Florida vacation

We left the blizzard at home and headed to Flordia.  We did not get a super sunny warm week, but it was better than home and the freezing temperatures and 2 feet of snow.  We were a little worried we might not get out on time as the blowing snow was still bad late in the afternoon.  Thankfully the airport crew got the one plane in and out!

Our first stop was Daytona beach.  We had a hotel right on the beach.  It was a very pretty view even in the coudy weather.  We walked on the beach a little, but not as much as we might have in warmer, dryer weather.  

On our first full day there, we walked on the boardwalk and stopped in a shop or two.  It was very windy, so we did not stay out long.  We had lunch in the room (Troy and I picked up some groceries at Aldi's) and then went to a marine center in the afternoon.  It was not a huge place, but it was interesting to see some sealife, and turtles and birds.  

Later in the afternoon, we drove to Cocoa Beach and met up with the Amlins for dinner.  We ate at Fish Lips--lots of seafood!  We had hoped to watch a rocket launch from there, but the time got delayed.  We went to Ron Jon's Surf shop to kill some time, but the launch was further delayed.  We ended up heading home and pulling off to see the launch from the drive.

On our second day, we went paddleboarding in the nearby river.  We were hoping to see some dolphins and manatees, but no luck this time.  But the paddleboarding itself was very fun and the weather was warm and a little sunny.  In the afternoon three of us did some shopping and then walked a little on the beach before enjoying a little time in the pool.  We brought some food in for dinner.  Later we went down to the baordwalk again to see it lit up at night and to find an ice cream shop!

On Tuesday we packed up around 9am and made the drive back to Orlando and Universal Studios.  Troy returned the rental car--a fun Jeep Wrangler-- to the airport and I got us checked into the hotel.  We stayed at a fancier resort in order to get express passes to use at the parks.  The hotel was pretty nice--it felt fancy!

We settled in a little, had lunch when Troy returned and then went to check out Universal Studios.  It started raining right when we got there, but it did not last long.  It was a lot to take in with new rides and a new place, but we worked our way around the park and tried a few new rides and two shows.  I was up for trying most of the rides except the roller coasters.  Teresa loved the Mummy and Timothy liked the Rip Ride Rocket.  Timothy was looking forward to a few bigger rides at the other park.

Harry Potter land

Eventually we grew tired and decided it was time for dinner.  We chose the Toothsome Chocolate Factory in City Walk.  It reminded us a little bit of Willy Wonka!  The food was good--especially the almond chocolate bread.  And the desserts were over the top!  

We did not do a lot of swimming due to some colder temperatures and a little less interest from the kids.  We did go in the hot tub a few times. 

The Velocicoaster

Our first full day at the parks was chilly!  We arrived at 8:30am for the early entry and went right to the Haggrid Motor bike ride.  The line was about 45 minutes which was one of the shortest times the whole trip.  I did not ride, but found a little store to stay warm in.  This was one of the favorite rides for Teresa.  We made our way around Islands of Adventure trying out a variety of rides.  Troy and Timothy rode the Velocicoaster twice.  That kind of did Troy in for the morning.  Personally, I liked the Seuss Trolley Train.  That was more my speed!  By around noon we took a break at the hotel for lunch and a rest.

City walk between the two parks.

Trying some Butterbeer--a Harry Potter drink.

The Harry Potter castle

By mid afternoon we returned for some more fun.  That was our routine for the days at Universal.  Morning fun, break and then back for more.  It had warmed up just a bit so the afternoon was pleasant.  Timothy rode the Hulk coaster alone and Dr. Doom.  He did convince Teresa to go on Dr. Doom--which she liked.  They rode a few times. Once again it was fun to experience some new rides.  We took the Harry Potter Train between the parks.  That was pretty neat.  We found Louie's Italian Restaurant for dinner.  Three of us had pizza and Teresa had pasta.  On the way out of the park we found some treats for dessert--fudge and a rocky road brownie.

Our room was very nice and I liked the large orange flowers on the wall.  The hallway carpeting had the same large flowers.

On our second full day had us returning to Universal park around 9 am.  Rip Ride rocket was first on the agenda for the boys.  Teresa really wanted to do the Mummy, but it was closed all day.  We rode some of the rides we missed on Tuesday--Transformers, Men in Black, Simpsons and ET.  Personally I liked ET because it was a much tamer ride!

Troy in the Harry Potter area.

Me and Hello Kitty

After our break we went to the Islands park.  The motor bike ride was first, the other Harry Potter ride and then the Hulk for the boys.  The plan was to hit the Velocicoaster, but a 20 minute rain shut down the ride.  Teresa and I waited it out in a gift shop.  We were all a little cold and damp and tired so we got some take out food at the hotel and brought it to our room for dinner.  We played some of the flip phone game and watched impractical jokers.

Our last full day started at Universal park again.  This was a day for hitting all the favorite rides one more time.  Teresa was persauded to try the Rip Ride coaster and enjoyed it.  Teresa and I did a little of shopping.  We got to see the boys on the Velocicoaster hanging upsidedown right above us.  Timothy picked out a t-shirt of the Velocicoaster--as it was his favorite ride.

We got hit by some more rain heading back to the parks, but waited it out in a gift shop.  We were going to go to the pet show, but Timothy suggested the Horror make up show instead.  It was almost a comedy show and we all enjoyed it.  A few more rides, some shopping and then it was time for dinner.  We chose the Chocolate Factory again.  Delicious again!  The kids chose sundaes this time and they were equally as yummy!

Our last morning we were out the door by 8 am and stopped at VooDoo donuts for breakfast.  Teresa picked the apple fritter (to share with me), Timothy the Miami Viceberry and Troy some sort of chocolate cookie peanut butter one.  I carried the box around for a good while while others went on rides.  Teresa found the courage to go on the Velocicoaster and rode in the front row.  They all went twice.  We went to the other park to hit The Mummy.  The wanted to end on the Rip Ride coaster, but it was closed because it was too chilly and windy!  So back to our room to hang out a little before the flight home.

We made it to the airport in good time, but the lines were crazy at security.  Troy noticed one line moving faster, so we switched over.  Thankfully we made it to our gate just in time for boarding to start.  Our Florida trip was wonderful!

Merry Christmas

 We had another lovely Christmas at home and with family.  It was an unusual brown Christmas in both locations, although we did get snow before the new year.  We enjoyed our Christmas eve service and a bonus morning service where Teresa was the narrator of a Christmas paegent. I was a sheep, Timothy carried the star and Troy played in the band.  

Christmas dinner was ham this year with some fixings to make everyone happy.  Then onto our Christmas movie.  We watched the new animated Grinch this year.  I think this was the first year Troy and I went to bed before the kids!  Had to haul out the presents in the morning instead of the evening.

Troy and I began Christmas morning with a brief walk.  The kids were up earlier than I expected with Timothy being the first to rise.  He said he actually couldn't fall asleep.  He made it through most of the morning and then crashed!

We enjoyed our gift opening, devotions and breakfast.  Troy, of course, had the kids do a hunt for one of there gifts.  This year the challenge was patterned after collection challenges in Pokemon.  They worked together to find stuffed animals in order to recieve a clue.  Teresa's big gift was Converse and Timothy's a new desk.

Teresa made me this cute kitty picture.  Troy got one too, but his featured Greek not cooking.  Timothy sent me a very thoughtful text with reasons he loves me.

We left for the cities, midday on Christmas.  It rained the whole time.  Not fun, but lots better than snow!  We enjoyed dinner with Susie, Justin, Meghan and their family.  The kids got a few gifts to open before dinner and we enjoyed some trivia playing in the evening.

Troy, Teresa and I went to the mall for a little bit the day after Christmas.  We mostly just walked around.  Teresa did find a candle on sale.

Next we made our way over to my mom's house.  Troy and TImothy spent our first evening there at the Wild game.  The got to see a great game as the Wild won 6-3!

Fiona joined Teresa for some cousin time the next day and they had a sleepover.  We took some time to play a round of Life.  Timothy won of course!

Eventually the rest of the gang joined us and we celebrated Christmas together on Friday.

THere were lots of gifts, yummy food and time to catch up with everyone.  Teresa sang her solo again and was accompanied by Troy this time.

We are thankful for the memories made and the time we get to spend with family over the holidays!

Winter fun

 A fe pictures from various events throughout December.

We spent some time decorating gingerbread houses one evening.  Some of us got into it a bit more than others, but overall a fun time!

We made our annual Christmas visit to Aunt Mary's house.  We enjoyed a pizza lunch, gift opening and Timothy provided some tech help!  It is always good to visit with my Aunt!

Teresa and I were the only ones to decorate cookies this year.  We had fun and the cookies were delicous as always.  Everyone does help eat them!

Teresa had a bonus concert at the mall that Troy and I were able to attend.  She even got to sing her solo again.

We had a pizza and movie day at church one Sunday afternoon.  There was a few games, good food and funny movies.  Thankful that both kids chose to attend.