A trip with friends

We went to Orlando and did a whirlwind tour of the city on a shoestring budget. If you know us, you know we vacation by listening to timeshare presentations. We have gone on some great vacations for cheap. This time was no different and we took along some dear friends.

We arrived in Orlando on Wednesday and were welcomed by lots and lots of traffic! We stayed downtown at the Sheraton, which was very nice but was a little far from the attractions....not that I'm complaining. On Wednesday night we found a Perkins for dinner - we don't have one here and for some reason I love their burgers. We had a wonderful waitress from Boston who gave us great service....4 adults and 5 kids....you need great service. There we purchased some big muffins for breakfast the following day. We had adjoining rooms and were able to put the little kids to bed early in one room so we could stay up later in the other room to talk, watch tv and play cards.

On Thursday morning we went to our timeshare presentation and then found a wonderful coupon for free kids meals at McDonald's....the huge McDonald's on International Dr. It was free entertainment and free meals for the kids! After lunch we went to the Fashion Mall to M&M World. It was sooooooo neat to see all the colors of M&Ms. We actually spent a while there while the kids ooo'ed and ahh'ed and while Michael, Eric and Jacob threw a toy football in the back of the store. There was even the M&M Nascar in the store. After M&M World we went to Outdoor World and spent a few hours. The boys shot targets and chipped a few golf balls. The little kids looked at the fish in the huge aquamarine. The adults walked around the store looking at all the interesting items....there was Elk Jerky there! We did not make a single purchase, but had a fun time. On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Taco Bell to get dinner for the kids. After dropping the big and little kids off at the hotel, Eric, Melissa, Michael and I went to Uno's Pizza for dinner. We had a wonderful meal with even more wonderful fellowship with dear friends.

On Friday, after stopping at Publix for snacks to take into the park, we arrived at Universal's Islands of Adventure. We spent the day riding rides and seeing the attractions. Michael's brothers met us at the park. For dinner we met Michael's dad (he works for Universal) for lunch/dinner. My favorite ride at the park is still Spiderman....everyone but Emily rode Spiderman and loved it. Since we ate a late lunch/early dinner, I suggested we go to Friendly's for dessert - and what a splendid idea it was. We all enjoyed our dinner/dessert of ice cream sundaes!

On Saturday morning we drove over to Ft. Wilderness and parked our vans. We rode the bus to the back of the campground and saw Cinderella's horses. The kids played on a wonderful playground while Melissa and I watched a nearby porch on rocking chairs. We then walked down to the water where Eric, Michael and Jacob were playing tether ball. The little kids played at the water's edge. It was a relaxing afternoon. We then rode the bus to Downtown Disney and at lunch at Earl of Sandwich - great sandwiches for great prices. We then walked around Downtown Disney and spent hours at Legoland....which worked out great considering it rained for awhile. The kids bought souvenirs and we got a treat at Ghirardelli's. We caught the bus back to Ft. Wilderness and parted ways.

On our way to Michael's dad's we stopped at IKEA so I could go in. My friend, Johnna, has raved and raved about the store and I had to see for myself. I could have spent hours and hours in the store, but only had an hour before the store closed. I bought a magnetic knife holder for my kitchen. Hannah and Jacob got hanging mesh holders for random items in the closet. And we bought a rolling desk for Hannah.

On Sunday we celebrated Michael's birthday with his family. Christy came over from the east coast and Jamie and his family joined us as well. Mark grilled burgers and brats.

Hannah and Jacob were a HUGE help with the Botley kids. It was really neat to see Hannah and Jacob help Melissa and Eric with their children.

Now....back to reality - school and work tomorrow.