We started the day at Hollywood Studios, which was really just a lot of walking around in the heat and looking for opportunities to entertain the girls. Like this shot for Uncle Ry.
We had planned on seeing the Star Wars stuff, but because of crowds had to settle for chance encounters with Boba Fett ...
... and Darth Vader ...
... and this bounty hunter that I didn't recognize.
Heat took it's toll and we took our leave early. And crashed on the bus. And at the hotel.
Naps are good.
So we hit the buses and went for Round Two.
And got prime real estate for the Magic Kingdom parade. Right on the Main Street square.
Where we saw all kinds of crazy things. Mice. Princesses. Pirates. Dragons.
And then got a great spot in front of the castle for the big show.
10 years ago, I watched these fireworks with my new partner in crime by my side. This year I watched them with our four-year-old daughter on my shoulders.
Magic Kingdom, indeed.
Since we're leaving town and won't be around for the big performance, we went to Kaylee's dress rehearsal this morning. I haven't seen that much cute in one room — well, ever. Kaylee and Sara rocked the poodle skirts that Rae made, the decorations were great, the only thing we're really missing out on is the food they'll have on Friday. (But I'll get over that.)
There were three musical numbers from the 50s: The Mashed Potato (see video below), Surfin' Bird (see previous video) and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Yeah, the teachers were kind of stretching on that one. But it was pretty damn cute, so we let it slide.
Did you realize she's part of the class of 2025? Do you now feel as old as I do?
Of course, we had to get a picture of Kaylee with her best friend. "Now girls, look at me and smile nice … "
" … Goofballs."
Kaylee disappeared into her room the other day and cooked these up. She'd bounce out, all happy with herself and show off her latest creation. And then disappear for another 10 minutes while she drew up another one.
They are all currently part of the semi-permanant Kaylee Collection on the wall in the dining room. (The mirrored wall – hence the crazy reflections in the photos.)
Brachiosaurus
Tyrannosaurus Rex & Triceratops
And an octopus for good measure.
(Want to know how I know I'm old? I had to look up the spelling on ALL of these dinosaurs. Eight-year-old Me is so mad at Old Me right now.)
So, what did you tell Mommy her new haircut looked like?
Justin Bieber. Do you know who that is, Daddy?
No, who is it?
He's this boy who is a singer and he has pretty hair. And he sings like a girl.
Several minutes of eating - and being reminded to eat - go by.
Hey, if you hurry up and eat, I can show you something special this morning?
What?!
Well, there is a wedding this morning. A girl is marrying a prince - so she becomes a real princess!
Really?
Yup.
Just like Uncle Ry and Erinn?
Well, not quite. But close.
Are they on TV?
Yes. They live in another country.
See? Just like Uncle Ry is in another country!
Eat your oatmeal.
Several more minutes go by with various levels of eating productivity.
Maybe we should go to the Chinese place.
The Chinese place?
Yeah.
What Chinese place?
The Chinese place next to the Target.
Oh, the Pei Wei restaurant?
Yeah.
Why should we go there?
Because they have soup.
Why do we need soup?
To make you feel better.
Maybe we should. Eat your oatmeal.
The neighbors surprised Kaylee with a new kite.
So we all went to the park and flew it.
