Life is a Highway

One Big, Hot Day

So, if the Robinsons and their grandkids are in Florida it must be HOT. Just before we left, the extended forecast said we'd have relatively cool weather for down here: upper 80's to low 90's. Then, just as our plane landed, someone turned up the heat. 97 yesterday, 96 today. And yet Connor and Meghan were great, trouping through an entire day in the parks. And another big day it was.

Marie and Meghan had an 8:25 appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom, followed by lunch with Cinderella in her castle. Meghan went into the boutique a mermaid and came out a beautiful princess.

After some free time in the park, it was time for lunch with Cinderella. (Cinderella's the one on the left.)

In the meantime, Connor and I did manly things, like riding fast cars and eating sushi. First, Connor got initiated into Test Track, which really is fast and even has some enjoyable displays as you stand in line.

We then walked to Tokyo (ain't Disney great) and ate sushi and drank refreshing frozen drinks..

We all got together via monorail, in this case a specially painted one promoting the new movie, Tron Legacy. Connor was very excited - he loves the monorail anyway, but he really loved this one. And, it provided a perfect backdrop for our first look at princess Meghan.

 

Marie bought each of the kids one of the signature Disney World balloons - THE most expensive and coolest balloons around. We can't take them home - too big for carry-on - but it's a tradition for Connor and Meghan to give their balloons to another child before they leave.

Finally, Meghan had a close encounter with a mermaid of the bronze kind back at the Beach Club. (Meghan's the one on the right.)

Then on to the pool for some R&R a late dinner and bed.

Today, we go fishing on the waters of Disney World, followed by a visit to Hollywood Studios. No grass growing under our feet!

In the Land of the Mouse

Our flight to Orlando yesterday was uneventful. Southwest Airlines got us here 20 minutes early and even made it fun. I'll say it again - the last humane airline in the U.S. Disney then took over and got us here at the Beach Club by 3:00. Connor and Meghan practically ripped their clothes off to get into their swimsuits and over to the pool. After a couple of hours, we grabbed a bite poolside - burgers, dogs and sandwiches (and a Mojito for Gramma and Pop Pop), then Meghan sniffed out the soda shop and took us for ice cream. Another dip in the pool and we all collapsed into bed. Big day today for Meghan and Gramma - Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique followed by a special lunch with Cinderella in her castle. (Connor and I, on the other hand, will be eating sushi in Tokyo. Only in Disney World.)

 

By the way, Meghan picked up a new set of designer eyewear. We call the look Minnie Poindexter.

 
  
 

Looking Forward, Booking Back

So, in a few hours, Marie and I hop on a plane with our grandkids, Connor and Meghan. We're off to Disney World, celebrating the end of school and the joys of retirement and family. We had such a great time last year, and we're looking forward to more of the same this year. And some new things, as well. So stay tuned.

I also wanted to take a moment to wrap up our recent trip to the Southwest. Marie and I still marvel at how "out of the box" it was, starting with the preps. Marie undergoing tests for chest pain. Me spending my birthday in a dentist's chair (my ABSOLUTE LEAST favorite place on earth). We were woefully unprepared, which probably led to our most amazing vacation ever. Ended up DOing much less than we planned and BEing with some wonderful, amazing people. Marc and Jerene. Romana. Laz and Nancy. Sue. Marie. Merit. Alisa. Tony. As Einstein's quote says, "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous". And boy did we have coincidence!

We stayed at our beloved Kelly Place B&B in Cortez, CO, and discovered new gems in Cinnamon Morning B&B in Albuquerque and Crystal Mesa Farm B&B near Santa Fe. We hiked familiar trails - Sand Canyon - and explored new ones, like Ghost Ranch. Ate at favorites like Main Street Brewery and Tequila's in Cortez and El Pinto in Albuquerque, and discovered new gems like Tesuque Village Market outside of Santa Fe. And, of course, paid another visit to the Santa Fe Flea Market - you just gotta go! And the best news is we don't have to wait another year to go back; we'll be returning in the fall for Balloon Fiesta. The first step toward spending part of the year out there? You never know. Stranger things have happened.