Marina's birthday party!

Marina is lucky. This is what she told me last night after her party was over, after all of her presents had been opened and after we told her that she gets to celebrate her 5th birthday at Disney World. But…..she’s wrong. It’s Mike and I that are the lucky ones! Or rather, blessed beyond comprehension!

Marina had a lot of fun at her birthday party! It was sheer torture for her all morning and early afternoon, though. We told her that she had to wait until all of her guests were here and after we ate lunch to open her presents. To her, that was an eternity! But, she made it! We had a pull-string piñata for the kids (and kids at heart!) that was a lot of fun! And the exact moment that the last person finished the final bite on their plate Marina had everyone corralled into the living room for her gift opening display! She received so many fun, exciting gifts and was a little overwhelmed at first with what to play with first!

Marina with her new princess necklace

Marina and her new American Girl doll, Julie

Marina loves Marie, from Disney's Aristocats

This is how Marina found out she is going to Disney World....the new backpack we bought and filled for her to take on the airplane!

She also really enjoyed her birthday cake. To both of my kids, having everyone sing “happy birthday” to them is such a treat! And blowing out the candles is even more fun! She puffed a few times before getting all of the candles blown out, but was all smiles! Marina and her Mickey Mouse cake!

Make a big wish, sweetheart!!!

Marina was excited when we told her about her special trip to Disney World, but not quite as excited as we expected her to be………until bedtime! Oh my! By then, the whole idea of it had time to really sink in and the questions and excitement came spilling! She wanted to make sure that we all knew that she wanted her picture taken with Ariel, and also with Minnie Mouse, and Alexander can have his picture taken with the boy characters. She had Mike show her on the globe just where Disney World is located. She picked out a brand new necklace she received as a gift for her birthday (thanks Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mark!) to wear on her first day at Disney World. She has it all figured out……she thinks!!! :O)

So, late this morning we will make our way to the airport. Now, the weather has changed our plans a bit, but not our determination to get there! We had a winter storm sweep through Michigan yesterday evening and overnight. First, some snow, then about ¼” of freezing rain. The weather forecasters are all predicting that as the day progresses the temperature will rise and the ice and snow will melt. We sure are counting in it! Let’s hope that this is one time when they are correct in their predictions!!!

I think I have used all of my allotted computer time this morning. There is a little princess dancing around me throwing out all kinds of questions about this place in Florida. I think it’s time…………:O)

I hope that you all enjoy your week! We will definitely post some pictures when we return!

Love and hugs,
The Florida-bound Froehlich family :O)