9/26/2003
Not even a hurricane the size of Florida could keep us away from Disney World.  Well, it almost did - but we made it anyway and had a great time. A special 'shout out' to my buddy Wes who hosted us in such fine fashion. It was Lauren's first theme park experience, and she enjoyed every minute of it. ...well...most every minute.

From left to right - Kirsten (4), the Fairy Godmother (she's very, very old), Payton (6) and Lauren (2 1/2).

Our first night's dinner...and LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT RAT!

After dinner everyone was whisked away in the carriage!
....ok, not really - we just posed in it.

LET's GO TO DISNEY!!

Sure, all the kids look real happy in these pictures - but here's what really happened. ...poor Lauren. Our first ride was Buz LightYear. Now, it's a neat ride - you sit in a spaceship, and fly around shooting aliens. ...but it scared the hell out of her. It's all dark with all these weird aliens all around - and we were spinning around in this little car. At one point, you go through this 'vortex of light'. I thought she was going to freak out.

After that, Wes and I jumped on Space Mountain because the line was short. The girls all went and rode the elevated train that runs around Tomorrow Land. Space Mountain was fun...it's not the most exciting roller coaster, but because you're in the DARK...it can really surprise you. From there we rode the race cars, then the merry-go-round. Eventually, we found this little roller coaster...

WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Lauren holds up her hands like she's fearless.
...she wasn't.

Our Crew on Main Street USA.

Gotta have the Disney Barbie.

More mayhem on the second day - we started off with the Haunted House. Oh, poor Lauren....I know she's going to blame us for all the problems in her life, and her therapist will probably pin point this moment as the origin. Oh well. ..actually, she did better in the Haunted House than she did in than that crazy Buz Lightyear ride. I just kept telling her we were looking for Scooby Doo - we like Scooby Doo. ..we never did see him though....but we saw lots of ghosts.

As you can see - we took lots of pictures on the Aladan's Lamp ride. After that, it was the Tiki Bird show. Now, the Tiki Bird show is not something I would usually enjoy - you just sit and watch robot birds do comedy. But, it was pretty hot while we were there, so I REALLY enjoyed the Air conditioning. And ...looking back - I also enjoyed sitting there watching Lauren...and Jacqui......OK - I loved the Tiki Bird show. ...still more rides....until - yes - the Buz LightYear ride!! One more time - YEAH! ....and you know what - Lauren LIKED IT. She said "I'm not scared" and was helping her mom shoot the space monsters.

'The Space Monster Terminator' gives Disney a thumbs up.

Mom likes Disney too.

Our gracious hostess makes me SMILE.

He is a trained professional on a closed course. (Don't try this with your kids)