Our trip!

So, on our trip to get Liam, we discussed surprising the kids with a trip to Disney for Christmas.  We have been in adoption mode for almost 5 years and now that our family was complete, we wanted to celebrate in a big way!  Also, Alex had hinted on more than one occasion that if we were done getting her brothers, she would really like to go to Disney.  

So...... we started planning.  It was a bit overwhelming, but we pulled it off.  I could write so much, but I figured I would just do a quick re-cap of every day.  

Christmas Eve: Gareth had to work until 2.  I had packed the kids the day before without them knowing and Gareth and I had loaded the car up after they went to bed.  So, on the morning of Christmas Eve, Gareth went off to work and I spent the morning cleaning.  The kids were great due to it being Christmas eve and Santa coming.  Around 2, Gareth called to say he was on his way home. I quickly asked the kids to get their new pj's on, (a big family tradition. new pj's from grandma and grandpa for Christmas eve)  and put 3 books in their travel back packs, then meet me at the top of the steps.  Strangely enough, they did it.  When Gareth got home, they were sitting there good as gold. All I told them was that we were going on a road trip.  So, our 14 hour car journey began.  I will say that considering  they had no idea where we were going, they were so well behaved.  There were a few conversations between Alex and Callum about going to the North pole. (too cute)

We drove straight through arriving in Orlando around 3:30 am.  Of course, the kids woke up, still not knowing where we were and it took a bit to get them back to sleep, but eventually they did.  I then set up some mini trees I had bought with their stocking underneath, and off to sleep I went.

Christmas Morning, 9:30am. - The kids wake up excited to be in a hotel. They spot their stockings and asked if I let Santa in.  They all pile up on the bed and begin to rip through their little gifts.  All the gifts I bought were Disney.  It didn't take long for Alex to realize, so we asked her where she thought she knew where we were and where she thought we were going.  She finally figured it out!  She was so excited that if anyone else was still sleeping, they weren't after that:0)  We ate breakfast and loaded up the car and headed out.

First stop: Epcot!( since we knew that Magic Kingdom would be a nightmare). 

We arrived and went straight to the line to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald and goofy.  I was amazed at how patient the kids were and doubly amazed at the short wait.  Callum was ecstatic, Alex was excited and Liam was a little reserved.  Gareth, well, he was just a big kid:0)

After that, we headed over to walk through the countries.  Gareth was able to get his fish and chips in England.  The best he has had since being in the states. We saw Father Christmas, Callum got his french fries stolen right out of his hand by a seagull twice, (really funny) and we watched a candle light service for Christmas day.  It seemed that no matter where we went, we saw a character and Alex almost filled up her first autograph book that first day.  It was a long and tiring day, but wonderful!!!

December 26-  We got up early and headed to Animal Kingdom.  Luckily my husband knew the ropes although it was his first time to Disney.  We headed to the back of the park and went straight on the safari.  It was great!!  All the animals we awake and moving all around.  Callum saw a huge elephant.  Later that day, we saw a great parade, The Lion King, and Alex was invited to watch a wood pecker get its annual physical.  Now, those of you who know her know that for a while, she has said that she wants to be a vet.  She was in awe and must have watched this for 45 minutes without getting squeamish or anything.  It was right up her alley.

December 27- Hollywood Studios-  Great Park.  Alex got to be in the High School musical parade. That was exciting.  The boys met the little Einsteins, and they all met the Power Rangers.  It was lots of fun!! 

Sunday, December 28th, we took a break from the parks.  We were able to see our friends Tina and Darryl and their son Daniel.  They are who we traveled with to get Liam. They received Daniel a few hours earlier and we spent the week in Guatemala with them.  Anyway, they live in Tampa, so they came up for the day.   The kids spent the morning in the pool and then we went to dinner in Down town Disney.  It was so great to see them and also see the boys together again!!

Monday, December 29th-back to Hollywood Studios.  Alex fought Darth Vader, the boys met Buzz light year and Alex and  Callum got to dance in the block party parade.  Great Day!!

Tuesday, Magic Kingdom-  We woke up at 6:15, (yuck) and headed to Magic Kingdom.  It is enchanting to ride up and see the castle with all of the Christmas decorations.  We walked in and Callum saw Daisy Duck.  He had been waiting all week to meet her.  Unfortunately  he had to wait a little longer.  We headed straight to the back of the park and decided to meet Daisy later.  

We rode the dumbo ride, teacups and carousel.  saw a great parade and then we were able to meet Daisy.  They funniest part was that Liam was finally warming up to meeting the character by this point.  He would hand them his book and then stand a little ways away. Well, Daisy decided that she wanted to give Liam a hug.  He went backwards away from her and she accidentally pushed him down a step.  Of course, she can't talk, Gareth and I are being awful parents and just cracking up all while she is trying to communicate that she is sorry. It was really funny.  Anyway, the kids met, Pinocchio, Snow White, Mary Poppins, and then we had a character dinner with Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Chip and Dale.  We ended up staying for the night parade and fire works and at that point decided to close the park down and not go back the next day.  All in all, we were there from 8am to midnight and although it was fun, it ranked our least favorite out of our trip.  It was a little too crazy for us on this trip.

On New Years Eve, we decided to head back to Animal Kingdom.  I think that we all loved this park. We went on the safari again, saw the Nemo show and saw another parade.  Since this was the last day, we let the kids spend their spending money, which was burning a hole in Alex's pocket, and then we headed back to the house we rented.  It was about 8:30, so Gareth let the kids swim while I started packing up.  Everyone was still up at midnight and we rang in the new year banging pots and pans.  

New years Day- We headed out, got a bite to eat and then started our 14 hour drive home.  We were going to break the drive up, but Gareth decided that we might as well keep going, so that is what we did.  We arrived home around 3:30 Friday morning, and have been recuperating ever since.  I joke that we need another vacation now that we are home, but it kind of is true. 

We had such a wonderful time and I know that I am leaving many details out.  I doubt that many of you have even made it to the end of this post. I don't think I have ever posted such a long post before.  Anyway, although I am leaving a lot out, I do know that it was the best trip that we have had as a family.  This is the first time that it was the 5 of us and it was a great bonding experience.  It was magical and wonderful in so many ways and a wonderful way to spend Christmas.   It was also such a wonderful way to ring in the New Year!!  I pray that whatever we endure this coming year, whether it is a year of heartache, or a year full of joy, I am so thankful for the memory of this trip with our family complete.  I pray that your Christmas and New Years was as wonderful as ours, and if you need any Disney tips, we are now pros:0)