DH and I thought about surprising the kids and not telling them until time to leave, but realized that the anticipation of this trip would be half the fun! So while they were at school, I went to the store and bought two suitcases. We travel, but we're usually a road trip family... They needed luggage that was on wheels to pull through the airport. This was their first time to fly!
So after dinner that evening, we let them finish their homework. We figured not much concentrating would go on after we told them!
Earlier in the day, I had found the press release from June that talked about the sweepstakes. It is the one posted on many sites. We called the kids into the family room and I began reading...."Ever wish you could have the Magic Kingdom all to yourself? Well, one lucky family will get to do just that..."
About this time, I look at my DS and anyone who has a 13 year old knows that he was wondering why he had to stop playing video games for this
Of course, DD says..."How cool would that be?"
So I skimmed through the text and just read the parts that would give a big build up and then my DH, in his best announcer voice booms "And the winner is...The Spangler Family!"
I'll tell you, I would have given a large sum to have someone snap a picture at that moment. I have not seen that much animation on my DS's face in 6 months!
He was like..."We won? Are you serious?"
He was so excited that he just couldn't contain his emotion... jumping out of his chair for a hug!
DD was doing jumping up and down and singing, "We're going to Disney World!"
The suitcases came out of the closet and they realized that we were going to get to fly this time. This was cause for another round of excitement!
It really was incredible! I still didn't truly believe that this wonderful thing was happening to us!
This was real Disney magic!
Then reality kicked in...so much to do in so little time!!! Usually, I have a year to get ready for Disney...this time just a few weeks!
Stay tuned...our countdown begins