Dancing in the Rain: May 2010

We got back Saturday from a quick trip (Wed-Sat) to Orlando and Disneyworld. Daron was speaking at a conference on Helen's birthday so we decided to tag along, especially since a large portion of the trip was paid for by Daron's work (hotel, his airfare, etc). The hotel was the Gaylord Palms which is very fancy and had a wonderful family pool with no areas deeper than 3 1/2 feet, complete with water slide and fountains. When we arrived late Wednesday night, Daron's family had called ahead and arranged for a birthday cake, decorations and gift cards to be in our room. We were all very surprised and it was a great end to the day and start of our vacation. Thursday and Friday, Daron went to the conference in the morning and the girls and I slept and swam. Then we went to Disney for the afternoon and evening. Disneyworld was hot but not nearly as crowded as the summer. Our line waiting was cut by less than half since we could use alternate entrances and Fastpass lines due to the girls' low vision. I had been worried since Daisy said she wanted to see Pooh first and knew I could not just arrange that, but lo and behold, he and Tigger were right beside City Hall as soon as we entered the park. We got the Birthday girl a pin and they gave us free ice cream. We rode many rides although we had to avoid anything scary and Helen wouldn't ride roller coasters. Poor Daisy wanted to but is much too short to be allowed. We dined on Friday night at the Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends. Daisy was beside herself with excitement. Helen was excited, but had ceased to believe they were real. Her magic came when they sprinkled "magic" sparkles on the table. She quickly pocketed them and while in the bathroom started mumbling to herself and throwing one on the ground. I asked her what she was doing and she said making a wish. Then she turned to me with a sad face and said, "Mommy, they're not real. My wish didn't come true." Well, we can't let that happen at the happiest place on Earth can we? I asked what she was wishing for and it was a stuffed Pluto. I proceeded to tell her that he wouldn't just appear on the bathroom floor since it was dirty. Well, she wished again and threw one on the floor outside the bathroom- smart cookie. So I kept stalling and after dinner while they were waiting for fireworks, I quickly bought one and stuffed it in the bottom of the stroller. When we were folding up the stroller to get on the tram, Daron and I were so surprised to find a stuffed Pluto in there! And the rest is history. My oldest girl still believes in magic- for a little longer...