M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Our first family trip to the most magical place on earth was exactly that... magical! We are so grateful to the Schmidts for including us on their annual vacation. The week flew by and could not have been any more fun.

We stayed at the Beach Club Resort- Aidan had a blast playing with his cousins from the moment he woke up. Often his first words in the morning would be, "Ryan go? Erin go?" He also decided to call Joey, Josie, which everyone got a kick out of.

We made it to all the parks- Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom and enjoyed many fun rides, shows and parades at each. "Donnellduck" was definitely Aidan's favorite character, and for some reason (perhaps his height?) he wasn't a fan of Goofy... evidenced by his proclamation of "No Goofy!" everytime one would come close.

We were so happy with the amount there was to do for Aidan's age group. Even though he may not remember this first trip later in life, we will, and are so thankful for the magical moments we were able to witness as he discovered all that was Disney. Below are some highlights from the week.. it was hard narrowing them down from the 200 photos we took!


This was taken on the Magical Express from the airport to the resort on our first day... Daddy and Aidan were already wiped out and we had just begun!

On the boat ride from the resort to Hollywood Studios

Aidan's first ride- the 3D Toy Story Midway Magic ride in Hollywood Studios. He loved it and would subsequently ask for a "fast ride!" afterwards. Here we were worried that he'd be scared and wouldn't participate in much... but once again he showed us just what a big boy he is already becoming.

Left to right for those who do not know... Cousins Joey, Ryan, Carrie, Erin and Emily.

Aidan and Carrie in front of bush Mickey

The first chick Aidan picked up while on vacation. He has good taste. :-)

Group shot on the Boardwalk after a nice family dinner. From left to right for those that don't know... Monica, Joe, Kevin, Aidan, Carrie, Elise, Erin, Emily, Scott and Ryan.

Animal Kingdom- Kilimangaro Safari ride. Aidan watching the ostrich heading right for us! Not surprisingly, he loved all the animals, and after every one we'd see he'd request "more, more!"

Aidan and Mommy on the Wildlife Express Train in Animal Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom!

Aidan didn't seem too impressed with the castle... perhaps we'll have to bring a little girl here next time to fully appreciate that!

Watching a Dreams Come True show with all the characters in front of the castle.. He loved cuddling with his Auntie M throughout the trip.

Carousel with Daddy- "go horsey, go!"

His favorite. P.S. He stole that Mickey Mouse waffle from Mommy- they were DELICIOUS!

The Beach Club is known for their amazing pool, which has a sandy bottom, huge water slide, and separate kiddie ship. Aidan LOVED this kiddie slide, which actually went really fast. We couldn't believe he wasn't scared at all. From the moment he'd reach the bottom he'd "swim" desperately back to the edge of the pool to do it "again, again!"

M-I-C... We'll see you real soon... K-E-Y... Why? Because we like you! M-O-U-S-E!
See you again in a few years when we take Aidan back with his little brother or sister!