Orlando 2013

We started off our summer with a trip to Orlando and our first visit to Universal Studios and Legoland. The trip down went very well and we made great time.

Vacation, all I ever wanted... Vacation had to get away!

We are here!

I started off with a relaxing massage while the rest of troops did a grocery store trip in the pouring rain (thanks guys!). We got settled in and started the fun! We were quite busy the whole time, but did find a few days for just hanging out at the pirate pool relaxing. Obviously, holding a 6 month old squirming baby in 96 degree weather while waiting in 45 minute lines was a bit of a challenge, but with team work (and child swap areas) we all managed and had a great time on some super fun rides.

Tough Cookie, indeed!

Riding the Wave Into the Park

I am coming, too!

Universal Studios

Yea! Tall Enough!!

Scooby Snack, anyone?

Our first day was spent at Universal Studios where the favorite ride was E.T.

Phone Home

It was a long day with one short thunderstorm that emptied the park out, just in time for the grown-ups to ride The Mummy (yikes!) and the kids to enjoy the arcade. That night we got our jammin' on and had dinner at Bob Marley's.

Jamacian Mon'

Our second day we went to Islands of Adventure. This was the favorite park for sure! The kids really enjoyed the Jurassic Park themed area, where they got to explore and climb and of course, get wet!

Jurassic Park

The also enjoyed Seuss Land and its colorful rides.

Fun!

These things are fun, and fun is good! (Dr. Seuss)

Finally, a day to relax! Our third day was solely devoted to the pool (although we did manage to fit in some time each evening). The kids played and swam all day. That afternoon our old pal Will Greene paid us a visit and we had dinner at the on-site local Irish pub. It was such a nice day and nice to reminisce with him!

Will!

Pirate Plunge Pool

Vera swims (and David works out!)

New bathing suit and goggles!

To Davids great pleasure (ha!), our fourth day we headed south to visit Legoland. Luckily, the park was relatively empty and we did not have any waits for rides. While the place was neat, I was glad to check this off of my bucket list while the kids were so young because after a day of serious rides - this was a little lame, I mean tame!

The fifth day marked our return to Islands of Adventure, where we finally got to ride Harry Potter. The "town" itself was very neat to walk though (though very crowded as it is very popular). Wow. Rides have come a long way! It was incredible. Among other things, we also really enjoyed the Hulk (adults) and SpiderMan (a few times)!

Harry Potter

Spidy!

On our last day, we ventured out for a day of miniature golf. This particular park was based on a volcano theme, so we were constantly up and down the volcano (stairs) while wielding a baby and a stroller, but we made it, with a few hole in ones to boot! The rest of the day we did laundry, got some new Crocs at the outlets next door to our condo, and sadly, packed up. Vera kindly woke us up at 4 am, so since we were ready, we hit the road and were home by noon for lunch in our own kitchen and a day full of neighborhood fun... and a trip to Bubby's "pool"...

Ah, vacation... I look forward to seeing you again soon! Always a good time!

Miniature golf

Crocs! For Season..

Perfect ride home!