Silver Slipper: October 2011

The hardest part of this blog was trying to figure out what pictures to use.

Sophia is turning 5 on her Birthday. I wanted to do something special for her and decided to go to Disney. It worked out that Jenny & Whitney could also go.
Once we arrived at the hotel and checked in it was off to the pool. The pool was perfect for the kids they loved it. Jenny and I were able to sit keep a eye on them and have a well deserved cocktail.

The next morning we headed out to Epcot to have breakfast with the Princesses. Sophia hugged everyone of them. After the breakfast they had a parade around the restaurant. Both kids liked that.
Epcot really isn't for little ones so we hopped on the monorail for the Magic Kingdom. It is always so fun to see the expression of little kids the first time they see the castle. We then went on rides, had ice cream, all the fun things you do at Disney. It is a long day to walk, wait in lines and try to see so many things. I have to say they were troopers we did not have a stroller for them and they did very well. They both got to buy something before we left the park, Sophia bought Little miniature princesses that she can play and pretend with for hours. Whitney bought a Mini Mouse that she took everywhere we went. She loves it. Went back to the hotel so they could swim some more. Then loaded back in the car and headed to Downtown Disney for dinner. One really nice thing about our hotel the balcony you could see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Our next morning we went to Sea World. We did a 4 hour walking tour with a guide that was great. (We did get a stroller for that). It is a really great why to see Sea World and have hands on experience. We got to feed Sea Lions and see a brand new baby Sea Lion that is still to young to swim and was also a surprise to Sea World. Then we got to pet a Penguin, feed Dolphins, have great seats for the Shamu Whale show. It was such a good time we stayed even longer at Sea World. Found a area where you can pet sting rays. I think if Sophia could she would have got in with every one of the Dolphins, Sea Lions, Fish tanks , Whales you name it. When they both feel asleep in the stroller we realized it was time to go. I also have to add that Jenny loves Dolphins so I think Sea World was great for her also. Headed back to the hotel let the kids swim a little more then went out for dinner. Found a Tex Mex restaurant that was really good.

Our last day we went to Animal Kingdom. We ended up not staying a long time because of the crowds. Hopped on a bus and went to Hollywood Studios had some lunch and also realized it was really crowded. Went to the Little Mermaid show that was very good and the kids liked, then also the Micky Mouse and friends club house again the kids really liked.

It is amazing at how fast time goes. When I booked our flight I did n0t realize there were two airports in Orlando. ( I must be slipping) With a seven am flight the next morning I booked a hotel by the airport. Took the car back checked in to hotel, Jenny ordered pizza for us and its already time for bed with a 4:30 wake up call!

Off to the airport, and we all slept on the flight home.

Looking back at our trip I will have lots of wonderful memories. I have been very lucky to have been able to experience Disney with all my grandchildren. It is also a double bonus that I got to spend time with my daughter. I love you all very very much.

Breakfast at Epcot to meet the Princesses!

We see the Castle!!

Planning for Sea World

Sophia feeding Sea Lions

Kate our Guide at Sea World

Long Day at Sea World

This is long I know but it is what it is.
This camping trip we went to North Carolina. Our first two nights we went back to Salt Fork State Park in Ohio. The last time we were there it rained like crazy, well this time was no exception. Other then it was not as bad as the last time. We got lucky with our first night the rain stopped and we were able to enjoy a nice night with grass for the dogs. Always a good thing when it has rained. Next day rain but drove around and found a dog park:) We thought the dogs would run like crazy but instead smelled every inch of it.
Our next day we left for NC. Had a nice drive to next camp Bandits Roost. Not what we expected at all. Lots and Lots of kids, our camping spot we were told don't put awning out or any kind of canopy if a wind comes up will take it away.
The dogs really did well with all the kids riding there bikes all around us and cars non stop.
Thank goodness Ellen told me about a State Park near us. Stone Mountain. Love this Park!! We got really lucky great campsite, beautiful views and hardly anyone there. YEA!
We drove the Blue ridge Parkway this time a different direction then when we did our spring trip. I have to say it is a great drive. The views are incredible.
One nice thing about all the rain the water falls were flowing amazing. Downside very wet and slippery with the two kids that want to go much faster then there mom & dad.
We drove to Ashville but got a late start had time for some lunch at a outside cafe, and the dogs got to sit with us.
Started back to camp and decided to take another way back on the Parkway. Oops! The campground locks the gates at 8:00. Looking at the time thinking ok we should make it ( I might add as we left that morning both of us laughing about getting back in time) well can I just say we ran into a accident thank goodness no one was hurt. Then thought we could make better time getting of the parkway wrong. Got back on the Parkway feeling pretty good getting a little dark and yes detour! Now we are really looking at the clock with what seemed a hundred curves, and deer every where. We felt like we were not moving. I was freaking out and ever so acting calm. Ok worst case we have to walk back to camp in the dark 1.5 miles. Well good news we pulled in 3 min till 8. Both of us wanted nothing but a good stiff drink. I know Mike and I will laugh about this for a long time!
The next morning our last at this camp we decided to take a hike to a waterfall at the park. 328 stairs up and 328 stairs down Mike counted. Ran into a couple that told us to be careful they had seen a rattlesnake on the path sunning itself. Ok I am not sure I wanted the dogs to see one or if my old phobia kicked in, or the fact that last night and the stress kicked in. Whatever it was I opted to suggest ice cream for all of us.
Went back to camp then walked around the park it is so nice and peaceful I can say I could enjoy it even if it was raining. We got really lucky our last night the clouds left and we had a great fire leaned back in our chairs and had our very on planetarium. I also got to see three shooting stairs. What a great last night. Thanks to Ellen!!
Left for Rock Island TN. Nice drive. Rock Island State Park is old very pretty driving in but it is old and the campsites very small. The one we were suppose to have no way could we get in. Got lucky found another one nice partly because no one was there had a quite night but not worth staying two nights. We did get up in the morning and drove to see the twin falls. They were really pretty.
Left for home and wanting to stop half way and just find somewhere to pull in.
We found a KOA in Louisville that had a great write up. (Who writes these places Up??) So true to form our campsite is I think part of a road. Mike went to the store for a few supplies for the night. I and the two kids stay back. All of a sudden dogs go crazy Maggie goes threw the door and she has a man stopped in his tracks. I start to get her and he moves so she stops him again. I guess you should not come in our yard when my daddy's gone! I am sure that is what most of the people are use to walking threw. If that had been a hotel rooms I would not have had any part of it. I think I am slipping. The good news we got home safe, have a few funny stores and most of all we have all our hubcaps!