Walt Disney World, Take 2

Josh and I spent a fantastic week in Walt Disney World (WDW) around our second anniversary (9 years ago), so when he found out the American Geriatrics Society wanted him to attend their conference at WDW, we jumped at the chance to take two, literally.

It was a spectacular week. We saw and experienced a magical menagerie through the eyes of a two-year-old who LOVED every minute - particularly the minutes spent on the rides...

His favorites?
Magic Kingdom: Buzz Lightyear (we rode this daily - thank God for fastpasses)
Epcot: Universe of Energy (dinosaurs - 'nough said)
Hollywood Studios: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (and the cookie he got with lunch)
Animal Kingdom: Kalahari Safari (where he was equally excited about the trucks and the animals)

We were thrilled to have some grandparents along for the ride(s), taking care of 1-2 boys on rides, for naps, in strollers, during meals, etc. The Bible says 3 is better than 2. Well 4 is definitely better than 2. Thanks for coming, Grandma & Papa! You added to the magic.


Which is not to say it was all magic all the time, especially for momma. It's my own fault, but no matter how often I told myself to let go of my stress over our schedule, I was disappointed in myself for not being able to really do it. I just couldn't shake my obsession with Aaron's sleep schedule, my concern for all the details/logistics, and my own fatigue. It was a good reminder that I need to be spending more time with God 'cause I'm just not great on my own.

On the upside, we laughed a lot, enjoyed Noah's all-out wonder, experienced all the highlights, celebrated our 11th anniversary, enjoyed awesome weather, spent time as a family, and avoided any major meltdowns (much easier once Noah learned that we could come back to a ride the next day).

I also felt like our preparation and creative problem solving really paid off during the week. We did all we could to make it easier, given we were traveling in the largest theme park in the world with a 9-month-old and 2-yr-old for 6 days.

Now that we're home, rested, and healthy, I really do look back with joy at the memories, knowing it all worked out just fine, realizing I can savor the trip more in retrospect, and looking forward to doing it again when we're all weaned, potty-trained, sleeping in real beds, and free of the ever-recurring nap schedule.