We just returned from a wonderful spring break trip to Florida. All year we had no plans to travel, but then last month I found ridiculously low airfare – so low that it could not be ignored – so low that it was cheaper than driving! – so we decided to book the trip. I am so glad we did, because we all needed a break from Chicago’s dreariness.

And we all needed some quiet time together.

The kids have been asking about Disney World for a while. Most of their friends have been fortunate enough to go, and stories about it buzz around school. But, Chris and I did not want to go. Like, not at all. So, we came up with a roundabout compromise: a few days at a beach on a sleepy Gulf island…and a few days at Disney. It turned out to be the perfect trip that really was two trips in one.

On Sanibel Island we followed a rickety boardwalk to the beach:

And we rented bikes and toured the island:

And we hunted for lizards:

On the third day we said goodbye to our humble beach resort and journeyed three hours north to Orlando. But, on the way we were sure to stop and have some fun at an old fashioned tea room in Arcadia:

Once in Orlando, the quietness of our vacation quickly vanished and we were allowed to be noisy once again. The kids loved finally checking out the Magic Kingdom:

And our off-Disney hotel had late-night movies by the pool!

As I tucked Mack into bed after a day of Disney and a night of swimming to a movie while eating ice cream, he looked at me and said, “Mom, this was the greatest day.”

Sigh.

Kids are only little for a little while, and I am grateful we had the chance to take them on this trip. It was a whirlwind five days that I will always, always remember.

My little family. How I love them so!