Family Vacation

This was one of the best family vacations we've enjoyed! It was a perfect mixture of fun activities and old friends. We loved our little home for the week, which gave us plenty of room to entertain. We were so close to Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, Sea World, and lots of shopping. There were some friends we didn't get to see, but all the reunions we did have were very happy.

To end a perfect trip away, we had two days to get back into our lives at home. We unpacked, washed clothes, put them away, and straightened up the house. (I'll be honest and say that Cade did most of the work.) Tomorrow, it's back to work and routine for all of us, refreshed after a great vacation week.

We heard Mara begin to squeal from the other room. She ran to us, shouting, "Downtown Disney! I found him, Mommie! Downtown Disney!" (Thank you, Sharon, for the only Disney souvenier Mara got on this trip!) 

Ruthie and Mara and Jarek's tool box. (After seeing this fascination with tools, we bought her a nice tool box of her own. It's been a big hit!) 

Becky and Mara playing with Jarek's toys. We hope Jarek isn't the jealous type. 

Rusty listening attentively to Mara as she talked about the fish. 

Cade called it the "meeting with the heads of the five families." It was so nice to reconnect with everyone and reaffirm our friendships. 

Mara, Grandy, and puppy 

Mara at Grandy's house, where she met a friend. 

Sea World

We just had the best time at Sea World. I'm so glad we decided to do that rather than Disney. It was a wonderful day, great weather, and we got to see a new show that was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation day.

The pictures are in reverse order from how we took them. So, if you scroll down to the one that says "Mara at Sea World," and then move up, you'll see them in the right order. The last few are at Downtown Disney, where we went after leaving Sea World so that Cade could get his Ghirardelli chocolate milkshake fix.

Sweethearts 

On the train ride at Downtown Disney. WooHoo! 

Mara on the jumbotron. ("What's a jumbotron?" asks my mother. Well, now you know.) 

Mara was afraid to climb herself, so I wound up carrying her on my back the WHOLE WAY UP! Here, you get to see us acting like spiders in a web--8 limbs proves it. Ignore the arse. 

He's giving the horse beer. (This theme will repeat.) 

Sandra having a conversation with the turtle about skin conditions.  

At the manatee exhibit. This photo has to win a prize somewhere, right? 

"Dory!" 

He's kissing a sea horse. (This theme will repeat.) 

3 generations. We had a wonderful day! 

"Did he come from the Ark, Mommie?" 

"Is that the Ark, Mommie?" 

Mara at Sea World 

Thanks

Tamara,
Michelle, Matthew, Olivia, Breanna and I enjoyed hanging out with you and your family. Thanks for inviting us.
--Tim

Cade and me. Again, picture courtesy of Michelle. 

There's a picture of Tim. You should see his kids swim! 

Mara and Breanna in the kiddie pool. Thanks for the great pic, Michelle!

Tim's family with Mara. Left to right: Olivia, Michelle, Mara, Breanna, and Matthew.

Step 1: Graciously accept balloon toy from man at the cafe. Say "thank you!" and squeel with delight. Name it "Chango Pelon" and play with it.