At the airport Aoife didn't get what all the fuss was about....
I had wondered how I was going to keep the little livewire that is Aoife sitting in a plane for a couple of hours as well as keeping Caitlin comfortable and unafraid of flying. (Remember this is the kid that can't stand the sound of airplanes flying over the house never mind being on one!) Turns out they were both brilliant on the flight. Caitlin seems to cope much better when we can tell her there will be a noise and I just talked her through what was happening and she was fine. Aoife munched her way through a tub of Pringles and that kept her amused along with a few stories and toys. It was an uneventful easy flight much to my surprise!
By the time we reached the hotel it was way past the girl's bed time. Aoife had fallen asleep in the taxi on the way there while Caitlin was buzzing with excitement. I showed her were she would meet the characters in the morning in the hotel lounge so she walked over, sat herself down and informed me she would be sitting there until the morning when Mickey Mouse would come.
She lasted five minutes before she give up and decided it would be a better idea to pick her bed and go back in the morning.
The plan was to get a good nights sleep, be up early, get breakfast early, hit the parks early before it got busy. Then we all slept in. By the time we did get out to breakfast it was more brunch than breakfast!
After we ate it was time to hit the parks and experience what Disneyland Paris has to offer! Caitlin tried out tons of rides, her favourites were the carousel, Dumbo's flying elephant ride & the magic carpet.
They both met Disney Junior characters like Sofia the First and the main characters like Mickey and Goofy. Aoife loved them! I thought these huge animated characters would scare a small child but not my Aoife, she was fascinated by them! She hugged any character she could find and cried when she had to leave them!
And a few more happy moments....
Caitlin had to use her wheels pretty much the whole time we were over there. Not that she minded! Times like that I was so grateful she has her wheelchair. It was either that her the pram and the wheelchair is a much better option for her.
Although Caitlin had the time of her life I have to admit Aoife was too young to appreciate and enjoy Disneyland. I've never known her to cry so much! She didn't like being out of her routine, or spending so much time being pushed around in a pram or being restrained by reins when she was walking. There's no explaining to a 1 year old that it's not a good idea to just run off in Disneyland on your own! In fact, on the train she lifted her backpack, walked to the door, waved to us and said "out!" She was fully prepared to hop off the train and do her own thing lol. Nice try kid ;)
The main highlight was by far, meeting the princesses. The joy on Caitlin's face was just wonderful to see. Her smile is so wide it reaches her eyes and her eyes sparkle. I don't think anything can make a parent happier than seeing their children so happy. That's definitely the case for me!
The princesses did a fabulous job. Cinderella asked Caitlin did she have a prince to which Caitlin replied, "Yes I do, he's just outside at the moment settling my little sister as she's being very grumpy."
Cinderella looked at me confused and so I explained Caitlin's Daddy is her prince. Cinderella thought this was the cutest thing ever and Caitlin was delighted she thought so.
All the princesses waved and blew kisses to her at the parades and Caitlin was giddy with happiness. She just felt so special. And so she should, she's one special little lady.
The 3 days there whizzed by and before we knew it, it was time to go home.
I'm so glad we got to go. We made some ever lasting memories and my little girl got a much deserved dream holiday. I'll never forget it and I don't think she will either :)
