This weekend was definitely all about the planes, trains and automobiles. This past weekend, we also ventured out to the dinner train. For anyone in and around Omaha, it was a ton of fun! We really enjoyed the train. Ilya was mesmerized that he was riding in a train for dinner! They have a really fun 1940's theme on the train, complete with big band music throughout the entire dinner. Really fun!
If you happen to have watched Guy's special about Christmas at Disney on the Food Network, then likely you saw the portion on the amazing handmade candy canes. If you didn't see it, check out this link at about 6:30 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5buhCaD1kw&feature=related
These candy canes look amazing. They are handmade only a few times a year around Christmas. They are so labor intensive that they only make about 100 each time. Not everyday is a candy cane day. After watching the guys make the candy canes, I think they'd quit if they had to make them everyday. They are tough!
We thought, "Cool, saw that on TV. Would be great to try one." Um...we must have thought we were the only people who watch Food Network. Because everyone else at Disney thought the same thing. The nearly laughed at us when we stopped by the candy store and asked to buy one at about 3 in the afternoon. Remember the part about them only make 100 every few days. We thought oh well, we'll never get one. With the encourage and the energy of the nearly teenager with us...we were talked into it. So much fun! The next day we got there when the park opened and ran...yes ran...with the crowd (it was that or be trampled). And.....
Voila!
The thing is huge!! They sell them wrapped because most people ship them home. We purchased two (come on...wouldn't you...after getting up that early...make it worth it) and quickly dug in. It is pretty good!
If I close my eyes, I still feel like I'm going in circles. No joke. We rode this rocket ride soooo many times that I still feel like I'm spinning. Ilya got everyone to take him on this ride at least once if not 50 or 60 times. It clearly deserves a post of it's own. I wonder what the record is for this ride. At one point, the park was empty (we were there early---see the post about candy canes) that we didn't even have to get off to ride again. There wasn't anyone waiting in line--lucky us!
Ilya with Papa...
Ilya with dad...
Ilya with uncle Scott
Dylan ahead of Ilya (I'm behind the camera)
We have a million more pictures of each co-pilot...but I think you get the idea. The kid loves rockets (see prior posts about living in rocket pj's...and yes, he asked if he could wear the pj's on the ride).
I love using words like Christmas and Disney in the same sentence! We had a blast. The first night there we were able to catch up with my Godparents, my cousin Erin and her VERY adorable little girl. Then for the next several days we joined Eric's parents for a few adventures in Disney.
While it was a bit rainy to say the least, we didn't let it stop us. Our tour guide led the way...
We made sure to see all the favorites
Got front row seats to Disney Clubhouse live (Ilya was in awe and so excited to dance along).
A few days into the trip...look who we bumped into...cousins Kylee and Dylan. Who knew they'd be here for Christmas too! They were all thrilled. Best present ever!
A few more rides...
We completed the week with a great family Christmas dinner, saw the fireworks, watched the snow fall and scrolled down Main Street back to the hotel!
Remember in the last post when I mentioned we were a little early to the park in anticipation of breakfast? Well, cool surprise...the characters were right inside the park with SHORT lines (5-10 minutes each). Ilya was able to meet a few before breakfast! In this grouping, Tigger was the clear favorite!!!
Day 2 at Disney includes a breakfast with the Little Einsteins. We couldn't hardly control ourselves with the excitement for breakfast! We were up, dressed and ready in no time. We even got there BEFORE the park opened. We tried on a few hats to spend the time. Ilya is definitely a boy of many hats. He thought he was hilarious (he was!)!!
We didn't get the customary family picture by the castle upon entrance because as soon as Ilya saw the train at the front gate that circles the park...well...we couldn't handle the excitement and had to get on immediately! (we'll get the castle picture later). Ilya can't even look at the camera to take a quick shot on the train...there are WAY too many other things to look at!
After a few great rides, a little lunch we stepped out of the restaurant at precisely3:00...guess what happens at 3:00...yea..you got it the 3:00 parade! Look at the character who stopped to shake hands--it's STITCH!! Ilya watched him walk away until he was completely out of site!
What trip to Disney is complete without the LARGEST popsicle you could possible purchase (note: he's already had about a 1/2). What a great way to cool off!
With so many gift shops and things to buy, Ilya really wanted a stuffed item. We figured this would be the choice. He thought all day stopping at many stores and carts to check out the wares. From the first time we asked to the time we actually found one...Ilya said he wanted a Leo doll. He checked out many others (including Stitch) with a hug and a chose visual examination but he stayed admit that he wanted to find a Leo doll. We finally found one and quickly purchased. Through the next few days we would be stopped by several frantic parents wondering where we found Leo (apparently they were in short supply).
Ilya was thrilled that there was Mickey Mouse all over the park. He was so excited to point out each time he saw a Mickey. However, he was floored when he realized that this line was to ACTUALLY MEET MICKEY! Look at that smile!!! (you can click on the pictures to make them larger)
Side note: our night should have ended at this point. Instead, we decided to stay for fireworks...mistake. Ilya does not like fireworks. Should have know. He doesn't like anything loud...including fireworks.
Our first night at Disney started off with this crazy character: Stitch! At Downtown Disney Stitch watches for the unsuspecting guest to "spit on them".
Well..unsuspecting at least the first time...but not once you stand there for 20 minutes trying to get "spit" on :) Ilya thought this was hilarious!
After an awesome dinner at Wolfgang Puck's (yum!!!) Ilya found some more water to play in! This one has small amounts that pop up from the sidewalk.
Ilya could have stayed for days just playing here. All this fun...and think...we haven't even bought a ticket yet!
Ilya saw this display and wanted his picture by it...I think it's for future reference come December 1.
We made the trek to the local train museum. The museum is housed in the old train station. What a beautiful building! Ilya loved the actual train cars but most of all he could have watched the model trains go around all day!
Being silly with Dad!!! Going over the waterfall and hangin' with some friends.
What's better than being at a train museum. Posing for a picture only to have a working train go by!
Being silly with Grandpa...notice a theme?
A family picture!
When Eric packed his ipod for the trip, he looked forward to listening to his music. Little did he know that when little boy looked at him lovingly (and extremely cute) and said, "please" ---that was the end of Eric listening to his ipod. On the left is Ilya on the flight from Indiana--on the right is his first flight to the US (what a difference 8 months makes)
While Ilya doesn't really understand what we are going to do this weekend, he knows it involves "going" somewhere and we need the suitcase to come with us. Move over wagon---we have a new favorite item to pull/push around the house.
