Declan was asked to be the ring bear for our good friends Mj and Priscella's wedding. The wedding took place at the Bonnet House, a historic park in Fort Lauderdale. We weren't sure how it was gonna play out. The first step; getting fitted for the tux- Failed! In the store he screamed bloody murder putting on the tux. Second attempt, trying on the tux at home, week before wedding hoping for better cooperation- Failed! Day of the wedding, the third and final attempt to get tux on- and I was prepared with lollipops-I'll let you judge by the video...
After the 15 minute tantrum on the floor and already late we put on his shirt with just as much struggle. Once he was in the car it got better, thankfully.
Yay, half way dressed and on the way!
At the wedding site he wouldn't pose for pictures unfortunately, but we weren't surprised. The wedding was outside as the Bonnet House has beautiful grounds. So unlike a ceremony that would take place in a church where the aisle would be relatively short, this was a long path. The plan was to have daddy wait with him at the top to get him going and I would be at the end. But there was no way Declan was taking this walk alone. Donal actually had to carry him the distance until just past where the guest were seated. Then he ran to mommy. He was adorable. I had a ring pop for him and he was an angel during the ceremony.
Practicing
"Priceless"
Declan walking down the aisle. The video is 4 minutes long so you need to fast forward....
He was finally comfortable around all the strangers and had a blast running around with the flower girls before the reception.
He walked hand in hand into the reception with the flower girls I wish I had it on video. Then he and the flower girls greeted the wedding party with dance moves and clapping as they made their grand entrance into the reception.
This way girls!
Declan and the girls then danced around the bride and groom for the first dance and then again with the groom and mom. It was so cute! After that you could not get Declan off the dance floor. He danced the night away, except for a short break to have some dinner. Declan was exhausted by 9pm but still wanted to be at the dance floor but I had to be holding him so I knew it was time to go then.
We took Declan to Disney World's Magic Kingdom, it was so fun to see his face light up! It was so much fun! He is a little young to understand the concept of waiting in lines, so that was a bit of a challenge, but I wanted to go while we still had just one :-) It's such an incredible place for kids, I wish we lived closer and could go often. A three hour drive is still a little much for a kid that doesn't nap in the car.
We drove up on a Tuesday and arrived at 3pm. We stayed in the Lake Buena Vista area just a few blocks from Downtown Disney. Our Concierge suggested we go to the T-Rex restaurant to eat. It was so cool. It's a prehistoric atmosphere and the dinosaurs were animatronic, Declan loved seeing them move around.
Checking out the baby woolly mammoths
the fish with a man face
After we ate we walked around the Lego Store.
One of Declan's favorite- Buzz Lightyear!
Petting the Lego dogs, he even tried to ride one
Then we decided to go to Magic Kingdom and spend the evening there.
Declan and Donal's first time seeing Cinderella's castle
Since it was night time, we decided to do pirates of the Carribbean- which he loved, then the haunted house- scared him a little, and then we jumped on the people mover.
our lil pirate
Then we caught the fireworks show.
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After the fireworks, we were near space mountain. And since Donal had never been, I told him to do the roller coaster ride and Declan and I would ride the people mover again. But on our way to the people mover, a concert started on stage. It was a concert with Chip and Dale, Goofy and Pluto. Declan had the time of his life. Donal met us shortly after as the lines for rides were short. Declan danced for almost an hour. I thought he was gonna get scouted for the mickey mouse club, as he has great dance moves and a lot of eyes were on him. The concert ended with snow!
We arrived back at the park the next day at noon. We caught a parade as we were coming in. Then went over to the Buzz Lightyear Spin ride. Declan loved it and so did we, it was pretty cool! Then off to Fantasy Land. We rode the Carousel, twice! Declan did not want to get off, we had to peel him away.
Then we went on It's a Small World, Declan enjoyed going through all the different countries by boat. Donal's favorite one was Ireland! Then it was off to the Bear's Jamboree! A cute stage show with redneck bears jamming out. On our way out we caught another parade. I could barely contain Declan he wanted to run up to the characters, he was so excited, after about 10 minutes he relaxed and sat back and enjoyed the parade.
Our next stop was the Disney World Railroad that takes you around the park, when we happened upon Winnie the Pooh and Tigger! The line was short so we decided to wait. Well Declan could not wait his turn, he was crying and so eager to meet them. But it was so worth the wait. Pooh bear got down on one knee for him and Declan gave them big hugs and kisses- it was the most adorable thing!
