Disney World

We just got back from a trip to Orlando where we spent three days at Disney World. It's amazing how expensive it was, but it was really fun.

We spent one day at Epcot, one at Hollywood Studios, and one at The Magic Kingdom. Each park was really cool, but what I was most impressed with was the people working there. There seems to be a common vision and passion among the employees, or 'cast members' as they call themselves, to make everyone's visit to the parks a magical experience.

We were in a shop that sells glass and crystal trinkets when someone near us knocked a glass ornament off its shelf and it fell to the floor. It was probably at least $40. A 'cast member' came rushing over, scooped it up, and took it back to her register. Not a word was said to the woman. My wife commented to the employee that in many stores, there is a policy of "you break it, you buy it". The woman's response was, "Oh no, ma'am. This is Disney. We don't do that here." She said it simply, without any pride or ostentation. She was very kind about the whole thing.

That was just one of many examples where we were really impressed with the excellent service and dedication of the parks' employees to making our visit wonderful. I'm still not thrilled with the cost of entry, but there is something magical about a company that can preserve such a wonderful culture and commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction after being in business for so many years.

We took a couple days to relax between park visits. One day, we went to Downtown Disney to look around shops and play. The Lego shop was a big hit with the kids.

Another day, we went to the beach and that was probably my favorite part. There is something magical about the beach for me. It's a place for me to de-stress and connect with the beauty of nature.

We also visited an indoor trampoline place. The kids REALLY enjoyed that.

After being gone for almost a week, it's nice to be home again. I like going away and seeing new things. In fact, one thing I always enjoy doing with Emily, when we have the money to do it, is traveling, especially internationally. But I always enjoy coming home too. It was great to go away and make some memories with the family, but it's nice to be home.

It's All About Love

Last week, I did a little research with two of my kids. I asked child #3 to research a specific university and tell our family a little about it. He did a great job.

With my youngest, I did a little research on average salaries versus education levels. Maybe not the best motive to get an education, but I figured it couldn't hurt to give them an extra reason to go to college.

As we sat down to do the research, she asked, "Why do we have to do this?"

I answered, "Well, we don't have to do it, but I think it's good to learn new things. Learning is really what life is all about." My mind was obviously focused on the importance of education since I was about to try to beat that idea into my kids' heads. 

Without missing a beat, she looked at me with a genuinely confused expression on her face and said, "Really? I thought life was all about loving each other."

I had to acknowledge she was right and said something lame about learning being another really important part. We did the research anyway and both kids did a great job presenting it.

But I've been thinking a lot about my young daughter and her wisdom. Sometimes having kids is really difficult. But sometimes stuff like this happens and I'm left feeling stunned. In a good way. Life is incomprehensible sometimes, but it's also really good.