Animal Kingdom

Our Thursday began with some very tired people! After getting back to the hotel after midnight, we were a little groggy! But since Animal Kingdom closes at 5, we needed to get started. This was also the day that Nathan and Declan celebrated their birthdays. They both wore their birthday buttons and we gave Nathan his present that morning. We let him start his pin collection with a lanyard and 2 pins. He was set for trading!! He did, however, get tired of everyone telling him Happy Birthday so he took off his birthday button.
The birthday boys


Buggy kids!

When we arrived at the park, we were all excited to take a ride through Mt. Everest. Before Everest,though, we went to a Bug's Life 3-D movie. Last time we tried this, my niece had us leave when the bugs came out and she started screaming! But this time she was ready and with Camden taking off his glasses, we were fine. At least until the bugs crawled under our bottoms. That was a little creepy!
The people who conquered Everest!

Goofy!!
Thumper!
Camden grabbing Thumper's tail!
Brer Bear!
Nathan and Ashton being serenaded by the guitar player...he sang a song with their names in it and said Nathan looked like he was a ballpoint pen!


We ended up loving Everest (all but Dave), and riding it twice. We also really enjoyed the Nemo and Lion King musicals. To end our day, we were able to participate in the Safari Experience. This is something that only Grand Gathering groups can do, so we took our family group to this African dinner. It started with a safari ride and then off to dinner. It was a buffet with, you guessed it, salmon, but with an African twist. I was very happy to have a pot of hummus to myself mainly. We had an African lady guide us through the experience and lead us in the birthday dance. We also got to meet more characters and some live animals. It was a lot of fun.
Mom and Dad at our Safari Experience
Dancing the birthday dance!!



Our dinner table
Dave and Amy at the Safari Experience at Tusker's Restaurant
Our true African hostess with her guests from the Lion King

After leaving the park around 7:00 (early!!), we went back to the hotel to swim and give out birthday presents. Declan got Legos and pins; Nathan received some camouflage clothes, a pin and Aerosmith Mickey. It was a nice evening with a somewhat early bedtime. Had to be ready for our last day!!!Riding at the back of the bus...everyone's favorite spot!!
Jennifer and Rob on the bus ride

Birthday presents
Hanging at the hotel!