Pre Trip:
I had been looking forward to this trip for a long time. I started planning in October of last year for our trip in July. When we started talking about dates we had to work around my daughters dance recital, older sons mission trip, and a host of other variables. We finally decided on dates and set off for our local AAA office. Booked airfare, hotel, tickets, transfers, etc That was my first mistake. As I started researching more and more, the more changes I wanted to make. To make a long story short, the travel agent could not/would not accommodate us - so I cancelled everything and booked everything myself. Nobody knows your preferences like you do.
Cast of Characters:
Me - Now referred to as Spanky thanks to Cousin Dave at 50's Prime Time. 3rd trip.
Michelle - My lovely wife who has had to endure all the changes that I've thrown at her concerning this trip. Is now starting to understand my Disney obsession. 6th trip.
Devon - An eating machine. Just turned 15 but still my baby. 3rd trip.
Jordan - Loves to have things his way. Just turned 12. 3rd trip.
Camryn - A true princess. 3 almost 4 going on 25. Now also referred to as Sugar Booger. Also thanks to Cousin Dave. Willing to try anything once. 1st trip. She is so excited.
Day 1 Friday 7/6/01
I had to work today. All the suitcases are packed. The plan is to drop the dogs off at the kennel, load the van, grab a bite to eat, take our time and head towards the Hilton at the airport north of Kansas City. All is going along well. We stop at the Cracker Barrel on the way and have a nice relaxing dinner. Vacation has now started. We then load up the troops and hit the road. Now the airport is only about an hour from our house. Our flight leaves at 7:20 on Saturday morning on Southwest Airlines. When I figured out what time we would have to leave home to make our flight, I knew I was going to be in for a battle. I figured we would need to leave our house around 4:30 or 5:00 to drive, park, take a shuttle, check bags, get boarding cards, etc When I proposed that instead we should spend the night at the airport hotel and sleep a little later, the crowds cheered. My kids do like their sleep. The Hilton offered a nice package called Park N Fly. For 69.00 we could spend the night and they would keep our van for 10 days and shuttle us to and from our terminal. I would pay almost that amount just in satellite parking fees. We checked into the Hilton about 9:30. I was told that the only room they had left was a smoking room even though I had requested non-smoking on my reservation. How they arrange this stuff I will never know. I agree and we are off. We get to the room and luckily it does not smell of smoke, but it has to be 90 degrees in the room. I crank the air conditioning to its lowest setting and we all try to get settled in for the night. Set the alarm clock, call for a wake-up call and we are all set. Man is it still hot in hear or what. I finally fall asleep. Now I'm awake. It's 2:30 in the morning. Why is everyone else sleeping and I'm wide-awake. Am I just to excited, afraid the alarm won't go off, or the fact that it is now only 89 degrees in the room having an effect. Two and half-hours later the Sandman stops off for a visit on his way back home. I know I will be tired tomorrow. Maybe I can sleep on the plane .
Stay tuned for Day 2 - We are off to Florida ..
I had been looking forward to this trip for a long time. I started planning in October of last year for our trip in July. When we started talking about dates we had to work around my daughters dance recital, older sons mission trip, and a host of other variables. We finally decided on dates and set off for our local AAA office. Booked airfare, hotel, tickets, transfers, etc That was my first mistake. As I started researching more and more, the more changes I wanted to make. To make a long story short, the travel agent could not/would not accommodate us - so I cancelled everything and booked everything myself. Nobody knows your preferences like you do.
Cast of Characters:
Me - Now referred to as Spanky thanks to Cousin Dave at 50's Prime Time. 3rd trip.
Michelle - My lovely wife who has had to endure all the changes that I've thrown at her concerning this trip. Is now starting to understand my Disney obsession. 6th trip.
Devon - An eating machine. Just turned 15 but still my baby. 3rd trip.
Jordan - Loves to have things his way. Just turned 12. 3rd trip.
Camryn - A true princess. 3 almost 4 going on 25. Now also referred to as Sugar Booger. Also thanks to Cousin Dave. Willing to try anything once. 1st trip. She is so excited.
Day 1 Friday 7/6/01
I had to work today. All the suitcases are packed. The plan is to drop the dogs off at the kennel, load the van, grab a bite to eat, take our time and head towards the Hilton at the airport north of Kansas City. All is going along well. We stop at the Cracker Barrel on the way and have a nice relaxing dinner. Vacation has now started. We then load up the troops and hit the road. Now the airport is only about an hour from our house. Our flight leaves at 7:20 on Saturday morning on Southwest Airlines. When I figured out what time we would have to leave home to make our flight, I knew I was going to be in for a battle. I figured we would need to leave our house around 4:30 or 5:00 to drive, park, take a shuttle, check bags, get boarding cards, etc When I proposed that instead we should spend the night at the airport hotel and sleep a little later, the crowds cheered. My kids do like their sleep. The Hilton offered a nice package called Park N Fly. For 69.00 we could spend the night and they would keep our van for 10 days and shuttle us to and from our terminal. I would pay almost that amount just in satellite parking fees. We checked into the Hilton about 9:30. I was told that the only room they had left was a smoking room even though I had requested non-smoking on my reservation. How they arrange this stuff I will never know. I agree and we are off. We get to the room and luckily it does not smell of smoke, but it has to be 90 degrees in the room. I crank the air conditioning to its lowest setting and we all try to get settled in for the night. Set the alarm clock, call for a wake-up call and we are all set. Man is it still hot in hear or what. I finally fall asleep. Now I'm awake. It's 2:30 in the morning. Why is everyone else sleeping and I'm wide-awake. Am I just to excited, afraid the alarm won't go off, or the fact that it is now only 89 degrees in the room having an effect. Two and half-hours later the Sandman stops off for a visit on his way back home. I know I will be tired tomorrow. Maybe I can sleep on the plane .
Stay tuned for Day 2 - We are off to Florida ..
Of to part 2....
