palterblog

We celebrated the first day of spring with a fun-filled Purim carnival. Leigh-Anne did the make-up for everyone.

Epcot was an enjoyable day. The park was more enjoyable than I was led to believe. The modern design was interesting, though dated in places. Lots of attractions for the kids. Next time, we’ll spend more time at the country exhibits.

However, for the kids, Crush the talking turtle dude was a highlight.

Of course, who could go to Epcot and not go on Norway’s viking ship attraction?

We though Ben was over his stomach problems. So did he. So we were all surprised when he barfed in the van on the way to the Magic Kingdom - again. (Maybe it was something about that park, in particular.)

Eventually, the day got straightened out and Ben was back to his normal non-barfing, high-spirited self.

In my typical grinch-like fashion, I bemoaned the line-up and the price of the facepainting at Disney. But, as you can see, it was fabulous. And they loved it so much.

Thank god for Leigh-Anne. Sometimes, she just knows the right thing to do so long before I get it. It’s scary.

Speaking of scary…check out Ben!

And who could say no to a sweet butterfly face like this?

Highlights of this trip to the Magic Kingdom: Barn Burner kid coaster (Ben and I went 4 times), Dumbo ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, McDonald’s fries, 3D movie.

This wonderful day ended with a pizza dinner around the pool and a birthday cake for Liora who was lucky enough to be celebrating her ninth birthday at Disney.

We were back at it again - hopping from park to park - this time at MGM Disney Hollywood.

Pictured here are the teens and teen-wannabes watching the Beauty and the Beast show.

Ben got off to a good start, but after days of barfing and on an empty stomach, he ran out of steam quickly.

Park highlights included: Rock and Rollercoaster and the High School Musical show.

Our Disney odyssey started on a cool windy day.

Actually, it almost didn’t start. After all the travel and anticipation and excitement, wouldn’t you know that Ben woke up at 5:00 am barfing. Repeatedly. All morning. Every 30 minutes - like clockwork. After an initial delay and much deliberation, we headed to the Magic Kingdom.

Here we are just inside the main gates of the kingdom.

Benny was in good spirits. But he didn’t last long. Within a couple of hours he was barfing again and we had to beat a hasty retreat. We’d given it a good try and we’d be back.

Three girls with names starting with E. A coincidence? Maybe it had something to do with the water in Willowdale and Thornhill when we were growing up.

Doug and his daughter Eva made their bi-annual pilgrimage to Toronto and Ben and Ella were at the top of Eva’s list of social engagements. Lucky for us! (The 1920s vintage postcard treatment on the picture just felt right. Not exactly sure why.)

And it was great to see Lisa with her daughter Edan. Sorry to have missed Paul and the budding rock star Dean.