We returned home last night after spending three days in theme parks at both Disney and Legoland. Our friends, The Smiths, met us in Orlando and it was a great decision as they were like our personal tour guides; they pretty much planned each day and the rides we would all take, even FastPassing us through long lines at the more popular rides.
Family trips can be stressful, right? Have you ever taken a family trip where there wasn't even a smidgen of stress? There's the packing, the driving (or flying), and if you're driving with kids there's the what do you do to entertain them for several hours of driving.
Our trip was stressful for me because one, I was really moody and extremely sensitive. Two, I didn't get to leave Atlanta at the time I wanted. Three, I wanted us all to wake up early every day and take full advantage of the theme parks, but that is really hard to do when the majority of my family likes to sleep in. And fourth, the parks were more than crowded which added to my impatience, and I felt "under the microscope" every time I took a picture, which, to be honest, was a lot. I love taking pictures; I admit it, but it can annoy my family. It does get a bit aggravating each time I stop my family and ask them to pose for a shot and...yada yada yada.
On our long ride back home, The Hubs and I talked about our trip and what we could have done to make things more enjoyable. We agreed we need to manage our expectations better and clearly communicate so that everyone has a good time. We also compromised on taking pictures...looks like I will be taking lots more candid shots from now on. And you know what, that's okay too. So here are some of the photos from our trip. Despite the drama, we did have periods of fun and good times. We've already talked about visiting Disney again, but during off-peak times!
My feeling moody during our Orlando trip over what seems really trivial now was made crystal clear today. Earlier I went to Chipotle to get something to eat. The line was really long, as it always is...I even timed my wait. I stood in line for 21 minutes and 34 seconds. Seriously, but it's always worth the wait. Anyways as I waited in line, I happened to look outside when I noticed a SUV pull up into a parking space. Sitting in the passenger side was a woman. I couldn't tell how old or how young she was, but her hair was completely gone and she was frail thin as if she was suffering from a life threatening illness, possibly cancer. It took a great effort for her to muster enough energy to cover her head with a hat and then make her way out of the car. I looked at the driver, her mom possibly, and my heart went out to her. Not in a pitiful way, but in a manner that understands no human being should ever have to suffer. And worse, as a mom myself, I never want to imagine what it's like to watch your own child endure such a thing. This really helped put things in perspective for me.
As far as New Year's resolutions go, I don't make them. I don't think you need the start of a new year to make changes in your life. You can and should make changes at any time. I did see a post on Facebook that I liked. A friend posted that he, too, doesn't believe in resolutions, but he wanted to live his life by the four principles in the book, The Four Agreements: Be impeccable with your word (use your words to speak love and the truth). Don't take anything personally (nothing others do is because of you). Don't make assumptions (communicate clearly and ask questions to avoid misunderstandings). Always do your best (whether you are sick or healthy just do the best you can at that moment). I think these are wise words to live by, and I think I need to read that book. I also need to continue to work on me becoming a better person.
What are you up to this New Year's Eve? After spending all day yesterday on the road stuck in a car for seven hours, and the last three days at theme parks, this girl is just happy to spend the night at home doing absolutely nothing. You feel me? And that's exactly what I did. Our neighbors came by (with yummy snacks, thank you!!!) and we just hung out. Here's most of the happy bunch; they really do have a lot of fun together.
Happy New Year and may you have your best year ever in 2015!
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