Disney Vacation and Jedi Training

We just got back from a fabulous Disney World vacation! We've been to Disney before, but this was the best visit yet. Drew and Evan LOVED meeting the characters, although Drew chickened out of going up to Buzz Lightyear and Woody. Drew especially loved Donald Duck and was grinning from ear-to-ear when Eeyore (the donkey from Winnie the Pooh) accidently stepped on his foot (for some reason Drew thought this was funny). One of the highlights from Disney was that Drew and Evan were both chosen out of the audience to do "Jedi Training" with light sabers. They were so engrossed in the whole "training" and were very serious about it. After "training," from behind a closed door off-stage, two storm troopers and Darth Vader appeared and he challenged each child to a light saber battle. When it was Drew's turn, he was called forward and was so scared that he told the "trainer" (another Star Wars character) that the didn't want to do it. The audience all responded with "awww" and the trainer said he would help Drew. It was so cute! (Spoken like a true stage mom.) Another highlight was that Drew was able to ride almost every ride with us -- including the Tower of Terror, Test Track, Soarin', Splash Mountain and other big rides because the cutoff for these "big" rides is 40 inches. After measuring Drew several times before our trip, I discovered he is 42 inches with shoes. After every ride I asked if he liked it and he would only respond in a monotone voice, "yes." (Note: If you have young children and are considering a Disney vacation, my suggestion is to go when they are at least 40 inches tall.)

Evan LOVED meeting the Power Rangers!

He's telling the Power Ranger that he knows karate. :-)Joel wasn't thrilled to greet the characters, he wouldn't go and see any of them except Mickey Mouse.We also had great weather and enjoyed two full days in the pool (one pool had a sand beach next to it). The brothers attempting to bury Evan in the sand -- they didn't get very far. I apologize for the pictures. Isn't it awful looking at someone else's vacation pictures? Believe me, it makes me sad to look at them too -- I wanna go back! Now...I'm just depressed. Is it worth going on vacation when coming home makes me so sad?! Coming home to cold weather didn't help either. Ugh. But at least we all got some good sun and lots of energy run out of little bodies (and big bodies too!).

(Joel, 8 1/2 years old; Evan, 5; Drew, 3 1/2)