76 Trombones and a Universal Weekend
Yesterday I somehow got the song, “76 Trombones” stuck in my head and now I am going to have to find myself a support group for people who are tortured by Broadway. Add to it the fact that I only know the first 2 lines and after that I go into a mumbling sort of hum that makes my brain try to reach back into 4th grade when I may or may not have actually known the words.
And that, my friends, pretty much sums up the way my brain works. All day everyday. A song pops into my head for no particular reason, I can’t stop humming it until I am singing it at the top of my lungs around the house except with the wrong words.
This will be SO.MUCH.FUN for the 65 new friends plus their families that get to spend the weekend with me over Labor Day. Some of my kids and I are heading to Orlando next week where we get to build memories and enjoy meeting some super-cool people.
We’ll be attending the Family Forward Universal Orlando Adventure and it will be a blast! I know we will have a great time not because of the inevitable rain leftover from Hurricane Erika or the plethora of other Broadway melodies swimming around in my head, but because it is sponsored by some companies that will bring the beauty out of any moment!
This brilliant event is intended to bring bloggers together WITH their families and focuses on not only fun, but working as a team and doing community service. I can’t wait to see all we will learn together about the Children’s Miracle Network and how to really make the most of our families’ service to others.
Second, we will be staying at…..wait for it….the gorgeous Loews Royal Pacific Resort where I will not only be enjoying the beautiful views, but I may just make the visit complete for other fellow exercisers in the fitness center as I uncontrollably hum songs from The Music Man while on the treadmill. You’re welcome Loews guests.
My kids will be so proud.
And ashamed.
Which is possibly going to be my favorite part of the whole trip.
We are excited about visiting Universal Studios and seeing what they’ve got going on. I have been doing my research (aka Pinterest) and learning about Beer Butter and the need for ponchos and how to manage the ride lines. Of course I have already planned what essential oils to have onhand and how to keep my big thighs from causing a heap o’trouble (which let’s face it, happens when you’re a big girl doing a lot of walking in a humid environment).
And with 4 of the kids going along, we have planned the whole budget for the trip and each of us knows the entire agenda from the moment we leave for the airport until we pull back in the driveway 6 days later. Sometimes I like to surprise the kids with things when we travel, but this time I thought they would enjoy it more if they got to make most of their own decisions and have control over their spending. For the few meals that are not provided with the event, I gave them each a budget. They can spend it any way they want. And they worked last weekend rebuilding our back deck to earn money for any extras or souvenirs.
My goal for this time we are spending together is to let them make their own decisions, learn, meet new people and oh yes…..do a few promotions for my book, Mama Needs a Do-Over: Simple Steps to Turning a Hard Day Around, 
And if you have any great Universal Studios tips head over to my Facebook page and continue the conversation.
Lastly, please accept my apology for sticking “76 Trombones” in your brain. Hopefully the adorable Ronnie Howard image from the movie below makes up for the annoying wordless song.
