I actually can't believe I am even about to write this, but....
my blogging skills are horrid.
This is obvious, right?
I can barely keep up with a weekly photo of Caroline at this point,
which requires no text.
As the end of the year approaches,
I realize how much I enjoy looking back on the photos and memories posted here,
as they serve as our little family scrapbook.
With that said, I am not giving up quite yet.
I have a 'to-do blog list' that stretches back to a vacation in August,
but rather than add another trip to that list,
I'm going to go ahead and give you a new real blog post.
And my best intentions to go back and fill in everything between August and now.
............................................................................................................................
A few months ago, my parents invited us to come stay with them in Orlando for an impromptu Disney trip. With our NY trip in November and the holidays approaching, Matt's schedule wouldn't allow him to get away, but after a discussion in which we realized Lauren is a few years away from 'real school', when spontaneous adventures are no more, the McQuinn girls booked some tickets and were Disney bound.
We had an amazing trip.
Lauren loved every bit of it.
Her love for Disney has grown since her first trip last year and she was able to express how magical it all was.
If only I had counted the amount of times we heard, 'Oh boy!'
As for Caroline, was an absolute doll.
She was so happy, patient, happy to go along for the ride and mesmerized by all there was to see.
Our first fun-filled day was spent at Magic Kingdom.
We met many princesses, including a favorite of ours, Merida.
Lauren is currently all about 'Brave'
and loves to talk about how Merida 'breaks tradition'.
I see this being a theme in her very bright future.
We also spent some time with Rapunzel, Tiana, and Belle.
We stopped by to say 'Hi' to Mickey and helped him prepare for the parade by practicing a "cha-cha train" around the room.
After seeing all those princesses
and taking notice of the little girls who had transformed into their favorites
at the Bippity Boppity Boutique, Lauren was all over the idea of becoming a princess.
While I hadn't planned on this as part of our trip,
her genuine excitement was all the motivation I needed.
Her first choice in princess was Merida,
until we walked in and she switched to Sleeping Beauty, Aurora.
But once we tried on the Aurora dress,
which had sleeves,
she was done.
Too itchy.
So we asked a fairy godmother if we could do a quick switch,
and Lauren became Cinderella.
Then Cinderella/Lauren was called over by her fairy godmother, Maria, to begin hair and makeup.
About half way into her transformation,
she fell asleep.
Our appointment was scheduled around our typical nap time.
While she was getting pampered,
her eyes started getting heavy,
she completely relaxed,
and was out.
Sleeping Beauty at her best.
When she woke up and realized she was 'Cinderella',
my heart burst.
SO sweet.
We lunched with Winnie the Pooh and Friends.
Lauren was especially excited to see Piglet, as she was going to 'hold him in her hands'.
She quickly realized this would not be possible.
Lauren was much more interested in the rides and attractions this year.
The bumps, spins, and turns had her smiling and shouting,
"Let's Go Again!" each time.
Even Caroline got in on the fun.
Lauren's favorite ride of the day,
Dumbo.
It was an amazing first day,
the girls were so happy all day long,
there was a lot of love & laughter shared,
and sweet memories made.
Our second day was at Hollywood Studios,
a park that the girls had not been to yet.
We saw a few shows including a Frozen Sing Along,
finally got Lauren to wear her 3D glasses,
visited Princess Sofia,
and mom even got to ride Tower of Terror, kid free.
But the most magical part of the day was SANTA!
Lauren has been talking up her trip to see Santa this year,
confidently telling us that she would not cry.
And magically, there wasn't a tear from either of our girls.
They were happy to sit with dear sweet Santa,
and Lauren even told him what she wanted.
A flashlight.
A blue one.
I think based on his reaction, Santa does not hear this particular request often.
But that's so our 'Laurno',
breaking tradition...
Thinking back on our quick little Disney trip,
I can't help but smile.
We made so many amazing memories that I will hold dear for years to come.
Our sweet girls had so much fun and experiencing something so magical through their eyes,
well, it gives me all the feels.
Lauren is already talking about going back when Caroline is bigger.
So she can be a princess too.
Done.
