Home Again
November 20, 2012 | My Jottings
We just returned from six days in Florida, and my it’s good to be home again! Michael and I took our two Foster residents Betsy and Carrie to the four parks that make up Walt Disney World in Orlando, and our youngest daughter Sara took time off from her work as a floral designer to come along and help us. Her help was much needed, because walking several miles a day in warm sun is a bit tiring. Our Fosters have been saving and planning for this trip for almost two years, so they were beyond excited.
Every park (Epcot, The Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and The Animal Kingdom) had their bazillion Christmas decorations up, and carols played everywhere.
This picture is at the entrance of The Animal Kingdom, taken in front of one of their many African-themed trees.
Everyone has some favorite things about the trip, but the highlights for me were the fast rides. I have loved scary rides ever since I was a little girl, and Disney does their ride details like no one else.
The Hollywood Tower of Terror was the best, and the Rockin’ Roller Coaster (which I later learned takes the rider from 0-58 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds, supposedly faster than what an astronaut feels on the space shuttle), and Space Mountain, were close seconds. We also thought Expedition Everest at The Animal Kingdom was awesome. Best of all was sitting behind Michael on these rides and hearing him belly laugh from start to finish. (Each of the links I’ve given above has a short video you can click to get a feel for the ride.)
We saw hippos and giraffes about 20 feet from our safari bus, we ate Japanese foot at Benihana, we swam in our resort’s huge pool, we slept in past 8:00 a.m. each morning, we saw a Mickey Mouse Christmas parade that delighted our Fosters, so delighted me, we went on this ride and felt quite literally like we were flying, we went on scary rides and kiddy rides, we had unforgettable 🙁 flying experiences from Minneapolis to Orlando and back, and we made some good memories for our Fosters, I hope.
We usually go at least one special place a year with our gals, usually a summer cabin vacation up the north shore of Minnesota, or a concert, or something like that. This was a big trip for them, and I’m not really sure that Michael would be able to do another one, so we’re grateful we had this opportunity.
I’ll post some more pictures soon. It’s good to be home again, and I so look forward to spending Thanksgiving with my family.
God bless your week!
Julie, It was a treat to be taken along with all of you, if only virtually, on your exciting trip. You communicated the
special moments so well that I could FEEL the experience.
How blessed Betsy and Carrie are to have these exceptional opportunities with you. The fun and energy you bring to the
trip obviously made it even more fun for them!
You are always so kind and encouraging with your words, Roberta. I know our gals felt very blessed to go, but just as happy to return. It’s always good to get home! Happy Thanksgiving to you…. xxoo
*Gulps* You & Lib ~ though Star is no slouch in the rides department either. Me. I stay firmly on terra firma! Glad you had a lovely time. I need to e~mail you & we must arrange another skype session. It would be nice to say I have some free time now but until *that child* gets her license I must hoot around Brissie for her music. *sigh*.
Big smiles at your words. And yes, I would love that when the time is right. Is it possible to do a three way? Ember? ;p
Three is possible but I don’t know how to do it, do you?
Hi Julie!
I’m so glad to see that you were able to make that trip!! How did your foot hold up? What wonderful memories you helped to make 🙂
I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! …and I am so thankful for you, and your friendship, Julie! Take care! Love, Shari
No I don’t know how. 🙁
Thank you Shari! My foot did quite well, thank God. I am also so very thankful for you, Shari, and hope your Thanksgiving is blessed! xxoo
Thanks, Julie! …and funny, I have a turkey roaster (that was my mama’s) that looks so much like yours 🙂
Have a beautiful day, dear Shari…. xxoo