For the first time ever, the Charles family went on a vacation for Christmas. And not just any vacation. We braved the hundreds of thousands of people at Disney World in Orlando. It was crazy. It was crowded. Lunch was awful. We went a little over budget. But it was worth it.
The looks on their faces as we approached the crowded parking entrance on Christmas day does not really explain the excitement and joy that they were feeling...well, maybe Miss Hollywood in the middle. She was so thrilled to learn of our adventure. Especially since she thought we were going to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon for the past four months! We had to break it to her earlier than we wanted because she was so excited to be flying in a plane and we were really driving to Florida. So we told her the night we left out by letting her open a little gift that I had made for her for the trip. Her "magic shoes" and the ticket hiding in them, with a handmade Disney Christmas shirt and scarf (which she did not wear because Santa brought everyone a new Disney shirt to wear).
We started off with Space Mountain because the wait was only an hour and we did not upgrade our tickets to include FastPass. Note to self - we will next time! We rode the tea cups, Splash Mountain, and a few other rides. We happened upon the Christmas parade as we were riding the train around the park. That was really neat! Then, my favorite part. We had just finished riding the space plane thing in Tomorrowland and Cinderella's castle had the blue and purple lights shining on it. We were making our way back to Main Street to try to get some autographs because little miss didn't have any and it was already after 6 pm. We noticed crowds in front of the castle and a holiday show going on. Yes. It was Cinderella's wish to have the castle lit for Christmas. And what a magical moment it was! I teared up a little from the sheer amazement and beauty of it all. Christmas is my most favorite holiday and this was just the thing that made my cup full of blessings overflow. I also teared up at the joy and wonder on little Jessalyn's face as all this happened. It most definitely made every second of the craziness we had experienced all day worth it.
We ended our Christmas day by walking down Main Street USA as snow flakes fell on the crowd. Yes, I sort of got my white Christmas too. Even if it was in 78 degree Florida weather with 100,000 other people. And we ended up getting a signature for the autograph book before we left. The big one. Mickey.
Our vacation included visits to Daytona Beach, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and several other attractions. It was a great way to end 2012 by bonding with each of the children and sharing in this fabulous family adventure. I pray that 2013 will hold as many blessings as I continue to thank God for all that he has given our family. I pray that you, the reader of this little blog, will be blessed as well.
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