Going to Disneyworld....

When we made the decision to adopt our sixth (Joseph) and potentially seventh (Zoya) children, I vividly remember sitting down with and explaining to our children that adopting more special needs children meant sacrificing certain things, like sports activities, eating out, and fun vacations like Disneyworld. We wanted to make sure everyone was on board before we took the plunge. I was so proud when they all unanimously picked adoption over Disneyworld!

Eight months later, I want to say I am extremely proud of my children for embracing and loving three new siblings. There have been unexpected challenges, and some trying times these past few months. For the most part the kids have been patient and understanding.  I have spent many, many hours talking to and driving to and from doctor's offices, pharmacies. hospitals. I have spent countless hours fighting insurance battles, ordering medical supplies, and running up to the school to resolve behavior issues or forgotten lunch boxes. Many homeschooling days went out the window when we had to take someone to urgent care or to an emergency visit to Little Rock. My kids have given up social engagements and free time on more than a few occasions to help out with the little ones. And really, they have all been pretty great about it all.

So when my parents emailed a couple of months ago, and said they wanted to come up for a week or two to watch Ava, Joseph and Zoya, we did not refuse. They said they had spent time bonding with the other four while we were in Ukraine adopting J and Z, and now they wanted to bond with the three little ones while the rest of us took a little partial-family getaway. How could we say no!

Free childcare for the little ones by loving grandparents, coupled with a free time share in Orlando given to us by sweet friends.....

Where else would we go but the Most Magical Place on Earth...

We are going  to Disneyworld after all! 

(Of course I keep feeling a bit of Mom-guilt over not taking the whole family, but then I visualize the sensory overload behaviors, the sunburned bald head, the pants-wetting, the diaper changing, and I realize they will have way more fun with Opa and Oma, swimming in the baby pool at home anyway. I'm sure we'll be back someday when they can all appreciate and enjoy it.)

My dad has planned out our whole trip because that is what my dad does best. He's planned all kinds of cool and educational things along the way: Eating with old friends, seeing the birth place of Hellen Keller, visiting the famous Civil War POW camp in Andersonville, GA, seeing alligators, and experiencing the ancient Spanish city of St. Augustine, Fl.

Meanwhile, while we are galavanting all over America, my parents will be holding down the fort, changing diapers, toting children to school, giving tube feedings, administering medicine, collecting poop samples, and even caring for baby chicks and bottle feeding this little abandoned sweetie that was just given to us after losing our cat several weeks ago. They said they are up for the challenge. What awesome grandparents!

Mom and Dad, and Frikkie and Tina, we are so grateful and humbled by your kindness and generosity to our family. The kids can hardly wait to experience Disneyworld for the first time!  I guess I should be honest and say I'm pretty excited too! Thank you for making it possible!