Friday morning they headed to Animal Kingdom for Donald's Dining Safari Lunch at Tusker House. The kids were so excited to get more autographs in the autograph books Grandma and Grandpa bought them. And Jake was excited to get his Goofy hat signed by GOOFY!!! And the kids were excited that Grandpa got to see Donald because it is his favorite character.
After lunch they went on a Jungle Safari and got to see lots of cool animals close up!
Then they explored the rest of Animal Kingdom, went on some rides and watched the parade. It started to rain, but luckily it was time to go by then anyway.
(goofy noticing Jake's hat)
The kids went back and went swimming with Grandma and Grandpa and Mommy and Daddy went out on their own for a nice dinner at Fulton's Crab House and walked around Downtown Disney at night. They loved that they got to take the ferry launch there and see all teh cool lights on the water.
Thursday morning the kids woke up and went to the pool early. They loved the pool especially the kids part (not pictured here) because it had so many cool kids slides.
Then it was off to Epcot. This was definitely the kids least favorite of all the parks, and it was still very hot.
The Mexican and Norwegian rides were really cool
Daddy trying to get a picture with the kids :)
That evening they had a princess dinner at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, part of the Norway Pavilion. It was cool to meet all the princesses, see Taryn's face light up, see Jake get super shy and make Mommy get his autographs and do a princess parade all in a medieval castle-themed restaurant.
Jake even got a belated birthday cupcake from the princesses.
Once the dinner was over the family was not psyched to see that it was pouring out!
But they put on their ponchos (trash bags according to Taryn) and headed for some indoor attractions like the Nemo ride.
Everything is so pretty at Epcot at night.They stayed for the Illumination fireworks and headed home with some very tired and cranky kids.
This was a very special day in Disney because we got to spend it with the Downs Family.... which mean we have TONS of pictures from that day and Jen got them to me super fast! Thanks Jen!
Here is a picture of Mommy waiting for their arrival at the Magic Kingdom sporting Taryn's mouse ears.
As soon As everyone was done hugging and chatting Auntie Jen took a family picture for Grandma and Grandpa. Then Grandma and Grandpa went off on their own for the day (to Epcot... ask Grandpa about the Mission Space ride :)
The rest of the crew got right down to business having a great time. They started out with a dance party parade the kids all had a blast and loved getting to touch and dance with some of their favorite characters.
Obviously there was a lot to look at in the parade!
And at the end there were confetti fireworks, all the kids were collecting their "magic," especially Jake who even resorted to using his hat.
Then it was off to Adventureland with friends. Taryn and Eric got to hold hands again, and Sara "shared" with Jarrett :)
First ride of the day was the flying carpets, which Auntie Jen better thank me for not putting the video of her riding them on here.
A little Jungle Cruise
Then we did a bunch more scary dark rides before Mommy and Auntie Jen laughed about how Sara was going to think Disney was a little scary and they headed through Frontierland (where they bumped into Donald) and into Fantasyland!
The kids wanted to show Eric and Sara It's A Small World. And everyone loved it. Mommy shared g=her favorite part... the hula girls.
Mickey's Philharmonic 3D show
A little snooze for Jarrett
Carousel
A quick Popsicle break
Then the bigger boys took a ride on the Goofy Roller coaster. Jake and Eric were both tall enough!
Paul took all the kids in his tea cup and gave them quite the spin. Taryn loved hanging out with Uncle Paul... she held his hand a lot that day.
Buzz Lightyear Ride... Mommy won :)
Pooh and Tiger spotting... the kids chased them for so long earlier in the day.
The famous group shot.
Jarrett pulling Mommy's hair in the shot...
Some more tries.
throwing pennies in the water
Paul entertaining all the kiddos
Wow!
They were all going to stay for the Electric Parade and fireworks... but there was no parade that day and it was late. Everyone was sad to be leaving and saying goodbye again... but the kids were not as sad as they were MAD. The adults had to promise we would all see each other again soon. But it was such an amazing day with such great friends!!! Thanks for joining them Downs Family! We love you!
