What Do You Think Thursday with Skinny Scoop: Do You Think It’s Important to Take Family Vacations?

I’ve been back from Disney World for almost a week now, and I *still* feel like I am trying to recover. My last post showed the photo op moments (well, a few out of the 198 + that I took). Although those photos depicted real parts of the experience, it didn’t present the whole picture.



The operative word being “experience” because anyone who has ever been to the Magic Kingdom with little ones knows it is no vacation. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder off-site than I did at Disney.



Even though there were five adults to two Babes, it was still tough. Thomas wanted to be carried. They didn’t want to share the stroller. I had to take Marie to the bathroom a gazillion times. Thomas needed his diaper changed. So just picture it, 95 degree heat with 214 percent humidity holding either a thirty-four pound toddler or pushing a stroller with a gigantic bag full of “necessities.” (We all took turns).



I won’t even begin to tell the story about how I thought Thomas had finished taking care of business in his pull-up when half-way through the change (outdoors, in a secluded alcove meant for strollers, right before a massive downpour) it becomes obvious that he was, in fact, not done.



Then factor in trying to figure out what park to go to that day, checking the wait times for each ride, then checking the wait times for the Fast Pass, looking at a map for the most direct route while trying to explain to a two and half year old why licking monorail windows and eating bus seats (which, if you ask him, tasted like chicken) took a lot of brain power. A. Lot. (I did all that checking with an app, which was awesome)!



So, yeah, it was a lot of work. And those photos I shared with you show none of that.



You know what else they don’t show?



They don’t show how Marie lit up inside when she saw a replica of the Eiffel Tower in France (World Showcase in Epcot). The pictures don’t show how excited she was in the Impressions de France movie that she grabbed my arm and said, “Thank you so much, Mommy!” then gave me a kiss.



They don’t show the time that just Thomas and I played with his new Buzz Lightyear doll while I pretended to be Zurg on the monorail while the rest of the crew stayed at the park.



Are family vacations a lot of work?



Yes.



Did I think I might have a meltdown?



Yes, I did. Only two minor ones, which I don’t think is too bad for a seven day adventure.



Do I think family vacations are worth all of this?



Yes. And then some.



There is just something about traveling with your family that is undeniably difficult, but through those challenges, memories are created that bond us together.



The importance of traveling was instilled in me at a very young age. For that, I am grateful. Those memories are some of the strongest and most favorite ones that I have. And I want to be able to give that to my Babes as well.



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My Disney Vacation

I have a lot to say about my Disney vacation – some magical, some not so magical. However, it is going to have to wait until I get this family back on track to living a regular life and get the laundry under control. Easier said than done, especially since I am trying to nurse my Disney hangover with whole foods and soothing tea. In the meantime, here are some pictures of our magical time at Disney World. Enjoy and see you soon for What Do You Think Thursday with Skinny Scoop!

First plane ride!  It went really well. . . until it didn't.
And then it went really bad.  But only on the landing
on the way home.

Downtown Disney - loved it!

First ride - the Tea Cups. 
Lots of fun!

At the highly coveted Chef Mickey . . .
all the main characters at one time
with the most delicious waffels ever.

Work function with Harrington's work.
Are these not the cutest Babes?!

Animal Kingdom after the safari.
Quite possibly the hottest day of the vacation.

We were getting ready to leave, and *poof*
a parade in the middle of the day.  We decided
to stay, even though I thought I was going to
melt into a puddle of sweat.  The Babes
loved it! 

We were in line for just Jesse when, all of a sudden, she
left and came back with Woody.  I thought they were
going to explode with happiness!

Marie at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Is that face guard something else or what?!

Even though I was opposed to this
experience, Marie had a great time . . .
I mean look at that smile!

Epcot fireworks . . .after the longest
day EVER!

Meeting Belle in Epcot.

 

Thomas was starting to go deep into this
Disney hangover.  Aladdin handled this
with much charm and humor.

Aladdin and Jasmine were the BEST!

Anything with Zurg and Toy Story made
Thomas very, very happy.

I was a bit surprised when I began to
feel emotional when I heard
 When You Wish Upon a Star
while the fireworks exploded.
by the castle.