I was curious as to what would be her reaction to the finished product. This was her 2nd time doing it and her outfit was significantly different. She was really happy about it. I could tell she was trying to be more grown up. I love the last photo in particular. She was trying to contain herself.
We got the rest of the stuff into her cinch bag and went up to pay. I was planning to give the Fairy Godmother in Training my change as a tip, but she had disappeared. I waited a couple of minutes and asked if there was any other way to leave the money and they said no. So we went on. Another addition to the lessons learned list. Have the tip ready. Last year our FGIT, escorted us to the cash register and stayed with us so she was there when I got my change.
We headed over to Castle Couture for the photo session. There was a bit of a wait so I stood in line and let dd look around at the merchandise under the condition she would stay in sight so I would not have to get out of line when it was her turn. Standing there alone with ds, I got questioned as to why I was there. I just pointed at dd and let the guy know I was waiting. It took a while as I was behind a family with 3 girls and after each girl had their individual session they also took pictures of the girls together in different poses. Fortunately ds kept himself entertained with the Kindle. I was glad I let him bring it. Id hope it would keep him entertained at BBB, but this was where he was using it.
Once we got in, I asked dd to take a couple of pictures with the sash before taking it off. She did ask to remove the ring.
I think she took about 30 pictures and once I edited with photopass, I had about 50. When she scanned my card, she asked me about buying the CD. I proudly told her Id paid for it prior to leaving home. Got a thumbs up and pat on the shoulder for that. Honestly for me, just having these photos alone make the CD worth it for me.
I had about 450 photos after editing, which is a small amount compared to some I know. We had more last year, but there were several meet and greets we didnt do this year that we had done in 2012. Still, I felt Id gotten my moneys worth with photopass and will continue to pre-purchase if we are going for at least 5 days in the future.
Once that was over, we looked around in that store some more then we sat down and changed dd back into her flip flops so she would be comfortable walking.
Then it was time for something Id been looking forward to, but didnt think Id get to do. We headed over to the carousel. I had read every source I knew of before we left home hoping to read this ride would be open, but everywhere I read told me it would be closed. Not sure what happened, but it was open. I was so thrilled. I love post BBB shots Ive seen on the carousel. Last year, Tropical Storm Debby was pounding and I wasnt able to get it. I was so grateful we had CRT reservations. No CRT this year, but we did have clear weather.
On the way though we noticed the castle had turned pink. Mom it matches my skirt! I took this picture.
There was a bit of a line when we got there, but we never wait long for it. She decided this picture would have a silly face. This wouldnt be the first time my little child was the one with the normal face and the big one had a silly face.
We took another ride on Its a Small World. She was still getting compliments on her outfit as we made our way through the queue. She loved it, and I was glad for her since last year she spent that whole evening under a poncho and umbrella. She didnt tire of it, even when people called out from a distance away, I love your skirt! She did tire of me snapping pictures though.
This was her, really mom
enough pictures, look.
After we got off the ride, everybody was hungry. It was 7:20 and we usually eat around 6:00. We were going to head over to Columbia Harbor House as that is our favorite place, but I had read the menu for Pinnochios Haus online and thought it looked good. I asked Ariana if she wanted to try it. She saw they had pizza and agreed. And that is what she got, the Pepperoni flatbread off the adult menu. Ds got the cheese pizza meal. I got spaghetti and meat balls. We all had apple juice to drink.
Six thumbs up on this place. The food was great. Everyone agreed on that. The CMs were great too and it didnt feel cramped. I was able to keep ds in the stroller near the line without feeling he was in the way. Well definitely eat here again on future trips.
People had started to gather for the MSEP once we came out of the restaurant. At first dd asked to grab a spot, but that wasnt the plan. I had a surprise that called for us to get up early and if we stayed for that parade, then the castle show and the fireworks, we wouldnt get to bed until 11:00. She said she would leave after the parade and we did sit for a while. Then it started to rain. I started to get our rain gear out, but then rescinded the offer to stay and told dd we were leaving. She agreed saying, Youre right, we do have two more times here (at MK). It was no more than a sprinkle by the time we got the rain gear out for the walk to the front, so we put it back under the stroller and headed for the bus.
Once we were back and ready for bed, I let dd know why I preferred we get to bed early. She was happy.