The Happiest Place on Earth!

That's where we are - Disney - the Happiest Place on Earth!

This is the 7th time we've been here since we got married, but the first time we've ever been parents here. Wow. It's different. Not necessarily in a bad way (though if the kid doesn't get some sleep soon, it could be REALLY bad), but definitely different!

First, we only spent about 2.5 hours at a park today. We got into town at about 11 this morning, were able to check into the hotel early, got the backpack and diaper bag packed, and headed out for Magic Kingdom. We got there about 1-ish and grabbed some food, which Michaela wanted nothing to do with. From there, we headed out to explore a bit, since we don't usually spend a lot of time at Magic Kingdom and we don't really know our way around.

Our first stop was the Carousel, Michaela's first ride ever! She definitely wasn't too sure what to think of it, and definitely didn't like having to wait for everyone else to get on the ride once she got on her horse! She did seem to know exactly what she was supposed to do, though!

Once we got going, she was definitely a little unsure of what to think about the whole situation! That could be due to the fact that she was EXHAUSTED already at this point. But she seemed to enjoy it at least a little bit!

Though maybe you can't tell so much from this picture, huh?

From the Carousel, we wandered aimlessly a bit, and finally made our way to Mickey's Toontown Fair. After standing in line for what felt like forever as we tried to keep the kid entertained, we finally got to the Happiest Place IN the Happiest Place on Earth.... the inner room of the Judge's Tent, where we met.....

That's right... Mickey and Minnie!!!!!! We weren't quite sure how she'd react to any of the characters, but we definitely didn't need to worry at all. She RAN over to them when it was her turn and couldn't get enough!

The day went a little downhill from there, though we did get on Aladdin's Carpet Ride... again, she wasn't quite sure what to think.

And, yes, the pacifier had made it's appearance by then.... it's hard to deny it when she's so incredibly worn out!

We decided the better part of valor was to head out a little after 3. Michaela was asleep in the car within seconds, but that wasn't very long-lasting. Unfortunately, as soon as we tried to put her down in her crib, she woke up and wouldn't go back down. She got to go for a quick swim in the pool, and then we tried to get ready to head back to the park for the fireworks tonight. That was not to be, though. Tired girl got progressively whinier (is that a word), and we decided to hang back and get her some sleep. Lo and behold, she wasn't just tired... she was over-sunned, under-hydrated and not feeling well. Now that she, uh, emptied the contents of her tummy, she's sleeping somewhat restlessly and we're hoping for a better day tomorrow!

But, if all we get out of this week is the excitement on her face when she got to meet Micky and Minnie, it'll be worth it all. And THAT is what makes coming to Disney with a kid different. Not bad different... great different!