Thanksgiving this year we spent in Orlando. We left MI Sat, 11/21 for the week. Yes, we know that the holiday is about being thankful and spending time with family... and that's just what we did. We took time to spend together: some may think we were selfish, and maybe so.
We had great weather - not beach or swimming weather - but very comfortable. Disney was, of course, overwhelming for our kids. It was for us too! Our last visit to Mickey Mouse Land was in 2005, Ty was just 4 months old. For Rick and I, it seems as we age, the ability to tolerate crowds diminishes. Magic Kingdom was so crowded that I don't think any of us truly enjoyed the day! Truly! It took so long to get anywhere. Can you believe out of 3 days visiting 3 parks, we did not get ONE character signature? Really! The lines were out of control. No recession down here, that's for sure. The sad thing is that I don't think Ty and Taryn even understood where they were. These two do not sit and watch movies like Tom and Trevor did at these ages. The older two know almost every Disney character, but not the younger ones. Taryn only knows who DORA is... not any of the Disney princess. Sad, but true. Ty likes "cowboy" who is actually Woody from Toy Story. See, he doesn't even know.
I am happy to say that Tom, Trevor, Ty and I visited the Hall of Presidents. This is an awesome experience. For anyone who has not visited this exhibit, the Presidents who are shown at the end of the program are wax figures. Many of them speak and in unbelievably accurate voices and let's just say unbelievably life like. Even Barak was there, speaking to us. I was proud to look over at each of their faces to see them completely engrossed in the spectacle. We talked about the exhibit after it was over and I was so glad they let me take them to see it. Another "must do" at Magic Kingdom is It's a Small World. This ride was fun for the older boys as I made them guess each country or region they saw as we toured this uniquely touching display of reality. Of course, Ty said "this is boring" about the dancing children in costume. Ha!
Saturday evening we fly back home. This has been a bonding vacation for us... in that I mean, Taryn bonded (attached) to Rick and Ty bonded (attached) to Julie! When not asking for a toy or candy, at least one of the 4 was crying, sobbing, or just plain whining, I think maybe they had a good time? Unsure, really. Who did we take this trip for? Them or us? That is the question!
We did enjoy an amazing turkey dinner at our timeshare. Dad did all the cooking and we spent Thursday - low key - no park that day. We devoured Dad's dinner and each of us went around the table saying what we were thankful for. It was very memorable.
What was the best part of our vacation? The little times where we laughed, tackled, tickled, chased and laughed some more. Sure being away from our family felt a tug at our hearts, however, we take this trip about every other Thanksgiving to step back and enjoy "family" time. For that, I am thankful. Thank you God for all that I have and all that I take for granted. I am truly blessed.
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