After months of hemming and hawing, we finally decided on a time for our trip to Florida to visit my mother and her husband. At first no one could make up their minds when to go. We're having a family reunion of sorts, so we had to coordinate DB, DSIL and their grandson coming in from California, our family from Texas, and make it all coincide with our folks' availability to handle such a visit. Not that we're all going to stay there, but we just wanted to make certain THEY were going to BE there.
Anyway, the frustration of planning is over, at least the main part. The Texans -- yours truly, DW, DD-16, DD-13, DS-12 -- will arrive in Orlando on June 30 via Southwest Airlines. DB and company arrive a week later for their one-week stay. We're staying two weeks.
While waiting for the Californians, we'll get to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa, plus we'll be at Disney World for my birthday, July 2. I get in free! I have my receipt ready to show at the gate.
Because we'll be in Florida for two weeks, with visits planned at Busch Gardens, at Disney World once the Californians arrive, and to Sarasota to drop in on some friends, I rented a mini-van. The deal was great, in my opinion, even with the one string attached: it has to be returned to Dallas.
The total rental cost for the two-week period is under $300, taxes and fees included. I couldn't pass it up despite the protestations of at least two family members who aren't thrilled to make the drive. Frankly, they're spoiled by the convenience of flying and don't appreciate a road trip wherein you get to see so many beautiful sights, such as hundreds of miles of nothing but pine trees along I-10. Perhaps they have a point.
Nonetheless, we're driving back to Dallas. We've made the trip before, so we know the way. An overnight stop in Mobile is in the plan along with another tour of the National Battlefield Park in Vicksburg, MS. At least the kids have always liked those parts of the trip.
Speaking of kids, I have one who isn't all that thrilled about us going to Florida. He will be taking care of the dog, the rabbit and the bird while we're away. He's much older than his younger sisters and brother, and because of his job, he can't make the trip. Don't feel sorry for him. He gets sent all over the US by his company, and a couple of years ago spent a week at the Contemporary. I wasn't invited.
I hope everyone reading this gets to make a wonderful, fun-filled trip like I think we're going to have.
Anyway, the frustration of planning is over, at least the main part. The Texans -- yours truly, DW, DD-16, DD-13, DS-12 -- will arrive in Orlando on June 30 via Southwest Airlines. DB and company arrive a week later for their one-week stay. We're staying two weeks.
While waiting for the Californians, we'll get to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa, plus we'll be at Disney World for my birthday, July 2. I get in free! I have my receipt ready to show at the gate.
Because we'll be in Florida for two weeks, with visits planned at Busch Gardens, at Disney World once the Californians arrive, and to Sarasota to drop in on some friends, I rented a mini-van. The deal was great, in my opinion, even with the one string attached: it has to be returned to Dallas.
The total rental cost for the two-week period is under $300, taxes and fees included. I couldn't pass it up despite the protestations of at least two family members who aren't thrilled to make the drive. Frankly, they're spoiled by the convenience of flying and don't appreciate a road trip wherein you get to see so many beautiful sights, such as hundreds of miles of nothing but pine trees along I-10. Perhaps they have a point.
Nonetheless, we're driving back to Dallas. We've made the trip before, so we know the way. An overnight stop in Mobile is in the plan along with another tour of the National Battlefield Park in Vicksburg, MS. At least the kids have always liked those parts of the trip.
Speaking of kids, I have one who isn't all that thrilled about us going to Florida. He will be taking care of the dog, the rabbit and the bird while we're away. He's much older than his younger sisters and brother, and because of his job, he can't make the trip. Don't feel sorry for him. He gets sent all over the US by his company, and a couple of years ago spent a week at the Contemporary. I wasn't invited.
I hope everyone reading this gets to make a wonderful, fun-filled trip like I think we're going to have.
