tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46287965354816332472024-03-13T19:27:31.394-04:00The Rambling of a Mother's HeartFinding God in my everyday moments.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-27586959353479488862015-04-26T19:14:00.001-04:002015-04-26T19:21:25.012-04:00Change is good... so I'm learning<br />
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It appears my last posting was nearly 3 years ago. I find this hard to believe, but one cannot argue with dates on a computer I suppose. I used to use this blog as a way to update out of town family on vacations and other happenings in our life as well as a therapy tool to organize my thoughts. I would often reflect upon previous posts and use them as a gauge of growth at times. Recently it occurred to me I had not done this in a very long time, and I missed it. So here I am.<br />
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I find myself quiet today. I say this because it happens to be a rare occurrence. I am sitting with my feet up, sunshine on my face and the sounds of a babbling creek and birds singing in the distance. This environment is my home base, my safe zone, the place I go when I need my battery recharged. Lets just say I haven't quieted myself like this in a while, too long to be exact. When life is moving at the speed of light I find myself not realizing just how fast I am going and how neglected certain aspects of my life have become.<br />
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I feel as if my life is a whirlwind and I am struggling to catch my breath. I am very much a creature of habit and struggle at times with change. Somehow however I have found myself in a season of life where nothing is as it used to be. Not one single aspect of my life is the same as it was 6 or 3 or even 1 month ago. Oddly enough... I'm still standing and life continues to move onward.<br />
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Last June our daughter married our now son-in-law Anthony Rohrer. Beautiful wedding, beautiful couple. Late October Greg and I discussed purchasing a property as an investment property and flip it early the next spring. December 2nd we closed on said property. December 15th-December 28th Greg and I spent most of our time painting, removing carpet and wallpaper and finally started to see the full potential of the house (which we lovingly referred to as Flipper). We are the worst house flippers in the history of house flipping because we decided to keep the house and move in. <br />
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Three days after this decision Leslie and Anthony decided they wanted to purchase OUR house. We then found ourselves in a two house project because our other house was not quite move in quality for the kids as we had unfinished projects (which we lost interest in ) that still needed to be finished. We all went to work each day and came "home" to our second job as a construction crew where we painted cabinets, laid new flooring, installed new appliances.. the list goes on and on. All of our belongings were spread out between two homes and neither home looked or felt like home. <br />
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Nick was not at all disturbed by any of this because he was gaining a lower level bachelor pad and couldn't get moved in quick enough. He didn't even wait to have the flooring replaced in his room before moving in and still has psychedelic carpet in his room. It resembles the aliens in the Atari game Space Invaders in case you needed a visual.<br />
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In the middle of all of this we were told we were going to be grandparents!<br />
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We couldn't be more excited about the change that is happening in our life at this moment. ALL of it is great stuff, I just feel so much of it has happened so quickly I haven't had time to soak in one before another one hits.. until today. Today I am quiet. </div>
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Yesterday, as we were listening to the rain, Greg said " I think God created rain not only to water the earth, but to also create a stillness in us, a way to quiet our minds and our bodies". He was absolutely correct in that moment because had it not been raining he and I both would have been outside working on our non existent landscaping, or mowing the grass, or painting, or doing any other outside job that needed attention. Instead we were inside, laying on our bed and listening to the drops of rain. </div>
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Eric Church sings "Turn the quiet up, turn the noise down, let this whole world, just spin around". This morning at church we were asked to quiet our hearts, focus on the quiet whisper of God and not the ever so loud voice in our head telling us to focus on ourselves. I again remembered what it felt like to be quiet, really quiet. Not the quiet you feel just as you fall asleep because your bones are so exhausted they might burst into dust, but the quiet you feel when you again realize life is so much bigger than you. The quiet that brings peace from a quiet whisper that says "I got this". In this moment I feel silly stressing over unfinished back splashes, or grocery lists, or unpainted stone walls, or... well, you get the idea. All of this is so unimportant and I am sad I have missed several months of quietness and the appreciation of simplified living. </div>
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Its odd to me that my place of solitude, my home base and safe zone is forever changing season after season and yet it is where I go to draw peace for my life. I'm thankful for the creator of my ever changing life and thankful He is my one constant that will never change. </div>
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So, I'm learning I can survive change and it really CAN be good, and on a side note...Immersion Therapy works.</div>
Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-1619534951980550882012-08-03T10:26:00.002-04:002012-08-03T10:34:27.583-04:00Destin 2012 Day FourToday we woke with a birthday breakfast made by Anthony. He was very sweet and thoughtful and made us eggs, bacon and toast for our birthday. The rain was still coming down, but we had hope that the weatherman was correct and it was all going to end by 10am.<br />
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We had called several pontoon rental places to lock down a pontoon boat a couple days earlier, but apparently everyone else in Destin wanted to take out a pontoon boat as well. Everyone who was scheduled to go out yesterday pushed their reservations to today due to the big storm. Greg worked his charm and by the time breakfast was finished we had a pontoon boat in our name.<br />
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Everyone was asked (several times according to Greg, Nick and Jonah) to make however many sandwiches they feel they might like to eat on our 8 hour pontoon adventure. I didn't want anyone to give me hungry puppy dog eyes while I ate my sandwich because they didn't make one for themselves. Soooo, I may have mentioned sandwiches a few times prior to leaving. I am talking to the same group of boys who had to make at least 6 trips from the condo to the beach each day because they forgot sunglasses, towels etc.<br />
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The weatherman was correct and by 9:45 the rain had stopped and the sun came out. Just in time for us to board the boat at 10:00. We struggled to find the place because we called Wet-n-Wild for our reservation, but after a phone call to them telling them we were lost, they told us the name of the place was actually Pelican Adventures. Even though they answered the phone "Wet-n-Wild Water Sports". Once we knew the correct name we found it right away.<br />
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After a short run through about the boat given to us by a very tan, very blonde surfer dude and we were on our way.<br />
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Crab Island was something none of us had experience before. It was like a giant beach party in the water. Boats were anchored all the way around a HUGE sand bar. It used to be an actual island, but the hurricane washed it away. The water range was from 2 feet-5 feet deep depending on where you park.<br />
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boats to rent floaties, boats to rent Jet Skis, boats to buy ice cream.</div>
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There was an inflatable slide and a small water trampoline in the middle. People were floating on floaties, playing music... it was really neat.<br />
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THEN.... out of no where there HE was. A dude on a water jet pack. Everyones lives changed at that very moment. Greg said he had to have one. Anthony later looked it up... they cost $100,000.00 I'm thinkin we probably won't be purchasing one anytime soon.<br />
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We enjoyed watching this guy, he would dive in and out of the water like a dolphin... it was really cool. When his friend took a turn he was not nearly as good as this guy and we realized none of us could do this even if we were given the opportunity to try it. We would have drowned ourselves.<br />
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We had fun lounging on the boat for a while...</div>
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We had a really bad anchor. Greg said it weighed less than a pound and he could tear off one of his toe nails, dig it into the sand and tie the boat to it and it would do a better job. </div>
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The kids had fun feeding the sea gulls off the back of the boat. 90% of our Goldfish fishies were fed to the birds.</div>
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While feeding the birds one of our floaties fell off the boat and the waves took it faster than Greg could swim to get it (thanks to our less than a toe nail anchor). These friendly people saved it and brought it to us.</div>
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Then the other one fell off and Jonah and Greg were fighting over it....</div>
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While we were lounging, and while Leslie and Anthony were out snorkeling, my glasses were stepped on and my lens came loose. Loose enough that when I put them on the lens fell out and I watched the lens hit the sandy bottom of the ocean. Jonah jumped in to try to save it, but we were drifting so far he quickly lost it. Greg jumped in and tried to pick it up with his toes but he too couldn't find it. I was quickly settling in to looking like this for the rest of the day.</div>
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Leslie and Anthony came back with the snorkeling gear and both jumped in to look for it. Leslie immediately found it. She had it in hand before Anthony was completely in the water. She saved the day.</div>
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Snorkel picture from Anthony...</div>
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Then Greg said lets take a ride.... he was having a blast trying to splash all of us by hitting the waves JUST right. Nick was one of the instigators in helping his dad find the right wave. WHAM... we hit a good one....</div>
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Leslie had to wring out her towel...</div>
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Greg and Nick high five one another on a job well done...</div>
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There were many, many waves like this one... then Greg hit a REALLY big one and the entire front end of the boat was under water. We thought we were sinking. Everyone ran to the back of the boat as Greg reversed and pulled us back up out of the water. All of our shoes had floated to the back of the boat and everything was soaked. Once our adrenaline was back to a normal level we thought it was pretty funny. Greg didn't hit anymore waves as we headed back to crab island. Something we won't forget anytime soon. Boys are such boys sometimes.</div>
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Nick drove for a while...</div>
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Jonah texted....</div>
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We started a very annoying sound on the very first day of vacation, as we were driving across the Destin bridge to be exact. It is a very high yell... kind of a hum, but not really. Anyway, if someone starts it then everyone HAS to do it or you get slapped. I know, as violent as it may seem... it is true. As you can see in the picture, either Leslie or Anthony has started it, and in the next picture Nick has joined them. I swear we all need therapy. We actually had the Thoma family in on it while eating at Pompino Joes. We received many weird looks, and some of them were not nice.Who cares... we are on vacation and will probably never see those people again.</div>
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Nick was a super hero...</div>
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Jonah tried to be a sail...</div>
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We parked back at crab island while Greg, Jonah and Nick snorkeled and found these crabs. </div>
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The kids spent some more time feeding the birds again and then our two
kids hung out together for a while on the back of the boat. It made my
heart melt watching them talk and hang out. I love both of them so much
and I love seeing them as friends. I know this very well could be the
last family vacation as we know it... It is a bitter sweet feeling. I
hope they will always remember their vacations together as brother and
sister and the memories we have made will be cherished in their hearts
and laughed about often.</div>
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We lounged around a little while longer... </div>
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We were all exhausted and were ready to be out of the sun. We headed back in a little early to beat the mad rush of pontoons coming back in for the evening. We made a stop at the CVS (which Greg called my vacation Kroger since we visit there so much) to pick up some Aloe. By the looks of everyone in the van we were going to need it. Jonah told me as we were heading into the dock he didn't put any sunscreen on his face.... and you could tell. Silly boy.</div>
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Our evening was pretty uneventful. We were too tired to do much of anything else. We did manage to shower, apply aloe and eat. Then eat again. We devoured several pizzas, spaghetti casserole, ice cream, chips and anything else that got in our way.</div>
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Nick took his shirt off and we then began to call him Zorro... .here's why...</div>
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He sprayed sunscreen on himself in a zigzag motion. At least we know the sunscreen worked. If it was applied correctly.</div>
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It was a fantastic birthday... couldn't have asked for better weather or better company. Happy Birthday Nick, Greg and Jonah. Thanks for sharing my birthday with me today, and thank you Leslie and Anthony for helping to make it wonderful. </div>
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<br /></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-48366837643224852522012-08-01T22:15:00.000-04:002012-08-03T10:33:11.224-04:00Destin 2012 Day ThreeDay 3 started out with a tremendous down pour of rain. It didn't look like it was going to let up, and I wasn't feeling very good so Greg took Leslie and Anthony out to shop for fruit trees. Nick and Jonah stayed here at the condo to just chill and hang out.<br />
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The shopping trip was a success. Two lime trees and a lemon tree was found at an Alvin's Island further down from the condo.<br />
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A stop at Moe's for lunch was a must. Greg absolutely LOVES Moe's and they don't have them near us anymore. <br />
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Apparently there were 100 plus drink flavors you could have at Moe's.</div>
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Greg froze up because there were a lot of people in line behind him and ended up just getting Coke. Anthony and Leslie laughed and teased him, Anthony then said it must have been out of his comfort box. Leslie and Greg then turned and teased Anthony. He made a similar comment on a different trip about opening his shell a little bit instead of coming out of his shell. I am sure Greg and Leslie didn't let this one go any easier. </div>
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Moe's was enjoyed and everyone came home VERY full.</div>
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A big thank you to Anthony for taking these pictures... without them I would have been able to document the day since I wasn't there. :) AND a big thank you for Leslie for letting me in on all the jokes so I could then tell them to all of you. :)</div>
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Once they returned from Moe's and from shopping Leslie and Anthony walked to the beach to do a little snorkeling. Jonah and Nick went for a walk too. </div>
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Greg and I took Jonah and Nick to the beach to try to take some senior pictures. The lighting was not the best since it rained most of the day, but we were able to get a few. Here are a few sneak peeks of unedited photos.</div>
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Tomorrow is our birthday party on the pontoon.... out in the open... motor boatin. Good night all.</div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-21015033160310153502012-07-31T17:00:00.000-04:002012-07-31T17:00:06.570-04:00Destin 2012 Day TwoThis morning we woke up to have breakfast. Greg was sitting on the other side of the bar and said, "Can we play diner and we can pretend you are the waitress and you could give me a cup of coffee? Your name could be Flo". I said "Kiss my grits". Greg and I thought it was pretty funny, but the kids had no clue what we were referencing.<br />
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I thought I would check out Facebook a bit while we ate breakfast and woke up. I noticed a grade school/college friend of Greg's, Steve Thoma, and his family were vacationing close by. After a few comments on Facebook, a couple texts and a phone call we had it set up to spend the day together. It was so fun seeing them again. We talked and we think it had been nearly 8 years since we had seen one another. Way too long!<br />
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We has some beach time before the rain moved in.</div>
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Anthony took some pictures...</div>
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New hat because I forget to bring mine every time we come to Florida</div>
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A very large storm moved in and chased us off the beach. We waited until the very last second, thanks to Steve and Greg wanting to play in the water a few more minutes. We were soaked by the time we made it back to the condo.</div>
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We dried off, ate, caught up on lost time. Jonah played card games/magic tricks with Maddie and Meredith while Nick played Halo with Michaela. The rain had eased up after a while so we packed up and went back out to the beach. </div>
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Even Jonah and Nick joined us...</div>
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and passed ball too....</div>
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The boys met some girls on the beach, how could they not since they looked so cool..</div>
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It started to sprinkle again, but who cares when you are already wet in the water. We had a blast!</div>
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We worked up an appetite so it was time to get cleaned up and go to dinner.</div>
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Group picture take one: Maddie isn't in the picture..</div>
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Group picture take two: we gain Maddie but only Steve's eye is in the picture. </div>
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Group picture take 3: Greg stands up to take picture, I told Steve to REALLY lean in this time.. ha ha<br />
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Can't put into words how fun it was to spend the day with these great friends. To sit at this table and reminisce about the days prior to marriage, prior to kids was so fun. Then it was overwhelming to look at the beautiful faces of the kids at this table 20 plus years later. Table of 4 grew to a table of 11 all because 4 silly college kids fell in love. :) Thank you Thoma family for joining us today. Lets not wait for another 8 years to catch up!</div>
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As we were leaving it was raining again so Steve and Greg went to get the cars while the rest of us stayed dry. Sonny and Cher's song I Got You Babe was playing and none of the kids knew who Sonny and Cher was... we felt old. Jonah was trying to pick up a 50 year old woman, gotta keep an eye on that kid. She smiled and chatted with Jonah like he was her age, unbelievable! </div>
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Once we said our goodbyes we went back into the condo for dessert... frozen fruit bars and Drumsticks. I made the mistake of only purchasing ONE box of Drumsticks. There are 8 in the box and there are 6 of us. There was discussion about who would get the other 2 drumsticks. Greg said it would be based on merit. I then made my second mistake by saying I didn't really care for Drumsticks and didn't want mine. All 5 of them yelled at the same time " Dibs" or "I'll take yours". To end the yelling I yelled "Okay, okay... I want mine".</div>
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Greg and I went upstairs to go to bed, watch a little TV and read. Within minutes all 4 kids were standing in our stairway. Leslie was laughing and was trying to speak at the same time but all that was coming out was high pitched squeaks. She was trying to tell me Anthony did not have a blanket for his bed, he had been wrapping up in a fitted sheet like a cocoon the past 2 nights. Anthony was then trying to say he didn't WANT a blanket because he would get hot and he actually liked his fitted sheet cocoon. I asked him if he would at least like to have a flat sheet to cover up with and he declined. Leslie asked me if I could sneak down in the middle of the night and take a picture of him all wrapped up. I think Anthony felt this would be creepy. These kids are so much fun, mucho laughter all of the time.</div>
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Good Night!</div>
Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-81051152669373123102012-07-31T11:07:00.001-04:002012-07-31T11:07:54.512-04:00Destin 2012 Day OneWe woke early to head out to the beach. Greg and Anthony set up our canopy prior to breakfast so we were all ready for a great day. Jonah and Nick slept in so they didn't join us until later.<br />
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Sunscreen was applied, walks were taken, relaxation was experienced by all.<br />
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After a great first day on the beach we were ready for showers and food. Nick had requested Whataburger yesterday prior to arriving to our condo, but we were all tired and just wanted to get to our destination. Greg promised him we would go the next day. Nick was sporting his new shirt and was feeling like he looked pretty cool, which he did.<br />
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But then dad came down with the same shirt on.... not as cool<br />
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After much pleading from Nick, Greg changed shirts. (At least that is what we THOUGHT he did) He actually put a shirt on over this shirt so once we got to Whataburger he could take it off and still have the same shirt as Nick.<br />
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So, off to Whataburger we went.<br />
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After a much too long of a discussion about whether or not we could all fit around the circle table booth, Greg grabbed a chair and sat at the end. THEN we fit perfectly, no legs, knees or arms were touching.<br />
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Conversations again were not of the norm. Leslie and Anthony shared as story they heard of a drive by pooping. Jonah commented that he felt in certain situations it would be okay to poop on a girl, no one agreed. He tried to explain himself, but nothing could get him out of the very deep hole he had already dug for himself. See, not normal conversations, especially at dinner. <br />
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I told Nick to put his face in the window so I could take his picture under the writing on the window. He looks at me and says "But there is a bush right there". It took him a few minutes to understand that THIS is what I was going for.... no bush involved.<br />
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Greg threatened to take his shirt off each time Nick said or did anything.</div>
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After dinner we drove to all of the cheesy Florida gift shops. Leslie and Anthony found citrus trees, but they were all dead. They really wanted to purchase a tree so we drove to several Alvin's Island stores trying to find an alive citrus tree... which we found none. BUT, we did find these super cool hats...<br />
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Nick was looking for cool sunglasses...</div>
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Greg enjoyed playing the quarter game...</div>
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We found a store advertising live shark feedings daily. This was the shark....</div>
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Greg said he would have been really mad had he driven a far distance to see this shark feeding. They made fun of him and called him nerdy shark with bucked teeth.<br />
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After driving to a few more Alvin's Islands to look for trees we headed home to call it a night. It was a great first day and we look forward to what tomorrow might bring.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-65854964522103859052012-07-28T00:07:00.000-04:002012-08-06T19:04:59.847-04:00Destin 2012 "The Drive"Today we departed for yet another adventure to Destin Florida. Same group, same location, same condo and same excitement as last year.<br />
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We weren't 100% sure Greg was going to make it home from his business trip to Arkansas in time to leave on schedule. There was talk of him flying to meet us, or us driving to get him... it wasn't an option for him to not to go. He arrived home around 6:00, just in time to drop off Murphy at Grandpa and Grandma's for his doggie vacation and for us to get a few hours sleep before heading out.<br />
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Nick, prior to leaving and before Greg arrived home, received a call from Sherwin Williams letting him know they would like to hire him and for him to come to the store to pick up some paper work to fill out. Leslie and I were in my bedroom when we heard an incredible crash. I rushed down the hall to find our table in the middle of our front room shattered and Nick standing there looking at it in total shock and horror. He immediately started apologizing and I, after a panic of thoughts running through my mind, ask him what on EARTH had happened. He just kept apologizing.<br />
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I said "NICK, what happened? Why is the table shattered and are you okay?" He said " I am fine, I am just concerned about the table, I am really sorry." I am still talking in my motherly panic voice... "What happened?" "Why is the table shattered?"<br />
Nick replies.... "I stood on it"<br />
"You STOOD on it?"<br />
"Yes"<br />
"You STOOD on a GLASS table?"<br />
"Yes"<br />
"What were you thinking? Where was your head? Did you think a glass table would hold you?"<br />
" I don't know, I am really sorry."<br />
"Is your foot okay? Did you cut yourself?"<br />
" I am fine, I am really sorry"<br />
"Would you please take off your sock and look at your foot?" "What made you STAND on the table?"<br />
As he is taking off his sock.. "Sherwin Williams called and I was excited"<br />
"You were excited so you decided to STAND on a glass table?"<br />
"I guess"<br />
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Leslie could tell I was a tad shaken so she stepped in and vacuumed the carpet and helped Nick clean up all the glass by wearing thick gloves. So very thankful we didn't have to make a trip to the ER.<br />
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We now refer to our joyful moments as " Table stomping happy" moments. Nick would prefer we drop this and stop bringing it up, but its just too good to let go. Leslie found a quote for a new piece of glass and Nick is on the hook for $100.00 to replace it.<br />
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Anthony and Jonah spent the night at our place so everyone would be in the same place when it was time to leave. Nick and Jonah decided to stay up all night so they could sleep on the drive.<br />
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We pulled out around 3:20am after checking all windows, doors, outlets, faucets and lights. We were all packed up and ready for a week of surf, sun, sand and fun.<br />
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Greg drove the first round, Nick and Jonah slept while the rest of us discussed a recent test performed on rats to determine if a glowing light would make them depressed. The test was done to test to see if watching TV would make humans depressed. Greg said he felt the show being watched on TV should be taken into consideration... not just a glowing light. Plus, how could the rats tell them they were depressed? Leslie explained how they test their blood chemical levels to determine depression and it wouldn't matter if it was a TV show OR a glowing light... it would be the same result for rats. Greg still didn't feel the comparison was relevant and we moved on...this discussion lasted way too long.<br />
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There was sleeping on and off while Greg drove and then it was time to stop for gas and switch drivers. We were in Tennessee and the ladies at the gas station were so sweet. I loved their southern drawl and they called me precious.<br />
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They also had some of these....</div>
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We needed air in the tires and since Greg wasn't home very long before we left for vacation this was one of the things I had over looked prior to leaving...we had gas and snacks.. I thought we were good. Our tire pressure gauge wasn't in the van for some reason so Greg had to run in to the gas station to purchase one. He came out laughing saying they were the nicest gauges he had ever seen, but they were 20 bucks. We weren't spending 20 bucks on a pressure gauge so we drove across the street to another station where they allowed us to borrow one of theirs.<br />
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Back on the road we decided it was time to open gifts. Greg and I had bought random, silly gifts for the kids to open each hour. We had to wait until at least daylight so they could see them AND we could take pictures. :) This was gift number one, and I believe my favorite.<br />
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Gift number 2...<br />
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Leslie was disheartened by the covering of Kudzu all over the trees throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. There was a discussion about Kudzu ramping up and taking over the world. THEN what would happen if Kudzu and Honey Suckle were brought together to create a mega invasive species called Kud-Suckle? The outcome is limitless. <br />
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After a couple of hours had passed we thought we should stop for breakfast. We wanted somewhere quick so we could get back on the road ....McDonalds was the choice. The people there were NOT nice people. Scrambled eggs was no longer on the menu and I made the mistake of asking if I could still have them even though they were not listed. The lady said yes in a mean tone and looked at me like I had a third eye. The people in the back were all confused because instead of ordering me a side of scrambled eggs, she ordered me pancakes (which weren't on the menu either) and sausage minus the pancakes. They were all yelling at one another, it was a wonderful breakfast experience.<br />
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Back on the road with a lot of fun conversations, one of which involved wild turkeys.<br />
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Leslie saw a group of wild turkeys off to one side of the road. We started talking about what a group of wild turkeys were called. I teasingly said a "gobble". Jonah, who had been asleep and had not participated in ANY conversations thus far, raised up from the back seat and yelled " A group of wild turkeys is called a rafter of turkeys. He was correct, Anthony looked it up. We laughed and laughed about Jonah's contribution to the conversation. We hadn't heard a peep out of him and then he pulls rafter out of nowhere. Come to find out "gobble" is also another name for a group of wild turkeys... not the official name, but a name indeed. So I was right and was actually trying to be funny.<br />
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I was the one driving at this point and had noticed 2 dead armadillos in the road. I pointed one out to everyone as we were passing it, but they missed it. Greg then proceeded to tell me he thought I had probably seen a hunk of tire off of a semi truck and not REALLY an armadillo. I said I think I know the difference between an armadillo with a tail and 4 legs and a black mangled piece of tire. He continued with his disbelief until we came across another armadillo on the road and he actually saw it himself. He said THAT one really was an armadillo but probably not the others... I let it go, I obviously was not going to win this one.<br />
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I then mentioned I didn't really know much about the armadillo which was rather odd since we watch all sorts of animal documentaries and read a lot about different species. I was troubled by this fact. Leslie pulled up a long list of facts about the armadillo on her phone.<br />
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They used to be only seen in Texas and New Mexico, but have been spotted north as far up as Nebraska in the past several years. They are common road kill because the poor little guys jump straight in the air when they are startled, equal to the height of a bumper of a car. They eat insects and grubs. They burrow underground to live. They birth 4 babies in each litter and they are identical which make them great mammals to test in genetic laboratories. They are carriers of leprosy. Greg said he really liked armadillos until this fact was mentioned. Needless to say we were all very informed about the armadillo once the conversation had ended. See what you miss out on when you fly to your vacation destination. :)<br />
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Our conversation then moved on to a new kind of truck Greg had seen while on his business trip. A Ford F650.<br />
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You can see how large it is by the picture above. It can only get up to 10 miles a gallon in the city. As we were talking about the amount of gas it uses Leslie blurted out loudly " You might as well just SLAP Mother Teresa in the face". We all looked at her and started laughing ... "why would we slap Mother Teresa? That seems rather harsh and mean, and why Mother Teresa?" She then started laughing, could hardly say what she MEANT to say which was Mother Nature. Driving a truck using that much gas and putting out that much pollution is like slapping Mother Nature in the face. A lot of laughter on that one.<br />
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Greg expressed his frustration with detouring traffic into construction tubes while the other side of the road is being fixed. What if there were an accident or a flat tire.. travel would be backed up for hours. We drove in this "tube" for nearly 40 miles. <br />
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As we were approaching Atlanta..(at least that is where I thought we were approaching but actually we were very far from Atlanta and actually still in Tennessee) we saw many beautiful houses up on the tippy top of the mountains. We were commenting on how lovely they were. Anthony asked where we were, in which I then incorrectly answered Atlanta, in which he incorrectly HEARD "Talamit". He said "hmmm, never even heard of Talamit"... we laughed and said "What? Talamit?" More laughter imploded. We then came around a bend where there was a street sign that read "Fresh Oil" What does that even mean? Is there going to be very fresh oil spilled out onto the road?<br />
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We drove a few minutes as we continued to drive through the valley with mountains on either side of us and there was a sign that read "look out valley up ahead". We didn't know how a valley could look OUT onto anything. Shouldn't it have been look UP valley?<br />
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We were excited to see our route took us across just the tip of Georgia right into Alabama. I remember it taking what seemed like an eternity to drive through Georgia as a kid. Every time I would wake up to ask where we were my parents would say Georgia. <br />
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Time for more gifts.... The kids would start to count down when it was time for them to get their next gift... very seldom did we EVER go over 1 hour between gifts.<br />
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watch em grow... place in water and they grow. </div>
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Super power wrist bands... for power walking on the beach</div>
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Flash lights for walking the beach at night and frightening Jonah with crabs</div>
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Really nice watches... tee hee</div>
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coloring books and crayons... very nice</div>
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Little nerf ball shooters</div>
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puzzles</div>
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Recorders which only Anthony could play</div>
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As we crossed the Florida border and neared the condo everyone was up and awake. Last year we attempted to drive across the huge bridge over to Destin and our GPS lead us to a construction site which was a dead end. We could SEE the bridge, but couldn't get to it from this particular street. Well, our GPS tried to do the same thing again this year. Apparently the map has not been updated to show the dead end and the new route to the bridge. Anthony found the new street on his phone and we drove right to it. We then proceeded to make fun and laugh at all the vans with luggage racks full of luggage having to turn around in the dead end street (which you can see from the bridge) with confused looks on their faces. Poor people... that was us last year. We still don't know why they don't put a sign up stating it is a dead end.<br />
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Leslie said she will be "table stompin happy" to get out of the van. <br />
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We passed a sign that read "Sweet Georgia Peaches".. Nick yells from the back of the van "Look, there is Gorgina peaches". We all start laughing again.<br />
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We were almost to our condo when Nick spotted a VW Beetle with a mustache. He said "Look Leslie, there is a bug with a mustache" Leslie proceeds to look for an actual BUG with a mustache. I told her she was having a blonde moment. She didn't think it was funny.<br />
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We unloaded all of the luggage once we arrived, made a list for the grocery then headed over to the beach. The smell of the salty air and the feel of the soft sand was amazing.<br />
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We all still knew what was ahead of us so we couldn't settle in completely. Wal-Mart!!!!<br />
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We again split the list up into 3 lists like we did last year. Leslie and Anthony, Nick and Jonah, and Greg and myself. Had it not been for the stupid deli we probably would have been in and out in under 45 minutes. The deli line was ridiculous. I chatted with the ladies in front as well as the ladies behind me and I felt as if we were pretty good friends by the time I finally received my turkey, salami and cheese. I was in line for so long that Greg and the kids had already checked out, loaded the van and were in the parking lot waiting for me.<br />
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It was nice to come home to our condo, unload the groceries (everyone pitched in and we were done in minutes), take showers and snack around while being lazy. It was a nice ending to a fun drive with great kids. I think we will all sleep well tonight and we look forward to a sunny day on the beach tomorrow.<br />
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-43849551340490487422012-07-27T22:08:00.000-04:002012-10-10T13:24:19.388-04:00Winding down but never say goodbye.The rest of our time at the resort was spent lounging, laughing, relaxing and eating. Not many pictures were taken.<br />
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Our last night at the resort we all went our separate ways and enjoyed our anniversary dinners. They were so lovely.<br />
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We met up after dinner for a show in the theater which wasn't too great.. then made our way back to our rooms for our last night.. there was sadness in the air. We were excited to see our kids, but we were also so very sad to leave this amazing place.<br />
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Greg and I ordered room service the next morning again.</div>
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We had a visitor our last morning as well..</div>
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We shared our eggs and cream with him.</div>
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Amy was our early bird and she captured some amazing moments first thing in the morning at sunrise.<br />
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This was such an amazing vacation...unlike any I have ever had before. I wouldn't trade our vacations with our kids for this kind of trip, but it sure was nice being able to do both. The memories we have created with our kids during our family vacations are priceless and I would give up 100 trips to Mexico if it meant I could go back anytime to relive some of those memories. However, I am trying to be realistic these days and I am allowing myself to peek into the future a bit. It was nice seeing the love Greg and I still have for one another, seeing the friendship that is still so very strong between the two of us. It excites me to know our future is bright, and will still be full of fun and laughter even though our kids will be grown and not with us. This is the next step and although I am in no rush to fully leap into being an empty nester, it is nice to see there will be happiness on the other side. Long story short... this will NOT be the last trip to Mexico OR to an Excellence Resort.<br />
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A big thank you to Mark, Amy, Debbie and John for helping us create memories of a lifetime. Inside jokes that I still giggle about today, silliness and stress free fun that was very needed. Can't wait to do it again!Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-33643880881581824552012-07-27T00:13:00.000-04:002012-10-10T12:42:07.272-04:00Food, relaxation, food and fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was all about soaking in the resort because we knew our days were numbered. We had made turn in the road where we had more days behind us than we had ahead of us and we wanted things to sloooooow down.<br />
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We played with the fish in the water.. they would swim up and nibble on your toes..<br />
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It looks like we were standing in a circle holding hands, but we were not... I promise.<br />
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We ate on the beach again at the buffet, we walked around, took pictures, road on Hobie cats and relaxed.. <br />
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Dinner was at Spice ( the Asian restaurant)... it was REALLY yummy!</div>
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That night was the Michael Jackson (Miguel) tribute. This guy was really, really good. I kept thinking about how much my mother would have loved it. I thought he moved JUST like Michael.. it was kinda creepy. But then the lights came on and when we got up close he didn't look like Michael at all. He still did a great job.<br />
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We again danced at Alegria and then went for a lat night/early morning swim in our lazy river near our room. We whispered and felt as if we were doing something wrong because we were the only ones in the water and it was dark... Ah... fun times.<br />
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Another amazing day in paradise.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-13644337637290001442012-06-27T00:16:00.000-04:002012-10-10T12:25:55.216-04:00The National Geographic Channel has nothing on us..We woke early to start our Mayan adventure. Greg and I decided to order room service and eat in our room. Debbie and John had mentioned how yummy it was and we hadn't tried it yet.<br />
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We met in the lobby to wait for the van, Greg and I forgot our excursion tickets so we had to run back to our room before boarding. They told us the day we booked the excursion do NOT forget your ticket or you won't be allowed to go. Yep... its how we roll.<br />
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There were 12 of us on the excursion. Amy sat in the front, Mark sat behind Amy on the next bench, John sat behind Mark, Debbie sat behind John and Greg and I sat in the very back. The van ride in itself was an excursion.<br />
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Thanks to Amy we have a picture of our excursion guide... I forgot to take one. She was really nice.<br />
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We finally arrived after a 30 minute, bumpy ride. We were told to only take items which we didn't mind getting wet. We were going to hike a Mayan Jungle, swim in a Cenote (cave), and Kayak through a lagoon. Amy brought her IPhone. Ha Ha... she forgot she had it in her shirt, she was teased the entire time.<br />
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We took a potty break in these cute little outdoor restrooms which smelled lovely... not sarcasm.. .they really did! They had cedar shavings to throw into the hole when you were finished with your business.</div>
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We began our hike through the jungle....</div>
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We paused here to look at the rocks. She asked us why we thought this particular rock was here. It was volcanic rock so Greg spoke up and said "from a volcano", she looked at him and said "Do you see any volcanoes around here?" with a smirk on her face. Greg said "no"...... I was laughing so hard and never did get to hear what kind of rock it was and why it was there. He still says she yelled at him, which she didn't, but it was pretty funny.</div>
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Once we had hiked the jungle we arrived at a ceremonial alter. </div>
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Before we were allowed to swim in the Cenote we had to be blessed by a Mayan priest. The Mayans drink the natural waters of the Cenote and in order for us to swim in it we were to be both pure in spirit as well as in body.<br />
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He lit some incense and circled the smoke around each of us while he said his prayer to the Mayan gods. Of course we were not praying to their god, but we were reverent while he said his prayer and blessed us in their culture. MOST of us were reverent... others, well..... check out Debbie and Amy's expressions... HILARIOUS!!!<br />
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Amy: "Oh, come ON already, enough if enough!"</div>
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Debbie: " Ok, I am bored dude... trying to be nice, but I am tired of this, wish he had laryngitis."</div>
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We left the ceremony spiritually pure and now had to become pure of body. Lets just say the ceremony was much easier. It was a rather cool day, which we were happy because we were hiking jungles and climbing Mayan ruins, but cold showers and cave swimming was a different story. We were asked to strip down to just our swim suits, walk up to what looked like a shower alter and stand under the natural spring shower and clean ourselves. Because the Mayan people drink the water from the Cenotes we had to wash off all lotions and soap from our body. It was FREEEEEZING!<br />
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Once we were all "pure" we began to climb down the cave entrance.. .it was steep stairway straight down into darkness...... and we had to walk down backwards.<br />
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The further we descended the warmer it became... which I was thankful. It was really cool to see the cave, bats and Cenote. I was nervous about getting into the water.<br />
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I was not aware we had to jump into the water.. .I was planning to gently EASE my way into the chilly water but by the time I got all the way down to the Cenote people were jumping off rocks into the water. I already had a talk with myself (yes I talk to myself) about pushing my comfort zone on this excursion. I am claustrophobic and would find myself inside caves, I am afraid of heights and I would find myself zip lining, rappelling off cliffs, and climbing Mayan ruins. I knew I would be in difficult situations. Jumping off a rock was going to be the least of them. So I did it!</div>
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The water was actually warmer than the water and air above ground. We had fun with our water proof camera. </div>
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The excursion photographer I guess thought it would be funny to take a picture of me taking a picture of Mark and Amy... odd.</div>
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The 4 of us...</div>
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Greg and I with Mark photo bombing with bunny ears...</div>
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Greg and I in "lovers cave"</div>
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Mark and Amy in "lovers cave"</div>
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Debbie and John in the "lovers cave" </div>
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We all climbed out of the Cenote and back up the steep stairs into the cool air. We dried off the best we could and put our dry clothes back on. In case you were wondering, Amy's Iphone was inside Debbie's shoe above ground during this time as to not get wet. We hiked the jungle a bit more to go kayaking.</div>
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The black sap from this tree will give you 2nd and possibly 3rd degree burns if you touch it. For once our gang obeyed the rules and didn't touch it. Can't say we were mature enough not to sing a song by MC Hammer though.<br />
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These vines hold water, if you are ever in the Mayan jungle and have no water you can cut these vines to drink from them. We are soooo National Geographic. <br />
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We stopped to talk about the gum tree being native to Mexico and then headed to kayak. We walked along a narrow path of floating boards to climb into our kayaks.<br />
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We had fun paddling through the lagoon, singing songs, laughing, and taking pictures. </div>
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Apparently taking self portraits and pictures of our feet was the thing to do.</div>
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My feet </div>
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Debbie's feet</div>
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Greg and I</div>
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Debbie and John</div>
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If Amy's Iphone was not being kept safe in the top of Mark's hat I guarantee she would have taken the exact same pictures.<br />
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We were thankful to see after kayaking the van had driven to meet us and we didn't have to hike our way all the way back. We took another 15 minute van ride to our next destination to zip-line.<br />
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Once we arrived Amy had mentioned she wished she would have brought her gym shoes instead of wearing her crocs. Although they were comfortable, she didn't have much traction. The British lady who was with us offered Amy her "trainers". "Trainers" are gym shoes and they happened to fit Amy perfectly... she loved them so much she now owns a pair of them herself.<br />
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We walked through a small part of town as we were walking to our zip-line destination.</div>
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Zip line was a blast. Half the fun was getting all of our gear on and making fun of one another.<br />
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We were all instructed on how to brake, go fast, go slow etc. I was shakin in my shoes because I was so afraid of how high we were. I was nervous the equipment would break and I would fall to my death in a Mayan jungle, or badly injured in a Mayan jungle or at least bitten by a Bot fly in a Mayan jungle. Don't laugh... have you spent any time reading about the Bot fly? I don't recommend any You Tube videos of the bot fly, you may never leave the country again.<br />
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Regardless, I had told myself I was going to do this... so up the mountain we went.<br />
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Debbie was showed how to use her stick to help her brake... she decided it was more fun to hold her stick in the air and wave it around. Who needs to stinkin slow down or brake... its how she rolls, or zips.<br />
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Here comes John</div>
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Gregory zipping in....</div>
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I then came zipping in with my feet tucked up under me like the trees were going to snip off my toes or something. Dork! I did use my stick though. :)<br />
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Feet still tucked.....</div>
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Amy and Mark zipped across with smiles... Amy threw her stick at the end, guess she was done with it. Amy could have taken a picture while she was zipping too since she had her phone with her. Bahahahah.<br />
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Then it was time to rappel off of a cliff. I waffled back and forth over this one. With each person I watched fall backwards off the cliff I became more and more confident that I was NOT going to partake in this portion of the excursion.<br />
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Once I had more friends on the bottom of the jungle floor than I did on the cliff I decided to take the fall. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done. It really wasn't a big deal after my feet left the cliff, but relying on the harness and my rope to keep me from falling as I fell backwards off a cliff was terrifying. You were in charge of the speed of your decent, if you opened your hand wide enough you would zip right down to the floor. Key to moving along however was actually opening your hand. It took me a while to trust myself enough to open my hand. I was glad I did, and I was even gladder (you would be too, forget it isn't a word) my feet were on the ground.<br />
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Safe on the ground again....</div>
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Once we were down and the adrenaline pump was over we realized we had to go back up, and there were no elevators or even large buckets with rope pullies. We had to hike back up. I have to say it was beautiful, I felt a burn like I have never felt before in my legs, but it was beautiful. The only thing that kept us moving at a steady was the knowledge of lunch awaiting us.<br />
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The lunch buffet was amazing. Authentic Mayan food. The women were so gracious and eager to please us and the food was incredible.<br />
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While our food settled they offered us cookies and coffee and the opportunity to look at photos the professional photographer had taken during our swim, zip and rappel. We of course bought them, we laughed so hard at a few of them and decided we HAD to have them and it was cheaper to buy all of them than it was to purchase just the hysterical ones. (such as the capture of the expression on faces during the cleansing ceremony... priceless)<br />
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With rested bodies and full bellies we ventured out to finish our excursion... I KNOW!!! Still more!<br />
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We were driven back into a more populated area where the Mayan Ruins were located.<br />
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We walked in and saw a few ruins that we were not allowed to climb, just take pictures. We were given the history of each ruin. They were originally found as huge hills of rocks and they were re-built.<br />
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The next two pictures are pictures of a stadium where the Mayans would play a sport. I thought it looked a lot like on the ground, stone Quidditch.<br />
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I liked the tunnels....</div>
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After the tour we were free to wander around the park and follow the path to the largest Mayan ruin that we could climb.<br />
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We were given the option to either walk,</div>
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rent bikes, </div>
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or ride a bike taxi. </div>
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Mark, Amy, Greg and I chose to walk. We thought... geesh, how far could it be really. It was a nice day, we were chatting with the British couple and thought a walk would be nice. It was a longer walk than we thought it would be, but it was enjoyable and we learned a lot about the British couple too, very interesting. They made fun of us for calling Gasoline "gas" and not petrol. They said "gas" was a bodily function. ha ha John and Debbie road around and rubbed there stupid bikes in our face...whatever. They would have to look super cute while doing it too.<br />
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Once we arrived it was time to start climbing, how hard could it be?
There was a rope going up the center of the ruin so if you got tired
you could hold on.<br />
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I barely started up the dang thing and started to realize just how frightened I was of heights. There was nothing to hold on to except that stupid rope and the steps were tiny and crumbling. Why oh why did we want to climb this?</div>
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I was being encouraged by Greg to continue because again "It wasn't something you get to do everyday". I was starting to get sick of hearing this and my "live beyond my comfort zone" attitude was wearing thin. </div>
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Greg was all "Whats the big deal? This is GREAT!"</div>
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This was fun.... Amy's idea</div>
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John and Debbie climbing.. NOT using the rope.</div>
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Smart one....</div>
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We finally made it to the top... my knees were shaking and I couldn't get very close to the edge. Greg was teasing and acting like he was falling off.... I didn't find it funny in the least... first and last "argument" of the trip between us.</div>
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After resting, and taking all the pictures we wanted to take, it was time to go back down. This terrified me more than going up and Amy captured every emotion on my face as I s-l-o-w-l-y moved down. That rope was my best friend and I came alllll the way down on my butt.</div>
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Once we were all back down on the ground again, and after my legs stopped shaking we started our walk back. We wanted to shop in the little shops outside of the park before our van left to take us back to the resort.</div>
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Along the path we found a well... of course we had to take pictures of it.</div>
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I thought this pully was neat so I took a picture, later realized it was Greg's head.</div>
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The shops were fun and colorful....</div>
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We thought it was funny that having toilet seats was a PLUS... not a norm.</div>
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We bought one of these little guys to remember our Mayan adventure... </div>
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Panther heads and Nacho Libre masks were purchased by the Henkles and Kroekers.</div>
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One last purchase before getting back on the van</div>
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The ride back was quiet... we were exhausted.</div>
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We arrived back at the resort with enough time to shower and meet in the theater for dinner. It was Mediterranean themed. Yummy!</div>
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Debbie liked Amy's glasses and asked to try them on... we took a picture so she could see how cute she was in them.<br />
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Greg: "I have a tiny head... look how tiny it is"</div>
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After dinner there was a really cool fire show...</div>
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Then a circus show... I know!!!! I swear this day was 48 hours long... it was awesome!<br />
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Then, believe it or not we went dancing at Alegria. When we finally did fall into bed we fell asleep the second our heads hit the pillow. This day was incredible, not only from the non stop laughter, yummy food, new friends and adventures, but from the amazing things we experienced and learned. I feel so blessed. I truly feel the National Geographic Channel has nothing on us...We are ready for our reality show now.</div>
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-51350480373918696672012-04-08T01:42:00.000-04:002012-04-08T01:42:56.504-04:00No really, THIS was the BEST day ever!We started our day again in the Barcelona Cafe. Breakfast was soooo good. They had a huge buffet to choose from as well as chefs standing by to make a custom omelet or anything else you might like. I of course enjoyed more sushi and guacamole with my eggs.<br />
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The girls started out on the beach together while the boys took out a Hobie Cat. Mark was in heaven. Both he and Amy own their own sail boats and it was a real treat for Mark to do his thing out on the beautiful waters of Cancun. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Us girls walked over to a lady giving facials on the beach and applied a mud mask... we looked like Oompa Loompas </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh2t3vNGVW0/T4ET7Yr9R-I/AAAAAAAAEjA/n6enat2Lpzo/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528470+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh2t3vNGVW0/T4ET7Yr9R-I/AAAAAAAAEjA/n6enat2Lpzo/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528470+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While laying in our little grass huts on the beach we started noticing a few topless ladies around us. They were ladies who shouldn't have been topless. You could tell it was their culture and they weren't doing it to get attention from their husbands. They were napping in the sun with no shirt on, no big deal... except for us. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 6 of us stayed on the beach for a while laughing and sunning ourselves until it was time to walk over for our beach lunch again. We were already excited about the buffet and thinking about what they may be serving. The day before they served the most delicious Grouper... we were hoping for more of the same.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">There was a different band...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EH6qxvR3azE/T4EVN6I4ZKI/AAAAAAAAEjY/on2vymVdBFE/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528501+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EH6qxvR3azE/T4EVN6I4ZKI/AAAAAAAAEjY/on2vymVdBFE/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528501+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Greg and Debbie switched sunglasses...I think Debbie could pull it off... Greg not so much.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YfGTe7TyH4/T4EVpwAUJPI/AAAAAAAAEjg/sZMI6IErukY/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528503+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YfGTe7TyH4/T4EVpwAUJPI/AAAAAAAAEjg/sZMI6IErukY/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528503+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We enjoyed listening to the band, walking around on the pier, eating delicious food (too much delicious food) and talking to people as they sat at our table. We talked to many people who were on their last day of vacation and we felt bad for them, then we talked to others who were just arriving and we were jealous. We never wanted to leave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anything and everything we might need was at our finger tips... all we had to do was ask. They went as far as providing convenient restrooms right on the beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After lunch we walked back over to our chairs on the beach. Greg and I decided to mosey on over to the pool for a bit while Debbie and Amy took a nap on the beach. Eventually John and Mark joined Greg and I around the pool. Two girls swam over to talk to us for a while, they were very nice and very complimentary. They were in their late twenties and were there for just a few days to get away from work and such. One of them was celebrating her birthday.. at least thats what she said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Debbie and Amy finished their nap and joined the rest of us around the pool.... I think we laughed more than we had ever laughed on this trip. Greg kept planking all around the pool...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfniw1cf-bo/T4Ejcb78bcI/AAAAAAAAEjo/O9mVPAtbbJw/s1600/Cancun+2011+%28226+of+1000%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfniw1cf-bo/T4Ejcb78bcI/AAAAAAAAEjo/O9mVPAtbbJw/s400/Cancun+2011+%28226+of+1000%29.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">.... and John spent some time in the hot tub. We were laughing so hard at one point we were afraid we were going to interrupt the people eating in the restaurant just above the pool area. We brought our fun down to a low roar and discussed excursion options. We knew we wanted to go on one, but we hadn't decided on which one yet. Once we all agreed on the same excursion ( a gentleman by the name of Mike assisted us in our choice) the girls went to book it while the boys made their way back to their rooms to clean up for dinner. Mark and Greg took the path of the lazy river the entire way without having to leave the pool. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We showered and napped a bit before dinner and then met again in the theater. John had mentioned he thought he left his glasses by the pool earlier so we all went over to look for them. Mark found them and we were back on track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We chose to eat in the Italian Restaurant this evening. The meal was very, very good, but it took them forever to serve it to us and the portions were very small (except for Debbie who some how was served 2 dinners). Due to the time it took them to serve us our first helping, we didn't want to waste time and ask for more so we moved on to another restaurant. The Lobster House.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This small change of schedule started something new that continued throughout the rest of the week. "second supper" We ate early in one restaurant, listened to live music for a while and then went to yet ANOTHER restaurant for a second supper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79GSXXkoZtc/T4ES5y5QpoI/AAAAAAAAEiw/BVb0xsgSasg/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528237+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79GSXXkoZtc/T4ES5y5QpoI/AAAAAAAAEiw/BVb0xsgSasg/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528237+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In our defense... we really just wanted to find some nachos but amazingly no restaurants served nachos. We found this to be hilarious considering we were in Mexico. Not even the Mexican restaurant had nachos. Had there been Nachos we could have snacked on them while listening to music and we would have been fine. Since there were no nachos we had no choice but to eat another dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfniw1cf-bo/T4Ejcb78bcI/AAAAAAAAEjo/O9mVPAtbbJw/s1600/Cancun+2011+%28226+of+1000%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We then proceeded to watch the magic show in the theater... it wasn't the greatest, but we had fun anyway. We tried out the Karaoke club after the show and it was even worse. Even with the slow service at dinner, the mediocre magic show and Karaoke we all agreed THIS was the best day ever! :) Or was it???? Excursion to the Mayan Ruins up next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-1359120866388565452012-04-07T23:17:00.001-04:002012-04-07T23:47:27.812-04:00Best Day EVER!Most of day 2 was spent bouncing back and forth between the beach and the pool. Regardless of where we were there was someone there to bring us anything we wanted. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdB0HIJnVOs/T4DgCr1T7FI/AAAAAAAAEdw/2MI2SBsAD_I/s1600/Cancun+2011+%28136+of+728%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vdB0HIJnVOs/T4DgCr1T7FI/AAAAAAAAEdw/2MI2SBsAD_I/s400/Cancun+2011+%28136+of+728%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The view from our pool beds...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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There were suspicious brown bubbles in the water of the hot tub. John swore they were not from him..... verdict is still out..<br />
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We laid around the pool until it was time for lunch. John and Mark floated down stream in their water diapers in the direction of our Mexican lunch on the beach.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1eCrzZKPGs/T4D2jBc1nWI/AAAAAAAAEgg/rMfk2UG-Msg/s1600/DSCF1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1eCrzZKPGs/T4D2jBc1nWI/AAAAAAAAEgg/rMfk2UG-Msg/s400/DSCF1583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
There is something wonderful about walking down the beach in your swim suit, grabbing a plate of Mexican food and listening to a live band while watching the ocean... after our first day of doing this, we knew we would return everyday for lunch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMhoGSmCsYU/T4DlzgFirFI/AAAAAAAAEfY/herV2OFE-uk/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528217+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMhoGSmCsYU/T4DlzgFirFI/AAAAAAAAEfY/herV2OFE-uk/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528217+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhBctXHEBtQ/T4DmJ4iYy3I/AAAAAAAAEfg/1Rpxz5o9_EM/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528218+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhBctXHEBtQ/T4DmJ4iYy3I/AAAAAAAAEfg/1Rpxz5o9_EM/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528218+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmtG9HV9Mqw/T4DndGgXoMI/AAAAAAAAEf4/9AYnq9c60oI/s1600/Cancun+2011+%252880+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmtG9HV9Mqw/T4DndGgXoMI/AAAAAAAAEf4/9AYnq9c60oI/s400/Cancun+2011+%252880+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After lunch we spent more time on the beach</div><br />
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and then headed back to our rooms to get cleaned up for dinner. We came back to find this....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5Fhkyz_cc/T4DkSZfBsFI/AAAAAAAAEe4/9BTBxEssUC4/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528202+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5Fhkyz_cc/T4DkSZfBsFI/AAAAAAAAEe4/9BTBxEssUC4/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528202+of+728%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YU6HsQY3-g/T4DkukpeojI/AAAAAAAAEfA/B-YQOYVVuKY/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528203+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YU6HsQY3-g/T4DkukpeojI/AAAAAAAAEfA/B-YQOYVVuKY/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528203+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeZMoHgchOM/T4DrE7UKuKI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/IHpoNTKkDDc/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528165+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeZMoHgchOM/T4DrE7UKuKI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/IHpoNTKkDDc/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528165+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qxpgVvQoS4/T4Dqjmzb6PI/AAAAAAAAEgI/jV3Zw0KYo6A/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528164+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qxpgVvQoS4/T4Dqjmzb6PI/AAAAAAAAEgI/jV3Zw0KYo6A/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528164+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was so nice to find this special treat in our rooms. The fruit was amazing and the grapes were the size of a golf ball..... so yummy. The roses were beautiful and fragrant and even the petals were special. We loved the banner so much we all have them hanging on our bedroom doors 5 months later. I doubt I will ever take mine off unless I have another to replace it.<br />
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After showering we all met in the theater to head to dinner. All of the food in the resort was amazing which made dinner a special time. Because it was all inclusive, and because we had already paid for it, everything felt as if it were free. We could eat as much as we wanted and they were happy to bring us seconds of anything. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR6vSGjM-RQ/T4DlNSzCgoI/AAAAAAAAEfI/oyBLlMjLigY/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528206+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lR6vSGjM-RQ/T4DlNSzCgoI/AAAAAAAAEfI/oyBLlMjLigY/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528206+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> My cheese cake dessert...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f47DZnSR_w/T4DlcCbjnHI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/YSZSBsout7s/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528209+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f47DZnSR_w/T4DlcCbjnHI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/YSZSBsout7s/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528209+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We again enjoyed some live music while lounging in the theater. At 9:00 each evening there was a live show in the outdoor theater.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GglzaYNaPHw/T4D8_iKxRMI/AAAAAAAAEgw/GGGaqq2AfEQ/s1600/Cancun+2011+%28930+of+1000%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GglzaYNaPHw/T4D8_iKxRMI/AAAAAAAAEgw/GGGaqq2AfEQ/s400/Cancun+2011+%28930+of+1000%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYEuO51xHFA/T4D9E3aTS3I/AAAAAAAAEg4/5GOYzfD6gfY/s1600/Cancun+2011+%28931+of+1000%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYEuO51xHFA/T4D9E3aTS3I/AAAAAAAAEg4/5GOYzfD6gfY/s400/Cancun+2011+%28931+of+1000%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMIuO307XZ4/T4D9Khz_mfI/AAAAAAAAEhA/QJy-3tJeWIY/s1600/Cancun+2011+%28932+of+1000%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XMIuO307XZ4/T4D9Khz_mfI/AAAAAAAAEhA/QJy-3tJeWIY/s400/Cancun+2011+%28932+of+1000%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We enjoyed our day so much. Again we laughed and laughed, relaxed, ate incredible food, napped, oh and did I mention laugh? We went our separate ways stating THIS was the BEST day ever. Or was it??? Stay tuned for Day 3...Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-47903272507331789432012-04-05T23:35:00.002-04:002012-04-07T23:35:23.284-04:00I left my heart in Cancun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2dpcGK2zLV8/T35jpvv6zHI/AAAAAAAAEcA/oG4qYEdkIFE/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2870+of+728%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2dpcGK2zLV8/T35jpvv6zHI/AAAAAAAAEcA/oG4qYEdkIFE/s400/Cancun+2011+%2870+of+728%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
* Disclaimer: Pictures found on this blog is a compilation of photos taken from the entire 6 pack, it was a group effort to capture the entire Cancun Experience.<br />
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Forget the saying I left my heart in San Francisco, I left a large part of mine in Cancun. I have said several times since last November I don't feel as if I fully returned from our amazing trip. Greg and I celebrated our 20 year wedding anniversary this past year and to celebrate in a big way we decided to travel to an all inclusive resort in Cancun for a week. We traveled with 2 other couples who are dear friends of ours, Mark and Amy Henkel and John and Debbie Kroeker. They too were also celebrating THEIR 20 year wedding anniversaries. Us 3 girls were also celebrating our 40th birthday so what better place to celebrate than on an adult only, all inclusive vacation.<br />
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Our experience began long before we ever left the states. Lots of talk over dinners, emails, facebook messages about where to go and which resort. Finally we said we needed to get SOMETHING on the calendar or it was never going to happen. All 6 of us met at a McDonald's in Vandalia. We arrived with lap tops, ipads, Iphones and credit cards ready to plan the trip of our dreams. I think the employees of McDonald's thought we were crazy because we had power cords going every which way because we were there way too long for all of our batteries to hold out. We surfed, ate, surfed some more, laughed and laughed and finally called the resort and booked our trip online with airfare and insurance included. It was done.... we were going to CANCUN BABY!!!!!<br />
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From that moment on it was all we could talk about when we all got together. What to pack, what excursions to take etc. Greg said all he needed to take was his banana hammock ( thong speedo) which he doesn't own. When discussing suitcases he said all he would need is a baggy for his banana hammock.... it didn't end. We made lists on napkins when together over what activities we could do each day we were there. Most of which we did, and the rest will take place on our next trip. :)<br />
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Greg and I have been on a cruise with our kids a few years ago and it was beyond amazing. We had an incredible time and honestly we didn't think it could get any better. Then we took this trip. I have never laughed so hard, ate so much, napped so often, loved so much or relaxed so deeply as I did on this trip. It took Greg and I back 20 years in our relationship. It is amazing how much life can get in the way of being husband and wife. Taking an entire week to just be Greg the husband, and Rachael the wife was something we wished we had done years ago. Why we waited 20 years we will never know, but we are so thankful we did.<br />
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We woke early in the morning the day after Thanksgiving to drive to the airport. I hardly slept a wink because I was so very excited. We made matching shirts with the logo John came up with "Eat, Drink and be Married".<br />
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We looked super cute and received many comments on our shirts.<br />
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We parked our cars at the Kroeker's house in Vandalia and all piled in one car to head to the airport. The adrenaline and excitement was palpable on the ride over. The laughter had already begun and my cheeks hurt before we even got on the plane.<br />
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Thankful for the rest of the passengers we all sat relatively close to one another. We yelled things back and forth, took pictures of one another, photo bombed as often as we could and had a great time.<br />
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Mid way through the flight I looked back and saw joy and excitement in my friends eyes... a look that grew as we got closer to our destination.<br />
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FINALLY we had landed and were on our way. We stood in line to get through security while people commented on our shirts; lots of stuff to look at in the duty free shops too.<br />
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We then headed out to catch our personal taxi which would take us to our resort. There was a little confusion because EVERYONE wanted us to ride with them. We reserved transportation and had already paid so we didn't want to jump in any car. We waited a while and finally found our guy.<br />
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He was very friendly and was happy to talk about Cancun and what to see while we were there. We rode in a van while he told us all about the Mayan culture. Greg asked him about the Mayan calendar and the end of the world (of course.. Mr. History Channel), some listened to our guide and some enjoyed the scenery, the van ride was enjoyed by all.<br />
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Once we arrived at the resort there was a man there to hand us a warm wash cloth to wash all the yuck of traveling off our face and hands.<br />
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As we walked in they handed us a glass of champagne and welcomed us to Excellence Riviera Cancun. We were giddy with excitement. We checked in, but our rooms were not ready yet because we arrived early. We were happy to walk around and take in the sights.... it was so beautiful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBDjGSA8q5E/T35WZsbuFhI/AAAAAAAAEXY/6MGytA1w6v0/s1600/Cancun+2011+%252819+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBDjGSA8q5E/T35WZsbuFhI/AAAAAAAAEXY/6MGytA1w6v0/s400/Cancun+2011+%252819+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Next 2 pictures courtesy of our good friend Amy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Q-6AsibBM/T35dVJuPl2I/AAAAAAAAEbg/o214ZfJLYSI/s1600/Cancun1125-8921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y1Q-6AsibBM/T35dVJuPl2I/AAAAAAAAEbg/o214ZfJLYSI/s400/Cancun1125-8921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goStzTZYq8o/T35VjigwBuI/AAAAAAAAEXI/e0GjW4L2YT8/s1600/Cancun+2011+%252817+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goStzTZYq8o/T35VjigwBuI/AAAAAAAAEXI/e0GjW4L2YT8/s400/Cancun+2011+%252817+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
We lost the Kroekers nearly seconds after arriving, I think they were standing in the water before we had finished signing our names for check in. Greg and Mark kept watch over our luggage while Amy and I walked around and took pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSr4OzelWT0/T4CAwuVzvdI/AAAAAAAAEcw/Qi71HdDmnvQ/s1600/Cancun+2011+%252852+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSr4OzelWT0/T4CAwuVzvdI/AAAAAAAAEcw/Qi71HdDmnvQ/s320/Cancun+2011+%252852+of+728%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We ate lunch in the Barcelona Cafe. The food was amazing..It was in that moment that I realized I loved Sushi. I have had it before, but I had not tried the smoked salmon sushi. From that day forward I had sushi and guacamole with almost every meal. We said a little prayer thanking God for safe traveling and for giving us this incredible experience with one another. It was going to be a great week!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYQMizBj72M/T35bJsAewMI/AAAAAAAAEag/tzA3AkwDsFY/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528897+of+1000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYQMizBj72M/T35bJsAewMI/AAAAAAAAEag/tzA3AkwDsFY/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528897+of+1000%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Once our rooms were ready we all separated and went to our individual rooms to check it out. We were very pleased with our room.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfcSAE-gej4/T35Qbh_mVQI/AAAAAAAAEVw/YrDW-SivS-w/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528105+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfcSAE-gej4/T35Qbh_mVQI/AAAAAAAAEVw/YrDW-SivS-w/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528105+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KE4L7pZ0eFg/T35RQqyyW3I/AAAAAAAAEWA/bLsdirF9aN0/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528110+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KE4L7pZ0eFg/T35RQqyyW3I/AAAAAAAAEWA/bLsdirF9aN0/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528110+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffybru9uOeI/T35bmOm-vGI/AAAAAAAAEbI/0Gbx80ZDjro/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528998+of+1000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffybru9uOeI/T35bmOm-vGI/AAAAAAAAEbI/0Gbx80ZDjro/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528998+of+1000%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After a small nap and a change of clothes we were ready for lounging around the pool/beach. Everyone there was so nice and so helpful. We never did without anything. They would greet us at our chair and continue to check in on us during our time at the beach or pool... we never went thirsty or had a want for anything.<br />
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Our first night there I believe was my favorite for many reasons. 1. It was our first night and I knew we had many more to come. 2. I had no expectations and I was in awe of everything. 3. We were all slap happy from a day of traveling and because we were so excited to be there.<br />
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The first night they had a Mexican Party. We had the largest Mexican buffet I have ever seen. We sampled food we had never had before and ate tons of our favorites as well. There was a live Mexican band who played for us and they were really good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gth3aE2nnSY/T35UIRduOwI/AAAAAAAAEWw/dk6SY37sKo0/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528119+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gth3aE2nnSY/T35UIRduOwI/AAAAAAAAEWw/dk6SY37sKo0/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528119+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Next several pictures are courtesy of Amy. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLcU6IKYTv0/T4CByZIcyaI/AAAAAAAAEdY/sk1mCU1ZgeA/s1600/Cancun1125-9084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLcU6IKYTv0/T4CByZIcyaI/AAAAAAAAEdY/sk1mCU1ZgeA/s400/Cancun1125-9084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkcRMOUfRx8/T4EETlnsjHI/AAAAAAAAEhg/SAdq9rBkEtg/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkcRMOUfRx8/T4EETlnsjHI/AAAAAAAAEhg/SAdq9rBkEtg/s400/IMG_0328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We made friends from Britain and learned about their cultures and explained to them what Thanksgiving is in our country. Apparently the resort offered a traditional thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving day and they were curious as to what it was all about.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We walked the beach after dinner, took fun pictures on the pier,</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM0pEh4S4EQ/T35dgFmz-FI/AAAAAAAAEb4/fgkGK3nwD_M/s1600/Cancun1125-9124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tM0pEh4S4EQ/T35dgFmz-FI/AAAAAAAAEb4/fgkGK3nwD_M/s400/Cancun1125-9124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Climbed up and sat in a life guard stand to take in the view. Amy was carrying her HUGE back pack with all of her very expensive lens' in it, Mark gently asked her to not climb the life guard stand with all of her gear... we laughed. I think Greg said "Honey badger don't care" 100 times that night<br />
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The night continued with live music and a show in the outdoor theater. We were exhausted from our day of traveling and laughter through out the day... we laughed so hard and couldn't wait to see what day 2 would hold because it just couldn't top day 1. Or could it?<br />
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We woke and leisurely made our way out of our rooms. Greg and I grabbed some towels and threw them down on some chairs on the beach to reserve our spots for later. We ate breakfast at the Barcelona Cafe, Greg and I sat on the patio listening to the waves and watching an iguana in the bushes. I truly felt we were in paradise. The food again was incredible.<br />
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After breakfast it was time for a nap either on the beach or by the pool. It was so quiet and relaxing. There were pool beds along side the pool and many afternoons Greg and I would take a nap in the shade... amazing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQPK1qJORV4/T35TKTvvQZI/AAAAAAAAEWg/42kmnZMz7Uc/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528117+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQPK1qJORV4/T35TKTvvQZI/AAAAAAAAEWg/42kmnZMz7Uc/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528117+of+728%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8kzNGO7S1w/T35TrYYW2BI/AAAAAAAAEWo/iD2688eT4vw/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528118+of+728%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8kzNGO7S1w/T35TrYYW2BI/AAAAAAAAEWo/iD2688eT4vw/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528118+of+728%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I think my favorite spot was an area just across from our room. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0L2yl6x2R8/T35bf0nXfWI/AAAAAAAAEbA/DHlAbAEjL1Q/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528997+of+1000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o0L2yl6x2R8/T35bf0nXfWI/AAAAAAAAEbA/DHlAbAEjL1Q/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528997+of+1000%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kp1VHqpTEn8/T35bTc8iTaI/AAAAAAAAEaw/N1NJQL_H_eE/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528938+of+1000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kp1VHqpTEn8/T35bTc8iTaI/AAAAAAAAEaw/N1NJQL_H_eE/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528938+of+1000%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1xKd1Wmd3M/T35br4f7L1I/AAAAAAAAEbQ/687C9PuT7sA/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528999+of+1000%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> There was a smoothie bar with tranquil music playing and the pool beds I mentioned above. <br />
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There was an awesome bridge where we could walk from our room to this peaceful paradise... we loved it and enjoyed this bridge immensely.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1xKd1Wmd3M/T35br4f7L1I/AAAAAAAAEbQ/687C9PuT7sA/s1600/Cancun+2011+%2528999+of+1000%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1xKd1Wmd3M/T35br4f7L1I/AAAAAAAAEbQ/687C9PuT7sA/s400/Cancun+2011+%2528999+of+1000%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I will add more of day 2 tomorrow when I have more time... stay tuned for water diapers, brown bubbles, and Mexican lunch on the beach. :)Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-44330999754377291782012-04-02T23:16:00.001-04:002012-04-02T23:19:04.012-04:00Would you just shut up and listen??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5q0gR5o4yK0/T3ppgnkBc-I/AAAAAAAAEVo/B5VQn11d-tA/s1600/dude-i-hear-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5q0gR5o4yK0/T3ppgnkBc-I/AAAAAAAAEVo/B5VQn11d-tA/s400/dude-i-hear-you.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Tonight I took a 4 mile walk with a canine pack. Murphy has 2 house guests staying with us for the week and our house can get a little "doggy" in the evenings. I figured a long evening walk would equal a nice quiet evening once we returned home. I usually have Greg with me while we take our evening walks but since he is traveling this week, I figured the dogs were not going to talk to me about their day so I decided to take along some worship music.<br />
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I wish every walk was like the walk I had tonight. Sometimes I can walk and walk and only focus on the wrong in life. I walk past birds, flowers, butterflies, sunsets and people and don't think for a second about God and about how each of these are Him reaching out to me, crying out to me to listen.<br />
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You can ask Greg, and I am sure he will agree, I don't listen well. I can be a very good listener if you need to talk, if you need a friend I am your person. But, if I need to listen to criticism, or how to better do something, or things I should do differently I tend to tune out. I feel myself doing this a lot with God at times. "yeah, yeah, I got it God.... mmmhmmm... sure I understand". He tries to gently guide me through family and friends, through nature and animals (which is my pathway) and most of the time I choose not to listen. I wait until I screw it all up and then come running back, falling on my knees asking Him to help me fix it again.<br />
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Tonight, I listened. I quieted my heart, (after getting my canine pack in line of course), I opened my heart. The air was crisp, the breeze was gentle, the stars were bright, the moon was cascading light down upon the walkway to light my way, the flowering trees were magnificently fragrant and I felt an overwhelming sense of joy. I felt Gods love surrounding me. I felt refreshed by the continuing reminder of the renewal of life in nature. How God takes the broken, the dead, the dried up and breathes life into them to create new life; a new start.<br />
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In this broken world we have been given the invitation to tap into the purest form of love. I don't do a lot of things right and I find myself constantly asking God for forgiveness. I may not love the way I should all of the time but I feel I do have a gift of forgiveness and love which at times has been my Achilles tendon. I love people, I love animals,... I hate to kill bugs who invade my home. I can't sleep at night if I feel I have upset someone, I trust when maybe I shouldn't and I feel frustrated when I cannot give to the capacity I want to give. This all is coming from a person who does not tap into this source of love the way she should. <br />
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Tonight while walking I listened to one of my favorite songs... Your Love by Marc Imboden. It brought me to tears and if I thought my dogs wouldn't run all over me I would have gone to my knees. :)<br />
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Your love lifts up the blind man<br />
Falls into my hands, I lift up to you.<br />
Your love lifts up the weary<br />
allows you to hear me cry out to you<br />
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Your love it opens the heavens<br />
Your love it opens the flowers<br />
Your love it opens my heart to you.<br />
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Your love lifts up the dying<br />
Comforts the crying, that call out to you<br />
Your love lifts up the righteous<br />
Lays down beside us, as we come to you<br />
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Your love it opens the heavens<br />
Your love it opens the flowers<br />
Your love it opens my heart to you.<br />
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Your love it opens the tomb and<br />
Your love it opens the graves and<br />
Your love it opens our love to you<br />
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I can feel your love around me<br />
I can feel you here<br />
I can feel your love surround me<br />
I can feel you here<br />
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Tonight I was overwhelmed by His love, overwhelmed by the beauty which surrounds us each day in nature and within ourselves if we allow it. I plan to do my part in tapping into this never ending pool of grace and love which God continues to offer us each day. He offers it regardless of the crappy day we may have had before, regardless of the negative attitude we struggle to shake, regardless of how angry we were at the person driving in front of us on the way home. It doesn't matter how ugly or dried up I am, he refreshes my spirit and brings me back to life. It shouldn't surprise me how such a short time with God can wash away an entire day or weeks worth of frustration and yuck. He fills me up and helps me see this world through His eyes. We are loved therefore we are called to love... not judge, not bicker, not lie to one another or manipulate to hurt one another.<br />
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We have a choice, shall we remain dried up piles of ugliness? Or do we want to be beautiful and renewed from the inside out...giving off a "fragrance" to those who we might pass during our day. <br />
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<i>2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. </i><br />
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Tonight I listened.... He spoke... and it was good. :)<br />
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I now am surrounded by dogs who look as though they were tranquilized and dropped all over my front room. Good night indeed!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjM93rdpMQ0/T3porDJKEoI/AAAAAAAAEVg/OO8xbbI5vsU/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjM93rdpMQ0/T3porDJKEoI/AAAAAAAAEVg/OO8xbbI5vsU/s640/DSC_0040.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-25547523556656282062011-11-14T19:22:00.000-05:002015-04-26T22:49:33.670-04:00Marina, Michael Jackson and MammalsAs we woke on our 6th day there was a thick, noticeable cloud in the atmosphere....it was our last day. Although we wanted to soak up every second of our time here in Florida, the heaviness of having to leave was felt by all.<br />
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We went out to the beach for one last time in our spot with our cabana. It was a beautiful sunny day. The waves were perfect.<br />
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After some fun in the sun Greg, Anthony and myself drove back to the Marina to get some more photos before we left. It was an amazing place to take pictures.<br />
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So sweet....<br />
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Unfortunately my battery died before I was able to take all the photos I wanted to take. Thank goodness Greg had his camera too.<br />
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The three of us wandered around taking pictures then went into AJ's Restaurant to have lunch. We all ordered sea food, we felt it was appropriate since we were at a Marina and we were sitting on the water. The food was delish.<br />
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Greg found The Old Man in the Sea... his favorite book.<br />
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The ceiling was full of wooden stoppers... it was really cool.<br />
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We watched a couple speed boats pull back into the dock at AJ's while we were enjoying our lunch. They were playing music and it seemed like they were having a great time.<br />
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Our receipt from our lunch had a 20% off coupon for the Sea Blaster on the back so we decided to check it out. We found out they had a sunset dolphin boat ride, Greg and I thought we should probably do it since it was our last night in Destin. <br />
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We finished walking through the Marina then headed back to the condo to get ready for our sunset cruise. We decided to eat in the condo considering we still had food to eat and we didn't want to take anything home with us. I made Spaghetti for anyone who wanted it and people ate odds and ends of what was left in the frig too.<br />
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We loaded up in the van to head back to the Marina for our dolphin, sunset boat ride. Traffic of course was terrible. They asked us to be 15 minutes early to prevent the boat from having to wait on us... needless to say we did not make it 15 minutes early. We couldn't find a place to park so Greg dropped us off so we could run to the boat and keep it from leaving without us. Les stayed back with Greg so he wouldn't be by himself.<br />
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There were 2 seats left in the back of the boat and a few up front. I sent the kids up front to sit down while I waited in the back for Greg. I was a nervous wreck... it seemed like an eternity before he and Les showed up. Once we were all aboard I could relax... we had plenty of time by the way... the boat didn't leave for another 10 minutes. Geeesh.<br />
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The guys on the boat were a lot of fun and the music was fantastic. We didn't really think it through very well.. the cruise listed free beverages on its sign... and boy were there beverages! UNLIMITED Free Beverages! AND it was a Friday night so the crew crammed their own friends onto the back of the boat too. We were rockin it out on the water!<br />
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We weren't even out of the no wake zone when the beer and wine started to get passed around. Greg and I laughed because if you wanted wine or beer they would give you a normal sized cup to drink your beverage. If you wanted a pop/soda they handed you a tiny, squatty can.... BUT it was free and unlimited so if we had to drink 5 to add up to a regular can of pop so be it. :)<br />
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Once we were out on the water Greg and I moved up front with the kids. It was a gorgeous evening to be on the water. There was a lady in the front of the boat who was REALLY having a good time, the kids enjoyed counting how many cups of beer she and her husband were drinking. She was hanging waaaaaay over the railing and was waving to dolphins we had not seen yet. Quite entertaining. :)<br />
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They played great music so there were people laughing and dancing... it really was a fun boat.<br />
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They drove us all around to look for dolphins.... finally we found some. Boy was the lady in the front of the boat excited. She yelled to the dolphins, yelled to other boats about the dolphins, yelled to the captain to find MORE dolphins. Pretty funny.<br />
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I would have liked to have been IN the water with the dolphins, but I was happy to at least see some too. So graceful and beautiful.<br />
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Such pretty sights on the water....<br />
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Plan to have our next house built here....<br />
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The sights on the BOAT were not too shabby either....<br />
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On our way back into the marina the captain told us he wanted us to dance and sing and wave to all the people in the restaurants along the water. He said the name of the boat was "The Thriller" so he wanted us to dance along to the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA&ob=av2n">Thriller</a> by Michael Jackson as we drove by. Nick looked at me and said... " I don't even know what that dance is." I then began to lift both of my hands to one side and then shift to the other side showing him the original Thriller move. The captain happened to notice me doing this and said over the loud speaker.... "Yes, everyone look at her... that is how you do the Thriller...go ahead, show them." I think I turned 4 shades of red not to mention the embarrassment to our kids... BUT, now that I look back on it... it was priceless! Who said all the drunk people get to have all the crazy fun? <br />
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We were so happy we purchased these tickets last minute, we had a great time. We headed back to the condo to pack and get ready for our drive home the next day. I am always so very sad to leave the beach and to leave Florida. I usually cry when we get there, and cry when we leave. I love the ocean, not so much that I would want to live on it, but the majestic beauty moves me each and every time I visit.<br />
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I love the ocean the most at night. I love to listen to the waves crash along the shore and look out into the blackness and imagine the sea life beneath. There is something about standing in front of something so huge, so beautiful, so profound as the ocean that makes me want to fall to my knees in God's presence. I feel so small and yet so loved., loved because God created such beauty for me to enjoy. I feel overwhelmed and it brings tears to my eyes. Needless to say it is always hard to leave vacation, but I know if I lived there every day I would take it for granted and I wouldn't have these moments I have now.<br />
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<span id="goog_1063676212"></span><span id="goog_1063676213"></span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-68608870889745293802011-11-13T18:33:00.001-05:002015-04-26T23:22:11.249-04:00Photographs, Pompino Joes and PortraitsDay 5 was cloudy, but not as rainy as the day before. Greg, Nick and Jonah decided to head out and watch the new Transformers movie. Anthony, Les and I stayed back at the condo to hang on the beach.<br />
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I walked down the beach further and hung out with the sea gulls again and captured some "beach" activities with my camera. <br />
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The waves were so high and beautiful. Little did I know as I was walking the beach and taking pictures, Les and Anthony were getting beat up by the waves outside our condo. They were boogie boarding and a wave took Anthony and slammed him to the bottom of the ocean. He had scrape marks on his forehead to prove it. They were having fun regardless.</div>
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Blue Jelly Fish... .I assumed he was a boy.....<br />
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Someone took his piece of bread..... and he was NOT happy.<br />
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Anthony, Leslie and I went back to the condo to get cleaned up and wait for the rest of the group to return for dinner. We had plans to eat at Pompino Joes (thanks to Anthony we have the name of the restaurant 3 months later when I am writing this blog). We had passed this restaurant several times during our trips to Wal-Mart and thought it looked like a nice place to have dinner.<br />
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We all had a wonderful dinner together. We sat near an open widow with a warm, salty breeze blowing across the table. We laughed and had a great time. Our waiter continued to make us aware of the fact his service would have been much better had he not still been recovering from a horrible upper respiratory infection. It was lovely thinking of all the germs we all probably ingested from him over the course of our meal.<br />
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After dinner we went back to the condo and changed into our "group photo" outfits. I had purchased everyone matching shirts from American Eagle specially for this picture. My first trip to AE I purchased "v" neck T-shirts for the guys. Apparently it is not cool for high school guys to wear V-necks... how was I to know it was a social statement? I went BACK to AE, exchanged their shirts for regular T-shirts so they would agree to be seen in the group photo. ANYWAY, don't they look nice?<br />
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After all of the serious poses we had some fun.....<br />
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I believe the remaining photos are courtesy of Anthony Joseph Rohrer<br />
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The rest of the evening was spent watching corny TV, snacking on food, laughing, video games, and picture editing. Another great day of vacation in Destin Florida.<br />
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-3164404604944101762011-08-03T09:46:00.001-04:002011-08-03T22:12:08.237-04:00Monkey Ball, Motorized Water Sports, Mmmm, Mmm Ice Cream and Moonlight Walks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76SVGWZh7NQ/Tjc8C51e3wI/AAAAAAAAEII/ZWR1Do6W4eY/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBl0_FgDJtA/Tjc9OFrFlVI/AAAAAAAAEIU/qduOEBPcSkA/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrsLAjK5QC4/TjdC-8hevnI/AAAAAAAAEI4/0MMwVl-Em9U/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ov7USxof3TM/TjdLt0wTLEI/AAAAAAAAEKI/7NHPtx6o3dU/s1600/crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today was a great day. It didn’t start out so good with earth crashing thunder and lighting at 6:00 am until nearly 12:30.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg was the early bird again this morning. He sat on the balcony and read his Kindle while it poured cats and dogs around 6:30am. He had the pleasure of witnessing the trash collectors pick up our dumpster and shake it violently over and over again making so much noise I am sure it woke the entire complex. The rest of us tried to sleep in-between cracks of thunder. I hoped I would sleep through the rain and when I got out of bed the sun would be shining.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg rallied the boy troops and they agreed to play some beach Monkey Ball in the rain. The lightening had stopped so it was clear to head to the beach even if it was raining. We would have gotten wet in the ocean anyway so why not get wet with a little rain? I agreed to be the photographer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Monkey Ball is a game Greg made up years ago with the kids. It is usually played with a tiny, tiny wooden bat, but we had a beach bat and ball to play with this time. They marked out the field, if the ball doesn’t make it to the pitcher it is a strike. If it doesn’t make it to the first line beyond the pitcher OR it hits the pitcher it is an automatic out. If it makes it to the first line you have one man on base…. Second line it is a home run… out of bounds is an out. If someone catches it it’s an out. If you hit the ball and it doesn’t go to the first line and you manage to hit it again before it hits the ground it is a home run. Rules have been known to change and added with each game. They had a great time playing.. Nick schooled everyone and the rain had stopped.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6Sp6uLyzc0/TjcxCiSk8rI/AAAAAAAAEHg/nx12oneSKp8/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6Sp6uLyzc0/TjcxCiSk8rI/AAAAAAAAEHg/nx12oneSKp8/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4ONuosykAM/Tjcph7VL6gI/AAAAAAAAEHY/sOiV8TWnOC0/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4ONuosykAM/Tjcph7VL6gI/AAAAAAAAEHY/sOiV8TWnOC0/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I watched the Monkey Ball game for a while then I went for a walk along the beach for a bit. The storms had washed in a bunch of little pink jelly fish.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76SVGWZh7NQ/Tjc8C51e3wI/AAAAAAAAEII/ZWR1Do6W4eY/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76SVGWZh7NQ/Tjc8C51e3wI/AAAAAAAAEII/ZWR1Do6W4eY/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBl0_FgDJtA/Tjc9OFrFlVI/AAAAAAAAEIU/qduOEBPcSkA/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OBl0_FgDJtA/Tjc9OFrFlVI/AAAAAAAAEIU/qduOEBPcSkA/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-26.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYKF3jFNDTE/Tjc7s209Z0I/AAAAAAAAEIE/WDTWrvyNSQY/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYKF3jFNDTE/Tjc7s209Z0I/AAAAAAAAEIE/WDTWrvyNSQY/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-21.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsL-TWSQIFs/Tjc6J5_7K2I/AAAAAAAAEH4/mL2v-dockbE/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsL-TWSQIFs/Tjc6J5_7K2I/AAAAAAAAEH4/mL2v-dockbE/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1QD_Ki-pL8/Tjc8mBEhXPI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/0UMtYk-Lay0/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1QD_Ki-pL8/Tjc8mBEhXPI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/0UMtYk-Lay0/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>We saw the clouds parting and decided to attempt to Jet Ski. We piled in the van again and headed towards Boogies. Greg swears it was 16 left hand turns to get there. We parked the van, walked over to the window and asked if we could rent 3 Jet Skis for an hour. The girl said they were cancelling all Jet Ski rentals for the rest of the day due to the weather. She showed us the radar on her IPhone and said the owner felt the storm may swing back through and he couldn’t risk having anyone on the water. She said there were other rentals along the Marina who might be renting and for us to maybe try them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We walked through the marina to see if we could talk to someone else and get a second opinion on the weather. The sun was peaking through the clouds and there was no sign of rain. We really wanted to Jet Ski so it was worth the time to look around. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We located a gentleman near AJ’s restaurant that was just opening up and guaranteed us a good time on the Jet Ski’s. He said if while we are on the water we feel a storm is moving in we can head back and they would give us a rain check for another day. It seemed like a win, win because we didn’t see any rain in sight.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We saw some cool stuff along the way...</div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> We signed the appropriate papers and suited up in our life preservers while he prepared our Jet Ski’s.<br />
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As we were standing there waiting a sea gull decided to fly over and poop on Leslie… she was NOT happy. I got a picture of it, but she forbids me to use it in my blog. As I was helping her wipe the poop off her face and life preserver the gentleman renting us the Jet Ski’s took liberty in “assigning” me a specific "special" Jet Ski and I was not aware of this.<br />
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He called us all over to the Jet Ski’s and I was the last one to join the group so I stood over on one of the red Jet Ski’s so I could hear what he was saying. He explained all the rules and how to maneuver the Jet Ski. When he was finished we started to all get on a Jet Ski. I was physically standing on one of the red ones so I started to board it. He calls out and says “Maam, this one over here is yours”. I said “Oh, I didn’t realize we were assigned certain ones, what is the difference?” He then proceeded to say something about the blue one was governed and the two red ones were brand new and they were not governed yet. He was going to put the two guys on the new ones. Well, I didn’t want a Jet Ski that couldn’t go as fast as the other two and I was rather offended he would place me (the woman) on the slower Jet Ski. Now Greg says he was not suggesting anything by placing me on the other Jet Ski and it was just poor communication. I disagree.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was upset over the whole deal and was saying so to Greg while I got on the blue Jet Ski. The gentleman said he could put me on a red one… its fine (with a tone). I said “No, I am fine, (I didn’t want to cause a scene, but later my kids told me it was already too late) Nick may want to switch out and ride with someone else however if this is a slower Jet Ski. Maybe Leslie should ride with me since women should have the slower ride.” Yes, there was a little sarcasm in my tone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He then proceeded to open my compartment on the Jet Ski and start to remove my personal items and said “Come on… I am placing you on another Jet Ski.” I slammed the compartment shut and said “No, I am fine.” He tried again and I push it shut.. (Greg told me he felt the guy and I had a slap fight) He then pulled the safety cord off the Jet Ski and said “Well, I am not allowing you out on this one so you are going to have to move”. I gritted my teeth and moved to the other Jet Ski. As he was putting the safety cord on the new, red Jet Ski he continued to say “I have to deal with my girl friend mouthing off all the time and HE (meaning Greg) is on vacation so he doesn’t deserve to have to deal with this… everyone can now be happy”. He almost lost a couple teeth during this little exchange. Greg and Jonah had already pulled out so Greg didn’t get to hear his little snide comments. Oh I was mad…. BUT….. I got a brand new, red, non-governed Jet Ski just like everyone else. I threw a little fit and got my way…. I was happy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> I typically let things slide and I am usually the last person to ever say anything, but I felt I should have the same experience as the other guys. Just because I am a woman doesn’t mean I don’t want to blast around just as fast on my Jet Ski.. .and I did too… we maxed those puppies out and had an absolute BLAST!<br />
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Once we were out on the water we switched places and allowed Leslie, Jonah and Nick to drive around a while too. We had so much fun.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9yEE7yWm6s/TjdGC4Z6XrI/AAAAAAAAEJY/7IDKYL3bBh0/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9yEE7yWm6s/TjdGC4Z6XrI/AAAAAAAAEJY/7IDKYL3bBh0/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HSNPVQi64c/TjdHUUKsqbI/AAAAAAAAEJg/f11_SqYqH-4/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HSNPVQi64c/TjdHUUKsqbI/AAAAAAAAEJg/f11_SqYqH-4/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-46.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After Jet Ski we were hungry for some ice cream. Greg said he hoped Cold Stone didn't give me a blue bowl instead of a red one like everyone else. Ha ha ha... very funny. This continued throughout the rest of vacation.... careful.. make sure mom gets the red cup.<br />
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We went back to the mall area where we were yesterday (which involved yet another difficult, left hand turn). We ate Cold Stone and it was yummy!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSRD6fSROqM/TjdLdoOEVOI/AAAAAAAAEKE/fmH-JovS-Ig/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSRD6fSROqM/TjdLdoOEVOI/AAAAAAAAEKE/fmH-JovS-Ig/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPtP4KTZgm0/TjdI6Bwyp5I/AAAAAAAAEJw/2nJKIJncrV4/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPtP4KTZgm0/TjdI6Bwyp5I/AAAAAAAAEJw/2nJKIJncrV4/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlsQ8DbOZEU/TjdJb6MMHOI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/91NJvF4zOw0/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-51.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qlsQ8DbOZEU/TjdJb6MMHOI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/91NJvF4zOw0/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-51.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-pf2CqdDyY/TjdJ91PQa_I/AAAAAAAAEJ4/xp17FnhCnkA/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-pf2CqdDyY/TjdJ91PQa_I/AAAAAAAAEJ4/xp17FnhCnkA/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-52.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TE-9U9TMvE/TjdKia6qmJI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/6a1JfVI-EyI/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--TE-9U9TMvE/TjdKia6qmJI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/6a1JfVI-EyI/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-53.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
We turned left again and headed back to the condo. Each time we drove to and from the condo we drove on Holiday Road. EACH and EVERY time we turned onto this street I had to sing the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b2EySQjaFQ&feature=related">Holiday Road</a> from National Lampoon’s Vacation…. It just felt appropriate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once back at the condo we grabbed flash lights and went to the beach for “crab night”. Crab Night has been a tradition for years with the kids. Flash back to <a href="http://ramblingoftheheart.blogspot.com/2009/04/florida-take-one.html">THIS</a> post if you haven’t read it for a more descriptive version of crab night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Crab Night was a success. We saw all sizes of crabs and turned it into a game of who could find the most crabs. We enjoyed teasing Jonah and making him feel as if crabs were chasing him by chasing him with the light of the flash light. It took us back to the days of when we did it with our kids for the firs time. Jonah was a good sport and we had a lot of fun with him.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ov7USxof3TM/TjdLt0wTLEI/AAAAAAAAEKI/7NHPtx6o3dU/s1600/crab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ov7USxof3TM/TjdLt0wTLEI/AAAAAAAAEKI/7NHPtx6o3dU/s400/crab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We walked along, enjoyed the salty breeze, the beautiful stars and the crashing of the waves…. again in awe of the majestic beauty of the sea. Somehow I got behind the group a little bit when I stopped to look at the stars and breathe to take in the salty air. When I started walking again I followed the group ahead of me with flashlights. We passed our condo entrance but I just thought we were continuing our walk in the other direction. After a while I caught up to them a little bit and realized they were not my group at all. Greg and the kids had already headed back to the condo. The kids arrived at the condo first and they thought I was with Greg. After Greg arrived back at the condo he asked “Where is your mother?” They said “We thought she was with you.” Greg headed back out to try to find me but I had already figured out what had happened and met up with him on my way back…. It was pretty funny and again they all had fun teasing me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a fantastic day, although I had to get a little feisty during our Jet Ski experience it was well worth it in the end. </div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-34449121185164114842011-08-01T22:22:00.001-04:002011-08-01T22:29:08.808-04:00Destin Day 3 ..Flocks, Fudpuckers and Floods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">Today I was the first one to hit the beach and take pictures...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X74TKjnO7IM/TjcaSHmXN1I/AAAAAAAAEGE/xMmVmVPlXrY/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X74TKjnO7IM/TjcaSHmXN1I/AAAAAAAAEGE/xMmVmVPlXrY/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWmuQVtjWeI/Tjce4IwXKyI/AAAAAAAAEGY/K2Vpq-DDRZY/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWmuQVtjWeI/Tjce4IwXKyI/AAAAAAAAEGY/K2Vpq-DDRZY/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FoWVozJZ8M/TjcZ0B9V64I/AAAAAAAAEGA/s8plW-sU_Yg/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FoWVozJZ8M/TjcZ0B9V64I/AAAAAAAAEGA/s8plW-sU_Yg/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PAn1nfXuN4/TjcdjSTXiYI/AAAAAAAAEGI/wRvkt9Cm1sc/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PAn1nfXuN4/TjcdjSTXiYI/AAAAAAAAEGI/wRvkt9Cm1sc/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGtlDdwvcZM/Tjcd1NDVFAI/AAAAAAAAEGM/DVT7xk6gQl8/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGtlDdwvcZM/Tjcd1NDVFAI/AAAAAAAAEGM/DVT7xk6gQl8/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDGOqMoFijE/TjceIr7Zu_I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/-2qstMWooQA/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDGOqMoFijE/TjceIr7Zu_I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/-2qstMWooQA/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We saw clouds in the distance so we didn’t set up the cabana for a beach day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw7TK42FG1M/Tjcec-hBWSI/AAAAAAAAEGU/5LtlUnHbbME/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw7TK42FG1M/Tjcec-hBWSI/AAAAAAAAEGU/5LtlUnHbbME/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I decided to walk the beach and spend some time with the sea gulls. I took WAY too many pictures of sea gulls, but I enjoyed spending time with them and watching them interact as a flock. I felt people nearby thought I was a little nuts, it’s not like I would be seeing them again after this week so what do I care? <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAI8VZb1tcY/TjcfgMT_iYI/AAAAAAAAEGc/pzQnvmGCw9A/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAI8VZb1tcY/TjcfgMT_iYI/AAAAAAAAEGc/pzQnvmGCw9A/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nK8g4vNEzI/TjcgHPziSHI/AAAAAAAAEGg/x1Dezj8Pf48/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nK8g4vNEzI/TjcgHPziSHI/AAAAAAAAEGg/x1Dezj8Pf48/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kivaG97I668/TjcgUd9SFBI/AAAAAAAAEGo/kwV5eZgScZ4/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kivaG97I668/TjcgUd9SFBI/AAAAAAAAEGo/kwV5eZgScZ4/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-44.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2j-Yp61SnPw/TjcgfxwE8II/AAAAAAAAEGw/sF5wqWgZkx8/s1600/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2j-Yp61SnPw/TjcgfxwE8II/AAAAAAAAEGw/sF5wqWgZkx8/s400/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYVbGzS-UCk/Tjcgv61OxoI/AAAAAAAAEG8/a7keu4yhcWI/s1600/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OYVbGzS-UCk/Tjcgv61OxoI/AAAAAAAAEG8/a7keu4yhcWI/s400/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTKUVZV5nzQ/Tjcgneg6sQI/AAAAAAAAEG0/Q-SkzXKtpU4/s1600/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTKUVZV5nzQ/Tjcgneg6sQI/AAAAAAAAEG0/Q-SkzXKtpU4/s400/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBOR2CXtBq8/Tjcg3IXhmYI/AAAAAAAAEHA/ABv5xVzH57g/s1600/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-59.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBOR2CXtBq8/Tjcg3IXhmYI/AAAAAAAAEHA/ABv5xVzH57g/s400/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvw7WDNUSS8/TjcguKUn6ZI/AAAAAAAAEG4/cHAJblHizjQ/s1600/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-54.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvw7WDNUSS8/TjcguKUn6ZI/AAAAAAAAEG4/cHAJblHizjQ/s400/day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-54.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61DDye1WY4c/TjcgZ2Y-CXI/AAAAAAAAEGs/XlDvxa6kJHE/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61DDye1WY4c/TjcgZ2Y-CXI/AAAAAAAAEGs/XlDvxa6kJHE/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-45.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>This little guy really thought he was a sea gull... and they all treated him like he was part of the flock.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r53w3rni83c/TjcgQgJbAAI/AAAAAAAAEGk/1PKlgylpe24/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r53w3rni83c/TjcgQgJbAAI/AAAAAAAAEGk/1PKlgylpe24/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I came home just in time to say goodbye to the guys as they headed out the door to go up to the boardwalk to take some pictures. They were out the door maybe 10 minutes and the heavens opened up and it poured. They all three (Greg, Anthony and Jonah) came home soaked with cameras tucked under hats. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We then had to become creative as to what to do for the day since the beach was out of the picture. It started to clear up so we thought maybe we could squeak out an hour in-between rain showers and go Jet Skiing. Each time we mentioned Jet Skiing the heavens would open up again and start to pour. It became clear to us today would NOT be the day to Jet Ski.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">We went to Fudpucker’s instead for lunch. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSejrthhoBg/TjcXNcuDSgI/AAAAAAAAEF4/86zindNytvw/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSejrthhoBg/TjcXNcuDSgI/AAAAAAAAEF4/86zindNytvw/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This restaurant apparently has world famous T-shirts and Greg’s dad has asked if we could pick him up one. He used to have one years ago and it became too old to wear. We figured since we were stopping in to purchase a T-shirt we should have lunch too. We also purchased a tree frog to sit on our TV stand at home. We always purchase a little something from each vacation to sit around the house to remember our trip. Tree frog from Fudpucker's was it this year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">Food was good and the atmosphere was fun. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OM6eJ0e7_38/TjcXjWdNX5I/AAAAAAAAEF8/ev7krrF74Jo/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OM6eJ0e7_38/TjcXjWdNX5I/AAAAAAAAEF8/ev7krrF74Jo/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
People had signed their names on every inch of this restaurant, including the leaves on the plants outside. They had random stuff stapled to the ceiling and old MTV videos playing on the flat screen TV’s.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PELD0BQlyGc/TjcQOgcG4kI/AAAAAAAAEFA/31i7JEw3SCw/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PELD0BQlyGc/TjcQOgcG4kI/AAAAAAAAEFA/31i7JEw3SCw/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXr7S5kVtfY/TjcQwuRATfI/AAAAAAAAEFE/_nCJYYritW8/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXr7S5kVtfY/TjcQwuRATfI/AAAAAAAAEFE/_nCJYYritW8/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fijr0aiJ_Us/TjcRRDa3NtI/AAAAAAAAEFI/Zi8ke-SX2uQ/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fijr0aiJ_Us/TjcRRDa3NtI/AAAAAAAAEFI/Zi8ke-SX2uQ/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">After we ate our food we went outside to see the live alligators. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo6lNOu71PI/TjcSeXTxKeI/AAAAAAAAEFM/NIVteF5OYGM/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo6lNOu71PI/TjcSeXTxKeI/AAAAAAAAEFM/NIVteF5OYGM/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" width="267" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FEIrLTd_30/TjcV55fEZQI/AAAAAAAAEFs/FgovwCLx1zM/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FEIrLTd_30/TjcV55fEZQI/AAAAAAAAEFs/FgovwCLx1zM/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-14.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2WHEMi0pFY/TjcTk_47TcI/AAAAAAAAEFU/bhU-HqN7U4U/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2WHEMi0pFY/TjcTk_47TcI/AAAAAAAAEFU/bhU-HqN7U4U/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwiO0cuernY/TjcTJJ5SVXI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/9h5QxwWUiz4/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YwiO0cuernY/TjcTJJ5SVXI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/9h5QxwWUiz4/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsPKLEzypbY/TjcVWZbgNKI/AAAAAAAAEFk/V8w4ZChRTQc/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsPKLEzypbY/TjcVWZbgNKI/AAAAAAAAEFk/V8w4ZChRTQc/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-12.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiLMgDh0Hr0/TjcVphYXsXI/AAAAAAAAEFo/zEyrGxfqUFI/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiLMgDh0Hr0/TjcVphYXsXI/AAAAAAAAEFo/zEyrGxfqUFI/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>There was a little boy around the age of 6 who really enjoyed sharing with us all he had seen while watching the alligators. Apparently there was an alligator attack between 2 alligators and he was pretty pumped up about it. He told me about it, then he told Greg....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJrIJ5KA2zM/TjcT-fLlqvI/AAAAAAAAEFY/HMlSO8rHBOc/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qJrIJ5KA2zM/TjcT-fLlqvI/AAAAAAAAEFY/HMlSO8rHBOc/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-9.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLZqrVTwGPU/TjcUO7gjKjI/AAAAAAAAEFc/VBY5VLAj850/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLZqrVTwGPU/TjcUO7gjKjI/AAAAAAAAEFc/VBY5VLAj850/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-10.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">and then he told Nick and Jonah. .....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYh9kdRJc4M/TjcU_vCNzBI/AAAAAAAAEFg/9w3XWtE2hn8/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYh9kdRJc4M/TjcU_vCNzBI/AAAAAAAAEFg/9w3XWtE2hn8/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
He was pretty cute. I think his mom thought I was a stalker because I was taking pictures of them.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Les and Anthony were sad to leave Fudpucker's.... </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kByFbZPpjwU/TjcWp8tI-2I/AAAAAAAAEFw/3aeoBIsMjdU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kByFbZPpjwU/TjcWp8tI-2I/AAAAAAAAEFw/3aeoBIsMjdU/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-15.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qrjOcP1Rvlg/TjcW8DFFCyI/AAAAAAAAEF0/G8vnH8Uu7WA/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qrjOcP1Rvlg/TjcW8DFFCyI/AAAAAAAAEF0/G8vnH8Uu7WA/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-16.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>Leslie especially enjoyed the name of the restaurant. She said it made her feel uncomfortable and she would like for us to call it something else because she felt eventually someone would slip up and flip the letters. We called it Grandpa's place the rest of the time since we went there to buy him a T-shirt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After lunch we needed to find some wifi because our condo owner apparently lives under a rock and does not have any kind of internet access in the condo. This was one very important thing I forgot to ask about while making our reservation. We stopped off at a Panera and everyone caught up on their Facebook, checked email, and Leslie downloaded a virtual fan. She couldn’t sleep in the morning after the rest of us got up because she said it was too noisy. We suggested she get up with us but that didn’t go over too well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick and Jonah shopped around in some of the stores in the area. It was a lot like the Greene. They came back with gummy lifesavers and sour watermelons.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We again had to make a left hand turn out of the mall area to head back to the condo. Greg said he was going to remove the bulbs from the right hand turn signals because we obviously do not need them on this trip. At one point in time we were turning left and across the way 4 cars where in the middle of the intersection trying to turn left as well… it was crazy town. If I lived in Destin I would never drive anywhere.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back at the condo Nick and Jonah went for a walk on the beach. Les and Anthony watched TV, Greg read his Kindle and I blogged about today. Although we didn’t have our beach day, we still had a great time. We have never seen it rain so much and for such a long time in Florida. Water was standing in the streets and in the grass.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We ate frozen pizzas for dinner since we ate out for lunch. Anthony and Nick argued over which pizza cutter was better, plastic or metal, then realized both were metal. I ate like a child and had pizza sauce all down my chin, neck and onto my shirt. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense which is usually the case. I also was trying to tell everyone we had more cereal in the cupboard than we do milk in the frig but it came out as “we have way a lot of cereal and not a lot of milk”….laughter again from everyone in my direction. This in turn brought up alllllll the other times I have said things incorrectly. I told the kids a while ago our bowling ball in the back yard needed to go to the pound. Not sure why I said pound.. guess I was thinking about how much it weighed? I meant to say it needed to go to the trash. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jonah for some reason was in the closet in the bedroom… we didn’t ask. Anthony asked if the glass of tea he was holding was his, Greg said to make sure because he didn’t want to get Syphilis. Nick and Jonah popped tops off of water bottles in all directions. We discussed how old we all will be on Monday and Nick said he thought I was 30. I was flattered but then Les said “Nick, she would have had to have had me when she was 11.” He said “Oh yeah.” Funny kid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9_x9ADGNFE/TjdfJbMlJKI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/3EvJBkqF7WE/s1600/DSCF0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9_x9ADGNFE/TjdfJbMlJKI/AAAAAAAAEKQ/3EvJBkqF7WE/s400/DSCF0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg went upstairs to read more of his Kindle and both Jonah and Nick wanted to climb the outside balcony up to the balcony of our bedroom. I said absolutely NOT, they both continued to try to convince me it could be done easily by standing on the grill and then climbing up and the promised they wouldn’t get hurt. I told them if they climbed the balcony Nick would not be allowed to drive until he graduated from college. He looked at me all serious and said “Why do you hate me so much?” At what age do they realize their actions have consequences????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I said I felt like I was living in a frat house and decided it was time for bed. I joined Greg in our upstairs suite to read my Kindle, (not before I went into our bathroom and stomped around a bunch because it was right over Nick and Jonah’s bedroom) Greg said I was rotten, but I felt justified in doing so. Nick came upstairs to say good night and to say he loved us. I thought it was really sweet until I realized he only did it so he could stomp loudly back down the stairs to get even. He will get his tomorrow.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The condo is now quiet, the only noise I can hear is the clicking of the keys on my keyboard, the hum of the air conditioning and Leslie’s virtual fan…. Ha ha… just kidding, I can’t hear her fan, she is 2 floors down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow we hope to Jet Ski and if it rains we found a theater and show times for two movies we want to see. Weather won’t ruin our fun! </div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-43523925749232432942011-08-01T21:34:00.002-04:002011-08-03T17:26:11.871-04:00Motion sickness, Moe’s and Marcella<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-nRJARiXSY/TjcEY6U-R-I/AAAAAAAAED8/H5mvIB2UQR4/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Greg got the worm this morning as he was the early bird. He was awake and showered by 6:30… I was not. He walked the beach a bit and took some early morning pictures.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7psF8oyJCI/TjcJyIlqAEI/AAAAAAAAEEo/8a0_QGmrs2I/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7psF8oyJCI/TjcJyIlqAEI/AAAAAAAAEEo/8a0_QGmrs2I/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" width="265" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPWBmupD8Eo/TjcJmizLsfI/AAAAAAAAEEk/NX23DZ9CQ9s/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPWBmupD8Eo/TjcJmizLsfI/AAAAAAAAEEk/NX23DZ9CQ9s/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpVj1vkH85U/TjcJb6iMzTI/AAAAAAAAEEg/BqwTNKJfG2o/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpVj1vkH85U/TjcJb6iMzTI/AAAAAAAAEEg/BqwTNKJfG2o/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was awake by 8:15, came downstairs, had some breakfast with Gregory and was ready for the day. Anthony and Jonah both woke and joined us for breakfast while Les and Nick slept in a bit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The three of us, Greg, myself and Anthony walked to the beach to set up our cabana for the day. We set up camp a little more to the right of where we were yesterday and had more private space. We applied our SPF 60 before snorkeling.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmZB-Dq9UDU/TjcK7eui9jI/AAAAAAAAEEw/dIJOS2VLKck/s1600/DSCF1289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmZB-Dq9UDU/TjcK7eui9jI/AAAAAAAAEEw/dIJOS2VLKck/s400/DSCF1289.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJpYSnn3J-Q/TjcMjtBY5zI/AAAAAAAAEE0/OVthcvM2PF8/s1600/DSCF1290.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJpYSnn3J-Q/TjcMjtBY5zI/AAAAAAAAEE0/OVthcvM2PF8/s320/DSCF1290.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The water was not nearly as clear as it was yesterday (probably because we now had snorkel gear) but we were able to see some fish, sea slugs and Anthony saw a sting ray.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUzrT9rmIco/TjcKN60MvUI/AAAAAAAAEEs/lBZ19xXtzpM/s1600/DSCF1282.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUzrT9rmIco/TjcKN60MvUI/AAAAAAAAEEs/lBZ19xXtzpM/s400/DSCF1282.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A little later Leslie joined us and she and Anthony snorkeled for awhile. They didn’t seem to have as much luck as they did yesterday either. The ocean wasn’t cooperating with our snorkel schedule. Regardless, the sun was shining, there was a constant breeze and the sand was soft and cool. Our little cabana was an oasis. We bounced between wading in the waves, to taking walks, to reading our Kindle, to taking pictures. It was awesome.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick and Jonah eventually joined us on the beach; they brought a bucket of ice cold waters to share, which was very thoughtful of them. They came out to “chill” under the cabana. They wore their shades and listened to music while looking cool.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg and I attempted to swim out to the sand bar, which is where Les and Anthony were seeing all the cool stuff. I didn’t want to swim all the way so we cheated and hung off a raft. We did make it out there, but there wasn’t much to see and we were rather disappointed. On our way back I started having motion sickness from the raft….I love turning 40…. who knew I would need Dramamine for a short raft ride out to a sand bar? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After fun in the sun we all cleaned up, cooled off, lounged around, ate and napped. I loooove my afternoon nap time. Les came in, ate and went back out. Everyone else was too tired and drained by the sun to join her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Les came back in around 3:30 and we all went to Moe’s for dinner. On the way to Moe’s we stopped by a place called Boogies where you can rent Jet Ski’s, Pontoon Boats, Glass bottom boat tours etc.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1m3QNXwM-4/TjanRDlfugI/AAAAAAAAEDs/Sj1ZMhyGAt0/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1m3QNXwM-4/TjanRDlfugI/AAAAAAAAEDs/Sj1ZMhyGAt0/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
We needed info for our Jet Ski outing in a couple days. Our GPS again got us in the general area, but the general area on a busy road doesn’t cut it. We turned around a couple times and finally saw the place we were looking for back behind other shops. We picked up a flyer, talked to a nice young lady about rentals and then headed to Moe’s.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-nRJARiXSY/TjcEY6U-R-I/AAAAAAAAED8/H5mvIB2UQR4/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-nRJARiXSY/TjcEY6U-R-I/AAAAAAAAED8/H5mvIB2UQR4/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Welcome to Moe’s” Greg and Anthony were in heaven and the rest of us enjoyed our meal as well.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhQVCTQOIAo/Tjb3US_YiWI/AAAAAAAAED4/D0eX8W-Fugg/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhQVCTQOIAo/Tjb3US_YiWI/AAAAAAAAED4/D0eX8W-Fugg/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SYv4gngTPA/Tjh5-iPIcKI/AAAAAAAAEKU/1TUJEuURJgc/s1600/moes2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SYv4gngTPA/Tjh5-iPIcKI/AAAAAAAAEKU/1TUJEuURJgc/s400/moes2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Photo Courtesy of Anthony)</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Everyone left Moe's with a full belly. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk0yuUx5eS0/Tjar_7xeqhI/AAAAAAAAED0/mSKbhVpLCcA/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk0yuUx5eS0/Tjar_7xeqhI/AAAAAAAAED0/mSKbhVpLCcA/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
We heard wonderful things about The Donut Hole so we thought it would be nice to buy some donuts for dessert and try it.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6QjkYPG7N8/TjcEuAex1QI/AAAAAAAAEEA/eS1LkJi12DM/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6QjkYPG7N8/TjcEuAex1QI/AAAAAAAAEEA/eS1LkJi12DM/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" width="267" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4JTFIv7_7E/TjcE_k8HwlI/AAAAAAAAEEE/1jRnUYfgRRs/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4JTFIv7_7E/TjcE_k8HwlI/AAAAAAAAEEE/1jRnUYfgRRs/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> If we didn’t have a Bill’s Donuts at home maybe these donuts would have been more enjoyable. Let’s just say they were not Bill’s quality. Since it was my idea to stop at the Donut Hole, I was the one who got all the grief the rest of the vacation for the quality of these donuts. Greg had to turn left out of The Donut Hole and it was such a busy road he said people inside where probably saying “Doesn’t this guy know NO ONE turns left out of the Donut Hole”.<br />
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We really wanted to visit this place.... not enough time in the day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIsezy6nwRI/TjamEGtu_rI/AAAAAAAAEDo/C4zZQaeBHtg/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIsezy6nwRI/TjamEGtu_rI/AAAAAAAAEDo/C4zZQaeBHtg/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg agreed to stop anywhere anyone wanted to stop as long as it was on the right hand side of the road. So, we stopped at a cheesy beach shop on the right hand side named Alvin’s Island.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjkE-FqVlIM/TjcFpsKAqsI/AAAAAAAAEEM/c_NPIa_3yXY/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjkE-FqVlIM/TjcFpsKAqsI/AAAAAAAAEEM/c_NPIa_3yXY/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-11.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
Leslie asked me if she could buy a hermit crab. I said “Ask your father, if he says yes then I don’t care”. Now, I said this thinking her father would never say yes… guess what… he did.<br />
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Les picking out her crab...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnfy7OwWG2o/TjcFVnckIRI/AAAAAAAAEEI/EjGstj0aSXM/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-10.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mnfy7OwWG2o/TjcFVnckIRI/AAAAAAAAEEI/EjGstj0aSXM/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-10.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We now have a new member of the family. Meet….Marcella.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvQLcNs7PUE/TjcNt64d2ZI/AAAAAAAAEE4/Zy6aFmzVP0U/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvQLcNs7PUE/TjcNt64d2ZI/AAAAAAAAEE4/Zy6aFmzVP0U/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick bought some sunglasses and we purchased a new “squishy”. Squishy is a ball that is… well, squishy. When the kids were younger we would take this ball camping and pass it around the campfire. If you were the one holding Squishy it was your turn to talk. We may ask questions about favorite vacation, favorite food, favorite animal, favorite creation of God etc.. if you had Squishy it was your turn to answer. We played this game with “Would You Rather” too. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, long story short Squishy went from being squishy to being sticky and nasty through the years. We now have a NEW squishy and the tradition will continue. We plan to have our first session with the new squishy later this week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We came home and went out for an evening walk on the beach. Nick and Jonah went on their own while Greg, Les, Anthony and I all walked together. It was a beautiful night with an incredible breeze. I could have stayed out there all night long.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z_C3nSB1u8/TjcF9CEAVaI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/R79hV8XogxI/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-12.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z_C3nSB1u8/TjcF9CEAVaI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/R79hV8XogxI/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-12.jpg" width="256" /></a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YH0ou3uJ2FM/TjcGKk9GPhI/AAAAAAAAEEY/r6JEYojKvbc/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-14.jpg"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YH0ou3uJ2FM/TjcGKk9GPhI/AAAAAAAAEEY/r6JEYojKvbc/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-14.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Les caught crabs on the beach too....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51TVRLhpw-w/TjcGbh1GgXI/AAAAAAAAEEc/bPCJ-yDCnWU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-15.jpg"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51TVRLhpw-w/TjcGbh1GgXI/AAAAAAAAEEc/bPCJ-yDCnWU/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-15.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_991730FsU0/TjcF_AAM7KI/AAAAAAAAEEU/Vg8yLc6lXzM/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_991730FsU0/TjcF_AAM7KI/AAAAAAAAEEU/Vg8yLc6lXzM/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">sand artwork....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMTSoUhr5sA/TjcOE_aHnKI/AAAAAAAAEE8/paekzrx6Syk/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMTSoUhr5sA/TjcOE_aHnKI/AAAAAAAAEE8/paekzrx6Syk/s320/DSC_0365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We have all returned to the condo, Anthony is editing pictures, Greg, Nick and Jonah are watching That 70’s Show, Les is creating her crabitat for Marcella and I am writing this blog so I don’t forget everything that happened today before tomorrow morning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sad to see yet another vacation day come to an end, happy to have another one to look forward to tomorrow. Good night!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-82190062398053069772011-08-01T00:26:00.000-04:002011-08-01T00:26:02.027-04:00Sun, Surf, Sand Dollars and Shopping…<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">This morning Greg and I woke early to head out to the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was shining and we were ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came downstairs to eat breakfast to find Anthony already awake and making breakfast already for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also realized somehow cereal didn’t make it on anyone’s list last night while grocery shopping.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After breakfast the three of us walked over to the beach to set up our cabana for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a great spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbv2r9ZL0Rs/TjYjU6SxcCI/AAAAAAAAEDA/1XKgDyPuvu0/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbv2r9ZL0Rs/TjYjU6SxcCI/AAAAAAAAEDA/1XKgDyPuvu0/s400/DSC_0371.JPG" width="400" /></a><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The beach was breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night, because the sun was setting, we didn’t see all the beautiful colors of blue and green in the water, and they were amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sand was so white and the water was absolutely beautiful and clear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snm2N-MKQKs/TjYkEneWK0I/AAAAAAAAEDI/coz_tLvM25I/s1600/DSC_0376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snm2N-MKQKs/TjYkEneWK0I/AAAAAAAAEDI/coz_tLvM25I/s400/DSC_0376.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crKlbT8o7uQ/TjYjcO3pxyI/AAAAAAAAEDE/BXA3aBPRp5Y/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crKlbT8o7uQ/TjYjcO3pxyI/AAAAAAAAEDE/BXA3aBPRp5Y/s400/DSC_0373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Anthony, Greg and I spent some time in the water and taking pictures and about 45 minutes later Jonah joined us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e88QmIKdnO8/TjYlHoIGoJI/AAAAAAAAEDU/qOOeSpWhMpg/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e88QmIKdnO8/TjYlHoIGoJI/AAAAAAAAEDU/qOOeSpWhMpg/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-3.jpg" width="300" /></a><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWmUumESrnA/TjYk0fAAk5I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/N_y5R1WdSfQ/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWmUumESrnA/TjYk0fAAk5I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/N_y5R1WdSfQ/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RE6IE3wvdnw/TjYkbIEl9RI/AAAAAAAAEDM/vFFXRKOaVN4/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RE6IE3wvdnw/TjYkbIEl9RI/AAAAAAAAEDM/vFFXRKOaVN4/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MAEE4__trA/TjYlZkOObpI/AAAAAAAAEDY/mbK34GOg-cw/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MAEE4__trA/TjYlZkOObpI/AAAAAAAAEDY/mbK34GOg-cw/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" width="400" /></a><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9fj6EMxRos/TjYoWbQJVbI/AAAAAAAAEDg/vIb2GEVxfjs/s1600/DSCF1244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9fj6EMxRos/TjYoWbQJVbI/AAAAAAAAEDg/vIb2GEVxfjs/s400/DSCF1244.jpg" width="400" /></a><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG9IrRMi0fw/TjYqRq4uAJI/AAAAAAAAEDk/HkugiAY1T1A/s1600/DSCF1256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG9IrRMi0fw/TjYqRq4uAJI/AAAAAAAAEDk/HkugiAY1T1A/s400/DSCF1256.jpg" width="400" /></a><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Later Les and Nick joined us as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice having the Easy Up to sit under and escape the sun when we needed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Jonah and I sat on the beach near the crashing waves and I told Jonah God could have made the Ocean ugly and smelly and it still would have served its purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made it beautiful for US and I am so glad He did.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Les and Anthony swam out to the sand bar and found many sand dollars and a hermit crab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wished we would have brought our snorkel gear, the water was super clear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg and I spent over 5 hours at the beach and decided to call it a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids went in for lunch and came back out for a bit longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left them in charge of our canopy and we came in to get cleaned up around 2:45. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The time spent after the beach is one of my favorite times during vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The condo is cool and refreshing, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>eat lunch, take a refreshing shower and usually a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is wonderful.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">By this time we had realized the several items we forgot to purchase last night at Wal-Mart which meant one thing….. we had to go back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate dinner here at the condo this time instead of trying to eat at McDonalds again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had burgers and soup and everyone was super stuffed and ready to take on Wal-Mart.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We were pleasantly surprised to see Wal-Mart was not NEARLY as crowded as the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shelves were not restocked, but we didn’t have to deal with the crowd so we were good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick and Jonah purchased Batman and Superman boxers and Les and I were told we were twins by the deli man.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We purchased snorkel gear so we could all swim out to the sand bar tomorrow with our underwater cameras and enjoy the inhabitants of the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never kill anything for their shells, but we do enjoy looking at them, maybe taking a few pictures and then returning them to where we found them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We came home, put away groceries, claimed our snorkel gear (Greg said he didn’t want to get Syphilis so he wanted his marked), ate some ice cream and watched TV.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a great day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking forward to more tomorrow.</div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-3970110615703039542011-07-27T22:10:00.001-04:002011-07-31T13:26:55.247-04:00Destin 2011 Departure Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXuAX6m8HzY/TjDEeFqoLCI/AAAAAAAAEC8/J0_JbsDLiyI/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXuAX6m8HzY/TjDEeFqoLCI/AAAAAAAAEC8/J0_JbsDLiyI/s320/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We were all anxious to get started on our family vacation. Jonah was so excited he came over on Thursday night thinking we were leaving Friday morning when we really were not leaving until Sat. morning. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> As we were packing Jonah and Nick watched Avatar.... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6JxuQHK2so/Ti86OB2s-KI/AAAAAAAAD_k/OvZEUhlYUsY/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6JxuQHK2so/Ti86OB2s-KI/AAAAAAAAD_k/OvZEUhlYUsY/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Leslie and Anthony ate Taco Bell...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rYkGa9cX0k/Ti896ZKrtoI/AAAAAAAAEAY/yGV4mPT9b1M/s1600/DSCF6076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rYkGa9cX0k/Ti896ZKrtoI/AAAAAAAAEAY/yGV4mPT9b1M/s400/DSCF6076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Murphy tried to sneak into the luggage rack bag without us noticing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkdqTUAYuw0/Ti89ogpJbjI/AAAAAAAAEAU/5G7q9IspASI/s1600/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkdqTUAYuw0/Ti89ogpJbjI/AAAAAAAAEAU/5G7q9IspASI/s400/Day+3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
The van was all packed and ready to go so Greg and I tried to get some sleep before it was time to leave.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzeqoDVBduY/Ti8-ZFCxmnI/AAAAAAAAEAg/8HhvwVPhH90/s1600/DSCF6081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzeqoDVBduY/Ti8-ZFCxmnI/AAAAAAAAEAg/8HhvwVPhH90/s400/DSCF6081.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-om95hF92-lg/Ti8-qFDXg5I/AAAAAAAAEAk/cOYQu1WpbQw/s1600/DSCF6084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-om95hF92-lg/Ti8-qFDXg5I/AAAAAAAAEAk/cOYQu1WpbQw/s400/DSCF6084.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OM9_ZP-HIgk/Ti8-I2UtWPI/AAAAAAAAEAc/4qTefw_4jrE/s1600/DSCF6077.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OM9_ZP-HIgk/Ti8-I2UtWPI/AAAAAAAAEAc/4qTefw_4jrE/s400/DSCF6077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">We pulled out of the driveway this morning at 3:38am to start our 2011 family vacation to Destin Florida. We were 23 minutes behind our “goal” time, but still 22 minutes ahead of my “secret” goal time as everyone else liked to call it. It wasn’t secret, it was the LATEST I felt we should leave and I didn’t tell them because if everyone thought 3:15 was the latest we could leave we should have left at 3:15 instead of 3:38. Regardless, we were somewhat ahead of schedule.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone agreed on their seating arrangements very easily and to my surprise no coin toss was needed. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAt3qt9xbnU/Ti8-5-6E28I/AAAAAAAAEAo/Q3Zpj9ttNoQ/s1600/DSCF6086.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAt3qt9xbnU/Ti8-5-6E28I/AAAAAAAAEAo/Q3Zpj9ttNoQ/s400/DSCF6086.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">As always the conversation in the van as we headed out was the typical Jergens' style of conversations. Greg SAID there was a gnat flying around the van cabin and it was trying to fly into his eye. No one else could see the gnat, but we had to trust, since he was so worked up about it, that there WAS in fact a gnat attacking his personal eye space. He continued to say it’s every gnat’s dream and goal in life to fly into the eye of a human. Gnat families sit around discussing how their great, great, great grandfather Jeb flew into the eye of a human and he was the family hero.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anthony created a new game to entertain himself. We brought our little Chick-fil-a cow, which joined us on our last vacation with Ben Franklin, and he sat at the front of the van.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQZ_sRWuCsE/Ti8_t4yVwzI/AAAAAAAAEA4/4qjQ_zf9JbI/s1600/DSCF6097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQZ_sRWuCsE/Ti8_t4yVwzI/AAAAAAAAEA4/4qjQ_zf9JbI/s400/DSCF6097.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anthony figured out if he moved his head back and forth he could visually weave the little cow between the white lines on the road. I then of course had to sing the song “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YuLwJPhvYA"> I Whip My Head Back and Forth”.</a> Les gave him a hard time because she said he looked like he was insane or something. He told her to try it because it was addicting… she didn’t.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick and Jonah were sleeping so they missed out on all of the fun. We started to hear what sounded like rain hitting the top of the van, but it wasn’t raining. Apparently a strap came loose on our luggage bag and it was flipping around and hitting the van. Greg at first said it wasn’t all that bad but within 5 minutes said “This is awful and we need to stop and do something about it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">We stopped at the nearest gas station and the kids noticed this sign….</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qw6mCJZ91U/Ti8_EFhTdFI/AAAAAAAAEAs/usQaF-2J6Ag/s1600/DSCF6092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7qw6mCJZ91U/Ti8_EFhTdFI/AAAAAAAAEAs/usQaF-2J6Ag/s400/DSCF6092.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All 4 kids HAD to have a Fruit Shoots. They ran in and bought different flavors to try them. As they were walking out Les asked Anthony if she could taste his, then Nick asked if he could taste it too. Anthony said he didn’t want to get Mono or Syphilis so he didn’t want to pass his around. Everyone had a pretty good laugh and it was a line used multiple times throughout the day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGJiRN-L5pU/Ti8_S71WOiI/AAAAAAAAEAw/mdtmlyAVvu0/s1600/DSCF6093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGJiRN-L5pU/Ti8_S71WOiI/AAAAAAAAEAw/mdtmlyAVvu0/s400/DSCF6093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLTHpeYf5NQ/Ti8_egcovSI/AAAAAAAAEA0/QDfP4QBmLvk/s1600/DSCF6094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLTHpeYf5NQ/Ti8_egcovSI/AAAAAAAAEA0/QDfP4QBmLvk/s400/DSCF6094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our first official stop was for breakfast and gas around 9:30ish. Our plan was to go to the Waffle House, but the parking lot was full and people were waiting to be seated. Seriously? At the Waffle House? We decided it wasn’t worth the wait and drove over to Shoneys.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick was NOT happy about stopping. He asked if he could stay in the van and sleep. We said yes, but it is going to warm up pretty quick in the van.. it’s your call. Obviously he decided to join us, but he was not a fun person to hang with. He was warned about possibly having to hold Sir Quacks McGrumpy when we got back to the van.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Side note: Sir Quacks is a duck we found at the thrift store, a person cannot help but smile when they look at him (AND he plays a song). Rule is if you are grumpy… you have to hold Sir Quacks through at least one song… maybe longer if you haven’t smiled yet.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZkO47dEyhU/Ti9AijejQ-I/AAAAAAAAEBE/ea_73StyizI/s1600/DSCF6110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZkO47dEyhU/Ti9AijejQ-I/AAAAAAAAEBE/ea_73StyizI/s400/DSCF6110.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back to Shoneys…..Greg, myself, Les and Anthony all ordered the breakfast bar. According to Les and Anthony the tiny muffins were dry, but for the most part we enjoyed our breakfast. Nick and Jonah wanted to be different so they ordered off the menu. We laughed really hard when their food was delivered because it was sooooooo much food. Jonah had 5 pancakes larger than his head with a side order of bacon. Nick had a double decker burger and each patty looked like it was a ½ pound patty along with a large order of fries. We seriously didn’t think they could begin to eat it all, but again to my surprise… they cleared their plates.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Greg had driven up to this point so it was my turn in the driver’s seat. It never fails, when it is my turn to drive the driving condition worsens immensely. We hit big cities, construction, rain… it was awesome.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I drove until it was time for lunch…around 2:30. The vote was for Chick-Fil-A. We looked for one on the GPS and couldn’t find one. We drove through several exits looking for one on the food signs and couldn’t find one so we gave up and decided on Moe’s at exit 179. As we were approaching the exit, low and behold we saw a sign for Chick-Fil-A.<br />
<br />
Cheers imploded from the back of the van… (except for Greg and Anthony who were really looking forward to Moe’s). After exiting the highway we STILL couldn’t find Chick-Fil-A… we drove and drove and finally found it waaaaaay down on the right with a tiny little sign and it was up a steep incline. Greg said they didn’t deserve our business since they hid from us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chick-Fil-A was PACKED, we couldn’t figure out how so many people found the place. We all had a yummy lunch and then we were back on the road.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owOcovWD-WQ/TjC1MPRXoCI/AAAAAAAAECk/6jh3-cueoxc/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-owOcovWD-WQ/TjC1MPRXoCI/AAAAAAAAECk/6jh3-cueoxc/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-3.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVgIXnlnrNY/TjC1f0uzfCI/AAAAAAAAECo/oKSEv2xOte8/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CVgIXnlnrNY/TjC1f0uzfCI/AAAAAAAAECo/oKSEv2xOte8/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Jonah seemed sad during lunch and Nick said he wasn’t in a good mood, so once we got back in the van…. Yep, you guessed it. Jonah was the first person to spend time with Sir Quacks. He smiled and we were all back on track.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6fzmjla8hQ/Ti89U0Z6FiI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/C0ykMkSsWFU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6fzmjla8hQ/Ti89U0Z6FiI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/C0ykMkSsWFU/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick and Jonah fell asleep again and I couldn’t tell if Jonah put his Invisalign trays back in or not so I asked Leslie if she would lift his lip up and check for me. She and everyone else in the van refused.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYtBRf0zGJ8/Ti9ADPyKnYI/AAAAAAAAEA8/C8-HHBjLTfs/s1600/DSCF6102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYtBRf0zGJ8/Ti9ADPyKnYI/AAAAAAAAEA8/C8-HHBjLTfs/s400/DSCF6102.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHh8F_gSmPY/TjC3idfUwxI/AAAAAAAAECw/gLC-_5sbO90/s1600/DSCF6104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHh8F_gSmPY/TjC3idfUwxI/AAAAAAAAECw/gLC-_5sbO90/s400/DSCF6104.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When we reached Alabama we saw the welcome sign which welcomed us as well as informed us they have a fan club. Never knew Alabama had their own fan club. Our GPS “Emily” lead us to RT 331. Greg was concerned because it was a very small road and very few people were traveling on it. We checked Emily several times to confirm she really was taking us to the correct location. The road was long and boring.<br />
<br />
We stopped at a rest stop and checked the map to see Emily WAS correct and we were still headed in the right direction just not on major roads. I mentioned the sky was really blue and the grass was really green, I thought it was my sunglasses enhancing the color but after removing them I found out it wasn’t. It was so pretty. Greg made poem for the moment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The grass is really green,</div><div class="MsoNormal">The sky is really blue,</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are on this tiny road,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Together me and you.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfr8wAcWhL4/TjC11F0WDYI/AAAAAAAAECs/JpJjkEKZBxE/s1600/DSCF6121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfr8wAcWhL4/TjC11F0WDYI/AAAAAAAAECs/JpJjkEKZBxE/s400/DSCF6121.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was beautiful.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We passed a restaurant named “It don’t matter family restaurant”. I wanted to go back to take a picture but Greg wouldn’t let me. He just kept saying it don’t matter. This was the response to everything I said the rest of the day. Then they all called me Rachael Skeeter from Harry Potter because I was jotting down bullet points to help me remember our day for our blog. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Adrenaline was rising in the van as we got closer and closer to our condo. We arrived in the town of Florala which is the border city of Alabama and Florida. It was hard to say and we laughed about it sounding too much like Florida. Someday I will look up why the city is named Florala.<br />
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Self entertainment inside the van...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYlt8V0Vq9A/TjC03ybpP5I/AAAAAAAAECg/LYrrpSpZ7XE/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYlt8V0Vq9A/TjC03ybpP5I/AAAAAAAAECg/LYrrpSpZ7XE/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1wEDeJyvPsU/Ti9Ayw47s8I/AAAAAAAAEBI/1CQvKDdW14E/s1600/DSCF6124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1wEDeJyvPsU/Ti9Ayw47s8I/AAAAAAAAEBI/1CQvKDdW14E/s400/DSCF6124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdYNsCuO_e4/TjC0hI-IhKI/AAAAAAAAECc/aRFlyQp7XiU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdYNsCuO_e4/TjC0hI-IhKI/AAAAAAAAECc/aRFlyQp7XiU/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etUgkReUId0/Ti9BDUspV9I/AAAAAAAAEBM/-sUdHdGt4e8/s1600/DSCF6125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etUgkReUId0/Ti9BDUspV9I/AAAAAAAAEBM/-sUdHdGt4e8/s400/DSCF6125.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
We finally crossed the border into Florida, everyone was excited. We had arrived. We also realized we gained an hour. I have never had a time change while in Florida. Didn’t think about our westward location.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We were within 45 minutes of our destination when we followed a road which was a dead end into construction. The road was not completed and there were no detour signs. Our GPS was clueless. (I was driving again OF COURSE) We turned around and tried different streets while Emily continued to yell “Recalculating”. Greg lead us back around and we found the new access bridge we needed to cross. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB--G7xCPfc/TjC-1D4gmaI/AAAAAAAAEC0/nxsKAQZKYp0/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xB--G7xCPfc/TjC-1D4gmaI/AAAAAAAAEC0/nxsKAQZKYp0/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-13.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We experienced the bridge a little longer than I would have liked. For some reason I was claustrophobic on a bridge in a traffic jam, my stress level was through the roof and I just wanted to get across it. It was a very beautiful bridge and I would have loved it had I been able to cross it at a normal pace.<br />
<br />
There were tiny little flags everywhere... we couldn't figure out what they were for so we decided since Florida is struggling with the Burmese Python over taking the wetlands the flags must be snake sightings. There were A LOT of snake sightings... :)<br />
<br />
There was an entire football field full of flags. I am sure they meant something important since they were everywhere, but we thought snake sightings were a lot more fun.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuF66I3jRkk/TjC_VMQ792I/AAAAAAAAEC4/c4OUvk8szic/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuF66I3jRkk/TjC_VMQ792I/AAAAAAAAEC4/c4OUvk8szic/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After waiting in a lot of traffic and taking a few back lot tours thanks to our GPS we finally arrived at our condo. Our security code worked and we were home for the week.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We unloaded the van, walked over to check out the beach (which was amazing)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maM6MUwvmL4/Ti86oV4edjI/AAAAAAAAD_o/53i79COaWSk/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maM6MUwvmL4/Ti86oV4edjI/AAAAAAAAD_o/53i79COaWSk/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_cA7hGL0qY/Ti867KPwi6I/AAAAAAAAD_s/NPmvMRQjrAM/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_cA7hGL0qY/Ti867KPwi6I/AAAAAAAAD_s/NPmvMRQjrAM/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-3.jpg" width="267" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-VC_HibZ44/Ti87N6RTgII/AAAAAAAAD_w/nPWazddImPU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-VC_HibZ44/Ti87N6RTgII/AAAAAAAAD_w/nPWazddImPU/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-4.jpg" width="267" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3pt7kY6KmA/Ti871QNXEMI/AAAAAAAAD_4/KLemtlxEVfY/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3pt7kY6KmA/Ti871QNXEMI/AAAAAAAAD_4/KLemtlxEVfY/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-6.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71Lh0ujRp0g/Ti87lYXEmvI/AAAAAAAAD_0/IaKR4OMV-x8/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71Lh0ujRp0g/Ti87lYXEmvI/AAAAAAAAD_0/IaKR4OMV-x8/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-5.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o45ATnf9O_g/Ti87-7M3lbI/AAAAAAAAD_8/nZW4WqCRKF0/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o45ATnf9O_g/Ti87-7M3lbI/AAAAAAAAD_8/nZW4WqCRKF0/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-7.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty06ce7-El0/Ti88E_EDDpI/AAAAAAAAEAA/nwSwfVNDkbs/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty06ce7-El0/Ti88E_EDDpI/AAAAAAAAEAA/nwSwfVNDkbs/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-8.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyBSv4Y_5Bc/Ti88gV5jqYI/AAAAAAAAEAE/7xK8X0Z1CXU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyBSv4Y_5Bc/Ti88gV5jqYI/AAAAAAAAEAE/7xK8X0Z1CXU/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-9.jpg" width="267" /></a> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkMwip-TUBE/Ti89HPGpOWI/AAAAAAAAEAM/kFeiOvKh2bU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkMwip-TUBE/Ti89HPGpOWI/AAAAAAAAEAM/kFeiOvKh2bU/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-11.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
... then went for groceries. We figured our money would go further if we went to Wal-mart instead of Publix but little did we know EVERYONE in Destin would be shopping at this time as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Greg came up with the brilliant idea of splitting up the grocery list amongst all of us to divide and conquer. I was so thankful. There were so many people in this Wal-mart you would have thought there was some kind of local disaster. Shelves were wiped clean, Greg found the very last French’s Mustard from a lady who was going to put it back and he was so proud. I waited in line for 25 minutes in the deli and Greg and the kids waited 30 minutes in the Wal-Mart McDonalds for their dinner. Anthony ran around and picked up everything on their list while the others waited for the food.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We were so very tired and so very happy to be back to the condo with food in the cupboards. Although it was very busy, I am glad we did it because I didn’t want to wake up and do it in the morning. I want to roll out of bed and onto the beach. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Our condo...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rYrb5RjcNg/Ti88zbeJg0I/AAAAAAAAEAI/MxfWzJCG8xQ/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rYrb5RjcNg/Ti88zbeJg0I/AAAAAAAAEAI/MxfWzJCG8xQ/s400/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-10.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Entry way</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6fzmjla8hQ/Ti89U0Z6FiI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/C0ykMkSsWFU/s1600/blog+%25281+of+1%2529-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZkO47dEyhU/Ti9AijejQ-I/AAAAAAAAEBE/ea_73StyizI/s1600/DSCF6110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY3ojm9YgG8/Ti9BbWjDfMI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/hxjvuFiw8uY/s1600/DSCF6135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY3ojm9YgG8/Ti9BbWjDfMI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/hxjvuFiw8uY/s400/DSCF6135.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Leslie's room</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UteENMHMA6o/Ti9BsooJ3zI/AAAAAAAAEBU/SZdr6kfNl7M/s1600/DSCF6136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UteENMHMA6o/Ti9BsooJ3zI/AAAAAAAAEBU/SZdr6kfNl7M/s400/DSCF6136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGyye8TTNZs/Ti9B_9sQw_I/AAAAAAAAEBY/jSAdicWlkMo/s1600/DSCF6137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGyye8TTNZs/Ti9B_9sQw_I/AAAAAAAAEBY/jSAdicWlkMo/s400/DSCF6137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Garage..</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GAkD042rpA/Ti9COu_GjyI/AAAAAAAAEBc/OB5m7889LdY/s1600/DSCF6138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GAkD042rpA/Ti9COu_GjyI/AAAAAAAAEBc/OB5m7889LdY/s400/DSCF6138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Family room</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22Xgiw7q17g/Ti9CiSJog3I/AAAAAAAAEBg/zwt3-IkBC9o/s1600/DSCF6139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22Xgiw7q17g/Ti9CiSJog3I/AAAAAAAAEBg/zwt3-IkBC9o/s400/DSCF6139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dining room/Kitchen area</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Boy's room...</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Stairs leading to our room...</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Our room....</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Our bathroom...</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Leslie's bathroom...</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Boy's bathroom.....</div><br />
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Beach day tomorrow.... I can't wait.<br />
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</div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-12144240429149095882011-07-22T09:10:00.000-04:002011-07-22T09:10:54.692-04:00The Deathly Hallows and the Potter PartyJ.K. Rowling became a part of our family many years ago. It began with me reading aloud the Harry Potter books to our very young children. If I felt a part of the book was too violent or too dark for the kids at their age I would change the wording or leave that particular part out all together without altering the story. <br />
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The kids would put their PJ's on, grab pillows and blankets and crowd around the chair as I read. It was something we looked forward to as a family. I read by flashlight and campfire while camping, we listened to audio books while traveling on vacations. Our goal was to read the book, then go see the movie. Sometimes this would work, and sometimes we were so anxious to read the next book and we couldn't wait for Hollywood.<br />
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This past week we marked the end of the Harry Potter series. We watched the last Potter movie at the midnight showing with great friends. We closed a very long chapter in our lives, which we have enjoyed dearly. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. The kids are at an age now that Potter doesn't hold the excitement it once did and all good things do come to an end.<br />
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I personally have been to Universal Hogsmeade twice and plan to visit many more times. It was amazing to walk through Hogsmeade with our kids, drink an actual Butter Beer. Ride a broom stick and play Quiddich. Walk through Hogwarts and feel as if we actually were walking through all the Potter books. It brought the past 12 years to life and sharing it with our kids was magical. <br />
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I feel I have connections to this series for many reasons, but here are a couple big ones. One, it has been something I have held dear to my heart because of the journey we took as a family with Harry as he grew up. Our kids grew up with him and we looked forward to seeing how the story would end. <br />
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Two, I love stories where good over comes evil... don't we all? I loved Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. J.K. Rowling is a Christian and if you have followed the entire series it is amazing to see the story of Christ in her story. The story of love, faith, courage, friendship, trust, loyalty and it is very obvious in this last book the message she is sharing.<br />
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We felt since this was the last movie we should do something a little more special than just seeing the midnight showing. We decided to have a Potter Party complete with Butterbeer. It was so fun. <br />
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We arranged our furniture in our front room theater style, popped pop corn, cranked up the surround sound, ate pizza, drank Butterbeer and watched Deathly Hallows part 1 with other fellow Potter fans before heading out to see part 2 at midnight.<br />
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Our teaching pastor Laura Buffington joined us for our party as well as the midnight showing. We currently are in a movie series at church called Southbrook goes to the movies. Deathly Hallows opened the weekend Laura was speaking so she was the lucky one to speak on it. Lucky because she too is a Potter fan so she was given the opportunity to "research" and speak on something she enjoys, but not lucky because J.K. Rowling has at times been controversial in some Christian circles. She did a beautiful job and if you would like to listen click <a href="http://www.southbrook.org/resources/podcast/southbrookgoestothemovies/harrypotterandthedeathlyhollowspart2.html">here</a>.<br />
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Potter will continue to be a warm fuzzy in our lives. Warm because of the family unity his story brought to our family, and warm because his story shares so many similarities to the greatest story ever told. Thank you J.K. Rowling for your creativity and for a wonderful 12 year journey.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-4968369980470022792011-07-21T21:04:00.000-04:002011-07-21T21:04:34.221-04:00Universal Island's of Adventure Day 3We woke early the next day to find ourselves already in Tampa. The kids made a bee line to the safe where we had locked up their cell phones for the week. We didn't want 500 "accidental" texts flooding in while in international waters. They were soooo happy to be back in touch with friends. We packed up what little we had left in the room and headed down to the Unicorn Cafe for our last breakfast.<br />
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We waited around until our number was called for departure. We showed our passports and all important papers, had our carry on luggage scanned and off we went.<br />
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Waiting in line at the Port for our transportation was absolutely MISERABLE. They had 500 people waiting in line to get into an 8 person van. They would look at us and say " There will be another van momentarily". Well, THEIR momentarily translated to be 20 minutes or longer. I was exaggerating when I said 500 people, but there were A LOT of people. We finally pushed and shoved and got on the tram to pick up our rental car.<br />
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We were on the road and headed to Potter. I was excited to go back to sit in Hogsmeade and have more Butterbeer. On our way we stopped at this ridiculous Mcdonalds. It was massive. It was Chuckie Cheese x10. They had really good food, but it cost us more to eat there than it would have cost us to eat inside the park. Regardless it was yet another new experience to add to the list.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFN-VN6Vfyk/TijI8PpWS0I/AAAAAAAAD-I/rsV_Fo6WYu8/s1600/DSCF1893.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFN-VN6Vfyk/TijI8PpWS0I/AAAAAAAAD-I/rsV_Fo6WYu8/s400/DSCF1893.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once inside Universal we rented a wheel chair and headed straight to Hogsmeade. It was nice to leisurely walk around and see the things we didn't get to see the last time. We bought some more souvenirs, drank Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice. </div><br />
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We shopped in a few more shops, rode the Hulk and Rock It one more time and then called it a day.<br />
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From there we dropped off our rental car and headed to the airport terminal. It was nice taking our time, we ate dinner inside the airport and relaxed until our plane arrived.<br />
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By the time we arrived in Dayton we were ready to be home, ready to see all our animals and ready to sleep in our own beds. There were still times, days later, where I felt as if I was still rocking on the boat. Funny how you adjust to certain things without even realizing it.<br />
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This was by far the best vacation we have ever been on as a family, and we have been on a lot of great ones. It was a wonderful mix of family bonding, meeting new friends, time for Les and Nick to hang together, and time for Greg and I to go to shows and "date" a little while on vacation. We were blessed to say the least, and we are thankful for the experience.<br />
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I feel there will be more cruises in our future, and for SURE more visits to Hogsmeade. :)Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-28389718942816905782011-07-21T19:41:00.000-04:002011-07-21T19:41:33.000-04:00Fun Day at Sea #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We leisurely woke the next day and had a lot of laziness on our minds. There were things to do all day long thanks to the cruise director, but we chose to set our own schedule and do whatever we wanted to do. The kids met with friends early and had lunch at Truffles lounge instead of eating at the Unicorn Cafe. They said the lunch was just as wonderful as dinner and our waiter was the one who served them. <br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were set times you had to eat if you wanted to eat at Truffles and Greg and I didn't feel like following a schedule. We ate when we felt like it at the Unicorn Cafe while we sat at a table over looking the water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0X78xUs4BM/TieH0TY5P8I/AAAAAAAAD8c/Cy9sSCbd6Jo/s1600/DSCF1757.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0X78xUs4BM/TieH0TY5P8I/AAAAAAAAD8c/Cy9sSCbd6Jo/s400/DSCF1757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was hard to believe this was our last day on the ship, the trip went by so quickly. We had an amazing time and we truly felt blessed to have the opportunity to share this time with our kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Greg and I spent a lot of time walking around the ship taking a lot of pictures which I have already posted in my earlier posts. We sat around the pool for a while listening to the live music, eating ice cream. If we got hungry we would stroll into the cafe and eat something. I sooooo wasn't ready to head back to reality. How would I fit my afternoon nap in? Food wouldn't magically appear anymore when people were hungry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Nick will be devastated to find out I have not included the towel animals in any of my posts. They were the highlight of his cruise and he made us keep each one of them in our closet so the house keeping wouldn't take them. Each night we would return from our dinner and show and one of these guys would be there to greet us. Nick loved them so much we bought him the book on how to make towel animals. We told him we expected to see them on our beds at night once we were home... he made one. <br />
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</div>It was sad to go to dinner our last time with our waiters. They were so fun and we really looked forward to seeing them each night.<br />
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They made Nick the Statue of Liberty... they laughed and laughed and thought it was REALLY funny.<br />
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The next day was Nick's 15th birthday so they brought him out a piece of cake with a candle on it. They asked how old he was and when we told them they started laughing and said they thought he was 10. Let me tell you, Nick did NOT find this funny. They were quite the duo too... I think they should audition for American Idol.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Our last dance.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Our last picture... sniff sniff</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our last sunset on the ship....</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Greg and I went to the show and then called it an early night. We went back to our cabin to pack because all our luggage had to be placed outside our door that night in order for it to be checked. We didn't want to lug around all our bags all morning the next day waiting to exit the ship. We were sad to see our time on the ship come to an end. After spending a week of being pampered, the thought of going back to work and living in the real world again was quite depressing. We were however fully rested and we created many, many memories to last a life time. AND we STILL had one more day at Universal with Potter. :)</div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-80396244982212066752011-07-19T22:13:00.001-04:002011-07-19T22:32:32.071-04:00Friday Belize July 30thWe had an early start to our day on Friday. We arrived at port at 8am and our excursions started at 9am. After breakfast at the Unicorn Cafe we had to part ways for the day. We were originally scheduled for all 4 of us to partake in the Lost World Canopy tour, and even though Les was healing nicely and her ankle was getting stronger every day, there was no way she was going to be able to climb and zip down a zip line. Greg and Nick continued with their Canopy Tour and due to Leslie's injuries they allowed us to change our excursion to the Belize bus tour and Air Boat Adventure.<br />
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Although we didn't spend the day together as a family we all had a great time. Les and I entered into the city of Belize. They warned all of us to stay near the port due to the poverty level it was not safe for US citizens to wander around. Especially two women with one being injured and in a wheel chair. We were screaming please victimize us and take all our money.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We walked off the ship, through the shops and straight onto a tour bus. </div><br />
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</div>We both really enjoyed the tour. The lady who lead the tour sounded like the witch woman Tia Dalma from the Pirates of the Caribbean. We enjoyed listening to her Creole accent.<br />
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We learned so much about Belize, they call their speed bumps sleeping policeman.<br />
Their dollar is half our dollar. <br />
They send their children to school at the age of 3 and it is mandatory up to the age of 15.<br />
They still spank their students for not turning in home work, chewing gum or smarting off to a teacher.<br />
45% of their population is 18 and under.<br />
They only have 7 traffic lights in the entire country.<br />
The south side of Belize is extremely poor, there is a 12% unemployment rate. <br />
Minimum wage is $1.50 US dollars which would be $3.00 in Belize.<br />
Weekly rate of pay is between 75.00 and 80.00.<br />
Average size family is 4 or 5 children.<br />
Life expectancy is between 70 and 80 years old.<br />
Some houses are built on stilts because part of the city is 1-3 feet below sea level.<br />
Average temperature is 93 degrees and 85% humidity.<br />
They have 2 seasons, the dry season and the wet season. When it is the wet season it can rain for 2 hours and all their streets will be flooded.<br />
Only 10% of the city have air conditioning.<br />
90% of the employment is through tourism.<br />
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Here are some pictures of the city. These were taken while riding on a bus so they are not the best.<br />
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Following the city tour we were taken to our Air Boat Excursion... this was something neither I nor Les had ever experienced before and it was pretty cool. AGAIN, because Les was injured, we were asked to board the boat first and we were sat in the very front of the boat. We not only had the best view, but our seats sat up quite a bit higher than the rest of the seats so we experienced the full effect of the ride. It was fun. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Our guide</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were given bird guides to help us identify different birds in the trees and on the water.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our guide picked a flower off a Lily pad and gave it to Les</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The grass grew up through the water and it made us feel like we were going through grass on land. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Les and I rode the bus back to port. We had a gentleman approach us outside the port as we were exiting the bus. He wanted to push Leslie up the ramp into port. We assumed he wanted money, but I purposely did not bring cash with us in order to lessen our risk of being victimized. I continually said no thank you and shook my head no but he continued to push. I held tightly onto Leslie's wheel chair and continued to push her forward. I almost ran over his foot. I was afraid if I let him he might run off with her or something. I felt bad because he clearly needed money.... and a bath. If he were asking me to help with anything else I would have allowed it... but not when it came to the safety of one of my kids. Leslie laughed and made fun of me.. she said "I am not completely helpless mom, what did you think he was going to do?" I didn't know and I wasn't going to allow him the opportunity to show us.<br />
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I don't do well in cities or countries where people are homeless and have to do without. I cannot tell you how low I felt riding back to our giant cruise ship with our "all you can eat" dinners. It really put things in perspective for me. I wanted to give them everything I had on me at the time and my heart hurt for them. The only thing I could hold onto was the fact we were providing employment for many, many people by visiting their country. They were so grateful for us being there... I just wish I could have done more. I continually feel God tugging at my heart strings and I know I am called to missions.... I will get there.<br />
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Les and I headed back to the ship to get cleaned up for dinner. It was fun to hear about the boys adventure on the Zip Line too.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They started their day a lot like Les and I with a tender across to the port. Followed by a bus ride, however their bus ride was not a cushy tour bus like ours, and they were not driving on paved roads like we were. Their ride was a tad on the bumpy side and it was a 45 minute drive....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mfqPdPO1ig/TiW1iMlNaTI/AAAAAAAAD5w/u2vddPJcuoM/s1600/DSCF0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mfqPdPO1ig/TiW1iMlNaTI/AAAAAAAAD5w/u2vddPJcuoM/s400/DSCF0795.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW3G6UHQbQM/TiW1_rbGI8I/AAAAAAAAD50/nQsgZfS5GmY/s1600/DSCF0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW3G6UHQbQM/TiW1_rbGI8I/AAAAAAAAD50/nQsgZfS5GmY/s400/DSCF0797.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Both Greg and Nick were shown how to put on their gear and how to zip line. They walked and zipped through caves and trees. Both said it was very hot, but they had a lot of fun. Nick said there were birds screaming in the trees, but he said it with a negative tone so I am assuming he didn't enjoy the winged conversations.<br />
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He and our parrot Doby share the same room as Nick's Xbox. At times Doby will scream while Nick is playing one of his games and it does not please Nick much. In Doby's defense, if you listened to people shoot one another and run around and scream all day long wouldn't you feel like screaming too?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8thgIWz_NCOr21mSnbi_I3A51DEfYu_eaJRsWR_dZd_FDzI-fE3FJVE1sRzYLIvnq9mAcM7s2eWTaA5si' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xNyvNfxVvQ/TiW33MiHqZI/AAAAAAAAD6E/ygTzUZibOEc/s1600/DSCF0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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These were the tiny walk ways they had to walk across way up high... I guess its a good thing I didn't go, not sure I could have handled the height.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love my <strike>cute</strike> blue eyed boys... sorry.. HANDSOME boys. Nick doesn't like to be called "cute"</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were all four exhausted by the time we got back to the ship, especially the boys because they had a rather physical excursion. We showered, napped and wrestled a bit before the Mardi Gras show at 7:00. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ki0VQ9dOOh0/TiY-F-b9oHI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/tQBLmWk9rRw/s1600/DSCF1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ki0VQ9dOOh0/TiY-F-b9oHI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/tQBLmWk9rRw/s400/DSCF1746.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was the last show of the cruise and the crew went all out. Very colorful and fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner was awesome as usual...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Nick was tired of the pictures.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We laughed so hard each night at dinner. It was great family bonding, not to mention so much fun! </div><br />
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Nick loved this little lid, Greg would take it and place it on Nicks glass when he wasn't looking... it was a game we played all week long.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Our waiters were at it again this night as well... peacock.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">back view.. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Side view... so glad I am in all of these pictures.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> One of our waiters</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Doll...</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Our waiters pulled Nick up to dance with them. </div><br />
Nick, while getting dressed that night, said " I love this outfit." Me: "You typically are not big on what you wear, why do you like this outfit so much?"<br />
Nick: " Because,........ Look at me, I am awesome."<br />
He IS awesome, and we had fun with that line all evening long. :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids met up with friends after dinner and Greg and I attended the adult hypnosis show in the theater. I have never laughed so hard in my life... very entertaining to say the least.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>We all fell into bed exhausted and ready for our "Fun Day at Sea" the next day. Lounging around the pool listening to live music and eating all the ice cream one person can consume in one day was just what we needed. :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4628796535481633247.post-59174504124710566762011-07-18T20:39:00.000-04:002011-07-18T20:39:53.794-04:00Thursday Isle of RoatanStill can't believe I have not finished this vacation blog... if I am not careful I am going to get fired from vacation blogging. It is painful to write this now because I want to go back so badly... ok, where was I? Oh, that's right, Roatan.<br />
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Thursday July 29th Isla Roatan, Honduras.<br />
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We had a more leisurely start to our day today since we didn't leave the ship until 11am. It was a little cloudy and they said we were expecting rain. We were not sure how this would impact our day since our excursion was riding on a catamaran, snorkeling and visiting Gumbalimba Park.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">As we approached the island we took some pictures of ship wrecks along the way from our balcony. </div><br />
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We headed down again to the Unicorn Cafe for breakfast and anxiously awaited our next new adventure on Roatan. We were told Leslie would be able to participate in our excursion that day but after looking at the restrictions for the excursions we were a little concerned. Moderate walking was listed and even as tough as she was we didn't think moderate walking was doable with crutches. We figured we would do what we could and enjoy every minute of our day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The port was beautiful, colorful and very welcoming.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We found our excursion and our excursion guides just in time before the rain hit. </div><br />
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They assured us the shower was just passing through but they decided to take us to the snorkel portion of the excursion first, and then Gumbalimba Park to allow the storm time to pass. (Which made perfect sense to me.. what better place to be in a thunderstorm than on the ocean????) They did offer to give us our money back if we chose to skip the excursion all together, but we were looking forward to this excursion and we were not going to allow a little bit of rain ruin our fun. We waited under the shelter in the mall of stores until the rain let up.<br />
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Once the rain subsided a bit we walked out to a bus/van to ride out to the Catamaran. Because Leslie was injured they gave us our very own van with our personal driver. (Still receiving lemonade from those lemons)<br />
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Les spoke Spanish with our driver about the island, culture and cuisine. Apparently they eat dogs... yep... DOGS. Sometimes when on our family vacations we say "ahhhh, too bad Murphy isn't here, he would love this"...not so much this time. Poor dogs. :(<br />
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It was still a little cloudy, but the rain had stopped so we were ready to snorkel. We boarded the Jolly Roger Catamaran, the guides were a lot of fun.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't we wish..... </div><br />
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Getting into the water was an experience within itself. Since we were on a catamaran we had to get into the water off the back of the boat and we had to walk down very small steps between the two big pontoon like thingys on the catamaran.<br />
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Now, this doesn't really sound like much of a task, but when you add the bobbing up and down in the ocean followed by waves crashing into the stairs it is very much a difficult task. Especially for a person who likes to slowly enter the water as she clears her mask, gets her snorkel gear just right and practices breathing underwater before heading out. Nope, not this time.. .it was jump in, start swimming and don't let the waves crash you back into the boat AND people were standing behind us waiting for their turn so they would watch me look like an idiot. It was fantastic.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">However, after entering the water..... the snorkeling was awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These blue fish were so pretty, we watched them for quite a while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More blue fish..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We swam and swam all over the reef, it was amazing. As we were swimming around I felt tiny little stings all over. They didn't really hurt, but they were definite stings and then I noticed very tiny little jelly fish swimming all over. I was then concerned. I have been stung before by Jelly Fish and this was not something I wanted to experience for the next hour. Right about that time Greg, Les and Nick had all noticed the same thing and we all had a look of concern. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Greg asked one of our guides if these little Jelly Fish were stinging us and they chuckled and said "No, they are too small and are harmless". Ok, so then what IS stinging us?... they said "Sea Lice". Ohhhhh, is that all? Just Sea Lice? I didn't feel better. They told us they were harmless and the sting wouldn't last long, which it didn't but it was a little upsetting to be stung by anything. After swimming a bit longer either they stopped stinging or we just didn't notice it anymore. We focused on the beautiful reef surrounding us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They started to slowly call us all back onto the boat and then I realized we had to climb BACK onto the boat the way we had exited earlier. I figured I would allow most of the people to go ahead and climb back on board while I snorkeled a little bit more and then not so many people would witness my lack of coordination in the water. It was a lot of fun timing the waves just right in order to push myself back into the boat and then grab onto the stairs in order to climb back on. All of this while holding onto my flippers which I had to take off before I could climb the stairs. Not a pretty sight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once back on board we were given beverages for our ride back. We purchased Jolly Roger crew shirts (cause they were cool). We walked upstairs to the upper deck and enjoyed the Reggae music while we dried off in the sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>They again were so very nice to Leslie, they helped her off the boat and made sure she was settled into her wheel chair. We then took a 20 minute drive to Gumbalinda Park. Leslie was up front again in our personal van and we took some pictures of the town the best we could through van windows.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q37Xq0-l_ig/TiOg2ZyRtfI/AAAAAAAADzc/eMwQ135nVGE/s1600/DSCF1311.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q37Xq0-l_ig/TiOg2ZyRtfI/AAAAAAAADzc/eMwQ135nVGE/s400/DSCF1311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2eQ5jcmsLE/TakRqGBQpJI/AAAAAAAADyM/AOzf4--iABg/s1600/DSCF0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phrpFZqpgMM/TiOhKeFr6lI/AAAAAAAADzg/pg9fGK9i5fo/s1600/DSCF1316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phrpFZqpgMM/TiOhKeFr6lI/AAAAAAAADzg/pg9fGK9i5fo/s400/DSCF1316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our ship...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9S3MAA1P4Sk/TiOumixMUuI/AAAAAAAAD10/uah67fSxCGc/s1600/DSCF1552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9S3MAA1P4Sk/TiOumixMUuI/AAAAAAAAD10/uah67fSxCGc/s400/DSCF1552.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsXpquSYl-g/TiOhfyVmbyI/AAAAAAAADzk/pizklwDexck/s1600/DSCF1326.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsXpquSYl-g/TiOhfyVmbyI/AAAAAAAADzk/pizklwDexck/s400/DSCF1326.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhcqGNqHeGE/TiOvVg2geVI/AAAAAAAAD18/nYjHL30HF5k/s1600/DSCF1556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhcqGNqHeGE/TiOvVg2geVI/AAAAAAAAD18/nYjHL30HF5k/s400/DSCF1556.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once we arrived at the park we instantly noticed the wild life. There were iguanas,birds and other lizards everywhere.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBZycdGMIqk/TiOuRF5TTGI/AAAAAAAAD1w/x-ljphUgp8U/s1600/DSCF1507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBZycdGMIqk/TiOuRF5TTGI/AAAAAAAAD1w/x-ljphUgp8U/s400/DSCF1507.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07FYuAaPA2U/TiOtj5pj-ZI/AAAAAAAAD1o/TxVtd7ToSAc/s1600/DSCF1491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07FYuAaPA2U/TiOtj5pj-ZI/AAAAAAAAD1o/TxVtd7ToSAc/s400/DSCF1491.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXddULSsvA4/TiOiYtXqIQI/AAAAAAAADzw/U81M7VuVedA/s1600/DSCF1342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXddULSsvA4/TiOiYtXqIQI/AAAAAAAADzw/U81M7VuVedA/s400/DSCF1342.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9JMuEMbiK4/TiOtPdV89hI/AAAAAAAAD1k/7Ak5LYEY3Uk/s1600/DSCF1488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9JMuEMbiK4/TiOtPdV89hI/AAAAAAAAD1k/7Ak5LYEY3Uk/s400/DSCF1488.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The park was a tropical oasis, very beautiful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BvOzygAMJZs/TiOhymSZafI/AAAAAAAADzo/whQN-E_qGzE/s1600/DSCF1330.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BvOzygAMJZs/TiOhymSZafI/AAAAAAAADzo/whQN-E_qGzE/s400/DSCF1330.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were a little concerned with the pathways leading around the park, they didn't appear to be wheel chair or crutch friendly. As we exited the van, we were approached by park employees. They told us they were giving us a golf cart as well as a guide to drive us around the park. All 4 of us could ride on the cart. THIS was awesome. It was very hot and the park had many hills. Again, I would have rather Les not have been injured at all, but we were thrilled to be getting all the perks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so excited to see the monkeys at Gumbalimba park. They were the main reason I wanted to partake in this particular excursion. Greg claimed he didn't like monkeys (and still does) and he "said" he wasn't looking forward to the monkey visit. I will allow YOU to be the judge once you see the pictures.<br />
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Here is the sign we had to read before entering.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7pomZxQYcU/TiOiGmMi0eI/AAAAAAAADzs/OIsBr_z9tp4/s1600/DSCF1337.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7pomZxQYcU/TiOiGmMi0eI/AAAAAAAADzs/OIsBr_z9tp4/s400/DSCF1337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
We drove through the park with a very nice older gentleman who gave us the history of the park as well as point out all the residents.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4BnSOiw6mA/TiOrmAGOzgI/AAAAAAAAD1U/HNxWLZuOvIo/s1600/DSCF1458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4BnSOiw6mA/TiOrmAGOzgI/AAAAAAAAD1U/HNxWLZuOvIo/s400/DSCF1458.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><br />
He gave us all the time we wanted to stop and take pictures and sit to watch the Iguanas.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Hummers </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gApPyKQrBeo/TiSysdonUBI/AAAAAAAAD2I/5NggK3DMd48/s1600/DSCF1537.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gApPyKQrBeo/TiSysdonUBI/AAAAAAAAD2I/5NggK3DMd48/s400/DSCF1537.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They call this the Jesus Christ lizard because they run on top of the water.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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He also drove us up to see the Monkeys long before the others who were walking could join us. We had nearly a half hour all to ourselves. Once the group showed up everyone had to share time with the monkeys. We were blessed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The monkey was soooo sweet and we had a great time with her. She was very young and had a lot of energy. She jumped around from one person to the other. She loved to play with our hair and she deposited seeds in our hair as well. She really loved Leslie's crutches which was not such a good thing. She also loved Greg.... imagine that. I was in heaven.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NTFBY0czx8/TiOjB1A2ASI/AAAAAAAADz4/y-hXaGZwRiA/s1600/DSCF1349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NTFBY0czx8/TiOjB1A2ASI/AAAAAAAADz4/y-hXaGZwRiA/s400/DSCF1349.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzHSkle57JFUt4rVQHt_WPqEzuZrT0GBaW3HCRyhhQd1JPLtzAf3jC4xpW_pmNCULVtu8Pi7Hi_-Mje8xarTA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnG39XFsJy0/TiOjU8caz9I/AAAAAAAADz8/qmtHu8bDph0/s1600/DSCF1353.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnG39XFsJy0/TiOjU8caz9I/AAAAAAAADz8/qmtHu8bDph0/s400/DSCF1353.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3O5EwcDehM/TiOrOWpLxHI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/y-WivNfqtIU/s1600/DSCF1455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3O5EwcDehM/TiOrOWpLxHI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/y-WivNfqtIU/s320/DSCF1455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zybzkIduS2o/TiOjmohWX7I/AAAAAAAAD0A/oIqndGnxxkI/s1600/DSCF1354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zybzkIduS2o/TiOjmohWX7I/AAAAAAAAD0A/oIqndGnxxkI/s400/DSCF1354.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NznHNXjNZC4/TiSybuueSGI/AAAAAAAAD2E/uS-sQyQMwVI/s1600/DSCF1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gApPyKQrBeo/TiSysdonUBI/AAAAAAAAD2I/5NggK3DMd48/s1600/DSCF1537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mal6sUyEQiQ/TiOj6GFWXoI/AAAAAAAAD0E/rgbB1Asc_uE/s1600/DSCF1356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mal6sUyEQiQ/TiOj6GFWXoI/AAAAAAAAD0E/rgbB1Asc_uE/s400/DSCF1356.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk1PBBoKEfU/TiOkRjrf66I/AAAAAAAAD0I/jhXvTCrzgos/s1600/DSCF1357.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dk1PBBoKEfU/TiOkRjrf66I/AAAAAAAAD0I/jhXvTCrzgos/s400/DSCF1357.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpxZ9oVCF5Q/TiOkjuuUvQI/AAAAAAAAD0M/sI3XVD5OFPc/s1600/DSCF1362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpxZ9oVCF5Q/TiOkjuuUvQI/AAAAAAAAD0M/sI3XVD5OFPc/s400/DSCF1362.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTICorkOyhw/TiOnbrIeYcI/AAAAAAAAD0o/iOwuDNFLc68/s1600/DSCF1372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTICorkOyhw/TiOnbrIeYcI/AAAAAAAAD0o/iOwuDNFLc68/s400/DSCF1372.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This monkey loved Greg...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2TNv4eKXv4/TiOnEScBCiI/AAAAAAAAD0k/gEQxm95ZlUM/s1600/DSCF1371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2TNv4eKXv4/TiOnEScBCiI/AAAAAAAAD0k/gEQxm95ZlUM/s400/DSCF1371.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love this picture.... ha ha ha</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBJXRwXyJLI/TiOoNFSfdaI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MrS4itUKAys/s1600/DSCF1384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBJXRwXyJLI/TiOoNFSfdaI/AAAAAAAAD0w/MrS4itUKAys/s400/DSCF1384.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">She always liked to be touching Greg...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spjlJtOCasM/TiOo5WuSR3I/AAAAAAAAD04/plPrggsJJBs/s1600/DSCF1413.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spjlJtOCasM/TiOo5WuSR3I/AAAAAAAAD04/plPrggsJJBs/s400/DSCF1413.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">this one is my favorite.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmvS_GKIW5U/TiOn1ZcbyRI/AAAAAAAAD0s/JNfk8HUkbkg/s1600/DSCF1373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmvS_GKIW5U/TiOn1ZcbyRI/AAAAAAAAD0s/JNfk8HUkbkg/s400/DSCF1373.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOYcpsn4EP8/TiOmgP4BGwI/AAAAAAAAD0g/Z2B3SDVO-nQ/s1600/DSCF1369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOYcpsn4EP8/TiOmgP4BGwI/AAAAAAAAD0g/Z2B3SDVO-nQ/s400/DSCF1369.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The little brat bit into Leslie crutches which were on loan to us from the ship... nice! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf0LfOjEOjA/TiOisRXI14I/AAAAAAAADz0/BRCYobtFdO4/s1600/DSCF1346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf0LfOjEOjA/TiOisRXI14I/AAAAAAAADz0/BRCYobtFdO4/s400/DSCF1346.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">She wouldn't leave them alone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj1HqB9g7No/TiOfkozBamI/AAAAAAAADzQ/m7Zkei7PU8c/s1600/DSCF0767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj1HqB9g7No/TiOfkozBamI/AAAAAAAADzQ/m7Zkei7PU8c/s400/DSCF0767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBMeJpaHrUk/TiOlSUAURDI/AAAAAAAAD0U/6tEvxLzHxJc/s1600/DSCF1364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBMeJpaHrUk/TiOlSUAURDI/AAAAAAAAD0U/6tEvxLzHxJc/s400/DSCF1364.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIAClAJZT2w/TiOokNcWC6I/AAAAAAAAD00/fauEBqcIdyg/s1600/DSCF1390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIAClAJZT2w/TiOokNcWC6I/AAAAAAAAD00/fauEBqcIdyg/s400/DSCF1390.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXusZ4EDWd0/TiOlpGDF7nI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/ykdw3iSaSE4/s1600/DSCF1366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXusZ4EDWd0/TiOlpGDF7nI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/ykdw3iSaSE4/s400/DSCF1366.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">You can clearly see how much Greg is hating this.... NOT! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSvmcaxZGgs/TiOpQPyW_vI/AAAAAAAAD08/kKkOZpWpvQg/s1600/DSCF1415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSvmcaxZGgs/TiOpQPyW_vI/AAAAAAAAD08/kKkOZpWpvQg/s400/DSCF1415.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8VouDPnKKc/TiOpngv3u5I/AAAAAAAAD1A/9A4FNui5x4c/s1600/DSCF1444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8VouDPnKKc/TiOpngv3u5I/AAAAAAAAD1A/9A4FNui5x4c/s400/DSCF1444.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHY6C1YDZuY/TiOq70lrsDI/AAAAAAAAD1M/pajgCR7v3yQ/s1600/DSCF1454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHY6C1YDZuY/TiOq70lrsDI/AAAAAAAAD1M/pajgCR7v3yQ/s400/DSCF1454.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1p_GL0FlNBc/TiOp9kniMkI/AAAAAAAAD1E/jmW9qS-c1UQ/s1600/DSCF1450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1p_GL0FlNBc/TiOp9kniMkI/AAAAAAAAD1E/jmW9qS-c1UQ/s400/DSCF1450.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Macaws were walking around while we were playing with the monkey.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvKFXant7Q4/TiOggpS_tyI/AAAAAAAADzY/vMW27CIo_Pc/s1600/DSCF0771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvKFXant7Q4/TiOggpS_tyI/AAAAAAAADzY/vMW27CIo_Pc/s400/DSCF0771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dRkeoC5HaA/TiOshzaBmRI/AAAAAAAAD1c/uiHD3e-GxTI/s1600/DSCF1476.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dRkeoC5HaA/TiOshzaBmRI/AAAAAAAAD1c/uiHD3e-GxTI/s400/DSCF1476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjgUfTgEBFQ/TiOs5_RtPGI/AAAAAAAAD1g/f43BJWB3IN0/s1600/DSCF1484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjgUfTgEBFQ/TiOs5_RtPGI/AAAAAAAAD1g/f43BJWB3IN0/s400/DSCF1484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzLP28nfFOE/TiOqavmSRLI/AAAAAAAAD1I/XedeTZaqqLI/s1600/DSCF1452.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzLP28nfFOE/TiOqavmSRLI/AAAAAAAAD1I/XedeTZaqqLI/s400/DSCF1452.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div> This was the bad monkey. He was separated from the others. He looked ornery.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lI5NdB_5tH0/TiOsFHBgG3I/AAAAAAAAD1Y/BiqtQCBqgQM/s1600/DSCF1471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lI5NdB_5tH0/TiOsFHBgG3I/AAAAAAAAD1Y/BiqtQCBqgQM/s400/DSCF1471.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once the rest of the group caught up to us we decided to continue our tour. Our guide drove us through beautiful gardens, showed us water falls, flowers, humming birds, all sorts of Lizards and then dropped us back off at our van where everyone else had already boarded the bus and we were ready to go. Talk about service. It truly was a beautiful place and we were happy we chose to visit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Les and Nick were hot and tired and decided to head back to the ship once we returned from our excursions. Greg and I walked around for a bit, shopped in a few shops and enjoyed a Coke before calling it a day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzXZEoSaHspfJqaxr8iOQzbqDXqx3Jvr_KHWHmwCpnwjS8Yem7eksTmdTbviP3RjffZtTSGRvtpNDipBL6utA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had forgotten about the huge line at the ship where we usually walk right past because Les has been in a wheel chair. It was our turn to wait in line.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJ_hXSNO55ucfN1mr6YU__IGe53NY9PhCnjPPJZu_dW5Kt8G7g6jkXUG8HyE-bc8wyEoJ_PGQlb9gHEw_MEw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The kids had already showered which was nice because Greg and I had the bathroom all to ourselves. We were pleased with the size of our room, however with 4 adult size people getting ready all at once it does become a challenge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dinner, as always was wonderful. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OSVxPH_SQU/TiTJUg39vlI/AAAAAAAAD3I/aiOcRubNncI/s1600/DSCF1565.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0OSVxPH_SQU/TiTJUg39vlI/AAAAAAAAD3I/aiOcRubNncI/s400/DSCF1565.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQQrbemHc-c/TiTJEY3-C7I/AAAAAAAAD3E/qrzuxiScqIw/s1600/DSCF1564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQQrbemHc-c/TiTJEY3-C7I/AAAAAAAAD3E/qrzuxiScqIw/s400/DSCF1564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Our waiters made all sorts of fun stuff for the kids with napkins.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Gun</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN3MXsKfE2I/TiTCWKKrz0I/AAAAAAAAD2k/Nx-tXvxoW8s/s1600/DSCF1580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uN3MXsKfE2I/TiTCWKKrz0I/AAAAAAAAD2k/Nx-tXvxoW8s/s400/DSCF1580.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPzBSJ63RmQ/TiTC3fmd-nI/AAAAAAAAD2o/K5kRb13n1r4/s1600/DSCF1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPzBSJ63RmQ/TiTC3fmd-nI/AAAAAAAAD2o/K5kRb13n1r4/s400/DSCF1581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Boot</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DkvpRfOs64/TiTDY2cxnkI/AAAAAAAAD2s/JWbxC7qh948/s1600/DSCF1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DkvpRfOs64/TiTDY2cxnkI/AAAAAAAAD2s/JWbxC7qh948/s400/DSCF1582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Rose </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMwxl-0wfUs/TiTDqW6P3fI/AAAAAAAAD2w/UV5Wi_Osnok/s1600/DSCF1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMwxl-0wfUs/TiTDqW6P3fI/AAAAAAAAD2w/UV5Wi_Osnok/s400/DSCF1583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Bunny</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvdZroSy9ns/TiTD8tZdVyI/AAAAAAAAD20/TUsUVaZxxgI/s1600/DSCF1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YvdZroSy9ns/TiTD8tZdVyI/AAAAAAAAD20/TUsUVaZxxgI/s400/DSCF1584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Armadillo</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAseEjxhPqI/TiTENWozrhI/AAAAAAAAD24/B51N299cviM/s1600/DSCF1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KAseEjxhPqI/TiTENWozrhI/AAAAAAAAD24/B51N299cviM/s400/DSCF1586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Not sure... Minnie Mouse Bow?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLg3rqDG8aM/TiTEhdGVsaI/AAAAAAAAD28/dwo6wKxO_S8/s1600/DSCF1587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLg3rqDG8aM/TiTEhdGVsaI/AAAAAAAAD28/dwo6wKxO_S8/s400/DSCF1587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Binoculars</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjazml3FEBo/TiTFBr2sNUI/AAAAAAAAD3A/rISDT6XEyUg/s1600/DSCF1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cjazml3FEBo/TiTFBr2sNUI/AAAAAAAAD3A/rISDT6XEyUg/s400/DSCF1588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbUF3OyJJZ4/TiTB2Cx6KZI/AAAAAAAAD2g/dtbkB4867EQ/s1600/DSCF1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CbUF3OyJJZ4/TiTB2Cx6KZI/AAAAAAAAD2g/dtbkB4867EQ/s400/DSCF1579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yummy desserts...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ht3C1k2jVrk/TiTJmzKk92I/AAAAAAAAD3M/57Z07YniTDk/s1600/DSCF1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ht3C1k2jVrk/TiTJmzKk92I/AAAAAAAAD3M/57Z07YniTDk/s400/DSCF1569.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zR1Z5EKOiQk/TiTJ8mCnnkI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/T2J6a0HHmDw/s1600/DSCF1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zR1Z5EKOiQk/TiTJ8mCnnkI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/T2J6a0HHmDw/s400/DSCF1571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner we attended the Comedy Hypnosis show by Doug MacCraw in the Follies Theater. I found this hilarious. He hypnotized people in the audience and whether it was real or not it was hysterical. He had people thinking their shoes were their cell phones, one lady would stand up and bow each time he said a certain word. She acted as though she was the main character of a major Broadway show. One particular guy walked up on stage to tell us to please be quiet because we were all going to be kicked off the ship due to our loud clapping. When ever we would clap, he would stand up and again approach the microphone to please tell us to keep it down. He told everyone on stage that when they wake up they will realize they had farted and it was a very bad odor. You will smell it and feel embarrassed by it. When he counted them down and they woke up it was so funny to watch all of their reactions. I could have watched all night long.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Later Greg and I attended a Marriage Show, we stayed for a while but thought it was kinda lame so we we strolled through the Enchanted Forest and headed back to our room to watch a movie and wait for the kids to come back to the cabin. The kids enjoyed roaming the ship with their friends and eating ice cream all night long. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another ending to another perfect day. Tomorrow would be our last excursion.... Belize.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17032261362587966857noreply@blogger.com0