We hopped on the train and headed to Epcot in the morning after a quick breakfast in our hotel room. We were lucky enough to have a kitchen in our suite which made snacks and breakfast easy and quick for the whole family.
There aren't a lot of rides at Epcot for the little kiddos but we enjoyed the aquarium and Nemo adventures. Bennett loved watching the fish and probably could have stayed there for hours.
We were also able to catch Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy at Epcot.
After Epcot we hopped on the train and once again made our way to Magic Kingdom. The boys were going to have lunch together while the girls attended a special Luncheon at Cinderella's Castle.
Marie quickly changed into her princess attire and rode the carousel one time before climbing the winding staircase to our table.
What a special day - it really was an amazing lunch and I will never grow tired of watching this video of Marie. She is truly wishing as hard as she can!
Following the luncheon we were all ready for some rest and pool time!
After a short rest (emphasis on short) we all sprinted down to the pool at the hotel. The kids had a great time with the slide, dance party, and splashing.
A few quick showers later and back on the train for our dinner reservations at Epcot with who? You guessed it...more princesses!
During the dinner Marie noticed a little girl sitting behind us. She was with the "Make -A-Wish" program enjoying her Disney Experience, too. I noticed that Marie was staring and immediately felt concerned that the parents would notice and become upset. The little girl had a suctioning machine, tube feeding, and many other pieces of medical equipment around her. Her mother was supporting her head and it was apparent that she couldn't speak or walk. I asked Marie why she was looking at the girl and she innocently replied, "Mom she is wearing a Rapunzel dress...I bet she went to the boutique just like me!" Marie wasn't staring, she was admiring.
Marie and I walked over and introduced ourselves. We talked about the boutique, the dresses, and the whole experience. We learned this little girl was from Iowa and her nurse is from Sioux City.
We had so much in common - a family on a trip of a lifetime visiting princess after princess just to see our kids smile. I walked away feeling so blessed in so many ways. For one, Marie is such a kind little girl who showed so much compassion towards this little girl plus I have a healthy & beautiful family whom I love so much.
To make this even more special was being able to share this moment with Tina who has devoted so much time and effort with a Minnesota group which grants wishes just like this to children just like that little girl.
Later on in the evening Marie did ask a few questions about why the little girl couldn't walk, talk, etc. Andy & I answered them the best we could and Marie simply replied..." I bet I could help her learn those things."
Following the dinner Aunt Tina couldn't resist this bubble gun. The kids giggled and giggled while playing with it.
We had such a beautiful sunset over the water at Epcot that evening.
After all that fun it was getting late but we still had one ride to go on - "Soarin."
Aunt Tina & Uncle Brian went back to the hotel with Bennett since he was sleepy and too little for the ride while Marie, Dad, & Mom went on the ride and grabbed a few souvenirs, too.
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