Disney World 2011 Trip Report

What a way to start our summer vacation - in the happiest place on earth! Not to mention being with some of our favorite people on earth, we knew it was going to be great.

We left on Friday, May 27. We flew Allegiant from Springfield directly to Orlando/Sanford. It's not the biggest airline, but the convenience of no layovers, low costs and five minutes from our house are totally worth any downfalls you could think of! The ride was smooth, 30 minutes ahead of schedule, and our shuttle was waiting for us when we arrived. Great start to the trip! It was a quick 45 minute drive to Pop Century, our home for the next 11 days! We drove through Orlando, which was neat for me. I'd never seen the city, and I was impressed with all we saw.




When we got to the hotel, we checked in and headed to our rooms. We didn't get the location we requested, but we loved it better than where we were last year! We literally opened our door and took 10 steps to the swimming pool - fantastic for the kids. I took a few minutes to unpack the suitcases and get some stuff organized. Then we headed for the buses to take us to Epcot - we had that planned for some time. Caleb had been saying for months that the first thing he wanted to do when we got back to Disney was to go and see Figment, so that's what we did. :) (Being the youngest, he usually gets his way!)




Everyone was excited and in a great mood. Bart and April were loving all the photo ops, and we were all so happy to be back after a long year away. We walked under the ball, played in the fountains and rode Figment. Then we headed back to Spaceship Earth. When we got out of the ride, a big surprise awaited us - it was pouring rain! Our first night in, and we had to break out the ponchos; but that didn't damper our spirits! We'd rather be wet in Disney World than not be there at all!

The next day was Saturday, Star Wars Weekend, so we headed to the Studios. So much to do here, but first to get our fastpasses for Toy Story Mania. I think the shortest wait we saw the entire trip was 60 minutes! The guys headed to TSM and the rest of us ran to Rock N Roller Coaster. Connor was so scared to do it and wouldn't go, but Logan and Braden talked Chloe into it. She cried all the way through the line, but loved it when we got off. She came out of there with all the confidence of a rock star and talked big brother into trying it! He was so scared, but faced his fear and loved every second of it! For their bravery, I let them pick out some awesom souvenirs - Chloe got a backstage pass lanyard and Connor picked out new drumsticks.

The day was full of firsts. Many rode Tower of Terror for the first time. We saw Beauty and the Beast Live Onstage, and we ate at Mama Melrose's. The group also talked me into auditioning for American Idol. Don't get too excited, you won't be seeing me Hollywood week - but it was still fun! ;) But the biggest thing for me that day was that we got to see Fantasmic! I was so excited about this, and it totally lived up to my expectations. Think of all your favorite Disney movie moments, put them into a dream sequence in Mickey's imagination, and multiply what you imagine by 100 - then you may have an idea what this wonderful show is like. I tried to capture some of it on film, but it just couldn't recapture the moment. It's going down as my favorite show at Disney - I can't imagine anything topping it.

On Sunday, we went to Animal Kingdom - oh, I love this place! We took a quick walk to get our fast passes for Kilimanjaro Safaris, but couldn't help but stop in Africa to dance to the African drumbeats! April and I had so much fun, we didn't care who was watching! This is what memories are made of! We got to see a lot of things this time that we hadn't made it to last year. Rafiki's Planet Watch and Affection Section was great. The kids met Pocahontas and Rafiki, and we saw many other characters. It was a slower pace, which for us was just fine.




For lunch we went to Yak and Yeti's counter service - our favorite quick meal in the World. Their food is so good! After lunch, we split off into family groups to do our own thing for a while. This was the great thing about travelling with our best friends - no one gets offended when you want/need your own space! LOL! We rode Everest again, then headed to Dinoland so Caleb could take part in all the fun. He does so well, but it gets hard watching everyone else do stuff when you aren't big enough. We played in the Boneyard, a huge playground and bonedigging sandlot, for over an hour. He was so happy just to run and play and dig around. And Kelly and I were glad to sit! Canon rode Dinosaur and loved it - even though the picture makes it look like he was petrified! We rod Kali River Rapids, then grabbed a bus to Polynesian to eat at O'Hana.

If you've never tried O'Hana, I strongly recommend it. Kelly and I were very tempted to cancel a few reservations and eat there every night! We didn't, of course, but we may next time! It's all you can eat, and I think Kelly and Chloe ate $100 worth of shrimp a piece - we definitely got our money's worth that night.

We met up with everyone at the pool and rested for a couple hours. Then we decided to head to Magic for late night hours. Jason and Steph and the kids joined us, but Bart and April declined. There is something magical about the Kingdom at night. Like you just expect something extraordinary to happen. It's like being transported into another time, another place, where the worries of the world just can't penetrate. I can't imagine another place that makes me feel this happy on earth.




One of the biggest surprises of the trip happened when we were about to get in line for Space Mtn. We were sitting off to the side of the entrance when a small crowd passed us. We weren't paying much attention, but Jason was. He asked us if we thought that it was Lauren Alaina - we looked over, and there she was, along with her parents, Jacob Lusk and Scotty McCreary's mom! We were whispering excitedly to the girls and they kind of squealed. Lauren looked over at us and Steph yelled, "We love you Lauren!!" She just grinned and waved before some guards whisked her into a private entrance! We were screaming and laughing louder than our kids, Jason was so embarrassed - which made it even funnier! This was the weekend after the finale, so we figured Scotty would be at DHS the next day. I so wanted to go, but we didn't make it. Oh, well, we'd rather see Lauren anyway! :)

I don't even know how to title this post at the moment. My heart is so full of many emotions today, I can't even begin to tell you - but, as usual, I'll try! ;)

I'm so excited to leave for Disney World with my family and our best friends tomorrow. It's going to be 11 days of total excitement, fun, and yes, a lot of insanity! It will be a time to relax and enjoy each other away from life's stressors. It's been a very long, final semester of college for Kelly, and I'm so looking forward to uninterrupted time with my amazing family. I had to beg him to take us there last year, but he fully got caught up in the Disney magic and was so excited to go again this year. A pretty stellar graduation trip, right?

Meanwhile, I am also very saddened by the devastation left by the tornado in Joplin Sunday night. The images of grieving mothers, crying children, and a hospital meant for healing completely demolished are etched deeply into my soul. My grandparents live close by, and thank God, are ok. Kelly's aunt is a doctor in the area, and she is fine, too. I praise the Father for protecting my loved ones, but I have some dear friends who lost family members. There are the many nameless suffering in my mind as well, but Jesus knows each person and loves them all. My prayers will be with them for many months.

I got to help Evergreen students last night with preparing for their trek to Joplin to assist with relief efforts today. I'm so proud of these kids and their parents who support their passion to be the hands and feet of Jesus. One of my best friend's daughter was the key component in organizing this group. I love her like my own, and my heart just swelled with pride last night seeing her take charge and step up to lead. God's using her for His good in a mighty way.

I am happy that the school year is over, but heartbroken at the same time. Some of our dearest friends are moving away while we are in Florida and will not be with us for next school year.

The Cox's have become so precious to us. I'm thrilled for them that they get to buy this place in the country - it's a dream come true for them. But the thought of not seeing them regularly is killing me. Christy is such a support to me, and the boys - well, let's just say I've staked my claim on them, too! We've had an awesome school year taking field trips and play days together - memories that will last a lifetime. I am still holding out for arranged marriages to come back into our culture! LOL! God has truly blessed my family with them. I know it will take a little more effort, but I am certain that we will make the time to stay close.

The James' are leaving, too. I will miss Alicia and the girls so very much. She is my comic relief, my stress release, and my encourager in trying to lose weight and start running. She inspires me to be a better mom and a healthier woman. Kaylee is my sweet, sweet girl. She has a kindness in her that shows Jesus to everyone she meets, and I will miss seeing her excel in all she does. Connor and Chloe will miss their friend so much. Brylee is just such a ham! Canon will be a little sad without his buddy next school year, for certain. Amd we'll miss little Mollee, too. But the Lord has given us such a blessing through technology, and I am so thankful that we'll be able to keep in touch and watch each others children grow up, even across the many miles. And who knows? Chicago would be a great vacation spot in a year or two!

And then there is the newest adventure on the horizon for us. I am not prepared to go into detail at the moment, but could I just ask you all to pray for us? I believe God is going to use this summer to stretch Kelly and I in our faith and our commitment to serving Him in a way that I'm excited, but a little fearful, about. We have been through the spiritual fire over the last year and a half. and we have both felt the flames in different ways. I pray that the Father is ready to pull us out, shine us up, and put us to His use. I just hope that we will be worthy of His calling.

So, as you can see, my heart IS very full this morning. Excitement, joy, sadness, pride, apprehension. How can I hold so much in?? But always, the underlying emotion of love and thankfulness to my Father for holding me in His hand remains. Thanks for letting me unload, and I'll check back in after our trip. God bless and keep you all till then.

Curiosity Files - Snow Rollers

This week, I had the opportunity to escape with the kids into a winter wonderland. And believe me, with this rainy weather, it was great timing - we didn't even have to leave the house! We started a new unit study called Curiosity Files: Snow Rollers and other Snow Phenomena. :)

The Curiosity Files are unit studies published by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Your guide through the study is Professor Ana Lyze, Expert in Outlandish Oddities (think Mrs. Frizzle from Magic Schoolbus). With Professor Lyze, we learned all sorts of new and interesting things about the cold, white stuff - most importantly, we learned about snow rollers. Do you know what they are? I sure didn't! I love it when I get to learn right alongside the kids!

I've always been a fan of unit studies. They are a great break from the daily work, and they can also be incorporated into whatever you are studying. This was our first time to use a Curiosity File, but we all really enjoyed it. It compiled science, math, language arts, bible, art and music lessons, all geared toward snow! It's also a great thing for a family like mine, who has preschoolers to upper elementary. Even a teenager could have learned something new! I really enjoyed the way it was written. It's like a teacher or parent and a child are having a conversation. There is red font for what the student would say or ask, and the black font is how the teacher would respond. Chloe wanted to "be the student" every lesson!

Connor is all about hands on learning, and building something or experimenting is always a bonus for him. He was not disappointed; there were plenty of things to work on and observe in this study. There was a barometer, a weather observation chart, and several art projects.

One thing that was missing in my opinion was a schedule. I often find this with unit studies; and while I understand that they are meant to be flexible and fit with whatever your particular family needs, I'd love it if they provided a sample or recommended breakdown for you. It's definitely not something you can just pick up and start on without preparation. And for a mommy of four little ones ages 3-9, it would be nice to have it ready to use with minimal planning.

I found The Curiosity Files to be a nice break for me and the kids. And you can't beat the price - they are only $6.95 and can be purchased on the TOS website found here.

I'm sure we'll be doing more of these exciting lessons in the future - you should try one, too!

**I was given this product free of charge for review purposes. The opinions stated are mine alone.