Summer Vacation: Day 3

Day 3 was the beach day, and the day Jess was looking forward to the most. She and Chase just can’t get enough of the sun and water and all the things that come with the ocean. I love the smell of the air and the breeze and just the happiness that comes with being at the beach. Since we were so close to Cocoa Beach (only about an hour) we decided to make a day of it.

The day got started with a quick lunch and some shopping for flip-flops for Chase. After that we headed on out to the Ron Jon Surf Shop. This place was huge and we loaded up with chairs and toys and all kinds of things to occupy our time in the sun and sand. Eventually we mad our way across the street to the beach and set up shop. It wasn’t too crowded and the water was perfect. Chase could hardly get his shirt off fast enough. He had the itch to get in the water. I felt the same way.

We spent the day going from the shade of our umbrella to the sand to build castles to the water for some boogie board action. We buried Chase in the sand at one point, just as the tide was coming in. Luckily he muscled his way out of that. The waves were a bit rough, but it worked out to our advantage. We were smart enough to bring a cooler with drinks and snacks so we didn’t have to worry about losing out spot.

Eventually we were all burned and ready for some real food, so we got cleaned up at the local shower and then headed off for some seafood at a local restaurant that was supposed to be the best around. Well, who ever said that about the place was spot on. It was some of the best seafood I’ve had in a while. So we sat and ate and reflected on the day. It was an awesome was to end our day at the beach.

The ride back to the hotel was quick and Chase was out 5 mins into it. I love me some beach and I love my family. This was the perfect day and virtually the beginning of the rest of an awesome week.

Pics and video coming soon.

Summer Vacation: Day 2

Day 2 of our week long vacation began with me gatting up extra early to go check out some timeshare deal at the resort we are staying at. We, much to my surprise I had my days mixed up and the buffet and presentation wasn’t actually until the next day (Sunday). Oh well, at least I was up and ready for Universal Studios!

I got back to the room and woke the family up so we could start getting ready for our first full day of fun. Jess was smart enough to get some food to cook from Publix so I made bacon and eggs and toast! Such a money saver that was. After breakfast we all got ready and hit the road. Luckily the hotel/resort is only like 15 mins from everything, so that worked out well.

Being a Saturday I expected the park to be super crowded…I was wrong. The park was virtually empty and we didnt have to wait more than 15 mins to get on anything. Chase and I rode the coasters and Jess joined us on the rides that weren’t as intense. I know she wanted to ride all the rides badly, but we we not gonna take any chances with the baby.

After several hours of walking around it was time to head back to our room. We recounted our favorite rides, for Chase it was the Rip Rockit Rollercoaster and Men In Black, for Jess and i it was MIB and the Disaster movie show (which Jess and I got to be part of)! Our dogs were barking and it was time for some food and some “night time action”.

The pool was cool and refreshing, especially after a long day of walking. It was nice to just be able to just relax and not have to walk. The first day ouf our week long adventure had come to a close and it was a doozy. Day 3 is the beach and I know we’re all juiced up for that!

Oh, I’ll be putting photos in once I get them all sorted out.

On our way to Disney!!!

Every year the family loads up the car and hits the road to some awesome location. Chase’s birthday is next week so what better way to celebrate than a trip to the most magical place on earth. We’ve been planning this trip for quite some time and the day has finally come!

This morning we got up “early” and headed out. First stop was to get some zombie bisuits* and snacks. I mean you can’t have a road trip w/o proper snackage. So that’s where we’re at. We are on the road, I’m blogging from my new iPad, thanks to my amazing wife! Stay tuned for more updates,

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Update:
We are making good time and are about to cross the state line. After a lil’ pitstop for some food we are back on the road. Just a few more hours and we’ll be there!

Oh, and Jess decided to give us all a little Mariah to kick the second leg of the trip off.

Update 2:
So, this is the second time I’ve typed this update so it probably won’t have the same effect as it did the first time. Yay for WordPress on the iPad crashing when i was saving my post.

Anyway, so we finally made it to our hotel and it was pretty much perfect. When I think of family vacations, this place is what I think of. We got all settled in then hit up the Publix for some food to snack on and eat throughout the week. Once we were all unpacked we headed on down to Downtown Disney. I made us some reservations at Rainforest Cafe, which leaves much to be desired for the adults and we were all set. We explored around for a bit then had dinner. Chase really enjoyed the place and had fun during the “storms”. After dinner we were all ready to head back to the room and get rested up for the adventure that would be Universal Studios tomorrow!

This trip has already proven to be thoe best one I have ever been on. At dinner I had the realization that in the past few months I have gotten a promotion at work, gotten married, gotten my wife pregnant, and taken my family on a Disney vacation! This, to me, is what it’s like to be a father. I am able to provide for my family and give them the things that make them happy. My son and wife make me so happy and fulfilled in life.

If today was any indication as to the rest of this trip, I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.