Happy Birthday, Eli Edison Fogle Barker

Eli turning 4 was special for the entire family. We went to Disney World for the sole purpose of celebrating big man's birthday. Eli was born on April 18th, which was his EXACT due date. How many babies are born on their due date? I remember the doctor told me to expect an early delivery because Chapel was 2 weeks early. So every morning, for two weeks, I would wake up and think - today is going to be the day. But, no! Eli decided to wait until the very last minute to make his arrival. When I told Brett on the morning of the 18th that I knew the baby was on his way, his response was, "How prompt. He's right on time."

Eli is a particular, loving, and strong-willed child. He *has* to wear pajama pants at night. He *has* to have chocolate milk first thing in the morning. He *does not like* swimming at the school pool because it is too deep, but can swim in the Disney World volcano pool. He naps better than anyone in his class; thus, allowing him to say up way too late at night. He *loves* superhero's and he *loves* a good tickling. Eli never ceases to amaze me with his demands or his sweet demeanor. Happy Birthday, Eli.

Eli's birthday dinner at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - an African style resort with real wildlife. The kids posed both inside and outside the lodge.

We ate dinner at BOMA, located in the hotel. It features traditional African cuisine.

Eli loved, loved, loved his tie...Such a grown-up.

When we returned to our hotel room, we had quite the surprise! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto had made a visit and each had left Eli a special birthday package!

The favorite package was from Donald because he left behind feathers!