Hollywood

We departed for Will Rogers Airport at 4:30 AM...heaven help us. I was fearful the boys might be grumpy with such an early start time, but they were much too excited to be grumpy. It was also Sam's first time to fly and he squealed like a piglet every time he saw a plane through an airport window. To say Sam LOVES airplanes would be a gross understatement.

 

After we arrived in Orlando, we swam the day away. Later that evening we met up with the rest of the Riseling family and Papa Bo treated us all to dinner at The Turf Club at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course to celebrate Wade's birthday.

 

We were so excited to find out that Cousin Craig would be joining us!

 

Trying to remember exactly how old young he is.

 

The Magic Kingdom is truly magical...both boys slept until 8:30 AM our first day there. I can't remember the last time that happened. In fact, it may have been a first. When they did finally rise, I made breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon and toast) while the boys watched one of their new Disney flicks with Grandma and Papa Bo on the patio.

 

When we finally made it to Hollywood Studios, I introduced Sam to his turtle leash. For those of you who didn't see the Facebook post, yes, I bought my son a child leash. Something I swore I'd never do...but that was before Sam came along. Since Sam I've learned to never say never.

 

Sam obviously wasn't a big fan of the leash.

 

And Henry was a little unsure of being strapped to a rocket while waiting in line to meet Buzz Lightyear.

When Sam found out that Buzz and Woody were behind the wall, he suddenly forgot about the leash. THANK YOU, BUZZ. You saved the day, and the heads of those waiting in line beside us.

Next in line...

 

Sam finally came face-to-face with his hero. Oh happy day.

 

 

Henry was still unsure. Mr. Reserved wasn't nearly as character crazy as his brother, Sam.

 

Buzz had to fight hard for a "five".

 

 

While Buzz continued trying to ease Henry's nerves, Sam was busy hugging and loving on Woody.

 

 

Grandma traveled in style...until she got in trouble from Disney staff for toting around live cargo. Apparently there is a 'one person per scooter' rule at Disney. Yet they have a ride called Tower of Terror...go figure...

 

Enjoying the sights during the Studio Backlot Tour

 

 

M-I-C-K-E-Y

M-O-U-S-E

 

 

 Remembering for a moment that he was still mad about being leashed.

 

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

 

Biggest water gun I've ever laid eyes on

The absolute highlight of the trip for me was seeing Sam get excited about meeting the characters. As soon as he'd see someone new, he'd squeal his high-pitched Sam squeal, run and give them a hug. Then he'd run back to me, hug me with excitement, and run back to the character for round two. It was priceless.

 

 

 

Finally, characters that didn't intimidate Henry.

 

Preparing for his turn on Toy Story Midway Mania!

 

Magic Kingdom pictures coming soon...