Ahhhhhhh, vacation.

We had a fantastic trip to Orlando. The weather was fantastic in the upper 80s and sunny each day, and we made the most of it. Our hotel was more than we could have hoped for. Plenty of space in our two bedroom villa, and Gavin and Isabelle LOVED the Pirate Ship pools and water slides.

Our first planned adventure was to Sea World to check out some animals, and of course, meet Shamu. It was a warm day, and Izzy seemed to feel the effects, but she (with the help of her new Monkey friend) and Gavin persevered and we managed to meet all of the Ocean creatures that were on our list. Gavin even rode his very first big roller coaster. Twice!! I guess he really is a big boy now...
Gavin really wanted to see the Sea Turtles, and lucky for us, they were at the end of the circuit. Great motivation to keep him going all afternoon.
All I can say about Shamu and the trainers that work with the whales is, WOW!!! I don't know how they do what they do, but Donna and I left incredibly impressed. I think Izzy's favorite spot was the Stingray touch pool. Daddy touched the big ones, but Izzy really wanted to get her hands on one of the little "baby" ones.
Sunday, after a round of golf, and some splashing in the hotel pools, we met up with an old friend of mine and Donna's, and headed into Downtown Disney to check out the coolest store in the world, The Lego Store. Probably my personal opinion, but still a very valid description.


Poor Gavin. I believe we actually witnessed his senses reach overload. As he stood in front of the store, surrounded by larger than life Lego people, animals, dinosaurs, and robots. With huge moving Lego displays in each of the windows. All he could bring himself to do was place his hands on his head and exclaim, "everything is Lego!"
After a train ride, some good shopping, and a great meal at a terrific Irish restaurant, we headed back to the hotel to rest up for our big day on Monday.

DISNEY!! And, if you ask Gavin, he has completely bought into the marketing and will tell you it is Disney World, Where Dreams Come True. Kids are cute, huh??

What can I say. If you have been to Disney with kids, then you already know. If you haven't, then you will never understand. I'll try to sum it up in a few words. If you could bottle the energy and excitement that comes out of a child when they see Pluto, Snow White, Tigger, Pooh, Captain Hook, Timon, Pumba, Chip n' Dale, Mary Poppins, Mickey or Minnie, you would never need to drill another oil well again.
Then, take every stroller that you have ever seen in your life, and put them in one place, and you have a pretty good idea of a day at Disney. We had a great time, and more important, Gavin and Izzy had an even better time. They met Pluto, Snow White, Dopey, Mickey and Minnie, even if Isabelle needed a little coaxing to get close. They rode just about every ride in Fantasyland, and Gavin and I racked up some serious scores on the Buzz Lightyear ride in Tomorrowland. Izzy loved the Princesses, and of course, is in awe of Cinderellas castle. We will be back. I know it.

Great trip, great to see the whole family smile and remember what is important in life. We came home with a new appreciation of all that we have, as well as an extra suitcase full of things we didn't have when we left.