Mission: Insanity

Back in December, as I was planning the summer (and yes, I plan excessively early. Big deal!), I got the bright idea to take the kids to Disney World while Jason was studying for the bar exam. I figured things could either be hectic and crazy at home, or things could be hectic and crazy at the happiest place on Earth.

And folks, "crazy" is the operative word here. Who, in their right mind takes 3 kids to Disney World for a week by herself?

Ahem. ME!!

Yes, I've tackled NYC with two toddlers, I've hiked miles with a baby strapped to my back, and I've camped in the back country when it was so cold my toothpaste froze (sans kids), but I felt the need to up the ante for Summer 2010--the summer in which Jason is glued to the library for 20 hours a day! This is the summer of the insane Disney trip a la me.

Down to the nitty-gritty:
Who will be there?
Me--the nutty mama who loves to travel and is always up for a challenge. Loves Disney magic, planning and playing with the kids. Cries when she walks down Main Street and is a total sucker for Disney marketing genius. Hates delays, changes to the plan (ha!!) and whining. Must have a glass of wine in the evening and yummy food.

Chris- almost 8. Loves playing video games, teasing his sisters, eating fun kid food and knowing the answer. Grins when you mention Mickey and is a sucker for a swimming pool. Hates walking, heat, waiting and big rides. Must have a sword or weapon at all times and tends to be a bit whiney.

Caitlyn- turning 4 on the trip. Loves princesses, pretending, Dumbo and Belle. In awe of the castle and dances when you mention Disney. Hates being teased, boat rides with drops and meat ( a new revelation). Must have her pin necklace and "dark ride" flashlight and is always ready to jump into a princess pose.

Lorelei- almost 2. Loves shrieking, her brother and sister, eating and any sort of thrill. Likes to run, hop, dance, skip away from Mama while giggling. Hates being restrained, told "no," and being left out. Must have anything and everything the big kids have.

Oh, and Grammie. I talked her into joining us by using words like "special," "fun," "memorable," and "magical." I just left out words like "tantrum," "crowded," "exhausting," and "insanity." She'll forgive me.

Grammie loves Belle, seeing the kids, Disney magic and Pina Colavas. Rides Splash Mountain even though she detests the drop. Hates whining, clutter and junky plastic toys. Must have a cute bag for the park (she bought *another* new one) and requisite amount of protein in her system at all times.


The plan:
Spend 5 days solo in Orlando before Grammie joins us. Take the kids to water parks, Downtown Disney, Campfire Sing-a-long, movies, Disney Quest and Sea World before Grammie gets here. Once Grammie arrives, start hitting the major theme parks as we switch from a condo to a Disney resort. Celebrate Caitlyn's birthday. Resist the urge to splurge on Discovery Cove tickets. Eat out a lot. Drive to Houston.

Hmm, sounds exciting, right? Fun? Nuts? Scary? Sure to be full of interesting stories? Probably all of those!

I'm going to try to update frequently since Jason is feeling left out back in Virginia. Plus, when I'm carted off to the funny farm, it will be nice to have a record of how I got there.

Next up? 3 kids and 1 Mama take the train from VA to FL . . . or, A Saga of 4 hour delays, the child who didn't nap for 12 hours, how to clear a train car and other tales of mayhem and hilarity. Stay tuned.