Florida!, part 2

The drive down to Orlando on Thursday afternoon was a bit wet! At a certain point in our drive I had to drive in the far right lane because it was raining so hard I needed to be able to see the solid white line. Jim was quite upset because we were planning on taking the girls to a VERY magical place on Friday but, the weather forecast was predicting 100% chance of down pour.

Surprisingly, when we woke-up on Friday it was not raining. I looked at the weather report and the precipitation percentage went down to 60% so...we decided to go for it! The fun part was telling the girls. After breakfast we sat them down for our serious conversation...

 

We rushed to the car and headed to the park. The girls, as you could imagine, were VERY excited!

Waiting in line to get our tickets

On the tram to the park

We got to the park just in time for the opening ceremony. A greeter comes and welcomes people to the park then, a train comes in with some of the Disney characters.

Finally, it was time to go into the park. It was truly amazing watching the girls experience the magic of Disney for the first time...Jim and I both got a bit choked-up.

Abby seeing the castle for the first time!

Girls and Jim walking up to the castle.
 

As soon as we got into the park it was time for the adventures to begin! First stop, the Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid ride.

Then, it was off to Ariel's Grotto to meet...ARIEL!

Abby was a bit tentative but they both were thrilled!

Next stop, the Enchanted Tales with Belle!

 

 

 

The day was full of fun rides and magical moments!

 

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

 

Rapunzel's Tower

SPLASH MOUNTAIN!

 

Jim and Abby in back row



 

Splash Mountain ended up being Abby's favorite ride!

 



The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Rosetta

Tinker Bell! Kera kept trying to tickle her wings.

Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade...



 

Kera waved throughout the whole parade!

The girls actually also went into the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean!

After the parade we headed over to try and meet Merida from Brave. There was a bit of a wait and it was during the wait that the nuclear break down occurred....I knew it was coming! At this point it was nearly 4 pm (we got there at 9am) and we had been moving non-stop the whole day! Plus, there is such an over stimulation for the girls at the park that the break down was bound to occur. We left the park without meeting Merida...7 hours, not bad for our first of two days!

We did get this great shot of the castle on the way out.

 

Look how happy they are on the tram ride back to the car! You would not be able to tell that there was a FULL break down only a few moments before!

 

The one problem that I had that day is that we were at the park for 7 hours and I think I carried Kera for 6.5. By mid-day I was having major neck spasms but unfortunately she wouldn't walk and would not go to Jim. Even with this the day was amazing! We are so glad that we decided to go to the park! There was no rain all day and actually, it ended up being the warmest day of the weekend.

Saturday we took a day off from going to the park. Jim's parents came down from Gainesville and a pool day is exactly what the doctor ordered. More about this in my next post, Florida!, part 3.



Florida!, part 1

In early April we learned that Jim had to go to Florida for work so, the girls and I decided we should, obviously, tag along. So, on Saturday, April 27th we packed-up the car and set out on the road.

 

On Saturday night, 432 miles later, we spent the night in Florence, South Carolina.

 

 

Abby, and Kera LOVE staying in hotels!

On Sunday we arrived (382 miles later), safe and somewhat sound in Gainesville, FL at Jim's parent's place.

Sunday we had a great evening reconnecting and looking through old pictures.

Abby sitting in Jimmy's old chair that Jim's Grandma gave him as a little boy.

Kera and her "Gampa"

Abby and Kera in the little bed that Grandma made for them on the floor.

The girls with their Grandma.

Abby and Jim looking at old pictures.

Our old fuzzy boy Billy also made the trip to Florida with us. He is so old that we felt bad leaving him so, he got to come to Florida too!



Billy at Grandma and Grandpa's

On Sunday evening we had a great visit with Jim's Aunt Mary, Uncle Tom, and Cousin Joe!

On Monday morning Jim picked up a rental car and, with Billy in tow, headed to Orlando for work....at this point the girls know we are going to meet up with Papa later in the week but, they have no idea what awaits them in Orlando!

After Jim and Billy left the girls (Grandma, Abby, Kera, and Me...unfortunately Grandpa had to work) headed out to pick strawberries. What a fun morning! The girls had a great time and loved eating what they had picked!

The strawberry patch even had a play area!

After the strawberry patch we found a GREAT local playground!

 

 

The rest of Monday we relaxed at home with Grandpa.

 

On Tuesday the "girls" headed to Crescent Beach for the day. What a BEAUTIFUL beach and what a GREAT morning! It was easy to see why this is Gwen and Regis' favorite beach.

 

There is nothing better after a long morning at the beach than...a good snuggle with Grandpa!

 

 

Thursday was all about butterflies! The Florida Museum of Natural History Museum in Gainesville has a Butterfly Rainforest that Gwen has always wanted to go to so...this was the perfect opportunity! The butterflies were amazing!  The funny part of the day was that in the rainforest Abby was upset because she DESPERATELY wanted a butterfly to land on her and Kera was crying because she DESPERATELY did NOT want a butterfly to land on her. Either way it was a beautiful place!

 

 Unfortunately, a butterfly never landed on Abby but, she got close .Fortunately, a butterfly never landed on Kera.

 

Wednesday night was Kera's turn in little Jimmy's rocking chair.

 

 

Thursday morning greeted us with a bit of rain so, we headed to a local storytime. They even had an accordion!

 

After lunch on Thursday we packed up our things and headed down to Orlando...time for the next part for our adventure.

Gwen and Regis, thank you so very much for your hospitality and for showing the girls a GREAT time...next stop Orlando!

 



More from Our Artest

Abby's newest creations...a cardinal and a blue jay...

The blue jay picture was a copy draw game with Jim (amazing). But, the cardinal was 100% on her own.

 

GOOD, RIGHT!

Field Trip #2

On April 11th Abby had her 2nd school field trip to the Baltimore zoo. Kera and I were lucky enough to join in the frstivities. We all had a great time with Abby's school friends and seeing all animals!

Abby and her friend Madeline on the tram to the zoo.

Left to right: Madeline, Abby, and Grace watching the swimming polor bear. 

Break for lunch with Madeline and Grace

Happy Birthday Burrs!