When you are immersed in one season, it's hard to acknowledge -- daresay, even to imagine -- the existence of an opposite season. While dipping my feet in the ocean last week, I couldn't imagine the mounds of snow that had been plowed to the edges of parking lots as mountainous testaments to the bitter northern winter, just like I couldn't accurately reinvent the simple pleasure of watching a swaying palm tree against a crystal clear blue sky as I walked to class this morning with my hands shoved deeply into my jacket pockets.
Oh, Florida in March, I am a fan.
But let me backtrack to the beginning of our trip, when we surprised the kids with news that we'd be taking them to Disney for two days. Now that was a good moment.
The kids rode out this euphoria for several hours into our journey, and the trip, which we divided into two days, was as smooth as possible. (I will not divulge how many videos we let them watch during the ride. Sometimes you parent for survival. A sixteen hour road trip is one of those times.)
I could share a myriad of stories about Disney -- how Reese talked about her ride on Space Mountain for over an hour after it finished, or how Brooke professed her undying devotion to Cinderella as her "very favorite" princess, or how Kerrington was momentarily lost in the shuffle as we made our way into one of the rides. (We found her. My heartbeat has resumed its normal pace.)
I could share how fun it was to watch the girls' wonderment and to witness how their bond of sisterhood is just as strong -- and, apparently, just as irksome -- in Disney as it is everywhere else.
But what I really want to tell you about is an encounter we had with an employee named Maddy, a sweet college intern who happened to be the person that Joel pulled aside to ask where would be a good place to station ourselves for the evening's parade and fireworks. Once she advised us, we thanked her and went on our way.
I thought that was the end of that story.
An hour later as we were standing where Maddy had recommended, however, she approached and motioned toward us. "I'm so glad I found you! Come with me," she smiled. "I've got something special for you."
We then followed her to a secluded roped-off section with benches and a perfect view of all the festivities. "You can sit here tonight. This is our VIP section."
Let me just say, I hugged that girl.
There's no real rhyme or reason for her actions. She had been having an especially rough day, she told us, and we were first people who had been kind to her. This was her "small" token of thanks.
Still happily dazed, I situated the girls, prepared for the parade to begin, and then glanced toward the next bench to see who was sharing our VIP status.
Here would be a good point to interject that I've always dreamed of hosting my own HGTV show about organizing tight spaces. (Organize your space; organize your life! You can envision me delivering this catch phrase, can't you?) Or, to mention that I've dreamed about having HGTV designers stage my living room and kitchen. Or to acknowledge that, apparently, I experience high levels of social awkwardness when I encounter a celebrity.
Because the person sitting directly beside me -- or more aptly, the person sitting directly beside my five-year-old whose Starbucks tea was almost knocked over from its perch on the bench's arm as a result of her five-year-old untethered enthusiasm -- was Vern Yip.
Now, I could have been normal. I could have gathered my thoughts, leaned over ever-so-slightly, and politely said, "I really admire your work, and I loved the spread of photos showcasing how you designed your kids' rooms. Enjoy your stay at Disney."
Instead, I texted my mother-in-law ("I'm sitting next to Vern Yip!") and covertly tried to capture his profile in one of the pictures that I took of the parade.
I'm smooth like that.
Yes, there I sat -- on the night of my 36th birthday, nonetheless -- in VIP seats next to Vern Yip watching Disney's Electric Light Parade and the fireworks as they burst over the castle, in awe of God's favor and goodness to our very ordinary family.
I haven't shared this with my children, but I've decided that I can never return to Disney. You can't top this.
From Orlando, we drove three additional hours south to Naples to visit my parents, where we ate fresh mango from a farmer's market, swam in the Gulf of Mexico, and visited the botanical gardens, where, incidentally, I bumped into a student of mine. (I hugged her, too. You show this kind of open emotion when you're in Florida. People are naturally happy there.) She and I finished our conversation, astounded, with, "Well, see you on Tuesday morning!"
Friends, I wore flip flops and had sand between my toes as I walked along the pier and dolphin-sighted. In March!
I swung in a hammock -- albeit briefly and uncoordinatedly, as any swinging in a hammock is bound to be -- under these palm trees. In March!
I collected shells and lathered on sunscreen and entertained thoughts about tan lines. In March!
It was a trip for the record books, indeed, even the lengthy, tired drive home. We were together, and that was the best part.
And Vern, if you'd ever like to visit my house and work your magic, consider this an open invitation. You'd be more than welcome. I'll even treat you to a Starbucks, unspilled.
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Last post I teased you with the announcement that I had pending news -- BIG news! Seriously, I can't wait to tell you, but I've kept you here long enough already today. Next post, I promise. Stay tuned!
The Scoop on Spring Break: When Summer Invades Your Winter
Traveling Tales
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
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There is nothing better then spending Spring Break somewhere where it is is SPRING!!! You feel alive, full of energy and can see the light at the end of the snow pile! Growing up we never traveled during the winter, always took our beach vacation in the summer. My kids are growing up traveling to Florida every winter, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
ReplyDeleteGinette, I like how you think! I think next March will seem especially long and bleak if we don't travel. That week of "summer" during the winter is so much more refreshing than a week at the beach during the actual summer.
DeleteSounds wonderful - the sun, Disney, Vern - all of it!! So glad you had a good time!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa!
DeleteLooks like a great family trip-such wonderful memories for all. Can't wait for the big news!
ReplyDeleteIt was SUCH a wonderful trip. (And I'm excited to share that big news, too!)
DeleteYern Yip!? No waaaaaaaaay!!!! I love Vern! He's my favourite designer.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an amazing trip and a splendid winter break. It was well deserved Robin!
Also... Happy Belated Birthday! Wishing you much joy and a year of blessings. May this year fill you with the wonderment of our heavenly Father's love for you and may you walk in his presence, and in love with his grace, each and every day.
Hugs my friend.
xoxo
I appreciate such sweet birthday wishes! Thank, Jennifer!
DeleteI love HGTV with my entire non-crafty heart, so I'm in awe of your adventures.
ReplyDeleteThe kids and I are traveling to Florida in a few weeks- we've had it with gray. I'm so glad you all got it ready for us. And I'm glad you all got back safely.
I'm so happy to hear that you'll be headed to Florida, too. It will be good for your soul, Ami. So, so good. Who knows, maybe you'll run into the Property Brothers.... ;)
DeleteIf I ran into the Property Brothers I think I would simply die. Die, die, die. The only person that would be even more awesome would be Scott from Income Property.
Delete