WDW + Little Kids = Exhausted Momma

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted on here!  Not that I haven't been busy or anything, but I definitely wanted to do a better job of keeping up on this blog.

So, why have I been away so long?  I was preparing for a trip to Walt Disney World with my 4 young children.  We went for 5 days and it was magical!  BUT, it was also exhausting.  We did have a blast all in all, but traveling with 4 children aged 6 and younger was more of a challenge than I was prepared for.  I definitely recommend to wait until your youngest child is at least 6 before attempting this adventure, unless of course you only have 1 child and then any age would be okay.

We spent the majority of our time on potty breaks or trying to find our way around.  It was frustrating trying to maneuver around the parks and using the bus system.  I was not prepared for the amount of potty breaks that we ended up taking nor was I prepared for the melt downs and bickering that happened.  I did expect it to be worse than at home, but not nearly like it ended up being.  Hence my reasoning for thinking the kids were just too young for this.

On the positive side though, Disney is a very magical place!  Even Jesse got excited to meet the characters (princesses included). :o)  I cannot describe the moment of wonder and awe that comes over you when you see Cinderella's castle for the first time!  Or the chills you get watching the fireworks with the music and special effects.  Or the tears of joy as your children flash the biggest smile of their lives at you when the princess or character gives them a hug.  I heard on more than one occasion that it was "THE BEST DAY EVER!!!!"  It was those moments that made all of the hassle and stress of the day melt away like it never existed.  It was also those moments that make me crazy enough to want to go back...  However, I think Keldan (our youngest at age 2.5) will have to be 9-10 years old before we return.

For those of you wondering, it was quite the fiasco getting us all there between the packing, planning and traveling.  Taking the kids through airport security was an adventure in and of its self.  Gillian peed herself at the security check point, leaving a nice puddle on the floor.  That was a little embarrassing.  Dominic decided on the way home he didn't need to walk any more by himself, so he was dragged in the skiing position through security.  Saviera threw herself onto the resort's lobby floor and proceeded to throw a kicking/screaming fit, for which she was rewarded by the staff with a Minnie doll and balloon ("Because at Disney all princesses should be happy all of the time." Grrrr).  Though as a bright side, the other 3 kids also got a doll, Minnie for Gillian and Mickey for the boys.  They were pleased as punch and it didn't cost me a dime, just some stress and embarrassment from Saviera.  Yes, that is a hefty price tag!  Keldan didn't have any issues at all, other than being a little bit disappointed that he was exactly 1/2 an inch too short for 90% of the rides.

I hope to post some pictures soon, so until then it's late and I'm headed for bed... I'm still unpacking, doing laundry and tying up loose ends left from before the trip.

Hugs ~ B.