Florida Vaca Day 5: Cocoa Beach

On Wednesday we decided to take a break from Disney and drive about an hour and half to Cocoa Beach. It seemed like it was going to be a long drive, but after being in the car 18 hours to get to Florida, the drive to the beach was a breeze. I am so glad we did because the kids loved it! We were not sure what it would be like since it was spring break... I really didn't want the kids to be introduced to their first keg stand or beer pong game quite yet, but we found a really great spot to set up camp.

The Varner family was originally going to come with us but Brandon and Kennedy ended up needing some medical issues, minor- don't worry, that needed to be taken care of this afternoon. They ended up visiting the Gulf coast on their way back to KC at the end of their trip instead.

We were only at the beach about 3 hours, and when it was time to go, the kids were so sad. Walter even started running away from us as fast as he could down the shoreline. When Josh started chasing after him, Walter started running into the ocean as fast as he could. He really did not want to leave.

Even Gus, who tends to be a bit of a complainer, had the time of his life.

Daddy and Hazel.

Looking for seashells. We found many, and when we got back to KC, I glued the shells onto frames for the kid's rooms.

Hauling wet sand and water for the sandcastle.

Walter loved that he could get covered in sand and I didn't get mad that he was getting messy!

Wally thought it was funny to bury my foot.

And this was the best we could do :) The kids didn't have much patience for building the sand castle. Notice the feather. Seagulls kept swooping down so close to us.

The water was a little wavey, but the kids loved jumping over and under the waves. It was actually really nice. And the water was pretty warm too.

A nice man fishing on the beach a few yards from us fished out a Frisbee and walked it over to the kids. His wife was kind enough to take our family picture for us just before we left.

Florida Vaca Day 6: Magic Kingdom Part 2

Day 2 at Magic Kingdom, out last day- Thursday- we took the tram to the park, and we all had matching t-shirts from the Varners.

While I waited with Hazel to meet some princesses, Josh took the boys on some rides.

Waiting in line to meet the Frozen sisters! And it only took an hour ;)

Parker hung out with us to meet Anna and Elsa too.

Cinderella's Glass Slipper!

QUEEN ELSA!!! Hazel was (IS STILL) convinced she is real. 

Hazel wore her Anna Coronation Day dress to meet ANNA!!!! Both of the sisters were so great. They interacted and were in character and talked with all the kids. I teared up, I'll admit. It was very surreal to see Hazel interact with her two favorite people in the whole world. 

We got back in line and waited 20 minutes to meet Rapunzel. 

Cinderella was in this castle again too.

Later in the day we went to Tom Sawyer Island, Hazel wasn't a huge fan of the raft ride to the island.

The best parts of the day were the Pirate League Makeovers.

The workers were all pirates! They even talked like pirates and stayed in character the whole time. The kids still all believe the people in the salon were real pirates.

Before, but in their new costumes. This adventure was not free, but was relatively affordable. If you only had one kid, it wouldn't cost much. It did add up with three kids though. But I insist that it was worth every penny and I would gladly do it again if we ever go back to Disney. To put it in perspective, I was able to get all three kids makeover and shirts (and a tutu for Hazel) for the same price of if I had only taken just Hazel to the Bippity Boppity Boutique and let her get a head-to-toe makeover. 

Hazel chose the Mermaid Makeover.

Walter chose the Ghost Pirate makeover, but because the makeup was so thick and he was so young (and it was very hot outside) the staff suggested we trick him and do the Zombie Pirate makeover instead.

Gus chose the Blackbeard Pirate Makeover. Grandma Sue was excited to watch too!

Walter fell asleep during his makeover!

We had to hold up his head because he was sleeping so hard!

Gus stayed in character the entire afternoon and loved the attention he and his siblings got as they walked around the park.

Papa and his mermaid. We are so glad he and gma got to watch the kids get their makeovers.

At the Tomorrowland Race Track.

Even mermaids have to sleep. We decided to take the kids back to the resort for some rest and supper and then go back to the park that evening to try to watch the Electric Parade, Castle Light Show and Fireworks in a little better seats.

Walter and Kennedy in the pool.

We sat right down front the last night at the park. Kennedy, Parker, Hazel, Lindsey, Brandon, Josh and I were the only ones to make it back. It was cool being so close (we had to save our seats a few hours early) but if you notice there were storm clouds rolling in in the background of the castle... More on that to come...

Watching the Electric Parade.

Front row for the light show! And then the rain came. Pounding down on us. I had to put my phone away so it didn't get ruined- no joke. And it rained. And rained. And rained. Hard. For like 45 minutes.

You can't really tell, but we were soaked. Head to toe sopping wet. Poor Hazel! I went in a shop and bought some stuffed animals partly because we wanted the plastic shopping bags to make a poncho for Hazel!

The rain was pretty awful, but it was another fun memory. I think Hazel thought it was exciting.