DISNEY!

For the past three years, I have forgone my annual pilgrimage to the sun because I was saving pennies for the adoption. Now that the process is behind us and we are settling in, I had finally had enough and decided that Miss Anelya and I needed a vacation. What better place to take my new little American citizen than Disney World? more importantly (and the actual reason we came here) Sandi and Finley (from the same baby house) live in Orlando. Sandi and I met via the blog world and have been talking 4-5 times a day for over two years. It is so special that our girls ended up being from the same baby house and not too different in age. They will have each other forever, as will Sandi and I.

Sandi offered us a place to stay at her house, but fearing that Anelya might start teething again soon, I decided we should stay in a hotel. It turns out that Sandi's boyfriend works for Hilton and was able to get us a pretty unfathomable deal at the Hilton lake Buena Vista, across the street from Disney Marketplace. We are in an upgraded very large room, with free breakfast, and VIP treatment. I likey.

Anelya did great on the flight from Manchester to Orlando. She refused to sleep, but was in a good mood and very playful. Sandi and Finley were waiting for us when we got there and we took off for our hotel. Once we got our stuff in the room, all of us, including Sandi's new fiance (he proposed that morning!) went to dinner at Disney Marketplace. Anelya loves it here. She chowed like her usual self and Mommy enjoy a Sangria Margarita that I am still dreaming about.

Sandi and Anelya at dinner

Finley and Anelya on an evening stroll

The next morning we headed out to the Magic Kingdom to which they had arranged free entry (how do I get this lucky?) We took the ferry there, which Anelya just LOVED!

And proceeded to play all kinds of silly games, especially with Michael, her new crush.

Peek-a-Boo

Finally, we made it to the Magic Kingdom and took our first picture outside Cinderella's Castle.

Welcome to America, baby girl!

Anelya's 1st Visit pin hangs on the canopy of the stroller.

Sandi and I goofing off, as usual.

Michael holding a very content Anelya, who LOVES him.

I took this picture as we were riding Dumbo. I had no idea the castle was behind us. SCORE!
Anelya LOVED the Dumbo ride!

Mommy and Anelya on the carousel!

Anelya loved the music at the Bear Jamboree and cried when it was over.

Clap, clap, clap!

She was less sure about riding Aladdin's Magic Carpet.

But this is why...

Once her power nap was over, she was all gang busters and ready for Mommy to chase her EVERYWHERE!

But she did stop for a snack...

We went to Winni the Pooh's back yard to play freely for a while. Anelya loved it.

I love this picture!

She had a blast ducking through the honey pot to get to Mommy!

"Mommy, I've totally got this!"

Another baby from Kazakhstan, Leeza, met us with her lovely mommy, Susan. The connections I have made throughout the process and even after have been such a blessing. I feel so connected to Kazakhstan and my fellow Mamakazies.

Finley, Anelya, and Leeza: Our Kazakh Princesses

and with the mommies in front of the Liberty Bell!

Look! A wishing tree just like in Kazakhstan! It made me cry a little.

Today was my day alone with Anelya. She was very tired, so we just went for a walk in the stroller and then we had a nice lunch at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. It was so cute.

Anelya's Resort Collection - Day 2

In our hotel room

Playing the chair drums...

We acquired some Minnie Mouse glasses which she refuses to take off... They are convertible glasses that can also make you look like a nerd!

Riding the carousel in Downtown Disney

The shades and her new beloved Minnie Mouse...

Eating Wolfgang Puck's mac and cheese! Only the best for my little lady!

Anelya was just exhausted, so we spent most of the day in the hotel. However, we did go for a quick dip in the pool. She loved it. She splashed and squealed and had a great time! The air outside was too cold though, so we went back into the hotel and had a tubby instead!

Anelya's first bathing suit

Now we're off to bed! On the agenda for tomorrow may be Epcot, which would be great fun on St. Patrick's Day, but it will depend on Anleya's mood. We are meeting another family tomorrow, the Dykes family, who lived in Rochester, NH until recently and have a son, Lincoln, who they adopted from Kazakhstan a few years ago. I can't wait to finally meet Kami!

I'll keep you posted!