Day 7

This day we set out for Animal Kingdom.

 This is our least favorite of the Disney Parks, so we just had on the agenda to spend half a day here.

 The Tree of Life is the focal point of the park. 

 We knew for sure we would ride the safari ride!

 This is a favorite ride of the boys.

 Not because of the animals though,

but of course because of the safari bus and muddy path we ride through!

 After our safari ride we stopped by the drums in Africa.  The kids could have beat on these all day! 

 Next we went to Mr. Everest for Caleb and Josh to ride the big roller coaster.  We waited and waited... 

 To see this!

 Good thing they had on their turquoise shirts, made it easier to spot them at the back!

After spending the morning at Animal Kingdom, we made our way back to Hollywood Studios.

 The stunt show, Lights, Motors, Action is another favorite show of the boys!

 They were happy to see that Lightening had been added to the show.

We rode the Backlot Tour next.

 

When we got off this ride, it was 6:00... time for the lights to come on!  We got our hot cocoa and anxiously awaited them to come on. 

 The Christmas music came on, the "snow" started falling... magical!

 As we were heading out to the bus we noticed that the wait for Toy Story Mania wasn't too long... so we jumped in line.  Robert and Blake were had gone to ride Star Tours so it was Uncle Josh, Aunt YayYay, Barrett, Brynn, Caleb, and I on this one.

 I love the decor on this one!

 We got our glasses and were ready to ride!

 We made our way to the bus and headed to the hotel for a good night's sleep.

Day 6 {Very Merry Christmas}

We met our family at the Crystal Palace for dinner with Pooh and friends.

 We snapped a few pictures while we waited to be seated.  And by a few, I mean this is the best of probably 10!

 Robert and I enjoying a quick picture without having to get kids to look at the camera:) 

 We were seated and the fun began!

  The kids loved their time with these characters!

 As you can clearly see by the big smiles on their faces!

 They participated in the Pooh-rade.  They followed the characters parading around the restaurant.

 Our friends were sitting just a table over (more pictures on that coming later).  Since it was Samantha's birthday, the staff brought her out a cupcake, card signed by Pooh and his friends, and they sang happy birthday.  A fun way to celebrate her special day!

After our dinner it was time for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  The Magic Kingdom stays open late for people who have purchased tickets for this event.

 They have special holiday fun available at the Very Merry Christmas Party... including Mickey and Minnie wearing their Christmas best.

We watched the spectacular fireworks show while listening to Christmas music, sipping hot cocoa, and watching Tinker Bell fly from the castle.What is more magical than this kind of night?

 I was worried that Brynn and Barrett were going to be terrified of the fireworks.  Barrett smiled the whole time and was mesmerized.

 Brynn was nervous, but never cried or became scared.

 And of course, Blake loved every second of it.

 Shortly after the fireworks ended, the littles fell fast asleep. 

 While they slept, we visited with Belle in her holiday dress and the Beast.

 It was then time for one of our favorite parades.  Mickey's Christmas Parade!

 We love watching the magic of the season come to life in this parade!

 The sights, the smells, and the snow that falls during the parade are wonderful!

 Blake loved seeing Dopey!

 Such cute floats! 

Brynn and Barrett slept right through it (it was an 11:15 p.m. parade after all) while the rest of us enjoyed every second of it!