Walt Disney World 2012

Without really realizing it, we have created a family vacation tradition of going to Disney World. Our first time was with Elliana when she was just 15 months old. Elliana's laughter, excitement and growth on that short trip quickly made us realize that you can never be too young (or too old) for Disney World.

We returned again last year when Elliana was 2.5 years old, and again, we were swept away with the awe and magic of the vacation.

And so, we booked a trip again this year, with Elliana at 3.5 years and Maya just 6 months old. And again, it was a WONDERFUL vacation for all of us! I'll allow these few pictures to tell a thousand words :)

Elliana cuddling Maya tight on her first flight

Meeting the Fairy Godmother

Maya loving the Dumbo Ride

Elliana meeting her favorite princess, Rapunzel

Daddy and his girls

Family Photo with the Toy Story Gang

First day of school

Elliana, 3.5 years, 1st day of preschool

I knew this day was coming. Preschool. Three hours a day, two days a

week. An opportunity for Elliana to flourish with new opportunities,

new people and new experiences. It's a time when a mom should be

rejoicing, but I found myself full of anxiety and sadness. Never

before had my baby been away from me for so long at a time. We are

together all day, every day (a few dates with Hubby excluded) and the

idea of someone else influencing her for several hours at a time was

overwhelming to me.

Well, today was the day. Elliana awoke early in the morning, sometime

in the 5:00 hour, full of excitement and loudly pronouncing "My belly

tells me I am all done sleeping. It's time to get up." I suppose that

is a three year olds explanation of butterflies in her belly. :)

And so, I sucked it up. I held back the tears, put on my happy face

and celebrated the special day with my eldest daughter. And I am so

glad I did. For in her happiness, I gained happiness too. I know this

is a good opportunity for my precious little one and just the first of

many steps toward independence.

Happy First Day Elliana! I am so proud of you and the little girl you

have become!

Happy Little Girl giving Daddy a squeeze

Me and my baby!

Elliana and her best friend Jay eager to start school

When I picked her up from her classroom, I think she was excited :) 

Standing next to her Busy Bee