Ready, Set, Summer!

We originally thought everyone would stay home this summer, no camps or programs at all. While I sat back, NOT doing my usual chicken-with-it's-head-cut-off stressed out summer prep (researching, deciding, scraping pennies together, etc) it all fell into place by itself. First, Roo's school had said that there wouldn't be a a summer option at their location. We were fine with that because we took stock of Isaac's options and decided he done most of the things worth doing around here camp-wise anyway.

Everything changed when we went to an orientation meeting for Isaac's new school and they told us there was a free four week program over the summer. It's S.T.E.A.M. (Science, technology, engineering, art and music). It's set up for kids entering the magnet program. It is 4 half days a week for the month of June. So, of course we jumped on that. He'll get to make friends and get the lay of the land for next year. I think it will be great for him. Plus, it's only 8:30-12:30 four days a week so he'll still have lots of free time.

After that we were told Riley's school was doing a summer program at their location after all. Roo gets to be with her friends from the school year and her teacher for next year all summer. She is beyond thrilled. They're going to have the staff we already love and fun Summer Only things like "Wet Wednesdays" too. I think it'll be great for her.

We're blessed this summer for sure. Programs are handled (budget and schedule flexible schedule in-tact), the inflatable pool is up in the back yard, my list of cheap and free activities is filling up and invitations are trickling in. I started talking to Mike about a short, cheap couple of days away from the house. We're still batting around some ideas, but it's kind of nice to do a low key, low budget trip because the preparations are much easier. I think it's going to be a good summer!

Disney Day One: The Magic Begins

Despite a false start in the morning we did make it to the park shortly after they opened. Also, despite it being a Wednesday it was pretty crowded. As we rode the ferry over and got our first glimpse of the castle the excitement really began. We split up briefly so Mike could (as I was advised) run over to Peter Pan for a fast pass while the kids and I ambled over to the teacups. An iconic ride that we could all do together to start us off. Also thanks to the "My Disney Experience" app I knew Alice would be there. I thought a picture of Roo with one of her favorites in front of the tea cups would be a special way to start the day. After some initial excitement she informed me it was not worth waiting in the rapidly growing line. The tea cups on the other hand had no wait!

We bounced around Fantasyland hitting all the big stuff Dumbo, Small World, Peter Pan, the carousel, PhilharMagic and Little Mermaid. We even bumped into Pluto while we were walking around and since there was no line to hug him, he waved us over. Between good research and luck we did well most of the morning. The line was so short for Small World they offered to let us ride a second time! We declined because it was during our fast pass window for Peter Pan. Miss Roo loved that we were flying in a Pirate ship. Also, the black lights in there made all the lanterns on her Rapunzel shirt glow! Timing was on our side for our first princess encounter too. I think we waited less than ten minutes to see Miss Ariel.

She has a beautiful sparkly tail and is seated on a pink clam shell! While we were waiting I got all choked up and had to get in the picture too. Ariel noticed the lights on Riley's Doc McStuffins shoes (Disney head to toe!) and asked if she had glow fish in there. She called Riley a princess and wished her a wonderful day of adventures in the world above. It was awesome.

We took a snack break after that and then jumped in the Haunted Mansion line. I was super excited for the kids to experience this one. I sat with Isaac and Mike sat with Riley. We assured her several times it was pretend and just for fun, like Halloween stuff. The hitchhiker ghost in the mirror was not her favorite, but overall we all enjoyed it. They even gave her a special card when we left that had a picture of Mickey and Pluto and boasted she had been brave enough to ride. She talked the most about the blinking gravestone we saw waiting in line and the stretching pictures from right before you get on. Then we took the monorail for a spin to get back to the car for a picnic lunch. It was peaceful and the impending rain cooled things off quite a bit.

After lunch we found a spot for the parade. That's when the dark clouds really started rolling in and they announced they couldn't do the regular parade. Instead they did their "Rainy Day Cavalcade" it was completely adorable! After that we rode Pirates of the Caribbean which to my delight now features Capt Jack. That was it for us as the weather was terrible and the lines were becoming ridiculous.

We went to check in at the hotel. They had a heated pool and much to my delight a hot tub. Mike took the kids in the pool while I soaked away the rainy weather and all the sitting in the car. Then we went back to the room I gave Riley the Disney princess dolls I brought from home to play with (Rapunzel and Belle). A little bit later I gave her the new dresses and accessories I bought for her dolls at the after Christmas sale. I was a hero! I popped a family sized lasagna in the microwave for dinner and the kids vegged out watching Disney cartoons. I think it was a great day.

I didn't ride my very favorite ride, Big Thunder Mountain, because the line was over an hour and Riley was a few inches shy of the height requirement, but all in all it was a good day. I was surprised how well behaved the kids were even with all the excitement and schedule disruption. I stayed up long enough to check out the pictures, but I think we were all out by 9pm.

Disney Reveal Scavenger Hunt

We decided to take the kids to Disney World for their first time ever, but we didn't want to just tell them. We kept it a secret until the night before. They knew we were leaving, but not where we were going. I gathered Disney related shirts, toys and stickers from party store and Disney store clearance sales and hid them away for the reveal. It was two birds really because it made finding out exciting and eliminated the need to visit any gift shops on Disney property (Amen!). I wrote a list of cute rhyming clues. Mike helped me fine tune and re-write them so that they led to each other.

There were three clues per child and then one clue to follow together and the answer card. I just used bright colored index cards (pink for Roo, green or orange for Isaac and yellow if it was for both of them). I also stuck a Disney character sticker to each one. The first clue was in plain sight when they came through the door. I had told them when I picked them up from camp/school we were going to do a scavenger hunt to find out where we were going on vacation. The first clue led to Isaac's first prize and a clue for Riley. They alternated from there and we tried to pick hiding spots that befit the item: Monster cup in the bed, Rapunzel shirt up high, etc.

The Hunt

Isaac's First Clue:

Isaac, it is time to flee to your lair,
to the place where you might go to get forty winks,
Be careful if you lay your head down not to scare
any lurkers that might have been having a drink.
Location: His Bed
Prize:
Monsters Inc cup

Roo's First Clue

If fun and fashion are what you seek,
You'll find this bucket in your seat.
Location: Her chair at the table
Prize:
Minnie's Bow-tique Bucket (to hold markers, etc in the backseat)

Isaac's Second Clue:

Before you find out where we're going,
you'll have to find this book.
In the place you'd go to find a towel
is the first place you should look.
Location: Towel shelf in the bathroom
Prize:
Monster's Inc Look & Find Book (Where's Waldo style)

Roo's Second Clue:

One of the furry friends you know has
a headband you'll love with a pink and white bow
Location: The teddy bear on her bed was wearing it.
Prize:
Sparkly Minnie Mouse Ears Headband

Isaac's Last Clue:

First find the throne, and open the lid.
Balloons fly high, so check the back on instid.
The granter of wishes won't be making a splash
but please take him with you to your big summer bash.
Location: Toliet Tank
Prize:
Oz the Great and Powerful Shirt

Roo's Last Clue:

Riley, Riley,
Let down your hair
I'm on top of the lamp!
And your almost there.
Location: Diningroom lamp (with a nice sturdy chair next to it for her to climb up and reach)
Prize:
Tangled Shirt

Clue for Both

Now BOTH of you slink down to the ground
where toys can look you in the eyes,
go to the beast that makes the most sound
there you'll find your last surprise.
Location: Leeloo's Crate
Prizes:
Slinky Dog Toys (from Toy Story)

Answer Card:

Tomorrow, it's time to say goodbye
to Leeloo and our Little Brown House,
and spend some time
at the happy home
of Mickey and Minnie Mouse!
DISNEYWORLD!!

I was really impressed how well the kids did following the clues! I got some smart cookies. Despite the Disney prizes and stickers on the cards not even big brother figured it out before he read the answer. This is the sign I made using a paper towel roll to stamp Mickey heads.

P-P-P-Packing

A few weeks ago Mike gave me a choice: get my car fixed right away or go on a vacation in about two weeks. I miss my car a great deal, but my sanity demanded a break. I chose vacation without hesitation. We've got all our ducks in a row, but the kids don't know where we're going yet. It's so exciting! I started my least favorite part of traveling today: the packing!

Do you think the kids will be ok in there until Wednesday? It's super convenient that I have a suitcase that fits each of them. I'm just kidding! It's not like we're flying. I think the over weight limit fee on checked baggage was about 1/10 the price of a ticket last I checked.

Riley was helping me pack later in the day and every article of clothing she brought me she'd say "Here Mom. Now are we ready? Can we go on the vacation now?" My sentiments exactly, kiddo!

It reminded me so much of this: