Recently, my grandchildren had a mini-vacation off from school. It’s called Fall Break. It runs from Thursday through Monday. There was a surprise trip in the works. It took everything in me to keep from spoiling the surprise. I did everything within my power to make sure that all the details were kept under wraps. Every second week in October, I plan something special for my crew. This year was different. I didn’t have to plan a thing. I had to make sure that everyone stayed healthy and knew that we would have an adventure. Fall break with the grandchildren is traditionally an epic event, and this year did not disappoint.
My good friend, who is more like a sister to me, insisted that we take the children to Walt Disney World. I thought about the drive, the expense, and the excitement on the faces of my little people. The last part got me on board with the plan. My sister arrived in Georgia the night before we set out to drive to Walt Disney World. The children were prepped for her arrival. It’s the first time my grandchildren have met her in person. They have interacted with her over the phone for years. We agree not to discuss anything about the plans for Fall break with the grandchildren.
We get on the road from Georgia to Florida on Thursday morning. The children still don’t know where we are headed. I had their bags packed without them knowing a few days in advance. The curiosity reaches a crescendo once we make the first rest stop at the Florida State line. My OGs (they call themselves the original grandchildren since they now have a younger sibling.) start chattering as soon as we load up and get back on the highway. My sister does her best to throw them off the scent. The three little people buy into the ruse with trepidation.
Upon arrival at Vista Cay Resort in Orlando, Florida, we spill the beans shortly after dinner. The crew is delighted. I have to say that I was excited as well. My children went to Disneyland in California every few months for years under ten years old. It is the first time two out of the three got the chance to experience it. We visit The Magic Kingdom on Friday and Disney Hollywood Studios on Saturday. We all had a great time. I have never screamed so much for a sixty-second ride in all my life. Fall break with the grandchildren was more than I could ever have imagined, and we have my sister to thank for it.