The Relle Clan: Disney 2010

Wow! Nothing other than LIFE causing this void in the blog, but a void in our memory making-nope....just check back...I'm trying!

On Wednesday, 3rd The Relle Clan picked Jack up from school to take him to the mystery vacation location. We presented the adorable bag made by Nicole Eades full of plane goodies and he couldn't believe that he was finally going to meet Mickey!

And although he was more excited upon entering the airport from the terminal train due to their "being a mall" than when finding out that we were going to Disney-Nothing topped his excitement like tossing the backpack and running into the arms of Papa and Bebe at the airport! Bad picture=Video camera broken in transport & camera not on dummy mode in the dark airport.

The trip could have ended here but it just got better and better...

Mickey had decorated the cabin for Jack's birthday! And I must say much like the mall: The murphy bed and bench at the table were pretty high up on his list over the balloons and cookies that night-he was exhausted but it was all new the next morning and even more exciting the second go around.

Sleeping in the bottom bunk with Papa and Bebe was so much fun...Remember that moment- Jack banged his head in the middle of the night and before Papa and Bebe could get up to check on him he shouts out, "I'm Otay!"

First Disney bus ride of MANY! Snack in hand..common view throughout the trip. Check out the cute hoodie Nicole made fore Jack too...later his red shirt is another contribution that made this trip so MAGICAL !

At the Settlement Dock waiting for the boat to the Magic Kingdom...Papa trying to keep Bebe from, well....dying-It was so cold!

Might not be his official birthday til the 15th, but we celebrated the whole trip and Month for that matter-You only turn 3 once!

As we entered the Magic Kingdom there was a parade...speechless/awe is a good description of our little man and happiness/freedom/and beyond is a good description of his mom.

The Relle Clan Disney 2010

First ride on the agenda (or lack there of because we had no plan or expectations other than having fun) was Dumbo.

Which remains his favorite to this day.

The place where all his Clubhouse friends hang out.

"Come on ya'll-Hurry up, we'll miss the Magic Kingdom Railway train to lunch!"

First Pecos Bill burger not long after we got to the Magic Kingdom-Dumbo worked up a hunger...love the condiment bar-A problem I realize.

Papa and Bebe~It's a Small World

Relle Clan~After All

Jack saw the cars soon after entering the park and couldn't wait to drive them. Another top of the list ride-then again-EVERYTHING MADE HIS BEST TIME EVER LIST.

Jack's first encounter with his Disney character friends-LOVE!

A little rest on the People Mover.

Jack and his snacks. He didn't like putting them down for attractions. Here in Frontier land he cleaned out his zip lock of Apple Jacks. Poor baby was working up an appetite with all this fun!

The Tiki House-Heated but Jack and Papa symbolize where on the list this long time Disney attraction (although under new management is an improvement) stand.

After a long, fun filled day at Magic Kingdom Bebe headed back to the cabin because it was cold and we stuck around to check out Spectromagic.

Exhaustion-No nap, never whined-A true Disney fan!

While snacking up and waiting for the fireworks Jack got his first set of Mickey Mouse ears made with his name monogrammed on the back in Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse traditional font.

The tired Relle Clan. Worth documenting that the day was made possible for all 4 of us (Jack was FREE~under 2) due to Nick and I volunteering a Saturday (Thanks for watching Jack McWilliams family) volunteering at a local community center through the Give a Day, Get a Day Disney Program.

A VERY COLD boat ride back to the cabin-This was Papa's attire for real to keep warm. We snuggled Jack in between us all looking down to shield the wind while Nick held onto the gear at the back of the boat. Loved passing the covered heated boat along the way.

Day 2 snacks began on the bus to Hollywood Studios to meet Cousin Chad.

Jack and Chad hit it off fast-this is usually not a problem for Jack. This day was possible thanks to Cousin Chad getting Nick, Mom, and I in for FREE with park hopper ability due to his connections with Mickey Mouse. Thanks Chad for a Magical Day 2!

Jack's first encounter with Tigger as he was headed off for a break.

Or so he thought...

But not before a hug from Jack...

That caused him to look at me for help (which I ignored and snapped pictures) and a little shake off action. :)

Jack hearts T-I-double G-er!

We had breakfast with Chad, walked around, & said good-bye before heading into the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE! Just deleted the picture of Jack with his hero Handy Manny and from the show...What can you do? Nothing but get this very tardy post finished up for publishing.

Papa and I created an ID tag for Jack that became a staple with his Birthday pin and the many, many stickers he wore at all times. Process took longer than an average tourist due to the tourist who worked on the project.

Worth the time and $12 because he loved it!

Nick and his addiction.

Papa and his creative way to document Brian's "addiction"-Jack and Coke!

Lunch break

Jack was unsure of the balloon man. And he didn't want one (or anything for that matter) on this trip....He'd look, at times touch, but when offered to purchase items he'd respond with, "Nope, I Otay!" A normal person would be grateful, we were shocked and determined for him to buy something in the money trap souvenior stores-It's part of the experience.

Monorail ride number 1. Original plan was to hop over to Epcot but when Jack asks with such seriousness, "When we gonna ride Dumbo again?" you throw out the original plans and head back over to the Magic Kingdom not caring if Epcot happens this trip.

LOVE~HAPPINESS~MAGIC

Jack and his heros

First rollercoaster ride against Bebe's grandmother suggestions-Wasn't a disaster, wasn't Dumbo, but part of the memories he still talks about.

Hugging/Holding onto Daddy

Dumbo ride number 2 after a long line (spending full day Thursday-great plan b/c Friday was busy) without any complaints with his Papa.

2nd to Dumbo for favorites.

Leave it to someone on the trip to get injured-just never thought it would be by ice cream bar...

No ice cream injuries with Papa and Jack

Other than maybe bumping heads while sharing.

A picture I've been waiting to take since before he was born!

A quick meet up with friends Bobby (birthday boy) and Lana at the Magic Kingdom!

We avoided all things scary up until walking out headed to Epcot day 2 when the witch from Snow White was being "mean" to Mickey and friends on stage in front of the castle. We couldn't pull him away and now he relates the castle to the darn witch-even in Disney Candyland by not wanting to win because he doesn't want to go to the witch castle...Grrr!

Papa and Bebe trying to smooth it over, no tears but true concern, we're still working on it today. Might have to just plan another trip so he can see there is not mean witch in Cinderella's Castle.

Walt, Jack, & Minnie

" I grabbed Tigger's leg and I'll get your tongue."

"And your whiskers!"

Nick bringing us to the big ball.

Snack time again.

Hanging with Nemo and his friends.

And more eating with Papa and Bebe in The Land.

The strawberries on the shortcake made it healthy right?!?

1) The pink Minnie lights up and her skirt spins...the only item that Jack asked for on his own so of course purchased by Papa and Bebe the night before when Nick and I ate together in Italy, rode Soar'n, walked Epcot, had dessert in Mexico, & did a little Disney shopping. 2) A model example of what Walt intended to accompany good wholesome Disney fun-Florida lotto and scratch offs in the Fort Wilderness Cabin.

Not so hidden, but super earthy and cool MICKEY.

What are you looking at Willus?!

Liked the hat but "didn't need" but did want the Candyland...but headed back to the cabin so Nick and I could get him all the things he didn't realize he needed-visor, Candyland, Dumbo Doll, Disney t shirt, Box of Mr. Potato Head Disney characters, Disney Channel CD, video of Magic Kingdom, Mickey keychains for all 3 of us, & eventually a visor for Nick, a cookie cutter & pancake mold for Bebe, a hat for Papa, all to go with my shirt & backpack plus the ID necklace and suckers he bought for his friends. Oh and that lovely light up Minnie and treats for my students and sub. Good thing the tickets to the parks were free.

While we shopped Jack had a picnic at the cabin with Papa and Bebe.

And decorated his golf cart we spent the afternoon driving around the campgrounds while exploring.

Jack's first "beach" experience and tetherball with his parents at the campgrounds.

I'd say he liked it...kinda-has a little issues with the sand between his toes. I had issues with the sand flea bites that itched me the rest of the trip.

a little playground fun.

Roasting marshmellows...

while listening to the band, drinking hot chocolate, and meeting Chip and Dale (just deleted on accident)...

while Bebe was a true "camper" and stayed bundled up til we were done and ready for the dinner Buffet at the campground.

A day and campfire sing along full of fun equals a hungry camper.

Don't remember what was going on here but I do know that it was the only pouting he had other than pajama time every night. Bet it was that mean witch at the castle on Candyland that caused his behavior.

Helping us pack.

The much complained about Chef Mickey's Breakfast due to our reservations being "too early" for our campers when our flight was later in the afternoon.

Pre Character Breakfast Photo Op

Take 2

Blowin kisses with Minnie

Pluto keeping his distance-must have remembered Jack was the boy that pulled his tongue and ruffled his whiskers.

Goofy-just that and a bit ignorant

with his putting out Jack's candle with his gloves numerous times stunt a bit later.

Chef Mickey!

Donald approaching so Jack shovels in his fruit in fear that it might get kidQuacked by Donald.

I didn't hear any of these campers complaining throughout the delicious breakfast, numerous trips back to the buffet, watching Jack up close with the characters one last time, and celebrating his birthday...apologies accepted. :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Jack Anthony Relle!

We love you!!

Like Papa like Mama! Rice Krispie treats to finish off the breakfast buffet at Chef Mickey's-Pretty sure it topped both of us off a bit more than our tanks could/should handle.