Page 18 of A Very Miller-Cooper Life

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We decided to start out our vacation with Magic Kingdom, since we couldn’t wait to see our kids’ faces when they saw Cinderella’s Castle for the first time. Their reactions certainly didn’t disappoint us.

As soon as the castle came into view, Carter, who was holding my hand, stopped dead in her tracks and stared up at it in awe. She squeezed my hand tightly as her mouth fell open.

The other two weren’t as calm with their responses of course. Ronan shouted, “Castle! Castle!” as he jumped up and down, practically tearing Charlie’s arm off in the process.

Olivia dropped my mom’s hand and took off in a sprint in the direction of the castle. Luckily, Jamie had quick reflexes and ran after her, scooping her up into his arms before we could lose her in the crowd. She giggled uncontrollably as he tickled her and held her upside down as his form of reprimanding her.

After taking turns getting pictures in front of the castle (Jamie and Ethan taking the most since it was the spot they had gotten engaged), we started to make our way around the park.

Three hours (and only two rides) later, the kids began to complain that they were hungry, tired, and their feet hurt.

“I told you we should have brought the strollers,” Charlie whispered to me through gritted teeth.

“So they could complain about that too? No thanks.” I smiled at the rest of our family. “I think we’re going to head back to the house for the afternoon, then come back when these three are feeling refreshed, but you should all stay and have fun.”

Mrs. Miller waved a hand at us. “Nonsense. I’ll come with you.”

I gave Charlie a look before trying my best to fake a smile for her mom. “Youreallydon’t have to do that.”Seriously. Please don’t.

“I don’t mind one bit. I could also use the break.”

My mom must have noticed the panic in my eyes because she gave me a knowing smile. “You know what? I could use a break too. Why don’t us girls head back to the house and the boys can stay here? The more hands the better, right?”Aka she knows I don’t want to be stuck with just my mother-in-law. Thank you, Mom.

“That sounds like a great idea. Thank you so much, Mama Cooper,” Charlie said before I had the chance to respond. As what appeared to be a last minute thought, she smiled at her mom as well. “And Mom. Thank you.”

Charlie, my mom, and I each picked up a child and headed toward the exit. We had almost made it when Olivia spotted a gift shop. “Ears! Ears!” she shouted as she pointed toward the store and tried to wiggle out of Charlie’s arms.

Charlie fought to keep Olivia in her arms as she picked up her pace. “Not now, sweetie.”

Mrs. Miller put a hand on Charlie’s arm, bringing her to an abrupt stop. Instead of addressing Charlie, she looked at Olivia. “Do you want Mickey ears, sweetie?”

Olivia bounced up and down even more as she nodded her head up and down. “Ears!”

“Then let’s go get you some ears!”

If looks could kill, Mrs. Miller probably would have been hit by a rogue set of Mickey ears at that exact moment with the way Charlie was glaring at her. “Mom, the kids are exhausted. They can get the ears later. We need to get them back to the house so they can nap.”

“They can nap anytime. We’re in Disney. They need Mickey ears.”

Charlie looked at me for back up, but I was too tired to fight, so I simply shrugged. Charlie glared at me the same wayshe had at her mom just a few seconds ago. “Fine. They can get ears, but since you suggested it,you’rebuying them, Mom.”

“Fine with me.” Mrs. Miller smiled widely as she reached out her arms toward Charlie to take Olivia from her. “You know how much I love to spoil my favorite little grandbabies.”

When Mrs. Miller walked away, I bumped my hip against Charlie’s. “I’m sorry. We have a whole week here, so I’m trying to choose my battles wisely with your mother.”

Charlie sighed and her body softened. “No, I’m sorry. I’m just tired, and she has this way ofalwaysgetting under my skin.”

“I can’t imagine why,” I joked.

“Be nice,” my mom whispered in my ear from behind me.

“I’m always nice.” I turned toward my mom then looked between Ronan and Carter. “Do you two want to pick out some Mickey ears?”

Ronan shoutedyesat the same time Carter saidpleasemuch more quietly. Luckily, it didn’t take long for them each to pick out which set of ears they wanted.

As Mrs. Cooper walked to the check out with all three sets of ears, she stopped in front of theDisney Pridedisplay which was adorned with an assortment of rainbow Disney merchandise. I held my breath as I waited for her to make a rude comment or at least huff and walk away.

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