Running Down the Halls: Mic-key M-O-U-S-E!

Well, I know some of you have waited a long time for this update with the pictures, so here goes! In October, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit my favorite place - Disney World!! I had a conference for work that was held at the resort, so we decided to stay a few extra days and make it a vacation. My parents were kind enough to join us so that we could have some fun for the whole family!

We prepared for weeks for the big trip and I did TONS of research to find out all things about the Mouse. I guess you could call me a real Mouseketeer now - so if you are planning a Disney trip any time soon, I have lots of GREAT tips for you!! Luckily, the internet is a fantastic resource and offers information on everything from the best restaurants for your money to the best day and time to visit each park - who knew there were so many strategies for visiting Mickey Mouse??

In anticipation of our visit to the Mouse, we packed all kinds of things and decked out Barrett's stroller so that he would be riding in style - complete with his own personal fan and a rain cover for those Orlando afternoon showers. I printed out "touring guides" that told us what time of day to visit attractions and even downloaded an app for my iPhone to make sure that we would not wait in any ride lines longer than necessary.

Once we arrived at the airport, Barrett was so excited to try out his walking skills and wanted to walk Mommy all around the airport. He was a wonderful little traveler and enjoyed meeting all of his "fans" on the airplane. The little guy loved playing with Daddy's hat and trying to eat the window clings that I brought for him to play with.

We arrived at our resort that evening, thanks to the Magical Express (wonderful service) and took a look around the place. We were greeted at the front desk with leis and a Mickey Mouse towel animal on our bed. Dinner was at The Wave and then we settled in to get ready for a big day on Tuesday!

Gotta check this place out!!

My dinner dates - LOVE!!

Tuesday morning we were so excited to get up early and head to the Magic Kingdom. The very first thing we did was meet Mickey and Minnie. This was a wonderful moment and a memory I will never forget. Barrett was SO excited to meet "his Mickey Mouse" and squealed in delight when he finally saw them. He gave kisses and hugs to both Minnie and Mickey - it was so precious that I cried!!!

After meeting our favorites, we headed off to ride some rides. The wonderful thing about Disney World is that little ones can ride several of the attractions. We rode the classic Dumbo elephants and Barrett just loved them!! Naptime was non-existent this day, as there was entirely too much excitement going on!

Our second big adventure was Barrett's first hair cut! Harmony Barber Shop is a fantastic little place on Main Street USA where you can schedule a special appointment for baby's first hair cut. Barrett was wonderful during the whole process. He was so excited about the stickers they gave him that he didn't even notice his hair. He looks like such a BIG BOY now!! Notice the proud parents in the mirror...

These stickers are AWESOME!!

Okay, lady, I'm only sitting still here because of those sharp things in your hands...

Hey Mom! How do I look?

Almost finished!

Lady, where are those ears you promised?

YEAH!! My first Mickey Ears

Harmony Barber Shop

After a hair cut and some rides, we went to meet Tigger and Pooh. Barrett also met some other friends while we were in line. He wanted to play with the little girl's mouse ears and she was so sweet to him! Such fun! We were all pretty tired after this, so we walked back to our room for a little rest...