Best Day Ever!!!

Well, the blog has been dry for a couple of days, and that might be because I have been worn out and utterly exhausted from all the Disney goodness. Today, however, is the best day every! Why you might ask? Well, if you ask Liam, he'll tell you it's not the best, because we are leaving Disney today. ☹️ But, I say, today is the Best Day Ever because, we have completed a successful family trip with only minor complications. A lost wallet at Hollywood Studios, and a lost backpack at the resort, both were recovered, but without the cash, yet, that's not important. What is important is that Team South has done it again. Even through the tiredness, hangriness, fussiness, and extreme heat, we completed our tour of the world of Disney!!!! 

But, those are just the superficial elements of our success. The true reason why today is the Best Day Ever is because of the decision and ultimate action that Liam completed today. Liam decided before we left on this trip that he wanted to be baptized. We talked about going to Church and doing it there, but we talked more and he said he really wanted to see if we could do it somewhere unique and memorable.  We decided on our pool at Disney. So today, as we began to leave the park, we went into the shops and purchased the all important shorts needed to complete the task. (We had already packed everything and sent it to the airport). So we changed in the public restroom and went to the pool in the 'Cars' area of the resort, and the two of us climbed down into the warm saltwater. Immediately, I started to notice a pink ring forming around Liam, his new shorts were "bleeding" into the water. I thought to myself, I need to hurry up, or the whole pool will be red. After we competed the baptism, we all sat on the side and prayed over Liam, and I noticed the red ink from his new shorts was running down his legs and leaving red stains on the concrete. It made me start to think about the blood that Jesus poured down from the cross. His blood ran and covered over all the sins of the world, while this stain was only covering my sons legs. He still has red streaks down his leg, and he look like he has been truly covered in blood, which of course, he has. How much do I wish that I could always have that physical reminder that I have been covered I the blood. How amazing is it that a pair of red Mickey Mouse shorts would turn out to be the most amazing reminder of the sacrifice that we were comemorating. 

So today is the Best Day Ever because we were all able to witness the life death and rebirth of Jesus and Liam through the transcendent act of Baptism; and the literal staining of the "blood." 

So, even though our trip is coming to a close (we are flying to Atlanta as I type). The journey is just beginning. Liam's journey in Christ is just beginning to take shape, and our own walks with God are now propelled to even greater depths of relationships, by witnessing this amazing and truly spirit filled event. 

- Dad 

Epcot rain traditions continue

Tuesday is in the book and along with it so is the continued tradition of Epcot rainy days. The rain did hold off long enough for us to complete the majority of our quests through future world and the world showcase, but the day ended soggy. The family was in need of some much needed rest, so we headed back to the resort at 9 instead of watching illuminations in the lightning filled skies. The Lightning might have added a whole new dimension, but we decided that rest was in order. 

This morning Gina begins her conference, so much of today will be a Daddy, kids day at Abimal Kingdom. I am cheating though, because I also decided to make it a sleep in morning, as I write, all the kids are still sleeping. I have great confidence that the extra measure of rest will be beneficial to the much needed attitude adjustment of our party! Well, not the entire party per se, but at least the select ones that need to go back and read yesterday's post. Ok, yes I'm talking to myself here. Yesterday, was a better day in some respects and still a family challenge in others. Mini battles are being fought on every front. The battle of the sunscreen, the battle of the hair, the battle of the stroller, the battle of the banned words, the battle of hangriness, (not sure that's really a word, but let's say it is) and let us not forget the battle of the flip flops!!!! Today is a new day, today is going to be a win for Team South! Go Team!

Now that the pep talk is over, it's off the collect the laundry and eat some breakfast, once I wake everyone up of course! Thank you God for new days and for family traditions!

-Dad

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭NIV

Tuesday's thoughts about Monday!

It's Tuesday morning. Up and ready to go again. Hope our feet are ready soon! Today we go to Epcot. My favorite park. I love the international world showcase. I love seeing glimmers of what God set into motion. The world he made and the people he loves that have spread all over the world are on display for all to see. The friendliness that the cast members express to everyone who comes to visit is a reminder that we all need to show the Love of God to all those we encounter each day. Yesterday, we began our day with a fight and fit, but Team South worked hard to help each other have a great day. We witnessed parents and kids fighting before we could even have our morning picture taken at the castle. It changed my attitude. I was frustrated with the behaviors that I was trying to change in others, and realized that I need to focus on my own attitude. Once I realized that I was part of the problem, I knew that I had to change. It was and still is not easy, but today while we are touring the world showcase or flying over the world on Soarin' I hope to look to God for strength and I will praise him for the reminders that he has placed all right in front of me. 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

-Dad

Day one - Travel Day

Today I wake trying to remember what all happened yesterday. It is all a blur, but then hints of the memories begin to flood back in. I can't believe what all we did yesterday. We woke up at 4:30, eastern time, but that was really a lie in our brains. We knew it was really only 3:30. After a quick shower each and a thoroughly good search of our room for all belongings, we headed to our park and ride location for our bus ride to the airport. (Wally Park is very quick and efficient). 

Then we arrived at the airport, Gina got searched, as usual, then our flights took place. Highlight of the flights were the following: Team South can be early when we work together, the trick to getting Juliet to fall asleep peacefully is to descend for landing in a plane. (Does the trick every time). Now if we just had a personally plane every night!!!!

Upon arrival in Orlando, we magically expressed to our resort, online check in is a must-do! I received a text telling us our room was ready, so we went straight to the room and checked it out! We packed our swim wear in our carry ons, so we went for a dip in the big blue pool! (Underwater music is cool, but can be dangerous if you stay under to hear the song for too long!)

A storm hit next, so we changed clothes and ran through the torrential downpour to the bus for Disney Springs. Bongo's was calling out names, and apparently begging Juliet to come on in and fall asleep. I guess it reminded her of a plane landing, she slept through the whole  meal, then woke up hangry, we shopped a bit, then headed back to the AoA resort and crashed. (Except for Juliet who was on her third or fourth wind of the day). 

Now, we are up and about to head out to the Magic Kingdom. We again are working together to arrive early, so we can see the opening. 

-Dad

SWA 322

So, we just got off of our flight to RDU, and are now waiting for the plane to Orlando. This was Liam's first flight, and when asked for comments, he said "flight was good." As well as rating it an 8/10. It was a good, quick flight with little to no turbulence. It also gave us a great view! 

--The Crispin South 

Sunday Morning Devotional

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:3-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

http://bible.com/111/2pe.1.3-8.niv

I love knowing that by God's divine power He has given us everything we need to live a Godly life. I certainly needed all those divine qualities this morning as I was specially selected for a "random" extra security check in TSA's Pre-Check process. I was escorting Juliet and Liam through the short line and Jason had Duncan and Crispin in the long line. Juliet and Liam were perfect, and waited patiently off to the side. I, however, had to draw on all my God-given resources of self-control and perseverance. We made it to our gate safely AND early, which is miraculous in and of itself. 

South Fam, I am proud of us for making it this far! I'm praying today that we hold His Word in our hearts this week, and that He shows us ways to be effective and productive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ! 💜

I love you all, and AWESOME job on your cooperation today. 😊-Mom

A Full Work Day

All I can say is wow. We just spent 9 exhausting hours packing for Disney. After being woken up, we discussed plans regarding what to wear on which days. Also, the house needed a cleaning, so we ended up spending an 8-5 work day packing, cleaning, and getting ready all around. After hours of packing and cleaning, we got in the car, drove up to Atlanta, and are now in the hotel room. Looking forward to flying tomorrow! I expect the SCHNC and the AFHLCRC to be deployed in full force tomorrow, as it will be the day of many airports. Oh yeah, and Liam is dying his hair orange... Aaaannnnd, Duncan is dying his hair green. So, yeah there's that. Take it how you will. 

--The Crispin South