I was 7. The trip was my First Holy Communion present – or just conveniently timed so the two events are linked in my mind. My memories of the religious ceremony are hazy – fever hazy – a white dress with a pink sash, a flower wreath settled on foam-curler ringlets, a honey ham, all my relatives.
I didn’t feel well. I didn’t want honey ham or jello mold or even dinner mints I’d have to sneak off the tray. I tried telling my mom – but she was busy changing a diaper or taking lemon squares out of the oven. Dad was talking and making drinks – he told me to run along and play.
I stumbled along and played, but without my usual impish vigor. After all the guests left I collapsed – pretty dress, curled hair, flower wreath and all – on the kitchen floor.
Chicken pox!
But we already had the trip planned – non-refundable flights, vacations forms completed and homework collected, park tickets. So I went to Disney and spread love and germs on Small World. My spots were natural camouflage on the Jungle Cruise
This trip I wasn’t contagious. It was quick; a last minute surprise getaway from St. Matt for our 5th Anniversary.* On the 4th of July St. Matt wanted to get to the park early and stay late to see the fireworks. Since we both know that I was not going to be able to handle 14 hours of straight ride-riding, it was a given I’d pack a book.
But which? I’d packed four different paper volumes and loaded a bunch onto Gilbert in preparation for the trip. Since I couldn’t make up my mind, I brought three: Tenth Grade Bleeds, Eyes Like Stars and Prophesy of the Sisters.
As we ferried over to the Magic Kingdom at 8:00 AM, I had a brainstorm. No, an inspiration. I had three great books by three fabulous authors, I was going to the most magical place in the world…. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!**
It was like a reverse scavenger hunt. Instead of finding the books, I was finding fun places to photograph them. I scrambled all over the park feeling gleeful and mischievous. We got a few curious looks, but no one stopped or questioned us.
Of course, there was also ride-riding and confection eating and even some pausing to do some actual reading.
And there were fireworks too!
The only downside of the whole day was:
But this just means we’ll have to come back again soon.
*Have I mentioned lately that I have the BEST husband ever?
**St. Matt balked for all of 3 seconds, but I threatened him with the Tiki Room if he didn’t participate.
Wow a blog post written in the future? Interesting ;)
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds like a blast. I giggled at your reverse photo scavenger hunt!
Why does your copy of Prohesy look totally diff than mine? Mine looks like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Sisters-Michelle-Zink/dp/0316027421
This totally made me LOL! Thanks so much for taking my book on vacation.
ReplyDeleteI'm a terrible book parent and have no time for a summer vacation. My poor book would have sat home, bored, all summer long.
Plus, now my scrapped ARC cover is immortalized at Disenyyyyy!
:D
Space Mountain was...CLOSED???
ReplyDelete*lip quivers*
This is so weird because I was sick in Disney World too!! I don't remember what I had, only beach + fever = NO fun for a five year-old. :( We visited the Disney Medical Station. :P But luckily this all happened AFTER I'd ridden Space Mountain at least three times. :D :D My 5yo self guarantees its awesomeness bb, you MUST go back!!
T.O.T. - we will have to plan a reverse scavenger hunt next time we're together :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle - I think I'll try using the updated cover as an excuse to go back! I mean, with Space Mountain closed and the new cover, that's totally enough justification for a another trip *wink*
Emily - I know! It's my favorite ride too! Between the two of us, I wonder how many Disney visitors were infected in the mid-80's. We should tag-team St.S and St.Matt and get them to plan a joint-trip. Oh, the mischief that would result *grins*