EVERY BODY LOVES A VACATION

We took the kids to Florida at the end of April while they were off track. It seems to be regular vacation for us, we go about every other year. We love Disney and its the perfect vacation for kids!

We started out the trip by almost missing our flight out. Dan was working and got home 2 hours before our flight left. Because he was gone all day I was behind and still packing. By the time we got the car loaded and headed to the airport we had under 90 minutes before take off. I was stressing out the entire way there, Dan pulled up to the curb with 50 minutes to spare. I told sky cap that if they could get our bags on the flight and get us checked in, I would pay him a really good tip. Dan then left to go park our car in short term parking because we really didn't have another choice.

Once on the flight, I was able to relax. The one mistake I made was not letting Reagan take a nap in hopes she would sleep on the plane. That idea backfired and she was over tired and grumpy throughout the flight. (Plus she didn't sleep at all).

W spent the first day hanging out at the hotel and soaking up the sun at the swimming pool. It was fantastic being in the warm weather. The rest of the trip, was spent going from park to park. We had intentions of going to the beach and relaxing a little more this time around; however we found ourselves wanting to do it all again.

The kids wanted to go to Sea world, so off we went to try a new adventure. we started the morning off right by going to the Shamu show and sitting in the splash zone. Dan purchased a towel for the camera prior to the show starting and to help shelter Reagan from the splash. I don't think the towel helped us much once Shamu decided to make his splash, unless you can call wringing out a towel helping. Reagan and Madi were both bawling, Madi swallowed a big mouthful of seawater, everyone was soaked head to toe and the camera stopped working. If was a great way to start out the day. After the show the family was able to laugh it off and Reagan loved Shamu after it was all said an done.

The following day we went of to Blizzard Beach, one of Disney's awesome water parks. (This was the beach my kids decided to go to). I thought Reagan would love the water park, I was however mistaken, for some reason or another she was terrified of the water slides. Blizzard Beach has a fantastic kids area and we got up bright and early so we could get to the park and set up in the kids area for her. She couldn't of cared less about it. She enjoyed watching the older kids come down the slides more. The rest of us had a blast! We enjoyed the toboggan slides, the family raft ride and the wave pool. Jaxson and Dan even went on the 2nd tallest water slide in the world. I cant believe Jaxson was brave enough to do this.

Tuesday morning we had breakfast at Chef Mickey's. This was great because all the characters come to your table and you don't have to wait in long lines at the park to meet them. Reagan had been watching Mickey Mouse clubhouse prior to our trip so she was very familiar with Mickey and the gang. When Goofy arrived, I saw the look of fear in her eyes for the first time in my life. She grabbed me, screamed and wouldn't let go. As long as he was in her sight, she had a firm grip around my shoulders. As she watched him and we talked about Donald and Mickey, she loosened up a bit; however still holding on to me for dear life. we were able to get a few pictures and then Pluto arrived and kissed her on the nose. By the time breakfast was over, Reagan was trying to get Mickey Mouse to come with us. She kept saying "Come on Mickey."

We spent the remainder of the day at Magic kingdom. I think this is the first time we were able to get all through the park. Lucky for us it wasn't very crowded and we were able to enjoy everything. Dan and I took turns taking Madi and Jaxson on rides and then would do the stroller pass and go again. It was fun to see Jaxson brave enough to try everything. I think we scared Reagan by taking in the Haunted Mansion, and other dark rides. She was not fan of much other than the Merry-Go-Round and the Disney shows around the park.

Wednesday we headed over to Hollywood Studios and the first thing we did as ride the Tower of Terror. Jaxson told us he was going to face his fears and he went. He got off the ride and said he wouldn't be going on that again. Madi said the same thing the first time she road it; but now loves it! One of our other favorites was the Aerosmith Rockin Roller Coaster, Madi and Jaxson both loved this ride and we went on it several times throughout the day. We also loved the High School Musical show, The American Idol Experience and Playhouse Disney live on stage.

On our final day we played at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We hit Toon Town first thing and got soaked on Rip Saw Falls. This happens to be my favorite ride at the park. After which we enjoyed the Jurassic Park land and played around the park and caves. We attended a magic show and 30 minutes later ended up with $80.00 worth of magic tricks thanks to Dan. (the kids were happy about that) One of our favorite parts of Islands of Adventure is Dr. Seuss Land. We hung out and the kids got their faces painted. Reagan enjoyed herself on the Seuss-A-Cal and on the train. She didn't enjoy 1 Fish 2 Fish because we got wet. Next we headed over to comic strip land where the Hulk roller coaster awaited us, unfortunately Jaxson was too short to go on the ride to Dan and Madi took off with out us. We did however get to met all the comic book character including; Wolverine, Captain America, Spider man and other X-Men characters, which made up for not getting to ride the Hulk.

It is amazing how fast a week can go by when you are having fun! the next morning we headed back to the airport and back to reality. I am so glad that we got to spend this quality time as a family and with our kids. THESE ARE THE MEMORIES!!!