DisneyWorld (Change of Plans for 15th Anniversary)

DisneyWorld! What an adventure. We originally planned to go to Disney over spring break. But coronavirus derailed our plans. Disney was closed for over 4 months! When I moved my tickets, I randomly said July thinking that coronavirus would be long gone. Well, it's not. But the parks opened just 2 days before our designated tickets. So I weighed our options....

They opened at 25% capacity. That included employees. So, hardly anyone was there. They had extreme sanitizing systems in place. We were the first people in our hotel room in over 4 months. Everything was spotless! So, we decided to go for it. Live in the moment and take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Because of extremely low crowd, we were able to the ENTIRE park TWO times through in under 5 hours! That is unheard of. Zero wait for most rides. What?! It was crazy, and amazing. We had the park to ourselves. But let's back it up to how we got there.

I bought plane tickets months ago, again...thinking covid would be long gone. I bought tickets to Florida for $800 for all five of us, round trip!!! Unheard of! Flying was the most nerve-racking part for me. So I made everyone wear N95 mask, face shield, gloves and all! We were not comfortable, but better safe than sorry! The flight was great, very few people, clean and smooth! Both ways! 

We had to wear mask the entire time at DisneyWorld and Hollywood Studios. I thought it was going to be awful, with the July heat. But, honestly, it was fine. We were so focused on flying through the parks, that we didn't even have time to mess with our mask. The kids did great. We were the only people on many rides. It was the most surreal experience. 

We were at DisneyWorld on July 16th...which is Trent's birthday and our 15th anniversary. What an epic way to spend such a special day. We had ice-cream and enjoyed this blessing so much. Although, the parks looked crazy being so empty...we couldn't get over what a blessing this was for our family. 

We stayed at Bay Lake, which by the way...we got upgraded. Big time. Thanks to coronavirus! We were originally going to stay in the RV park for spring break with our RV, but now we ended up at one of the nicest resorts!! Walking distance to the park. Again....the entire experience was a blessing. We are grateful and will forever remember this time. 

We had a day at DisneyWorld, which we did the entire park two times through! Then a day at Hollywood Studios, which we also did two times through. Then we had 2 days to explore and play at our resort. The room was to die for. A full kitchen, laundry room and all. We would have never paid for that in a normal situation. But, man....we sure enjoyed it. I think we liked Hollywood studios the most. The rides were a blast!! Rockin' Rollercoaster was in first place for everyone in the family. We did it 3 times!! 

We had the space and time to really enjoy all aspects. We took our time and looked at all the details, rode rides 2 and 3 times. It was unreal. Toyland was a favorite too. The slinky dog ride was amazing. The kids loved the entire DisneyWorld experience. But, I feel like we can never go back because it will never be like this again. We cruised through with zero lines. No wait for food, etc. So, this may be a once in a lifetime for my kiddos. 

We rode all the rides. Scott was most excited about Tower of Terror, which we all loved. We ate huge donuts, lots of food, and all the fun! Not the way we were going to spend our 15 year anniversary. But, God always knows. He knows what our souls need and when. And we needed this. We have been in lockdown mode. And this was a safe way to live life to the fullest. I am forever grateful for the way this unfolded. DisneyWorld....you were amazing. 

Happy 8th Birthday Party Trent

My baby Trent is 8!!! July 16 is Trent's birthday...also our 15th anniversary, but more on that later. Coronavirus is still in motion, and the pandemic is going strong. So, people aren't really having birthday parties. I decided to improvise a last minute playdate at the park across the street for Trent's party. We went to the hardtop/park at Wilchester Elementary park. It actually turned out perfect.

We had a handful of friends and their siblings. Family and donuts. It was simple and amazing. Everyone brought a scooter or bike to cruise the hardtop. We played water balloon dodgeball. Sang happy birthday with candles in donuts. I gave bandanas as a party favors, which they can also use as face mask. Again, coronavirus....facemask bandanas are appropriate! We had his party a few days before our vacation. Gigi came in town for the party. It was sweet, simple, and so perfect! A change of pace from our usual type of party, but Trent was beyond excited. Everyone was happy! Happy Birthday my sweet boy! 

Macy and Greg got the kids a Wii, which has already provided hours of entertainment. I got Trent his football room decor for his new room. He was so excited to wake up to his football desk chair and rug! As we cruised through summer...we continue to fill our days with small adventures. I took the kids to tour the graffiti in Houston. The talent is unreal. We enjoy our get adventures and time together. 

Countless hours of swimming fill our days. Loads of friends come to the apartment to swim. Our kids are so blessed with such sweet friends. I pray they continue to blossom their friendships as the years pass. Lots of dogs walks and outside play as the summertime heat is at its peak! Happy Birthday Trent. Our next stop is Disneyworld, bur for now...I'm so glad you enjoyed your simple and sweet birthday party!