Girl's Trip

My consulting business is going well and I have carte blanche to spend my earnings on whatever I would like.

It took me no time at all to figure out what I wanted to do with it.

Designer Jeans? — No. Purse? — No. Shoes - no no no. I honestly have all of the material things that I really want.

Last summer I took my girls on a cross country road trip while Chris was hard at work in Venezuela. I adored every minute I spent with those girls and think it was one of the greatest things I have ever done in my life. I realize that I have this bubble of time when they still like me and crave my company - AND are old enough to remember the journey as "the best of times." Travel is always my splurge on myself or my family.

So, another trip is in order. When I thought about where to take them, I realized that I have a much smaller window of time than I did last year. We are going to Hawaii for Chris' mother's 70th birthday as soon as we arrive back in the states, and Katherine starts Camp Mystic in July. We went west last summer — so why not east this time. Way east — like Florida.

I want to take them to Disney World. Again.

I know that most adults cringe at the thought of a trip to Disney World and ONLY go when so that their kids can have the memory. After battling heat, crowds, and long lines, they check it off of their lists, pat themselves on the back for being good parents, and swear never again.

Not me.

I LOVE IT. I love every minute of it. I love it as much (if not more) than my kids. I love the rides. I love the food. I love the hotels. We are staying at a very nice hotel on the monorail and to me it is worth every penny for the convenience. I understand that it is not for everyone, and that most sane people would rather spend their money elsewhere on a more relaxing vacation.

I just cannot help it. When I am there, I am happy the entire time. I feel like I worked hard for the privilege and have earned every minute. My kids are giddy, cooperative, and sleep like the dead every night. I love love love to watch their faces light up at the spectacular sites. We do it up and do it right. We see the shows, eat at the fabulous restaurants, watch the fireworks and ride their favorite rides over and over. We sit down with the maps and plot out our attack of the parks — making sure we hit whatever attractions interest them.

And, for at least a month before we leave, I am guaranteed perfect behavior under threat of the trip being cancelled.

So June 23 - 27 we are heading to Orlando for the greatest vacation on earth. Call me crazy.