Dear Erin,
As my family enjoys a moment of peace before we head back out to the park for dinner in England, I wanted to say. . . Please don’t hate me.
I know it’s cold there and you have received a lot of snow. And the idea of a week away in the “happiest place on earth” sounds like a great way to get away. But to use one of your turns of phrase, “be ye not fooled” – this is no vacation.
The first few days were cold – not freezing, but cold enough that we were all wearing layers of clothing including tights under jeans, scarves and t-shirts – Judging from the attire of our fellow park-goers Disney was making a killing on sweatshirts and hoodies.
My feet are killing me! Despite the new cute sneakers I bought at Payless, my dogs are barking. That could be in part because I have spent the better part of this vacation chasing after my family, as evidenced by all the pictures of my husband’s back.
You won’t be surprised to hear that he is a man who believes in efficiency over experience. (Just think of the things we could apply that phrase to).
Standing on the Monorail platform Saturday night, watching my kids argue with each other and my husband fidget abut the amount of time we’d lost traveling back to the Magic Kingdom for the extended hours, I wanted to turn around and walk home.
Feeling better about your snow day?
Yes? Then you might want to stop here.
Because, of course, we’re having a wonderful time.
Yes, it could be warmer. Yes, my family could be nicer to me and to each other. Yes, my husband could slow down and just enjoy the boat ride instead of calculating how much more or less time it would have taken if we were on the shuttle.
But my kids are going to remember this trip forever – in part because of the over 650 (and counting) photos I’ve taken or purchased.
Sophie has met Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Tigger and many of the princesses (Bella, Ariel, Aurora, Snow White and Cinderella). They both discovered their inner pirates, sat stunned at the acrobatics performed by a troupe of children “just like them,” (thank you Disney for the tickets) and were named Padawans after completing Jedi training.
And while they have fought, oh how they have fought (us, each other, and their daily journal), they have also managed a few moments of sibling love. So glad I captured it in a picture.
With three days to go, the weather has gotten warmer, making everyone happier. If I’m lucky the forced march of fun will slow down just a bit.
Otherwise I’m going to need a vacation from my vacation.
Stay warm!
- Kristin
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6 Responses to Greetings from Florida
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Sounds lovely! I made the mistake of letting my husband read the Unofficial Guide to Disney World before we went there, and while it’s a great guide, the emphasis is on how to be efficient and ride the most rides. I remember saying to him, “This is Disney World, we’re supposed to relax!” and him saying back, “No, this is Disney World, we have to be ruthless!” Good luck in tempering the efficiency with enjoyment!
Love the picture of the kids holding hands. I treasure moments like that. I’m keeping an eye on your posts while you are at Disney because we leave on 2/24…so I’m hoping the weather gets a bit warmer by then.
Enjoy your trip!
As the old saying goes if you don’t like the Central Florida weather, wait 5 minutes! It’ll get better (and worse) for both Kristin’s and Carrie’s visits!
Kristin – I am as excited as a school girl for dinner tonight!!!! I cannot tell you how much I’m looking forward to meeting you and talking to you in real life! I am just hoping not to make a complete fool of myself
Enjoy the rest of your visit, I’ll be seeing you in a few hours!
Your husband’s tactics sound familiar. We visited Disney World in November. Prior to the trip, we planned a loose schedule to follow. He got a little carried away. At one point we argued because I moved from our “pre-planned” fireworks viewing spot. Finally, he realized he was getting a little carried away and relaxed….. a little.
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We were in Florida just as you were arriving. Disney was chilly but it was fun. I believe in seeing everything. However, quick trips it is much harder to do. Go back when you have more time.