We were on hour 9 of our drive to the beach. The kids had settled into their car groove and were happy as clams. We stopped at a rest area for a quick run when the most amazing thing happened: a couple of bluebirds delivered a letter for Grace and Andy from the one and only Mickey Mouse. 
Getting the "mail" - still dressed in their pajamas from the 5am departure!
A quick change of clothes and we're off!The letter was an invitation to come play - the Grace and Andy happily agreed. Technically that isn't accurate: Andy heard the news and immediately ran to the car screaming his list of what he wanted to do first. Grace was confused and concerned that Sweetie, Bayley, and best friend Carson wouldn't be there. A few minutes of reassurance seemed to work - she got more excited with every mile and was literally squealing when we passed through the gates.
John Glenn, in his space goggles, preparing for flight!
Grace coming off of Space Mountain for the first time. Her first words were, "Mom, you have got to go do this ride." When we were in line, she told me," Mom, it is going to be a little dark in here but you just need to get over it!"
Grace is Belle obsessed, so being picked by Belle to help with her stage show pretty much completed her little life. It was, as always, a great time! Even though our trips to Disney are a bit frequent, this trip will forever stand out in our memory because of some big firsts. The kids slept together in one bed (no more pack n' plays!), Grace rode Space Mountain for the first time, Andy flew to the moon in a "real John Glenn Rocket," and the kids rode together on a ride (Goofy's Barnstormer roller coaster) for the first time. One other memory worth recording: Grace and Andy were in the pool at 8:30 p.m. one night (a "magical" bath), two boys joined them and 9 year old named Alex took a shine to Grace and Andy. The kids played together for at least 10 minutes before Alex decided to introduce himself.
"My name is Alex. I'm nine. What is your name?"
"My name is Belle and I love tales of friendship."
"And I'm John Glenn and I fwew to da moon today!"
Even if Belle and John seem to be growing up entirely too fast, it is nice to be reminded that, compared to a big 9 year old, they are still little kids!
