So we just got back from the land of Mickey Mouse. We had an absolute blast!! It really was the ultimate family vacation, except for one large detail and that is we were missing Alex. He was spoiled for nine solid days by my in-law's. When I say spoiled I mean SPOILED, but we would not have had it any other way. Unfortunately since the weather was 90-100 degrees with almost 100% humidity it is just not ideal for a 6 month old and we really wanted Anthony to enjoy the entire experience. We arrived at home close to midnight and I picked up the little man at 6 am.
Anyways back to Florida. We stayed at a timeshare with my parents and sister. My aunt and uncle were next door to us with their 3 boys and Grandma Dar. There was no real drama and everyone just went with the flow, it was great! Where we stayed was just the right size. There was two pools, one with water slides for the kids (okay maybe for the adults too) and a wading pool with not as much action. It was so humid you could feel it as soon as you stepped off of the plane.
Upon arrival we settled in. Monday we hit Sea World and fell in love with all the amazing animals there. It is spellbinding to watch what these animals are capable of. The trainers that work with them are so dedicated to them, it was really neat to witness this type of relationship. We thought that we were going to get rained out at the Shamu show but they were able to pull it off. The show was titled "Believe" and gave me goosebumps countless times. We thought for sure we were going to get splashed because we were front row and center, unfortunately to Anthony's dismay I think we were the only area that did not get drenched.
Tuesday we met up with Jim Feske at Epcot who was kind enough to help us out with getting us in as his personal guests for the day. We spent the morning at Epcot. The Finding Nemo ride as well as the Evolution of the Earth were so cool. I cannot believe how realistic they can make the figures look. Come lunch time the three of us went and met the rest of the crew at The Magic Kingdom...WOW!!! I have waited 30 years to see Cinderella's Castle and it did not let me down. Anthony was enthralled with everything. He was able to meet Mickey and get his autograph. At the lights parade he was going ballistic when he saw Mickey leading the way, it was hilarious. Space Mountain was crazy! The Haunted Mansion was Anthony's favorite and the Pirates of the Caribbean was a close second. Next time we go I think that we are going to try stay right on the resort again and spend a couple full days just at the Magic Kingdom. Erik bought a shirt that says," I am Grumpy because you are Dopey." Very fitting.
Come Wednesday we relaxed at the resort. Anthony thought he was pretty cool because he was swimming underwater with goggles and no life jacket. Erik and I were proud, he is a good little swimmer. For dinner we hit the Arabian Nights dinner theatre. Everyone loved it, young and old. Come night time the adults went swimming and Grandma Dar stayed in with the boys. I charged down the water slide and was irritated because it felt like I got a sliver in my finger when I went down. Erik went down and was complaining because his feet got shocked. My cousin Brent goes down (he's 20) and is almost in tears because a huge shock zapped him. Erik walks up to the site of where the water pump is going from the battery and sure enough there is a wire loose. We were all literally getting electrocuted. I guess people have always thought of our family as "shocking". He, he, I couldn't resist.
Thursday we were off to MGM or Disney Hollywood Studios. Awesome!! We went to the Indiana Jones Show, Stunt Show, and the Muppet's 3D Show. All were amazing! I have to say the Aerosmith Rollercoaster was by far my favorite ride. Erik and I were the first car on the ride and loved it! We went on the Tower of Terror ride with my sister and cousin Kyle. Kyle was sitting next to me (he's 15) and practically tried to crawl into my seat with me. When we got off the ride he tried to deny it but I still had marks on my arm to prove it. Anthony saw the Power Rangers and Monsters, Inc. family.
Friday we relaxed at the resort and shopped. Saturday pretty much the same. We were tired. Only difference is we ate at a DISGUSTING sea food buffet called Angel's Seafood. Never, ever eat there. Sunday we flew to Minneapolis and it took us an hour to find our car because we are idiots. After finally finding it we cruised over the the Heer's to see little Leila (sorry if I misspelled AJ). OMG she is so cute, you forget how tiny they are when they first arrive. I really wish they lived closer to us :(. From there we left and finally got home at midnight.
It is always super fun to go on vacation and it is always really nice to come home to your own sweet bed. Thanks to the Nobles, my parents, sister, husband, and child for an awesome time!! Thanks to the Kuehl's for your hospitality on Saturday before we left (we had so much fun), and thanks to my BFF for producing some cute babies for my kids to play with.
