The timing was right, the money was there - so we did it.
Simulation
Aristotle called signaling it was time. Galileo (me) had to pretend that it was a loud, instructive order from the priesthood to grab our 72 hours kits and evacuate in 10 minutes to meet him in Blackfoot. Some of the kids were even in swimsuits - running through the sprinkler. Shakespeare and Wilberforce were grabbing all kinds of items as I was trying to get the younger kids rounded up and getting out the grab-n-go lists for us to refer to as to what we needed. I was impressed at the speed and clarity of thought that a few of the kids possessed. The sad thing was I knew it was a simulation and I was running around in circles. A few kids were panicked and Washington was going at a less than rushed pace, saying - 'I sure hope this is only a simulation'. Eventually, we grabbed what we could within the 10 minutes and took off down the road. On the hour drive, I explained that Papa couldn't tell me what was going on over the cell phone so we discussed what could possibly be wrong that would require us to evacuate when no one else was taking similar action as well as comparing our situation with similar scenarios in books. When we picked up Aristotle, he was very serious (and a little impatient it took us so long) & told us to drive directly to the airport. Once there, we all got out at the park across from the airport and debriefed and discussed what we can learn from this simulation. You could see the relief sweep over Austen and Hypatia, and confirmed suspicions on the face of Washington, Wilberforce, and Shakespeare. Joan of Arc and Enoch probably didn't think it any different from any time when we are trying to get out the door on time. (Sad story - and we're more frequently late than on time). As it turns out, we missed most of the extra items for Joan of Arc, Hypatia's 72 hour kit, sleeping bags, and all the food. If we had done this mock disaster for a 3-day camp-out (as was originally the plan) we would have been very hungry campers. But we did have ample water, socks and underwear, first aid kits, and towels. I think it was a good thing to practice for an actual emergency as well as an observation how we respond during a crisis and what is truly important to grab.
Shopping
Aristotle announced that we would be going to Lagoon from there and since most of the clothes we brought were a little too small - we were first going shopping for a new outfit. We started with the youngest (excepting Enoch since we had enough for him) and bought new shorts, shirts, shoes, complete with sunhat. Then we went to the next child on through to the parents. By the time we finished finding what each family member wanted/needed we decided to not do the entire family at one time again - exhausting - but it truly was fun since most of our clothing come in the form of garbage bags that some angel of mercy gifted us as they cleaned out their closets.
Sleeping
Some of my children have never experienced sleeping in a hotel and so the novelty of a TV and bathroom in the same room as their bed was quite a neat first. Granted they got to share their bed with a sibling but for the older children, they got the room to themselves (attached to ours of course). As is the case of most hotel visits, very little sleep actually occured, but the adrenaline from the excitement held us over. The next morning, our family practically filled the lobby for the continental breakfast.
Swimming
I know one is supposed to wait an hour after eating before swimming, but we were crunched for time, and since we didn't get to the hotel before the pool closed the night before, we went swimming immediately for about an hour and half. Then we primped and got ready for a fun day at Lagoon.
So Much Fun
After stamping our hands with a bright flourescent ink - and getting our bearings in the amusement park, we entered the first ride. My poor children have never even been to a state fair and except a trip to disney world over 12 years ago (my oldest child was only 6 years old), they have never experienced rides like this before. So it was a good thing we started in kiddieland and the rides were not fear thrillers. Gradually, we increased the magnitude of the rides and I was amused that Wilberforce was consistent at keeping her eyes snapped shut throughout the entire ride and the younger kids were eating it up. She improved over time but it still was amusing. Running from rollercoasters to centrifugal force rides to carousels to ferris wheels, we went from ride to ride to ride. The day was expiring faster than the ground coverage made - so it was agreed that we'd have to come again but instead schedule a 2-day trip. The kids chose to ride 'Wicked' for their last ride and fortunatly it was my turn to stay with the baby cause I'm not sure I wanted to experience that extreme of a roller coaster. Even Aristotle was taken aback by the instant zero gravity free fall (I think he really enjoyed the rush though).
We ended the day by grabbing dinner to eat in the car, fueling up, and starting the long journey back home while being exhausted and full of memories. On the trip down, we played games, laughed, and sweated (something is wrong with my vehicle and the A/C, windows, radio, cruise, & wipers aren't working). On the trip home, we were quiet, cold (sun gone done and one window stuck open, one window stuck closed), and sleepy. It was such a memorable trip and I'm so grateful we did it, even if the money could have been used for more practical uses such as pay bills. It was the right thing to do and our family needed to feel that abundance and freedom in our life.
