Our Epic Disney Adventure Begins

Our plan was to get up early this morning and hit the road for Florida. But, when Ruth's family birthday party was over yesterday, we all just had the itch to get on the road. So, in an act of complete spontaneity, we loaded up the van, and off we went. We pulled out of the driveway about 6:30 and drove until about midnight, stopping for the night in Orange, TX.

We were on the road again around 8:00 this morning and almost immediately passed into LA. Just as we got across the seemingly endless bridge over Lake Charles, and within eye shot of the increased speed limit sign, we were met by the state police, who were out in force, and they welcomed us to the state with a lovely little speeding ticket.

Undaunted, we pushed on (at a slightly lower pace). We were hoping to celebrate Weston's half-birthday at Chuck E. Cheese's in Pensacola, FL, where we also planned to spend the night, before making the final push to Disney tomorrow. Again, our plans changed. We made it to Covington, LA before our "check engine" light started flashing and our engine started chugging, reminiscent of our little trip to Amarillo last month. Not wanting to push the van beyond its limits, we found the local Chuck E. Cheese's and proceeded with the half-birthday celebration. And, while the kids played, Jeff called the Honda dealership and every rental car place in a 50-mile radius. Since it was Sunday, and Memorial weekend, nothing was open. (Well, there was one rental place open but they had exactly zero cars of any size to rent, so we weren't really sure why they bothered coming in today).

We finally figured out that the rental car places at the airport in New Orleans would be open, and a quick call confirmed that they also had cars (and vans) to rent. Eventually, we decided to stay in Covington for tonight, with the plan of leaving our van here at the Honda dealership and heading to Florida in the rental tomorrow. We found a hotel with connected indoor and outdoor pools and some very large suites. (According to Ruth, it's the most amazing hotel she has EVER stayed in). Jeff dropped the kids and me off, along with our swimsuits, and took a cab the 40 or so miles to New Orleans. When he returned, we modified our plan to leave our van at the Honda dealership in Slidell tomorrow morning, so it would be more convenient to return the rental to New Orleans on our way home. And, then we went out for cajun food. Followed by a quick trip to the pharmacy, because we are afraid Weston is coming down with a cold.

But, aside from a few little set-backs, the trip just couldn't be going better! The kids are having a blast and were very well-behaved in van and very flexible when things didn't go according to plan. We are hoping to hit the road early tomorrow and still make it to our resort in time to swim in the grand piano-shaped pool. Stay tuned for more stories from our Disney adventure.

Another birthday party under her belt

Celebrating 7 1/2 with Chuck. E Cheese

Half-birthday requests: "Abe Lincoln hat and baseball stuff"
(Don't know why that kid isn't smiling.
He was really, really excited about these two things!)

Two of my little fishes in the hotel pool

Chillin' before dinner

Peace and Joy