Our oldest turned nine a few days into our summer Disney vacation back on July 17th.
It was a whirlwind. I mean who wouldn’t want to celebrate a birthday in Disney.
See there are two types of people. Those who love Disney and those who don’t.
My husband, my kids and myself all are in the in love Disney category. So eight days and seven nights at Disney World wasn’t too hard on any of us. It was the summer of magical fun and happiness for those days and nights for all of us.
Plus the first time, any of us had an actual birthday in Disney.
The trip was fantastic as always. However, the flight home was not. We flew out in a storm. Also, followed storms all the way up the east coast. Plus, almost couldn’t land at JFK in NYC, because of thunderstorms.
That was late Sunday evening mid-July. The week after was a blur for me. See I also had been battling illness since June. I was even on antibiotics for a bit with a bacterial infection. Even during our Disney World trip, I was still coughing and run down. So, that week back I thought I was relapsing.
Thankfully, I seem to be on the mend finally. My cough is also gone finally. Therefore, it is time to overshare for my girl’s 9th birthday.
Again her actual 9th birthday was spent at the most magical and happiest place on Earth—Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Not only did she get to have her actual birthday at Disney from start to finish, but she also got to get a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Plus, she also dined at Cinderella’s Royal Table. This restaurant is inside Cinderella’s Castle.
She shared her Princess Belle Makeover and Cinderella dining experience with our immediate family, as well as her cousins, Aunt, and Uncle.
It was truly magical! And never too late! Happy 9th Birthday finally with this recap here.A bonus was watching the fireworks before the evening was all said and done in The Magic Kingdom.
During her birthday week, she got to visit Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The rain didn’t stop us as ponchos saved the day! So, she got to ride Slinky Dog Dash for the very first time.
Then, we all rode Alien Swirling Saucers, as well.
Next, we ate at Woody’s Lunch Box for a quick snack treat.
Plus, Slinky Dog Ears were bought before this Toy Story Land adventure was over!
Weeks back though, I finally sat down to get her annual birthday survey answers.
So without further ado, read on to find out her answers at nine years old.
My Oldest’s Favorites at 9 Years Old
1. Favorite Color: Pink (still)
Right out of the gate on the very first question, her answer didn’t change. She still adores the color pink. Whenever possible, she chooses pink for clothes, accessories and more. So, I should have realized this.
2. Favorite Movie: Beauty and the Beast (The Live Action Movie)
She made sure to clarify that her movie choice was the live action and not the cartoon. See she adores Emma Watson as Belle. So, this was also not a real surprise to me. Plus, she decided to dress up for the first time at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique as Belle, because of this.
3. Favorite TV Show: Bunk’d
No longer is my girl into Disney Junior or cartoons. Therefore, she has been watching The Disney Channel or The Disney XD Channel with more of the tween shows. Bunk’d is the clear winner right now for this reason.
4. Favorite Book: Dork Diaries Series
This one hasn’t changed as she spent the last school year reading and re-reading multiple books in this series. See these books are tops to her. So, she has enjoyed reading this series over and over.
5. Favorite Song: “Belle” from the Beauty and the Beast Motion Picture Soundtrack
I had to hear the song to remind myself after she answered this question.
Side note—All the times we have been to Walt Disney World’s Epcot, we have somehow missed out on meeting Belle in France at the World Showcase. Well this time, the girls finally got it right!
Not only does she love the movie, but she is a huge fan of streaming the soundtrack on our iMusic account.
6. Favorite Drink: Water (Still!)
What can I say? She is still my healthy girl through and through. Still don’t get me wrong, she wouldn’t pass up a glass of lemonade or sweet frozen slushie drink or even a pink colored drink!
7. Favorite Thing She Likes to Do: Play with Her Sister
Yes, this one damn near melted my mom’s heart. I know my girls are close in age at only a year apart and play together more often than not.
But still, I love knowing that they like being together and are that close.
8. Favorite Thing To Eat: Watermelon (Still!)
I know my girl loves fruit, specifically watermelon. But I don’t always see her eat it. However, when push comes to shove this is the one thing she seems to tell me that she loves to eat, even if it is a flavored watermelon drink!
9. Favorite Animal: Dogs (Another one didn’t change)
Thank god! Because we still very much have our 4-year-old golden retriever, Elsa here. Even though both my girls would love to add a small dog to our home. They do love Elsa, too.
10. Favorite Thing to Wear: JoJo Siwa Unicorn Bow with Initial
Both my girls love the JoJo Siwa bows. They pretty much wear them daily. It was for this reason that when a school picture would get posted online that I could always spot my kid!
11. Favorite Job When She Grows Up: Ballerina
This one stumped me as she only takes on dance class. See she took Hip Hop and Acro in the past. And plans on retaking Acro this fall. But where she got Ballerina from I was stumped.
That was until she told me that if Barbie could be one, so could she!
There you have it. All my girl’s answers at nine years old.
**Linking up today with Kenya and Kristi for this week’s Finish the Sentence Friday (FTSF). The sentence this week is as follows: “It was the summer of…”
Happy (belated) Birthday to my nine-year-old!
Stay tuned for next year she is turning double digits!
Meredith Spidel says
Ah! What a wonderful, special trip! Love all these photos and happy birthday to your sweetie!
Janine says
Aw, thank you, Meredith, and really was a very special trip indeed š
Dara says
Loving all the pictures! (although your new feature where the video pops up over the photos make them a little harder to view!) What was the after hours thing you did? I love the Mickey and Goofy with the Test Track (?) signs! Happy Birthday to Emma!
Janine says
Thanks, Dara!! The video feature honestly just helps pay the bill with my ad company. But do appreciate the feedback here as I am still tinkering with it. The after hours at Epcot was through DVC and was a free event for members. Mickey and Goofy at Test Track was a part of the Epcot After Hours characters available to meet and greets. We also did an after hours the first night at the Magic Kingdom that was a paid event, which was even better. Because it was a ticketed and paid event there were very little crowds. We literally walked on so many rides and had the Emporium and other shops to ourselves to shop, too.
Seana Turner says
Looks like a wonderful trip and a perfect 9th birthday celebration. The girls are looking so much older, I can’t believe it. Sorry that you were battling an illness… that makes it harder to have fun. Rest a bit more!! (My husband flies all the time and has been through many a storm this summer – never any fun…)
Janine says
Thanks, Seana. As for my girls, they are growing up so quickly here. I can also hardly believe it! I agree never any fun flying in storms in the summer at all!
William Holland says
Not a bad way to spend a birthday! š Your girls are pretty darned lucky to have the parents they have.
Happy Friday, Janine! Enjoy your weekend!
Janine says
Aw, thanks, Bill! And definitely, my favorite way to spend a birthday! Happy Friday and weekend now, too Bill š
Kristi Campbell says
What a wonderful trip. A birthday at Disney sounds magical (and also OMG how can our babies be NINE!?!?!). The girls are adorable both with the makeovers and without. Sounds magical (also Tucker’s favorite drink is water too although lemonade is a very close second). Happy happy birthday to your princess! I’m also glad to read that you’re feeling better finally!
Janine says
Aw, I know how can both our kiddos be 9 already?! Seriously, it seems surreal. But love that Tucker loves water and lemonade, too. Sounds like he and Emma would get along famously!! š
Aunt Gloria says
What a wonderful tour of Emma’s trip in Disney! And a lovely tribute to her and her 9th birthday. She really looks like a princess in that beautiful outfit. And so does Lily! I know how much you all love Disney….so glad Emma was able to have her 9th birthday there. I’m off to Rochester Saturday. I won’t be online much so will catch up when I get back. xxoo
Janine says
Thanks so much, Aunt Gloria. And wishing you safe travels. Talk when you get back. xoxo
Kenya G. Johnson says
It’s tough to be “down” on vacation. Glad to hear you’re on the mend, I hope you can get some downtime to rest before the school year starts. The pictures of the girls are lovely. The year sure went by fast, it seems like you were just there! I love the different looks of the castle. I always think that’s amazing.
Janine says
Thanks, Kenya and I agree so tough to be down on vacation. But I am glad that slowly I am on the mend it seems. As for the castle, I can never quite get enough of the different angles and looks of it. So, I always find myself photographing it each time multiples times, too š
Pat B says
What a fun vacation for your girls! I’m so sorry that you were not feeling well. What a bummer! I hope you will be feeling much better soon.
For some reason 10 images didn’t show anything but a little blue question mark. Not sure why.
Janine says
Thanks, Pat. And I am not sure. Just checked the post in Chrome Browser and seemed fine to me. I know Safari has been acting for me overall lately after a recent browser update. So, if you are using Safari maybe that might be an issue. Sorry though that you weren’t able to see all the images.
Sarah Balding says
Awwww….How fun that she got to spend her birthday at Disney! Iām so jealous!! I have never been to Disney, but I hope to someday. ?
Janine says
Thanks Sarah and hope you get to Disney soon, too š
Dana says
Sounds like your girl had a fabulous birthday! Glad you had a magical time at Disney.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Dana and truly was quite simple magical ?
Tamara says
Aw.. well all of this is the sweetest! Except, of course, for the flight and you not feeling well. Des just got sick and I had zero idea people got sick in summer but they do!
I love the way your girls seem to love each other so much. Happy Belated, sweet girl!
Janine says
Thank you so much, Tamara. I seriously am hoping that Des is feeling better. As for summer illness though, I was also shocked as I really didn’t think it was possible to get this sick during the summer months.
Jen says
Lucky girl! That is pretty magical š Happy belated birthday wishes to your cutie. Having a nine year old girl is petty fun!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Jen and again about having a 9 year old, too š
Cynthia says
How fun! It sounds like everyone had a great time. I know you’re on the mend, but I hope that you still had lotsa fun while you were there. And how fun to read the birthday girl’s answers for turning 9. I remember when I turned 9, I couldn’t wait to be able to say I was “double digits” hehe. Not that I wanted to rush it, but I was very aware that it was my last “single digit” year. lol.
Glad you get to go back there, soon, too! Have a wonderful week, sweet friend! xo
Janine says
We really did and we cannot wait to go back soon still, too! And I also remember being 9 on the cusp of 10. Very bittersweet and hoping that this year doesn’t go by too quickly for my girl. Again glad you are back and wishing you a great week now, too xoxo <3
Christine Carter says
Oh, Janine! She is just SO ADORABLE!! And I teared up reading that her favorite thing to do is PLAY WITH HER SISTER! I get why it melted your mama heart. Just WOW. And my gosh those pictures are STUNNING. Some of them don’t even look real- more like a fantasy! Did you take all those shots? My gosh, you are so good.
I am so glad you guys had such a fantastic time during that long and wonderful stay. From seeing all the fun and reading all about it, I can only imagine how happy this made your entire family. And for a 9-year-old girl to spend her birthday at DISNEY? Now that is a dream come true. Happy belated birthday to that sweet Emma. Your girls are both so precious and beautiful. I’m so happy for you all!
(Except you being so sick and the difficult trip back. I’m glad you got home safely and you are feeling better, Janine! )
Janine says
Aw, thank you, Chris, and also I take as many pics as I can. Some are taken by Disney Photopass people, which is a service that is included in my annual pass. So they essentially take pics of us and then scan our Magic Bands to add those photos to my account.
Catherine Gacad says
Happy belated birthday to your oldest baby, Janine! And congratulations to you to all the wonderful mothering you are doing. What a gift to enjoy Disney World with her extended family. We took Franco to Disneyland for the first time for his 4th birthday and now he is asking about a Disney Cruise! Ha!
Janine says
Thank you so much, Catherine! I love that Franco enjoyed Disneyland and hope he gets his wish for the cruise soon, too now š