A Disney Birthday Celebration 2018

In lieu of a birthday party we took Cacy to Disney World for the very first time for her 5th birthday. It took a bit of maneuvering to get her to understand that the trip was instead of and not in addition to a party. About a month before the trip she finally truly got it and it all went well. 

Before my mom passed away we talked about going to Disney. The plan was that she would go with us. When we found out she was sick (we did not know how sick at first) we talked about getting in a trip really soon. Once we found out how sick she was the talks changed. The gist of the message was for me to stop putting things off. After this I started saving specifically for Disney that day. Not just saving in general. My goals changed and so did my habits. Since my mom could not go we invited our cousin Olivia (aka Libby). Cacy and Libby are pretty tight, and Libby is my goddaughter.

We went during dad's fall break from school. Our trip was for four days. Definitely a very quick and exhausting trip. We went to two parks, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. We took a walk through Disney Springs the day we arrived after we ate at my favorite restaurant, Bahama Breeze. I think we all loved it, especially the rice. After we went to Animal Kingdom on our last day there we went to Dave and Busters. We played games, we ate, we got prizes, in essence we had a blast. Unfortunately, I did not take one picture while at D&Bs.

Back to Disney World. Upon entering the Magic Kingdom, our first park, for the first time, they asked if we were there for any reason. We told them we were celebrating Cacy's birthday. They gave all of us pins to make it easily identifiable among all park staff. They also do this for first time visitors. It certainly made Cacy feel extremely special. Near the end of the day it got her a few extra perks.

For our next trip I would like to make the following adjustments or make sure that we do the following.

1. Take a longer trip. We could use a little rest.
2. I would like to go to more parks. Epcot is my favorite and we need to try Hollywood Studios. Of course we would need to go back to Magic Kingdom, I really want to go inside the Haunted Mansion. There is also one more ride in Pandora (Animal Kingdom) that I would like to experience. Whew, crossing my fingers for that fast pass.
3. Visit during a normal time of year when the park opens and closes at normal hours.
4. Purchase hopper passes, when she is older and can handle a longer day.
5. Actually have the autograph book and use it for its intended purpose.
6. Pay closer attention to the schedule we get upon entering listing the days' events. We saw and did a lot of things just by being in the right place at the right time. 
7. Maybe stay at a Disney resort so we can sign up for fast passes earlier. Perhaps we can get passes for the more popular rides.

 I cannot wait to go back, and I know Cacy feels the same way, because she constantly tells me.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

XOXOX,

Canita

DISNEY SPRINGS

BAHAMA BREEZE

MAGIC KINGDOM

 ANIMAL KINGDOM

The 2017-2018 Check In

It has been FOREVER (I hear this in Squint’s voice from The Sandlot over and over) since I last updated this blog. I think it’s for a very good reason. We have been super duper busy!!! I should break this down into a few posts, but I am not. You can check below to see what Cacy has been up to. - Canita (aka Mommy)

My 4th Birthday Party

 My first trip to Build a Bear

NCSU Homecoming 2017 > My first one

Homecoming 2017 was my first real trip Raleigh. I got to hang out with Toni and we had a blast. We visited Pullen Park, this place is awesome and I can’t wait to get back. Hands down it's the best park I have ever visited. I went to NCSU (my mom’s alma mater) and it was cool. GO WOLFPACK! While at State we went to the creamery on campus made with milk from the vet school called the Howling Cow. It was delicious. Of course we saw the Bell Tower because it was the perfect spot for pictures. I’m convinced that Belle from Beauty and the Beast lives to this very day.

We had our first bowling experience as a family. 

I got to see the Nut Cracker live for the first time. Because I have seen various versions of the Nut Cracker before the one thing I whispered to my mom was “They aren’t talking. Why aren’t they talking?” She told me it was because they do not speak during a ballet. I guess I thought it was more like a play, just like when we saw Madagascar.

We put on a Christmas pageant at school. It was about the 12 Days of Christmas. I listened to that song over and over and over again. I was a lady dancing.

Then we went back to Raleigh for Auntie Freda’s birthday weekend. Again it was so much fun!

Next my family went to see Black Panther. I loved it!

Then we visited Aiken for the first time since Uncle Matt, Aunt Kara, and Maura moved. We had a great time, and we are long over due for our next visit. 

We saw the Cinderella ballet at the library. You already know the library is one of my favorite places to go. 

I have started have true play dates. 
I attended what felt like a million birthday parties this year, mostly over the summer. I had a ball.

I started my swim lessons this past year. I am a work in progress, but I’m getting there, I think. 
My family attend the Sparkleberry Fair for the first time ever. 

I was able to attend the Lupus Walk for the first time with my mom in honor of my future sorority sister, Tabby (my mom’s LS).

I took my first trip to Carowinds. My mom signed me up for the free Pre-K Pass so I was able to go a couple of times this summer.

I started and ended ballet lessons, twice - not my thing.

Muffins with Mom at school

Went home and visited family several times (of course).

(Pawpaw Jerry and Grandma Vera)

Pre-pre school graduation (but not for real). I have another year before I can enroll in Kindergarten.

We went to Twilight at the Zoo. We watched Paddington 2.

Annual beach trip

Shades day at School

4th of July fireworks at Doko Park

Back to school bash at church

Panthers Fan Fest 2018

Beauty and the beast puppet show (another birthday party)

Back to Carowinds (see above)

River Banks Zoo

I finally helped daddy mow the lawn.

Whew, I am exhausted!