Walt Disney World

I had a conference to attend for work from April 21-25...and of all places it was at the Swan and Dolphin Resort on Walt Disney World property. Isn't it a bummer when you get paid to go to the Happiest Place on Earth? Of course I took advantage of the fact that Mayo paid the bill on my hotel and round-trip airfare to sunny Florida, and Derek, his mom Becky, and Parker joined me on the 25th, a Wednesday, so that we could round out the week with a few days in the parks! We had a blast.

I miss working inside this castle everyday...that's what I did for seven months back in 2006 during my Disney internship. There used to be an art gallery on the main floor, where we sold some of the most beautiful Disney-inspired paintings

With the Dapper Dans on Main Street

This bird looks bigger in the picture than it actually was, but it was still about 2 feet tall in person! It boldly stole a piece of turkey from a plate that someone had absent-mindedly set aside while she looked at a park map -- oops! Bet the bird was happy for an easy meal, though!

My co-workers, Kristi and Helen, after a ride down Splash Mountain

~ Derek, Becky, and Parker join in on the fun ~

Parker was such a trooper.  He quickly learned that, with rare exceptions, naps would be taken in the stroller or in our arms for a few days.  But he had fun, too, and seemed to really enjoy looking at all the bright colors encompassing him

Our little monster sporting his Mike Wazowski shirt

Parker's first time swimming!  He definitely liked it better than taking a bath...

On the last day, Derek's cousin Shelly was able to join our fun for a couple of hours.  She works for Disney, and was able to get us into the parks for free on all three days we were there ~ thanks, Shelly!  We had so much fun.