Just before the ping of the in-flight seatbelt light, I got an
unexpected message from my kids’ iPad. It said, "Thank you for all of
this!!! I love you. Love, Stanley." My precious 8-years-old, with never a
glimmer of altruism in his long list of defining character traits, was thanking
me in advance for just the promise of fun that would unfold during our first
trip to Orlando, Florida. It was a simple gesture but weighted with the genuineness
of his heart which resonated within mine as I embarked for the first time alone
on an unknown adventure with my three children.
I am not going to lie. I saved all year to take my children to
Universal Studios and with some trepidation, I looked forward to rewarding them
for all their hard work, patience, and growth over the last year. Could I do it
on my own? Would my own stress get the best of me? I worried that it might. But
I wanted to take this time with my children now, while they were young enough
to enjoy it and old enough to appreciate it.
At 6am on Monday morning, we made our way with carry-on roller suitcases
in each one of our hands to drop our car at the Fast Park. Henry (11), Audrey
(9), and Stanley (8) were too excited to sleep the night before and giddy with
excitement. We arrived an hour before our 8am departure, passed easily through
the security checkpoint and waited at the gate. In a flash, we were seated on
the plane, Stanley nestled in right beside me, with Aud and Hen next to each
other seated just a row ahead of us. And in what seemed like a blink, we were
descending and heading towards the Loews Pacific Hotel on the Universal
property.
The first bolt of excitement came with the room keys which worked
in the hotel and both of the parks we were visiting (Universal Studios and
Island of Adventure). I put $50 on each key which gave them the freedom and
responsibility to pay their own way during our four-day stay. If they wanted a
churro or dip-n-dots or even a small souvenir, then they could buy it without
question or permission, but not without consequence. They knew if they used up
all their money on the first day, the subsequent days would be devoid of sweet
pleasures. And as much as I would love to shower my children with all that they
desire, sadly I don’t have a money tree growing in my backyard. The children
were excited for the challenge and used their newfound responsibility with
great care and wisdom throughout the trip.
The first day was spent exploring the beautiful hotel and swimming
at the goliath pool with a volleyball net, poolside food service, a water gun
station, and activities and music happening all around us. Henry and I got
second place in the water balloon toss, Stanley and I played keep-it-up for
hours in the pool, and Audrey won the hula hoop competition against some pretty
stiff competition. I was practically moved to tears watching the confidence and
fearlessness of Audrey as she battled it out. I was so proud of my
girl.
Over the next few days we took in all that Universal Studios,
Island of Adventure, Citywalk, and Sea World had to offer. We Express Passed
our way to the head of almost every line and saw every dolphin, whale, and pet
show on the menu. The Popeye ride at Island of Adventure was our favorite with
The Mummy at Universal Studios coming in a close second. My kids had boundless
energy and I tagged along for the ride. It was good to see them so happy and
carefree. There were so many hilarious moments like when we were watching a trapeze
artist flying over the dolphin show and Stanley turned to me and said, “Hey mom,
that woman is like 85 years old.” And he was pretty perceptive because she was
definitely older, yet still elegantly gliding through the air. Audrey’s
response to his unabbreviated observation was, “Well, I hope I can do that when
I am 80.”
On the last day, we strolled and danced our way down the walkway
from the Island of Adventure to the hotel. I told my children how proud of was
of them and how deserving they were of this adventure. I told them that I loved
them and that I do my best to be the best mommy for them because that is what
they deserve. Stanley’s reply, “You are perfect mommy.” We all picked a flower
off the path and threw it in the river along the pathway with a parting wish. Henry
wished for a happy summer, Stanley wished for a safe trip home, and Audrey
refused to tell her wish. I, too, tried to keep my wish a secret, but my
children know me too well and guessed it before I had time to deny telling them. “We
know what you wish for mom. It’s always the same. Health and happiness for your
family.”
