Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Day Eight The Last Day
The last day had finally arrived and the kids and us were up early as usual. I did not sleep too well the last night and that was not good as we had a 26 hour drive ahead of us.
We decided that since we were not able to go swimming the night before that we would hit the pool one more time before we left. It was the kids favour activity after all.
Man the pool was cold but I jumped in anyway, both kids and Miranda took their time getting in but evidentially did. Went spent about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes in the pool, enjoying the cool morning (which we knew would not last long, as it is super hot by 9 am usually). One thing about Florida, I do not envy their summers, would be way too hot to do anything.
After some frolicking in the pool, we got out had showers and had some breakfast. The rest of time at the house was spent cleaning up after the kids and attempting to find all the things that Lex and Julia hid in the house.
Kath, Ian, and Julia left around 9:15 and we were out of the house by 9:40, with one more longing look at the house we started the long drive home.
Put home in the GPS and the arrival time was 6:28 am, that will change as we will have a number of stops along the way. Was hoping would be 10 or 11 when we got home, was wrong about that.
Ran into our first traffic delay about 15 mins into the drive, our first accident and not the last on the way home but really not that many.
Miranda took the first leg of the trip, we drove all the way to Daytona Beach where we stopped for a coffee and washroom break. Then back in the van.
A few things that we have learned during our trip to Florida
They must not be coffee drinkers down here, every time we want to find a place to get a coffee it takes a long time.
They do not recycle in Kissimmee and very little in Orlando. Even Disney did not have a recycle bin by each garbage, was more like by every one out of 8.
The amount of Lawyer advertising is annoying and makes you feel sick.
Florida fruit is hard to find, even Walmart did not have Florida oranges (find out later from friends that Florida oranges are only good for juice and not very good to eat, also they are generally not very orange)
Our Vans trip odometer resets every 1600 km, did this three times. We ended up with about 4900 kms for the trip.
They have a bigger bug problem then we do, explains why everyone has there pool screened in.
We do not need a radio in the van, Matthew will sing for us, everything from Kayne West, the Wiggles, to the Spice Girls. A good selection and just out of the blue and any where. He probably sang about 4 hours each way.
Our kids can sleep any where, from hours in the van, in a stroller (at Disney World), to easily adjusting to new beds at the house.
Florida does not have helmet laws for motorcyclists, they seem to be behind us on a number of things.
Our kids are fantastic in the van, the 26 hours down and back was a breeze, very little fighting. On the way down we put on the DVD play only after we hit Florida and maybe for about 2 hours. Then on the way home we did not use it once, we have trained them well.
Even just across the boarder Canadians and United Statians (not americans, everyone from North America, Central America, to South America are americans) we are very different people.
They still use Styrofoam for cups, this is crazy to me as they are a big environmental problem. Like I said behind the times.
The McD's large is huge, way too big. When I see one the documentary Super Size me comes to mind.
Back to the drive, Miranda continued to drive all the way through Florida and into Georgia. Kids are now sleeping and playing on and off, was a good start to our drive. The weather was not bad, but would rain and then stop, for most of the way home it looked like it would rain any minute.
Stopped on I95 in Georgia at a McDonald's to take a break get some ice cream and some gas. The kids played at the McDonalds play area while we rested for a few minutes.
Then it was back on the road, Miranda decided to try and nap. We were only on the road for about 20 mins when all of a sudden I saw something fly off a boat about two cars in front of us. It was too late, we hit it on the passenger side scaring the crap out of Miranda as she was half a sleep. I still have no idea what it was but it look a little like a roof or cover, it was metal and about 5 feet long and curved ends. We pulled over on the highway and Miranda checked out the van, no damage. That was a close one as that would added hours onto our trip and not sure if we could have made it home in one shot.
From there it was smooth sailing, we ate the lunch that Miranda had packed and drove all the way until we reached Rock Hill South Carolina. It was a really nice place, new with lots of stores and restaurants, we stopped at the Bob Evans and had some good food, Miranda got into a long conversation with the greeter about Health care. I stayed out of that one.
By this time it was getting late, so we decide to brush the kids teeth and get them into their PJs and then back into the van for the next leg. Before leaving Rock Hill we stopped to get gas, as Miranda was inside paying for the gas and getting some munchies she watched as this guy stuffed a few items into his pants and shirt. When she pointed him out to me he did not look like the type and was even in a nice looking truck. Also saw a kid at the gas station wearing a Toronto Blue Jays hat.
Miranda took over from here and I tried to get some sleep. Very unsuccessfully, but at least I tried :)
We drove until just across the Virgina boarder at the rest stop, was now 10:05. Lex ask Miranda if they could stay up all night, Miranda said that they could. Lex was sleeping less than 30 mins later. Matthew continued to play Miranda's DS for a bit.
Stopped in the mountains at a service stop to get some gas and coffee for me, about 11:30. The sign said that there was a rest stop but when I went in side it was closed, had to settle for the rest stop coffee. Was good enough as I needed something. Matthew finally fell asleep.
I continued driving until about 1:42 were we stopped again, still in Virgina, now West Virgina. It seemed like the mountains would not end, and it was hard driving them as not many lights and a lot of up and down and around the corners. The two tunnels through the mountains were really cool though and a nice break from the darkness.
I think it was about 3:30 that we finally stopped again, Miranda and I are exhausted at this point as neither of us were getting much sleep. We were just inside PA at the first Rest stop, the kids woke up and we all hit the washrooms.
From there it was drive until about 7 am when we stopped at Bob Evan's in Erie PA. We were hoping to be back in Canada by now, but too many stops. At this point we are switching driving about every hour to 1 and 1/2 hours.
Was a good breakfast, more gas (for the last time) and then back on the road. From there it was one last stop and a rest stop on the highway and then onto Buffalo to cross back home.
Made it to the board at sometime in the morning, all is a blur now, but we took the time to stop at the Duty Free. I got two cases of beer and a bottle of rye for about $55 the beer a lone would have been $70. Then it was across the board, thank god that this time there was no line and the Canada customs gave us no problems, even when we told her that we purchased more than our limit at Duty Free :)
From there it was a nice ride home, one more accident on highway 6 (only about the third that we saw) where looked like some motorcycles took a spill.
Then finally home at noon.
It was an amazing trip and we would do it again in a second. There is just so much to do in Orlando that we could of spent another few weeks with something new to do every day. The house was great, Susan (the owner) was always quick to reply to any email and it was nice to have a place we could go and relax and not be stuck in a small room with two kids.
Lots of people have asked me if we would go again would we still drive. I still like the drive even though it is a killer, especially with only two drivers, it is just really nice way to get to see new things and people. Flying is nice but this family does handle long drives really well.
A few days home and still not fully recovered, my day at work on monday was a very long day and was falling asleep in the early afternoon.
We will see where we end up going next year.
Thanks for following the blog, this was a good experiment for me and a great way for me to remember all the things that had happened and share them with everyone back home.
Day Seven Gatorland
The highly anticipated Day 7 :)
Last full day and the kids were up early again, they would not let us sleep in on our vacation.
Today were are heading to Gatorland, heard that it was a good cheap place to go.
So we enter Gatorland through a huge gator head, and as soon as you go in there are pools full with gators (smelly gators), but also the tropical birds that we have been seeing all over Florida. The birds were right in with the gators and had no fear, thought this was weird.
So after looking at all the little gators you move onto the bigger water areas, in these are the bigger boys and girls, so looked well over 10' long and very wide. These were the big ones and you could get really close as the boardwalk was only about 2' above the water. They were definitely intimidating.
We walked around looking at all the different reptiles and birds that are in gatorland, there were tropical birds (cranes or herons) walking around, you could get within feet of them. Kept an eye on the kids to make sure one of the bigger birds did not try and take them lol
Miranda and Lex went into the aviary and had a number of birds landing on them, it was really cool. Matthew and I came in after woulds. Thank god no one got pooped on
After that we checked out the white or albino gators they were huge and cool looking.
At this point we were all getting hungry so we headed out to the van (as you could not bring the food in) to have some lunch.
Now that lunch was done we explored some more, they had this look out tower that you could go up to the top and see all the gators and birds in this wetlands area. Was really interesting because almost all the trees were full of the birds and there nests and they were full of little baby birds. Of course the gators are sitting underneath waiting for one to fall. Still very interesting was the fact that these birds were walking in the water right beside the gators and nothing happened, really weird.
After that we decide it was time to hit the splash pad and it was super hot. So we took the kids over and changed them into there swim suites and they had a blast running around and playing with the other kids. The splash pad was small but that kids loved it.
While they kids were playing in the splash pad I went over and checked out the gator jumping show, just caught the tail end and it was not too bad got to see some guys (Billy Bob and Jimbo, just part of the show) feeding the gators, trying to get them to jump up high to reach the food.
I headed back to the splash pad and gathered up the children (including Miranda) and we took a look at some huge tortoises. One was as big as the bush in front of our house, they do not move while we were watching them. Then checked out some long snakes and then continued our walk around.
We arrived just in time for the Upclose Encounters show, the two guys putting on the show were really funny. They had a number of crates that contained different animals, they gave two out to two ladies in the crowd and had them hold out there hands as they placed the contents in their hands. We saw a few big spiders (thank god they did not ask Miranda to hold one, she would have tossed it and ran back to Canada) and a few snakes. A gecko even made an appearance during the show running around the crates. At the end of the show the had four people hold a python, it was at least 8 feet long. At the end of the show for $5 you could get a chance to hold the python, so of course Miranda wanted to (I would have paid $20 to get her to hold the spider :) ). Her and Lex (she loves to touch everything) went up and got their pictures taken. Matthew wanted nothing to do with it.
Shortly after that it started to rain so we made our way to the souvenir shop and let the kids pick something out. Matthew picked an alligator puppet and Lex (of course) got a alligator stuffed animal.
We then headed to Target (ya :p) Miranda wanted to go there all week and being our last day we finally made it to one. We (Miranda) spent a tone of money, but on useful stuff and some food for the road home.
After Target we decide to get some pizza for dinner as we did not want to cook on our last night, so we got Cici's (2 larges for $10) good pizza and headed back to the house. We all were looking forward to swimming as it was a super hot day (and the splash pad just does not do it for me) but it rained, I mean really rained on our last night at the house.
As we could not swim we decided to make one last trip to Walmart to get the kids some more souvenir and some other last minute stuff. No in Florida there are ponds every where, and each with the potential of containing one or more gator. In front of Walmart as you pull in there is a pond and as we passed this pond, I said to Miranda look at that and what was in the pond, not a gator but some ones car. The front end at least and it was a steep shore on the pond so there was no way they were getting out. If that was us I would have been running from the car (after getting the kids, well maybe :) ) in fear of gators.
After that we hit the Walmart and things really are very different down south, to this Walmart when you look up at the roof all you see are tons of camera, I think they are a little paranoid.
We spent another bunch of money on of all things Disney stuff ( as we were told it would be better then buying it at Disney) and headed back to the house. Now the kids have tons of stuff to remind them of our trip.
At the house the kids had some ice cream dot things and then off to bed, we had time to do some packing have some wine with the Manns and then off to bed as we had a long two days a head of us.
Day 7 done and no one wanted to leave the next day
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Day Six
Up early like normal, today we are heading to the Atlantic ocean and Cocoa Beach.
The bugs on the drive were crazy you could see them coming at the van, the front of the van was just covered it almost turned the whole car cargo black.
Hit Cocoa Beach which is by Cape Canaveral, wicked beach was the kids and my first time swimming in the ocean, water tastes bad. We spent about 2 hours at the beach, got a little sun, but they had umbrella rentals and shower to try and get the sand out (one thing I hate about the beach, then sand afterwards).
After the beach hit an IHop for lunch, the food was ok, looks like a good place for breakfast.
After lunch headed to the biggest Ron Jon surf shop, it was huge and had some really cool stuff, it was bigger than a Best Buy or Future shop. Got the kids some T-Shirts and Miranda finally found a dress that she had been looking for all week.
After we left the surf shop we decide that on the way out we would try to find a place to see some Manatee so we stopped at a boat launch by the Cocoa Beach welcome sigh. Took a picture with the sign (managed to get us all in) and then checked out the dock to look for some Manatee, no luck but we think that we saw some Jelly fish (very small and some other kind of sea creature, that was dead but had a round space to it around 2" diameter and a tail). As we were checking out the dock we noticed that a good looking rain storm was heading in, so we packed up and headed back to the house.
As we were leaving the boat launch a car pulled in and some people got out, did something (think switched drivers) and then left. But as they were leaving they proceeded to run over a beer bottle that was not there before they arrived, I think that explains why they switched drivers.
So were are leaving and heading back and sitting at a light waiting when we get bumped, someone just hit us. So I got out surveyed the damage (which thank god there was none) told the guy it was ok (he did smell funny, pretty sure this guy was also drunk) and they off we went.
Back at the house around 7, we hit the pool again and then had some dinner and put the kids to bed.
Another great day and sad to think that only one more full day to go.
The bugs on the drive were crazy you could see them coming at the van, the front of the van was just covered it almost turned the whole car cargo black.
Hit Cocoa Beach which is by Cape Canaveral, wicked beach was the kids and my first time swimming in the ocean, water tastes bad. We spent about 2 hours at the beach, got a little sun, but they had umbrella rentals and shower to try and get the sand out (one thing I hate about the beach, then sand afterwards).
After the beach hit an IHop for lunch, the food was ok, looks like a good place for breakfast.
After lunch headed to the biggest Ron Jon surf shop, it was huge and had some really cool stuff, it was bigger than a Best Buy or Future shop. Got the kids some T-Shirts and Miranda finally found a dress that she had been looking for all week.
After we left the surf shop we decide that on the way out we would try to find a place to see some Manatee so we stopped at a boat launch by the Cocoa Beach welcome sigh. Took a picture with the sign (managed to get us all in) and then checked out the dock to look for some Manatee, no luck but we think that we saw some Jelly fish (very small and some other kind of sea creature, that was dead but had a round space to it around 2" diameter and a tail). As we were checking out the dock we noticed that a good looking rain storm was heading in, so we packed up and headed back to the house.
As we were leaving the boat launch a car pulled in and some people got out, did something (think switched drivers) and then left. But as they were leaving they proceeded to run over a beer bottle that was not there before they arrived, I think that explains why they switched drivers.
So were are leaving and heading back and sitting at a light waiting when we get bumped, someone just hit us. So I got out surveyed the damage (which thank god there was none) told the guy it was ok (he did smell funny, pretty sure this guy was also drunk) and they off we went.
Back at the house around 7, we hit the pool again and then had some dinner and put the kids to bed.
Another great day and sad to think that only one more full day to go.
Day Five
Woke up around 7:15 am, nothing makes these kids sleep in.
Had some breakfast then heard that Kath and Ian saw a gator in our pond the previous night (jerks!!). Apparently it attempted to eat one of the birds that are always swimming in the pond.
So attempted to go gator hunting, think that I saw some eyes but not a confirmed sighting. Talked to one of the neighbours apparently they are from Ireland (like most of the neighbour they are all it seems from the UK), they saw some in the other pond, we will need to check that out.
Now it was time to hit the pool and we spent another 1 hour 1/2 in the pool. The kids really love the pool.
Then it was off to do some more shopping and then McDonalds which is the worlds most unique one. This McDs had an arcade, and large climbing area and also had real ice cream and a deli. The menu was huge. Food was not bad and the kids had a good time but you could tell that the kids were getting sleepy.
Ended the day how we started with some more swimming, kids would love for us to get a pool. Both kids have really taken big steps in there comfort level with the pool, Matthew is jumping in water that is above his head, by himself and Lex will swim from one end of the pool to the other just holding onto a pool noddle.
Had some breakfast then heard that Kath and Ian saw a gator in our pond the previous night (jerks!!). Apparently it attempted to eat one of the birds that are always swimming in the pond.
So attempted to go gator hunting, think that I saw some eyes but not a confirmed sighting. Talked to one of the neighbours apparently they are from Ireland (like most of the neighbour they are all it seems from the UK), they saw some in the other pond, we will need to check that out.
Now it was time to hit the pool and we spent another 1 hour 1/2 in the pool. The kids really love the pool.
Then it was off to do some more shopping and then McDonalds which is the worlds most unique one. This McDs had an arcade, and large climbing area and also had real ice cream and a deli. The menu was huge. Food was not bad and the kids had a good time but you could tell that the kids were getting sleepy.
Ended the day how we started with some more swimming, kids would love for us to get a pool. Both kids have really taken big steps in there comfort level with the pool, Matthew is jumping in water that is above his head, by himself and Lex will swim from one end of the pool to the other just holding onto a pool noddle.
Walt Disney Part Three
Tomorrow land was pretty cool, at this point everyone was getting slower but thank god that we had the stroller with us so to limit the kids walking.
Miranda wanted to go to the roller coaster in tomorrow land and we were all set, but Lex ended up being too small. Which I was happy about as my neck was still hurting from the last roller coaster.
So instead we walked around a bit then decided to take a ride on the Transportation of Tomorrow, which is a cart thing that moves by (I think) magnets. It was really cool because you take a escalator up (but it does not have stairs, just a ramp) then you get on a revolving floor and then hop on the one of four carts. This transportation system does not stop it just keeps going. It takes you on a tour of Tomorrow land so we ended up seeing most of it. It was so much fun that the kids wanted to do it again, so we did, we had time to kill before the fire works :)
After the second time on the ride we left Tomorrow Land and returned to the front of the castle, found a good spot and waited there for the final 20 mins before the fireworks began. While we waited (and 10 to 15 thousand other people) we watched the castle change colours, it was really cool.
Right at 9 pm the fireworks started and they were the best that we had ever seen, the kids loved them and it was narrated by Jimmine Cricket. The fireworks lasted 13 mins, they dimmed the lights around the castle (but of course not the street lamp right by us) and then lit up the sky.
Of course then as soon as the fireworks were done it was time to go, and everyone was moving at once for the only entrance to the park. Surprisingly enough it took very little time to make our way out of Magic Kingdom and back to the Ferry landing which we decide to take back instead of the monorail again. Waiting in line for the Ferry only took about 15 to 20 mins, Disney really knows how to move large amounts of people. Lex passed out waiting in line and Matthew shortly after the Ferry started back to the front of the park.
As we walked back to the front of the park to get back on the shuttle back to the parking area we needed to rest Matthews head on a few towels so he did not fall out of the stroller and Lex slept on her new kitty that she got. The lines for the shuttle were mad and it would have taken us another 30 mins (or so) to get on and then ride it for about 5 mins to the cars. We decided to walk.
The walk back to the car only took about 5 mins, we packed the kids up and then headed back to the villa. A great full day at Disney.
We got back home around 11 put the kids straight to bed and then relaxed for a few minutes before heading ourselves.
It was amazing how well the kids behaved this day, sure they did not listen a few times but they waited patiently in all the lines and other than a few "I want to go home now" they had a blast.
I had been kicked and hit in the head with a balloon while waiting for the Ferry (and neither by my own kids) but still was a wicked day and well worth the price of admission.
Next morning found out the Kath and Ian actually arrived after us, that is why we could not find their car when we arrived. They had a good day but returned to the house by 6:30.
Miranda wanted to go to the roller coaster in tomorrow land and we were all set, but Lex ended up being too small. Which I was happy about as my neck was still hurting from the last roller coaster.
So instead we walked around a bit then decided to take a ride on the Transportation of Tomorrow, which is a cart thing that moves by (I think) magnets. It was really cool because you take a escalator up (but it does not have stairs, just a ramp) then you get on a revolving floor and then hop on the one of four carts. This transportation system does not stop it just keeps going. It takes you on a tour of Tomorrow land so we ended up seeing most of it. It was so much fun that the kids wanted to do it again, so we did, we had time to kill before the fire works :)
After the second time on the ride we left Tomorrow Land and returned to the front of the castle, found a good spot and waited there for the final 20 mins before the fireworks began. While we waited (and 10 to 15 thousand other people) we watched the castle change colours, it was really cool.
Right at 9 pm the fireworks started and they were the best that we had ever seen, the kids loved them and it was narrated by Jimmine Cricket. The fireworks lasted 13 mins, they dimmed the lights around the castle (but of course not the street lamp right by us) and then lit up the sky.
Of course then as soon as the fireworks were done it was time to go, and everyone was moving at once for the only entrance to the park. Surprisingly enough it took very little time to make our way out of Magic Kingdom and back to the Ferry landing which we decide to take back instead of the monorail again. Waiting in line for the Ferry only took about 15 to 20 mins, Disney really knows how to move large amounts of people. Lex passed out waiting in line and Matthew shortly after the Ferry started back to the front of the park.
As we walked back to the front of the park to get back on the shuttle back to the parking area we needed to rest Matthews head on a few towels so he did not fall out of the stroller and Lex slept on her new kitty that she got. The lines for the shuttle were mad and it would have taken us another 30 mins (or so) to get on and then ride it for about 5 mins to the cars. We decided to walk.
The walk back to the car only took about 5 mins, we packed the kids up and then headed back to the villa. A great full day at Disney.
We got back home around 11 put the kids straight to bed and then relaxed for a few minutes before heading ourselves.
It was amazing how well the kids behaved this day, sure they did not listen a few times but they waited patiently in all the lines and other than a few "I want to go home now" they had a blast.
I had been kicked and hit in the head with a balloon while waiting for the Ferry (and neither by my own kids) but still was a wicked day and well worth the price of admission.
Next morning found out the Kath and Ian actually arrived after us, that is why we could not find their car when we arrived. They had a good day but returned to the house by 6:30.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Walt Disney Part Two
Both kids were grumpy during the rain, but soon as we found shelter they cheered up :)
We hit adventure land now and decided to work the park from left to right.
First was the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, pretty cool and went high up.
We then hit our first ride, The Magic Carpet ride. It sat four Miranda and Lex in the back and Matthew and I in the front. Was your typical up and down round and round ride, you could control the up and down and the kids loved it.
After that made our way though Adventure Land and then headed to some other land were we decided to go on the Train coaster that went through the fake mount they had, similar to the one at Wonderland. The wait said 50 mins but we decide to go any ways as the kids wanted too. I do not think they realized it was a roller coaster :)
The wait did not seem to be that long, the line was constantly moving, but they trick you into thinking it was short as they had a number of rooms that the line criss crossed in. Finally made it to the train and with Miranda and Lex is the very back and Matthew and I right in front of them the train took off. The ride was fast but did not go very high up, both kids got pretty scared so we hung on to them tightly. Check out the video on my Picasa Web Photos. Matthew said afterwards that he did not like the ride but Lex said it was fun :)
Just walking out of Adventure land, and we crossed one street and noticed that they were blocking it off, we were wondering what was going on. Turned out that we were just in time for the next Parade, we got good seats and it was another great parade, lots of singing and dancing again.
Then we hit the Christmas store was nice to cool off. Of course we then had to hit the Small World, it was very korny but the kids had fun seeing all the little figuries singing and riding the boats. After that it was dinner, some pizza, chicken nuggets and salad, kids also got chocolate cake but turned it down for the apple slices, only our kids turn down chocolate cake for apples.
Next was a huge Merry go round, with very like wait time and then the flying dumbo ride, that the kids loved as well.
At this point it was about 7:30 and I was not sure that the kids were going to last, they were fading quickly and Matthew was saying that he wanted to go home (but not the first time he said that).
Next was the Mad Hatter Tea Party sauce cups, Miranda took the kids, too much spinning for me, I would not have lasted it.
Next was Mickeys Toontown Fair were we visited Mickey and Minnies house, and the big shopping area were Matthew got a Disney hat and Lex got a Kitty Kat stuffed animal (surprise surprise). After that it was just in time for train. The train travels all the way around the whole Magic Kingdom park, so we rode that all the way around once. It was a nice relaxing ride, a little weird with the two transvestites in front of us, Miranda even had them take a picture of us all riding the train.
When we got off the train it was a stop at the toddler play area were Lex made three new friends in about 2 mins. She is a social nut that one.
Then it was off to Tomorrow Land....to be continued
We hit adventure land now and decided to work the park from left to right.
First was the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, pretty cool and went high up.
We then hit our first ride, The Magic Carpet ride. It sat four Miranda and Lex in the back and Matthew and I in the front. Was your typical up and down round and round ride, you could control the up and down and the kids loved it.
After that made our way though Adventure Land and then headed to some other land were we decided to go on the Train coaster that went through the fake mount they had, similar to the one at Wonderland. The wait said 50 mins but we decide to go any ways as the kids wanted too. I do not think they realized it was a roller coaster :)
The wait did not seem to be that long, the line was constantly moving, but they trick you into thinking it was short as they had a number of rooms that the line criss crossed in. Finally made it to the train and with Miranda and Lex is the very back and Matthew and I right in front of them the train took off. The ride was fast but did not go very high up, both kids got pretty scared so we hung on to them tightly. Check out the video on my Picasa Web Photos. Matthew said afterwards that he did not like the ride but Lex said it was fun :)
Just walking out of Adventure land, and we crossed one street and noticed that they were blocking it off, we were wondering what was going on. Turned out that we were just in time for the next Parade, we got good seats and it was another great parade, lots of singing and dancing again.
Then we hit the Christmas store was nice to cool off. Of course we then had to hit the Small World, it was very korny but the kids had fun seeing all the little figuries singing and riding the boats. After that it was dinner, some pizza, chicken nuggets and salad, kids also got chocolate cake but turned it down for the apple slices, only our kids turn down chocolate cake for apples.
Next was a huge Merry go round, with very like wait time and then the flying dumbo ride, that the kids loved as well.
At this point it was about 7:30 and I was not sure that the kids were going to last, they were fading quickly and Matthew was saying that he wanted to go home (but not the first time he said that).
Next was the Mad Hatter Tea Party sauce cups, Miranda took the kids, too much spinning for me, I would not have lasted it.
Next was Mickeys Toontown Fair were we visited Mickey and Minnies house, and the big shopping area were Matthew got a Disney hat and Lex got a Kitty Kat stuffed animal (surprise surprise). After that it was just in time for train. The train travels all the way around the whole Magic Kingdom park, so we rode that all the way around once. It was a nice relaxing ride, a little weird with the two transvestites in front of us, Miranda even had them take a picture of us all riding the train.
When we got off the train it was a stop at the toddler play area were Lex made three new friends in about 2 mins. She is a social nut that one.
Then it was off to Tomorrow Land....to be continued
Disney World
Matthew and Lex woke us up at 5 to 7. Time to get ready for Disney, everyone is excited.
Got everything packed up (including a stroller that is here at the house, we will need it).
Hit Walmart to get some supplies for lunch, and water for the day, it was going to be a warm one.
Got separated from Ian and Kath leaving Walmart and that was the last we saw of them, well until the next morning.
Took only about 13 mins from the Walmart to reach Disney, parked in Grumpy 125 or something with a ton of other people, as everyone was just arriving as the park had just opened up. Walked to the parking shuttle at the end of the Aile and hoped on. Ended up sitting across from some people from Briton (tons of them here) who we found out rented a "villa" just down the street from ours (it is a small world).
Getting into the park was a breeze, through the gate and headed for the monorail, could have taken the ferry but we had taken those before. As we waited for the monorail it started to really rain, and then it stopped and then it rained and then it stopped (crazy Florida weather). Crammed into the monorail to Magic Kingdom, was a quick fun ride.
Off the monorail and then went through the bag check and into the Magic Kingdom. Entered the park and it looks like an old town, really cool. As soon as we got into the park there was the tail end of a parade going was really cool with the coordinated music and dancing through out the parade.
We hit some of the shops and purchased the kids some candy and then started to walk towards the castle, and then they started to clear the street as the parade was coming back. Was really cool best parade I have ever seen.
Once the parade was finished we made our way to the castle, just as we go to the square in front of the castle a show started in front of it, with singing, dancing, and fireworks. Had all the characters (well most) and was really cool. About 5 mins after the show finished, as we were trying to think about where to go next it started to rain. We found some shelter under a tree, not much, started to eat some lunch and then it really came down. We found some better shelter with picnic tables and meet some nice people who were there without their grand kids.
Rain only lasted about 25 mins and then was done, so we headed out to see the park.
To be continued....
Got everything packed up (including a stroller that is here at the house, we will need it).
Hit Walmart to get some supplies for lunch, and water for the day, it was going to be a warm one.
Got separated from Ian and Kath leaving Walmart and that was the last we saw of them, well until the next morning.
Took only about 13 mins from the Walmart to reach Disney, parked in Grumpy 125 or something with a ton of other people, as everyone was just arriving as the park had just opened up. Walked to the parking shuttle at the end of the Aile and hoped on. Ended up sitting across from some people from Briton (tons of them here) who we found out rented a "villa" just down the street from ours (it is a small world).
Getting into the park was a breeze, through the gate and headed for the monorail, could have taken the ferry but we had taken those before. As we waited for the monorail it started to really rain, and then it stopped and then it rained and then it stopped (crazy Florida weather). Crammed into the monorail to Magic Kingdom, was a quick fun ride.
Off the monorail and then went through the bag check and into the Magic Kingdom. Entered the park and it looks like an old town, really cool. As soon as we got into the park there was the tail end of a parade going was really cool with the coordinated music and dancing through out the parade.
We hit some of the shops and purchased the kids some candy and then started to walk towards the castle, and then they started to clear the street as the parade was coming back. Was really cool best parade I have ever seen.
Once the parade was finished we made our way to the castle, just as we go to the square in front of the castle a show started in front of it, with singing, dancing, and fireworks. Had all the characters (well most) and was really cool. About 5 mins after the show finished, as we were trying to think about where to go next it started to rain. We found some shelter under a tree, not much, started to eat some lunch and then it really came down. We found some better shelter with picnic tables and meet some nice people who were there without their grand kids.
Rain only lasted about 25 mins and then was done, so we headed out to see the park.
To be continued....
Day Three
Miranda and Kath hit the shopping again in the morning while Ian and I went swimming with the kids in the pool. It was really hard to get them out :)
Then it was lunch then off to return a few things (more shopping), the store charged me for an extra pair of shorts, I guess they thought I was easy prey but they do not know my wife and checking receipts.
During the shopping it rained for about an hour then the heat and humidity were back, but was a nice break from the heat.
At Foot Locker Outlet Matthew kept asking me if had enough money to buy this or that shoe. For example he would say daddy do we have 49.99 dollars, nice and loud so all would hear. Priceless.
After the shopping stopped at Smokey Bones for some takeout, saw some vultures eating there take out in the parking lot. Our food was much better :)
It was another late night for the kids, in bed by 10 again ( did not help that we ate dinner at 8:30), tomorrow Disney.
So far have not seen any gators, but saw a Deer, Vulters, Armadillo (dead, but still counts), and lots of tropical birds.
Been amazing, love the neighbourhood, most people are from the UK
Then it was lunch then off to return a few things (more shopping), the store charged me for an extra pair of shorts, I guess they thought I was easy prey but they do not know my wife and checking receipts.
During the shopping it rained for about an hour then the heat and humidity were back, but was a nice break from the heat.
At Foot Locker Outlet Matthew kept asking me if had enough money to buy this or that shoe. For example he would say daddy do we have 49.99 dollars, nice and loud so all would hear. Priceless.
After the shopping stopped at Smokey Bones for some takeout, saw some vultures eating there take out in the parking lot. Our food was much better :)
It was another late night for the kids, in bed by 10 again ( did not help that we ate dinner at 8:30), tomorrow Disney.
So far have not seen any gators, but saw a Deer, Vulters, Armadillo (dead, but still counts), and lots of tropical birds.
Been amazing, love the neighbourhood, most people are from the UK
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Day Two Shopping Shopping and More Shopping
Day two brought another wicked day, was 10:30 and was already hot and sun outside.
Talked to the owner who informed me that Orlando and Kissimmee do not recycle, shocked would not be a strong enough word for it.
Lex was up at 7:15 and Matt by 8, we had some toast and cereal for breakfast. Around 11:30 finally ready to head out (we were ready a lot earlier but not all people get up as early as us). We took Kath and Ian to the airport, they had enough already and were out of here :), well they were just going to rent a car as they decided that they will be flying home instead of the long drive (may have been Matthews singing :) ), and because that way if they or we want to do something the other does not then we can split up.
We went to Golden Coral for lunch, 7.99 lunch buffet, great deal and good food, may go back there to eat again. We then headed to the Prime Outlets shopping mall (huge out door outlet mall) to do some shopping and meet up with the Mann's.
Well we did not meet up with them again but we did do some shopping, Miranda spent a hour at Victoria Secret :) and then we hit a number of other stores including the Disney Outlet (which surprisingly had good prices), there we let the kids pick something out that they wanted to buy and they could use the US $ that my mom gave them. Lex purchased (we let them give the money to the cashier) a Minnie Mouse stuffed animal and a name bracelet, and Matthew purchase a Star Wars helmet. I have no idea why he choose that as I am not even sure he knows what Star Wars is.
After a little more shopping we headed back to the house as it was already 7pm, it was a long day shopping. When we arrived at the house, we found out that Kath and Ian had just got back too (on a side not saw a dead armadillo and a deer, but no gators yet). The kids and I hit the pool and we started to get dinner ready.
It is now 10:30 and the kids just went to sleep, Miranda and Kath went out to Walmart to get some more stuff and I have already finished the $3 bottle of wine that I purchased :)
Another great day, tomorrow more shopping and then Tuesday Disney. Also saw a mini golf place that has live gators, going to try and check that place out :)
Talked to the owner who informed me that Orlando and Kissimmee do not recycle, shocked would not be a strong enough word for it.
Lex was up at 7:15 and Matt by 8, we had some toast and cereal for breakfast. Around 11:30 finally ready to head out (we were ready a lot earlier but not all people get up as early as us). We took Kath and Ian to the airport, they had enough already and were out of here :), well they were just going to rent a car as they decided that they will be flying home instead of the long drive (may have been Matthews singing :) ), and because that way if they or we want to do something the other does not then we can split up.
We went to Golden Coral for lunch, 7.99 lunch buffet, great deal and good food, may go back there to eat again. We then headed to the Prime Outlets shopping mall (huge out door outlet mall) to do some shopping and meet up with the Mann's.
Well we did not meet up with them again but we did do some shopping, Miranda spent a hour at Victoria Secret :) and then we hit a number of other stores including the Disney Outlet (which surprisingly had good prices), there we let the kids pick something out that they wanted to buy and they could use the US $ that my mom gave them. Lex purchased (we let them give the money to the cashier) a Minnie Mouse stuffed animal and a name bracelet, and Matthew purchase a Star Wars helmet. I have no idea why he choose that as I am not even sure he knows what Star Wars is.
After a little more shopping we headed back to the house as it was already 7pm, it was a long day shopping. When we arrived at the house, we found out that Kath and Ian had just got back too (on a side not saw a dead armadillo and a deer, but no gators yet). The kids and I hit the pool and we started to get dinner ready.
It is now 10:30 and the kids just went to sleep, Miranda and Kath went out to Walmart to get some more stuff and I have already finished the $3 bottle of wine that I purchased :)
Another great day, tomorrow more shopping and then Tuesday Disney. Also saw a mini golf place that has live gators, going to try and check that place out :)
Ride Down
On Friday we left our House around 11 am, the kids and us were really excited.
Just before arriving at Kath and Ian's house, Alexis got sick in the car. This was not the start that we wanted, but it was not that bad. It was very small and Lex even prevented it from getting on her clothes, ya.
We left Hamilton around 12:30 (with me driving), the kids played at the park while we packed up everything. The van luckily was not very crammed as most of the bags were in the top.
We hit the US boarder, or a couple km away when traffic hit, it took 1 1/2 hours to get through, and then we were on our way.
We drove without any issues until about 5:30 when we stopped at a Cracker Barrel about 90 miles outside of Pittsburgh on I79. The food was good, I had some fish and chips, Miranda had Chicken fried Chicken (she says that it was good), the kids had some grilled cheese, and we all had corn bread and biscuits. The biscuits were really good but the corn bread not so much.
We got some gas and then hit the road, this time it was Miranda's turn to drive. So far the kids have been great, playing with their sticker books, colouring books, and Matthew with his math book (not homework, he really loves math).
Next stop then was a rest station in Penn. around 8:30, kids got there PJs on had a snack and a washroom break, this was going to be the last stop until we switch up drivers in the night. Ian and I had a hard time trying to get the roof top storage open as one of the C claps was closed too tight, had to use the jumper cables as a wrench :)
Hit the road again, this time with Ian taking the wheel, but I do remember him telling me before we left he has a hard time driving at night, hmmm.
Ian was the luck one to drive though the mountains in West Virgina, was lot of back and forth and up and down. The kids finally started to pass out around 10 - 11, Miranda and I attempted to sleep while Kath and Ian were in the front. I really do have troubles sleeping in a moving vehicle :). While driving through Penn. we saw a cool thing, a really big smokestack with a 20 to 30 foot flame at the top, reminded me of the ones in Hamilton.
All three kids slept ok each having there moments (well not Matt, he is able to sleep anywhere). Ian drove until about 2 am when we stopped at another rest stop for washroom break and switch drivers.
I was now back at the wheel, all of us were really tired at this point but we managed to make it all the way to Charlotte were we got off at an exit that said there was a McDs (because apparently no one drinks coffee down here as we did not see any coffee places and had to try a McDs). The McD's took a while to find but we managed to, we went through the drive through and asked for 3 coffees and a Tea (Miranda was telling me to ask for a hot tea, but I did not listen :) and just asked for a tea with sugar and milk.
After trying to figure out what the guy at the drive though said (could not understand his accent) we pulled ahead to wait while they made the coffee and tea (they did not have any made). When it finally arrived (after about 5 mins), it was three coffee's and an iced tea (that is just a sweetened tea, so different lol).
Even though Miranda was tired and the rest of us as well, she took over driving at this point as I could go no further. Around 4 am all of a sudden the Spice Girls music came on, Matt had woken up and turned on his music and was playing Miranda's DS, at 4 am. We managed to get him to turn it off so not to wake the other kids.
We stopped and switched drivers again and Ian was driving again, he took us until the morning and we stopped at a Waffle House on the SC Georgia boarder. Was somewhat clean, but turned out that we were in the smoking area as some of the "good old boys" started to smoke. The food was not bad but my biscuit breakfast sandwich was fried, a little greasy :)
Ian continued the driving through Georgia when he could go no further so we stopped again and I took over for the final leg of the trip.
We stopped just inside the Florida boarder at a welcome centre and got some free Florida OJ and hit the washrooms and then hit the road. We still had another 3 to 4 hours to go, we managed to make it to Jacksonville before Lex threw up in the back seat. Have I mentioned that it is super hot in Florida and the van does not have AC. So we stopped at a McD's cleaned up Lex and hit the road again. I managed to get us to Orlando and then Kissimmee (the house).
The house is fantastic, we explorer and unloaded everything. The kids were very excited about the pool (which is covered with a screen, Florida has a big bug problem) and the playroom.
Ian and I went out to Walmart to get all the groceries and other required items while Miranda, Kath and the kids went swimming. Matt and Lex jumped right in, Matt literally. Was surprised how quick they took to the pool, Matt was even jumping into the deep end. They loved the pool
Walmart was a very big disappointment, a few things
Behind our house is a pond and in the pond there are some ducks and a weird looking goose that now comes to our back to visit. No alligators back there but the owner of the house informed me that in the pond behind the houses across the street there is a very big one and small one. We are planning on checking it out on Sunday....
Long drive but love the house.....and the heat.....
Just before arriving at Kath and Ian's house, Alexis got sick in the car. This was not the start that we wanted, but it was not that bad. It was very small and Lex even prevented it from getting on her clothes, ya.
We left Hamilton around 12:30 (with me driving), the kids played at the park while we packed up everything. The van luckily was not very crammed as most of the bags were in the top.
We hit the US boarder, or a couple km away when traffic hit, it took 1 1/2 hours to get through, and then we were on our way.
We drove without any issues until about 5:30 when we stopped at a Cracker Barrel about 90 miles outside of Pittsburgh on I79. The food was good, I had some fish and chips, Miranda had Chicken fried Chicken (she says that it was good), the kids had some grilled cheese, and we all had corn bread and biscuits. The biscuits were really good but the corn bread not so much.
We got some gas and then hit the road, this time it was Miranda's turn to drive. So far the kids have been great, playing with their sticker books, colouring books, and Matthew with his math book (not homework, he really loves math).
Next stop then was a rest station in Penn. around 8:30, kids got there PJs on had a snack and a washroom break, this was going to be the last stop until we switch up drivers in the night. Ian and I had a hard time trying to get the roof top storage open as one of the C claps was closed too tight, had to use the jumper cables as a wrench :)
Hit the road again, this time with Ian taking the wheel, but I do remember him telling me before we left he has a hard time driving at night, hmmm.
Ian was the luck one to drive though the mountains in West Virgina, was lot of back and forth and up and down. The kids finally started to pass out around 10 - 11, Miranda and I attempted to sleep while Kath and Ian were in the front. I really do have troubles sleeping in a moving vehicle :). While driving through Penn. we saw a cool thing, a really big smokestack with a 20 to 30 foot flame at the top, reminded me of the ones in Hamilton.
All three kids slept ok each having there moments (well not Matt, he is able to sleep anywhere). Ian drove until about 2 am when we stopped at another rest stop for washroom break and switch drivers.
I was now back at the wheel, all of us were really tired at this point but we managed to make it all the way to Charlotte were we got off at an exit that said there was a McDs (because apparently no one drinks coffee down here as we did not see any coffee places and had to try a McDs). The McD's took a while to find but we managed to, we went through the drive through and asked for 3 coffees and a Tea (Miranda was telling me to ask for a hot tea, but I did not listen :) and just asked for a tea with sugar and milk.
After trying to figure out what the guy at the drive though said (could not understand his accent) we pulled ahead to wait while they made the coffee and tea (they did not have any made). When it finally arrived (after about 5 mins), it was three coffee's and an iced tea (that is just a sweetened tea, so different lol).
Even though Miranda was tired and the rest of us as well, she took over driving at this point as I could go no further. Around 4 am all of a sudden the Spice Girls music came on, Matt had woken up and turned on his music and was playing Miranda's DS, at 4 am. We managed to get him to turn it off so not to wake the other kids.
We stopped and switched drivers again and Ian was driving again, he took us until the morning and we stopped at a Waffle House on the SC Georgia boarder. Was somewhat clean, but turned out that we were in the smoking area as some of the "good old boys" started to smoke. The food was not bad but my biscuit breakfast sandwich was fried, a little greasy :)
Ian continued the driving through Georgia when he could go no further so we stopped again and I took over for the final leg of the trip.
We stopped just inside the Florida boarder at a welcome centre and got some free Florida OJ and hit the washrooms and then hit the road. We still had another 3 to 4 hours to go, we managed to make it to Jacksonville before Lex threw up in the back seat. Have I mentioned that it is super hot in Florida and the van does not have AC. So we stopped at a McD's cleaned up Lex and hit the road again. I managed to get us to Orlando and then Kissimmee (the house).
The house is fantastic, we explorer and unloaded everything. The kids were very excited about the pool (which is covered with a screen, Florida has a big bug problem) and the playroom.
Ian and I went out to Walmart to get all the groceries and other required items while Miranda, Kath and the kids went swimming. Matt and Lex jumped right in, Matt literally. Was surprised how quick they took to the pool, Matt was even jumping into the deep end. They loved the pool
Walmart was a very big disappointment, a few things
- Only could find California Oranges, I am in Florida, were is the Florida oranges
- Broccoli cost twice as much as at Sobeys
- and everything else that I thought would be cheap was either the same price or more expensive
- at least the beer and alcohol was cheap :)
Behind our house is a pond and in the pond there are some ducks and a weird looking goose that now comes to our back to visit. No alligators back there but the owner of the house informed me that in the pond behind the houses across the street there is a very big one and small one. We are planning on checking it out on Sunday....
Long drive but love the house.....and the heat.....
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