Florida, here we come!

We're leaving for our ACTUAL vacation in less than 48 hours. This will be Andy's and my first real vacation since getting married six years ago. We didn't even really have a honeymoon. So this is big. This is major. And I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Every once in awhile the excitement just bubbbles up inside me and I inadvertently let out a squeak. Honest to goodness. I can't help myself.

Just to give you an idea of how often we leave the good 'ole state of Minnesota, I won a prize at MOMS for being the woman in the room (there were about 100 other women there) who had gone the longest without a vacation. It started with all of us standing. And then if it had been more than a month since your last vacation you could sit down. And then two months. And then three months. And then six. And then a year. You get the idea! Well, I was the ONLY one left standing when we were to remain standing if it had been more than 2 years since your last vacation. Ouch.

Last summer (2008) we went to Illinois for my cousin's wedding. Before that my darling husband hadn't left the state of Minnesota since another wedding in IOWA the summer of 2004!!! Yes. 2004.

So then. Now that you understand my deep NEED for a vacation, aren't you so happy for me??? I've been encouraged to keep my expectations low in case the weather doesn't cooperate or in case all that Florida fun just doesn't live up to my high standards. But you've got to understand, just the fact that we're GOING makes me happy and when we land in Florida it will be VICTORY!!! I don't care if we sit around the pool at the resort and do nothing. I'm just so thrilled that the four of us will be on a vacation together, taking pictures, making memories and spending a week in temperatures above freezing!

But of course we have big plans for our week down in sunny, scenic Florida and I just wanted to share some of the advice that I've received from friends in case you have your own vacation in the works.

There are some neato websites that are really helpful:
A Baby's Best Friend allows you to rent things like strollers, bumbo chairs, exersaucers, potty seats, cribs, microwaves, bathtubs, high chairs, swings, and a plethora of other baby essentials that will allow you to have the comforts of home during your vacation. And the best part is, they deliver your order right to your hotel and pick it up when you're done!! This website is changing my life.
Jet Set Babies is somewhat similiar in that you can buy things like baby food, formula, diapers, shampoo, etc and they will ship it to you worldwide!
All Ears was useful for finding very specific information about the resort we're staying at. But they cover TONS of stuff - dining, resorts, theme parks, etc.
Mousesavers has the inside scoop on how to get deals and discounts for all things Disney.
Magicard can get you discounts on accommodations, dining, transportation, shopping, etc. Our magicard came in the mail today. I'll let you know if it actually saves us any money. =)
Disney World - Did you know that you can print or order FREE customized maps of each of the four Disney theme parks??? Not to mention the fact that Disney's website is magical and makes me want to be there right now.

I hope some of that might come in handy for you! I don't know if there will be another post before we leave or during our trip. So if not, I'll see you when we get back. And hopefully I'll be tan and uber refreshed from my first vacation in more than six years!

WE'RE OUTTA HERE!!!