Ahoy, Mickey Mouse!

In March of 2014, Papa and Grandma Tait made it possible for us to travel to Florida and take a memorable Bahamian Cruise.  All of us Utah Taits flew to Orlando.  We stayed at Kerry and Stacy's home before hopping aboard the Disney Magic Cruise Ship.

Salt Lake International Airport
These girls were so excited.  And notice Jody, in the background, being the workaholic on the phone.  

We had a full day of sunshine in Orlando - before heading to the Cruise Line Terminal.  The guys went to the Arnold Palmer Invitational.  Jody really liked being at a major PGA event with his brothers, brother-in-law and dad.  The rest of us bounced over to the pool where Kylene and Greg were staying.

Nahla pushed Sienna in the water swing. Both girls were giggling - having the best time!  There were plenty of water slides to keep the kids happy and busy.  

 

After the pool, we met up with the boys for some pizza and walked around Downtown Disney.  We danced our hearts out on the outside plaza.  Kerry and Jody put Lindsey and Sienna on their shoulders - while rocking out to the music.  

Baby Summer enjoying the Disney Gift Shop

 

Cruise - Day 1

As we were driving to the Cruise Ship, the song 'Best Day of My Life' by American Authors came on the radio.  The kids were singing at the top of their lungs, and they all started squealing when they saw the ship.  

Sienna found some dress-up princess shoes at Kerry and Stacy's house.  She insisted on wearing them as we boarded the ship.  One pink.  One blue.  She's so fancy.  

Sienna and Lindsey - Both age 3

After checking in and making sure the kids had their ID bracelets on, we finally entered the ship.  As we did, a Crew Member announced our family name and welcomed us, while cruise employees clapped.  Those smiles aren't forced or canned - not one bit.  These kids look ready to burst with excitement.  Look at Gracie.  Wow.  She is excited!  

We all enjoyed a Welcome Party with the Disney Characters and plenty of streamers and dancing on the upper deck.  Then the ship started sailing.  The first day was REALLY rocky...and I felt sick from the sea motion.  The movement during the remainder of the cruise didn't bother me.  The food was AmAZinG!  Wow.  The buffet was incredible.  So good.  I still have dreams about the food.  No. Really.  I am not joking.

All the cousins were excited to see their rooms.  Gracie and Sienna were thrilled to sleep in bunk beds.
(Although it was a struggle each night deciding on who would get the top bunk.)

After participating in a Safety Drill (which Gracie was quite upset about) we were able to tour the Children's Oceaneer Club.   Here Sienna found endless dress-ups.  She immediately put on a Tiana Dress from The Princess and the Frog.  

After dinner, we saw "Twice Charmed" - a live show in the Buena Vista Theater.  After the performance, Gracie and Lauren went up to the top deck to get some Hot Chocolate.

What a fun first day!  The cousins all looked disney-licious with their mouse ears, and Stacy had ironed on their names on their shirts. The night ended with a visit from Cinderella; perfectly magical in every way.