Mickey And Minnie And Harry Potter

Well, hello there! I've missed you, my friends. I actually took my laptop with me on this trip but only opened it once to watch something online. That, I believe,  is a sign of a great vacation. Being in a fun and magical place with the people you love and leaving the rest of the world behind just for a bit. This vacation was indeed great, in some ways more than others. We were together! (Great!) Except for Peyton and Chris. (Not so great.) The weather was warmer! (Great!) But also cold and rainy. (Not so great.) Most of us stayed healthy! (Great!) Some of us did not. (Not so great.) But in the end, I realized that despite missing a special part of our family, being cold and wet, and passing around a relentless cold with a horrible sounding cough, we made many memories that we will cherish forever. And, as I promised when some of us were quite ill in a hotel room far away from home, we will one day look back and laugh about this. Or at least smile, remembering how we took turns caring for each other.

We took way too many pictures, and I promise I won't bore you with them all, but I do want to share some because I often look back here and am thankful I have a record of our special days, all organized and tidy. Have a seat, pour a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, and come to Florida with us! 

We headed out early on a Sunday morning to a smaller airport not quite as far from our home for a direct flight to Orlando. I highly recommend a smaller airport. It's so much easier and less stressful! After arriving and checking into our hotel, I was ready for a shower, jammies, and room service. Even the cleanest airplane makes me want to shower immediately, you know? Everyone except Madison and I headed out for dinner. She and I? We ate and watched The Miss America Pageant on my laptop. We were thrilled with the winner, Madison Marsh from Colorado, the first active-duty Air Force Officer to win the crown.

The next day, we packed up and headed to our condo in Disney World. We stayed at Saratoga Springs Resort, the same place we had stayed several times when the kids were little! We walked past the pool and talked about the time my mom was with us and went down the water slide with them! I remembered eating breakfast with my Dad in the Artist's Palette, the quick-service restaurant at the resort. While bittersweet, I smiled rather than cried because those magical things happened. And we will always have the happy memories of Disney days together. For the next few days, we walked to the bus stop, boarded various buses, and spent time at the parks. First up was Animal Kingdom, then Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and back to Magic Kingdom. Because. It's Magic Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom was wonderful. And note to anyone heading to Disney: You will pack all your makeup. However, you will immediately realize that wearing it is ridiculous. Honestly, throw on some facial sunscreen and call it a day. No one cares- literally no one. Magic Kingdom is just that: Magical. Seeing Cinderella's Castle for the first time always makes me tear up!

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My Madison loves the fireworks. She always has.

Seeing these festive balloons was bittersweet. The kids used to pick out a balloon the first day and keep it all week until it was time to fly home. When Fynn asked for one, I was so thrilled! Kyrstin got one, too, as it was her first time in Disney World!

Another fashion note or two: Wear a hat. Even in January, the sun is bright. Wear good sneakers! They don't have to match. I wear mostly black and, for some reason, I bought my blue sneakers. I promise, Mickey doesn't care! 

Shoutout to Nicolas. He researched, planned, called, emailed, organized, and directed our entire trip! He even has the hat to prove it. 

We packed up again on Friday and headed to our last stop, Universal Studios! Another tip: If you find a good Uber or Lyft driver, remember him. We had the best driver early in the trip, and he gave us his card. Steve and he communicated all week; whenever we needed him, he was there!

It was about this time that an annoying, unwelcome virus disrupted our vacation. That was not good. However, it allowed some quiet, restful days and delicious room service meals. 

 

Finally feeling human again, we all eventually made it to Universal Studios!

We were thrilled to see Harry Potter World! It's not really what it is called, but you get the idea.

Now, some of us, ok, everyone except Steve and me, rode this. MORE THAN ONCE!

It is a new roller coaster. And it looked terrifying.

Madison and I watched from a safe distance. We agreed it was ridiculous- until the very next day when she rode it and loved it! According to the kids, it is life-changing!

I felt it only fair to represent both places with my Disney jacket and Harry Potter scarf. Note the makeup-free face, wind-blown hair, and all-around exhausted look. All are signs of a good park day!

Finally, it was time to pack up and head home, our bags filled with dirty laundry and our hearts filled with happy memories. In a mere seven hours, we went from this...

To this...

With a glimpse of what I believe Heaven is like in between.

In no time, I was unpacked, showered, and in my jammies on the couch with my pups. Right where I belong.

Thank you for visiting and sharing our trip, my friends. I look forward to visiting you all soon!

Billie Jo