We took an eight day trip to Florida to see Betsi's Dad
and Step Mom in Bonita Springs on the Gulf Coast between Fort Myers and
Naples. They moved since last year, so this was our first visit
to their new house. We spent some time getting caught up in each
other's lives and taking it easy. We also spent some time at the
beach, a craft festival, a canoe ride, and the swimming pool. The
kids lived in the pool. See over 20 more photos in this photo
album.
We spent two days at Disney's Magic Kingdom
and it wouldn't have been complete without a picture with Mickey Mouse.
We really needed two days to see and do most everything. There
is a nightly fireworks show at closing time and a night time parade
a few times a week. The lines were much shorter around 6:00pm
when the sun when down as many guests left for the day. The
park is great for pre-teen kids. See about 70 photos in this
photo album of Magic
Kingdom.
We heard and read about the Disney characters
in each of the Disney parks signing autographs. This was a big
hit with the kids! The autograph books have a plastic sleeve
on one side for a photo of the character and a space on the opposite
page for the autograph. See 50 photos of the many characters
in this photo album.
The Disney castle at Magic Kingdom is
quite impressive. See the 24 photos in this photo
album.
After a 12 hour day, everyone was tired.
On this third day, Ainsley fell asleep before the car ride back to
the condo.
Disney's Animal Kingdom was a good park for younger children.
There were many animals and exhibits that you can't find at a zoo.
The centerpiece of the park was this sculpture that looks like a tree
with animals appearing in the trunk. I'm guessing the tree was 80-100
feet tall. See 30 photos in this photo
album.
Ainsley and Ryan fed the dolphins fish,
but were not brave enough to pet one at Sea World. See all of
the Sea World photos, including the ones below, in this photo
album of about 40 pictures.
Dolphin show was great and the kids enjoyed
it. Unfortunately, it was close to sunset and too dark to take
photos of the Shamu show later in the day. Ryan wanted to get
drenched by the 52 degree Fahrenheit salt water and stood near the
glass. His wishes were answered and it took two days to dry
his shoes.
Ryan's fear of heights didn't stop him
from climbing the rock tower. Ainsley and Ryan didn't have any
fear jumping high on the trampoline.
This Thanksgiving was a rare time when Jeff's family was
able to get together.
Back row: Aaron, Jeff, Jeff, Julie, Dad
Middle row: Yvonne, Betsi, Grandma, Mom
Front row: Ainsley, Ryan, Jenna, Jessica
More Thanksgiving photos. Betsi and Yvonne, Jenna and
Jessica, Ryan/Ainsley/Jessica/Jenna, Julie/Mom/Betsi. See over 50
more photos in this photo
album.
After Thanksgiving, we spent a few days at Wintergreen
Ski Resort at Betsi's Dad and Step Mom's condo. Ryan was excited
to see snow again. We loved the fireplace after not using ours at
home for over 4 years. We were able to get some rest and relaxation
and some outdoor fun during our weekend stay. See about 40 photos
in this photo album.
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