Three

One, two, THREE~how can it be?! I honestly can't believe that my baby boy is three years old today. The boy he is becoming makes me so proud and grateful. However, I cried like a baby last night as I tucked him in bed, simply because I can't believe how fast he is growing up right before my eyes. We had such a sweet moment of him requesting "one more song"..."Jesus Loves Me, please mommy." The way he was snuggled in my lap mimicked the cradling position of a baby, yet his long, strong body draped excessively over the arm of the chair. He gently reached his hand up to stroke my face, then ended with a soft kiss on my cheek as I was singing that one last song. I just couldn't hold it together as I realized that was his last night as a 2 year-old.

Happy 3rd birthday to the most precious gift I've ever received. You are Mommy's heart.

Magical!

Hello out there blogosphere! I know, I know, I've been absent for about a month...but for good reason I suppose. Sickness and Disney World! Disney World = magical. Mommy and Judah's illnesses = not so much. I'm choosing to post about the former.

You may remember that KK and Pop (my mom and dad) gave us the generous Christmas gift of taking the whole fam to Disney. The much anticipated trip commenced a few weeks ago, and honestly could not have been more perfect. Great weather, not crowded, and quality time with the fam. Ever since returning, Judah periodically asks me on any given day, "Can we go see Mickey today?" or "Where's the castle?" A few nights ago during bedtime prayers, he thanked God for Disney World. I would say he enjoyed himself...Mommy and Daddy did, too :)

Upon arrival on a Friday afternoon, we wasted no time. We got all dolled up for our evening at the castle for dinner with princesses. Here are our own princesses (my precious nieces) and handsome prince waiting for the shuttle just an hour after our plane landed.

We're here! 

 And just in time for the "Celebrate the Dream Parade," a wonderful welcome to Disney. 

Time for our special dinner inside the Castle. We get to meet Cinderella before our meal...notice who is not in the picture?! Judah decides the week before we leave that "I not like princesses. Princesses for girls." Hmm, first time we've heard any dislike from him, as defined by cultural gender influences. Daddy tells him it's okay but that he will like them in his later years :)

They give him a sword (instead of a wand) and refer to him as the "dragon-slayer" for the rest of the evening. Dinner is saved.

 After a lovely dinner, we embark upon the first "ride" of the trip ("It's a Small World"). Another first for Judah, and clearly he is mesmerized.

 Mommy and Daddy enjoyed it, too!

The sun is setting and we stake our prime spot for the light show, parade, and fireworks.

A perfect ending to a perfect day. 

 We head for Animal Kingdom the next day. It's Judah's first personal Mickey sighting. The hug was priceless. I may have cried.

Another running hug for Donald. 

 So much fun this day. We went on an African safari....and were really this close to the animals.

 We made our own band. 

We dug for dinosaur bones. 

And Judah's self-proclaimed highlight of the trip, we got our faces painted. Still in disbelief that my active boy was a perfectly still angel for this :)

Pluto and his girls! 

On to Hollywood studios the following day, where the highlight was meeting more favorite friends like Buzz and Woody! 

And Lightning McQueen! Judah was in disbelief. 

And we can't forget Tow-Mater. Judah just wanted to climb in his mouth :)

And ended the day making wishes in the fountain. Pretty sure all of J's came true that day!

The next morning, we experienced "Chef Mickey" where all of Judah's favorites served us a delicious breakfast. More hugs for all! 

We ended our trip with Epcot...where we visited lots of countries.

Found more bongos :)

And fed the ducks. 

Thank you, KK and Pop, for a truly magical time!