That Really Big Graduation Trip: May 2011

[momeja]

I remember hearing someone say that they wanted to hear about my trip to WDW in May to celebrate my graduation. Is that true? Is it still true? If it is, I'm happy to begin. I wrote most of my graduation trip report over the summer, and I'm happy to share it.

[Amy]

I remember hearing someone say that they wanted to hear about my trip to WDW in May to celebrate my graduation. Is that true? Is it still true? If it is, I'm happy to begin. I wrote most of my graduation trip report over the summer, and I'm happy to share it.

Oh my goodness ~ yes! Let the trip report with lots 'o beautiful pictures commence

[mindflipper]

The benefit to trip reports is that others can learn things that they were previously unaware is possible or be a problem to overcome...

[Soarin08]

Do post, I'd love to read about it!

[wewantsdaredhead]

Bring it on!!! We love trip reports!

[momeja]

The benefit to trip reports is that others can learn things that they were previously unaware is possible or be a problem to overcome...

MF, I doubt there's anything I could teach you about Disney that you don't already know, but I appreciate the complement.

[momeja]

And now, for the necessary introductory remarks...

Let’s see…

Cast:
Me:

48 year old graduate of law school 2011. Yes, I was crazy enough to think after I had my last child I needed to get serious about my life so that I didn’t end up folding clothes at the Gap to get them all through university. Any number of times over the last 4 years I thought that anything would have been easier than law school (except maybe med school), but I kept going. And now I’m on the other side of the rainbow, and the feeling is pretty darn fantastic.
Favourite colour: purple
Favourite characters: Dumbo, Rafiki, Belle
Favourite park: MK all the way
Favourite ride: Splash Mountain

My dear H.:

50 years old and still recovering from the last 4 years. Rabbi, best friend, confidante, companion.
Favourite colour: orange
Favourite character: Roger Rabbit
Favourite park: MK all the way
Favourite rides: Space Mountain and Soarin’

Emilie:

Totally 15. Do I really need to say more? No, but I will. She’s a great oldest child – the sensible ringleader of the kids and the Disney spark in the family. She reads everything Disney and wants to be an Imagineer when she grows up. Last year, for her grade 8 project, she designed a rollercoaster based on Aladdin’s magic carpet ride through the cave of wonders.
Favourite colour: lime green
Favourite character: Mickey Mouse
Favourite park: MK all the way
Favourite rides: Splash Mountain

Judah:

Totally 11. The only son. He got his mother’s major Star Wars obsession. Of all the children, he’s the one I can’t wait to tell about the trip, since it’s SWW focused.
Favourite colour: royal blue
Favourite character: Dale (of Chip n Dale)
Favourite park: DHS
Favourite ride: Star Tours

Adi:

9 yo and as sweet and frustrating as can be. Adorable and annoying at the same time. She wants to do what she wants to do, and you better not tell her no.
Favourite colour: turquoise
Favourite character: Tinkerbell and Sully
Favourite park: MK
Favourite ride: all of them

Everyone: favourite Disney food - Dole Whip Floats!

And that’s the crew.

None of them knew about the trip except H. and me. H. was going to spring the surprise.

His plan was to ask me that all important question: “Well, Mama, now that you’ve finished law school, what do you plan to do now?”
My answer, “Go to Disneyworld, of course.”

Except he wouldn’t tell me when he’s going to do it. Kind of fun, kind of crazy making. But that’s our family, too.

So, it was the day of my convocation. We'd just finished grad. and H. said he wanted us to go outside for photos. We went outside, and H. began to take pictures. In the middle of pictures, he said, "So, Mama, now that you've finished law school, what are you going to do next?"

At first, I didn't answer because I was not expecting him to ask right then. Then I recovered and said, "Go to Disneyworld, of course!"

"When?" he asked.

"This Sunday!" I said. And that's when the kids figured out we were serious. They started jumping up and down. Here's Adi when she found out:


And Emilie, my 15 year old said, "Well, my day just got a million times better." (what a 15 yo answer, eh?)

And there we were:

[Amy]

Awesome start to your report I must say I believe the report will be worth the wait....more!
Great photos ~ and congrats once again on the new degree!

[mindflipper]

Congrats on the degree, momeja! Hope all those requested loops got you through those finals and ready for WDW!

[momeja]

Congrats on the degree, momeja! Hope all those requested loops got you through those finals and ready for WDW!

I don't think I could have graduated without them. There were some pretty long and rough nights there toward the end that I only got through by having good music to keep me going.

[MmeLeota]

I love the cast of characters! Cute idea! I love the pic of your son and the Evil Queen...future Mayhem Marauder????

Congratulations on your accomplishment!
Very creative way of breaking the news to the kids too!

[mindflipper]

No, given her post, I think Adi will be a future Mayhem Marauder...

[MmeLeota]

No, given her post, I think Adi will be a future Mayhem Marauder...

...actually, given their mother, I think they all will be! (but good point about Adi...a future MM ringleader perhaps??? )

[Mousekedude]

Oh, this report so totally rocks so far! I can tell by your narration style that I'm going to love this!!
By the way, did you realize that you captured DiVine in this shot?

[Amy]

Oh, this report so totally rocks so far! I can tell by your narration style that I'm going to love this!!
By the way, did you realize that you captured DiVine in this shot?

That's probably why her dear H is looking so happy ~ he is thinking, forget bringing a princess home, I'd like to take home Devine