Have you ever had an adventure or experience you enjoyed so much that, when it was over, it felt bittersweet? Like, that was the greatest thing ever…but…I’m sad that it’s over, and can we please turn back time and do it again?

Because that is me right now. We spent a few days at Disney World (I know, I know, Disney again, but no apologies because it’s our happy place, and I promise this isn’t another Disney World post) with Justin and Allie and both grandkids, and it was like my favorite trip ever. It was, dare I say, perfect. So perfect that when it was over, I had a few tears.

The weather was perfect, and the crowds at the parks were manageable. It was just me, Bill, and Ainsley the first day, and she was so well-behaved and such a joy to be with. Gosh, I love age 4! She’s young and innocent enough to believe whatever you tell her (Mickey Mouse brings a little present to good girls who go right to bed…) yet old enough to talk and have her own opinions. (“I’m not afraid of that dog!” when referring to the Slinky Dog roller coaster that she rode like a little daredevil.)

The next day, when Justin and Allie joined us, the Disney gods smiled upon us all. We scored lounge chairs at the pool that remained in the cool shade all day. Landon napped well by the pool, undisturbed by excited, splashing kids. We had a really good dinner. (If you’ve ever eaten Disney food, you know that is an anomaly.) Nobody was tired, cranky, or sick. There were no blisters, bug bites, or any ailments. It was nothing but joy all around.

Justin grew up a Disney World kid and never lost his love for the place, and it makes me happy to see him want to share that with his kids and start new rituals and routines with Ainsley - like the giant lolly she insists on (But of course you can eat it at 9:30 am!) and the Frozen toys she wanted so bad (Of course The Lady will buy them for you!), or the new Mickey Mouse ears. (Frozen themed, of course, and she wore them every minute of every day.) Reading Sophie Mouse books before bed. Looking forward to snuggling in the bed that pulls out of the wall. So many rituals and routines. So many memories made.

I don’t ever forget how lucky I am to have these experiences. First with Justin and now with grandkids. We have a running joke in this family about bananas at Disney World circa 1999, which we still all make it every trip. And now we have new jokes and new routines with a new generation.

When I think about that, and as I’m writing this, I feel both joy and a weird feeling I cannot identify, which makes me cry, but not in a sad way. What is that? Nostalgia? A subtle ache at what has passed? Both? Plus, the contrast between then and now. And the awareness that time moves on. It feels like part comfort and part mourning.

When you get older, you realize that that damn clock is ticking louder and faster, and it is so important to enjoy Every. Single. Moment.

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