Notes from a Disney Cruise
These children are the most amazing people we know. If you’re thinking, “they must not know many people.” we confidently respond, “you don’t know these kids.” They are a constant source of joy and amazement.
A few weeks ago, I picked PinkGirl up from school and she cried all the way home. Recognizing that she was exhausted, I carried her straight to bed when we arrived home. She cried and said, “I’m not tired.” over and over again, but within a minute after laying her down in her bed, she was asleep. FirstHusband was out of town and it was Monday, so I was supposed to teach at UCF at 7:30 p.m. The babysitter arrived at 6:45 p.m. and I went upstairs to wake PinkGirl for dinner. She immediately began to cry when she woke up, but I carried her downstairs anyway. I put her on the counter, looked into her eyes and said, “PinkGirl, honey, what’s the matter?” to which she replied (still crying, pitifully) “I . . . don’t . . . know!” pause. “Can you tell me mommy?” “Tell you what, sweetheart?” “What’s the matter.”
We went on a Disney cruise last week. At dinner the first night, FavoriteSon was great. After he had eaten, he said, “This is the politest I’ve ever been. I’m even doin the pinky thing.” He then picked up his glass, lifted a pinky and took a drink. It was less than 30 seconds later that FirstHusband saw the ice cream in FavoriteSon’s hair.
At the same dinner, PinkGirl was saying the prayer. Not an easy thing for a three year old to do. Think about it. On a Disney boat, on Halloween, after trick or treating, in the Animator’s Palate restaurant (where black and white sketches of Disney characters transform into color while you eat). She’s supposed to bow her head and pray. She did pray. With her head up and her eyes open. She said, “Dear God, nank you for dis day on the Disney boat and - ARIEL JUST CHANGED COLOR!!!! LOOK!!! LOOK!!! SHE’S COLOR!!!!” We figure God is a good kid interpreter. “ARIEL JUST CHANGED COLOR!!!! LOOK!!! LOOK!!! SHE’S COLOR!!!!” means, “Thank you God, this is awesome!!!”
FavoriteSon, on the Disney boat was talking about his wireless adapter for his GameBoy. “I could be playing with anyone and not even know who they are!!!” He’s quiet for a few minutes, contemplating that possibility. Then, he says, “Here’s my plan.” pause. longer pause. “I don’t have a plan.”
