It was now December 18th.

Paul was scheduled to fly into Asheville on the 21st and on the 23rd we would leave for Disney. Isabella was arriving home on the 19th and Liam was slated to be out of classes on the 21st as well. I was already packing, as I was terribly excited about our nine-day stay at Disney. We would be there thru the New Year's Holiday.

The next few days were a whirlwind as I helped the children pack and get ready for the holiday. We made several trips to the mall and other places like Kohl's to get some extra "duds" for the trip. Animal Kingdom Lodge had plenty to offer, and we had all purchased "Park-Hopper" passes so that we would have upgraded access to all rides and Disney properties.

On the morning of the 23rd at 6:30 AM, we boarded the plane at Charlotte International. We had stayed the nite before at Aloft. It is quite the hotel, seemingly lit up with neon lights; supposedly for the "young and hip" business traveler. The children enjoyed it more than Paul and I, as they liked that sort of thing. I guess it is a small and minor generational difference.

The plane ride was smooth and short. By 9:00 AM, we were on the tarmac taxiing toward the gate. Our luggage arrived safely as well, which it seemed was always and issue when Brady and I had traveled. I had learned in my mature years to always pack a days worth of clothes in case the fortunate circumstance of the absence of a bag took place.

We were greeted in a Lincoln Town Car. Our name was embossed in permanent marker and a taxi driver waiting as Paul had arranged a private car. He was sweet to do so, and it also made me feel a level of comfort; as Brady had always done that sort of thing. While we did not vacation often enough; when we did, we did so in style.

Our arrival at Animal Kingdom Lodge was a monumental one. Having never been the kids were enthralled by this monstrosity of a resort. The African influence, the exposed wooden beams and the pure enormity of the place seemed unimaginable, even for me.

We had booked a room on the third floor purposefully so that we would be closer in height to the animals such as the giraffe and elephant. Monkeys were abound in the trees; and while we were not close enough to feed the giraffes, they seemed bigger than life and it felt as though we were "in the jungle". We all took short naps, and then it would be time to prepare for dinner.