Disney - What a Magical Place To Be!

Keith, Samantha and I just had the best vacation ever in Disney World! We met up with my whole family. In fact, it was the first time we have all been together on a vacation, including all the kids and husbands, EVER! So, this was incredibly special.(The housekeepers made designs with towels every day and the first day was of course Mickey Mouse ears, so we couldn't miss the photo op)

I was initially worried about bringing an (almost) 6 month old to Disney World, but it was amazing! Samantha was so adorable. Her head was just bouncing from side to side constantly trying to take everything in and she was just smiles the whole time. I have decided that I have an amazing baby - yes, I know I keep saying that and yes I am extremely biased....but all that being said, she did not have a meltdown once, she kept up with us and she didn't seem scared of anything. And there was a lot of firsts for her - first time in a pool, first time meeting giant stuffed characters, first rides, and first major vacation. Many days we were going from sun up to sun down, and bless her heart , she got very few naps because every time she would close her eyes we would go in a show or on a ride, and she would pop awake as if she was afraid of missing something. :)(Samantha getting a better view of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show - her favorite! She was bouncing around almost giddy and towards the end you could see her fighting sleep so hard. :) ) (Hanging out at the pool at the Lodge - despite her pucker, she loved it. She'd splash and giggle and we had a great time watching her!)

It was esp. magical to not only see Samantha enjoy Disney World, but to see my wonderful neices - Jackie, Reagan, Dani, Maddie, Grace and Allyson - just be giddy with excitement. They range in ages from just over 1 year old to 9 years old. They really got to enjoy all Disney has to offer and for the older, it will be lifelong memories!

(Grace and Maddie (4 years old) being goofy at the playground at the Lodge)

(Jackie, Dani and Reagan striking a pose before we entered the Magic Kingdom. And sporting their Disney pins -- the best money making venture Disney has come up with -- if you have been there, you know!)

(Samantha on "It's a Small World" -- she was mesmerized!)

(Tara's youngest Allyson was in love with Sami and kept hugging her. It is amazing how babies love babies)
(The Carters - Brian, Grace, Tara, Allyson, and Dani posing with Pooh)

On top of that, we met with a photographer to get our first professional pictures in almost 17 years! Luckily, they turned out great!

(First picture is in the lobby of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the other is outside by the pool, and the last in the hotel as well)

The resort we stayed at - Animal Kingdom Lodge - was wonderful! We had rooms that looked out on the Savannah and you'd wake up to Giraffes, antelopes, zebras, ostrich and so much more. We also had some great meals at this and other resorts at Disney.

(We got to eat with the Princesses one day -- what a treat for the older girls - unfortunately Samantha was pooped out! But, I still got a picture with Ariel, Tara and Allyson -- heck, I was in higs heaven myself -- Disney makes you feel like a kid, and makes you want to be a princess!)

(The last day we ate at the Floridian Resort with a Cinderella show -- we got to snap some great photos and enjoy some more great food. It was bittersweet though, because we knew it was coming to an end. ;( )

(The Bach family - Tia, Jackie, Reagan, Ed and Maddie)

Thanks Mom and Dad - aka Nana and Papa -- we had a great time and we came away with some amazing memories!