Magic Kingdom - Disney Day #3

I can't decide if I should sum today up with the word EXHAUSTED or AMAZED!  I am both!  

I am truly exhausted as I sit here - it is 11:00 and we started our day at 8:00.  I think I was walking or standing for 75% of that time.  My feet are tired!  My brain is full!  

I am also AMAZED with how WONDERFUL Payton was ALL DAY LONG!  We arrived in the Magic Kingdom around 10:30 this morning and every single minute after that was filled with wonder, amazement and excitement.  After today, I can honestly say that I am so thankful we decided to come to Disney for our family vacation.  Nothing will ever replace the memories I have from today.  The joy and excitement in Payton's eyes and his very wide smile will never be forgotten!  

Nap time came and went without one second of shut-eye.  I knew we were doomed.  We made it all the way out of the park without the slightest meltdown.  We were sure that dinner would be a disaster.  We made it without incident.  We were sure that getting pajamas on would be terrible.  He went to sleep like an angel.  I am truly AMAZED!  What a wonderful day.

Here are a few of my favorite moments from today.

• When we arrived and he spotted Cinderella's Castle he was very excited!  We arrived just as a show was taking place on the steps.  He was happy to see Mickey Mouse.
• Our first ride was Buzz's ride in Tomorrowland.  As soon as we entered the building he spotted Buzz and those eyes were bright!  As soon as we were finished, he asked to go again with Meme and Pawpaw.
• He requested to ride his first ride ever - rocket ships that we up in the air and around.  Mommy had to hold him tight because it went so fast!
• Mickey and Minnies' house.  He loved Mickey's house!  He quickly went from room to room to see what was there.  
• Dumbo!
• The mid-day parade - When the parade started his eyes were wide open!  He was excited to see all his favorite characters.  He sat on Daddy's shoulders to watch and waved eagerly at everyone.  When Woody and Jesse walked around the corner in the parade he got SO excited.  He got to give both of them a high five.
• The Pineapple Float - what a disaster!  Ice cream on top of pineapple juice - it seemed like it would be a refreshing treat.  Ha!  It was a terrible terrible mess.  We got it for Payton who was hot and requested ice cream - after all the trouble, he didn't even want it!  Of course.  
• Seeing Woody and Jesse in Frontierland.  Once again, I know I keep saying it, but he was SO excited and his face was priceless.  Even better, once we found Woody and Jesse I knew how and where to find Buzz. 
• The carousel - yes, a very old ride, but he loved riding the horse.  I heard him tell Daddy he was riding Bullseye.  
• Back in Tomorrowland we spotted Buzz!  BUZZ!!! I would have waited all day to let that little boy see Buzz Lightyear.  Luckily, it was only about 15 minutes.  He was in awe.  He has had his picture made with several characters now, but it was easy to see that Buzz was his favorite.  Unfortunately, he didn't smile as big as he felt in the pictures but he did not want to leave Buzz's side.  He gave him high five and told him "Bye Bye Buzz!"  Oh, did we mention yet that he was dressed in his newest Toy Story T-shirt!  A HUGE hit!  He was so so so excited.  
• Of course, a conveniently place Toy Story "story" caught our interest as we were leaving.  Meme and Pawpaw picked up a little prize for Payton.  After we got home for the day - and he had been SO good all day - he got his prize.  Slinky Dog!  Talk about excited!  Buzz still topped slinky dog but it was a close second.  He laughed and smiled and giggled!  As we speak, Payton is asleep and Slinky Dog is laying beside him keeping watch over night.
• When asked his favorite part of today - he promptly responded BUZZ! 

Wow!  What a day!  It was wonderful and special and everything great.  I will admit that traveling with a 2 month old requires a little extra planning and preparation each day - we look like we're packed up for the week just for a few hours in the park.  We carry 3 coolers (1 for Payton, 1 for us and 1 for milk for Owen), I carry my handheld pump just in case, the diaper bag, the camera, the infant carrier incase we have to park the stroller, and the double stroller.  Even with all the planning it requires and extra special care for Owen I can assure you it is ALL worth it.  I just can't find the right words or say it enough - the look on Payton's face and the excitement we feel while experiencing Disney with him is priceless.  

Tomorrow, we are heading to Animal Kingdom.  We're hoping to have a little more of a relaxing day and take it easy.  We will definitely be finding the Bugs Life show.  So, 2 days in a row have been PERFECT.  I guess we should expect a few meltdowns tomorrow!  We'll see!  Even if he cries all day long I will still say the trip has been worth it for sure!  

Now, to rest my feet and my eyes!