Sensory Overload!

Before I get too far behind on blogging I have to finally post about our awesome trip to Florida. The kids are finally back on schedule after a two hour time zone difference, and Maren has almost recovered from being scared to death by "Snow White's Scary Adventures", and the "Haunted Mansion" (okay, bad parenting choice, but can someone tell me why the attendant said it was only as scary as Scooby Doo?) We were so glad that Kirk's parents came with us. They were such great help and it was awesome to get to spend one on one time with them.

Day 1: Lots of driving, shuttling, not to mention 6 + hours on a plane with two kids - need I say more?

Day 2: Checking out the complex (Marriott Harbour Lake). This place was awesome! Full on pirate ship pools and splash pads, a mini golf course, playground, tennis, ping pong, you name it. We could have just stayed right at the resort and had a blast. I loved the board walk along the lake - no swimming though - gators!

Day 3: Sea World! Very cool! We all loved it even though we had a little mishap at the Shamu show where we got completely soaked. Mind you we were NOT even sitting in the splash zone.

Before Shamu:After Shamu:
Loving the rides!

Whale watching!
Day 4: Disneyworld! I think I might have been even more excited than anyone about Disneyworld. It brought back so many childhood memories. Maren and Jesse were in awe during "It's a Small World". Maren waved to all the puppets the entire time. We never had to wait in line, they had Christmas music blaring all around, fireworks, Christmas shows, and they even served free cookies and hot cocoa.

On our way to the Magic Kingdom riding the ferry boat

Grandma J and Maren riding the parking train to the gates

Some of my faves including Jesse dancing with the princess and Maren at Minnie's house.

Day 5: Chilled out at the condo.

Day 6: We had to spend at least one day at the beach. Jesse at the beach might have been one of the cutest things I've ever seen. He snatched my hat, put it on, and ran around the beach yelling "AH-HA", over and over. It was kind of a chilly/windy day but we still had fun playing in the white sands of Clearwater Beach.

Day 7: Another Sea World Day. You can get the second day free with a validation. We thought we would only spend a few hours, but ended up staying all day. There was just too much to see and do. Maren is now convinced that she wants to be a Shamu girl when she grows up.

Day 8: A lllllloooonnnnnggggg journey home!


November is a great time to go to the sunny state! No lines, 80 degree weather, and discounts to the Magic Kingdom. I would highly recommend it, however, I think we will wait until our children are 52 inches tall to make the trip again and we will spend much less time on Facebook trying to solicit Nacho votes.