"Vacation, All I Ever Wanted..."

Yes, we have decided to blow our tax refund on two vacations this year. One to Disneyworld in October and this one, to Vegas, in April. The ROckabilly Weekender last year was such a blast, we've decided to make the trip again. The Orleans hotel will be our destination again; we loved it there. We're going to take Victor this time as well, since he'll only be seven months old and not weaned yet. The other boys would love it too but unfortunately, we can't afford the airfare for everyone. I'm so excited to witness the car show again, the jive contest, the pool party, the music...it will be just as great as last year, I'm sure, except this time I won't be sporting a pregnant belly and morning sickness.

The other reason we're definitely making the trip is that we are actually in the planning stages of moving to the area. Boulder City Nevada is the place we are going to check out and we have been checking rental property prices for the past two weeks. IT's a nice area, for sure, but not exactly where we wanted to be-what with the proximity to Las Vegas. We wanted to be a bit farther from there. But because of the great job opportunities in Henderson and Las Vegas, it's a good starting point. We could rent there for a year, during which we could scout around in Arizona and Utah for a more ideal location (St. George Utah seems perfect but the job market is bad). Or, after a year is up, we could decide it just isnt for us and come back to Tennessee. I'm really set on trying it though, because I think it will be a great experience for the kids and a chance to see natural wonders we might otherwise not take the time to visit.

Speaking of travel, I was really torn about the idea of Victor riding in my lap on the plane. I know infants under two don't technically NEED a seat but most websites concerning infant airline safety will tell you that buying an extra seat is preferable due to turbulence. It's no big secret that an infant car seat wouldnt be effective in a crash, but the possibility of injury during the flight would make most parents go ahead and spring for the extra seat. Enter the Baby B'air! (
http://www.babybair.com/). It's a vest that the infant wears which allows you, during flight, to thread your own seatbelt to the back of the infant, thus holding him secure during your trip. According to FAA guidelines, the Baby B'Air is still not approved for use during takeoff and landing, but it has been cleared for use while in flight. So I feel so much better about everything and excited to be taking Victor along on our journey.


We're also really excited to have concrete plans for Disney in October. We had originally decided to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, since the kids would be sure to love it, but since we'll have a stroller and lugging it onto the busses isnt that appealing a thought, we have opted instead for the Beach Club Villas which are attatched to EPCOT and withing walking distance of that park, as well as just a short boat ride from the MGM studios. It is a gorgeous resort, w/ the greatest pool I've ever seen, and though it will probably be a bit more crowded than the AK Lodge, it will definitely be more convenient.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho...to DISNEY I shall go!

It occurred to me a few months ago that it has been over three years since I've seen Walt Disney World in all it's surrealistic madness. I was actually pregnant w/ Nathan and it was January of 2004 so I guess you could say I am seriously jonesing for my Magic Kingdom fix! So we are planning a trip for Oct of next year and I am already just giddy with excitement. Most of you are aware of my semi-unhealthy love for Walt and all his kin (http://learnthebigapple.blogspot.com/2006/04/walt-and-me.html). The place is just necessary for my happiness, I think (that's a little exageration there people, don't worry).

Planning a vacation is always half the fun for me. Especially a Disneyworld vacation. So even though some people might find it a bit disturbing that I am already in midst of doing so, 300 days in advance, there it is. We are planning to take all three of our children who will then be ages 8, 4, and 1 yr. I would normally never encourage someone to take a baby to Disney, but I feel like somewhat of a veteran by now and am certain I can handle it just fine. The way I see it, the two older boys will keep each other busy and entertained and since we're going to stay on Disney Property (as always), taking the little one back to the hotel will not be a problem. Also, this will be our last chance to stay in a normal hotel room (one that sleeps four) because after the baby turns two, we won't qualify for those rooms anymore.

Disney Hotels are monstrous works of art, themed to their toes and full of every bit of the charm that resides in the parks. So picking one is also an adventure. Thus far I've been a guest at the Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel (our honeymoon choice in 1995), the Disney Institute Villa Treehouses (in 1996 and these are no longer in existence), The Port Orleans RIverside Resort (2003-a Dixie themed hotel adjoining the French Quarter w/ lush landscaping and rustic furnishings), The Villas at the Wilderness Lodge (2004-mountain themed resort w/ a fabulous lobby and a cozy log-cabin feel to the rooms), and The Boardwalk Villas (2001-New England style resort w/ a real boardwalk and within walking distance to EPCOT). I loved all of them but I wanted to try something different this time. So we're going to try the Animal Kingdom Villas since my sweet sister in law is letting us use her Disney Vacation Club points at a great rate.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas are one of Disney's greatest themed hotels, styled after a rustic retreat on the African Savannah and surrounded by a 'real' wilderness and wild animals. The Lobby is absolutely stunning
as can be seen here, and you can book rooms that overlook the surrounding 'savannah' so that you get to see giraffes and zebras feeding right outside your window. From what I hear, they also have night vision goggles available so that the wildlife can be seen at night when they're at their most active. The pool is designed to look a bit wild, like a natural hot spring of sorts, and the affect is really nice.

I'm looking forward to visiting all my favorite haunts: The World Showcase at EPCOT (especially the Canada and Mexican pavilions), The Harambe Village at The Animal Kindom, Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom, The Tower of Terror at MGM. And also, I'm looking forward to seeing some of the new things that have been added since my last visit: Soarin' at EPCOT, Expedition Everest at the Animal Kingdom, The stunt show at MGM, and Jack Sparrow's likeness in The Pirates of the Carribean. I'll be starting my itinerary soon so that when it's completed, I can send it to my friends who'll be joining us. Then we can figure out what stuff we want to do as a group and what we want to do alone.

Anyhoo, that's enough rambling for now. Barring any unforseen problems, we'll be booking our trip in January. My brother and his kids are probably going to come, as are some dear friends of ours in Louisiana. But hey, why stop there? ALL of you guys should come along!