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.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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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