Disney!

We just got back from our first Disney adventure with the boys. I admit that I was pretty hesitant when Jess first brought up the idea (too commercial, too expensive, too crowded, etc.), but it ended up being a truly wonderful experience - full of all that Disney magic.

We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, a terrifically fun place with tons to see and do.

Our first night there, the boys joined in on an African drumming parade in the lobby.

Then, of course, Daddy had to buy them their own African drums.
Our hotel room looked out onto the savanna.
This is what we saw off of our balcony. Not a bad view while lying in bed.

Ben thought a giraffe might lick him on his face while he was sleeping, and he was thrilled at the prospect.

Breakfast on our balcony, joined by some zebras and antelopes.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

We headed to Magic Kingdom the morning after we arrived.

The theme among most of the pictures is that it was impossible to get both boys to look at the camera at once (forget smiling), so I just gave up trying.

Dumbo!

Ben insisted we wait in line to meet the fairies, so here we are with Tinkerbell.

This was our first (of three) Disney parade.

While Noah loved all the music and characters, he wasn't so sure when they got too close.

Race car drivers Ben ...

and Noah!

Then it was time to meet the big man himself.

Mickey!

Noah said his hug from Minnie was, "Soooo nice."

We started Day 2 at Magic Kingdom with a visit with Pluto. And another failed attempt at a picture with both boys looking at the camera.

Parade #2

Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride

After lunch, we decided to head back to the hotel for a nap for Noah, a little arcade time for Ben and Daddy, and some swimming. Then we headed to Downtown Disney for dinner.

Downtown Disney

After dinner we went back to Magic Kingdom for the nighttime parade and fireworks.

Waiting for the parade to start. It was getting late at this point and the boys were getting a little droopy.

The lights of the parade were spectacular, though, and they quickly perked up.

Waving to Minnie.

The fireworks didn't start until 10 pm, so the boys took a rest in the stroller while we waited.

But the show was definitely worth staying up for. By the end of Day 2, Jess had decided he wanted to live inside Magic Kingdom. I'm not sure I went that far, but it really was a magical experience that I'm so glad we got to share with our boys. We're thinking it may be a trip we do each time a kid turns 5. I guess that means 2012 - here we come!

The next morning was our last day, so we headed back over to Downtown Disney for a little more play time before getting in the car for the drive home.

Building race cars at the Lego Imagination Center.

And petting some Lego puppies.