Vacation - Day Two

We started out bright and early this morning because Gracie was scheduled to have breakfast with the princesses over in Epcot. This was to be her special morning and we didn't allow Ella to come. Over a month ago Gracie thought it would be nice to dress like Aurora (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty) for the breakfast. This morning she did not think it would be so nice anymore and fought me tooth and nail about wearing this dress. She fell to pieces saying it was itchy and she didn't want it. Looking back, I should have just let her wear her normal clothes, but I made her wear it since I had already ironed out the wrinkles that morning while she was sleeping. Our trip to Epcot was not one I'd care to repeat. For starters, I got us on a bus that didn't go to Epcot which set us very far behind. After a scolding from the bus driver he set us straight on where to go and we were now very behind schedule. We had to wait for another bus, finally got on it, impatiently drove to Epcot all the while listening to Gracie cry and moan about her itchy dress, and then near-sprinted through Epcot to the restaurant in Norway where the princess breakfast was to be held. At this point we were all flustered, sweating, and about to give up!

Princess Gracie waiting for our bus in her itchy dress.

I was trying to smile, but I think I was ready to cry! But then, something truly magical happened. The greeter called our name and we entered the restaurant to see this magical sight!



Gracie was 100% healed from all itching and any foul mood that she had acquired in the last hour. Belle's presence had healing properties, I guess.

At this point things started happening fast. We got our food, and then as we were eating princesses kept appearing and making their rounds from table to table. Gracie could barely eat as she watched them approach our table.

Aurora (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty) is Gracie's favorite. They had a nice conversation. Aurora asked Gracie if her dress ever changes colors like Aurora's dress did in the movie. Gracie decided to play along and said, "Yes, it does." We also discussed the itchy dress that Gracie was wearing and Aurora told Gracie her dress used to feel itchy also, but she just had to get used to it.

Ariel appeared and was a complete surprise. She wasn't on the schedule to be there, so Gracie was happy. Ariel was wearing her human legs today which made it possible for her to come, I guess!

I think even if you have never seen Gracie in your life you could look at this picture and see the pure excitement oozing out of her. She was in awe of the experience she was having.

More giddiness!

The experience was over and it was time to return to our hotel, but I don't think Gracie will ever forget this hour in her life!

Nana and Gracie posing by a lake in Epcot. Now that we didn't have to run anymore we leisurely walked out of Epcot and took pictures along the way.

When we returned to the hotel and located the gang we made plans to go back to Epcot for the rest of the day. Gracie was relieved to change into her comfy clothes! While we were at the princess breakfast Brent and my dad had explored with Ella. They met a girl who was about to board her plane to go home and she asked if Ella could have her balloon. It was so sweet of her because I had already refused to buy the kids a balloon the first day. Now they had a balloon.

Don't we look touristy? As we waited for a bus to Epcot we made the decision to go on a boat ride to Downtown Disney instead. (Hey, it's my blog. I can retell the story however I want and no one has to know that I actually thought the boat would take us to Epcot.)

I think Uncle Dana was teaching my girls about the power of the IPhone.

Gracie and I were misting ourselves with her spray bottle on the boat ride. It was very toasty!

Uncle Dana took over at the wheel of the boat for a quick pic.

After losing an hour trying water transportation to Epcot we got back on a bus. Ella didn't seem too upset that we weren't there yet.

We waited in a very long line to meet this magical guy. Watching Ella meet Mickey Mouse was really fun. She was very loving to Mickey and each of his friends, and even gave some kisses!

Meeting Pluto for a second time was still fun.

Pluto is a highly skilled dog who can give autographs. Bet you didn't know that!

Minnie Mouse was probably one of our favorites. Ella was instantly smitten and wouldn't let go of Minnie's leg. She was a big clingy with her buddy Minnie!

Papa and Nana kind of liked Minnie, too!

Donald Duck was "soft" according to Ella.

The little kisser had to lay one on Donald Duck!

Yes, Ella is kissing Goofy now. She doesn't discriminate!

Chip and Dale were absolutely adorable. Sooo silly, but the kids ate it up!

The kids quickly gravitated to an area that squirted water up from the ground. It would just randomly squirt and you wouldn't know when or where.

Ella was getting quite wet.

The fountain is spraying Gracie even though it looks like she is "spraying" the fountain!

Tonight we ate at a 50's style diner. It was set up to look like you were sitting in a house from the 50's. What a fun atmosphere, and our waitress was really funny, too. Ella ate her supper and quickly pooped out. The long and hot days were starting to get to her. Fortunately, she was able to fall asleep practically anywhere!

This little cracker jack still had energy! She was high on Disney the whole week!

The waitress had the whole room stop and sing "Happy Birthday" to Mom. Her birthday is actually the 24th, but we decided to celebrate early!