Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Misadventures in Wonderland

So, I decided that the kids and I needed a Vaca, so we hopped on a plane and flew to the happy, sunny land of Disney World, USA.  There is a reason that it is called the happiest place on earth.  I love the nostalgia of Disney.  I love that the moment you step through those gates you feel ten again.  There is no better place to heal your heart.

This is the second time that the kids and I traveled to Disney World.  The first time was two years ago, and only about 4 or 5 months after John died.  That trip was so good for me.  My sweet cousins, and aunts let me talk and cry and laugh the whole trip.  It was however, physically difficult.  I remember pushing that stroller through the parks and actually crying because I was so exhausted.  All the while I was thinking, If only I can make it two more years.  I thought that whole trip, that when I had two years behind me that I would feel better, and that my life would be back to normal.

So, two years down the road from that trip, and I am in the same odd land of uncomfort.  I realized on this trip that my life was never going back to the normal that it use to be.  That's not a bad thing, I guess, just different.  I didn't realize how much denial I was in until this trip.  Though we had a great time, it was hard for me to face reality.

They say that your fondest memories are family vacations.  I agree fully, but sometimes some of the most difficult memories are brought up on family vacations, especially if part of that family is missing.  You know, that being said, we all felt extra close to John on that trip.  It's truly amazing the tender mercies that are given to us just when we need them.

 Rainy days and Mondays don't get us down.
 The kiddo's in front of the tree of life.  Mom and Aves.  The Bros.
 Ethan and Mom ready to tackle Everest.  Mom and Ave in Asia.  Averie and her new friend.  Another shot of the tree of life.
 My Brother Spencer and his wife and kids came with us, which was a huge help, and so much fun.  We got to go to two different character breakfasts, and they were so much fun.  Averie got Mickey to kiss her and she screamed, in her best Marsh Brady, "He kissed me.  He kissed me.  I can't believe he kissed me.  I'll never wash my forehead again!"
 Ethan infront of the castle.  Averie being distracted.  The kiddos complaining that they wanted to go back to the hotel to swim (not ten minutes inside the gates).  The cute poser in the swiss family Robinson treehouse.
 Ethan and Sophie at the Rock'n Rollercoaster.  The kids at the scify drive inn. (cool eatery where the inside looks like outside and you sit in old cars and watch old movies and they serve you dinner)  Ethan and Averie in New York.
 We drove about an hour and a half to the beach where we froze our little bums right off.  The cold doesn't slow the kids down though.
Mom and Ash in Africa.  The Bros picking their switch.  Sissy sue. Cool dude Ethan.

18 comments:

  1. It looks like such a fun trip! I'm so jealous :) I'm sure it would be so hard to go on vacations without John but I admire your strength and your attitude. You amaze me, Lisa! I know what you mean about Disney. There's something so magical about being there. I've never been to Disney World, just Disneyland but it's my favorite place in the world :)

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  2. i hear ya... totally.

    for me now, there are good moments, happy moments on vacation, but without aaron with us, it feels SO lonely. vacation is just a different experience when you are the only parent there with your kids.

    i am sure you had great times, but i know the empty and incomplete feelings all too well.

    love you. thanks for calling when i needed you today.

    ReplyDelete
  3. When my husband died, I remembered what a friend did when hers died. She took the kids and went away for a week.

    My aunt in Florida took us in for Christmas, the year my dear one left us. We stayed for a week and saw all the sites that Florida has to offer. The kids loved the fishing.

    It was the best thing I ever did. It soothed my spirit. My aunt is a widow and she understood. We laughed and cried together.

    Thank God for people like that. Thank you for sharing this. I pray for joy in your life. Your family looks splendid!

    Blessings!

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  5. What a bitter SWEET trip! I am jealous as I LOVE Disneyland. Never been to World, but would LOVE too! I am so sorry for you, I can't imagine the hurt, sorrow, and the missing hole in your life! Hang in there babe! You will never forget, but with lots of faith & smiles, you will get through this! Loves

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