Let the Memories Begin: Day One 10.14.12

 (Note:  This series was written previously, but we forgot to pack the adapter for the memory card to plug into the ipad so I had to wait on posting. You have to have pictures. I apologize for the delay. I also don't have all the pics yet because baby brother was our photographer this trip. I'll add more.)

Yesterday evening, I flew into Orlando with my parents and baby brother for a vacation repeat. Actually, we were trying to count how many times we have been here all together...lost count at about seven or eight. My parents brought me once when I was still an only, and my sister, well, if you know her, you know she would set up a permanent residence in the castle if she could. If you haven't figured it out yet, we are in the most magical place on the planet.

Disney World!

We made a quick pit stop at Shades of Green (civi-talk: the Disney resort for military families, yes we have special things like that. Jealous?) to grab our cheap hopper passes and headed to the Magic Kingdom. Yay!!!

We only had a short time to enjoy before we had to get Jessy and Taylor (family member in training...Disney experience is a pre-requisite) from the airport. So we went to Adventureland.

Pirates of the Caribbean and Swiss Family Robinson were two quick attractions we visited. We also saw Jack Sparrow teaching young pirates in training how to properly defend against their enemies. It was quite entertaining watching a three year old swing his foam sword at the knee caps of his opposition. "quick little fellow"

The Rents and Me at the tree house

It's very fun to be back to Disney World as adults (baby brother is 18 now.) My parents look at the parents pushing strollers loaded down, dad carry food for the kids both hands full so he can't eat himself and four year old passed out over mom's shoulder, with understanding, remembering those days and enjoying the ease of this trip. My sister made our reservations and set an agenda. It's much more lacked than normal. We are seasoned veterans. No maps are needed, and we know which attractions to see at particular times each day. If you've been on a Disney vaca, you know you need a little organization in order to scour all the parks efficiently.

I secretly smile at those young families, looking forward to sharing this place with my kids. A child's face lighting up as they enter Magic Kingdom for the first time really is magical. My face probably lights up to this day.

The only disappointment on this trip is missing Mike. He wanted so badly to be here and experience this with us. He only came once as a child and was scared out of his pants by the Alien attraction. He wasn't always so tough. As a military family, missing holidays, vacations, milestones, and memories is normal and to be expected. It doesn't get easier, but we look forward to the next time we will be together. Those are the days when the best memories are made. That day will be here soon. We are already making plans for a Disney trip following his deployment.