Day 17: Another Vacation Complete

We are finally home, after a great vacation. When asked, "What was your favorite part of the trip?" Here were the responses: Erin--seeing Winter the dolphin, Dan--seeing the Everglades and enjoying being so close to the water, Kyle--the Disney parks, and Wendy--kayaking through the mangroves and Sanibel shelling. We drove about 1,300 miles around the state, seeing both the east and west coasts. It was just the right combination of Disney, nature, and relaxing at beaches and pools. What a fantastic way to start the summer. Wendy is already starting to plan next summer's trip!

Day 16: Winter the Dolphin

Erin had been waiting for this day for the entire trip--to see Winter the dolphin, from the movie Dolphin Tale. We got to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium early and there were only a few people there.  Because there were no large crowds yet, we were able to easily enjoy the aquarium.  While there, we saw them filming some sort of documentary about Winter and her story.  In doing so, they spent a lot of time putting on Winter's tail, having her swim with it on, taking it back off to get the right scene.

Something interesting we learned, was that the trainers were interested in making sure that all of the rescued dolphins were asked to be creative, and stimulate their minds.  As such, all of the dolphins at this center actually paint pictures! They put various paintbrushes in their mouths, and then they paint a canvas. It was interesting to watch. The kids also were chosen to participate in a play--Kyle was the pirate and Erin was Polly the Parrot. There is also another location which they take you to via trolley, which is dedicated to the movie. It has some of the props from the movie, and told behind the scene stories. Then it was time to head back across the state to the east coast. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed playing in the pool and relaxing. This is our last night in Florida.

Winter getting her tail on

Holding Winter's tail

The "Houseboat" from the movie

Day 15: Travel Day

We started our day bright and early (6:30), to go get a "jump-start" on shelling! We wanted to get first dibs on the shells that were washed ashore during the night. We had more success. Then it was time to clean off all of the shells and pack them up for our trip home. We left Sanibel to head north to Tampa. Instead of going straight to our hotel, we decided to find a movie theater and go see Monsters University, because it was raining. It was a very creative movie, and all of us enjoyed it. Since the rain had stopped, we got in the car and headed to our hotel.  Once we checked in, went straight to the pool for a few hour of R and R. Across the street from the hotel, the town had close off several blocks so they could have a little street fair. It was late afternoon, and we went exploring.  We enjoyed walking around and seeing all the arts and crafts, and the food!  After a while the wind picked up, and we knew what was coming--a thunderstorm. We quickly headed into a restaurant for dinner. As it turned out, it was a major downpour complete with thunder, lightning, and gusty winds. By the time we done eating, the storm had passed. Gotta love this Florida rain. Anxious to see Winter the dolphin (Dolphin Tale) tomorrow.

Some of our shells

Our Monster

How Erin travels

Day 14: More Sanibel

Today we enjoyed a relaxing day in Sanibel. Dan and Erin were up early to go shelling. They found a ton of shells. The kids then stayed inside reading and watching television, while Dan and Wendy enjoyed reading outside on our patio. After lunch, we drove into town and went to the Shell Museum. They had a large variety of shells to look at. We learned the names of some of the shells that we had found. We also watched a movie about what lives in the shells, snails—it might have been better to skip this part—it grossed out Dan and Wendy. Later in the afternoon, it was then time for a treat, so we went to a homemade ice cream shop and pigged out. Then it was back to our beach for more shelling. Kyle and Wendy were looking near the water, when Kyle spied a really large and pretty shell. To our surprise, when Kyle picked it up, it was alive! It was a crab! Need less to say, Kyle quickly dropped it back into the sand. What a great way to spend the day!

Our Crab!

Kyle returning the crab to the water

Day 13: Sanibel

Last night we stayed in a sleepy little town called Everglade City. There is nothing for miles around, but everglades – known as a sportsman’s paradise.  There were only 2 “cafes” and 1 small grocery store for the entire town. After sleeping in and then enjoying a good breakfast at the Island Cafe, we were on the hunt for a “gator head” for Kyle. We have seen them around; they are real mounted gator heads.  Surprisingly, we found some in this small town! Kyle was so excited. He has been searching for a “good deal” on one since the first day we were in Florida. Be sure and ask him about it.

Then it was on to Sanibel, our next Florida stop. On our way driving through the everglades, “Eagle Eye” Dan spotted a large black bear crossing the highway! Yes, a black bear. We stopped abruptly on the side of the road to check it out. It quickly lumbered off the road and into the bushes, but we were able to watch him for a few minutes.

Shelling

Once we arrived in Sanibel, we quickly went to a beach to start “shelling”. Sanibel is an island on the Gulf Coast, known for the predominance of sea shells. The beach is covered with shells, especially at low tide. The kids also retrieved many shells by walking in the water and feeling for them with their feet.  Many we found had living things in them, so we had to put those back in the sand. We collected at least 50 shells on our first day, most of them within the first 2 hours.

Our hotel here is a cute little beach cottage. In the back of the cottage, is a drying shelf for the shells. The kids have already sorted them by type, and tomorrow they will have to decide which ones to save, and which ones to put back on the beach. Looking forward to another day of shelling tomorrow.

Piles of Shells

Day 12: Everglades

Our adventure continues with enjoying and learning all about the Everglades. We started with an air boat ride. It was fun to just whisk over the seagrass, even when you couldn't see the water beneath it. After the ride, they had a little alligator show where a guy was in a cage with 7 gators, and they came to him with their mouths open for a "hand out". Although he says the behavior is not "natural", working with the gators they get used to him being around them.  He would call out their names, and they responded to him with mouths held open, and gave a hiss.  At the end of the show, the trainer brought out a little gator named "Snappy", which the kids got to hold. Dan and Wendy wanted nothing to do with this part of the adventure. We then went into the Everglades National Park for a ranger guided tour.  It was a great tour, and we had an awesome guide.  She was a retired elementary school teacher, and her love for the park and the inhabitants showed.  The tour lasted 2 hours, and had a stop where we climbed a 3 story observation tower which overlooked the Everglades. It was an amazing view. When most people think of the Everglades, they think gators are everywhere. There are gators everywhere, but right now it is so hot, that it is actually hard to see them. Dan and his eagle eyes actually spotted quite a few in their "hiddy" places. The rest of the day we drove through the park looking for gators!

Ready for lunch

Beauty of the Everglades

Eagle eye Dan spotted this guy

Day 11: Biscayne National Park

Today was a slow-paced day. We started with going to the Speedway in Homestead. There was no race happening today, so they let us just go up into the stands and look around on our own "self-guided" tour.  That was cool.  Then while we were exploring, 2 fighter jets swooped overhead and screamed by -- we had the perfect seats!  After that, we then went to a locally famous fruit stand called: "Robert is Here". They are known for great fruit milkshakes. We had two, 1 strawberry and 1 strawberry key lime.  Both were delicious. Next it was on to Biscayne National Park for some snorkeling fun! Biscayne Bay has the largest reef in North America, and is the third largest reef in the world.  The boat took us about 1 hour out to a great spot to snorkel.  All of us jumped in, and loved it.   We saw parrotfish, pencil fish, conch, bluehead wrasse, sea fan, brain coral, and much more. Another opportunity to see God's handiwork. Tomorrow it is off to the Everglades.

At the Speedway

Ready to jump in!

Day 10: The Keys

We had another full day today. It started with a 3 hour kayak tour wondering through the Mangrove trees.  It was fun because it was just us on our own private tour--it was very peaceful and interesting. We saw wildlife like the upside-down jellyfish called Cassiopeias, and lots of small fish. We then continued south to Robbie's Boat House. This is a locally "famous" marina where you can feed huge tarpon fish!  These things are big, over 4 feet in length, and they would jump out of the surface to grab a bait fish out of your hand -- watch your fingers!. The kids loved it. Then it was on to the Turtle Hospital. This is a special hospital which rescues and rehabilitates sea turtles. It was amazing to hear about all of the things that they are able to do to help the turtles. We actually got to see 35 turtles that they were working with -- some had missing flippers, tumors, or shell damage. Some of these turtles will never be able to be released back into the wild, but most can. One surprise at the hospital was that they had dozens of iguanas just walking around on the property! That was too much for us girls -- Wendy decided she could not live here, even though it is beautiful, because there are too many reptiles!

Kayaking

Turtles

Yuck!!

Day 9: Navy Seals & Key Largo

The "road trip" part of our vacation has started. Yesterday we drove from Kennedy Space Center to Fort Pierce. There we started off the morning by visiting the Manatee Observation and Educational Center. Unfortunately, we didn't see any manatees, as we were told it was too hot for them.  After spending some time in the education center, it was on to the Navy Seal Museum.  This museum was a good reminder of what these brave men have done, and are doing for our country. Dan and Kyle loved all the gear and weapons on display.  Altogether, it was very fun and interesting. We then drove about 200 miles--past Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami, down to Key Largo. As soon as we got to our resort, we were off to the beach to enjoy the warm water and relax. Our hotel fronts on the Gulf Coast side, and the water is so nice and warm.  Across the highway is the Atlantic side which we plan to visit tomorrow. Can't wait for another fun day!

The "Frogman"

Don't see that every day!

Day 8: Kennedy Space Center

Today we enjoyed an educational day at the Kennedy Space Center. It was a neat experience to remember the history of the rockets and space shuttle programs, plus see where a lot of it took place. We saw the launch pad where they took off from, the vehicle assembly building (with huge cargo/garage doors), the shuttle landing strip, and the Saturn V rocket. We also watched an IMAX movie on the International Space Station, ISS.

Can we go to the moon too?

It was interesting to learn about the future of NASA now that the shuttle program is complete. They are working with private companies to explore other planets and continue with the ISS program. They also had an Angry Bird exhibit that the kids enjoyed -- involved taking Angry Bird bean bags and using a slingshot contraption to hit targets, but generally captivating. We also learned that within the NASA property is a nature refuge with bald eagles, manatees, alligators, and lots of birds. We then drove down to Fort Pierce for the night and enjoyed a "southern" meal at Cracker Barrel restaurant.  Ahhh.......

Launch pad in the distance

Day 7: Last day at the Resort

Today was our last day at our resort in Orlando. It was another day of relaxation. The kids swam in the pool, played in the game room and enjoyed some shaved ice, while the adults enjoyed reading and laying by the pool. Erin and Wendy also had some "bonding" time on a paddle boat, exploring the lake. It was very hot, so they only lasted about 30 minutes, and then went and jumped in the refreshing pool to cool down.  This was the last day with family, as Debbie and Zach went back home tonight. It was great to be able to spend an entire week with them, since usually Debbie and Wendy only get a few days together, every couple of years. Tomorrow it is on to Kennedy Space Center.

Paddle boating

Wendy and her sister

Day 6: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Today we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios. We enjoyed all of the shows and rides that we wanted to, except Fantasmic--more on that later. Our favorite show was the car stunt show--it was incredible. The favorite ride was the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. At the end of the night, we were ready to watch the great Fantasmic show--after being "herded" into the seating area.  Once we sat down, we were informed that due to the weather (no rain, but some distant thunder) the show would not take place. It would be fine to cancel the show for safety reasons, but they could have informed us earlier before we spent 30 minutes of our time or felt like cattle! So to end the day on a good note, we rode Rock 'n' Roller again! This park was different than our experience in the other parks: we actually had to wait in lines for longer than 10 minutes for several rides and it was very crowded.  The best thing though was it didn't rain on us, with all of that being said, it was our favorite of the three parks we visited. Now the Disney portion of our trip is over--bye Mickey and friends.

Our favorite ride

Toy Story Mania

Day 5: More Resort Time

Today was another relaxing day at the resort. Enjoyed a morning in the sun, and then watched tv and read during the afternoon rain inside. Erin and my nephew, Zach, went fishing for about 4 hours in the little lake here. They caught a lot of little fish, plus Erin caught a 3 lb. bass! This was all done in the rain! Tomorrow is another Disney day.

Fishing is serious business

One of the little ones!

Our view from the balcony 

Day 4: Animal Kingdom

Today we went to Disney's Animal Kingdom. We enjoyed seeing all of God's creativity with the various kinds of animals. We saw everything from elephants, rhinos, giraffes to African cranes, colobus monkeys, flying squirrel bats and everything in between. They had a show called Lion King that was spectacular! Later in the afternoon, we were enjoying the parade when a Florida downpour came. We all reached for our ponchos again! This time the rain only lasted about an hour instead of the rest of the day. We have become experts at putting on and taking off ponchos in record time when we hear lightning or see clouds gather. The rain comes in fast, and it pours.  When we left the park, we went back to the resort, and Dan and the kids went to the pool and "cuzi" to end the day.

Locating all of the birds

More rain

Day 3: Resort

Today we spent a relaxing day at the resort. We slept in, layed in the sun, played in the pool, and enjoyed visiting with Wendy's niece Melissa and her family. The kids pretty much spent the entire day in the pool--they do have gills and fins, so no surprise. It was a great way to recover from yesterday, and prepare for another Disney day tomorrow.

The whole gang

Dan relaxing

Our fish

Day 2: Epcot

Today we went to our first Disney park--Epcot. It was a jam-packed day. We did everything that we wanted to do! Here are a few of our favorite things: Kyle--Mission Space (Yes he went on the "Orange" side--which equals lots of spinning and craziness--Dan didn't know if he was going to make it through that one without emptying his stomach!), and Test Track. Erin--Test Track and Sum of All Thrills (You create your own roller coaster ride and then go in a simulator to ride it.) Dan--just being with the family and having fun. Wendy--Sum of All Thrills and the Canada circle vision.
We were going at top speed in the morning, but then got slowed down a bit in the afternoon when one Florida thunderstorms hit. Wendy decided to brave the elements and made the family run in the rain from Mexico to Norway (we can't be wasting time waiting out the rain). We had ponchos on, or at least some of us did, and we still got soaked! The up side was that we were able to get on some rides without any wait. Actually, the longest we waited for any ride was 10 minutes all day!! We made an afternoon stop in Germany for a treat of pretzels and strudel to get out of the rain. Overall, it was a great day!

The Family at Epcot

Storm rolling in! 

Trying to stay dry

Night/Day 1: Daytona Beach

Well this has been a long night/day....the kids finished their last day of school yesterday around noon, and then we were off to the airport that evening. We flew the "red eye"--on two separate flights!! A long story, but basically Dan and Kyle were on one flight, and Wendy and Erin were on another. The boys arrived about 4 hours ahead of the girls. They got the rental car, had breakfast at IHOP (ask Kyle about his fabulous breakfast), and then tried to sleep a couple of hours. It was then off to Daytona Beach.
We went straight to the beach to get into the Atlantic Ocean. Dan loved driving on the actual beach and then parking. Kyle ran to the water, and couldn't believe how warm it was. Erin spent her time looking for shells and dipping in the water. Dan and Wendy enjoyed just being able to relax in both the water and on the sand. Then it was off to a chocolate factory, Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, to go on a tour and get some treats. It was a little "mom & pop" type place--it was just a little shop and they were super friendly. We wanted chocolate covered strawberries, and they only make them to order--so we got to watch them dip and decorate the strawberries through the observation windows. These strawberries were to die for!
Then it was back to Orlando and we picked up Wendy's sister, Debbie, and nephew, Zach to go to the resort. Dan and the kids all headed straight for the pool, of course. We got all settled in our new home for the week and are ready to hit Epcot tomorrow, bright and early.

Enjoying the Atlantic Ocean

Watching our strawberries being made

Another summer, another vacation

Well, it is that time of year....summer vacation. This year we are headed to Florida for a couple of weeks. I will try to update our blog each day, but you never know about technology! We would love for you to comment along our way. We will be spending the first week in Orlando with Wendy's sister, Debbie and her son, Zach. Then it is a "road trip" all over Florida--down to the Keys, the Everglades, Sanibel Island, and then back up to Tampa, and back to Orlando.