One hears over and over about taking moments in life to appreciate things and live in the moment. This was one of those days. As stated in the previous entry, after our princess lunch Katelyn and her Daddy went back to the hotel for a nap. Jordan left Norway and proceeded to China in search of Mulan. Also as stated previously, it rained most of the week due to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Fay. When we left for China, the rains came barreling down on us. I had my slicker on and had Jordan covered up in a slicker as well. She was sitting in her pink umbrella stroller and I had covered her lap up with a towel from the hotel to help stay somewhat dry. Those Disney slickers work quite well actually. We were running for China in the pouring down rain and Jordan was chattering the whole way. I had that moment while running -- I remember thinking that I was having an absolute blast pushing my child in the pouring down rain headed to find Mulan. She was so excited and it was so much fun to see if we could find her. I didn't care it was raining; I only cared that I was with Jordan and we were doing something she was so excited to go and do. It was the best!!
We got to China and eventually found not only Mulan but Mushu as well. Jordan insisted she take off her slicker for the pictures and she was so cute talking to both Mulan and Mushu and getting their autographs. While there we discovered there were other characters in a few of the other countries. Jordan wanted to go see them as well and I was happy to do so. Slickers back on and walking/running in the rain to Morocco to meet Jasmine and Aladdin, to France to meet Belle (in her working dress) and to England to meet (Alice and Mary Poppins). At one point, my sweetie called to check on us and I told him what we were up to and how much fun we were having.
Belle and Alice in Wonderland: When we got to France and Belle came out, Jordan was the first in line to get a picture with her. Belle asked Jordan her name and Jordan replied "My name is Jordan. Sometimes my Daddy calls me Jordie Bear and sometimes he calls me Princess Jordan". I could see Belle smile when Jordan replied. Belle then goes on to ask Jordan if she likes to read which Jordan responds "yes". Belle then asks Jordan what her favorite book is. Jordan replies "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". Jordan then states "My Daddy bought me the book and reads it to me." Seeing Belle smile even more and hug Jordan, I'm now thinking Belle thinks Jordan's Daddy is pretty great and I'm thinking -- heh, I'm out here in the pouring down rain with her! :) The best part though was Belle goes on to ask Jordan about the story and Jordan starts telling Belle the story. Belle knew the story and was asking Jordan questions back. Jordan said "Lucy went through the wardrobe" and I heard Belle ask "who did Lucy meet when she went through the wardrobe"? Jordan then replied "Mr. Tumnus" and this conversation went back and forth talking about the story. I could tell Belle was really enjoying Jordan's enthusiasm for the book. When Belle went to sign Jordan's autograph book, she wrote "Princess Jordan, Keep reading. Love, Belle". She then drew flowers and hearts on the page. It was great!
This same scenario happened with Alice. Jordan greeted Alice and they began this conversation where I could tell Alice was having a good time speaking with Jordan. She got down to Jordan's level and kept up a conversation with her and kept hugging Jordan. It was so cute. After we got pictures with Alice, we went to Mary Poppins next to Alice to get a picture. Alice walked over to this pic and said she wanted a picture with all of them together. She continued to talk to Jordan while she was with Mary Poppins. Both Alice and Mary Poppins were great and so good to Jordan. Jordan just loved it and I, of course, was having the best time seeing how happy she was. It was so worth being out in that pouring down rain!! I think back on this afternoon at times and get the biggest grin on my face. It was a perfect afternoon with my precious 3 year old.
Side note: The rain did stop for a short time when we were in England which was nice!
Of course, I have my perfect moments that I reflect on with Katelyn as well and will write more about those in another entry. As my husband and I always state, we love our girls!
