X Marks The Spot...That spot is Walt Disney World!

So, we're taking a trip to Disney World! But Jason and I have not told the boys that we're going. We wanted to surprise them. So, for a few weeks we've been formulating our grand plan of how we're going to surprise them! Here's what we came up with:

First, I found a vintage-type photo of Florida on the internet. I expanded the image to 8.5x11 size. I had envisions of it being printed on old, stained paper. However, I only had bright white. So, I dug around in an old memorabilia binder and found a high school National Honor Society certificate. PERFECT color!!! And the backside was blank...PERFECT! After I printed the map on the backside, I crumpled, and crumpled some more, then burned some of the edges and a couple of holes into the paper. We marked the map X on the spot! The "spot" being Walt Disney World!



We then rolled the map and placed it in, none other than an Abita Root Beer bottle and sealed it with a cork. We had this for a few days until we could find a chance to make it out to the beach. So, finally last night, we were able to squeeze some time at the beach. Jason distracted, and I threw the bottle in (nevermind the fact that glass is probably not allowed...whoops). It was James that noticed it first as we looked for hermit crabs. He yelled, "There's a CUP!" Jack promptly took over as the one that REALLY found it first and went after the bottle.





Jack didn't know WHY there was a bottle in the water. We explained to him why there may be a bottle floating in the water. That sometimes people leave messages in bottles in hopes that someone else will find it one day. This got him VERY curious and he soon discovered there WAS a message rolled up inside!



Jack was thrilled to find the old map inside. He said he thinks there's a treasure where the "X" is! And he eventually figured out that it was a map of the state of Florida.



James was even amazed with the discovery of the map inside the bottle!





Jack was so excited! As we walked back to our car, he told me how lucky he felt that it was our family found that bottle. I LOVE the ages of our boys! This is the kind of stuff Jason and I dreamed of doing with our kids. We love those boys like crazy...and are blessed beyond belief!

So, the next thing that will happen, is the letter that will arrive two days before we leave. It will be addressed to the whole family and will have the following note inside (notice the initials are of Mickey Mouse):



The next day, we will stumble upon the first clue. It will include instructions on finding a place for Potter to stay while we're gone and someone to care for the cats. It will also have a picture of something that we'll hang onto to help us figure out where we're going:



Departure morning, another clue will randomly pop up (maybe under one of their pillows)? This one will help get us started on the road (thanks to Lightning McQueen).



This next clue we'll find when we stop for lunch and sit down to eat...just like when Bell sat down to eat in Beauty & The Beast!



The last clue we'll find at another stop for gas or a potty break. By this point, if Jack hasn't already figured it out, he will once he gets this last piece to the puzzle from Nemo!



We're so excited to be bringing the boys to such a magical place! And making the journey magical, fits right along with the adventure we have in store! Love it!