Florida in December

Mauri flew from Idaho on the 11th. The next morning we all flew to Orlando. It was a long day of travel, but we didn’t care because we were on our way to Disney and to see family.

At the Orlando airport they is a section for travelers going to Disney, so you step into the world of the mouse immediately. A bus picks you up with Disney movies and information to watch, and the drivers have been trained in joke telling. “Peter Pan was flying around Epcot and the children said come down and he said no….. because he’s from Neverland.”

When the bus dropped us at the Polynesian resort the first night we walked under traditional Christmas wreaths and garlands decorated with tropical flowers—hibiscus, lilies, and orchids. The creamy pastels colors stood up against the green.

Our room was in a building cluster named Tahiti. Our balcony opened onto a beach of white sand and a huge hammock hung from two trees—looking as if this was our private paradise.

The next day we met family at lunch. We hadn’t seen them since we moved 10 months ago. The customary hugging and picture taking was in full swing from the beginning. The difference is now with Facebook we could share pictures immediately.

Cousins Jim and Sandie gave the boys and Mauri trading pins and a lanyard. Within a day the trading was in full force. Justin concentrated on Pluto, and Chip and Dale. Mauri looked for ones that were pink. Grant looked for characters it liked, this year that was Stitch.

This year we surprised the boys by having them dressed as pirates and went on a pirate cruise to see fireworks from the water. In fact Tad joined in and had his face painted. Justin was picked to lead everyone down the dock. Looking back at over a hundred people following my son, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smeed I smiled—he’s a born leader! Then Captain Hook talked to Grant and gave him a big high five. Yep, I have two leaders!

Both boys picked out wonderful hats. Grant got a large black and white Nightmare Before top hat. Justin got Pluto with long dangly ears. Mauri got a couture type purse that combined the traditional Disney design with a dignified shoulder bag.

The day before we left we went to Downtown Disney and Tad bought everyone a t-shirt to commemorate the trip. Everyone stands at a computer terminal and designs their shirt with images and text.

Back at the airport the reality of the world sets in quick. We are no longer in the happiest place on earth. Good thing we’re packing our happiness with us.