Disney: February 17, 2010

Highlights from today: (click here for picture set 1)

(click here for picture set 2) 

The morning started off with breakfast at the hotel.  They had a light breakfast with muffins, cereal and pastries.  It was all we needed and after a few bathroom stops we were on our way.  We made it to Animal Kingdom just as it opened.  Robby headed to get fast passes for the safari with the little ones and Tara went to the TriceraTop spin with Reagan and Anderson.  There wasn't a line we we rode those dinosaurs 3 times, then Dad came and we rode 2 more times with Graham.  Graham would have a breakdown on the ride and go nuts while buckling up but would calm down on the ride-what are we going to do with him?

We were walking to see the Lion King show but the Bug's Life was about to start inside of the tree so we decided to go there.  The show was entertaining-Reagan was the only one who enjoyed it even though she asked a few times if we could just leave.  Anderson was trying not to be terrified but would cry out every once in a while and Graham was hysterical!  The next stop was the safari ride-Reagan was hoping to see a penguin but they weren't out today so we just had to settle for a rhino, giraffe and elephant along with some other animals too.  Graham was pretty content of this ride and seemed to look for the animals with everyone else.

We walked back over to get in line for the Lion King show but after having a snack and pottying we didn't make it cause it was full-oh, well.  The character line was nearby so we did see Minnie, Thumper, Donald and Daisy (who we hear is hard to find)  Next we trekked back to the Dinosaur area and the kids played in the boneyard and could have stayed there all day long – especially the high, twisty slide.  We were able to see a few characters on the way out of the park and Graham is getting more comfortable with them,  But he is still terrified! Leaving set Graham off and he was pretty much hysterical until we made it back to the hotel and he got to go to bed!  Everyone is resting now before our evening adventures!

Robby ran to pick him up some lunch while everyone else was napping.  Soon after Graham woke up and started helping everyone else wake up.  The kids were a little tired but they were ready to go when we mentioned riding on the monorail.  We parked close to the monorail place and hopped on and headed back to Magic Kingdom around 5.  We were expecting long lines again since they were pretty bad at Animal Kingdom.  But everyone must have been going home for a nap, we could tell walking in that the lines were shorted.  Reagan and Anderson sat in their strollers saying/screaming "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" on our way in the park and Graham was in his stroller saying "Mickey."  Graham was all excited until Pluto walked by and touched him and Graham screamed so loudly that Pluto jumped!

Anderson had been wanting to ride the Tomorrowland Speedway cars and since the line was only 20 minutes, we hoped in line.  We had to do a swap since Campbell was too small too ride.  Dad, Anderson and Graham rode first.  Graham who has been scared of all of the other rides was thrilled about riding in the car.  When they made it back, Reagan took Graham's place and off they went.  Graham was not happy about being left so Mom was carrying him on her hip and Campbell in the carrier until the others arrived.

Next we made it to Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride.  While we waited in line, Graham wouldn't walk forward and would just say "no"-he didn't want to ride but did enjoy it (kind of).  We decided to brave it and take everyone on the Pirates ride.  There was not a wait at all and while walking up and down the lines, Reagan kept asking Mom if she knew where she was going.  Graham got in the boat without a fuss but Anderson was convinced that he didn't want to get in.  They all enjoyed it and especially liked playing with the swords in the gift shop at the end of the ride.  Aladdin didn't have a line so we rode it again and this time Graham was fine riding in it.

It was nearing time to ride the monorail to the Contemporary for supper at Chef Mickey’s.  We were there early but thought we would still check in.  Our Minnie had to change into her Minnie dress and before we could finish the pager was going off and we were seated about 50 minutes early.  That was wonderful since our reservations were at 8:55.  Graham had to set between Mom and Dad but ate a bowl full of Mickey shaped pasta.  Reagan and Anderson enjoyed seeing Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie.  Campbell even stayed awake for the whole time to see everyone.  They all got into swinging their napkins around and dancing to the music.  Anderson ate every dessert that they had on the buffet plus some-Dad finally had to cut him off.  Meanwhile, Graham found a banana and had it for dessert.  Reagan was too busy watching the characters to bother with desserts.  We managed to get a decent picture of Graham with Mickey but he wasn't so cooperative with Donald. (Using the word "decent" very liberally)

After supper, we loaded up-and what a load it is: 2 double strollers, 4 kids, 7 coats, 4 hats, a blanket, diaper bag, 2 cameras and who knows what else!  Maybe that is why everyone in the park seems to stare at us.  People have told us: you have your hands full, better you than me, wow! 4 kids.  And we have overheard many of the same comments including: look at that tiny baby, that baby isn't more than a few weeks old and the list goes on.  People have also commented on how well behaved they are-that's nice.  They have actually done very good-just a few meltdowns but that is to be expected – and those were mainly from Dad.  Anyway, after supper we went to the monorail for our one stop ride to the transportation center and then to our car.

Campbell had a meltdown in the car-she was exhausted and wanted someone to hold her.  Graham fell asleep in the car and never woke up even with Campbell crying, Dad changing him and Reagan and Anderson playing.  Mom and Dad are sore from pushing the strollers and lifting the kids in and out of the rides but we will all be refreshed in the morning (hopefully) and ready to go again!

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