Surprise Trip to Disney World

We had to capture the kids' reactions on video when we told them the big news.

We started at Animal Kingdom.  I'm so glad we went there.  It had the best roller coaster of the week, in my opinion.  It also included a wild animal safari, a jungle trail (zoo style), and a few kids rides.

We planned to go to Hollywood Studios the next day, but Brooke vomited a couple times in the night.  She does that and then feels better the next day.  We figured she'd spend more time in the stroller, but she wouldn't hinder our fun.  Then as we were buckling up to head out, Colin puked, twice.  As we were trying to clean him up, Brooke puked again.  My mom was trying to contain the mess with both kids.  So glad she was there!  After the third incident, we turned around and went back to the hotel to change into swim clothes.  Cory decided a puking Colin would be better at the beach than wandering around in the hotel room.

 We were planning to go to Clearwater Beach on the Gulf side, but since the Atlantic was closer, we headed to Coco Beach instead.  The two sickies slept the whole way, and when we got there they were both miraculously healed. 

 And happy as ever to dig in the sand.

 The following day was Brooke's 4th birthday, so she wore her new princess dress and our healthy family made it to Magic Kingdom...

 ...where it rained half the day and due to poor planning on our part, we spent way too much money on overpriced Disney ponchos.

 The was Brady's favorite ride.  He was too busy shooting targets to smile for a picture.  The smiles came out for Buzz Lightyear though.

Big Birthday Girl

She was excited to meet the princesses, but she later said she DID NOT want a picture.  She didn't crack a smile the whole time.  Frustrating, funny, and a little awkward.

 Finally, a welcome smile.

We went to the hotel for naps so we could go back for the Electric Parade after dinner.

Seven princesses for the birthday girl, thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Higginbotham

 We went to Long Horn Steakhouse for her birthday dinner.  Brady didn't take a nap and he seemed really tired.  When he said he wasn't hungry, we should have known something was up.  But it wasn't until he said he needed to throw up that we realized he was sick.  My quick thinking contained the mess.  I slid the empty bread basket over just in time for him to puke into it.  The tissue paper held!  Poor Grandma was right next to him getting whiffs and ready to lose her buttered bread.  Somehow we still managed to enjoy our meal after the basket was removed.  (Sorry, that was maybe too descriptive.)

 I volunteered to take the boys back to the hotel while Grandma, Cory and Brooke headed back to see the parade.

 Two favorites: Tinkerbell and Mini Mouse

 She was on Cloud 9 seeing all her Disney "friends".

The icing on the cake was when they showed a movie on the castle and lit it up in all sorts of colors.

 That night after they returned to the hotel, I grabbed a bowl from the kitchen because my stomach was feeling tight.  Two hours later I was the victim of the bug going around.  I was in the bathroom a few times that night, so I opted to stay home from Hollywood Studios the next day.

 There were shows for both kids: Indiana Jones stunt show, Beauty and the Beast, a Star Tours ride and show, and the Muppets.  I honestly don't think I missed much.  Cory and my mom wouldn't recommend it.

  Cory started feeling sick mid-afternoon, so they came back to the hotel.  Fortunately I was feeling a little better by then.  It was my turn to take care of things, but Mom was a great help.  Again, so glad she was there.

 We were concerned Cory wouldn't be able to go to Sea World, the park he was most looking forward to.  Fortunately he managed to sleep it off and felt 90% the next morning.

 Sea World surprised me with the number of fun rides they had.  There were two really fun adult roller coasters.  There was also a kids coaster that Brooke could go on.  The kids loved this one.

Brady waiting for the dolphin show to begin.

Brooke loves her Shamu bubble blower from Grandma.

 Colin did get out of the stroller quite a bit, but he was pretty comfortable there.  Best advice: rent a double stroller. The company dropped it off and picked it up from our hotel.  Thanks for the tip Becca!

We stayed at the Floridays Resort on International Drive.  Our hotel room had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining room and living room.  We didn't eat many meals at the parks.  We went to Costco and the Publix grocery store (three times!), which allowed us to pack lunches and eat normal breakfasts.  It was perfect having separate rooms and a living area, but we also enjoyed the amenities like the pool, game room and fitness center.  Cory planned a fantastic trip for us from the hotel, flights and rental car to the tickets and stroller rental.  He did it all, and despite the illness, it was great!