Disney or Bust!

I love Disney.  Perhaps I'm still just a kid at heart, or maybe because Disney was such a large part of my own childhood.  The cute movies, the amazing songs, the stories and characters, the themed dolls and toys and general taking-over-the-world-with-branded-merchendise.  I admire the company for the golden standard of customer service and the fascinating history of Mr. Disney and his dreams.  And with three little girls, our world is plenty full of Disney princess and Minnie Mouse.

So several months ago, Husband and I returned to a frequent conversation about wanting to visit my kid sister again.  I miss her like crazy.  Even more of a kid at heart than I, she embraces the never-wanna-grow-up enthusiasm for fun and games and imaginative spirit and creativity.  She's talented and generous and so good with kids.  She doesn't get to see my kids very often but they're crazy about her because she plays with them and knows what they love.  So it's certainly not the reason why we wanted to visit her, but it's a huge added bonus that she happens to work at DisneyWorld.

After stumbling upon a great flight deal, there was a flurry of quick plans, calls to kidsister and Grammy and Papa.  We checked the calendar and the countdown began.  (Literally.  I texted kidsister with a countdown at least once a week. She has yet to confess if that was annoying or not.)  I wandered websites to plan activities, make dining choices and anticipate longingly.

Two weeks ago, we finally told the girls.  Grammy was here and kidsister was watching on Skype as we sent the girls hunting for three clues.  The each found a wrapped package and brought it back to us.  They tore the paper open and then stared in confusion at the three clues: an airplane, a Mickey Mouse and a picture of kidsister.  It took several minutes and a few suggestions before we guided them to the answer, we were going on an airplane to DisneyWorld to visit kidsister!  Enlightened, the squealing and shrieking began.  They called Papa and begged him to go with us (after all, we rarely venture anywhere without grandparents, we don't like being out numbered by our own children).  It took several tries before he could even understand them over the phone. And awhile after that before they settled down enough for bed.

Over the next few days they practiced packing and practiced going to Disney.  They stuffed their backpacks with all their favorite blankets and toys and took turns pretending to meet the princesses.