Pure Magic

Well today was the day...the day long awaited....the day that couldn't come faster for Kate...the day that did not let anyone down.   I have a zillion pictures to sort through, but I thought I'd post a few that top my favorite list!  Let's begin with the mere excitement of the kids as we waited to board the monorail into the park.  We just caught a glimpse of the castle from across the lake, and they were very excited!!

   As expected...the princesses were magnificent.  I was so impressed with how each one really took time with each child.  Kate had full conversations with each of them -- but anyone who knows Kate is not surprised by that!  (And Brenden...he managed to sneak a kiss in with Cinderella.  Sly fella that one!)

 Kate took Princess Tiana by surprise with this hug, and almost knocked her over!  As I mentioned yesterday, the Frog Princess is among Kate's favorite right now.  But Belle has a sweet spot too in Kate's heart.

Another highlight was the 3:00 parade down main street.  It was HOT!  We were TIRED.   We almost decided to skip out on the parade all together in place of some shade and A/C.   Boy I am glad we didn't.  Kate had a prime spot on the sidewalk, and almost every character stopped by to greet her.  I missed her handshake with Captain Hook - boy was she thrilled with that one!  But I captured a few exciting moments.

 I believe Kate is shooting, "Mom!!  Look who is coming!!"

In this picture, Cinderella is actually waving to Kate. 
And Kate is thrilled!   

Well done, Disney.  Well done!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo

Kate has been counting down the days to our Florida/Disney Vacation.  Meeting the princesses is top on her list of things to do.  In fact, when we landed at the Orlando airport, she asked if we were immediately going to Cinderella's Castle.  Sorry Kate; we have a few stops to make before the castle.  But, tomorrow is the big day - and Kate will FINALLY meet the royal princesses.

 Before we embark on Magic Kingdom tomorrow, we had a little surprise for Kate.  Today SHE became a PRINCESS thanks to the Fairy Godmother's helpers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  And to say the least, Kate was beside herself with excitement!!

 She was asked to pick a hairstyle and tiara.

 She was asked which princess she wanted to be.  And when Kate responded Tiana, the Frog Princess, she found this dress, crown and wand magically waiting for her in the dressing room.

 She was pampered with glittery hair, shiny nails, and even makeup.  Kate was very excited to wear lipgloss!

 It was a magical experience for Kate.  One I hope she will never forget.  At four years of age, the magic of make believe is still alive.  And even though we had to listen to her Bibbidi Bobbidi Booing all evening and using her magic wand to make dinner appear and doors open and cousins stop talking....it was very special for me to watch her take in all the glitz and glamor and wonder that Disney provides.  In her heart, Kate was a princess today.  To believe that magic still exists is a priceless gift that I wish I still possessed.  Maybe I do after today.

April = Birthday Celebrations!

April seemed to fly buy.  It was full of happiness and celebrations.  Josh and Kim celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary on April 1st.   We went to the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia for the second year in a row.  Paris in April is magnificent.  ;)

Nathan turned two in early April.  He LOVED every minute of attention poured out on him. We had a fish themed birthday party, fish being one of Nathan's first words.  He received some pet fish and we created a fishing game out in the back yard with fishing poles.  (Somehow I missed getting pictures of the game.  Hopefully Aunt Debbie got some!)  I can't believe my little guy is 2 already!

In the final days of March, Papa Dan arrived for a long visit.  He was able to be here to celebrate Nathan's birthday and his own.  Dan turned a young "72" and for his birthday we were able to take him out to a nice dinner sans kids.  Instead of birthday cake, we splurged on some Cakebread wine.  Papa Dan slept really well that night. (wink...wink...)

Collin rounded out the month with a pizza party for his 4th birthday.  The kids became little chefs at California Pizza Kitchen.  They each got aprons and were able to make their own pizza.  Then they received a tour of the kitchen - pretty special they were.  Nathan loved being one of the big kids.

Nathan also LOVED the HUGE ice-cream sundae that came after the pizza!