The Vacation That Almost Wasn't: Pre-Trip Report

Before I tell you about our next trip, let me tell you a bit about the trip that will never be.  In February 2016 I said to Rob, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could just pack up the kids in the camper and be gone the whole month?"  He was deployed at the time and we were both craving some warm-weather family time.  In July, we bought the Four Winds and my dream became an actual plan.  

Our idea was to set off around the end of January, make our way to Orlando for 9 days, then a week in the Keys, then swing through Jacksonville, Florida on our way home.  We had all the reservations made and I was starting a packing list.  Then we got the bright idea to list our house and move in October.  The problem was, our house sold in 2 days and we couldn't find somewhere to live that quickly.  So we moved into the Four Winds.  

The house that we found was amazing, but required a lot of work.  During the buying process it started to seem impossible, so we cancelled our Amazing Migration.  We would not be going south for the winter.  Christmas came, and we got all settled into our new house.  Projects everywhere we turned.  It was cold out.  I hit the wall, nearly burning out between getting the old house ready to sell, moving out and into the camper, then into the new house.  We wanted something warm to look forward to.  

Lovely view out our bedroom window. I will happily exchange this for some sun and sand!

Rob still had his annual two week vacation in January, but it was too late to revive the Amazing Migration.  We tossed around just going to Disney World, but even that didn't seem warm enough.  Luckily, I stumbled upon a Disney Cruise with a military discount leaving out of Miami.  Sign us up!  

Who books a cruise last minute? We do! We do!

It's going to be an amazing 5 days on the Disney Magic.  We were very excited.  Then Rob had a long cold trip and he announce, "We are going 4 days early."  You don't have to tell me twice! I had a hotel booked in one of our favorite places, Key Largo, before you could say 'frostbite.'

So on top of fixing the house, these last few days have been full of making sure the kids have enough shorts that still fit and researching port options. Plus, I've put the Cricut that Santa brought me to good use. 

Not to spoil the surprise, but I won't be the only person wearing a shirt like this!

Here's our plan of attack.  Look for more detailed blog posts in the weeks to come! 

• Wednesday, January 11- Fly to Miami and drive to the Keys
• Thursday through Saturday- enjoy the warm Keys weather and some favorite places
• Sunday- Board the Disney Magic for a 5 night cruise including 2 sea days, Grand Cayman and Disney's Castaway Cay
• Friday, January 20- Fly home.