Our Orlando Adventure

We've returned from our week in Orlando, which was full of fun, laughter and a few moments we'd like to forget.  Our plane ride down went well and the girls were especially fond of the pretzels.  We arrived at our hotel (Marriot Harbour Bay-highly recommend) just in time to grab some dinner poolside and go for a swim.  We were up bright and early the next day to drop Mate off at the convention center for the first day of his conference.  While I was alone with the girls, we participated in the toddler activities at the hotel, went swimming and prepared for a little family reunion.  My paternal grandpa, his lovely wife and my uncle live about 45 minutes away from where we were staying.  They drove over so we could spend the evening catching up, which was a highlight of our trip.

Keeping my girls entertained

Night swim

Family

My mom joined us for the next three days of the trip since Mate was busy, busy, busy with the conference.  We had such a great time at Sea World, The Magic Kindgom, shopping, and swimming.  Although there were a couple of level 10 tantrums, we found a way to laugh through them all.  I couldn't have had these adventures with anyone but my mom and am so glad we had this time together.

Playing with grandma at the arcade

Watching the pearl divers at Sea World

One of the many rides at Shamu's Happy Harbor

In Belle's Cottage at the Magic Kingdom

And this is why she is up for grandma-of-the year: covered in ice cream, but happy because Mia could see Mickey. 

Once Mate finished up at the conference, we changed hotels to spend the night in a Little Mermaid themed room in Disney.  This allowed us early entrance into the Magic Kingdom and free parking, which were nice bonuses.  Our day at the park was just as magical as the last time we were there. Within minutes of arriving, we were greeted by two very nice employees who gifted adorable pink Minnie ears to Eliana, extra fast passes to our entire family and complimentary tickets to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that evening.  We couldn't have asked for a better way to start our day! 

Starting out bright and early

Thanks to these ladies for all the extras!

Riding Dumbo

Eliana enjoying the Jungle Cruise

Lunch with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger

Our last morning

Traveling home wasn't quite as easy as our trip down, but through tears and laughter, we made it safe and sound.