A small wrinkle in our transportation; our 757 has become a 737. Our terrific row 15 seats are now row 41. The good news about being in the last row is early boarding (no kid courtesy boarding for Orlando) and no crying kids behind us. It’s all good!

Notice how only one person is smiling here? As we head for Orlando, Jen heads for Shreveport. So, why is she smiling.

66F Sunny Humidity: 50% Wind: NNW at 12 mph Last Updated: 11/21/08 12:05 PM

Clutching our passes to Mickey’s Mega Christmas Spectacular tonight, we are on our way. Another adventure begins!

Saturday night, John Paul II Catholic School had its annual gala and auction. I went this year resolved to not drop last year's princely sum when I brought home my fifth little one: Asta the wonder dog. I couldn't have guessed the evening would open the door to a divine blessing for the Castle Ridge gang.

We'd wanted to do Disney this year for the first time. I'd been planning it since last Christmas. Unfortunately, market events of recent months derailed our plans as I lapsed into financial "safety mode." That was until a live auction item made putting the Mickey train back on its tracks possible.

ITEM 17: A week's use of a condo in Kissimmee–20 minutes from the park–AND tickets on Continental.

You can guess what rooms for four kids and me would run in Orlando, right? And, then there's the airfare. The package, valued at $4,000, had a catch: it's only valid November 21-28 THIS YEAR–just over two weeks from now. I told the folks at my table: I'm bidding once. If it's God's will, I'll win. Period.

Bidding opened. My paddle went up. Bid accepted. The auctioneer solicited. Despite his best efforts, not one paddle went up. Bam, SOLD. First bid, only bid; mine for a song. Even now I'm still amazed at getting it so cheap, let alone getting it at all. Then again, I'm sure there was an angel on my side.

Sunday morning, the kids wanted to know what daddy "won" at the auction. So, I casually ran down a list of little things for them and a gorgeous statue (Mary of Guadeloupe) for me to put out in a planned backyard corner garden. "Is that everything," they asked.  I leaned back and said, "There's one more thing… What would you guys think of going OUT for Thanksgiving this year?"

I love cooking that day–and they know it. Really. It's a treasured household tradition we carry on for Tracey. So, they sensed this extreme deviation had to mean something was up of significance. Where? They asked… "I don't know… what about (long pause) Disneyworld?" Want to guess their reaction?

I may have bought a trip, but I won Father of The Year from my babies.

So, don't be looking for us at home on Turkey day.

We'll be dining with a mouse.