Florida

Here it is nearing the end of January; the joy of Christmas has now faded into the long cold winter.  The other night on the news, I heard we were now in the top 5 for most snow in the winter.  A combination of heavy snow fall followed by below freezing temperatures had cabin fever setting in on everyone.  A trio down to sunny Florida was just what the doctor ordered for our severe case of cabin fever.

The plan was to drive the motor home down to Jacksonville and see cousins there for a few days, then enjoy  Disney and finally to Spring Hill to deal with some rental property.  We held off on telling Little Man our plans for a bit but call it a side effect of our cabin fever we finally told him and his reaction was not what I had expected.  He was okay with the idea but not jumping up and down at the thought of going to Disney.  I think it’s more because he just thinks of Disney as a channel on the T.V. and not the magical place in Florida.  We did our best to load up the RV in the freezing temperatures, warm Florida thoughts got us through the loading. 

With the Jeep in place behind the motor home we started out on our adventure.

Auntie GiGi and I traded off driving the giant Motor home towards the warmer climate.  A popped fuse on the heater and a tire blowout slowed us down a bit but we pushed on.  As the kids watched movies, played and finally fell asleep I drove through the night, a rediscovery of coffee had me going all the way to dawn and a stop at the Florida welcome center.  I was so excited! Wait until the kids see we are in Florida and that we can get orange juice here.  I pulled the RV into the rest area and turned around excited to tell everyone and as I turned around I was met by a bunch of sound sleepers.  Oh well, l guess I will still stretch my legs and grab some Florida orange juice.  When I returned Auntie GiGi was awake and ready to continue the drive.  We grabbed some orange and grapefruit juice for the kids of course Jame did not like the grapefruit juice at all.

We arrived in Jacksonville and Little Man was excited to see his cousins, he talks to them all the time on the phone, well that’s what he tells us who he’s talking to on his play phone.  Shortly after seeing his cousins again they asked if he liked to play video games with them and from that moment on he could care less if we were there or not.  They all seemed to have a great time playing with each other.  Little Man is terrible with names so his cousins became those girls (Kelly, Lucy and Sara) and that man with a beard (Peter).  As she always does Hope had fun just being around all of them and the staircase that Jame loved to climb when he was one was also Hope’s favorite place to be.  One time the cousin man with a beard told us that she was upstairs by herself as if it were normal; we quickly ran up and got her down.

After a couple of days of relaxing and catching up it was time to leave for Disney but Little Man did not want to leave he wanted to stay with his cousins.  We did finally convince him that he will like Disney and reluctantly he climbed into the motor home.  We were now Disney bound with more excited adults then kids. 

A few years back we vacationed at Disney and bought park hopper tickets that never expire; somehow we managed to hold on to them for all these years and now we are collecting.  We have friends who are Disney Fanatics and we made a phone call to them for advice on our trip, their daughter Katie is a Disney planner.  Since our trip was so spontaneous we needed all the help we could get and boy did she help us out.  Katie got us a camp site at Fort Wilderness in the loop we wanted, reservations at Chef Mickey’s and a hair cut appointment for Hope in the Magic Kingdom.  Trust me it wasn’t easy even as our plans changed a bit and luckily Katie continued to help.

We arrived at Fort Wilderness and they quickly gave the kids First Visit buttons to wear which they did for maybe five minutes after we got there and then they were handed off for us to hold on to.  We parked the motor home got set up then went for a little walk to explore, boy do some people get into camping at Disney with lights strung up all over the campsite, inflatable Mickey’s, pink flamingos with Mickey ears on and even portable lamp posts.

That night we headed over to Downtown Disney to shop and explore.  I had already picked up Disney shirts for the kids at Once Upon a Child and boy was I glad I did after looking at the prices for the kids shirts.  We arrived grabbed a quick bite then walked down the boardwalk.  One of our first stops was the Lego store and then that’s when Little Man stated to get excited about Disney.  He loved the Lego store the big Lego statues of The Incredible Hulk, Buzz and Woody, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the sea monster in the water across from the store, although he never could figure out why they would put all those Lego’s in the water.  We sat down at a few tables and started building whatever came to our minds.  Mommy didn’t quite understand the whole Lego thing but she was happy to watch her boys and Mimi play with Lego’s.  We played for a while there and of course Little Man was very excited when Mimi bought him some Lego’s but what are Mimi’s for?  It took some convincing but we got Little Man to leave although I think he would be happy still playing there if we would let him.  Ghirardelli was our next stop for some ice cream and man was it good.  We took the ice cream and headed out on the board walk when we heard a concert going on for kids.  We headed over and sure enough there was a DJ performing for kids Little Man’s age.  He looked up at me with the Please Daddy look that is impossible to say no to but for this I had no problem saying yes.  Before I finished saying go ahead he was down there with the rest of the kids dancing around and being silly.  I’m not sure what exactly they were doing. I do remember a song about McDonalds, Kentucky Fried chicken and Pizza Hut.  Whatever this was all about the kids sure did love it.  We then headed home the next morning was going to be very busy.             

I awoke the next morning to rain and decided to delay our start a bit.  I awoke the kids and told them that it was true!  I had already been outside the Motor home and as promised Tinker Bell had left gifts for the good boys and girls at Disney World.  Little Man was very excited and came out to get the gifts for him and Hope.  Little Man had not believed me when I told him about Tinker Bell but now he told me that I was right she had left them gifts.

 We loaded up the stroller and made our way to the boat that would take us to the Magic Kingdom.  I had read on my new friend, Pintrest that the transportation cast members carry transportation trading cards with them and all you have to do is ask.  Sure enough they had a bunch of trading cards with all the different boats on them and Little Man got a bunch of them.  We arrived at the Magic Kingdom and once again Little Man started to get excited especially when the Monorail went by.  We then faced the task of changing out old hopper pass cards into the new wrist bands that Disney now uses.  This was no easy task and even after we entered we still had to go over to the Chamber of Commerce to complete the transition.

Soon we were transited over the new system and the Magic Kingdom called.  We headed down Main Street and of course had to take photos with the castle in the background wearing the Mickey Mouse ears we bought at Downtown Disney.   I don’t think Jame was fully understanding where we were at this point we tried to explain to him that this was the Magic Castle, the same one at the beginning of all his favorite movies.  “Okay” he responded. 

Maybe when we hit our first ride or start seeing some characters he will understand but at that moment all this felt like to him was another one of Dad’s photo shoots and the faster he smiled the faster we get done.  We did our best to take the pictures and move along but it’s hard when you have such a wonderful place to take pictures and such wonderful kids to take pictures of.  We got as many pictures as we could not only were the kids done taking pictures but so were we as we were at DISNEY!

As we got closer to the castle we found ourselves in a strange gap in the crowd, we had left the hustle and bustle of Main Street and it felt as if the crowd had not.  I couldn’t believe my eyes as there sitting in front of the castle was the Disney fire truck all by itself.  Both the kids were very excited and had no problem jumping up on the fire truck and of course I couldn’t help myself and the camera started clicking away.  We got some great pictures and the kids had a bit of fun and after a few minutes we noticed the Main Street crowd had discovered our little secret and a line had formed waiting to get on the fire truck.

Next it was the walk through the Magic Castle and looking for the first ride.  Dumbo? Peter Pan?  Small World?  What ride to start our Disney visit?  We didn’t have much time we had brunch reservations at Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary hotel.  It’s a Small World had a little line so that’s where we headed.  As a kid I asked to go on this ride over and over again. 

We got in the boat and headed into It’s a Small World, the music started playing and the animatronics were dancing and Hope’s eye’s grew as big as saucers.  Hope soon started clapping with the music; I think it’s safe to say it was her favorite ride at Disney.  After the ride Little Man started asking to go again but we needed get to our brunch.

We raced out of It’s a Small World and headed out of the park and up to the Monorail platform.  When I was a kid we would stay at the Contemporary because we liked how the Monorail would go into the building.  The Monorail ride was one of our easiest at Disney since we did not have to break down the stroller to get on.  I truly wish Disney would run the Monorail to more places.  Unfortunately the ride was very short from the Magic Kingdom to the Contemporary but at least we got our Monorail ride in and just in the nick of time, since when we stopped, they announced that the Monorail would be out of service for maintenance.

I was nervous how Chef Mickey’s would go, all I could do was think back to the Michigan Avenue parade and how Little Man told me that was not Mickey that was just a man in a costume.  Here we are to eat and meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and Donald.  As we headed to our table we ran into Pluto, I was able to get a quick picture but I was a bit confused as it seemed Pluto did not really want to spend too much time with us, later I found out it’s because they make the rounds to all the tables.  The breakfast buffet was good and of course they had Mickey waffles.  Soon after we got our food one of my favorites stopped by, Goofy, here was the moment of truth what was Little Man’s reaction going to be?  His eyes lit up and he headed right over to Goofy and Goofy did not disappoint.  He was Goofy with all of us and Little Man jumped right in to take a picture with Goofy and get his autograph.  I had read about how kids would get character autographs at Disney and even bought a book for Little Man at the Dollar Store before we left for the autographs.  I’m still amazed that not only do they sign autographs but how well they do.  Goofy being one of my favorites, I had to get a picture with him as well but I did forget to ask him one of my biggest questions in life.  Is Goofy a dog?  Mickey already has Pluto and Pluto only barks but goofy can talk so what exactly is Goofy?  There I had him and I forgot to ask so the world may never know.

We finished the rest of our meal and all the characters stopped at our table for a visit.  Donald stopped by next and once again Little Man could hardly wait to get his autograph and picture taken with Donald.  Hope was a bit of a different story she was okay with Goofy but started not to like it as much with Donald.  Next was the main guy himself, Mickey.  Little Man jumped up again to get the picture and autograph and I had to get a picture with him as well after all it all started with a mouse.  Next up was Little Man’s favorite, Pluto once again he jumped up to get the autograph and Pluto took his book, put it up on his nose, signed it on his nose, then bent down for Little Man to take the book off his nose.  Little Man thought this was silly and laughed. 

The last one to stop by was Minnie Mouse, I found it interesting that all the guys were dressed up as cooks and now Minnie was not.  I also thought it was funny that the only female in the group was last and running a bit late.  Minnie was very funny but she came over behind Hope and gave her a scare and that was it, Hope wanted nothing to do with Minnie Mouse.  Little Man got his autograph and we did our best to get a picture but Minnie had burned her bridge with Hope.  The breakfast was great even with the evil Minnie Mouse scaring Hope.  Little Man still laughs about Pluto and we got to eat and meet all the characters without having to stand in line for an hour.

Off to Animal Kingdom and all we had to do was get on the bus which meant another stroller breakdown on to the bus off the bus put everything back in the stroller push to the security check point take everything out of the stroller so they could look at it put it all back push to the entrance put our wrist bands on the magic spot then our fingerprint on the next spot and then we are in.  I get tired even writing all of that again. 

 None of us had ever been to Animal Kingdom before so we thought to give it a try.  We used the fast pass on a few rides and even used Disney ride switch.  Ride switch allowed one of us to stay with Hope while the others went on a ride and then when they got off we switched who stayed with Hope, it worked out great. 

One of the first rides we went on at Animal Kingdom was Dinosaur where you ride in a Jeep back in time to recover a dinosaur, needless to say things go wrong and dinosaurs are jumping out at you.  Little Man did not like this ride at all, it was dark and scary, in fact when we got the rider swap he didn’t want to go on again.  We also went on Kilimanjaro Safari’s ride we piled into a supersized truck and they drove us off on safari.  We saw zebras, elephants, zebras and were even surrounded by giraffes.  Hope just loved being on the truck and Little Man loved all the animals around.  Expedition Everest was next Aunie GiGi and Mommy went on the ride with Little Man while I walked around with Hope.  There was a bit of a problem getting him on since he was just tall enough to get on depending on the measuring stick used but, Mom knew how much he wanted to go on and with a little convincing she got Little Man on the ride.  When they returned with the rider swap, Little Man did not want to ride again, so Mom and I did and it wasn’t long before I saw why he did not want to ride again.  He normally loves roller coasters but this one you are being chased by a Yeti who destroys the tracks and a few times you see the yeti or his shadow.  I still thought it was the best ride at Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom was closed at five and Hollywood Studios was open until ten.  We climbed on the bus towards Hollywood Studios.  A task that is not easy with the kids and the stroller, I wish we could just wheel the stroller, kids and all onto the bus.  When we arrived, we entered and started looking for a place to eat but without reservations, it turned out to be a bit difficult.  Luckily we found some fast food, the kids ate but you could see on their faces they were just about “Disneyed out”.

After a quick bite and a well deserved rest we headed out to explore Hollywood Studios.  I had heard great things about a Toy Story ride but couldn’t remember the name of it.  One of the problems we had at Disney was navigating around the parks we had maps and mobile apps but they are hard to use when pushing a stroller and watching two toddlers. 

It took a bit of walking around but we finally made it Toy Story Midway Mania.  We were met with a wait time of forty five minutes and our time was slipping away to the park closing.  We looked across the way and there was Buzz and Woody inside a building taking pictures, we headed over and that was a thirty minute wait, we did not want to wait thirty minutes for a picture.  I took Little Man over to the window to see Buzz and Woody I stated as excited as I could “Look It’s Buzz and Woody!”  Little Man replied “Dad!  That’s not the real Woody and Buzz!”  “I don’t know they look pretty real to me.” I replied.  “Well the real Woody and Buzz are toys and toys are small and those guys are big.”  It’s kind of hard to argue with that logic.

We found ourselves with three choices, one navigate to another ride, two wait thirty minutes to take a picture with two guys dressed up as toys or jump in the forty five minute line for the Toy Story ride. 

We jumped in the line for Toy Story (for those of you wondering you are only allowed three fast passes a day at one park.  We had used Fast Pass at Animal Kingdom so it was not an option at Hollywood Studios.) 

As we entered the line and headed into the building we knew we had made the right choice.  The line was filled with overgrown toys to look at, and Etch a Sketch that was drawing away.  Later in the line there was a huge Mr. Potato Head whose eyes were a video screen and moving his arms and I think he tried to start a conversation with Little Man.  Before we knew it we were nearing the front of the line getting our 3D glasses and jumping in and taking our weird looking gun.  The ride takes off and soon Woody is explaining to you how to shoot the gun at the screens.  You get so long to shoot at one screen before your toy box ride spins you to the next screen.   It was great fun but with all my shooting, I didn’t see if Little Man liked it or not but as we got off he was smiling from ear to ear saying “I want to do that again!”  Why not?  We got right back in line with Etch a Sketch and Mr. Potato Head again.  This time I was with Hope who also loved the ride and was smiling her way through it.  We fired away and once again when the ride ended Little Man wanted to go again but we decided to see what else Hollywood Studios had in store for us.

We walked over to see if we could catch the Doc McStuffins show.  Doc is one of Little Man’s secrets, he loves the show but doesn’t like to talk about it because it is a chic show.  When we arrived where the show was we found we had missed all the shows for the day but there was a dance party with some characters.  When we first entered they were playing “Let it go” from Frozen and a foam type snow falling from the ceiling.  Dancing around with the kids was Handy Manny and another of Little Man’s favorites Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  We did our best to get pictures with the kids but you could tell they told them to dance and not to pose for pictures with the kids.  They were also making balloon animals; Hope got a flower and Little Man got a sword.  Soon after, Goofy followed by Mickey and Minnie entered the dance party.  Hope still wasn’t too sure about Minnie but we tried to get another picture, not to easy with her not sure of Minnie and Minnie not stopping dancing.  The kids had a great time dancing around with all the music and lights it was a great time to see them so happy.

Our time quickly ran down at Hollywood Studios and we started our long trek back to campsite.  Once again, we did our load unload routine on to the bus.  Little Man wanted to sit in the back of the bus so Mom took him and Hope to the back of the bus, Auntie GiGi and I gathered the bags and the stroller and got on the crowded bus.  The bus ride turned, as Hope decided to see how Little Man’s balloon sword tasted.  A loud POP, from the back of the bus and them some tears, Mom did her best to soothe Little Man but he was just too tired.  This really was our only problem at Disney and it really was not that bad.  As one of my friends on Facebook later stated

“That’s what little sisters are for.  Introducing you to the disappointments in life. So, when you grow up you can handle the ups and downs.”  After a bit of an adventure by getting confused with Wilderness Campground and Lodge, I’m disappointed that Disney named two areas the same thing.  Where’s the Disney creativity?  We arrived back at the motor home and the kids quickly fell asleep. 

We thought about doing the same but then thought Downtown Disney sounded like more fun.  Unfortunately most of it was closed but we were able to get a Ghirardelli chocolate malt and then to an Irish Pub for some food.  We took a moment to reflect on the magic of the day and plan for another day filled with fun and laughter.

The next morning, I was awoken by Little Man telling me the sun was up.  The sun was up but my stomach dropped since I knew Tinker Bell had been up late last night and needed some help.  I put a cartoon on for Little Man to watch and I snuck out to help Tinker Bell.  When I finished helping her, I went back inside and Little Man had fallen back asleep again of course. I awoke him with the news that Tinker Bell had returned last night and brought more gifts.  This time she brought some cars and Jake and the Neverland Pirates coloring book either because she knew he danced with Jake last night or she knew what happened to his balloon sword.

We got ready and headed off to the boat launch for the boat ride over to the Magic Kingdom.  I had read that the transportation workers at Disney carry trading cards with them as well and with the help of Auntie GiGi, we got Little Man some cards.  They have trading cards of the boats at Disney the Monorail and the Busses.  He took them and put them in his special drawer in the motor home.  We rode the boat over to the Magic Kingdom with the plan of staying there all day and the only scheduled event was Hope’s first haircut at the Barber Shop on Main Street.

We arrived at the Magic Kingdom and I was thankful that this was the only time we were going to have to do the stroller pack and unpack for the day.  I think it’s hard for anyone who likes to take pictures not to walk down the main entrance of Disney and not want to take a hundred pictures especially with two cute kids along. This time thanks to my new friend Pintrest I had a few ideas for pictures by the castle.  Hope got a Cinderella dress and what a better place to take pictures of a princess than in front of the castle.  I also got Little Man some Mickey ears and hands to take some pictures of him in front of the castle.  I did see one picture with the brother dressed up as princess protection agency with the dark sunglasses but I couldn’t find a shirt.  Once again we lucked out with little to no crowd around the castle and I hope the kids had a bit of fun dressed up and playing in front of the castle.   After the hundred or so pictures we headed out for some fun. 

Peter Pan was one of the first stops I always forget what a neat ride that is and of course as soon as we got off Little Man asked to go again but we had a whole day of rides ahead.  Splash Mountain was also on the list but we were disappointed to find it was closed for renovation.  A new ride was the Little Mermaid, it was okay, once again standing in line there was a bunch going on for the kids and even Hope enjoyed the ride so did Little Man but we won’t tell anyone he enjoyed a mermaid ride.  Dumbo was a must with the kids but when we arrived at Dumbo it had changed, there were two identical Dumbo rides one for fast pass and the other for everyone else.  Halfway through the line for Dumbo we entered a building and found a huge play area for the kids and a bonus it was cool inside.

  I know it’s hard to believe that in one of the worst winters we have had in years we were in shorts looking for a cool place.  Little Man jumped right into the climbing tubes and slides and Hope made a friend in the toddler area playing with a fire truck.  After a bit we re-entered the line for Dumbo.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked over in the Dumbo ride and there was my old neighbor and third grade teacher.  We did our ride on Dumbo and in true fashion Little Man flew Dumbo high, really high.  After the ride they now have an area to take photos on a Dumbo.

Soon after Dumbo, there was a train, I believe to be Casey Jones from the Dumbo movie and it was a water park.  The Elephants were shooting water and all the other circus animals were also. 

It was hot and Little Man just wanted to run with the other kids so down to his underwear he went and into the spraying water.  I was able at this point to spend a few minutes catching up with my old neighbor and third grade teacher.  The only problem we had, was that Little Man needed reminding that his underwear needed to stay on even if it was wet.  After a short break and a quick visit to the men’s room to get Little Man out of his wet underwear we were off for more Disney fun.

Tea Cups were a must on our list and they did not disappoint.  Jame, Hope, Mommy and I loaded into our tea cup. 

Mom gave her warning about not spinning to fast but as soon as the ride started all four little hands in the tea cup grabbed the wheel and we were off and spinning.  All I could do was sit back and laugh as both kids could not stop their laughing as the cup spun around faster and faster.  The looks on their faces is something I hope I never forget.  Just like clockwork when we got off the ride Little Man asked to ride it again.  Mom looked like she had enough and Hope would have braved it but maybe it was time for Big Brother and Dad to have a little fun.  To the Tea Cups the two brave Steele men headed and spin we did.  With nothing holding us back we gave the tea cup a mighty spin and once again the smile and laughter that came from Little Man was priceless.

Naturally after all that spinning it was time for lunch but while Mom, Hope and Auntie GiGi went for lunch, Little Man and I continued our bonding on the race cars.  I was a bit disappointed that there was no Lightning McQueen or Tow Mater anywhere and Cars is one of Little Man’s Favorite movies, so this was the next best thing.  All the laughter from the tea cups soon disappeared from Little Mans face as he took the wheel he was very serious about driving.  Little Man’s driving skills are a bit scary for a kid of his age.  You can probably guess by now what he asked after the ride was over; “Can we do it again?” No lunch was waiting.

At lunch a few seagulls decided to help us eat our lunch and Little Man got a big kick out of feeding them and watching them scramble to grab a French fry.  I remember years ago feeding the seagulls at Disney and how nervous and exciting it was at the same time.  We finished lunch and playing with the seagulls and started to head for our only commitment that day Hope’s first hair cut.

As we made our way to Main Street the kids rode in the double stroller and it wasn’t long before they were both sound asleep.  Nap time had come to Disney.  We arrived at the Barber shop a bit early and of course they were running a bit late but no problem the kids were both sound asleep.  As she always seems to do Mom made some friends with a couple from New Jersey who had lost so many friends after 9-11 they decided to move to the happiest place on earth.  We talked with them for a bit and they gave the kids a bunch of Mickey stickers, unfortunately the kids never got to meet them since they were asleep.  Our new friends soon had to leave because they were parade escorts.  The parade started and it was a good wakeup call for the kids.  I’m not sure if they enjoyed the parade but it got them up.

With the parade alarm clock passed we headed into the tiny little barber shop.  Hope was a bit nervous at first I guess it’s not every day you get woken up by a parade for your first haircut.  While Mom talked to the barber I did my best to relax Hope and get her to laugh a bit.  Just like that a quick snip and off came the first curl.  He took some time to complete the haircut added some glitter then came out the My First Haircut Mickey Ears.  Hope was doing great and was starting to have a bit of fun.  Ricardo, the barber, put her first curl in a small silk bag with some magic glitter.  Hope also got a certificate honoring her first haircut at Disney.  Little Man then wanted his haircut but there was no time at the busy little barber shop.  I couldn’t help but to think back to his first haircut.

We were in Jacksonville Florida celebrating Little Man’s first birthday.  We had plans the next day to get his haircut but for now we were sitting outside enjoying the cool night air. 

Mom asked for me to watch Little Man as she headed in the house he was sitting on the couch next to me.  I was talking to Uncle Cousin Phil as I noticed Little Man leaning forward to see something on the ground.  The problem was he didn’t stop. It was all in slow motion, as his lean went too far and off the couch, he fell, head first on to the pavement.  The next day we took our bruised Little Man to get his first haircut.

I have to laugh that both our kids had their first haircuts in Florida and they both have a story about their first haircut.  I just hope Little Man doesn’t have brain damage from his.  I was happy we could get her haircut at Disney but I wasn’t sure it was going to happen when I went online to make an appointment and there was none.  Luckily one of my good friends family, are Disney fanatics and his sister is now a Disney Vacation Planner with Fairytale Journeys by Katie; she helped us not only get a haircut appointment for Hope but also our campsite in the perfect loop and reservations with Chef Mickey.  All of it last minute and she put up with the changes we kept making.  I’m not going to Disney again without calling her first.  Thanks Katie!

Nothing left to do at Disney but enjoy the rest of the time.  The Jungle Cruise was a hit, the kids always like riding on a boat and I love the comical tour guides they have.  Aladdin’s Magic Carpet ride is a lot like Dumbo but still a lot of fun and Little Man flew the carpet up high the entire time.  Tomorrow Land has a Buzz Lightyear ride. Little Man was a bit nervous, he didn’t want to see the Evil Emperor Zurg but he braved it out and we got on the ride and started shooting bad guys and helping Buzz Lightyear.  The Buzz ride was fun but Toy Story at Hollywood Studios was better.

After Buzz, the night was closing and a topic came up one more time, Space Mountain.  After the Dinosaur ride and a few others we were not sure if Little Man would like Space Mountain or not and given that this may be the last ride of the night did we really want to end it this way?  We decided to try it and while Auntie GiGi stayed with Hope we headed off to Space Mountain.  It was the end of the night and everyone was gathering by the castle for the evening fireworks so there was no line.  We raced right up to the front and the ride had changed a bit.  When I first rode Space Mountain you sat in a seat with someone else, I sat with my father for my first ride on Space Mountain. I liked the ride but I could barely breath afterwards from my Dad squeezing me so tight.  Now you sit in individual seats, which I think is an improvement.  We loaded in Mom in the front, Little Man in the middle and me in the back.  I didn’t want to scare him but it does get dark so I put my hand forward on him so he knew we were there.  We blasted off on the wild ride through the light tunnels and out into the darkness of space.  We raced around Space Mountain and it didn’t disappoint.  The question was how did Little Man like it and was he scared in all that darkness.  As we got off the ride and asked him how he liked it he said “I want to ride it again!”  So Auntie GiGi, Little Man and I raced back for one more ride on Space Mountain, this time with no hand from Dad.

After Space Mountain we sat eating some Ice Cream Mom had gotten from a vendor who was getting rid of it before it melted and watched the Fireworks.  It’s always magical watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom but also sad that the day was at a close.  The Fireworks were awesome and soon ended but I had read not to make your way out immediately and the shops stay open later and why cram yourself into a crowded boat, Monorail or bus.  We walked in and out of shops Little Man tried on a bunch of silly hats.  This was actually a great tip we and our big stroller avoided the crowds and had some fun as well.  After a bit of shopping and goofing around in the stores we made our way to the exit only to find Aunt GiGi with Hope and a new friend.  Walt Disney’s brother Roy has a statue with Minnie near the entrance of Disney.  Hope had taken a liking to Roy even with him sitting there next to Minnie who did nothing but terrify Hope.  We took some pictures there and outside in front of the Mickey flowers.

At the Mickey flowers, I took a picture holding both kids in my arm, one of my favorite things is to hold both of them.  I’m often asked if I’m okay when I’m holding both of them or carrying one of them for a long distance and my response is always,” yes I’m fine”.  One day soon as they grow I won’t be able to carry them and that’s when I’m not going to be okay.  We loaded on the boat and both kids fell right to sleep when we docked, Little Man did not want to ride in the stroller he wanted me to carry him.  I gladly carried him from the boat dock back to the camper. 

The next morning, Tinker Bell once again visited in the night and dropped off some gifts for Little Man and Hope.  We started to pack up the campsite and head out for Spring Hill Florida.  We drove away from Disney with some great memories and I hope Little Man is old enough to remember some of it and if not he’s got pictures and this blog to help him remember.

The real reason for our trip to Florida was to help Mimi and Auntie GiGi fix up a house that they had rented out and the tenants were evicted leaving the house in not so nice condition.  We worked and worked and worked.  Then came time for me to head back home for work, the plan was I would head back for a few days then fly back to drive home in the motor home.  On both my last days in Florida we spent the day at the beach.  The first beach day we went to a little beach that also had a playground and it was a great day. 

Along the beach we found a few small conch shells some empty and some with crabs still in them.  We collected a few of them to bring home.  That night we told Little Man that I would not be there when he woke up; he started to cry and asked to go with me.  My heart ached and I wish I didn’t have to leave him, he slept with me that night and in the wee hours of the morning I kissed his head goodbye, my heart still aching.

Home was cold and snowy with long work days and a quiet house at the end of the day, I could hardly wait to get back on the plane to see the kids again.  I wasn’t home long before I received a call from Florida some of the shells we gathered the day before were now crawling away.  Little Man wanted to fill the donut box with water and Mom well to quote Little Man “Daddy Mommy is freaking out right now.”  I couldn’t stop laughing when I heard that.

 I flew back and we worked more and more on the house but work was calling and Little Man’s pre-school was planning his school birthday.  The house was close but not done and we needed to head back.   We decided to enjoy our last days in Florida.  We headed out to St. John’s Pass Mom’s old stomping grounds her family had been coming here ever since she was little and she was looking forward to being there with the kids. 

We spent the first part of the day on the beach and Little Man loved running in and out with the waves, Hope liked it until a wave knocked her down and then she was done with the whole water thing.  We played on the beach until the sun started to set.  We headed across the street to the little shopping area and walked around.  Nothing to special; we walked the boardwalk, did a bit of shopping and found a great place to eat and got some Ice cream afterwards it was just fun to hang out with the family.  We then headed over to Aunt Jan’s house for a quick visit with her and Cousin Alex.

The next day on the recommendations of the neighbors we headed out to Homosassa Springs.  They had manatees, alligators a hippo, otters, bald eagles and a host of other animals. 

The park was okay, sort of old school Florida in the days before the mouse came to town.  The place was neat but I think our kids may have been a bit young for the thing.  The hippo named Lou was interesting and Little Man couldn’t believe how big he was.  As you walk around the Hippo area, you will see a sign that warns of the Hippos splatter zone with a picture to describe the mess.  It was kind of fun explaining to a four year old why they would have a sign like that and why a hippo would do something like that.  We got to see a bunch of animals ride on a boat and got a good walk in.  Now we needed to head home.

The new plan was for us to drive my Jeep that we had towed down behind the motor home.  We rented a small trailer and loaded it up with our luggage and toys said our good buys to Mimi and Auntie GiGi and the four of us in my little Jeep headed north, roughly a 20 to 22 hour drive.  The kids had a little DVD player, a bunch of blankets and some toys.  We drove out of Florida and into Georgia before stopping at a Chick-Fil-A for dinner, we ate and the kids played and when we hit the road again the kids ate in the backseat.  The kids did great in the car and soon were soundly sleeping in the backseat.  I would stop refill the tank use the restroom buy a coffee and something chocolate and off we would go again.  I thought about stopping a few times in the night but thought it was best to cover as much ground as possible while he kids slept.  I loved the view in the backseat of the two of them sleeping.  Occasionally Little Man would wake up when we stopped so he could go inside the gas station with me and I agreed mostly just to get another hug.  A lot of people have told me how crazy it was but the fact that we all got along in the small car was wonderful.

We arrived home in time for Little Man’s school birthday.  He was very excited about his birthday and we baked some monster cupcakes for his school birthday. Mom, Hope and I went to his pre-school to celebrate with him.  They had a puzzle cake he put together first and then they sang Happy Birthday and gave him a balloon and a stuffed dog that looks kind of like Juno.  Our lives have returned to their normal hectic pace and Little Man has a good soccer team for his last winter session.

All in All Florida was a great time and although we wish we had missed the long winter we’re still stuck in it felt great to be back.  A few years from now when Hope is older we will return to Disney and I know a visit to the cousins will be in order and maybe some more beach time.  I don’t know if we will be able to make the trip in the Jeep and I don’t know if I will be able to pick them both up at the same time but I will always be thankful for the memories.

I had to type this since Little Man asked what I was doing and after I explained it he wanted me to type;

Jame went on Space Mountain