Well, the morning we were leaving, Keri (DD) said her throat hurt when she woke up. That happens frequently, so I kind of blew it off and told her to drink some water and she'll feel better when she wakes up more. Lo and behold - by the time we got to Florida (around dinner time) she had a 102 fever. I felt terrible.
She was quite the trooper, but obviously did not enjoy much when we were out and about. We left on Sunday and her fever didn't break until Wednesday. In hindsight, I think she probably had strep, and we should have taken her to the Dr. down there, but we didn't make that choice. Now when she gets a sore throat, we always ask, "is it like Florida?". She says "never like in Florida". Poor little thing.
We went over MEA week, so it was in October, and it was UNSEASONABLY hot and humid down there. I can honestly say - worse than Minnesota! The humidity didn't break until Wednesday either. It wouldn't have been so bad, but it made it just that much worse for Keri.
Let's see...the trip to Disney was a gift from my MIL for Christmas. She said instead of flying us out to see her in AZ, she'd fly us to Florida. My DH and I decided we should ask her if she wanted to go with us, and she was thrilled. We then asked my mom and dad. You can imagine the rest. 7 people, 2 rooms. My mom is very passive, my MIL very aggressive. That does not mix well. MIL had been to Disney several times. Things we would have like to have seen, she would say "I've seen it, you don't need to do that". So, to not start anything, we wouldn't see it. My mom had told me by Thursday, that I ruined her vacation. The whole trip was very emotional. So many people warned me - don't bring both sets of parents, but I kept saying, we're going to Disney - the Pixie Dust will be there!
I got the 7 day park hopper passes. I then bought for everyone, a ticket to Mickeys Not So Scarry Halloween party, as a little surprise. We did Chef Mickey's before hand, then went back to Magic Kingdom to experience this, and my DH got sick. We didn't leave the park, but he was miserable. I don't think there was a bathroom he didn't use. Stomach flu -- yuck! He was a trooper but very crabby. I told him we could leave, and he didn't want to. At one point the kids were trick or treating and waiting in line with my mom. MIL walked up, moved my mom out of the way, and told the kids to basically budge in line (by taking a different route). We were MORTIFIED. I looked at my husband when she started walking towards them and we were both saying OH, OH! What is she going to do? We were so angry. My mom was angry. UUUUGGGH!
This all happened on Tuesday.
We went to Sea World on Thursday and I had also purchased tickets to "Dine with Shamu", as a thank you to my parents and MIL for all that they do for us (which is really alot!). It was supposed to be great - we had a table right by the training pool, Shamu would come out of the water in front of each table so you could take a picture - and DS and I missed it. He had to use the rest room, of course this is broken in the restaurant, so we had to leave to find one. By the time we got back, it was over! I was so dissappointed, so was Ryan! The park was starting to close up, and my mom wanted to buy something for the kids, so we had been looking around at the different shops. Ryan got his thing, and Keri really wanted this mood ring. The store was in the middle of the park, no where near where we were and my mom was no where to be found. I took Keri to the store to buy the ring for her (it was like 9.00). I was going to just have my mom pay me back. While we were in the store, my mom comes STORMING in, all upset, that I took that priveledge away from her. I said what priveledge - she said buying her a souvenier. I told her I didn't know where she was, the park and shops were closing, and that we hadn't paid for it yet - she could still buy it, I just wanted to make sure she got what she wanted. My mom basically said, if she couldn't buy it, Keri couldn't have it. I was shocked - Keri was crying. I said - go ahead and buy it - that's not a problem. I told her I couldn't find her, so thought it best to run and get it, she said I was lying and that I looked right at her, and walked right by her.
Needless to say, that's when she told me I ruined her vacation. I was so upset. I would never treat my parents OR my MIL that way.
To make a long story short - too many people, too many personalities, too many personal emotions, too high of expectations.
This trip - there will be no rushing, no real set plans. I did book the 2 excursions, but I'm not worried about those. I have no expectations of the trip. I pray for warm weather, good health, and patience for us all. It will be just the 4 of us, so that will help. The kids are really excited too!
I'm so sorry it was a bad experience. Forget about it - this year will make up for all of it - I'm sure of it. When you read it though, and I know it must have been horrible to live it, you kind of have to laugh at some of it (like the MIL budging in line) not Kerry and your Dh being sick. Memories!! 
trust me, your kids will be telling the story for decades to come!
My kids are excited to meet some other kids on the boat too! Wow - maybe there will be some adult time! Yippeee! 
Will you be spending any time in the parks either before or after the cruise? I'm sure your FIL will just enjoy being with you all and watching his grandkids!
We truly are blessed, and I have to remember, the trip wasn't just for me. Wow, maybe I'm finally getting over it - my DH will be so happy! 
hee hee!
...not including windchill!! Thank God the sun is shining 
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