The Happiest Place on Earth - Day 1

Today we embarked on another family adventure to the "Happiest Place on Earth."

Two years ago, the three of us joined my parents, my brother and his wife on a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, over the long Presidents' Day weekend. This year, we are lucky enough to go back!

Our princess back at Walt Disney World.

Mom and dad picked us up bright and early from our house and we grabbed some breakfast on the way to Lambert Airport in St. Louis.  We were lucky and things went very smoothly as we got on board our flight.  Major props to Southwest for letting us pre-board with Grace, and we got to sit in the very front row.  Grace is an awesome traveler, and before we knew it we left behind two inches of snow and 21-degree weather for the sunny skies of Florida.

Since we were staying at the Bay Lake Tower, which is on Disney property, we took the Magic Express to our hotel.  Kyle and I had a friendly battle of Disney trivia on the hour-long bus ride, while Grace napped.

Daddy and his princess with the Magic Kingdom castle from our hotel.

We got all checked into our hotel, and picked up our stroller rental before finding a late lunch at the Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary Hotel.  Grace and I split some spaghetti and shared a sugar cookie for dessert.  We are on vacation after all!

Just hanging out with Mickey Mouse and Grandma and Grandpa Galer.

After dinner, Kyle, Grace and I stopped in at one of the gift shops and got Grace a very cute Minnie Mouse autograph book, just in time for our first character breakfast in the morning.  Then we walked around the hotel, and took a few photos of some of the Mickey Mouse decor.  While we were out and about, they were setting up for an outdoor movie of Tangled, but we were tired after our day of travel.

This is Grace's Minnie Mouse shirt from cousin Dana. We had to wear it today!

Not long after we returned to our room, Uncle Johnny and Aunt Emily arrived from their flight, and they set out to get a few groceries for the room and some dinner.  We enjoyed the chance to visit together and are ready to head to the Magic Kingdom in the morning.

MLH