anxiety/excitement. The kids got up and we fed and dressed them quickly and our group of 6 (Matt, Rob, Grandma Ya-Ya, Cory, Addy and me) all managed to get out the door at the time we were hoping for. We had to catch two trains, and we arrived with a few minutes to spare before the park opened. We made a rookie "picture stop" at the entrance and then we were off to Fantasyland.The guys had taken the kids to Asterix- a French theme park- a few weeks ago, and I was worried they would think Disney was the same as any other theme park...but they commented immediately upon strolling down Main Street that Disney put Asterix to shame. Phew. We went straight to Peter Pan (well, I detoured to grab a couple of fastpasses to Space Mountain)...I was a little concerned about the rest of the day because Cory was scared of the Peter Pan ride. He is not a fan Captain Hook. So I took them to It's a Small World next...surely nothing to scare Cory there. And they absolutely loved it...sooo cute. They learned the song immediately, and Cory was waving at all the dolls while Addy just sat with her mouth hanging open. They decided to ride a second time while Rob and I dashed off to Space Mountain...which broke down while we were in line...boo.
We met everyone else back on Main Street for the Mary Poppins show. I am fairly certain Cory and Addy are the biggest 2 and 3 yr old Mary Poppins fans around. They perform the songs and dances just about everyday. So needless to say...they were in heaven when Mary, Bert and the penguins danced their way out on the street and sang all the kids favorite songs. There was a particularly quiet moment when Cory yelled out "I love you Mary Poppins" so funny. They got to meet Mary and Bert and get a picture after the show. Their day was absolutely made.We had lunch in Frontierland at this quick service BBQ place that is pretty darn tasty. We sat at picnic tables outside...and several different characters came out
to say hello- rather steal people's drinks, pretend to eat their food...all the silly things those trouble maker characters do. Cory was terrified! Not a fan at all. At one point, Brother Bear pulled a bench away from a table, around a bush, climbed on top...and then belly flopped over the bush onto a picnic table. It was one of those moments I reminded the guys of the differences between Disney Paris and Disney World/land.There are a couple of playgrounds in the park that we spent a bit of time on, we went on the pirate ship. We took Addy on Pirates of the Caribbean- knowing Cory would flip. I have never been so tense during that ride before! Turns out, it is a pretty life-like, scary ride...especially when you are 2. Addy sat on my lap, squeezing my hand...she never cried, but said she was not interested in doing that again.
The kids were amazing all day long...Addy decided her favorite was Dumbo, Cory's was the Astro
Orbitor, Matt's was the Mary Poppins show, Rob's was Space Mountain (he went on a few more times after he and I went), Ya-Ya loved watching the kids faces during the parade, and my favorite moment of the day was on It's a Small World...I knew the magic of Disney found the kids.The kids each picked out a stuffed animal souvenir- Addy got a baby Minnie and Cory got a Wall-E...which he hugged and kissed the entire train ride home...and is now sitting on his bed with Cory's favorite Thomas the train t-shirt on it. So cute. The dad's took lots of pictures, which I will get soon and post a few. Promise.
In other news, Grandma Ya-Ya has returned to South Orange. She spent a few days here- it was her final visit before everyone heads home. She has been so great to have around. On top of the fact that she visits with the sole purpose of spoiling her grandchildren (which generally gives me a little bit of extra time off), the kids just feel so much more at ease having her around...like they are home. You should have heard the SCREAM that came out of Cory's mouth when he woke up from his nap and realized Ya-Ya had made it here...it was just priceless...he was so excited. This morning, Matt's parents arrived- Mimi and Papa. Cory was all over the place- he wanted to show them EVERYTHING. I just love how excited kids get for their grandparents...it is such a cool relationship.
Finally, I just want to reiterate my love for Paris. I have had a couple of just amazing evening walks lately...the weather has turned pretty cool in the last week, but the sun has been out...creating some gorgeous sunsets over all the unbelievable monuments and buildings in Paris. I love that I can just walk along the street- full of cute shops and yummy cafes, turn my head and see a huge, old, historic building, and then stroll along the Seine- people riding their bikes- a couple kissing on a bridge (I know, sounds gross, but somehow just adds to everything here), and then take a curve in the river- look up and see the Eiffel Tower. I love going running and finding myself in a new park that is more well kept and lovely than anything I have run through before...it is hard not to slow down and enjoy it (okay, okay...I usually stop and walk for awhile...it's too great). I had a moment the other night while I was walking where I realized what I cool opportunity I have been given. I will (most likely) never have the chance to experience Paris the way I am now...getting to casually enjoy all (actually, definitely not all) that Paris has to offer. I had a brief thought that I should stay and live here...but then remembered how much more important people are than places...and I like you guys at home too much. But I can definitely understand how people that have grown up here would have a hard time living anywhere else.
And with that confession of my current love, I'm off to wander some more.
