Katie’s Birthday Party

“Thank you, Grandma Linda, for hosting my 2nd birthday party!”

 
We opted for the Mickey and Minnie cake this year.  “Bickey and Mimi” are her favorites at the moment, still followed closely by Barney and Elmo. 

Julie made an awesome 5-layer dip.  It tasted much better than anything found in the stores.

She loved her table and chairs.  Now she eats breakfast on them each morning.

The neighbors have two Wire Fox Terrier puppies.  Steve raised one years ago and really enjoyed seeing them.  They were adorable and really reminded us of Abby.

Katie wasn’t very pleased.  They were a little too hyper for her.  She enjoyed them from a distance, but didn’t like them close up.

The princess bed is a hit too.  “Baby Ninight.  Baby Ninight!”

The “laptop computer” given by Uncle David and Aunt Julie is the favorite present so far.  She can’t put it down!

“Happy birthday to Katie.  Happy birthday to you!”

Mmmm…cake!

The fork is nice, but hands are so much better.  We love our mess!

Thanks for reading!

Katie Stacks the DVDs

Katie loves stacking things.  She’ll take items from one place to the other, stack them, then put them all back again.  Usually this process repeats a few times.  It’s quite engrossing and very serious business for a two-year-old!

“Daddy!  You left the cabinet unlocked!  It appears you are in need of my services.”

“You do understand that this is way too organized, don’t you? 
Me fix!”

“Excuse me, daddy.  I’m working here.  Sorting is very serious business.”

“DVDs on the right, CDs on the left”.

“I’m sorry, mama and daddy, but having this much entertainment media packed away just won’t do.  You really needed my help.”

“See?  All organized.  Isn’t this better?”

Katie Turns Two!

Happy Birthday, Katie!  Mama and Daddy can’t believe you’re two!  We love you so much and are so happy to see how you have grown.  You’ve overcome the tough early months of your life, the allergies of this past year, and all of the frightening uncertainties that come with exploring this strange, huge world.  You’ve grown to love “Marmey”, “Bickey and Mimi”, and Elmo.  And you want us to experience these friends with you over and over (and over again).  You try to test the boundaries, but understand when we set your limits.  We’re so proud of how you’ve become a sought-after friend to the other girls at daycare, while at the same time being so happy to see us when we come and pick you up.  You push our limits, but make us laugh harder than we ever have.  You’re the best 2-year-old we could have ever asked for, and we can’t wait to see what the future brings.  We love you, Katie!  -Mama and Daddy.

The morning of her birthday, we woke her up bright and early for a few presents before Julie left for work.  Opening presents at 5:00am was just fine with her.

Katie loves her new flip book.  “More, daddy!”

Happy 2nd birthday, Katie.  We love you!

Disneyland for Katie’s 2nd Birthday

Almost her 2nd birthday anyway.  We took at trip to Disney on Saturday, and were expecting a day that was different than the one we experienced.  Katie is certainly adjusting to life, and as she becomes more aware of her surroundings, she is becoming a little more (ok, a lot more) fearful of some things.  Rides, for instance…

This was taken a few seconds before Katie melting down and insisted on being held.  A few months ago, the Carousel was the greatest ride in the world.  For some reason is terrified her this time.  We tried Peter Pan and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.  At first, she was really afraid of the rides.  Thankfully, once she got going she was fine.  Same thing with Small World.  She wouldn’t sit on the seat, but did just fine in on our lap.  We were hoping to get her on Mansion and Pirates for the first time yesterday, but obviously that wasn’t in the cards.  Maybe next time?

Goofy didn’t fare much better either.  She was fine at first, but as soon as he noticed her, she wanted outa there!  However, she was polite enough to turn back and say “bye” before we left. :)

In front of construction for World of Color.  The show should open in May or June.

The Paradise Park viewing area is moving closer to completion as well.
 

Taking a peak inside one of the lighting towers.


Finishing up the boardwalk.

Testing and programming, has been happening nightly for a few months. 

A big bright spot in the day, Katie loves Playhouse Disney.  Each time we go she gets more and more excited.   This time it was all about “Bickey and Mimi”.  She’s had her Mickey doll for a while, but loved it when we bought her a matching Minnie doll. “Gane-koo mama!” (“Thank you, mama”).  She had a good nap with one on each arm.

Taking advantage of Katie’s nap (and Fastpass), I took a ride on Tower of Terror.

“It’s raining it’s pouring…”

 
The view from the top. My camera adjusted just in time before we took the plunge. You can make out Knott’s Berry Farm on the horizon if you click on the image.

I returned alone after Julie and Katie went to bed.  I enjoy this time to myself, even though I miss my ladies terribly.  I wanted to see the newest version of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and the return of Captain EO.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was incredible.  The new audioanimatronic is superb, with new facial technologies that add more to Lincoln’s believability than ever before.

Watching Captain EO again after so many years was a real trip.  Most of the in-studio effects did not return, but that didn’t distract from the show too much.  Those who had never seen the show before wouldn’t notice that anything was missing.  I left the show wishing Tomorrowland had never been transformed into the version we have today.  How I would have loved to ride the Peoplemover again, or see American Journeys.  I hear a bigger and better “new” Tomorrowland is once again in development.  Let’s hope so. 

Here's to a great big beautiful tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!