. You quickly got over it and once we got settled, we headed over to Magic Kingdom for supper. You hadn't been to Disney since you were two, so it was if you were seeing some of it for the first time all over again. We so loved Cinderella Castle as it was all lit up and had dancing snowflakes on it. You couldn't stop watching it as we ate outside of Cosmic Ray's. After doing a few rides, we were wandering around in the back of the park just as the fireworks were beginning. Daddy went to the bathroom and almost as soon as he left, the most wonderful thing happened. Tinkerbell flew out of Cinderella Castle right over your head. You could hardly contain yourself. This has to be my most favorite trip to Disney so far and I have so many wonderful memories of that trip that I couldn't possibly write them all down here. I'll do my best to hit the highlights.
Christmas at Disney has become our most favorite time of the year to go. Disney by itself is so wonderful, but add some Christmas decorations and music, and the whole place transforms into this spectacular Christmas wonderland. The weather that week was interesting, to say the least. We started out the week in the 80's and ended up in the 50's (and windy) by Friday. For the most part, the weather was great. It was so nice to be able to wear jeans to Disney.
One of our favorite things to do was to collect autographs, which you were not able to do on your first trip. Our first night, we bought you an autograph book and pen and you carried that thing everywhere. We had so much fun going from one meet and greet to the next. The crowds were pretty light so you got to have a lot of interaction with the characters. I think one of your favorites was in the Judge's Tent where you were finally able to meet a few of the princesses. Your daddy would want me to mention that I just happened to forget the memory card for the camera at Crystal Palace, where we had breakfast, and he had to go back and get it. He ended up missing you meet the princesses. The picture of you and Snow White is one of my most favorite pictures.
We also went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which you absolutely loved. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 5:00 and had supper before the party started. We were able to see the show at the Galaxy Theater and the show in front of Cinderella Castle. The free cookies and hot chocolate were great too. We staked out a spot for the fireworks, which you just happened to develop a fondness for. I thought it was so cute how you were sitting in your buggy watching the fireworks and "conducting" the music with your hands. That is a vision of you I will never forget.
After the fireworks, we made our way down to Main Street and quickly grabbed a spot for the parade. We had a little time before it started, so you and I went shopping in the Emporium. While in the Emporium, you were chosen to round up Santa's "reindeer." Several of the Cast Members in the store were wearing reindeer ears and you had go to through the store and round them up. Afterwards, you were presented with a certifcate and everyone thanked you.
Probably my most favorite memory of that trip is while we were waiting for the parade. Earlier in the week, you and I had purchased Christmas "Minnie Ears" to wear during the trip. Before the parade started, a Cast Member directing foot traffic on Main Street and interacting with the crowd, decided to have a little fun. He stole your Minnie ears right off your head and took off running. Without skipping a beat, you got up and started chasing him up and down the street. After a minute or two, he decided to be smart and got down on his knees to run around. At that very moment, you jumped on his back, tackled him to the ground and took your ears back. The whole crowd waiting for the parade cheered and clapped for you. It was the funniest thing, but you know what was bad? Daddy and I watched the whole thing and didn't even think to video tape it...Daddy even had the camera right in his hand. I wish I could go back and do that all over again.
You were also able to visit Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your princess makeover. Your "Fairy Godmother in Training" put on your makeup, painted your nails and did your hair. They gave you hair extensions and it was so funny, because you didn't look anything like the same kid that we brought with us. You had so much fun with those hair extensions. I think you flung your hair more than Mommy!
Disney created a great thing called Photo Pass which allowed us to get all sorts of photos taken of us together as a family on top of all of the pictures and video that me and Daddy took. I have added several here for you to remember. We had so much fun and I so wish I could go back and do it all over again. Thank you so much for helping to give me these memories that I will cherish forever.
We are serious Disney people. Keith and I have been on several trips, both as a couple and together with my parents. It is hard to describe the feeling you get when you enter the Magic Kingdom through the tunnel under the railroad station and there at the end of Main Street USA stands Cinderella Castle. It takes my breath away every single time. This time, however, was even more magical then I could have ever imagined. Because I've been visiting WDW since I was a kid, I am pretty familiar with the place. In fact, I don't even need a park map when visiting. This was different. Seeing Disney World through the eyes of a child, especially your child, is something so magical, I can't even put it into words.
Makenna had just turned two years old in the fall of 2004. Keith and I packed up the car, strapped Makenna in her car seat, met up with my parents, picked up my sister, and away we go. This was a total family affair. We drove part way and stopped at a hotel right at the Georgia/Florida line, and then resumed the final 2 1/2 hours the next morning. This was my first time staying at a Walt Disney World property and I was psyched. We chose Port Orleans Riverside, and I am so glad we did. The property is absolutely beautiful...reminiscent of the Gone With The Wind era complete with Antebellum-style buildings where the hotel rooms were. Staying on property is also something we will do from now on. The sheer convenience of having a food court at the hotel and the bus transportation to all of the theme parks makes it worth while. Also, the weather this time of year (mid-November) was perfect. We couldn't have asked for better. I think it may have only rained one time and that happened to be during time that we were watching a show. We were able to visit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom a number of times during our week visit.
Makenna only had maybe one or two major meltdowns. Other than that, she was absolutely perfect. The first full day of touring, we purchased small Mickey and Minnie figurines that she carried with her during the entire trip. This worked out so great, becuase it kept her occupied in lines and during break times. These two figurines are sitting on a shelf in her room to this day. We also rented a buggy instead of taking our stroller. They are made such that she could get in and out at her leisure, whether she wanted to walk or ride.
We had no trouble with her while waiting in lines. During this time of year, lines are generally not very long, so that was a definite plus. I do have to mention, though, that Makenna's favorite ride was not in an actual park. It tickles me so much that her favorite ride was the bus to and from the hotel. The child was up at 6:00 every morning wanting to know when we were going to get on the bus.
As far as rides in the parks, she loved everything she was big enough to ride, which was just about everything. Dumbo was her very favorite and she even got Nana to ride it with her. I have to say, that was no small feat on Makenna's part.
She was so great with the characters and I so enjoyed watching her watch the characters, the shows, the parades, everything. There was more than one occasion I would find myself tearing up just watching the pure joy and excitement on her face. To her, the characters, especially the princesses, were the real deal. It just doesn't get any better than that.
One morning, Keith and I decided to take Makenna to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort for their breakfast buffet. During breakfast, Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale and Pluto would all come around to visit each table. Makenna was absolutely beside herself and I didn't think we were going to be able to contain her excitement. I really do not know who had more fun during that meal, Makenna or Keith and I watching her. What was so great about Makenna is that she knew to wait her turn. During breakfast, when the characters would reach the table beside us, she knew to wait until they were done. That doesn't mean she wasn't jumping up and down like a crazy child, but at least she wasn't cutting in on other's time.
All in all, this was a great trip. I actually kept a journal during our trip and I wrote down everything that happened almost minute to minute, but I didn't feel as though I needed to rehash that here. A lot of people think others are crazy for taking a child that young because they won't remember it. I don't feel like that matters. We have tons of pictures that she can look back on for years to come and I have memories of her that will stay with me forever.
Anyone who knows us knows that we are true Disney fanatics. We would probably visit Disney World every year, even more than once a year if we could. Because of this, I have decided to recap our recent trips. This is purely for the benefit of the children so that they can look back and remember all of the Disney magic that they have and will experience throughout their lives. So, bear with me...the next few posts will be all Disney-related.
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