Disney World - Where All Your Dreams Come True!

OK, Disney World was only on the itinerary because the military resort there (Shades of Green, I know, it's silly name) is really nice and affordable and we thought we would just spend a few days laying by the pool and sunning and reading and ordering our food and drinks from the fun little poolside cafe. Not. So. Much. It was very cool and very windy and no one was by the pool. Hardly. Excepts the kids for like 5 minutes until their parents turned blue and insisted they leave. So we spent some time at Downtown Disney, which is free and fun for a couple of hours, and an afternoon at Epcot. So here is me in England by an authentic phone booth. Very British. They also had this little pretend Beatles rock bank playing live music and they were very good! Reminded me of a certain son-in-law. The sun was warm during the afternoon. Here is me in Germany. Yay for hummels and Steif bears, gummi bears and Tobelerone chocolate and bratwurst! I love Germany.

Cooldad in America, standing in front of a famous American building to be sure.

I could not resist taking a picture of these turkeys roaming around by our hotel. They were so cute. So "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle"-ish! They were rather large as well. I hope they don't catch them and eat them at Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, I didn't give a photo in France where I ate three delicious French pastries, one eclair and two croissants and didn't feel a bit guilty about it. Although I did spread them over two meals. Considering the selection, that was showing great restraint! The cheesecake, the brie, the tarts! All in all, it was a very fun day. I know I mentioned posting lowlights of the trip, but it was just so wonderful to NOT be in Alaska for a few weeks that I could only come up with a couple of legitimate ones. So here they are.

Lowlights:

No photo with Belle and the Beast due to long line

Lost my good bi-focals the last day

Could have been a lot warmer

My dad could have agreed to go to Key Largo where it was very warm instead of hanging around locally to be cold (to his credit he realizes that he chose poorly!)

Not enough mall time

Overall, it was a pretty nice trip.

Phase Two

The second part of the trip was to Daytona Beach for some R&R on the beach. Unfortunately, their weather this year hasn't been much better than anyone else's! But we did have some fun in the sun and caught some rays! All of Dick's siblings and spouses joined us in Florida for an impromptu family reunion. Dick made his "World Famous" steak and chicken shish kebobs for dinner one night and I got to shop at the Flea Market for fresh fruits and knock off designer sun glasses! The fruit made me weep! I should've taken pictures. !

We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family!

Phase One

Dickie on Siesta Key Island Beach just south of Sarasota. I want to retire here but it's a little pricey. I wish I had more photos, the softest whitest sand, lovely condos, and nice little shops and restautants. Dad lives on the gulf side and I think I prefer the beaches here.The first part of vacation was spent in Spring Hill Florida with my dad and Joyce. Savannah loved feeding these little guys when she visited a few years ago. Grandaddy Myers feeding his fish.

Sarasota Bay with Dad and Joyce in front of the circus mans mansion, sorry I forgot his name. I could check the brochure but I would have to go upstairs and fine it. Too much for a work day. :) Dinner time!The Brooksville Florida chapel. I loved the trees with all the moss.

Us on Clearwater Beach but it was cold and windy. We did collect some nice shells though.

Highlights of the Vacation

I meant to come home and write this awesome post but after working, returning a car to the airport, going grocery shopping, making dinner, picking up a pampered chef order and collecting the dog...I was just tired. Plus I am a little jet lagged from the four hour time difference.

So here are the highlights. I feel a little guilty posting any lowlights given the circumstances. So far the only lowlight is having to come home to 20 degree weather, icy roads, and work. So we will save that for later.

Highlights:
No airline delays nor crying children on any of our flights
Seeing my dad and Joyce
Jewelry shopping at dads
Siesta Key Island Beach...where I would like to spend eternity
Clearwater Beach (too bad it was cold and windy)
Eating out
Not working
Four nice days at Daytona Beach
DisneyWorld for free, almost
Being with Cooldad for 12 days straight
Driving on not icy roads and not slidding through busy intersections
House shopping in Florida
Collecting shells
Dillards
Uncle John's cookies, brownies and cheesecake
Dad's World Famous etoufee
Playing hand and foot
Eating hot dogs, cheeseburgers and cheese fries on the beach
Morning walks together
Beach walking
Dickie's' steak and chicken kebabs for dinner
No sunburn, but this could also be considered by some as a lowlight
Read two great books and one magazine
Started knitting a stocking cap
Only gained one pound
Actually made a purchase at L'Occitane in the Dallas airport
Ate at the good fish place in the Seattle airport food court

It was nice to see family and catch up and it was sad to leave.

We Live in a "Pretty-ish Sort of Wilderness"!

That was my first thought when I woke up and looked out my window this morning.

We are home. Of our six legs of flights to Orlando and back, none were notably late or eventful except the part where we managed to be in seats that did not recline for 5 out of the 6 flights. But the exit row sets were nice. That was, until late last night when Alaska airlines combined two flights and we ended up booted out of our nice roomy exit row seats and relocated to the very last row of non-reclineable seats on the plane. Where it was very noisy and lots of people were standing in line for the restroom. And socializing. But at that point I was mostly unconscious so it wasn't the end of the world. And what is with all the Jones soda? So nasty. I'd rather drink H2O. And I do.

Too bad we missed the event in Dallas shortly after we took off for Seattle. It appears some guy was landing in Dallas and couldn't wait for the plane to stop so he ran to the door, opened it as the plane was taxiing to the gate and jumped out via the escape shoot. To the authorities waiting below. Personally, I think it was the beverage selection that did him in.

Anyway, I have to get to work, so my blogging time is cut so short. Pictures and such to follow. Have a nice day!