From the Magic Kingdom
I think it was Dorothy Gail from the Wizard of OZ who once said, “There’s no place like…Florida.” For this Indiana boy and his family, it truly is the vacation state. Not that it has all been vacation, but it sure is good to be back in the sunshine state.
It’s hard to believe that we only have a few more weeks of traveling left. This past weekend we were at the Florida state homeschool convention, which is the Cadillac of homeschooling conventions.
Although it’s not at our favorite Gaylord Palms Resort, the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort aint shabby. But it was blazing hot, and we weren’t able to camp in the Resort parking lot so that made it one of our most difficult ‘locals’ yet.
But the kids had fun and were able to swim, play on giant blow-up toys, and get their faces painted (see Abe and the girls).
Just a quick note to you RVers; we ended up camping at Turkey Lake Park, which is just a few minutes from Universal Studios. It was very nice and inexpensive (nice combo) although the roads were mighty narrow, and I wasn’t sure I was going to get backed into my sight the first night.
For the past couple of days, we’ve been takin’ it easy (or kind of easy) at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (our family favorite campground).
Yesterday, we went to the Magic Kingdom and had a fun time there and today a couple of the older kids and I am going to see Prince Caspian. Tonight, we plan to head over to Downtown Disney where we’ll stroll and soak in the atmosphere.
But the fun has to end, and Friday we start the drive to Des Moines, IA.
Thanks for praying for us. We sure need it. We feel tired but not overwhelmed, and I’m sure the kids will start longing for home soon.
So…five weeks left and counting.
As one fellow Familyman RVer likes to say, “Keep the shiny side up!”
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what nice pictures…if you really want to put some teeth in your newsletter show us the “real” pictures. it is a blessing to have the work of a large family.
It looks like your having a great time. Have you tried The Holy Land Experience – it’s like visiting Jerusalem in Orlando.
I’m looking at your Disney pictures – Beautiful family! – however, that is not why I am writing. I paid particular attention to the last picture. So were is the ear hair? Have you found the perfect answer to men’s age old question – How do I get the hair to grow where I want and not where I don’t.
Enjoy your REAL life, it is fleeting. My children are 20, 18, and 16. Although I don’t feel that I forsook the time I had with them as they were growing up, never the less, the time is waning. Looking forward to grandkids!
Hey Familyman! I flew down to FL from TN just to go to the FPEA convention (and see family and friends) and stopped by your booth when one of the boys was covering it. In fact, now that I think about it, I MET you at the FPEA convention a few years ago and we discovered we grew up near each other and went to rival schools. But I digress… Anyway, while I was at your booth, I didn’t see your wall calendar (it’s my annual ‘must-have’ buy at the convention!) Please tell me you plan to have those for sale this year, otherwise, I’m going to have to go with one of those boring, plain, squared things with no cool tidbits or funny cartoons to brighten my day.
Hey Todd,
Glad to hear you’re having some fun, rest and hard times here in Florida. I’m the guy who called out (maybe too loudly and publicly) to see how your nose hair was doing. This was our second time attending the conference and I enjoyed your session last year and even got 2 books from you. We have a girl and 2 boys, ages 9, 6 & 3. We are just wrapping up our first year of home schooling and God has filled it with joy and His presence even though that doesn’t mean everyday has been easy! We camp at Ft. Wilderness a few times each year so I can relate to that, It’s always a lot of fun. I really enjoy your heart and ministry and believe God is using you to touch the hearts of dads and remind us all of His faithfulness and goodness even when the circumstances and events of the day may try to make us forget. God bless you and your family.
-Ryan Rogers
rrogers@cfl.rr.com
Hey, Todd…
Looking forward to seeing you at Sandy Cove in July for Homeschooler’s Week. Our family of 5 will be there. Thank you for your encouraging emails. I try to tell as many dads in the DC area as I can.
SFC Nathan Sommers (dad to 3 boys (7 yrs/5yrs/3yrs)
US Army Chorus
Todd,I so remember the last time we went to Disney.I recall the one bus driver he told me that it really doesn’t hurt to smile,that way everyone enjoys themself. That was my wake up call. Life is to short to go around upset.. Have a safe ride home.
AL
Love your site! We just returned 5/29 from eight days in WDW too. Had no idea there was a homeschool convention but we did plenty of learning anyhow. learning how to PLAY!!! What a fun place and cherished memories.
Hello Todd,
It was great seeing you again at the Montana H/S convention. How wonderful it is to see your family in this link!!! What a joy to have each other. Our little guy seems so lonely for a bigger family.
We know you must feel tired a lot of the time. How good to hear you don’t feel overwhelmed. You have an amazing ministry and we thank you for your words of encouragement as we try so hard to figure out what a more relaxed home school is with my very structured personality. Oh to bring more relationship to our days.
We lift you up in prayer this day as you continue your road trip. May you and your family est. a craving for God’s Word Deut 6:6-9 and live under God’s hedge of protection Job 1:10. And may the children develop a lasting love for siblings Ps 133:1
God’s grace and blessings to you,
Susan and Jeff Fremont
the wonderful calendar you sent this disabled children’s minister is a godsend my firend and I so appreciate alol you do
We just got home today from a fun week making family cherished memories at Disney. When we received your email about your trip to Magic Kingdom yesterday, a thought of mine was confirmed. I thought I saw you yesterday at MK, but I said, no that can’t be him, BUT IT WAS! I met you and some of your precious family at the homeschool convention in SC last year. Pray you and your family will continue to have a GREAT time making cherished memories and glorifying God as you travel. God bless you!!!
Todd,
Have a safe trip to Des Moines, my hometown. The HS conference there is in my old junior high (and it was my step-father’s as well), though it hasn’t been a public school for almost 30 years (man, I’m getting old!). Blessings on your time there!!
Todd and fam…way to go! Enjoy all the gusto of life and have a blast at WDW. We did that WDW thing last year…had an awesome time. Strongly recommend Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge Htl. Restaurant is awesome for the kids and great food. God’s best to you all!
I really enjoyed reading of your adventures in mouseland. It’s comforting to see that I’m not the only one dealing with crying/ screaming/ fighting/ whatever children. By the way, I never “spar” with my wife. It’s always the “main event” and she’s “undefeated.” Remember James 1:2.
Hey Todd, great pics there of you and the family at WDW! That’s our favorite vacation place in the world. The wife and I (only) are headed there this coming Sunday (6/8). Looks like we’ll just miss you. Blessings to all of you, and have a safe trip.
Wow, such is the life of a world renowned speaker. Oh how our children grow! God Bless and keep up the good work.
Nice job as usual. I’m awe-struck at the photos of your aging children. We were just at our third conference of the year. We missed you in Rochester. Hey, since you’ve got enough cash for Disney, maybe you’re ready to key note on Long Island. We have beeeeaches. We’re still telling the soggy potty book story. Miss you.
Dear Todd and family,
What at beautiful bunch of children you have. We have six children and have never done much traveling with them at least not long distance. I’m curious how you can really cover so many miles with so many in tow. Do you eat out a lot or do you prepare meals in the camper? How do you handle laundry? Just curious. You are truly blessed. Take care.
Marie in NC
It was so nice to run into you and your family at the pretzel factory yesterday. What a small world! I must say, though, it was your hat that fully gave away your identity!
I would have MUCH rather run into you at Walt Disney World. What fun!
You have a lovely family!
Heidi