tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59856491271036238962024-03-13T21:40:33.235-05:00BehindTheTimesblog (n.) Short for Web log, a blog is a Web page that serves as a publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author. (v.) To author a Web log. Other forms: Blogger (a person who blogs).Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.comBlogger702125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-36508379467917370112017-02-27T15:41:00.000-06:002017-02-27T15:41:00.392-06:00It's working!For a couple of years now my Blog has been inaccessible to me as there was some sort of virus attached to it. For whatever reason, I decided to click on the link in my bookmarks, AND IT WORKED! Doing a test post for now, and will possibly think about updating with my recent trip to Hong Kong/Macau/Vietnam!<br />
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Yay! So glad this is finally working again!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-28654316435264937442014-09-12T09:12:00.000-05:002014-09-12T09:12:59.754-05:00Happy Friday - Mediterranean Chick Pea Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
TGIF!! The kids have now completed a full 6-day school cycle, with today being day 1 of the 2nd 6-day cycle. I found a recipe that I wanted to try for Mediterranean Chick Pea Salad. I was a bit skeptical as to whether or not it would be liked by everyone. Gage voices a displeasure with tomatoes and Scott voices the same with cucumbers. Those are 2 big ingredients in the salad, so I was worried that Emma and I would be the only ones to like it. I made the recipe last night in preparation for adding it to their lunches today. When Gage came home from Cadets, I gave both him and Scott a sample to see what their thoughts were. They both came back for more! YAY! Gage asked if I made it or bought it. I told him I made it and he said he would like to see more of it. Today's lunch consisted of Concord grapes, Mediterranean Chick pea salad, Energy balls, tuna salad wrap and a cheese stick. I felt proud of their lunches today and want to share the recipe below.</div>
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Mediterranean Chick Pea Salad</div>
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1/2 cup olive oil (I used avocado oil)</div>
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1/4 cup lemon juice</div>
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1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley</div>
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1 tsp dried oregano</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/4 tsp pepper</div>
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3 cups chick peas, drained/rinsed</div>
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2 cups halved cherry tomatoes</div>
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1 English cucumber</div>
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1 red bell pepper, chopped</div>
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1 small red onion, finely chopped</div>
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1/2 cup sliced black olives (I used a whole can)</div>
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1 cup crumbled feta cheese</div>
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In med. bowl, whisk together drag ingredients.</div>
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Combine all salad ingredients in lg. bowl. Add drsg to salad bowl and stir to combine.</div>
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Allow to sit for at least 10 min for flavors to come together.</div>
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Have a great weekend!!</div>
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-72969840157431942512014-09-09T18:20:00.001-05:002014-09-09T18:21:01.291-05:00Tuna Salad WrapI'm already behind and we're only on the 4th day of school! Haha! I did take this picture yesterday, so I better get it posted.<br />
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Monday's lunch consisted of a Iogo yogurt drink, milk (for Gage), cantaloupe, red pepper slices tuna salad wraps and energy balls. The energy balls have been a big hit.<br />
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They said that the tuna salad wraps were really good, so I am going to share the recipe here:</div>
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Tuna Salad</div>
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1/2 cup tuna packed in water, drained</div>
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1 cup diced celery</div>
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2 Tbsp mayo or low-cholesterol substitute</div>
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2 Tbsp dried parsley</div>
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1 tsp chopped green olives to taste (optional)</div>
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2 Tbsp chopped scallion</div>
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Super simple and I just added a romaine lettuce leaf and wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.</div>
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Today's lunch (forgot to take a picture) consisted of leftover Chicken white chili, watermelon, cheese stick and energy balls. I'm already losing steam on ideas. :( This is going to be a loooooooong school year.</div>
Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-85892676260486199382014-09-04T11:06:00.000-05:002014-09-04T11:06:23.477-05:00Back to School 2014-15Gosh, it took me about 20 minutes to figure out how to post on my own blog! It's been THAT long ago! It also doesn't help that I'm just getting old(er), and more technologically challenged.<br />
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Well, it's that time of year again. Back to school for the kids. Back to making lunches for me. It's no secret. Making school lunches is not my favorite thing to do. The hot lunch program is one of the biggest things I miss about the kids attending school in the States. However, I know they are eating much healthier because of this change. I guess that's what keeps me going.<br />
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It's probably no surprise, but I am an "extreme parent." Yes, I AM one of thoooooooose people. Maybe not in the same way as the crazy parents you see on television, but probably not too far off the mark. I am an all or none kind of person. I'm either all in, or all out. There isn't much middle ground, but I'm working on that. I enjoy reading books on how to be a better parent. Much to my kids' dismay, I also like implementing the new tips/techniques that I have learned. If I read a book or article about how much smarter my kids will be by getting more sleep, you can bet I will be all over that. Last night's bedtime was 8:30p. I've also read articles on how much easier it is to learn when eating a healthy diet. Yep, I'm all over that one too. How to limit screen time. Read it. I do try to use what works, and tweak what doesn't to work with our lifestyle/schedule. That is the middle ground. The place I prefer to be.<br />
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So I'm not sure what my "return to blogging" will morph into over time, I'm just going to "go with the flow." Right now I want to use it to make myself accountable. I want to stay on track with that middle ground area. Of late, I feel like I've been more of the "none" in the all or none philosophy. That has to change. It has to change if I want to be the best Mom I can be.<br />
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I recently learned of a Canadian based online company that sells everything you can think of to make litter-free lunches. It wasn't until I was challenged to send a litter-less lunch at R.W.B.B. Elementary School a few years go, that I realized how important that was. I rarely use ziploc baggies, unless of course it's a field trip day when the kids are supposed to bring "disposable lunches." It does make for a lot more work after school, when all of the empty containers are emptied into the sink, but I am doing my part to reduce our carbon footprint, and making the world a better place. (Yep..........read an article about that!)<br />
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We were in desperate need of some new lunch bags. I threw Gage's away soon after the last day of school this past spring. Nasty! Needless to say, I was thrilled when I learned of this Canadian-based company, fenigo.com. Perhaps the best part, if your order qualifies, you can get FREE SHIPPING! My order arrived in the mail just YESTERDAY!!!<br />
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The company also threw in a few free bamboo utensil sets. I'm not sure if that's because I had to wait so long, or because I'm a new, good customer? Either way, it excited me. It's the small things. Gage has challenged me to learn how to make sushi, since each set came with a set of chopsticks! He recently discovered a love for sushi! Ewwww!!!!!!!<br />
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Scott was also a lucky recipient of a new lunch kit! His previous lunch bag was falling apart, and also a little gross.<br />
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Who wouldn't be excited about this?? I love the bright colors. Lunch time is a happy time now!!<br />
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But then comes MAKING those lunches! Over the past 4 school years, my kids have gotten quite tired of the same things over and over. I'm going to try to branch out a little bit and try keeping them excited about looking inside to see what Mom prepared today!<br />
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Today's lunch consisted of cubed cheese, yellow pepper slices, chicken salad sandwiches, energy balls and cantaloupe. I sure hope they like it. It was a new recipe for chicken salad and I haven't even tried it myself yet. Thankfully there's plenty for me as well. My plan, for right now, is to use my blog as a place to post pictures/recipes and try to stay inspired. You, readers, are responsible for holding me accountable.<br />
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These are the two loves of my life! The two that keep me busy. The two of whom I want to grow up into lovely human beings that people enjoy being around! My world revolves around these people in a way that I never knew was even possible! It's my job. It's the best one in the world. The pay is shitty, but only if you look at it in a monetary way. I couldn't be happier making all the money in the world, than I am having the title of "Mom" to these special people.</div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-1317180009181118412013-02-21T14:59:00.002-06:002013-02-21T14:59:41.991-06:00Cashew Chicken Salad<br />
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Cashew Chicken Salad</h3>
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1/2 cup celery, chopped</div>
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1/2 cup cashews, chopped</div>
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1/2 cup red apple, chopped</div>
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1/2 cup red, seedless grapes, halved</div>
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1/2 cup mayo</div>
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1 Tbsp. dry Ranch dressing mix</div>
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*Mix all ingredients well and serve on croissants.</div>
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*Note: I got this recipe from another blog, but was unable to pin it to pinterest to keep the recipe</div>
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somewhere where I'll be able to find it again.</div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-28417005444535131182013-02-12T11:24:00.003-06:002013-02-12T11:24:49.276-06:00(Healthy) Heart-Shaped Pizza for Valentine's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<pre style="font-size: 9pt;"><tt>HEART SHAPED PIZZA FOR VALENTINES
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
Feel free to experiment by adding different flavors into the dough along
with the flour (like dried basil or oregano, or even a little parmesan
cheese).
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tsp. sugar
1 TBSP. active dry yeast
1 TBSP. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 TBSP honey
In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over
the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy. Add in the olive
oil, salt, and garlic powder, and stir to mix. Add the whole wheat flour
plus one cup of the all-purpose flour, and stir until the dough begins to
come together. Tip the dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining
all-purpose flour, and knead until all of the flour has been absorbed, and
the ball of dough becomes smooth, about 5 minutes. Add a bit more flour if
the dough is too sticky. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to
coat the surface. Cover loosely with a towel, and let stand in a warm
place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
When the dough is doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured
surface, and divide into 2 pieces for 2 thin crust, or leave whole to make
one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Cover with a towel and let rise
for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
Stretch the dough out into the desired shape. Place each crust on a baking
sheet that has been sprayed with a little bit of oil. Top with your
desired sauce and toppings - not too much cheese : ) Bake at 425°F for
16-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
PIZZA SAUCE
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste ( low sodium if you can)
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons dried parsley flakes - or finely chopped fresh parsley
4 teaspoons dried onion flakes - epicure !
1 teaspoon dried oregeno
1 teaspoon dried basil ( or fresh )
2 cups water
1 Combine tomato paste, garlic, parsley flakes, onion, oregano, basil and
water in 2 quart saucepan.
( if you are using fresh parsley and or basil - blend in your blender or
food processor before you put it in a saucepan )
2 Cook over medium high heat until mixture boils.
3 Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes.
4 Cool a little and spread on your pizza crust and proceed with remainder
of your toppings.
TOP YOUR PIZZA WITH YOUR FAVORITE TOPPINGS - I LIKE SPINACH, FETA,
ZUCCHINI AND SOME MOZZARELLA !
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-14259647796023996812013-02-05T14:15:00.000-06:002013-02-05T14:15:00.589-06:00Cheesy Chicken Egg Rolls<br />
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<span class="userContent">Cheesy Chicken Egg Rolls<br /><br />1/2 T light whipped butter or light buttery spread<br />1 sweet onion<br />¼ t salt<br />2 cups spinach leaves<br />½ T chopped garlic<br />4 oz cooked and chopped skinless lean chicken breast<br />2 wedges The laughing cow light creamy swiss cheese<br />6 large square egg roll wrappers DIRECTIONS:<br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees<br />Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying it lightly with nonstick spray and set aside<br />Place butter in a skillet and bring to medium-high heat on the stove. Once butter has coated the bottom of the skillet, add onion and salt. Stirring often, sauté onion until softened and slightly browned, about 6 minutes.<br />Reduce heat to medium low. Stirring occasionally, continue too cook onion until browned and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.<br />Return skillet to medium high heat on the stove. Add spinach and garlic and cook until the spinach has wilted, 1-2 minutes. Transfer mixture to the large bowl.<br />Add chicken and cheese to the bowl, breaking the cheese wedges into pieces as you add them. Mix thoroughly and set aside.<br />Place egg roll wrappers on a clean dry surface. Evenly distribute 1/6th of mixture (about 1/3rd cup) in the wrapper and wrap. Seal the outside edges with water and transfer to baking sheet. Spray the tops of the egg rolls with nonstick spray.<br />Bake in oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes</span></div>
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Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-74592851338116982422012-01-16T08:46:00.003-06:002012-01-16T08:55:08.114-06:00Baked Cherry Almond Oatmeal<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KpOQL2YBW4/TxQ41om7XtI/AAAAAAAADiY/L9n_WjHzb3Q/s1600/100_4708%255B1%255D"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698241922615434962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KpOQL2YBW4/TxQ41om7XtI/AAAAAAAADiY/L9n_WjHzb3Q/s400/100_4708%255B1%255D" /></a> Ingredients:<br /><br />2-1/4 cups Quaker oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)<br />1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />3 cups 2% milk<br />3 eggs, lightly beaten<br />1 T melted butter (optional)<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/4 t0 1/2 tsp almond extract<br />3/4 cup dried cherries<br />1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds<br />Vanilla lowfat yogurt<br /><br />Preparation:<br />Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8 (6-ounce) custard cups or ramekins with nonstick cooking spray; arranged on rimmed baking sheet. (I used an 8x8 baking dish because I don't have the ramekins and this worked just fine.)<br /><br />In large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar and salt; mix well. In medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, butter, vanilla and almond extract. Add to dry ingredients; mix until well blended. Spoon into prepared cups. Stir cherries into each cup, dividing evenly; sprinkle evenly with almonds.<br /><br />Bake until knife inserted near center comes out clean, about 23-26 min. for quick oats, 25-30 min. for old-fashioned. (Centers will not be completely set.) Cool 10 minutes.<br /><br />Top with yogurt.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-18669981266010164222012-01-11T18:53:00.003-06:002012-01-11T19:14:47.196-06:00Beef Taco Rice Skillet<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jl1CuFYyDTQ/Tw4x_BFH8II/AAAAAAAADiQ/YSPKCDdl6lY/s1600/100_4704%255B2%255D.jpg"></a>Beef Taco Rice Skillet<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696545520493677186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-820nmwkBeOk/Tw4x-CPeSoI/AAAAAAAADh0/sqAi97c6rEU/s400/100_4704%255B1%255D.jpg" /><br />Beef Taco Rice Skillet</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>1 lb extra lean ground beef</div><br /><div>1 pouch Old El Paso Smart Fiesta Reduced Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix</div><br /><div>1-1/2 cup water</div><br /><div>1 cup thick and chunky salsa</div><br /><div>1 cup frozen whole kernal peaches and cream corn</div><br /><div>1-1/2 cup uncooked instant rice</div><br /><div>3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese</div><br /><div>1 cup shredded lettuce</div><br /><div>3/4 cup chopped tomato</div><br /><div>serve with sour cream</div><br /><br /><div>*In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown, drain.</div><br /><div>*Stir in taco seasoning mix, water, salsa and corn. Heat to boiling; stir in rice. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat.</div><br /><div>*Cover, let stand 8 min.</div><br /><div>*Fluff rice mixture with fork; sprinkle with cheese.</div><br /><div>*Cover, let stand 1-2 min or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle lettuce around edge of skillet, sprinkle tomatoes in circle next to lettuce.</div><br /><div>*Serve with sour cream </div><br /><div>*Enjoy!<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696545529335301410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjkA9okj8FY/Tw4x-jLexSI/AAAAAAAADiA/BKS1-36FtFY/s400/100_4705%255B1%255D.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-88336840854467406002011-05-31T09:57:00.007-05:002011-06-15T12:15:51.104-05:00The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Post 2I'm so pathetic at blogging. I guess this is one way to savor the experience we had with our first family vacation!<br /><br />These pictures are all of WW of Harry Potter, but in no rhyme or reason order. It's the way they appeared when I uploaded them and because it takes so much effort to rearrange them, I'm just going to leave it as is.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612913286247931874" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5A1VlIYTDUc/TeUS5TXg3-I/AAAAAAAADhY/yVMnuHfpvF0/s400/100_2303.JPG" /><br />Gage and Emma at the entrance of The Forbidden Journey. This was our first of three times to ride, so we were very excited with anticipation!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVZPrYwK7s0/TeUS6ZYltxI/AAAAAAAADhg/QOGo892x-OA/s1600/100_2302.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612913305042925330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVZPrYwK7s0/TeUS6ZYltxI/AAAAAAAADhg/QOGo892x-OA/s400/100_2302.JPG" /></a> Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: The Forbidden Journey<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jh6ffzrewO4/TeUS5FIeITI/AAAAAAAADhQ/9wfjuH6PkA8/s1600/100_2306.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612913282426741042" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jh6ffzrewO4/TeUS5FIeITI/AAAAAAAADhQ/9wfjuH6PkA8/s400/100_2306.JPG" /></a> As you wait in line to ride The Forbidden Journey, part of your time is spent weaving through the greenhouse. Thankfully we were there first thing in the morning, so it wasn't too miserably hot.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DSRFu4KLKE/TeUS45ZmtOI/AAAAAAAADhI/7cbQPuFHKvk/s1600/100_2308.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612913279277380834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DSRFu4KLKE/TeUS45ZmtOI/AAAAAAAADhI/7cbQPuFHKvk/s400/100_2308.JPG" /></a> Scott, Gage and Emma entering the castle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxgIbVA4Co4/TeUS4YBpxJI/AAAAAAAADhA/_FEzWIZDl74/s1600/100_2312.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612913270318548114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxgIbVA4Co4/TeUS4YBpxJI/AAAAAAAADhA/_FEzWIZDl74/s400/100_2312.JPG" /></a> The hall of portraits was pretty amazing. The portraits that were interactive didn't show up on my camera, unfortunately. It is better when there is a longer line for this ride, so you have time to take in the sights. If there is no line, you are kind of rushed through and end up missing alot of the conversation between the portraits.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvqUEUQ8NfA/TeUO6lZDT6I/AAAAAAAADg4/iVayeWJQVpA/s1600/100_2318.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612908910219579298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvqUEUQ8NfA/TeUO6lZDT6I/AAAAAAAADg4/iVayeWJQVpA/s400/100_2318.JPG" /></a> It started snowing while we were in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Harry, Ron and Hermoine were in the balcony talking, but because it was a holographic image, my camera wouldn't photograph them. It was very life-like. Unfortunately, the Forbidden Journey is the only place you see Harry, Ron and Hermoine in the park. This ride is what makes it a true Harry Potter experience.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9wC3qOAasE/TeUO6C8zHSI/AAAAAAAADgw/_Ec0leRPME8/s1600/100_2324.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612908900974271778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9wC3qOAasE/TeUO6C8zHSI/AAAAAAAADgw/_Ec0leRPME8/s400/100_2324.JPG" /></a> Just before exiting the line and getting on the ride, you will find the Sorting Hat, which actually talks. <br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjAERI00vCg/TeUO5WcI6sI/AAAAAAAADgg/0g8pzw7yUy0/s1600/100_2325.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612908889026128578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjAERI00vCg/TeUO5WcI6sI/AAAAAAAADgg/0g8pzw7yUy0/s400/100_2325.JPG" /></a> Once you leave the line, you get onto the ride in the Great Hall, where you find floating candles.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDeQj0NMqbM/TeUO41hKUDI/AAAAAAAADgY/Ubqcz-TvpmU/s1600/100_2327.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612908880188821554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDeQj0NMqbM/TeUO41hKUDI/AAAAAAAADgY/Ubqcz-TvpmU/s400/100_2327.JPG" /></a> We rode The Forbidden Journey three separate times, so I was snapping pictures each time, to make sure I didn't miss anything. Here are Gage and Emma back in line, in the greenhouse. There are mandrakes in the fenced area.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk3OtE08ICg/TeULjVF7ikI/AAAAAAAADgQ/UijX6DEa64c/s1600/100_2330.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612905212172536386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk3OtE08ICg/TeULjVF7ikI/AAAAAAAADgQ/UijX6DEa64c/s400/100_2330.JPG" /></a> This is where they keep track of house points. Gryffindor is in the lead!!!!</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--L1fr1hF4w8/TeULi_6-9_I/AAAAAAAADgI/Pewiwvd-HCA/s1600/100_2331.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612905206489479154" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--L1fr1hF4w8/TeULi_6-9_I/AAAAAAAADgI/Pewiwvd-HCA/s400/100_2331.JPG" /></a> A statue of Goddrick Gryffindor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2qC3eWxIrQ/TeULinkfr5I/AAAAAAAADgA/w6qyzrLr1pI/s1600/100_2332.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612905199952703378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2qC3eWxIrQ/TeULinkfr5I/AAAAAAAADgA/w6qyzrLr1pI/s400/100_2332.JPG" /></a> Time to stop and take a picture with the Hippogriff!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6tlTGuZRx8/TeULiAzraxI/AAAAAAAADf4/MvrupQdvOww/s1600/100_2338.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612905189547404050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6tlTGuZRx8/TeULiAzraxI/AAAAAAAADf4/MvrupQdvOww/s400/100_2338.JPG" /></a> The wall of portraits once again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdDfand4lZ0/TeULhyfZkMI/AAAAAAAADfw/29C9ay5teuM/s1600/100_2350.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612905185704251586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdDfand4lZ0/TeULhyfZkMI/AAAAAAAADfw/29C9ay5teuM/s400/100_2350.JPG" /></a> Dumbledore's Office.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJfwxjUGADE/TeUJr3I-iyI/AAAAAAAADfo/wimZ_bLpxEU/s1600/100_2341.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612903159727819554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJfwxjUGADE/TeUJr3I-iyI/AAAAAAAADfo/wimZ_bLpxEU/s400/100_2341.JPG" /></a> Dumbledore's desk.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldZi1-0n1WM/TeUJrpSK3AI/AAAAAAAADfg/DQM5vyL0vsU/s1600/100_2352.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612903156008279042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldZi1-0n1WM/TeUJrpSK3AI/AAAAAAAADfg/DQM5vyL0vsU/s400/100_2352.JPG" /></a> Gage and Emma with the Sorting Hat. I wonder which houses they would be sorted in to?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QP1h1W-vOdM/TeUJrTlD95I/AAAAAAAADfY/3QkUIR886m4/s1600/100_2355.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612903150181939090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QP1h1W-vOdM/TeUJrTlD95I/AAAAAAAADfY/3QkUIR886m4/s400/100_2355.JPG" /></a> Hagrid's Hut which you can see when getting onto the Flight of the Hippogriff ride. It's a tame rollercoaster, and also the first one we rode.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtAp3WSL56s/TeUJqTZwUiI/AAAAAAAADfQ/2xqlfRuGAsA/s1600/100_2357.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612903132954645026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtAp3WSL56s/TeUJqTZwUiI/AAAAAAAADfQ/2xqlfRuGAsA/s400/100_2357.JPG" /></a> Hagrid's Hut.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ia4VfNUtklw/TeUJqFWA2pI/AAAAAAAADfI/2zrbc_qS5e8/s1600/100_2358.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612903129180854930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ia4VfNUtklw/TeUJqFWA2pI/AAAAAAAADfI/2zrbc_qS5e8/s400/100_2358.JPG" /></a> Buckbeak on his nest. This was taken from the actual roller coaster and is about the only place you can see this.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVElg75zy4M/TeUEmMURqRI/AAAAAAAADfA/ZZtBVNAH7vo/s1600/100_2234.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612897564775000338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVElg75zy4M/TeUEmMURqRI/AAAAAAAADfA/ZZtBVNAH7vo/s400/100_2234.JPG" /></a> Dogweed and Deathcap shop window. Screaming mandrakes were heard. Thankfully we lived to tell about it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612897551333292866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWhFnsY35RQ/TeUElaPhe0I/AAAAAAAADew/wHq-zHJr1Gk/s400/100_2231.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Ollivander's Wand Shop is another big attraction at WWHP. This was high on our "to see" list, and was the first place we went on our first day at WWHP. They allow about 25 people into the wand shop at a time. The shopkeeper will choose one lucky soul and go through a production of the wand picking the wizard. We went to Ollivander's twice, because Gage really wanted a wand to pick him. Unfortunately neither Gage, nor Emma, were chosen. However, Gage's wand really did choose him. After the show is over, everyone is exited into a gift shop where you can pick out a wand to purchase. Because Gage was so bummed about not being chosen by the shopkeeper, he had a hard time trying to decide which wand to get. He opened several boxes and was just bummed. Finally, he opened up a wand box which had a core of Hawthorne, and a huge smile came over his face. I believed that this was a sign, and he was thrilled with his new wand.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw7bcmCtQOA/TeUElsi7OcI/AAAAAAAADe4/EKHlUZGGyv4/s1600/100_2232.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612897556246510018" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw7bcmCtQOA/TeUElsi7OcI/AAAAAAAADe4/EKHlUZGGyv4/s400/100_2232.JPG" /></a> A view of all the wand boxes in the shop.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIF5bxb0cTA/TeUElGZCnCI/AAAAAAAADeo/1e5ZL6XE-70/s1600/100_2300.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612897546004503586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIF5bxb0cTA/TeUElGZCnCI/AAAAAAAADeo/1e5ZL6XE-70/s400/100_2300.JPG" /></a>Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612897539175849602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUh-YZFKDAI/TeUEks89noI/AAAAAAAADeg/0NsAPLKe5GM/s400/100_2230.JPG" />Hogsmeade</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That is all for this post. I think I am also going to upload all of the pictures to FB. Much faster and easier to do.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-79087102100199934102011-04-28T12:34:00.010-05:002011-05-04T10:34:42.913-05:00The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Post 1Apparently there is a limit to the number of pictures you can add to a single post, and I have reached it. I have tons more pics, but will have to do multiple posts about Harry Potter.<br /><br />As I mentioned before, we had a special Harry Potter package. One of the benefits to having this package deal is that you get to enter the park an hour earlier than the general public. This is HUGE!!! This, in my opinion, is worth paying extra to stay on site, versus other accommodations. However, that is just my opinion. But I think Scott would also agree.<br /><br />Since the park opened at 9am, we were allowed to enter at 8am, which meant we were up by 6:30am and out the door by 7a so we could be first in line. We were among the first people in line both mornings we went. A small sacrifice to pay to get to do the things we wanted.<br /><br />One thing I didn't understand, the first morning we went, is that they opened the gates about 15 minutes before the park opened, only to hold everyone up not too far inside the park, behind another barrier. I'm not sure why they do that? In my opinion, it just creates a bigger mass of people and more opportunity for people to get hurt. It kind of reminded me of Black Friday shopping, except that people were a little less crazy and I didn't see anyone get knocked over or trampled.<br /><br />Once we got through the 2nd barrier, we walked VERY FAST, to the Harry Potter theme park. It was so thrilling to me when we got to the entrance. I was actually overcome with emotion. We waited so long and worked so hard to save the money to do this and WE WERE ACTUALLY THERE! I had tears welling up in my eyes and I had to take lots of deep breaths so no one would think I was hurt, or worse yet, crazy! I was thankful that I was about 10 strides behind Scott and the kids so I could regain composure! ;-)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1McvXTiBRg/TbmyZ5tx2LI/AAAAAAAADeY/jqosJ-k8pXo/s1600/100_2363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600703769671227570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1McvXTiBRg/TbmyZ5tx2LI/AAAAAAAADeY/jqosJ-k8pXo/s400/100_2363.JPG" /></a> The Hogwarts Castle! This is where you get your true "Harry Potter experience". We didn't actually get into the castle on day 1. We had read in our book "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids", that there were 3 attractions that were a MUST DO first thing in the morning, otherwise the lines were so long that you wasted alot of time just waiting. Our plan of action was to go to Ollivander's Wand Shop the first morning and Hogwarts the 2nd morning. Hind sight is always 20/20, but we actually could have managed both attractions both days. Part of our problem was that we weren't oriented to the park and didn't realize where everything was at first.<br /><br />Because I have so much trouble getting the pictures on here, then getting them in chronological order, I'm just leaving them where they fell at random.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9DLc651mGM/TbmyZsk-b5I/AAAAAAAADeQ/bVwnMwqEtJY/s1600/100_2365.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600703766144642962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9DLc651mGM/TbmyZsk-b5I/AAAAAAAADeQ/bVwnMwqEtJY/s400/100_2365.JPG" /></a> We loved "Hogsmeade" which is where all of the shops and stores are located. They had everything designed with such great detail, it was amazing! Here at "Scrivenshafts" they had Quills writing on parchment paper in the windows. You couldn't actually enter this shop, it was just window displays.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600703755881581282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNouC0BLQJQ/TbmyZGWEiuI/AAAAAAAADeA/BUrZGS-mZZY/s400/100_2367.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Scrivenshafts - Finest Parchments, Inks and Quills.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QUK-5nLv74/TbmyZRO6EvI/AAAAAAAADeI/4nDXCVXz_t8/s1600/100_2366.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600703758804325106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QUK-5nLv74/TbmyZRO6EvI/AAAAAAAADeI/4nDXCVXz_t8/s400/100_2366.JPG" /></a> GladRags Wizardwear contained the dress that Hermione wore in one of the movies. Or at least that is what I am told by Gage and Emma. ;-)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600703747857424834" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qmeyV1LvTR0/TbmyYoc9ocI/AAAAAAAADd4/c_Ikr1WzO74/s400/100_2368.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600702055825178114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5k4sXYmi8pU/Tbmw2JJCfgI/AAAAAAAADdw/EjcKyAUK1L0/s400/100_2370.JPG" />This Dogweed Deathcap shop had screaming Mandrakes in their window display! They were terrible on the ears! In the movies their shrieks bring death to anyone who hears them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhgW2n4aKPM/Tbmw1nEkIFI/AAAAAAAADdo/IgUcRk4uqAM/s1600/100_2371.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600702046679605330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhgW2n4aKPM/Tbmw1nEkIFI/AAAAAAAADdo/IgUcRk4uqAM/s400/100_2371.JPG" /></a> This is the entrance to The Three Broomsticks, which is an English Tavern. We had reservations to eat breakfast here on our first morning!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGjVqfixYss/Tbmw1mj_gCI/AAAAAAAADdg/jVlZ-NH5iYA/s1600/100_2369.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600702046542987298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGjVqfixYss/Tbmw1mj_gCI/AAAAAAAADdg/jVlZ-NH5iYA/s400/100_2369.JPG" /></a> Even the public restrooms were designed in great detail! You could even hear Moaning Myrtle inside. She is only in the Girls restroom in the books and movies, but the Men were not left out here.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600702037582186610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VUflL7hIac/Tbmw1FLkiHI/AAAAAAAADdQ/RayzuCFPRxs/s400/100_2372.JPG" />I think Honeydukes was one of our favorite shops. It was very vibrant with color inside, which was one reason I fancied this store.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzVh3p3Yxo/Tbmw1SLYjwI/AAAAAAAADdY/WEIknNrmHh4/s1600/100_2434.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600702041071062786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzVh3p3Yxo/Tbmw1SLYjwI/AAAAAAAADdY/WEIknNrmHh4/s400/100_2434.JPG" /></a> Not to mention that they had many DELICIOUS looking desserts like these Caudron Cakes. Unfortunately everything was quite spendy, so we didn't sample much. We did leave with a couple of Chocolate Frogs, some Bertie Botts Ever Flavour Beans and Pepper Imps. ;-)<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600700363586259650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVzspPbJWEg/TbmvTpD1ysI/AAAAAAAADdI/XgMofHXRMII/s400/100_2373.JPG" />Right next door is Zonkos Joke Shop. Emma liked all the Pygmy Puffs on display.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgFGJrAaQ6U/TbmvTCEY7HI/AAAAAAAADdA/ONTsPdlIaa0/s1600/100_2374.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600700353119579250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgFGJrAaQ6U/TbmvTCEY7HI/AAAAAAAADdA/ONTsPdlIaa0/s400/100_2374.JPG" /></a> Wizard Chess, anyone?????<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600700351316614322" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtEuz5a82o8/TbmvS7Wh3LI/AAAAAAAADc4/GjLJ59bLHm8/s400/100_2376.JPG" /><br />Our first morning, after visiting Ollivander's Wand Shop, and riding Flight of the Hippogriff, which is a fairly tame roller coaster, we decided to try Dragon Challenge. You can't really see much of this roller coaster from the outside, except for right here in this spot. We didn't actually see this until AFTER we rode the ride. We had read in our book that the best spot to ride is in the front row, so you can actually see what is going on. Because we didn't know what we were getting in to, we got in line for the first seat. The red coaster is the Chinese Fireball and the blue one is the Hungarian Horntail. Gage wanted to ride the Hungarian Horntail, so that is what we did. Although now I look back in our book and it says "coaster loonies hype the front row of the Chinese Fireball and last row of Hungarian Horntail, the <em>Unofficial </em>crew unanimously prefers the Hungarian Horntail. We were in the front row of the Hungarian Horntail, so maybe that's why Gage was screaming, "GET ME OFF OF HERE! GET ME OFF OF HERE!" and Scott was thinking, <em>"I AM GOING TO DIE! I AM GOING TO DIE</em>!" LOL! I could hear Emma screaming at the top of her lungs and I just kept praying that I wouldn't get sick. I have always LOVED the big thrill rides. Now, not so much. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy the "thrill" of the ride, but my body doesn't agree with my brain much of the time. I did actually make it through this ride without much trouble, other than I was shocked at how stupid I was that I didn't realize what a "thrill" this ride was! Needless to say, when I asked Gage if he would like to try the Chinese Fireball side, he replied with a quick "NO!" This ride has actually been at Universal for a long time, it was just rethemed as Harry Potter. How convenient that was for the park designing engineers!! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600700351906430210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l2eAjNIMd74/TbmvS9jJvQI/AAAAAAAADcw/GSNX9I_DqJ4/s400/100_2380.JPG" />There were a couple Butterbeer stands within the park. You could choose regular or frozen. Frozen wins best drink, hands down, by the Stephens family! However, at about $21.00 for 2 frozen drinks in souvenir mugs, we didn't sample too many of them!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5-esW4exGA/TbmvSZBZ3wI/AAAAAAAADco/xf_foPBbpAw/s1600/100_2432.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600700342101204738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5-esW4exGA/TbmvSZBZ3wI/AAAAAAAADco/xf_foPBbpAw/s400/100_2432.JPG" /></a> Hog's Head<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600698510339832594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxpTU6vv7lc/TbmtnxLdexI/AAAAAAAADcg/44wIb7ib0w0/s400/100_2379.JPG" />This picture is pretty self explanatory! ;-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600698503279447378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXma_YxW5BY/TbmtnW4IjVI/AAAAAAAADcY/dAEHLKHU5p0/s400/100_2375.JPG" />The Hogwarts Express!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600698504391156050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc1bRsza4mU/TbmtnbBL4VI/AAAAAAAADcQ/8JIzTCsxYtU/s400/100_2435.JPG" />The Hogwarts Express Conductor. I loved all of the uniforms the staff wore throughout the park. You definitely felt like you were in the movie!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600698496778205250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EekHbvpWvrM/Tbmtm-qHeEI/AAAAAAAADcI/dpa_zY45oBA/s400/100_2378.JPG" />We waited in this area for 2 different shows that were scheduled. All 4 houses were represented. Griffyndor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600698492048397698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWY7gJv6fSY/TbmtmtCcVYI/AAAAAAAADcA/1g_RyjpYDvs/s400/100_2385.JPG" />We watched the Triwizard Spirit Rally which was a show of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students as they lead the excitement for the Triward Tournament.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600696787764612562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJGjXgn5-jo/TbmsDgFhjdI/AAAAAAAADb4/PDvY4LA4-t8/s400/100_2387.JPG" />A Durmstrang student up close and personal!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600696790170847794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVS631ZVh_Y/TbmsDpDNyjI/AAAAAAAADbw/uGnrqNmcpJQ/s400/100_2388.JPG" />The show was quite enjoyable to watch.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600696785802429570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsinuEONG5c/TbmsDYxtBII/AAAAAAAADbo/Ow5SY8jBRmk/s400/100_2395.JPG" />The Beauxbatons put on a ribbon twirling show which was also fun to watch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq0JWz0MCNw/TbmsDL5SPQI/AAAAAAAADbg/ZIL2HKK52uQ/s1600/100_2396.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600696782344568066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq0JWz0MCNw/TbmsDL5SPQI/AAAAAAAADbg/ZIL2HKK52uQ/s400/100_2396.JPG" /></a> Who knew that being a ribbon twirler could lead to a job at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0DWxtIhaSs/TbmsC79hj7I/AAAAAAAADbY/27CbW6mR4So/s1600/100_2402.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600696778067382194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0DWxtIhaSs/TbmsC79hj7I/AAAAAAAADbY/27CbW6mR4So/s400/100_2402.JPG" /></a> This show certainly would have gotten us excited to watch the Triwizard Tournament!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h7tqCL3EgHI/TbmnAyef7ZI/AAAAAAAADbQ/-WEW62ZWXaY/s1600/100_2405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600691243603455378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h7tqCL3EgHI/TbmnAyef7ZI/AAAAAAAADbQ/-WEW62ZWXaY/s400/100_2405.JPG" /></a> After the Triwizard Spirit Rally, we stayed to watch the Hogwarts Frog Choir. This was a great presentation of songs by a small choir of Hogwarts students, accompanied by their large croaking frogs. It was quite warm out on this day, and those costumes looked HOT! I felt sorry for the Ravenclaw student (in the blue robe) as he was very hot and his face was dripping with sweat!<br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQtv4kV1bUs/TbmnASG6kRI/AAAAAAAADbI/lgQpYAf25rc/s1600/100_2425.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600691234914603282" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQtv4kV1bUs/TbmnASG6kRI/AAAAAAAADbI/lgQpYAf25rc/s400/100_2425.JPG" /></a> It was fun to listen to the choir. And now, when we watch the Harry Potter movies, we recognize the songs and remember seeing the choir singing it. ;-)<br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ML-lCIMHW48/Tbmm_9cabwI/AAAAAAAADbA/N7Kwzcqtzf0/s1600/100_2427.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600691229367627522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ML-lCIMHW48/Tbmm_9cabwI/AAAAAAAADbA/N7Kwzcqtzf0/s400/100_2427.JPG" /></a> The choir director was very excited about their performance. Is this a future job for Emma???<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDsZinZ_NKA/Tbmm_nZYzOI/AAAAAAAADa4/XmPh1Opj4-0/s1600/100_2430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600691223449357538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDsZinZ_NKA/Tbmm_nZYzOI/AAAAAAAADa4/XmPh1Opj4-0/s400/100_2430.JPG" /></a> The Hogwarts Choir.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sb7LykIAPEM/Tbmm_ZPZdNI/AAAAAAAADaw/cKjcB-Ybo6s/s1600/100_2431.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600691219649361106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sb7LykIAPEM/Tbmm_ZPZdNI/AAAAAAAADaw/cKjcB-Ybo6s/s400/100_2431.JPG" /></a> After the performance, the kids got to pose with them for pictures!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Stay tuned for more pictures from our adventures at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-67066180051980690432011-04-27T10:26:00.014-05:002011-04-28T10:34:36.474-05:00Hard Rock Hotel - Universal Orlando Resort - Florida - March 25-26, 2011My most sincere apologies for taking so long to get this post finished. I have been having all sorts of troubles with blogger. I am wondering if this is a thing that has been happening, as some of the blogs I follow are changing sites. Maybe they are getting tired of the problems? Hopefully I will not have so many troubles in the future.<br /><br />I decided that before I could post Harry Potter pictures, I needed to do Hard Rock Hotel pictures first. We stayed on Universal property for 3 nights and went to Islands of Adventure 2 days in order to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We had a special Harry Potter package, which is why we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel.<br /><br />The hotel was very nice, but I don't think the kids could really appreciate how nice it really was, since we haven't stayed in many hotels. They didn't have much to compare it too.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600287613489931026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p51ILXUI0z4/Tbg36bIWYxI/AAAAAAAADXA/O0TvCs6Dm44/s400/100_2481.JPG" /><br />We were so very excited to see this sign. Before we exited off the toll road, I had entered Hard Rock Hotel into Scott's iPhone navigation system. It took us on a wild goose chase which ended up in a residential area. It works much better when you insert an actual address!!!<br /><br />After we arrived, the service was first rate. I'm not really good at being "pampered" and felt weird about the hotel staff carrying out luggage to our rooms. It makes me feel like I must think I am better than them, to make them carry my bags. However, that is how they operate, so I did the best I could. After they took our bags, Scott took the rental car to the parking lot. The kids and I were going to go find our room. We knew the room number, and thought we knew the floor as well. We were lost and going up and down the elevator trying to find the correct floor. Finally, as we made it back to the ground floor, we saw our bags being taken to our room, so we followed the bags. Whew! I felt like a country bumpkin at that point. Our concierge, Eggy, arrived at our hotel room and we weren't far behind. He was very nice and gave us all kinds of information. It took Scott awhile to join us, and after Eggy left, I asked him if he had troubles finding our room. I felt much better when he said that he had been all over the place trying to find it. I didn't feel quite as stupid at that point. Scott does alot of traveling, and is good at that sort of thing, so I know I wasn't just me. He just didn't have the luxury of finding our bags enroute to our room!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600290895749758130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-cyM2Z9PDc/Tbg65egEvLI/AAAAAAAADYw/Fb_EoxeCLj4/s400/100_2288.JPG" /><br />This picture is the backside of Hard Rock Hotel. The path leads you to the water taxi which takes you back and forth from the different hotels on site to the parks. We were thankful for this service at the end of the day!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600290877094320258" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YN0yoKyCczY/Tbg64ZARWII/AAAAAAAADYg/YPeaGFyRV08/s400/100_2295.JPG" /><br />I had to take a picture of this pillow. I didn't notice it at first. Not until I saw Emma tracing the words onto a sheet of paper in her travel journal. I definitely agree that, "Sweet dreams are made of this!"<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292002527251378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxlAO_b7cNM/Tbg755kZC7I/AAAAAAAADY4/H-KRq8GVVIo/s400/100_2224.JPG" /><br />The Hard Rock Cafe was located between the Hard Rock Hotel and Universal Studios. We ate here one of the evenings and enjoyed it. You can't stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and not eat at least one meal at the Cafe!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NPvO2PvVUE/Tbg8xhtQWuI/AAAAAAAADZ4/ESxPKURFbrM/s1600/100_2214.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292958194653922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NPvO2PvVUE/Tbg8xhtQWuI/AAAAAAAADZ4/ESxPKURFbrM/s400/100_2214.JPG" /></a> Soon after we arrived at the hotel and got all of our things organized in our room and figured out where everything was, we went down to The Kitchen to eat supper. Calamari was on the appetizer menu so we had to order some. I had never had calamari until I went to New Orleans on the Mission Trip with our church last Oct. I actually liked it, so wanted the kids to try it. They loved it! I never would have even thought of eating squid, as a kid, so I was excited that Gage and Emma would try it! They are much more adventurous than I was!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8o5ZYCkF4o/Tbg8xKndPQI/AAAAAAAADZw/b45Tictp1b8/s1600/100_2215.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292951996316930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8o5ZYCkF4o/Tbg8xKndPQI/AAAAAAAADZw/b45Tictp1b8/s400/100_2215.JPG" /></a> Gage ordered steak from the menu. He ate it all too! </div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4hA9_jA_hg/Tbg8w6lda6I/AAAAAAAADZo/eGVTBjEyTCk/s1600/100_2216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292947692972962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4hA9_jA_hg/Tbg8w6lda6I/AAAAAAAADZo/eGVTBjEyTCk/s400/100_2216.JPG" /></a> You see in the bottom left corner what Emma ordered. She is the mac and cheese queen. It doesn't matter where we go, macaroni and cheese is always her top choice.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>We had a magician come to our table to do a few card tricks. I think he was unimpressed with us as one of his magic tricks didn't work. Not because he performed it wrong, but because we didn't remember the cards that we were supposed to remember. I guess that's what happens when you are up late, up early and kayaking for miles in the Everglades! LOL!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekyQR4mhTiI/Tbg8wfoe16I/AAAAAAAADZg/OQIN46mGQ6A/s1600/100_2217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292940457891746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekyQR4mhTiI/Tbg8wfoe16I/AAAAAAAADZg/OQIN46mGQ6A/s400/100_2217.JPG" /></a> The waiter brought us the dessert display to see what we wanted. It was hard to resist when you can see them all in person!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zIjxHMYOuY/Tbg77cuSAYI/AAAAAAAADZY/jzFTecCIucA/s1600/100_2218.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292029143843202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zIjxHMYOuY/Tbg77cuSAYI/AAAAAAAADZY/jzFTecCIucA/s400/100_2218.JPG" /></a> I can't remember the name of Emma's dessert, but it was a raspberry chocolate cake. It was very RICH, but that didn't stop her from nearly devouring the entire dessert! Scott and I did get a bite, but one bite is all I could take as it was too rich for me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KFV5LwB4ik/Tbg77HJhUCI/AAAAAAAADZQ/LewjtTWEbeQ/s1600/100_2219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292023352512546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KFV5LwB4ik/Tbg77HJhUCI/AAAAAAAADZQ/LewjtTWEbeQ/s400/100_2219.JPG" /></a> Gage picked this S'more Cheesecake.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCBCx7C84nc/Tbg76rJ5dlI/AAAAAAAADZI/VPdaOmXh-h0/s1600/100_2220.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292015837902418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCBCx7C84nc/Tbg76rJ5dlI/AAAAAAAADZI/VPdaOmXh-h0/s400/100_2220.JPG" /></a> How cute is that, with the roasted marshmallow on top. It had a graham cracker crust and it really tasted like a fancy s'more!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JYqtwS98Us/Tbg76KPKG9I/AAAAAAAADZA/JLRUBRlhVHI/s1600/100_2221.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600292007001594834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JYqtwS98Us/Tbg76KPKG9I/AAAAAAAADZA/JLRUBRlhVHI/s400/100_2221.JPG" /></a> It tasted as good as it looked!!! After supper we headed to our hotel room to get rested up for our big morning at Harry Potter world!</div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600290870391714130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZagm9J46yw/Tbg64ACPsVI/AAAAAAAADYY/0wbofRh7Zys/s400/100_2440.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We ate lunch the following day at the outdoor cafe which is right next to the swimming pool. It was a beautiful day and we couldn't resist. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600290868686967170" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tr1UVS76rI8/Tbg635rzUYI/AAAAAAAADYQ/cKSu6Fcl35I/s400/100_2441.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Emma casts a spell with her Ginny Weasley wand as we wait for our lunch to arrive.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntHgrnnnemA/Tbg6490w72I/AAAAAAAADYo/viY-LTfeIjQ/s1600/100_2292.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600290886978170722" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntHgrnnnemA/Tbg6490w72I/AAAAAAAADYo/viY-LTfeIjQ/s400/100_2292.JPG" /></a> I couldn't resist the frozen strawberry daquiri. It looked better than it tasted though. It was a little too strong and a little too sweet for my liking. However, that didn't stop me from drinking it! ;-)</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600289376152504338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0S6AjNi8F0/Tbg5hBj2yBI/AAAAAAAADYI/6AkVsQA1pC8/s400/100_2442.JPG" />While we were waiting for our lunch to arrive, this juvenile great blue heron decided to visit.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600289374331902050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8m3nkGus6Y/Tbg5g6xymGI/AAAAAAAADYA/DFR1fFPeoY0/s400/100_2443.JPG" />He didn't stay long as he discovered we didn't have any food to share with him. This was up close and personal! </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600289368727527426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnSAkfrZg1o/Tbg5gl5moAI/AAAAAAAADX4/_QjcMSXBwjg/s400/100_2450.JPG" />The kids had fun playing in the hotel pool when we took an afternoon break.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600289364787622338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EklPDbYikA/Tbg5gXOQccI/AAAAAAAADXw/3MXWVooXzHw/s400/100_2451.JPG" />Emma does some poolside hula hooping.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600289358082325970" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1stHScLWaY/Tbg5f-PlvdI/AAAAAAAADXo/teb-fnXyUu0/s400/100_2456.JPG" />They had an air guitar contest that Gage participated in. It was a girls against boys competition and Emma didn't want to join in the fun so she watched from the pool. The DJ had them doing all sorts of crazy moves and here is Gage, strumming behind his head. LOL!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUlGiC-I1f4/Tbg373fCZCI/AAAAAAAADXg/f9e2kK1ulXk/s1600/100_2459.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600287638281151522" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nUlGiC-I1f4/Tbg373fCZCI/AAAAAAAADXg/f9e2kK1ulXk/s400/100_2459.JPG" /></a> After the boys were finished, the audience in and out of the pool voted for who they thought did the best. The DJ declared a tie. In order to break the tie, he asked for Mom and Dad volunteers.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMfG1uuO9ZE/Tbg37effbgI/AAAAAAAADXY/8nfl7B-DKpg/s1600/100_2462.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600287631572168194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMfG1uuO9ZE/Tbg37effbgI/AAAAAAAADXY/8nfl7B-DKpg/s400/100_2462.JPG" /></a> Don't bother looking for me in the line-up of Moms. If Emma didn't have to play, then neither did I! ;-) Whew! I was glad I didn't make her after I saw this!</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHUFGY6DHTA/Tbg37HncYXI/AAAAAAAADXQ/t7xJ6cfRNsA/s1600/100_2464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600287625431507314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHUFGY6DHTA/Tbg37HncYXI/AAAAAAAADXQ/t7xJ6cfRNsA/s400/100_2464.JPG" /></a> Scott gets the "Dad of the Year" Award! Yes, that is my hunk-o-burnin'-flesh out there in the camo shorts and long blonde wig. I only got one photo because I spent the rest of the time taking video! ;-) I will be posting that at a later date. ;-)</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hH1BGMOY4wo/Tbg367vwt-I/AAAAAAAADXI/F3BZOsi5SnU/s1600/100_2480.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600287622245169122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hH1BGMOY4wo/Tbg367vwt-I/AAAAAAAADXI/F3BZOsi5SnU/s400/100_2480.JPG" /></a> Here is another picture of the Hard Rock Cafe lit up in the night as we ride the water taxi back to the hotel.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>We most definitely enjoyed our time at Universal Studios and it would be close to the top, if not #1 on our list of what was the best part of our trip!<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-45189046488150709442011-04-13T09:01:00.007-05:002011-04-13T12:32:52.746-05:00Kayaking through the Mangrove Tunnels - Mar. 24, 2011I must admit that I was a little nervous about going on our guided kayak tour. It's been awhile since I kayaked (last summer) and I wasn't sure I would be able to keep up. I was also nervous about irritating my shoulder to start our vacation. However, it was a very slow-paced guided tour and I had no problems keeping up. There were 3 other people on this particular tour, an older couple from New York and a younger gal from Michigan. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7e6Kx2Iae0/TaXA-TQHWmI/AAAAAAAADWw/bbFVMtgBznM/s1600/100_2116.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595090288629996130" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7e6Kx2Iae0/TaXA-TQHWmI/AAAAAAAADWw/bbFVMtgBznM/s400/100_2116.JPG" /></a> There was another tour in progress as you can see a kayak off in the distance. There was another guide with clients that arrived after us. This is a popular thing to do in the Everglades, it seems. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6sTPme4CtA/TaXA-R58dEI/AAAAAAAADWo/qq3BpUWLf2k/s1600/100_2117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595090288268571714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6sTPme4CtA/TaXA-R58dEI/AAAAAAAADWo/qq3BpUWLf2k/s400/100_2117.JPG" /></a> Our family had 2 tandem kayaks. Gage and Scott went out in one kayak and Emma and I went out in the other. I'm thinking we did our kayak purchases wrong. This was so much fun to go out in the tandem kayaks, versus our 2 single kayaks which cause alot of fighting about who gets to go out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddm7T1ZxD_M/TaXA9jdjvwI/AAAAAAAADWg/LquCPYEGdag/s1600/100_2118.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595090275801480962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddm7T1ZxD_M/TaXA9jdjvwI/AAAAAAAADWg/LquCPYEGdag/s400/100_2118.JPG" /></a> Emma and I were second in line, just behind the guide. It was a slow pace and it was easy to keep up. I didn't have alot of help from my fellow kayaker, so I was happy about the snail pace.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Emma was also a bit out of sorts. She was tired and cranky from waking up the previous morning at 3:20am for our early flight. She was complaining alot about my ability to guide our kayak through the mangrove tunnels.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70gDnsl70QU/TaW_Qga-JVI/AAAAAAAADWY/nGP9yBzc9ao/s1600/100_2119.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595088402379580754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70gDnsl70QU/TaW_Qga-JVI/AAAAAAAADWY/nGP9yBzc9ao/s400/100_2119.JPG" /></a> We stopped every now and again to learn about the area and to see different things. There were alot of fish jumping out in the water and it was fun to watch.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8P5OW6Pycvs/TaW_QqJ0a1I/AAAAAAAADWQ/grjUi_v6OJM/s1600/100_2120.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595088404991994706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8P5OW6Pycvs/TaW_QqJ0a1I/AAAAAAAADWQ/grjUi_v6OJM/s400/100_2120.JPG" /></a> Ooops! I was having troubles seeing the front of my kayak with Emma in front! After entering out first mangrove tunnel, I was having troubles steering the kayak. Many of the tunnels were narrow enough that we had to take our kayak paddles apart and just use the end like an oar. That paired with not being able to see the front of my kayak, due to Emma sitting in front, I backed out of my 2nd position in line and let the other people go ahead of me. Every time we would run into a tree, Emma would make a disgusted noise, only making this a little more frustrating and nerve-wracking for me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRg7gpmf5A0/TaW_QQC2zyI/AAAAAAAADWI/I8E9VaL07e8/s1600/100_2121.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595088397983469346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRg7gpmf5A0/TaW_QQC2zyI/AAAAAAAADWI/I8E9VaL07e8/s400/100_2121.JPG" /></a> The white splash you see up ahead was the splash from an osprey diving into the water to catch a fish. This was the 2nd dive as I missed the first one, which was much closer to our kayaks. What a site that was. The osprey missed the fish on his first dive, but caught one on the 2nd attempt. Even our guide was excited to see this site as it's not every day that you get to see something like that!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtY1tXS-J1k/TaW_QGOk6NI/AAAAAAAADWA/EyVM6BfYtG8/s1600/100_2122.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595088395348273362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtY1tXS-J1k/TaW_QGOk6NI/AAAAAAAADWA/EyVM6BfYtG8/s400/100_2122.JPG" /></a> Headed towards the mangrove tunnels.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OS0yYyF2Mc/TaW_P-C8T4I/AAAAAAAADV4/oLRYSohZxxc/s1600/100_2123.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595088393151991682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--OS0yYyF2Mc/TaW_P-C8T4I/AAAAAAAADV4/oLRYSohZxxc/s400/100_2123.JPG" /></a> We start into the tunnels. This one was wide enough that we could keep our paddles in one piece.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-As0sH3I5NQg/TaW7z9XoOoI/AAAAAAAADVw/2vbELX4sLyQ/s1600/100_2124.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595084613399100034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-As0sH3I5NQg/TaW7z9XoOoI/AAAAAAAADVw/2vbELX4sLyQ/s400/100_2124.JPG" /></a> Scott and Gage bringing up the rear.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iZq-IeY5lI/TaW7zipYeyI/AAAAAAAADVo/0tbTX1hf5lg/s1600/100_2125.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595084606225808162" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iZq-IeY5lI/TaW7zipYeyI/AAAAAAAADVo/0tbTX1hf5lg/s400/100_2125.JPG" /></a> Mangrove tree roots.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C5tdEzLw2k/TaW7zLl426I/AAAAAAAADVg/-qSBghmGTX8/s1600/100_2126.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595084600037137314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C5tdEzLw2k/TaW7zLl426I/AAAAAAAADVg/-qSBghmGTX8/s400/100_2126.JPG" /></a> More mangrove tree roots.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acRro-9uvzk/TaW7ynK9FbI/AAAAAAAADVY/rG4EQpmutGs/s1600/100_2127.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595084590260491698" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acRro-9uvzk/TaW7ynK9FbI/AAAAAAAADVY/rG4EQpmutGs/s400/100_2127.JPG" /></a> The tunnels are getting more and more narrow. I have backed off my 2nd place spot and am now just in front of Scott and Gage. We didn't see any alligators in the tunnels, thank goodness!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duskxqv7Z34/TaW7yphflCI/AAAAAAAADVQ/IGLm33Psedw/s1600/100_2128.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595084590891897890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duskxqv7Z34/TaW7yphflCI/AAAAAAAADVQ/IGLm33Psedw/s400/100_2128.JPG" /></a> Scott doing all the work while Gage sits back and enjoys the ride.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4AugTUU5C8/TaWvFJTlvXI/AAAAAAAADVI/fOsOLV-TDts/s1600/100_2129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595070615010000242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4AugTUU5C8/TaWvFJTlvXI/AAAAAAAADVI/fOsOLV-TDts/s400/100_2129.JPG" /></a> This was one of the more narrow tunnels as you see Gage with his paddle taken apart.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKXmemjC060/TaWvE9KpBAI/AAAAAAAADVA/JSj6biturLs/s1600/100_2130.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595070611751240706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKXmemjC060/TaWvE9KpBAI/AAAAAAAADVA/JSj6biturLs/s400/100_2130.JPG" /></a> Headed out of the tunnel into an open area.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKFkjNbCOwk/TaWvElJzjEI/AAAAAAAADU4/juV6H8_jKTY/s1600/100_2131.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595070605305285698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKFkjNbCOwk/TaWvElJzjEI/AAAAAAAADU4/juV6H8_jKTY/s400/100_2131.JPG" /></a> We saw our first alligator (of the tour..........we saw several on the trip down along the "Alligator Alley" toll road) after we were almost done with our tour. You can see the three bumps in the water in the middle of the picture, back towards the trees. He is headed towards the trees.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UErxpy0gtac/TaWvEGd444I/AAAAAAAADUw/hyELTevTVZI/s1600/100_2133.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595070597068022658" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UErxpy0gtac/TaWvEGd444I/AAAAAAAADUw/hyELTevTVZI/s400/100_2133.JPG" /></a> Scott and Gage went over in the direction of the alligator to get a closer look. Gage wasn't so sure about that!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZAOjC3vfiw/TaWvDyMPVDI/AAAAAAAADUo/2OBKJGXFyyI/s1600/100_2135.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595070591625286706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZAOjC3vfiw/TaWvDyMPVDI/AAAAAAAADUo/2OBKJGXFyyI/s400/100_2135.JPG" /></a> The guide saw a second alligator but I wasn't able to get pictures of that one.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FPmpUhuPOI/TaWt9tKK0lI/AAAAAAAADUg/zUwL1Z8ZCMM/s1600/100_2137.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595069387683582546" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FPmpUhuPOI/TaWt9tKK0lI/AAAAAAAADUg/zUwL1Z8ZCMM/s400/100_2137.JPG" /></a> As we were headed back to shore, the ibis birds were coming back to roost in the trees. They were quite noisy as they settled in for the night. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buYMtVHk_p8/TaWt9MUaOwI/AAAAAAAADUY/ut_DFXGGuFQ/s1600/100_2140.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595069378868165378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buYMtVHk_p8/TaWt9MUaOwI/AAAAAAAADUY/ut_DFXGGuFQ/s400/100_2140.JPG" /></a> Nearing the end of our sunset kayak tour.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595069369211780402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60MeVI_I0Iw/TaWt8oWJfTI/AAAAAAAADUI/O3owXYGzRmg/s400/100_2142.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Here is another shot of the first alligator we saw while out in the kayaks. Kind of freaky being almost at eye to eye level!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595069379041121842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARiIMzY8ogY/TaWt9M9pVjI/AAAAAAAADUQ/UMV6f4Wga8M/s400/100_2141.JPG" /> More ibis coming in to roost for the night.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gND9XppK-1o/TaWt8Yzl9tI/AAAAAAAADUA/SA3B5mcT9gg/s1600/100_2143.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595069365040314066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gND9XppK-1o/TaWt8Yzl9tI/AAAAAAAADUA/SA3B5mcT9gg/s400/100_2143.JPG" /></a> After we finished our sunset kayak tour we headed back into Everglade City to get our cabin situation straightened out and we ate supper at Camellia Street Grill and had a wonderful meal out on the patio with live music to boot! We had a great time. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Next stop.................Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! YEAH!!!! <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-77899730695097357912011-04-07T09:39:00.011-05:002011-04-12T12:52:52.530-05:00Kayaking in the Everglades - Mar 24 and 25, 2011I apologize for the delay in getting this posted. I have been having (and continue to have) issues with getting my pictures uploaded to this post for some reason. I have had these pictures on here for about a week, but haven't posted it yet because I still had some pictures to add. I will just post what I have and try to get the other kayaking pictures into another post. We arrived in Everglade City, Florida in the late afternoon on Mar. 24 to find that our cabin had been rented to another person. Apparently there was some sort of glitch in the computer system that booked our cabin rental for January 24, 2011 instead of March 24, 2011. We didn't have time to stay and sort out the details before it was time to head out on our evening kayak tour through the mangrove tunnels, so we headed over to our meeting place for our evening kayak tour. (Those are the pictures I am having troubles getting uploaded.) After our evening kayak tour, we went back to get the details of our cabin straightened out, and luckily there was another guy who had an open cabin that we were able to stay in that night. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7w45AfUdnc/TZ9AuOvDQtI/AAAAAAAADT4/oPyzBeT0oco/s1600/100_2144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593260425191047890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7w45AfUdnc/TZ9AuOvDQtI/AAAAAAAADT4/oPyzBeT0oco/s400/100_2144.JPG" /></a> Gage checking out the back bedroom of the cabin we stayed in. It was a nice little place. This room contained 2 twin beds which Scott and I slept on and the kids stayed in the front of the cabin on a futon and bench that was just the size to fit the futon mattresses on to make into a bed. <br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFK-25Gn_Rk/TZ9AtycuhNI/AAAAAAAADTw/qaNSS8d6fWg/s1600/100_2145.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593260417597998290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yFK-25Gn_Rk/TZ9AtycuhNI/AAAAAAAADTw/qaNSS8d6fWg/s400/100_2145.JPG" /></a> This is a shot of the 2nd twin bed in the back room.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8XIjDELM90/TZ9Atok3mKI/AAAAAAAADTo/9nRBhv2MADY/s1600/100_2146.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593260414947793058" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8XIjDELM90/TZ9Atok3mKI/AAAAAAAADTo/9nRBhv2MADY/s400/100_2146.JPG" /></a> Scott and Emma check out some of the pictures and decorating details on the walls.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDhNI1X8IsU/TZ4q7GZCEUI/AAAAAAAADRo/kjPbzAQSOU0/s1600/100_2147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592954982056988994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDhNI1X8IsU/TZ4q7GZCEUI/AAAAAAAADRo/kjPbzAQSOU0/s400/100_2147.JPG" /></a> This is an outside shot of what our cabin looked like.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajODQlYXAK8/TZ4q6g6jx0I/AAAAAAAADRg/qGnyEMLhqPo/s1600/100_2148.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592954971997062978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajODQlYXAK8/TZ4q6g6jx0I/AAAAAAAADRg/qGnyEMLhqPo/s400/100_2148.JPG" /></a> We stopped at this little store to find some breakfast before heading out onto our early morning kayak tour the following day.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592954967602934226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQzGf0KoTTA/TZ4q6Qi6sdI/AAAAAAAADRY/eGEYWWsao_o/s400/100_2149.JPG" /></div><br /><div>As we were waiting for our guide to arrive, we had some time to drive around the little town and check some things out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592954964108099602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRM4swHtcgs/TZ4q6DhrwBI/AAAAAAAADRI/_z7klOnPC7g/s400/100_2151.JPG" /></div><br /><div>This building is the Smallwood Store that is described in the plaque above. (I am also unable to reorganize pictures for some reason! UGH!) The store, as well as many of the houses in this area, are built on stilts to prevent them from flooding during hurricanes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjTz71sCcUs/TZ4q6a_O4hI/AAAAAAAADRQ/aapER9E8loA/s1600/100_2150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592954970406052370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjTz71sCcUs/TZ4q6a_O4hI/AAAAAAAADRQ/aapER9E8loA/s400/100_2150.JPG" /></a> This dugout canoe was located underneath the store. I'm not sure if it is just displayed for looking at, or if they still use it today. </div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrR1wyHVjNY/TZ3l00thudI/AAAAAAAADRA/lqi06DD8yhY/s1600/100_2153.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592879007929579986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrR1wyHVjNY/TZ3l00thudI/AAAAAAAADRA/lqi06DD8yhY/s400/100_2153.JPG" /></a> Scott at JT's Island Grill and Gallery as we wait for our kayak guide to arrive for our morning tour.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tR2AiV6N1Q/TZ3l0hapgpI/AAAAAAAADQ4/v5Xe6Jc3UHY/s1600/100_2154.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592879002750124690" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tR2AiV6N1Q/TZ3l0hapgpI/AAAAAAAADQ4/v5Xe6Jc3UHY/s400/100_2154.JPG" /></a> Taking a break in the hammock swing on the porch.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r07xOyUTBEw/TZ3l0ZeqJNI/AAAAAAAADQw/fjEgFHwFGLk/s1600/100_2163.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592879000619459794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r07xOyUTBEw/TZ3l0ZeqJNI/AAAAAAAADQw/fjEgFHwFGLk/s400/100_2163.JPG" /></a> Emma found a new friend during our wait! There were 3-4 different cats running around but this one was the friendliest. Inside the store they had little quarter machines that you would normally get gumballs or candy out of. Here, you get cat food. The quarters are used to help with the ferral cat population by finding them veterinary care and homes to be placed in. What a good idea!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VInU9sKOgE/TZ3l0EAQAAI/AAAAAAAADQo/grbnOLDmYf8/s1600/100_2157.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592878994854772738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VInU9sKOgE/TZ3l0EAQAAI/AAAAAAAADQo/grbnOLDmYf8/s400/100_2157.JPG" /></a> Our guide has arrived! Before we left for our morning tour, he and Emma went around and fed all of the cats. That was right up her alley.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWbmx4lqY9A/TZ3l0HwLmrI/AAAAAAAADQg/FF0_aeLLJNM/s1600/100_2159.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592878995861117618" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWbmx4lqY9A/TZ3l0HwLmrI/AAAAAAAADQg/FF0_aeLLJNM/s400/100_2159.JPG" /></a> Not sure what kind of flowers these are, but just thought they were pretty and would make a nice picture.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTg5V-ILM2Q/TZ3eBG-ZohI/AAAAAAAADQY/2f09qpxlcgY/s1600/100_2161.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592870422897598994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTg5V-ILM2Q/TZ3eBG-ZohI/AAAAAAAADQY/2f09qpxlcgY/s400/100_2161.JPG" /></a> This picture is the decal on our guide's truck. It speaks for itself.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592870412766163714" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-JaGohI96U/TZ3eAhO4MwI/AAAAAAAADQI/_J5TkvBgbeE/s400/100_2164.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We saw lots of different palm trees and were excited to find a coconut tree. We aren't sure of the difference between the coconut tree and the other palm trees we saw. I guess I should look that up!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2rfFVj1oX8/TZ3eAzEAAeI/AAAAAAAADQQ/hBN9fxBqxaI/s1600/100_2197.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592870417552376290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2rfFVj1oX8/TZ3eAzEAAeI/AAAAAAAADQQ/hBN9fxBqxaI/s400/100_2197.JPG" /></a> We started our morning kayak tour in the Everglades National Park.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5rkAUANHCo/TZ3eASkMNdI/AAAAAAAADQA/E_vAoqQ_9HM/s1600/100_2173.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592870408829023698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5rkAUANHCo/TZ3eASkMNdI/AAAAAAAADQA/E_vAoqQ_9HM/s400/100_2173.JPG" /></a> Our guide pulled up one of the crab traps to show us the blue crab that it contained.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kd-GWGXORKI/TZ3eAYFGilI/AAAAAAAADP4/mbTEABaq4D4/s1600/100_2177.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592870410309241426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kd-GWGXORKI/TZ3eAYFGilI/AAAAAAAADP4/mbTEABaq4D4/s400/100_2177.JPG" /></a> This is an island made up of all different kinds of shells. We were able to get out of our kayaks and explore and search for some unique shells.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ckn-493FAPA/TZ3cjAs6a1I/AAAAAAAADPw/wMSa107K5qA/s1600/100_2180.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592868806305934162" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ckn-493FAPA/TZ3cjAs6a1I/AAAAAAAADPw/wMSa107K5qA/s400/100_2180.JPG" /></a> We get a little history about the island and information about some of the different shells we might find.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80kfOs940nY/TZ3cjCq9xbI/AAAAAAAADPo/NuQ3y5ufmjo/s1600/100_2181.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592868806834636210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80kfOs940nY/TZ3cjCq9xbI/AAAAAAAADPo/NuQ3y5ufmjo/s400/100_2181.JPG" /></a> We are on the hunt to see who can find the best shells.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ0z9p4Nt88/TZ3cilWm0kI/AAAAAAAADPg/64GtBcYDu3c/s1600/100_2182.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592868798964617794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ0z9p4Nt88/TZ3cilWm0kI/AAAAAAAADPg/64GtBcYDu3c/s400/100_2182.JPG" /></a> These are mangrove tree roots.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm59G_IDhC4/TZ3ciiCjHtI/AAAAAAAADPY/cvcYoKJ_-Ow/s1600/100_2184.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592868798075182802" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm59G_IDhC4/TZ3ciiCjHtI/AAAAAAAADPY/cvcYoKJ_-Ow/s400/100_2184.JPG" /></a> Emma found a huge cluster of oysters! She had to be very careful because they are sharp and she could have gotten cut.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MgPpHsCRSI/TZ3ciau4rlI/AAAAAAAADPQ/jSO8DCNon2g/s1600/100_2186.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592868796113661522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MgPpHsCRSI/TZ3ciau4rlI/AAAAAAAADPQ/jSO8DCNon2g/s400/100_2186.JPG" /></a> This is an oyster bed under the water. Many of the shells are empty in this picture, but there were several huge clusters that looked like the one Emma was holding in the previous picture.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQXkoKJybwU/TZ3a9xQSLfI/AAAAAAAADPI/keUmdmNPe-A/s1600/100_2187.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592867066992537074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQXkoKJybwU/TZ3a9xQSLfI/AAAAAAAADPI/keUmdmNPe-A/s400/100_2187.JPG" /></a> Emma and our guide (I can't remember if his name is Ron, or what?) looking for some good shells.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOrHGCD8wsE/TZ3a9jKNpNI/AAAAAAAADPA/lpiouN8pYNI/s1600/100_2193.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592867063208977618" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOrHGCD8wsE/TZ3a9jKNpNI/AAAAAAAADPA/lpiouN8pYNI/s400/100_2193.JPG" /></a> In our hunt, Gage found this little mangrove crab in the trees. He's a weird looking creature!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlm1F34kOf8/TZ3a9mSPYhI/AAAAAAAADO4/W03XeR218Jo/s1600/100_2194.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592867064047952402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlm1F34kOf8/TZ3a9mSPYhI/AAAAAAAADO4/W03XeR218Jo/s400/100_2194.JPG" /></a> At first Gage was afraid to hold him, but after Mom let him crawl around on her hand and arm, he decided it must be okay. It felt weird when he walked on your skin, but he was a pretty cool little crab.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBIf96k3gUU/TZ3a9VFS7xI/AAAAAAAADOw/kw8tcpWMQT0/s1600/100_2195.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592867059430256402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uBIf96k3gUU/TZ3a9VFS7xI/AAAAAAAADOw/kw8tcpWMQT0/s400/100_2195.JPG" /></a> Between the two sets of trees, you can see an oyster bed in the water. It is low tide right now so they aren't completely submerged at this time.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6crNfHeCrQ/TZ3a9NXtU-I/AAAAAAAADOo/bxxt9F5Zazw/s1600/100_2196.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592867057359999970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6crNfHeCrQ/TZ3a9NXtU-I/AAAAAAAADOo/bxxt9F5Zazw/s400/100_2196.JPG" /></a> We kayaked several miles out in the bay around the Ten Thousand Islands area. We were near Chokoloskee Island. The area is a mix of fresh water and salt water and we were on the lookout for Manatees. It was a great place to be to find them, but they were all hiding somewhere else on this particular day, which totally bummed Gage out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt5naeiw4Pk/TZ3OMh5gV6I/AAAAAAAADOg/64KPL8aKbZ8/s1600/100_2208.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592853026917341090" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt5naeiw4Pk/TZ3OMh5gV6I/AAAAAAAADOg/64KPL8aKbZ8/s400/100_2208.JPG" /></a> After our kayak tour ended around lunch time, we headed to Big Cypress National Preserve where the kids became Junior Rangers by taking an oath and doing several different activities.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmqAwSzt9tY/TZ3OMh2l59I/AAAAAAAADOY/B4Todo-ZoLE/s1600/100_2209.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592853026905122770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmqAwSzt9tY/TZ3OMh2l59I/AAAAAAAADOY/B4Todo-ZoLE/s400/100_2209.JPG" /></a>"I, Gage Stephens.........." and "I, Emma Stephens, do swear..................."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-109ZlHVmViE/TZ3OMDIDanI/AAAAAAAADOQ/WoFL3XIn5wI/s1600/100_2210.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592853018656860786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-109ZlHVmViE/TZ3OMDIDanI/AAAAAAAADOQ/WoFL3XIn5wI/s400/100_2210.JPG" /></a> They earned their Big Cypress Junior Park Ranger badges!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkxbulnbJQw/TZ3OLwqVaPI/AAAAAAAADOI/SE9NvU4Ojn0/s1600/100_2211.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592853013700372722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkxbulnbJQw/TZ3OLwqVaPI/AAAAAAAADOI/SE9NvU4Ojn0/s400/100_2211.JPG" /></a> This is the smallest post office I have ever seen! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLBw7y-7C4U/TZ3NLoKmwwI/AAAAAAAADOA/l2rmxAVEh9U/s1600/100_2212.JPG"></a></div><br /><div>We were the only people being guided on this early morning kayak tour so we were able to do just about anything we wanted to do. We were on a quest to find manatees, but unfortunately the weather was warm enough that particular morning that we weren't able to find any in the wild. <br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-21051381258882868042011-04-06T11:45:00.010-05:002011-04-06T14:05:57.970-05:00Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean - March 24, 2011After we arrived in Cocoa Beach, we needed to find a place to eat. We decided that we couldn't be in Florida and not take advantage of the seafood, so went to Florida Seafood to eat supper. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592514140687769506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdPMUr_t1_k/TZyZ-wULH6I/AAAAAAAADLA/i0KjBbFTgos/s400/100_2084.JPG" /> It was such a beautiful evening out that we went outside to check out the area while we waited for our table. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592514145148884546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrOcYed_Gw4/TZyZ_A7yVkI/AAAAAAAADLI/Fs9wbLYIWLw/s400/100_2085.JPG" /> There were some docks along the Banana River which we were able to check out with the beautiful sunset. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592514152978004466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpH5iIYcv50/TZyZ_eGZOfI/AAAAAAAADLQ/yvyxslDY5d8/s400/100_2086.JPG" /> Of course, when a restaurant is picked, not everyone is happy. Emma preferred to eat at McDonald's and was upset after we decided upon Florida Seafood. She decided to sit along the dock and pout. :( <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592514155941369794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23glQHi07sU/TZyZ_pI6l8I/AAAAAAAADLY/UwQQ235bgME/s400/100_2087.JPG" /> They had Gator Tail on the appetizer menu and we just had to try some. It turned out to be good and we were all so hungry the gator tail was devoured in minutes. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592514161432494242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IDwHfOxd4wQ/TZyZ_9mGgKI/AAAAAAAADLg/Y_Lqv03w5bA/s400/100_2089.JPG" /> Gage ordered Snow Crab from the menu! The unfortunate part about the fact that Gage loves crab legs, is that someone ends up getting to eat a cold meal because he needs lots of help cracking the shells. While we were waiting for our food to arrive, a man (clown??) was making his way around the tables telling dry jokes and making balloon animals for the kids. Gage decided a parrot would be a good choice. I think Emma chose a monkey, but she didn't want any pictures since she was in a sour mood. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592514825252341682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9F5NjwceQo/TZyammhFh7I/AAAAAAAADLo/VE2-a4jrYls/s400/100_2090.JPG" /> This was my supper. I can't remember what the dish was called, but it was shrimp something or other. It was okay. Not what I was hoping for, but it was tastey, even cold. ;-) We spent the night at Quality Suites after checking out a few of the beach shops. The next morning was dedicated to the beach!! The kids were so excited to get to see and swim in the ocean. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592515977717739442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bFZ0mSiweXU/TZybpryP77I/AAAAAAAADLw/cxXI9hj9zhs/s400/100_2091.JPG" /> The ocean was a bit chilly for my liking, but the kids had a blast! They loved jumping in the waves. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592515987079449730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hktS6hT9n0/TZybqOqQTII/AAAAAAAADL4/EeKhZMnSHFs/s400/100_2092.JPG" /> The sun wasn't in the best location for pictures, but we made do with what we had. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592518221794073778" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8wkKk4Rp5w/TZydsTnvXLI/AAAAAAAADMg/8NTwe_td8Nw/s400/100_2099.JPG" /> Gage decided that salt water wasn't very tastey! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592518223928223426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2rsOaPOK9I/TZydsbkj5sI/AAAAAAAADMo/MVh_EH6Gaqk/s400/100_2100.JPG" /> Emma was a little too brave for my liking. She kept wandering farther and farther out. Unfortunately for her she had 2 parents and 2 grandmas that had their eyes on her and kept calling her back. She didn't always listen, but she had 8 hawk eyes on her at all times! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592518218674020866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UoLQ_7xZi9A/TZydsH_3IgI/AAAAAAAADMY/WuCSxzg4ZZ4/s400/100_2097.JPG" /> Since Dad wore his swim trunks, he went into the ocean with the kids after he took a run along the beach, barefoot...........just like he likes. ;) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592515997382955650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dhP-t4HMngk/TZybq1CzUoI/AAAAAAAADMQ/jtESMUUpKVk/s400/100_2094.JPG" /> All 4 of us in the Atlantic Ocean! I decided I didn't really want to take a swim. Wading was plenty for me. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592515987585528114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5d7l_TsnUck/TZybqQi6cTI/AAAAAAAADMA/JtrA68MHnDA/s400/100_2093.JPG" /> Wading in the ocean. I went a little too far out and ended up getting my shorts wet with a big wave that came crashing in. Oh well! I was excited about meeting up with a friend of mine while we were at Cocoa Beach. Last fall, after my first Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA, I became good friends with several church members that also went on the trip. One of those friends had been spending time in Vero Beach, FL, visiting her daughter and family that lives there. She left Bismarck in Dec, before we moved, and planned to stay through Apr. 1. Great timing for us!! After exchanging a few letters we decided to meet in Cocoa Beach. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592515991847523074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppXwC-0qUCw/TZybqgbDUwI/AAAAAAAADMI/ECFh5snJdFk/s400/100_2095.JPG" /> Me and my good buddy Barb (a.k.a. BS, Spongebarb, peanutbutter stuck to the roof of my mouth!). Barb even brought me a jar of Jif Peanut Butter! What a friend!!!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592526660221012146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-St86lN-VTII/TZylXfNgCLI/AAAAAAAADNQ/WZbKYBsT4ek/s400/100_2109.JPG" /> Barb and her sister, (I feel terrible that I can't remember her name for sure, but I think it was Marilyn) was in Vero Beach visiting at the same time, so I was lucky enough to get to meet her as well. She lives in Minnesota, so she was glad to leave the snow as well! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592526653832276162" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNjERleZQvg/TZylXHaTqMI/AAAAAAAADNI/UwAawOJ8wlA/s400/100_2108.JPG" /> Scott visiting with Barb and her sister. (These are the grandmas that I mentioned had their eyes on Emma while venturing out into the ocean too far!) It was nice to have them helping us out! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592526662514483298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHnUVyfHLfE/TZylXnwToGI/AAAAAAAADNY/tNqukePbO4o/s400/100_2111.JPG" /> Gage decided to write some words in the sand, but wasn't very happy when the first wave came in and wiped out his message. <br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592526665655958786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1m_GeCwhrw/TZylXzdSvQI/AAAAAAAADNg/qt-373GTwNM/s400/100_2112.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592535069431016930" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgsBzmBAwTc/TZytA99ZreI/AAAAAAAADN4/z8Sj3Fq6uME/s400/100_2115.JPG" /> Ah, Emma writing sweet-nothings to me in the sand. ;-) She must have gotten some good rest in the night!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592535064750102738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rCB7ZuCTvo/TZytAshYmNI/AAAAAAAADNw/D-Ge5as8qFs/s400/100_2114.JPG" /></div><br /><div>You better write fast before a wave comes Emma!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhWz-X2Cqvs/TZytATog7DI/AAAAAAAADNo/DR1Sfq6Uhco/s1600/100_2113.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592535058069122098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhWz-X2Cqvs/TZytATog7DI/AAAAAAAADNo/DR1Sfq6Uhco/s400/100_2113.JPG" /></a> Playing in the sand. Sand is one of my least favorite things. What a mess it makes!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KxtmldzIN1Y/TZylXCAt0XI/AAAAAAAADNA/eRzfP_1zpRQ/s1600/100_2107.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592526652382761330" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KxtmldzIN1Y/TZylXCAt0XI/AAAAAAAADNA/eRzfP_1zpRQ/s400/100_2107.JPG" /></a> Making sand pies. YUCK!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ba8ttUNW_fE/TZyds0hTFqI/AAAAAAAADM4/RMfP3vCzQqg/s1600/100_2106.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592518230625425058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ba8ttUNW_fE/TZyds0hTFqI/AAAAAAAADM4/RMfP3vCzQqg/s400/100_2106.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EihSIjnsrPA/TZydsp8nPPI/AAAAAAAADMw/TyhsETSTVvI/s1600/100_2105.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592518227787201778" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EihSIjnsrPA/TZydsp8nPPI/AAAAAAAADMw/TyhsETSTVvI/s400/100_2105.JPG" /></a> Emma decided to attempt a sand sculpture before we headed south to the Everglades. She had sand everywhere. We ended up having to go back to the hotel room and have the kids take a shower to get all of the sand off. What a mess they left in the tub!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We made Emma happy by getting a quick lunch to go at the McDonald's drive through so we could get started on our trek south to the Everglades for an evening kayak tour. We were looking at a 5-6 hour drive, so we were hoping the kids would take a big nap on the way. Yeah, right!!!! The Ford Fusion we rented was so uncomfortable for me that I had to take the head rest off because it was making me have a headache and neck and lower back pains. Removing the head rest helped some. At least I know I don't want a Ford Fusion one day!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-66879508187463157172011-04-05T10:38:00.006-05:002011-04-05T13:09:43.793-05:00Going on Holiday to Florida - March 23, 2011The big day that we have been saving for, for over a year, is FINALLY here! YEAH!!! We are headed to Florida for our first ever, family vacation! The alarm clock was set for 3:15am. YIKES! Short night for all, but amazingly enough I was ready and awake by 3:30! The kids were easy to wake and were bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready for our big adventure! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6mjJSP8by0/TZs70Qyb1HI/AAAAAAAADK4/LBSJ1lUIMdY/s1600/100_2067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592129131356345458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6mjJSP8by0/TZs70Qyb1HI/AAAAAAAADK4/LBSJ1lUIMdY/s400/100_2067.JPG" /></a>Emma is all smiles and ready to go! We had called a cab to come from Winnipeg to pick us up at 4am so we could be at the airport on time. Because it's an international flight, we were supposed to be there early. <br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZnAYBxjfOo/TZs7zyxQL3I/AAAAAAAADKw/BQ2BBPxaEqY/s1600/100_2068.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592129123298324338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZnAYBxjfOo/TZs7zyxQL3I/AAAAAAAADKw/BQ2BBPxaEqY/s400/100_2068.JPG" /></a> Two excited kiddos who are ready for some warmer weather! I didn't want to pack too much stuff that we wouldn't need, so lighter jackets with their down vests were perfect. Keens were the shoes of choice.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Uk9WCNssIM/TZs7zi8tsMI/AAAAAAAADKo/SzQZGdOM4ic/s1600/100_2069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592129119051428034" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Uk9WCNssIM/TZs7zi8tsMI/AAAAAAAADKo/SzQZGdOM4ic/s400/100_2069.JPG" /></a> The excitement is a little less at this point. The cab is late, Scott is pacing and the kids have lost their zeal.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHyo-o5eVHg/TZs7zf-voFI/AAAAAAAADKg/U1hkUUPzhLw/s1600/100_2070.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592129118254637138" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHyo-o5eVHg/TZs7zf-voFI/AAAAAAAADKg/U1hkUUPzhLw/s400/100_2070.JPG" /></a> Waiting for our flight at the airport in Winnipeg. Hurry up and wait was the theme for the day!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjhxFRPpjXw/TZs7zNBjvjI/AAAAAAAADKY/YjTeh7rAfYA/s1600/100_2071.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592129113166167602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjhxFRPpjXw/TZs7zNBjvjI/AAAAAAAADKY/YjTeh7rAfYA/s400/100_2071.JPG" /></a> Time to board!! The kids were so excited. This is Gage's 2nd time to fly, but the first for him to remember. This is Emma's first time ever to board a big plane.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cD-GP3GGOQ4/TZs60JGCd9I/AAAAAAAADKQ/sZVNq0nft6k/s1600/100_2073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592128029779458002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cD-GP3GGOQ4/TZs60JGCd9I/AAAAAAAADKQ/sZVNq0nft6k/s400/100_2073.JPG" /></a> All smiles as we wait for the plane to fill up with passengers. Emma already has her travel journal out and is writing down each thought in her mind.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kTeZepTHjY/TZs60JHr0NI/AAAAAAAADKI/nRvAx4iQ1Gc/s1600/100_2074.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592128029786362066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kTeZepTHjY/TZs60JHr0NI/AAAAAAAADKI/nRvAx4iQ1Gc/s400/100_2074.JPG" /></a> Gage is all smiles as we wait for more passengers to board. He can hardly contain all of his excitement!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJCFr0QkdXA/TZs6z6vHJ1I/AAAAAAAADKA/32pxBdSL4ZI/s1600/100_2075.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592128025925199698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nJCFr0QkdXA/TZs6z6vHJ1I/AAAAAAAADKA/32pxBdSL4ZI/s400/100_2075.JPG" /></a> She had such a cute journal entry that I wanted to share it. "We are at the airport I got a fruitcup at the deli! No body smiles just lik the border. Now we are in the plain. I am so EXITED!! We have not taken off yet but do you now how exiting this is! I think we are going to take of any second now!!! Its going to be so exiteding!!!!! I got the window seat! the captan was just talking to us he said no elektronecs! We are going to take off in like 1 min. I'm panicing its so cool!! We are so high in the sky cars look like not evan a ant smaller I though it would be scary but its not my ears are poping like crasy! and peices of land look like a picher make of squares It is so cool we are so high up in the air. I can't evan see the cars they are so tiny the drink cart is coming please stand by..............We are landing in 10, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and 0 this is fast!! The captan is going to chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat We are heading to Disney And its a little past lunch time so we might get to go to look for seashells! I just notest that there is a T.V. in the plane Amasing!!!!!"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-earnTZxFR-Q/TZs6ztO4oJI/AAAAAAAADJ4/E-uv9EYftps/s1600/100_2076.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592128022300369042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-earnTZxFR-Q/TZs6ztO4oJI/AAAAAAAADJ4/E-uv9EYftps/s400/100_2076.JPG" /></a> We luckily were able to get 4 seats together in the plane and didn't have to ask people to switch with us.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wqGItnkWxM/TZs6zQOLySI/AAAAAAAADJw/iCuWF781Z-k/s1600/100_2077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592128014512802082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wqGItnkWxM/TZs6zQOLySI/AAAAAAAADJw/iCuWF781Z-k/s400/100_2077.JPG" /></a> We've arrived at Minneapolis/St. Paul airport! YEAH! One leg of the trip behind us!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEOJEh9cEYE/TZs6CtjKcXI/AAAAAAAADJo/NMkyWuC65hc/s1600/100_2078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592127180571832690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEOJEh9cEYE/TZs6CtjKcXI/AAAAAAAADJo/NMkyWuC65hc/s400/100_2078.JPG" /></a> The kids were excited to get to ride in the tram to get to the other gate.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix8rvQfqcXM/TZs6CXsXpyI/AAAAAAAADJg/S2Rqm0FYsM4/s1600/100_2079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592127174704867106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix8rvQfqcXM/TZs6CXsXpyI/AAAAAAAADJg/S2Rqm0FYsM4/s400/100_2079.JPG" /></a> It's snowing pretty good in Minnesota! Hopefully we won't have any delays!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Hbk2h4EEug/TZs6CFc6o5I/AAAAAAAADJY/cDfcYMh-DRU/s1600/100_2080.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592127169808212882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Hbk2h4EEug/TZs6CFc6o5I/AAAAAAAADJY/cDfcYMh-DRU/s400/100_2080.JPG" /></a> Minnesota black bear is great for hugging! ;-)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y_6YjWmpyI/TZs6B68pqfI/AAAAAAAADJQ/mAJ8XKDnMU8/s1600/100_2081.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592127166988528114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y_6YjWmpyI/TZs6B68pqfI/AAAAAAAADJQ/mAJ8XKDnMU8/s400/100_2081.JPG" /></a> We had some arguing going on over seating assignments this leg. We were all four in aisle seats right together. After doing some trading around, Emma, Gage and Scott ended up in a row of seats together and I was the lucky one to get a nice, quiet and peaceful leg into Memphis! I bought a book called "Heaven is for Real" so I was excited to get some uninterrupted time to read!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9bSkkwe9Fo/TZs6BhRwRqI/AAAAAAAADJI/ZPSIVLIOOF8/s1600/100_2082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592127160097719970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t9bSkkwe9Fo/TZs6BhRwRqI/AAAAAAAADJI/ZPSIVLIOOF8/s400/100_2082.JPG" /></a> We arrived in Orlando around supper time. We got a rental car and were able to choose the one we wanted. Scott picked out a Ford Fusion. Emma was excited that she had a window that actually rolls down!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy2D9RuKOuo/TZs5IAeEh_I/AAAAAAAADJA/T8gn0LpZhes/s1600/100_2083.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592126172038465522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy2D9RuKOuo/TZs5IAeEh_I/AAAAAAAADJA/T8gn0LpZhes/s400/100_2083.JPG" /></a> It's sunny here in Florida! YEAH!! We are headed for Cocoa Beach for our first night in Florida. We are staying at Quality Suites, a block from the beach! <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-31978653219072508892011-04-02T18:05:00.002-05:002011-04-02T18:07:29.421-05:00Our First Family VacationWe just got back from our trip to Florida. What a great time we had! I will be blogging about our trip over the next several days and posting pictures with it. Once I get all of my pictures uploaded, I will get started.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-12307711777298458982011-03-10T13:34:00.002-06:002011-03-10T13:55:02.163-06:00CookingI have never LOVED to cook. I wish I did. I love to eat, so why not love to cook too? I suppose if I love both, I would weigh much, much more than I do!<br />Since our move, I have been cooking. I kind of have to. There isn't much choice for eating out in Stonewall. Not a bad thing though. It definitely saves on eating out!<br />Before our move, I had unintentionally lost weight. I believe alot of that had to do with stress. It also had to do with our living room being located in the basement with new carpet. I didn't want food in the new living area. Not to mention, I was too lazy to go upstairs to get those late night snacks when watching television. Who ever said you can't lose weight by being being lazy??? ;-) I'm pretty sure I've gained back what I lost. And probably more. That's the way it usually goes. Hmpfh.<br />I have been going through my recipe book looking for different things to make. I am a boring, habitual cooker, and I seem to always make the same things. Over and over. I'm trying to broaden my horizons. It's a little difficult to do that here, as I don't have access to alot of the things that I did in Bismarck. I decided the other day, when I found a recipe in the newspaper, that maybe that was a good idea, to find local recipes. After all, why would they print a recipe in a local paper if they didn't have the ingredients here to prepare it? I found a recipe for Chili Con Carne that I want to try out. Preferably before it gets warmer outside. I figure I still have a couple of months to get to it.<br />The other night I was using up our over-ripe bananas and made some banana muffins. Emma wanted to help. Emma always wants to help cook, and I haven't always let her in the past. First of all, I didn't have alot of kitchen space to work in, or counter space to work on. I have no excuse here. She did help add the ingredients as I ran the hand mixer. I didn't alter the baking time enough to fit muffins versus loaf of banana bread. They were a little hard. Tastey, but hard. Butter was definitely needed on these muffins to help them slide down the pipe.<br />While we were preparing the muffins, Emma commented on my recipe book. I think I bought this recipe book when we lived in Mississippi? Maybe Tennessee? Anyway, I've had it for about 14-15 years and I use it all of the time. I am always adding new, favorite recipes to it. It's about as full (or overfull) as it can be. Emma was looking through the recipe book and made the comment, "Mom, when I get older, can we copy these recipes down so I can have them?" <em>*smile* </em>I told Emma that I most certainly would do that, and told her that when I die, she can have it. She said she didn't want that to happen for a very long time. I don't either!<br />I have seen different scrapbooking ideas on making Family Recipe Scrapbooks. I think I might try and do this. For Emma. As a secret. (I just thought about this, actually!) What a good idea. I am more likely to try a new recipe when I see a picture of it. What a neat gift for Emma to receive one day, A recipe book of her cooking with her Mom in her handwriting, and pictures to boot! I will start off with some of Emma's favorite foods. I should probably do this in double, as I'm sure Gage would like one too. We are having our favorite Garden Ranch Pizza for supper tonight. I think today would be a good day to get started on this project. ;-)<br />Just what I need.................another scrapbooking project to get started, then get behind on. Well, if it ever gets finished, it could end up being one of the kids' favorite gifts.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-16646947019839631972011-03-09T12:06:00.003-06:002011-03-09T12:26:03.419-06:00Pain in the NeckNo, no, I am not talking about Scott. ;-) I am talking about a pain in the neck, literally. I've had some neck problems for quite some time now. I have decreased neck mobility, which I learned a few years ago when I went to my first chiropractor visit. I'm not a big believer in chiropractics, but I do believe it worked, when I was going. I went for a few weeks when I started, and that's also when it ended. Not because it wasn't working, but because it just gets expensive and my pain had subsided. I don't know that it increased my neck mobility, but it did help with the headaches and stress/tension in my neck. If I were still in Bismarck, I would probably be making appointments for the neck pain I have going on right now. I trusted my chiropractor. First she was a friend, and then she became my chiropractor. She knew how I felt about chiropractors in general, so I trusted that she wouldn't take advantage of me, and she didn't.<br /><br />I'm not exactly sure why I am having all of this neck pain. I'm using the same bed and same pillow as I always have. I don't know if I slept wrong, causing a cramp/kink in my neck and now I just can't get rid of it or what? I cried out on Facebook a couple of weeks ago and had some responses from friends who have had similar problems and have gained much relief by the pillow they changed to. Some suggested memory foam and another suggested a D-Core pillow. She said it changed her life. How could I ignore that? I decided I needed to give it a try because all of the anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers I was taking wasn't really doing it for me. I found the D-Core pillow online and decided to order it. It arrived yesterday.<br /><br />Last night, I was actually excited to go to bed, so I could use my new pillow. It wasn't the most comfortable pillow and I wondered if I might have troubles going to sleep. It didn't take me too long, as it sometimes does, but I was quite tired. The pillow is designed for back and side sleepers. I am both a back and side sleeper. The wait it works is that it has a D-shape sewn into the pillow and your head is cradled in the indention and then your neck is kept in alignment by the cushion that is made at the base of the pillow. As you turn onto your side and your head rolls to the side, the cushioned area increases, accommodating your shoulder height, allowing your spine to stay aligned.<br /><br />This morning I woke up with a headache. :( It could have happened regardless of which pillow I used. It happens frequently. I understand that it can take a few weeks for a person to see results. My lower back was bothering me a little too. Again, this could have happened without regards to which pillow I was using. I took some Excedrin Migraine and went about my morning. As I was backing out of the driveway to take the kids to school, I noticed it wasn't as painful as I was looking back to see if any traffic was coming. I don't know if that is a result of the pillow, or the Excedrin Migraine. As I sit here at the computer typing, I don't necessarily have as much discomfort in my neck. Again, not sure if that is because of the pillow or the Excedrin Migraine. I will continue to use the pillow and see how things go. I pray it works. It wasn't TERRIBLY expensive. I think it was about $40. I bought a couple of normal pillows at a home outfitters store for about $20, so I guess this was double the price, so maybe it was spendy. However, I don't care about the price if it works. What I didn't like about ordering the pillow was that I was charged $11.95 shipping charges on the initial order. Then, when it arrived yesterday, I had to pay $15.13 more for PST, GST and Brokerage fees (whatever that is!). So, I pretty much paid for another pillow just to get the dumb thing shipped to me, making the pillow total around $65. OUCH! I hope it works, because I can't afford to test out the different types available on the market.Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-22754909037045960232011-03-08T09:14:00.003-06:002011-03-08T09:25:41.918-06:00French Cultural WeekWe did finally close on our house last Friday, March 4. What a relief! It was kind of bittersweet, however. I keep thinking about the new owners, and wondering what changes they might be making to the house. I hope they like the neighborhood as much as we did!!<br /><br />This week is French Cultural week at R.W. Bobby Bend School. The kids were supposed to wear tuques (red if possible) yesterday. Of course Emma was all over that one! She wears her tuque 24/7. Although they won't let her wear it at school like she wears it at home. Today is outdoor races and wear a beard (face paint can do the trick!). Yesterday both Gage and Emma said they didn't really want to do it. So, I didn't bother tracking down face paint. This morning Emma pulled her hair into a ponytail under her chin and said she could wear a beard that way. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! One of Gage's friends from Bismarck had done this as a joke one day and took a picture, so that's where Emma got the idea. I had totally forgotten about it though, and was so excited when Emma thought of it. Of course she wouldn't do it. I kept telling her everyone would think she's a genius, hoping that would make her do it. Finally, on our way to school, she said that if other girls had beards, then she would do it. I highly doubt she will. She doesn't like to make a spectacle of herself, like her mother does. ;-) Tomorrow is crepe making and wear a plaid/flannel shirt. Thursday they are to wear a "ceinture flechee" (colourful sash or scarf around the waist will do). Then Friday they have French performers in the afternoon and they are to wear everything: tuque, beard, plaid/flannel shirt and ceinture flechee. They have all kinds of fun things like this going on at school. The winters are long here, so they have to do something to keep the kids excited!<br /><br />We are at 15 days until our Disney vacation! Emma is getting SO EXCITED. This morning she was full of questions about riding an airplane. I just can't wait to see the smiles on their faces as we board the plane. I don't think we all have seats together though, so I'm hoping it works out that people will trade seats with us to allow us all to sit together. I definitely will have my camera in hand taking pictures of them and the smiles on their faces!<br /><br />It's a cold one out there this morning! I'm ready for some warmer weather!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-7827458113402882562011-03-03T09:39:00.002-06:002011-03-03T09:53:58.952-06:00Closing Date set!FINALLY! We are scheduled to close on our house in Bismarck TOMORROW! Whew! It is definitely easier (and more fun) to buy a house than it is to sell a house. This process wasn't fun, and when you add on top of that not being there to make sure things are going okay, it adds stress to the equation. Thank you, thank you, thank you goes out to my old neighbors, Dave and Maggie Anderson. Dave has done an AWESOME job at being my eyes and hands. It is definitely true that the process was made easier with his help and I can't thank him enough for helping us out in this way. I'll have to send him a pair of Canada mits (mittens) as a souvenir to remember me by. ;-)<br />I am also anxious to see where we will sit, financially. We likely won't really know the answer to this until the end of March or most likely the start of April. Especially since we have our big vacation planned near the end of March. Twenty days from now, to be exact!!! We are so excited and it will be a MUCH NEEDED break from all the stress from moving, selling our house, settling into our new house and figuring out our day to day routine.<br />It snowed here last night! Woo Hoo! Boy am I tired of the cold and snow. I have always liked winter but I am ready for it to be gone. I am anxious to see what our yard really looks like. I did, of course, see it when we bought it, but it has been covered with a thick blanket (mountain) of snow since we've been here, so it will be nice to see that green grass! Speaking of the snow melting, it sure does bother me to know that the new owners of our old house will likely have a mess in their new backyard. Melting dog poop is not a pleasant thing, especially when you aren't prepared for it. Hopefully it isn't too bad. I don't know how well Scott picked it up before it snowed. I can make a guess though! :(<br />This weekend the kids and I will be enjoying the Winter Carnival at Stonewall Quarry Park. Scott will be out of town all weekend for work, so it will be nice to have an activity to keep us busy on Saturday. Hopefully the weather will cooperate!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-4263629452664179282011-02-28T14:11:00.003-06:002011-02-28T14:23:18.740-06:00Canada Basketball STARSI see that I am slowing down in the blogging department again. I suppose because I don't have much to report. Same old, same old. I am getting very tired of the cold weather. I am usually not one to complain too much about the long winter, but I think this one is going to get to me! They are talking COLD temps again. Not that it ever warmed up here. There is also some snow in the forecast. Great!<br /><br />The kids started basketball last night. It's mostly a skills camp that goes for 9 Sunday evenings. They brought home the registration sheets last week and when I asked them if they wanted to do it they both said no. Then when I questioned that, Gage said, "Well, it doesn't happen at the same time as football does it?" I assured him it would not interfere with his plans to sign up for football next fall. (We'll see about that!) So, he decided he would like to do that. Emma continued to say no, but I signed her up anyway. They enjoyed it. It was very basic stuff, which is what they need. This program focuses mostly on the fundamentals of basketball, instead of playing games. At this stage, I think that is what they need anyway. The coach did say they might divide up into teams and play a little, but mostly it is about the fundamentals. Emma had 2 classmates in the group, so I think she liked it more than she wanted to admit. Gage is the tallest in the group. Since there were so many kids, he asked all of the taller kids if they would like to go up into the next group. Gage said he would, but I really don't want to. If he does, that means we'll have to be there for 2 hours instead of 1. I think being one of the bigger kids, it might help him to stay interested. He likes being bigger and faster. They will meet Sunday evenings from 6-7p at Stonewall Centennial, which is the middle school here. They need activities to keep them busy, otherwise all they want to do is watch television or play on the computer. Oh, and FIGHT!<br />The coach had asked the kids to show him the BEEF. I must admit that is an acronym I have never heard of in basketball. It stands for Balance, Elbow (under the ball when shooting), Eyes (on the back of the rim) and Follow through. I will do my best to not laugh when he yells out for the kids to "Show me the BEEF!" LOL!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-21387720036881732372011-02-23T13:19:00.003-06:002011-02-23T13:58:11.294-06:00Family VacationsI am wondering how so many people can go on so many family vacations...........and big ones!?! We have never been on a "real" family vacation. Unless, of course, you count Southwest Iowa a vacation destination. I don't. We did go to Colorado a couple of years ago as a "mini-vacation", but since that was really a work trip of Scott's that we tagged along on, I don't really count that either. Especially since Scott was in meetings the entire time. It doesn't count as a "family" vacation when Dad isn't present!<br />As many of you know, we started saving to go to Disney World over a year ago. (I'm wondering if I have posted about this already as I am having a bit of deja vu? If I have, just nevermind. I'm getting old and forgetful!) Every time I heard of someone going to, or had been to Disney World, I would ask them how much money we needed to save. Not to be nosey, though. I just needed an amount to set as my goal to save for. And since we have never really been on a vacation before, I really had no idea how much we should be trying to save. We were told about $5,000 each time I asked. So, $5,000 it was! We reached our goal in December and we are planning to go to Disney World over spring break, in March. We are SO EXCITED! However, there is bad news. We have already spent our $5,000 (+) on reservations, etc. WE HAVEN'T EVEN GOTTEN THERE YET! OMG! So, as we continue to stick as much money as we can away before our trip of a lifetime in 27 days 9 hours and 28 minutes, I wonder how do people do it? Do they actually save money over an extended amount of time, then go (like we have)? Do they just have that amount of extra money to spend? Or, do they put it on a credit card and never pay it off? Because we are still paying (hopefully for only 6 more days as we are supposed to close on our house in Bismarck on Feb. 28) 2 mortgages, 2 electric/heating bills etc, it's not easy to stick much money away right now. But we're trying!<br />We have great plans for our vacation, and we'll most likely need a vacation when we get home! Once we land in Orlando, we will pick up our rental car and head east. We will be staying in Cocoa Beach our first night so we can spend the next morning playing in the ocean. (We will also be meeting up with a good friend of mine who is in Florida spending time with her family while we are there!) Around noon that next day (surely 4-5 hours will be enough for frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean!?) we will head south. Our destination is Chokoloskee Island for our Everglade Area Tour in KAYAKS!! We will be doing a sunset kayak tour that evening, and then doing a boat-assisted kayak tour the following morning. Later that day, we will head back north to Orlando. We will be staying at Universal Studios' Hard Rock Hotel for the next 3 nights as we take 2 days to spend at Universal Studios' Island of Adventures Park, where we will go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!! I don't know if we will spend our 2 days at just Harry Potter World, or if we'll spend some of that time doing other things in the park. With our special package, we will be allowed to enter the park 1 hour earlier than the general public, so we're hoping to get some of the things done that require alot of wait time during that hour, before the park fills up. We also have reservations for breakfast at The Three Broomsticks, which is inside Harry Potter World. We are going to try out some Butter Beer. ;-) After these 2 tiring days, we will then move to The All-Stars Movie Resort located within Disney World!!! We will spend the remainder of our trip here and have 4 days to spend at Disney. We plan to attend 1 of each of the 4 parks each day. I didn't realize there were 4 parks (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) within Disney World. Thankfully, an old friend from high school saw my cry for help on Facebook and has helped us make reservations, etc for this trip.<br />I'm not sure when or where our next vacation will take us, but you can believe that the Disney Fund jug will turn into savings for our next big family vacation destination. Now that we have an idea how much these kind of vacations cost, we'll try to save more money next time! OUCH!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-6406927988116078842011-02-16T09:33:00.002-06:002011-02-16T10:07:33.239-06:00Laser JungleWhat an AWESOME place! Gage had his first experience with Laser Jungle a few weeks ago when he attended a friend's birthday party. He came home all excited and wanted to go back. We tried to go one night a couple of weekends ago, but it was booked solid! They said that unless you call ahead it will almost always be full.........especially on the weekends. Now we know why! OMG! That is THE most fun I've had at a kid's birthday party. EVER! I'm so glad I played. I wasn't going to, but Scott said he was playing, so I figured I might as well play too. It's not necessarily cheap, but it wasn't too much more than I've spent on birthday parties in other places. They have different party prices, depending on what all you want. The Parrot Party is $9.99/person which includes 2 games of Laser Tag, one drink, one 2 for 1 coupon and party room. The Panther Party is $11.99/person and you get 2 games of Laser Tag, one drink, one hotdog, one treat, one 2 for 1 coupon and party room. The Python Party is $15.99/person and you get 3 games of Laser Tag, one drink, one hotdog, one treat, one 2 for 1 coupon and the party room. If you have 12 or more people, you can make it a private party in which no outsiders can join in the game. I think we were the only people there for the first game anyway and I believe that there were 2 people that joined in our 2nd game. <br /><br />So the way this game works, is that everyone is outfitted with a vest that has special sensors on each shoulder, chest, back and then the guns have a sensor on each side. The guns are designed so that you have to have both hands on the gun to operate it. You have to squeeze two buttons on the end of the barrel as you pull the trigger to shoot. If you get shot, you are out of the game for 5 seconds. You know when you've been shot because the vest will tell you you were shot and start your 5 second countdown, and you will also stop blinking. The building is set up with all kinds of mazes and you can go up ramps, hide behind walls. It's quite a challenge to sometimes find people, and you can never really hide completely. One time I thought I was hidden really well and then someone shot me. It's dark in the room and all of the painting on the walls is in a glow in the dark paint, which glows really well in the black light they have. If you wear light-colored clothing, you will also glow! It's funny when you find people because everyone always has a huge smile on their faces and their teeth will also be glowing! ;-)<br /><br />The first game is everyone for themselves. You shoot anyone and everyone. The games last approximately 15 minutes. After the game, they send you back to the vesting room to remove your vest and then you go into the pre-game room to learn your score. This is all computer operated and each participant gets a print out of the game. Everyone has to choose a Code Name to go by. I was "Supermom". ;-) Scott's Code Name was Big Red, Gage was Lank and Emma was Ally. On your printout, it gives you your score and rank and then has a grid showing you who you shot, and how many times you shot them. It also tells you how many times you were shot and by whom. In our first game, my score was 890 and I ranked 4th. Scott was 3rd, Gage was 5th and Emma was 10th (there were 11 of us playing). I shot Gage 2 times, Scott 9 times and Emma 8 times. I was shot by Scott 5 times, Gage 8 times and Emma 4 times. Scott shot me 5 times, Gage 1 time and Emma 5 times. The 2nd game is divided into two teams. The teams are computer generated and it will even out the teams by the information it compiled from the first game. Each team will have either red or green flashing lights on their vests. If you shoot your own teammate, it won't register. The guns even have a place on the back that will tell you which one of your sensors got shot and who shot you or who you shot. Very high-tech! During our 2nd game I shot Scott 9 times, Gage 8 times and Emma was on my team, so I didn't shoot her. Scott shot me 5 times and Emma 5 times. Scott and Gage were on the same team. Emma shot Gage 2 times and Scott 1 time. Gage shot me 15 times (he was stalking me!) and Emma 7 times. Scott won the 2nd game and I came in 2nd. Gage ranked 4th and Emma ranked 10th (She is consistent!) This was by far the most fun I've ever had at a birthday party!<br />Before the 2nd game, all of the kids line up and get their hair spayed with a glow in the dark spray. They get to choose what their design is. It then glows in the game area. Neat idea.<br /><br />After the 2 games of Laser Tag, then we went to the party room where they had hotdogs and treats. The only outside food allowed is cake. <br /><br />If you come to visit, you can be sure you will get a chance to play in the Laser Jungle!!!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5985649127103623896.post-66097987734534582452011-02-14T12:55:00.002-06:002011-02-14T13:13:35.657-06:00Happy Valentine's DayI can't believe my little girl is 8 years old! She's 8, going on 18! Her birthday list did not have a single toy on it. :( Emma doesn't really play with toys. She does play with her stuffed animals, though. She loves stuffed animals. I remember liking them too, but I don't remember having alot of them. Certainly not the number that Emma has! Emma's big ticket item on her birthday list was luggage! What 8 year old do you know wants luggage??? Maybe she wants to run away, and do it in style? She found a pink/purple plaid rolling suitcase at Walmart and that is what she wanted. It was a set of three, and I planned on buying them for her. Scott didn't want to, however. He thought they were probably cheap and would fall apart. What isn't cheap at Walmart, and doesn't fall apart?? I decided that I would check out the luggage at LLBean.com. I found a rolling duffle bag that was blue, green and black plaid that Emma liked, so I ordered it for her. Of course it will be late, since I just did that yesterday. Hopefully it will make it before our trip to Disney World. As slow as things are coming and going from Canada, it could be close! <br /><br />Emma's birthday party will be tomorrow (Tuesday) at Laser Jungle. She invited 8 friends from school, so we're hoping they can all come. I believe 4-5 have RSVP'd, and one of them will be coming home from school with us since she wouldn't be able to come otherwise, as she rides the bus home. I've never met or seen her parents (or them me) so I was surprised they decided to do that. Emma wanted a Peace Sign on her birthday cake. She drew out a whole design on paper and wanted the whipped topping in a can to put little stars around the cake and put a cherry between each star! Quite a vision she had! I talked her into a White cake with strawberry Jell-O poured over it. We will frost it with Cool whip, and I am going to attempt making the Cool Whip tie-dyed. Not sure if I can pull that off, but I won't know until I try! If I can do that, then we will just do the Peace sign with white cool whip stars. If Emma is happy, then I will be happy.<br /><br />We will be going to Winnipeg this evening to go out for supper in celebration of Emma's birthday and Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day for the rest of us (well, all but Gage) kind of gets forgotten about. Lucky for Scott! We aren't sure where we are going to eat in Winnipeg yet, as we don't know what all restaurants they have there. Booster Juice is one place both the kids want to try. I think it's just a smoothie bar, but not totally sure. It has a bright and colorful Booster Juice sign, which is the only reason the kids even noticed it, let alone want to go to it! You gotta love marketing schemes!<br /><br />I sent a lunch for both Gage and Emma that was almost completely red. Of course their sandwich isn't red. If I could have figured out how to make a red sandwich I would have. I could have put red food coloring in their egg salad, but that seemed kind of gross and over the top to me. They had red raspberries, strawberries, red bell pepper and Babybel cheese in red packaging, along with a strawberry/watermelon fruit strip. I also sent a little note, in case they didn't happen to notice that everything was red, symbolizing Valentine's Day.<br /><br />The best gift of all, happens to be Emma's gift to us. When she was 5, she wrote out a contract and signed it. The contract stated, "When I am 8, I will travel better!" The actual note is quite a bit harder to read, as she wasn't the best speller at 5 years old. However, we all know what it says and I can't wait for our next road trip to test her out! ;-)Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455806294508486767noreply@blogger.com0