Sunday, September 21, 2008

Makenzie's "3"

It was really important to Tricia and me to be able to share a special birthday with Makenzie this year. Whatever our budget would allow us to do, we wanted to be sure Kaylie was a big part of it too. With limited funds we decided to make plans for a very special day. Thank God for Josh, one of Kaylie's Godfathers. Josh works at Disney. When we went to visit him he said he'd help us get in and have a great time. That he truly did!

We started the day early, getting ready and over to Disney World. Josh met us all there and we began what I knew would be a day full of memories for the girls. Of course, Cinderella's Castle was the first thing that caught their eyes. "Zamma, it's so big! Does she really live there?" If you look at the upper castle you can see her bedroom! We watched the characters perform while Makenzie directed the music. We toured the castle and enjoyed the beautiful mosaic walls inside. Kaylie loved Cinderella's glass slipper scene.

Josh was able to spend a good portion of the day with us, so the girls could enjoy him too. He showed them Mickey and Minnie's house. Everyone tested out Minnie's sofa. We all loved meeting Mickey and Minnie and getting our pictures taken with them both. You should see Minnie's kitchen!
Both girls got to ride the roller coaster with William. I think it was Makenzie's first Disney roller coaster ride! Kaylie loved it so much she went on twice. We had a great lunch, but Josh had to cut it short so he could go to work. We made plans to see him later. He has "connections" and got us perfect seats in the VIP section to see the Daytime Parade. It was so awesome to watch the girls faces as the characters came by and waved to them or high fived them. Cinderella wished Makenzie a special Happy Birthday as she was wearing a Disney birthday pin from Josh. She was totally awestruck! (He really spoiled us all.)
No child can go to Disneyworld without riding on Dumbo. The girls loved it! We also went into It's a Small World, where we all sang and watched as the girls tried to take it all in. Their eyes were huge! We girls agreed that was the best part. They all went to see Snow White, but Makenzie says the witch "is mean and nasty!"

At 5:00 pm daily, there is a flag retreat on Main Street. We all watched Josh during the retreat. The girls said that was for Papa... It was so amazing. I was so proud of them as they stayed still with their hands on their hearts. Good Girls!

Next came some more rides, and then the night time Spectromagic Parade. Once again we got to spend time with Josh. He took the kids out in the street to play a game until the parade started. Kaylie wanted to stay by him the whole time. We ate our Mickey ice cream, and then watched a beautiful night parade. All the floats and costumes were lighted, making the girls faces easy too see. (That and their huge eyes!)

I've included a short montage of our day. I hope you enjoy it and decide to visit Disney to create your own memories soon. It truly is a "magical"place, and definitely the best place to celebrate your 3rd birthday. Just ask Makenzie! Remember, make those good memories!

After you watch the video, click over to Kristy's blog. She's got some wonderful photos too!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=7001e0dc5ae01bc242d422

Kristy's blog: http://thelavellafamily.blogspot.com/