Oh man alive, this has been a week of ups and downs for us…especially the last couple of days. House stuff.

Being a grown up is no fun sometimes.

In an attempt to be positive today, I’m celebrating the fact that we have less than 100 days until we leave for WDW!

{Our chalkboard countdown.}

We are even more excited about this trip than normal. Here’s a few reasons why:

1. It’s our first trip as DVC Members! “Welcome home, Elrod Family!”

2. We are staying another full week at the Wilderness Lodge. That means endless BBQ sandwiches from the Roaring Fork, surrey rides, pool time, and kickin’ it on the balcony with coffee and my love.

3. My parents are staying at the Wilderness Lodge, as well. It’s their first time since I was probably fourteen that they’ve stayed at a Deluxe. I think they are going to be hooked, like they used to be.

4. My friend Stacey is staying at the Wilderness Lodge the same week, too! Stacey and I have been friends since sixth grade. We used to lay in piles of blankets at teenagers on sleepovers, dreaming of getting married to hot guys and having kids at the same time and taking family vacations together… Well, dreams do come true! Jack is excited  because Stacey’s son, Jacob {who is 8 months older than Jack}, just happens to be his best friend, too. I see fun times ahead!

5. We will most likely be annual pass holders. Endless and unlimited entry to all four parks all week year long. ‘Nuff said.

6. We’re still planning on doing Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Candy! Rides! Parades! Shows! Jack said he wants to dress up like Woody or Captain Hook. He can’t make up his mind…

Honorable mentions: Watching Dream Along with Mickey live again, knowing all of the songs and most of the dance moves. Mickey waffles. Jalapeño cheese stuffed pretzels. Did I mention BBQ sandwiches from the Roaring Fork? Breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Wishes. The People Mover. The People Mover lots of times. Buying the car decal for our third child, knowing their gender! Buying official DVC merchandise, just because. Taking the boys’ Wilderness Lodge totem pole “growth chart” picture.

There is so much we are looking forward to, I could go on and on. And I’ve got to admit, thinking about these things has really lifted my spirits.

Less than 100 days to go. Whoopieee!

With love, Malorie