June 1 – “Mickey’s Surprise”

Finally.  This has now officially been approved for publication.  It occurred back during our vacation in Disneyworld, but by special request has been under wraps since then. 

One of the special arrangements Christi made for us was a chance to see Mickey Mouse.  And this was the special Mickey Mouse.  The only one in the park who could actually speak and move his mouth and blink his eyes.  We were surprised when he started talking, but that wasn’t the only surprise ol’ Mickey had up his sleeve.

After the obligatory photo ops were done, Mickey told us he had a special surprise for us from his treasure chest.  His assistant pulled out an envelope.  Josh opened it and handed out pins to each of the boys.  Pins are a big thing here.  We got a pin to show it was our first time here.  Zak got a pin to show it was his birthday (almost).  Chris and I and Josh and Christi each got pins to show it was our anniversaries (almost).  And the characters responded to the pins, too.  I don’t think Zak has ever been wished Happy Birthday by so many strangers in his life.  So Josh handed out the pins from Mickey to the boys.  The first one went to Zak.  His said, “Big Brother.”  The second one went to Caleb.  Also, “Big Brother.”  The third one was for Luke.  His said, “Big Brother,” too.  Uh, wait a minute here.  Are you serious?  Yup.  Yet another Vaughan baby is due this coming December.  Unbeatable coed softball team of ten or two basketball teams to face off during holidays. 

The truth of the matter didn’t really sink in for the boys until we were out in the hall away from Mickey.  Christi finally convinced them that it was really true.  Caleb’s first comment was, “Well, our house is already pretty full.”  And later he added, so who’s going to watch us this time.”

It was a surprise for them all.  Surprises seem to be running in the family this time around.  But we can’t wait to love ‘em all.  I think I still have a few Mickey Mantle cards left to go around. 

Psalms 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”

Father, thank you for surprise blessings.  Can’t wait to meet yet another little Vaughan-ling.  Amen