A Magical 4th Day

After 3 busy days, we decided to sleep in, swim, and have lunch at All Star Sports. We were all wiped out, which usually does happen on the 3rd day. We've learned that the best time to be at Magic Kingdom is after sunset and if you can stay until the park closes, the rides are almost empty and it is so much fun. After our lunch and swimming, we took our time making it to Magic Kingdom. The night before, Cooper had cried because he had not gotten to see Pluto at Epcot. Right when we got into MK, we were thrilled to see Pluto out and about with a very short line. We jumped right in.

The sights around MK are so beautiful to me.

Finally, it is our turn.

Cooper gave him a huge hug and was so excited.

I love getting to see characters in this spot because the background of Main Street and the castle just makes the pictures even better.

After our Pluto fix, we noticed the line was short for Mickey and Minnie as well. People were claiming their spots for the parade so it was a great time to go in for a visit. When we entered the Kodak Theater, the line for the princesses was also short so we did that one first. Cooper would not have his picture made with any of them but Claudia was happy to see them all.

Mickey and Minnie have a new location for meeting their fans...

Claudia could stand it no longer...she needed to ride and she needed to ride fast. She and her daddy went straight to their favorites. Cooper and I decided to find a spot to watch the parade since it was just beginning.

I just found us a blank spot at the rope and we were completely into the parade watching all of our favorites when I step back and bump into someone with a child on his shoulders. I look back and look who it was...
MADDIE! Cooper and Maddie were both over the moon excited to run into each other! They stood close together and watched the parade intently and with serious conversation. I have included a bunch of pictures because they were just so cute...

When the parade had gone past us, they immediately wanted to know if they could stay together.

Cooper tickled me when he grabbed his map, spread it out, and said, "Ok, Maddie, where do you want to go?" He was taking charge and wanting to please her...so CUTE! Maddie would call him, "my best friend, Cooper" and it was precious to me.

They decided our first stop would be Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger. They were a bit disappointed when they could not sit together but had to split and sit with a parent. They were still happy to be together when it was over and they were ready for the next thing.

Cooper and Maddie held hands almost the entire time we were together. I just loved watching them.

Claudia and Chad came to join us because it was time for us to grab a monorail and head to the Polynesian Resort for our dinner.

We stopped to have this picture made and saw Brad, Kristal, and Maddie again. They decided to take a chance and ride with us to see if they could possibly get a table as well.

Our reservations were for the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. We had never done this show before and we were all excited because we had heard such great things from friends who have seen it. We were not disappointed!

Everyone got a lei as we went in and they took our picture as a family. They wanted a whopping price for the pic so we came home without it.

Waiting patiently...

We were so blessed for them to be able to move us and put us all at a big table together. They call all of the children up and teach them a dance. I couldn't believe they all went.

Maddie made the break first...

and Cooper soon followed...

Then they called everyone who had an April birthday up to learn the birthday dance. Miss Maddie with her October b'day pranced herself right up there with her best friend, Cooper and learned it too.

But she didn't stay long...

Not only was the entertainment good, the food was wonderful. It was served family style and we dug in.

They were never very far from each other...

Instead of the monorail back to Magic Kingdom, we chose a boat ride. What a great choice. The sun was beginning to set and the views were beautiful.

Claudia said this is where she plans to have her wedding one day...

Coming into Magic Kingdom's boat landing...

Again, Claudia and Chad had some thrill rides to hit so we went to Pooh's ride.

They came back shortly after and joined us for a Dumbo ride.

As beautiful as the Magic Kingdom is during the day, nighttime brings a different kind of magic all of its own...

Soon it was time to say goodnight as MK closed for the night. This was such a wonderful day, I hated to see it end. I was sad to know we only had one more day left but I was thankful we had already been blessed with 4 amazing days and such precious memories with friends.

Good Night, Magic Kingdom...