A Walk Down Halloween Lane

Hard to believe we've got 4 years worth of costuming itty bitties for Halloween!

2007

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2009

2010

Magical Moments

It doesn't matter how old I am.  It doesn't matter how many times I've been.  Seeing Cinderella's castle from the ferry gives me goose bumps.  Each walk down Main Street, USA causes a giggle to threaten to erupt from my belly.  That's right.  I'm talking about Magic Kingdom, Disney World.

The. Most. Magical. Place. On. Earth.

This trip was a bit different though.  This time, I got to see it through the eyes of my children.  This time, a certain element of magic was added as I heard their squeals, saw their smiles, and felt the tightening of their hands as we went through Snow White's Scary Adventures.

Okay, so they don't look too thrilled here, but I promise it gets better. :)

We went to Magic Kingdom with one mission - meet the Princesses who have ruled our world for the last year.

Our first stop once we got past the castle was meeting Mary Poppins who, from the look on Grace's face, was just alright.

Next stop - carousel, which was pretty great.  What kid doesn't love the carousel?

The Fairy Godmother with her Fairy Godmother pose was just a warm up for the enchantment that was anticipated.

That Walt Disney is a genius for incorporating air conditioned attractions.  Minnie's house was as cute as a button, as was the little girl who skipped through it.

Giddy is the word I would use to describe Grace as she checked out Minnie's crib.

Clearly Emma Kate was not quite as electrified by Toon Town as her older sister.

We felt bad about Emma Kate not having pictures in Minnie or Mickey's house, so like the good parents we are, we forced her out of the stroller and into a pose.

Like I said, air conditioning in a southern summer is as magical to parents as the Disney characters are to the kids, so the hour long wait we endured for our photo op with the ambassadors of Disney World was welcomed.

The play area was great for kids and pretty nice for parents too... if you were one of the first 5 to snag the benches.  And, if you weren't afraid of your kid making a break for it and escaping the play area.  Oh wait, that last part may just be me and my kids.

So, all that was pretty cool, but remember, the Bramlett girls went to Magic Kingdom with 1 goal - to meet the princesses.  Let me assure you that the 90 minute wait in the princess line, the sweat running down my back, and the sore arms from holding a restless Emma Kate were all worth hearing the gasp that Grace let out and seeing her jaw drop and her eyes bulge when we entered the room with Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora.

Cinderella asked us if we had any pets and informed us that she had a dog named Bruno.  

Saint must be synonymous with princess because these ladies have patience that would make Mother Teresa  envious.  After talking to people all day, each princess still took the time to talk to each visitor in their sweet princess voice and act genuinely interested.

Aurora is Grace's favorite princess because she ... wait for it... wears pink.  Emma Kate finally got in on the conversation as we talked to her.

Snow White was the last princess to complete our tour.  Not 5 minutes after this picture was taken, both girls were asleep in the stroller.

After our trip, Justin asked Grace who the prettiest princess was at Disney World.  Her reply: "Me."  Half right you are, Princess Grace.  Even Walt Disney, in his wildest dreams,  couldn't create the 2 princess package like the one I've got.

The Royal Celebration

Grace's Princess Party was a blast!  Our family gathered for a fun filled, tantrum free day celebrating Grace turning 3.  That tantrum free part is probably the biggest blessing these days! ;)  Enjoy pics from the par-tay!

The royal invitation

Recipe for princess party: tulle, feathers, beads, repeat

Closeup of the centerpieces

The mantle

I fell in love with this party ware set as soon as I saw it!

The candy buffet and Emma Kate's favorite part of the party.  As the adults went around, Emma Kate stayed near the ground gathering dropped candy and stuffing it into her mouth as fast as she could.  That's my girl!

The favors:  Tiara and Wand, Notebook and Tiara Pen, Checkers, and Foam Sword

The guest of honor

Princess Grace and Princess Emma Kate

Applique shirts and ruffle pants made by my friend, Mandy, at fashiondeeva.etsy.com

Grace and her BFF, Sarah coloring at the fun table

Grace, Emma, Trenton, Emma Kate, and Jacob playing with blocks

Kaitlyn, Kayla, and Ethan chowing down

Mmmm, strawberries!

Princesses don't always sit like princesses when it comes time for present opening.

Aunt Andrea showing the girls how the Barbie cash register works.  "Clean up on aisle 2."

Watch out, American Idol!

It's a sister act!

What's in this one?

Princess dress up clothes and accessories!

Modeling birthday gifts?  Nope.  Playing momentary dress up?  Nope.  Just a regular Tuesday at Princess Grace's castle.

Thank you so much to our family and friends for making Grace's birthday so special!

The Countdown is On!

The week of Grace's birthday is here!  She will turn 3 years old on March 13.  We've got a calendar counting down the big day.

Here are some of the things I'll be using to decorate.  Any guesses to the theme?

Why, of course any one who knows Grace knows she requested a "pink and puhple pwincess pawty!"  Get ready for pics of the royal celebration to be posted next week!