Christmas

Well December has flown by. We had a great Christmas. Kid's are on break and they are getting along suprisingly well. Jessi has had a few moments but she is almost 13!

Making Fudge!

Josh wanted to make fudge today. Since his dad (who usually oversees this endeavor) was out checking cattle with grandpa Albert and Jake. It was up to Josh, Jenni and I to figure out how to do it.

Josh read the recipe, added all the ingredients, and stood and stirred the fudge until it reached the correct temperature. Jenni buttered the pan for him. The only thing they let me do was stir in the marshmallow creme when it got too thick.

It turned out delicious and I am so proud of Josh! He did a great job!

He loved licking the bowl!

Football Semi-Finals

Friday was spent getting ready for the big Class B semi-final football game against Canton. It was held in Enid.

We had already beat Canton four weeks before by about 30 points to become District Champions. But as you know big games can be unpredictable. It was very close the first half. Then during the second half we really pulled away.

Next weekend will be the finals. Not sure where yet. How awesome to be in the state finals. I'm hoping it really sinks in with my kids. I hope they get the desire to be there themselves when they are playing football!

Sorry no pictures. Forgot my camera!

Thanksgiving!

This year we spent Thanksgiving at my sister's new home in Edmond. It is a beautiful home and they have it decorated so nicely.

Everyone was there! Our parents and their spouse/significant others, our grandparents, all three sisters (Bengi, Kimi, and Kati) and all of our immediate families, and Chad's (Kimi husband) mom, dad, and sister. It was so wonderful for us girls to have everyone together.

Since my parents divorced 25 years ago it has been stressful to get everyone together. I have to say on my part, even though I think some weren't happy about it, it will be my favorite Thanksgiving of all time. To have everyone you care about together to break bread was so precious! Some times I think as kids of a broken marriage it is nice to have everyone in one house just to have all of your family together. We love everyone and it hurts so much to have to choose who to invite.

After lunch we had the first Turkii Wii Bowling Tournament. Kati's husband Brandon won 1st place and I got second. We received trophies and everything. It was really fun. Thanks Kimi for coming up with that great idea!

Thanks Kimi and Chad for your wonderful hospitality. It will be my favorite Thanksgiving for quite some time I'm sure.

Hello!

Well I guess this first post will be to establish some goals of this blog. This will be a place for me to post the happenings of my life. To highlight my children's activities and be a great place to document the things we do.

We live in a farm house about 20 minutes outside of Enid, Oklahoma near the small town of Garber population approximately 800. It is a warm and friendly little town that supports the school like none other that I have ever seen. We moved here 2 1/2 years ago and were welcomed. It made the move so much easier on me and the kids.

I do have to admit I hate living this far from Enid. I have always been very active in volunteer and social organizations and living this far out you really start to think about the gas and time it takes to go back and forth. I really miss that aspect of my life. For the most part now my life consists of only the kids activities. Such a huge change for me.

Well that's it for the first post. I look forward to sharing my life in a small town.

Home Sweet (stinky) Home

Ok I know what you are all thinking. I'm sad to be home and I think it stinks. Actually it is the more literal sense of the word. Yes we came home to a refrigerator that had quit. I'm guessing somewhere around the first week of our trip. The person who was supposed to be watching the house shall remain nameless but apparantly she didn't come in to check. All dogs are alive so I know they were fed. The pool had evaporated so much water the pump was running on air. Not sure if it will work or not yet. Great to depend on people isn't it.

So we spent about 3 hours getting the rotten food out of freezer and getting whole refridgerator out of house. It was absolutely gross!!!!!

We made it home ok. No problems with the RV. We can't wait for our next trip. We would like to go to a lake or campground close in the next few weeks. We all just love travel and the time we spend together. Back to normal here though. Kids all went to their rooms. Boys playing the wii. Jenni whining to me about wanting something to snack on. Back to normal for sure.

Tim has already gotten on the computer and ordered our photopass CD. There were some great shots on it. I'm glad to be home but sad also.

Thanks for following along. I'll post more pictures in the next few days.

Almost home!

Saturday, August 9

We got started this morning around 8:15. We headed out and had a beautiful drive up through Mississippi.

I actually drove for about a third of the day. Yeah me!


We ate in the RV. The kids really want to drive on home tonight but we stopped in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Tim picked this place tonight. Park Ridge RV Campground. It at least has cable and wifi. It could be a really cute place. there is a family that runs it and they live in a house on the grounds. It really has potential. I at least feel safe here unlike last night.
I think we are all ready to get home. The kids start school next week and we have quite a bit to do to get ready for that. Tim even commented tonight about how much he has enjoyed this trip. I am so glad we were able to take it. We have made memories that will last all of us for a lifetime.

I hope you have enjoyed the posts. Again I am sorry about the last week. I wrote everyday on the computer but I just couldn't find the energy to go up to the WIFI hotspot at 1:00 a.m. Thanks for reading and caring and praying for us on our journey. We love you all!

8-8-8

Friday, August 8

Well we got up this morning and got an early start. We left about 7:15 central standard time. We had a little trouble getting out of the Disney complex. We missed a turn and I got us turned around into the Epcot driveway. Luckily the parking booth attendant was able to get us back out to where we needed to be.

Kids slept until noon. I told you we were exhausted.

We drove and drove and drove.

We decided to stop for dinner in Pascagoula, Mississippi at a Cracker Barrel. Never, never, never stop at a cracker barrel in this area. Our waitress was a second act from Maxine. In fact we named her Maxine 2. I don’t know if this was her name or not but it fit. She took our order. Repeated it to us twice!!!!! It took over 15 minutes to bring our drinks. The food was all screwed up. She completely left off Jessi’s meal and half of Josh’s. She came back with Jessi’s in about 5 minutes. We sat for most of the meal without refills in our tea glasses and by the time everyone was done with their food, Josh still didn’t have his eggs with cheese. When they finally did come they didn’t have cheese. This is the first time that I ever remember Tim not leaving at least a little tip. It was absolutely horrible. Made for great humor for the rest of the evenings drive.

We stopped in Hattiesburg, Mississippi as Shady Cove Rv Park. Another one of my great picks. NOT!!! I picked it but it was horrible. The lady said she would leave an envelope with our site on it taped to the window. We get here at 9:00p.m. after driving all day. No envelope. So we just picked a site and left an envelope with payment. How crazy is that. It wasn’t quite as bad in the daylight but no cable and no wifi. I absolutely quit picking the RV parks.

Tim's Birthday

Thursday, August 7

Up and at em early. We were at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when they opened the gates. We walked directly to the Toy Story Mania ride and we still had to wait 30 minutes. Amazing!!!!! When we got off the wait was over and hour and the FASTPASS machines were already to 3:00 p.m. It is a fun little game though.

Jake, Josh, Jessi and I headed for the Rockin Rollercoaster. Great Aerosmith music for the wait. Little loud though. Oops showing my age. We get in the train which looks like a stretch limo. You pull up to this wall opening. It counts down and it rockets you out to about 60 mph in about 5 seconds then you start the loops and corkscrew turns. It was totally awesome!!!!!! We loved it. Too bad the wait was so long. We would have gone again.

Next we went and met up with Tim and Jenni and then went and had lunch at the Toy Story Pizza place.

After lunch we headed back to the RV to start packing things away.

We headed over to the Polynesian about 4:45. We are going to the Luau with the Sproats. We arrived at their hotel. It is beautiful. Lots of palm trees and very beach oriented. It is huge. I never would have guessed that there would be so many rooms.

The Luau was a lot of fun. They had a little show kind of deal. Josh, Jenni, and Hannah went up to learn how to hula. Jessi, Jake, Maddie, and Sam were kind of sticks in the mud. Our waitress Maxine was a joke. She was so confused and slow. She tried hard though. Kind of an older lady. She just couldn’t get it together. They asked for everyone with Birthdays. We made Tim go up and he had to do a kind of birthday dance with about 15 other people whose birthdays were today.

The kids loved the fire twirler. He was really entertaining.

After dinner, Jessica, Maddie and I went over to Magic Kingdom to use our Fastpasses. Jake decided to stay and swim instead of using his so we gave it to Maddie. We went and rode the Space Mountain Roller Coaster for our last hooray in Disney. I actually had tears in my eyes as I left through the gate for the last time. This has been so much fun. Every family should get to come at least once in their lifetime. We have all had an absolute blast.
I took Maddie back and her and Jessi swam for a while. Tim and I stood on the beach and watched the fireworks for the last time too. Again feeling such sadness that tomorrow we have to start home.

I think Tim was extrememly lucky to have spent his birthday in Disney World. What a place to turn 29 again.

Wednesday, August 6

Wednesday, August 6

Today we got up and hit Epcot early when it opened. We went right to soarin’. Tim and the kids got in line and I went and got FASTPASSES. I caught up with them in line and we all rode together. We then had breakfast in the restaurant and waited for our FASTPASS time. Laura and Maddie came and road with us instead of Jenni and Tim which was perfectly fine with them since they really don’t like it.

Next we went over to Test Track and got FASTPASSES for after lunch. Then we headed to the Garden Grill for lunch. Our waiter this time wasn’t as friendly. Kind of strange. It really goes to show that the waiter/waitress can really make or break your dining experience. The lady the first time we ate here was so nice and friendly and we loved it. Sam was so excited to meet Mickey and Pluto. Chip and Dale were also there. It was so much fun to see his eyes light up. Food was the same and really excellent. Just wish we had the first server again.
After lunch we headed to Test Track. We got right on. Hannah didn’t like it at all. The rest of us loved it. It is really fun when you get going around the outside of the building.

Tim has a blister on his foot and he was ready to head back. Jake and Tim headed back to start getting things packed up.

The rest of us went to the Nemo underwater ride. It was really cute. Then we went into this turtle talk where you talk to Crush from Finding Nemo. Really neat show. It is a film type deal with a screen only the turtle is really talking to the audience. He talks to kids. He asked for questions and of course my little clown Josh raised his hand. Crush called on him and Josh asked what he ate. The turtle answered him and then asked Josh what he ate for lunch. Josh of course says “I don’t know” They had quite a conversation about what he had to eat. It was really funny.

We came back to the RV and regrouped. Jessi, Josh and I took out for Downtown Disney. We had some other shopping we wanted to do. We rode the boat down to the West Side and then walked our way back to the bus stop. Really neat shops. Of course all tied to Disney. We headed home and got on the wrong bus in the campground. No big deal it just took us 20 minutes longer to get back home.

Then me and the kids headed for the pool. I just love the relaxing dip in the pool and the end of the day. Even with all the other people. Jessi really doesn’t like swimming with so many people around.

Tuesday, August 5

Tuesday, August 5

Everyday it gets harder and harder to get up.

Tim and Jenni decided to stay at the RV Park today while Jessi, Jake, Josh and I headed to Magic Kingdom. We went to the Splash Mountain Log ride. It was 9:45 in the morning and we had to wait an hour and ½. It was decorated with the Briar rabbit story and was very cute I think Jenni would have loved it. The kids loved it. Not very big drop though. Still pretty exciting.

When we got off the ride it was lunch time so we stopped and had hamburger and BBQ at Pecos Bill’s again. We really like this place. Good food and great carrot cake dessert.

Next we met up with Laura and Scott and went through the Haunted Mansion. Scott and Sam headed back to hotel and the rest of us walked around and rode a couple more rides. Nothing new today just the old stand by stitch’s great adventure. Josh really loves that one.

Tim and Jenni went to the pool and did crafts and had pizza for lunch. Jenni really had a good time. I kind of wish we had spent more time there myself.

We came back and got Tim and Jenni and headed to Animal Kingdom for dinner at the Tusker house. This was African influenced food and it was delicious. They had a peanut butter and jelly bar for the kids. It was really awesome. The desserts were fabulous. They had a cherry/apple cobbler like thing with vanilla sauce to drizzle on top. So delicious.

After dinner, I took Sam, Maddie, Jessi, Jake, and Josh and got in line for the Everest Roller coaster. The wait wasn’t too bad about 35 minutes. We get all the way up to the front of the line and train before us isn’t working right. Then they lost power to the whole ride. Now I don’t know if that is an everyday ploy to shut down the ride or if it was true but we weren’t able to ride. They gave us fast passes but we have to go back another day to use them. Don’t know if we will have time so it was really disappointing.

It looked stormy so we headed back to the RV. We all turned in pretty early tonight.

Monday, August 4

Monday, August 4, 2008

Today we all kind of slept in. We were all pretty tired after last night. We took our time getting around and didn’t head out till lunch time. We decided to go to Magic Kingdom for lunch.

OK now I understand about the great numbers of people and the long lines. It was crazy today. People everywhere. We were so lucky last week and didn’t even know it. It was crazy!

After lunch we went and road the Mickey Philaharmonic and It’s a Small World again. The wait for Splash Mountain the log ride was over two hours! We didn’t do that. We walked back around the park and headed for the shops. Jenni is looking for clothes for her baby Minnie doll.
Scott and Laura called. They had made it and are swimming at their resort. We are all meeting at the Contemporary resort for dinner.

We had to take the monorail to dinner. It was really neat. We ate at a restaurant called the WAVE. Kind of adultish for this place. The food was really good but again more of a formal atmosphere. This was the only place we could get in tonight though. When Tim called to make reservations last night, we were lucky to get the places we did. Last week we had no trouble at all. The person taking the reservations said this week is really busy because it is the last week before kids start school. Like I said glad we had last week with lighter crowds.

After dinner we decided to go to Animal Kingdom’s extra magic hours. We all rode over on the bus. Jessi, Jake, Josh, Maddie, Sam, Scott and I headed for Expedition Everest. Oh this was so awesome!!!! You get in a cart. It takes off nothing too dramatic. It takes you up a steep grade and the tracks quit. Then you go backwards for a while then the tracks change again and you go forward. A giant Yeti comes at you. It was so cool we rode it twice. It took us about 40 minutes to ride it twice. During the day the wait can be as long as 2 hours. It was so cool.
The first time we rode it Jake left his new hat in the cargo holder. We went back but of course they aren’t going to be real helpful. They are trying to get people on and off as quick as possible. They sent me to lost and found for the everest ride. The lady there said it had been turned in but they had already taken it to the front of the park at guest services.
We walked back to the front to meet Tim, Laura, Hannah, and Jenni. They had gone to see the Lion King show. It took about an hour to actually get to the guest services. No hat. They told me it sometimes takes a while for the cart to get back to them with the lost and found stuff. The gentleman there tried to get me to call a central lost and found in the morning. I said no. She said it had just been turned in and it was coming to here. We would just wait till it came in. So everyone else went home but Jake and I sat at the Guest services area till almost 11:00 when the guy came and took Jake to the store and gave him another hat. He told me it wasn’t here yet and he didn’t know how long it would take them to get it there. I thought that was pretty nice. If the lady hadn’t said it was turned in and they had it I would have just gone on but it was found and turned in and I didn’t want to have to go running all over this 43 square mile complex trying to find their central lost and found tomorrow.

Jake and I made it back around 12:00. So off to bed for rest for another big day tomorrow!

Laundry Day

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Well today was laundry day. I got up early and got things started. $2 to wash and $2 to dry. Yikes! We were running out of clean clothes so it was definitely necessary.

Tim, Josh, and Jessi went back to Epcot to ride the Soarin and Test Track again. They were able to ride soarin twice before the wait got too long. They spent the whole day at Epcot until we met them at the German Beirgarten for dinner.

Jake and Jenni slept until almost 11:00 a.m. I was able to get all the laundry done and most of the RV cleaned up. It wasn’t too bad because we aren’t in it for long.

When they got up and around we headed out for Magic Kingdom. We ate at the hot dog, corn dog baseball place again. The kids like the little corn dogs. We walked around and rode the Mickey’s Philharmonic. This is a really cool theatre 3D movie. It combines several of the movies and things come flying at you. At one point the broom from Beauty and the Beast throws a bucket of water on you and you actually get sprinkles of water on you. We loved this one.
Then we went to ride “It’s a Small World”. This is pretty lame but very colorful. One book said you will be sick of the song by the time you get off of the ride and that was pretty close to true. It is a boat ride through several rooms with little dolls decorated for different countries. Not much action but ok.

Next we went to meet Tim and Jessi and Josh at Epcot. We headed for Germany and the Beer Gartein. This was a really awesome restaurant. The tables were arranged on different levels all facing the stage. It was a buffet and thankfully they had macaroni and cheese on it for the kids. Tim and I loved the food. It was really spectacular. Then the entertainment started. It was really fun. Of course they had a small dance floor. Josh and Jenni went out and danced up a storm. They were so adorable. Jake and Jessi wouldn’t go. The squares! Josh and Jenni were swirling each other around. I got most of it on video. It was truly precious.

After dinner we headed to the gift shop. I had been putting this off but I figured I better let them spend their money. Unfortunately they didn’t get it all spent. So now I’m having to keep track of whose money is whose. They purchased some cool stuff though.

Next we headed back to the campground. When we got in, Jake, Jessi and I decided to go to the Magic Kingdom extra magic hours. We left here around 11:00 p.m. The park is open till 2:00 a.m. this morning. We headed straight for Space Mountain. I really thought they would chicken out. Jessi was really nervous. She did it though and of course the first thing out of her mouth was “lets go again.”. I’m really excited that my kids are finally liking roller coasters. The wait for this ride during the day can be as long as an hour and ½. We made it through twice in 30 minutes. We like those extra hours. The magic hours are only for guests staying in one of the Disney resorts. I was amazed at how many young tolddler kids were out that late.
After Space Mountain, we went and rode the race cars again for Jake and did the Buzz lightyear ride. By now it was pushing 1:30 and Jake was ready to head back.

This was really fun and awesome! We had a great day. Jessi was the real trooper because she was in a park from 8:30 a.m. till 1:30 a.m.

I'm Back

I am so sorry! We have been going so much that I just couldn't keep up. I was taking the kids to the pool at night. It was open 24 hours. By the time I got back it was so late and I was so exhausted that I couldn't go up to the front gate to post. I honestly have never in my life been as exhausted as I am now. I will try to catch up tonight but I'll add pictures tomorrow.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Well today we were a little slow getting around again. We headed out for Disney Studios around 9:30.

We headed right for the Toy Story Mania ride. The FASTPASS times were already after 4:00 in the afternoon. The wait time was already 50 minutes so we got a fastpass and started walking around the rest of the park. The kids were able to get Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s autographs. Then we walked around the corner and Lightning McQueen and Mater from the movie CARS. You only got to have your picture taken with them. That was really cool.

We watched a stage and movie of the Little Mermaid. It wasn’t quite as good as the others at animal kingdom but was pretty good. We went and had lunch at the Toy Story Pizza Arcade. It was good. Then we decided to head back to the RV for a little rest and take some time to clean up. We have been going so much that the kids haven’t even put their beds up. We aren’t in the RV till well after 10:00 and we usually go right to bed.

We headed back over to Disney Studios around 3:30. Our Fastpass times were 4:20 and 4:25. This really was a cool ride. You rode in little cars that spun around. You had 3D glasses on and a lazer gun. It was like arcade games. You shot at things for points. It kept track of your points and at the end of the game they were on a big screen. This was really a cool ride. The little kids liked it so much they wanted to go again. The walk up time wait was only 60 minutes so Tim took the little ones and waited in line. Jessi and I just wandered around the park. We walked down to the Rockin Roller Coaster. I couldn’t get her to get on even for $100. Josh and Jake said they would both ride it with me but by the time we got back the wait was over an hour and we didn’t have time before dinner. Maybe tomorrow.

We had reservations at the 50’s Prime Time Café. I was really looking forward to this. It is set in the 50’s and your waiter is supposed to act like your mom. Apparently, I’m not mean enough to qualify as a mom like these. Of course they did the usual yelling about elbows on the table. When the guy at the table next to us didn’t eat all of his green beans, she forked them up and made him eat them. It was funny but my gosh. We were thirsty from walking around. I drank all of my tea and she came back and told me to slow down. I was a little offended. The food was good. But overall, I was a little disappointed.

We headed back to the RV after dinner. I promised the kids I’d take them swimming after I get this done so we’ll probably be at the pool till after midnight.

So now we have been to all of the parks. I don’t know if it is that we are exhausted that the last two (Epcot and Disney Studios) haven’t impressed me much. If I were to do this all over, I would definitely do all of the other three first and save Magic Kingdom for last. It really is my favorite. Next would be Animal Kingdom (I thought I would like this one the least), Disney Studios, then Epcot. Although Tim and the three older kids are planning on going back tomorrow morning to do Soarin and Test Track again. Jenni and I are on Laundry duty in the morning. We are all running out of things to wear.


Sorry there are so few pictures. It takes over 5 minutes to upload one picture. I haven't downloaded todays pictures so I'll post them on Monday as well.

Next Post will be on Monday Night.

Epcot

Friday, August 1, 2008

Today we got up and headed out for Epcot. Tim and I were really excited. We thought this would be the park we liked best. We arrived shortly after opening.

We headed straight for the SOARIN ride. This is a ride where you are placed in a hand glider type contraption that lifts you off the floor with a huge screen in front of you. The very first scene Jennifer started screaming her head off. I kept yelling close your eyes, close your eyes. When she did, she was fine. Tim had to close his for most of it too. It was totally awesome. The seats would tilt and you felt like you were really gliding over the earth. The golden gate bridge, the Grand Canyon, over the ocean, over big cities. It was so cooooool!!!!!!

Next we headed for the GM Test Track. Of course the wait for it was already over and hour so we did the fast pass (where you get a slip of paper that tells you to come back between a certain time later in the day). Even with the fast pass we still had to wait about 20 minutes.

While we waited for the Fast Track time to come, we went to an energy show hosted by Ellen Degenerous. I thought this is going to be stupid but it was awesome too. You were in a huge theatre with wrap around screnes, then the seats in the audience came apart and you wandered through prehistoric times. Then wrapped around back to a theatre. They reassembled and you watched the end. It was really cool too.

Then it was back to the Fast Track. You actually get in little cars. You go over bumpy roads , the car slams of the brakes, then you go outside of the building and probably reach speeds of about 60 miles per hour. The kids loved this one too.

Next we went to the Honey I shrunk the Kids 3D show. It was really a let down. You hear so much about it but no big deal.

Next we had lunch at the Garden Grill. It was a revolving indoor restaurant with neat scenes all around. Several of the characters were here also. Jenni is really getting used to eating with the characters. I suppose I’ll have to dress up as Minnie when I get home to get her to eat. Food was exceptional again today.

After lunch we headed around the world tour deal. We really thought this would be neat but I wasn’t impressed. Mainly just shops with junk in each country. I expected like music and street actors etc.. Tim said it may have been because it was sprinkling but it wasn’t that bad.

The best thing to me here was the Coca cola testing area. You went in and they had coke products from different countries that you could just try for free. Only sample size fountain drinks. This was really interesting. We all liked the super sweet cola from costa rica.
We headed home and Tim and I took a nap. We have been going non stop from about 7:30 a.m. to usually 12:00 midnight It was some much needed rest.

The kids have really gotten in to the pin trading. Jenni goes up to every cast member (worker) and trades one pin or another. She never comes home with the same ones she left with. Josh is collecting all Stitch. This is really a fun pass time while you are here.

Another awesome thing here at the campground is all the really cool golf carts. We saw one painted like Tigger, one like Lightning McQueen, and various other. People bring theirs from home. Or you can rent one here. Ours is a rental from here number 804. We saw a family today riding ice chests. Yes I said ice chests. They had made a seperate compartment for a battery and it ran just like one of those little motorized scooters. You just sit on top of your cooler and away you go.

We decided to go to Magic Kingdom for dinner. We used 5 counter service meals because Jenni wasn’t hungry. So now to date we have 8 snacks and 3 counter service meals extra. I’m telling you the food plan is awesome!

After dinner we were heading back to the front gate and Jenni wanted to ride the Alladin Flying Carpets. This is just a circular ride where the carpets go up and down. I forgot that one of the camels on the side spits water. We got spit on by the camel. We were all laughing so hard.
Then we headed back to the RV and I brought Jake, Josh and Jenni to the pool. The pool here is open 24 hours and I bet there are 100 people out here and its almost 11:30 at night. Amazing!

Tomorrow we are headed to Disney Studios. Josh has several rides he wants to go on here. More tomorrow.

Magic Kingdom Day 2

Thursday July 31, 2008

Today we decided to go back and see the other side of the Magic Kingdom. We didn’t get there at opening but we did go around 9:00 a.m. We headed right for Adventure Land where we road the Jungle Cruise nothing to exciting here. Basically a leisurely ride around a river with badly set up scenes of jungle stuff. The boat driver tried to make things light with bad jokes. It was OK. Then on to the pirates of the Caribbean ride. Same kind of thing only mostly indoors and scenes from the movie acted out by clay figures. Again OK nothing over exciting.

Then we walked on around to the Haunted Mansion. Cool ride. You go into a room and the ceiling rises so all the paintings stretch. Then you go into a room and get into a coffin like cart that takes you along the rest of the ride. Really nothing too scary. The coolest part was when you are almost done and you go in front of a mirrored wall and it looks like a ghost is in the cart with you. Jenni really freaked out. The other kids loved it.

Next we went to the Hall of President. There are pictures of Presidents in the outer room. Then you go into a theatre. Now of all the rides we have gone on, this would be the one that Tim practically runs to get a seat in the middle of the theatre. It was really funny to watch him hurry in. /Tim hurries no where. Let me add that even at the start of the show the theatre was less than ¼ full. Glad he ran to get a seat. They had a stage that had animitronic figures of all the presidents. Each one was introduced by name and the others would move their heads to look at the one being introduced. Don’t tell Tim I said so but it was really kind of cool.

Next we had lunch. Now let me tell you that the fool plan is awesome. We have eaten incredibly. Most sit down meals are all you can eat family style, and the counter service meals are huge too. As of today we have two extra counter service meals and 2 snacks left.

After lunch we circled back around and walked through the Swiss Family Robinson’s tree house. Pretty cool!

Then we decided it was time to go back and rest. So we headed back to the RV and relaxed till about six.

We had dinner reservations at a Liberty Tree Tavern. Really good food. This was a character dinner and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale, all came by the table. Goofy and Dale (or Chip not sure the difference) started goofing around and I have never heard my kids laugh so loud. Goofy pretended to fall down a short thing of stairs. Dale ran to his rescue. Just really funny.

After dinner we walked out of the restaurant and the night parade was coming. We had a great view at the top of the stairs outside the restaurant. It was magical. The floats were so elaborate. The costumes awesome. This is really something to see.

After the parade we made our way back to the castle gardens to get ready for the fireworks show. We watched it from the castle tonight. Very beautiful and magical. It was a wonderful day. This place is truly magical!

Magic Kingdom

Wednesday, July 29, 2008

I am sitting here on the beach to the lake watching the boats transport people to and from the Magic Kingdom. They have a kids play area and Jake, Josh, and Jenni are playing tether ball with some kids that they met. I can’t express enough how much we love camping for this reason alone. If we were in a hotel, we would go to our room, and not even see other people. The kids are constantly meeting new kids. The people in the site next to us are from Texas. I just love the interaction with other people.

Today was my dream come true. At least one of them. We went to the Magic Kingdom. We got there early enough to watch the opening program. The mayor comes out and dancers and singers welcome you to the Magic Kingdom. Then at just the right time the old steam engine train pulls up with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Chip and Dale. It was so awesome. Then the whole bunch of people gathered there all try to enter main street at once. That was OK because we just took it slow. We have adopted a two by two approach. Each adult and Jessi holds a hand of one of the three littler ones. We haven’t lost anyone yet. We got into main street and there was Pluto and Chip and Dale. We got their autographs and pictures. I was a little disappointed there weren’t as many photographers today. Before we left Tim bought this deal where every time they take our picture in the park, they scan a credit card type deal. When we get home we order the disk and get all the pictures they took in the park on it. Every character has a photographer with them so we will have pictures of all of us with each character. The kids have already filled up one autograph book.

We headed down main street to the castle. This is every little girls dream. Even mine. It was so beautiful. We headed toward it and had our picture taken every few feet. Then we went into Tomorrowland. The futuristic section of the park. The first thing we hit was Stitches Adventure. You walk into this theatre thing as a new recruit. The stitch robot spits at you , burps in your face. Very wonderful. Josh loves stitch but started to cry. Of course later in the day Jessi, Tim and him went back again.

Next we walked down to the race car track. It is on a guided track. Josh was driving me and we bumped back and forth the whole way. He needs some driving lessons. Next we walked over to the Buzz Lightyear ride. You were in a car that spun at your direction all the way around. You had little lazer guns that you tried to hit targets inside the ride. It kept track of your score. It was painted bright neon colors. The winner was me with 306,000 points. The second ride Jake got 301,600 and Josh got 298,000. The rest of them barely got over 65,000.

The next ride was the timeless tea cups. I was just in pure joy here. You always associate those tea cups with Disney World.

Next we went to line up for the Cinderella’s Royal Table. We went inside the castle and met Cinderella. She signed the autograph books and took pictures with us all. Then up about 3 flights of stairs that went in a circle into the dining room overlooking the park. It was so awesome. They called us the Royal Family and the boys princes and princesses. Tim really outdid himself here. We ate and were visited by the other four princesses. Snow White, Aurora, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine. They all signed the kids books and did photos with them. Then they had a make a wish ceremony. It was so cool and the food was excellent. It was the highlight of my trip so far!
Then back out to the park. We road the Snow White ride, the Pooh ride, The flying Dumbo ride when it was starting to rain. Fortunately we were under the covered line when it poured. By the time we got to the front it was barely sprinkling. We toured Minnie’s house and Mickey’s house then rode the train that went completely around the park.

We decided to head back to the front and found a neat little Hot Dog baseball themed place to eat dinner. With our plan here at Disney we have a sit down meal, a counter service meal, and a snack each day. We really have been well fed. I think it is really worth the money. The princess dinner alone was over $240 which are plan included. I highly recommend it.

At the front of the park they had hula hoops and a girl with a bubble maker. The kids played out in the street for about 45 minutes. Then we loaded the boat that takes us back to the campground. It was a bit more crowded today than yesterday. We still didn’t have to wait in any line longer than about 25 minutes which was the Winnie the Pooh ride. Believe it or not we didn’t even get through half of the park. We decided to go back tomorrow and see the other half of the park.

We are bringing Tim, Josh and Jenni down to the dock tonight to see the boat parade and the fireworks.

My next post will be Friday night. I’ll catch you up on Thursday and Friday. Sorry but I don’t want to spend all my spending money on this crappy WIFI. Starting to miss everyone and home, but I’m having an incredible time.

Animal Kingdom

WOW!! Today was our first full day and our first in a park. We decided to go to animal kingdom. We didn’t get a real early start but it was surprisingly light crowds. We never had to stand in any line more that 15 minutes and that was only once.

We road the Disney Bus to the park and entered with no problems. We went in and were surrounded by beautiful plush greenery everywhere. When you finally get into the park area, you see the beautiful Tree of Life. It is this huge tree with lots of carved animals all around the trunk. We headed around the tree to go to the safari ride. Someone told us to go early because the animals would be out. You get in these large jeep type vehicles and drive through to see all the animals. It was really neat. Mostly normal zoo animals but they have gone to incredible lengths to make it look like Africa. We also road this last in the day around 6:00 p.m. and we actually saw more animals then. We were held up by an ostrich in the road and the giraffe and rhino were like 7 feet from the vehicle. It was truly amazing.

After the Safari ride we went and had pizza for lunch. We skipped breakfast and it was about 11:00. The kids were finding the characters to get autographs and pictures. We saw Lilo and Stitch, some monkey, Donald, Mickey, Goofy and Minnie. Josh is really getting in to the autograph thing. We have also all bought lanyards and are collecting the disney pins. You buy some and trade for some. Tim even got one before we left the park.

Our next stop was the Lion King Musical. It was beyond awesome. The dancers, singers and animitronics were amazing. Highly, Highly recommend this one. Next we ventured to the it’s a bugs life 3d movie in the tree of life. Literally in the tree of life’s trunk. I thought the kids would love it. Josh hated it. You are spit on by a bug. A big stink bug lets one rip and it actually smelled. Then the bugs pretended to get even with you for all the ways we try to kill them. You are sprayed with fog like a fogger and a bee stings you which is a part of your chair pokes you in the back. Tim and I loved this. The kids were not impressed.

Next we walked over to Dinoland. Not much interesting here. On our way to Asia we stopped at the Finding Nemo musical. It was almost as awesome as Lion King. Basically followed the movie in 30 minutes.

We only got to see the end of the parade. Then circled around and did the safari again. Kids weren’t interested in the Everest Roller Coaster thank goodness. I sure wasn’t to keen on getting on it.

This park was really neat. We all had a great time. Of course we are all exhausted!!!! We made it back to the RV and ate sandwiches. The kids and I went over to the pool. After the pool Jake, Jessi and I went down to the boat dock and happenend by chance to catch the boat parade. Neat lights set up on a series of boats, and the fireworks from Magic Kingdom. They truly are magical beyond measure.

I forgot to download the pictures off my camera before making the trek to the WIFI hotspot so I'll add pictures tomorrow.

Yes mom I know I should have gotten the card for my computer.

WE ARE HERE!!!!!

Today is the day!!!! We got up and messed around this morning. We can’t get in to Fort Wilderness till after 1:00 and check out time here is 11:00. We only have a couple hours traveling left so I made pancakes for breakfast. Cleaned things up and then we were on our way.
The drive was really quick. And somehow Rita (GPS) and I came in the back way. There was hardly any traffic at all. It was so thrilling to drive under the arch that announced that you were at disney world!

We drove right up to the Fort Wilderness entrance. We were only behind one other trailer. Everything was set we got our cards and away we went. Out site is incredible. Nice and roomy! We backed in with no problems at all. Set out the awning, hooked up the electric and water. We needed ice so Jake, Tim and I walked up to the trader’s outpost. It is only about a block and a half from our site. Got the ice went outside and it was pouring. Now if we hadn’t had the ice we could have waited it out but instead we decided to go. We were soaked to the bone!
We decided to go see if we could get our golf cart a day early because this place is really really big. We are close to the pool and campground fire sing along place but getting to the bus stops that take you to the other places would wear you out. They had some in so we were able to get one. We drove around to explore for a while. This place is truly amazing!!! Then we decided to go to the downtown Disney and eat dinner.

The downtown Disney area was awesome. All the stores are Disney themed. It was really cool. There is an area of night clubs. Tim wanted to eat at Bongo’s. This is the restaurant owned by Etevez lady. Anyway the appetizers were great but the main dishes were only OK. Of course this was my first try at Cuban food.

After dinner we walked around. Tim and the kids got candy. It has really been hard controlling their and my spending. I want it all. They have so much really cool stuff. I got each of the kids one of the autograph books for the characters and each of them the lanyards that the pins go on. Pin trading is a really big deal here. I even got me one.

I came back to try to get on the interenet to leave posts for my blog. I was so disappointed to find out that it would cost me $10 a day and I can’t even get on at my campsite. I don’t know what I’ll do. I think the kids are excited but I think I’m probably the most excited. Tomorrow we are off to animal kingdom.

Travel Day Problems

Well today we got up to a rocky start. We wanted to get an early start. We were ready to pull out at 8:45 and the generator wouldn’t start. We had no idea what to do. We drove up the road to a camping world we had passed coming in. Tim went in to get someone to help us. As I was getting back in the coach, I noticed the electric battery disconnect was off. I turned it back on and tried to start the generator only I was pushing it to turn off. Tim and the guy from camping world came out and he pushed the button on the generator and it started right up. Tim said I looked at him and asked what did you do. That was all it was. So yeah!!!!

We drove on all day. It seemed like forever but in reality it was only about 6 hours. We even ate in the RV going down the road.

Tim had picked out this little RV park in North Ocala Florida. The web page looked awesome! In reality it was a little run down. Still pretty nice. When I got out to go get our site registration off the door, it was so quiet. Eerily so! Our site was a really nice pull thru. The moss in the trees was really neat looking. It really wasn’t that bad. The pool was really nice. It was almost 7 feet deep in the deep end and we were the only ones swimming. Heck we were the only ones here except for about 10 other people. The park was full of trailers that looked like people just leave them there and come on weekends and winters.

Tomorrow is the big day! On to DISNEY WORLD!!!!

Disney's crappy WIFI

Ok friends and family. Sorry it has been so long. The wonderful world of disney sucks when it comes to WIFI. They charge you $10 a day and it doesn't even reach the RV. So I have a new revised schedule of posting. I paid the price tonight at 11:00 which gives me 24 hours. I will catch you up todate tonight. And post again tomorrow night. Then I will skip Thursday and post again Friday night and Saturday night. Skip Sunday and post Monday and Tuesday night then it will hopefully be Friday night on our way home. I'm sorry! I loved doing this. It helps me remember everything we did each day. Thanks for your patience!

Our Day at the Beach

We let the kids sleep in this morning. Last night while I was at the beach with the little kids, Tim and Jessi worked on the laundry. So we are back to all clean again.

When we did get around, we headed for the beach. The city had the two chairs with umbrella for rent. It was $25 but well worth it. I didn't want to go buy a couple of chairs and umbrella. We wouldn't have room for it in the RV. The kids played and played in the surf. It was low tide so their were tons of sea shells for them to pick up. We got each of the kids boogie boards and me an air mattress. We sat there for about 4 hours. Tim even got in the ocean today. He also got a terrible burn on the bottom of his legs. He put sunscreen on his chest and back but not the bottom parts of his legs. They stuck out of the umbrella shade and he didn't even notice. He almost got the whitest guy on the beach award. He was in the lead until a couple of old guys showed up. I think Tim would make a really good beach stud!!!

I could have photographed and made a book about what not to wear to the beach. There was one grandmotherly lady that had on one of those white one piece suits that splits all the way down to the navel and has practically nothing on the back except the back of the pants. She was horridly pudging out of every open spot on the suit. Jake and Josh even commented how gross she looked. I have teased them all day that I was going to buy a suit like that. It was so funny tonight at wal mart they had one. I held it up in front of me and told Josh I was buying it. He wrinkled his nose and pretended to throw up. Later when they were acting up I told them I was going to get that suit and wear it every time they fight. They quit fighting.

We came back to the RV and all took a shower to get the sand out of every known crevice on our bodies. Jenni was the funniest. She said "uh mom, I have sand in my butt" I told her it would probably be there for days.

We rested a while then drove over to the Wharf in Orange Beach. Kind of a neat shopping area with a couple of restaurants. A Build A Bear Workshop was there and my kids didn't even ask to stop. Yeah!!!!

We then decided to go try LULU's again. This is the restaurant that Jimmy Buffets sister owns. We still had to wait about 35 minutes and it was 3:30 in the afternoon. It is really neat and well worth the stop. The outside has a gift shop, bar, sand play areas for the kids. Lots of chairs and picnic tables to wait at. They have live music at 6:00 p.m. We got a table right on the water. It is on the inter coastal waterway. Lots of boat traffic. You can even dock your boat right at the restaurant. There was a big sign that said she was going to be on the TODAY show Monday. I assume its for her cookbook or something.

Tim and I had these wonderful mango colodas. Oh my gosh. I was in heaven. We had fried okra and chips and salsa for appetizers. I had a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" literally! It was so good. You could add anything you wanted. I had grilled onions and pineapple. Tim had another fish dish of some kind. He loves it and where better to get it than down here where it's fresh. The kids played and played in sand even after dinner.

Then we were off to Wal Mart to get some more milk, cereal and water. Tim is busy looking for our next stop. The kids are really getting excited. Now they know Disney is just around the corner. We will try to drive the rest of the way into Florida tomorrow only leaving a couple of hours for Monday's drive. I am doing another load of laundry to get all the sand out of our beach towels.

So this is the last post from Gulf Shores, Alabama. This really is a neat place. Not too commercialized but lots to do. I am definitely thinking this will be another vacation just in itself.

Answers to comment questions.

Someone asked who we brought along to take all the family photos. Most of the pictures of all of us are the automatic timer on the camera. The picture of us in front of the fish was taken by the deck hand. Occasionally I will ask a passer by to take our picture. I haven't lost a camera yet...


Mom stated I should keep a list or something of what the kids think of the trip each day. I have done one better. Every night we are having BNN (Beebe News Network) each kids sits in the chair and reports their day. I always ask each one what their favorite part of the day was. These have been hilarious. I tried to upload the first day on the blog but I couldn't get it to work. I plan to make dvd movies. Josh has been hilarious. He gets a coffee cup and starts. He talks in the third person, like he was an observer of us during the day. He may have a career in this area.

Love you all! Heading to the beach!!

Deep Sea Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

Oh my what a day!!!! We got up this morning without a real plan. I guess we were going to the beach. Tim started looking through some brochures and called about a deep sea fishing trip. The big charter company was all full but he found an advertisement for Ty's Fishing Excursions that had the afternoon cruise open. Now to say the least this was pretty pricey but Tim has always wanted to do this so we went for it.

We get directions and pull down this street called Marina Road. I'm thinking we are going to a Marina until we see a sign out in front of a house. We pull in the drive and of course my mind is thinking what have we gotten ourselves into. Some kid pulls up in a car and we go wait by the back yard dock. There are some absolutely beautiful homes and boats. Really neat area. This was just a typical house. We wait on the dock for about 10 minutes for the boat to get back from the morning cruise. They had caught about 30 fish. Good size ones too. Mostly Spanish Mackerel. The captain was a 65 year old guy with a white beard. He really fit the part. We climbed aboard and out the channel we went. Of course I loved seeing the beautiful homes and giant yachts. We got out in the ocean and the deck hand put the lines in the water and away we went. The fish started hitting the lines. There were several times when all six of us were pulling in fish. As soon as the line went back in the water another fish was on. This went on for most of the 3 1/2 hour trip. The only time it slowed down was when the captain would pull out further away from the shore.

It is hard to believe but even Josh really got into this. He would run from pole to pole reeling in fish. I think he probably caught the biggest one of the day but don't tell Tim or Jake. At one point Tim and Josh were up in the crow's nest, and a couple of fish hit the lines and Jake and I struggled like crazy to get them in. We all had a great time. Jenni was very reluctant at first about the whole fishing boat deal but she made fast friends with the captain and deck hand. It really was alot of fun. Jake can't wait to tell grandpa Bill about his fishing excursion.

We ended up with about 47 fish. This is about half of what we caught. We through back about 50 bar jack fish. She said they weren't good eating. Jake's hands actually got sore from reeling in the fish. They cleaned the biggest ones for us and we donated the rest to them. They said they take them to churches and fire departments. These people were wonderful. We had the best time. If you are ever in this area I suggest you look up Captain Ty's Landing. They are good people with lots of experience. http://www.capty.com/

After fishing we stopped at a place called Gulf Shores Steamers. We had great steamed shrimp for dinner. It was really good.

We came back to the RV and the kids were playing in the sand outside the door. I thought they deserve to play in the ocean when we are this close. So Jake, Josh, Jenni and I walked down to the ocean and stayed till dark. They were so fun to watch. They would stand and wait for the waves and then just jump up and over it. Tonight they had their suits on so they would fall in the water. The beach was pretty crowded for being that late in the day. The funniest part was Josh came to say he was ready to go. I asked why? He said because the sand was itching in his pants. I about died laughing. I'll be cleaning sand out of the RV for months to come.

Travel Day to Gulf Shores

Sorry I didn't post last night but I was so tired and stuffed from dinner. I just went to bed.

OK so not much happened yesterday. We left Biloxi and headed on East. We stopped at a rest stop just inside of Alabama to waste some time. It is only about a 2 hour drive to Gulf Shores and we can't get into our RV park before noon. There were lots of vegetable stands along the State Highway into Gulf Shores. I kept telling Tim to stop but he just kept on driving.

There is so much stuff to do around here. We past several go-kart/putt-putt areas and lots of the souvenir/junk shops. After arriving at our RV Park, we decided to go ahead and rent a car. It just makes it easier to get around and so we did. The kids and I went swimming while Tim secured the rental van. It took a while because the rental place was all the way in Foley. This is about a 15 minute drive.

When he got back we loaded up and went exploring. This area is very different from Biloxi. The whole beach front is hotel after hotel after condo after condo. Then you get down to the beach houses which look awesome. So Laura this is definitely an awesome place to vacation next year.

The kids kept wanting to go out and explore in the sand but Tim and I were hungry. We tried to go to LULU's a popular tourist place. This is Jimmy Buffet's sister's restaurant but it was so crowded you could not find a place to park. So we came back up by the beach and ate at an awesome place. It was called De Soto's Seafood Kitchen. OH MY GOSH!!!! It was so awesome. Even better than the French place last night.

We ordered fried sweet potato fries and alligator bites for appetizers. The kids loved the sweet potatoes. Jake and Jessi both tried the alligator. It was kind of tough but really did kind of taste like chicken. I finally bribed Jenni with a $10 bill to try it. She did. I thought for a couple seconds she was going to make herself throw up but she didn't. Josh was the hold out. The last piece on the plate and he bargained for a $10 too. He just made a funny face when he ate it but he thought it was like chicken too.

I had a Hawaiian steak tonight. (Sorry mom didn't mean to rub in the beef availability) It was so succulent and juicy. It was seasoned with pineapple, soy, and ginger. This is a recipe I'm going to try at home. I also had sweet potato pie and fried green tomatoes. Quite the southern dinner I think. It was all so delicious. Tim had some Cajun seafood platter with coconut shrimp. It looked really good too. Of course my ever adventurous kids stuck with grilled cheese and corn dogs.

After dinner we walked across the street to the beach. The sun had set but still had a little light. It was so beautiful. I gave the kids the speech about the undertow and how you could get pulled out to sea if you went in too far. Jake and Jenni wouldn't even come put their feet in. I felt bad but I'd rather them respect the ocean than drown. I finally got them both to come out and stand where the waves would roll up over their feet. To me there is nothing better than to stand on the beach with the sound of the rolling waves coming in. I could have stayed there all night.

Jessi and Josh on the other hand were running and laughing. They would try to find where the most water was coming on beach and stand in it. Josh crouched down one time and the wave actually knocked him over. I think it scared him at first but then he started laughing and we all started laughing. Then Jake decided he was going to get wet too. I made them strip out of their clothes before they got in the rental car. They weren't too happy about that but I didn't want sand in the van.

They are already planning their day at the beach tomorrow.

Biloxi!

Hi all! This is actually Tim posting. Today was awesome!

I will start with the bad news first. I am worried about Bengi. She hurt her back last night when she was helping me fix the toilet. I could not have done it without her. It was leaking all over. At the bottom it was running out all over so we replaced the seal. It still drips at the back a little and I have figured out that the vacuum breaker probably needs to be replaced. Everyone says that this sealand toilet is "top of the line" but we have had nothing but trouble!

My kids made me really proud today. They were very good today. Then tonight we ate at Mary Mahoneys. The food was so good. A beautiful restaurant, very HT! (For those of you who don't know me that stands for hoity toity!) It was expensive, but my family really made me proud; all ladies and gentlemen. Sometimes I take them for granted and I don't remember how lucky I am. The Lord has really blessed me when it comes to family. I mean, come on, how many wives would stand and hold a toilet up while their husband replaced the seal at the bottom?? (o.k. I was the one with his hands down there, but still!!)

I had better go for now. Another day of travel.

Day at the Beach

Wow! I knew today was going to be fun but not this much. We got the mini van around 10:00 a.m. We drove directly to the beach. We got out and walked the beach for a ways. The kids played in the sand and walked in the water.

We drove on down the coast and found a great pier that went out in the water. We walked all the way out. People were fishing the whole way and lots of bait fish swarming around the pier. We got to the end and a young couple had caught a ray. It was about the size of a dinner plate. It was really cool. As we were standing there another of her lines started going crazy. She fought to reel it in. It took her about 5 minutes to get it in. We were all waiting with anticipation to see how big a fish she had caught. When up out of the water squirmed an eel. Oh my gosh!!! We were all freaked out. It was about 3 1/2 to 4 feet long. It was about as big around as the top part of an adults arm. The girl was afraid as were we. The gentleman took the eel and knocked it unconscious against the piers. That was the only way they could get the hook out. It was so weird. Everyone around said they had never seen one caught that big.

Then as we walked back up the pier another man and his grandchild had a crab basket and as we walked by they pulled up a crab about the size of a cereal bowl. Jake wanted to fish so bad. It was definitely an awesome trip up the pier.

We ate lunch at a little buffet. Nothing too exciting. They had really good fried chicken and everybody could get what they wanted.

Then we circled back around to the beach. We went to a little souvenir shop and purchased sand toys and a football. We went across the street to the beach and rented for $20 two lounge chairs and let the kids play. They had a sand castle contest and played catch in the sand. Tim (I told him I thought he really looked like a hick on the beach with his jeans and tennis shoes) enjoyed laying in the shade watching the kids play.

We came back swam in the pool for a little while and then got ready for dinner. OH MY GOSH!!!! This place was totally awesome. Mary Mahoneys is a really nice French restaurant. It has been around for a very long time. The sign said circa 1767 I think. The food was out of this world! Tim and I had seafood of course. Jessi had catfish, and the other kids had cheese sticks and chicken. We tried to get them to try the crab. Jake did and he loved it. Josh and Jenni wouldn't have anything to do with it. The kids were so good. They all put their napkins in their laps. Jenni was so cute. She was quite the little lady. They didn't fight and were very polite to each other. We even let them order dessert for a reward for good behavior. There was a sign outside the building that said the water from Katrina came up this high. It was about 12 feet off the ground. Their menu said they were only closed for 65 days after Katrina. It was an amazing dinner and evening.

After dinner we ran to a Wal Mart since we have a car today. We bought a fishing pole for Jake to use in Alabama the next couple of days. I told Tim he just wants to throw his line in the water. So at least we have a pole for him to use.

All and all today was totally awesome. The kids didn't fight about anything today. It absolutely warmed my heart to no end when Jake and Josh were throwing the football back and forth on the beach. It was my favorite part of the day.

Gulf Coast

Tuesday was a short driving day. We only had a couple of hours to go so I made pancakes for breakfast. We then headed for the Camping World just up the road. Today it wasn't all for fun. We needed some parts for the commode. When we took our first trial trip to OKC last month we noticed a small leak. Tim had it looked at and they thought they fixed the problem. It is just a small leak but none the less we got the parts and spent part of the evening working on the commode. Still leaking a bit but we figured out it is the sprayer hose and it just needs to be tightened. We don't have a screwdriver with us that is small enough so that is on the shopping list for tomorrow.

Back on road and we were in Biloxi in no time at all. We drove along State Highway 90 along the coast. The kids were crazy with excitement. Jenni kept saying that is the biggest lake she had ever seen! The only time she has been to the ocean was when she was 18 months old.

Our campground is about 1 mile away and I don't feel safe walking up to the beach. We have rented a car for tomorrow (because I was too cheap to get it two days at $65 a day). We will go up to the beach and see what all is here. Tim talked to a gentlemen last night who works for FEMA. He said things are really slow getting back after Katrina. I didn't think it looked that bad but of course I didn't see it before.

The campground we chose is touted as an RV Resort. Your rig has to be newer that 10 years old to be allowed in and the management has discretion whether you can stay or not. Their add says "Raising the Standard of RV Travel" Sounded like my kind of place. It is gorgeous!!! Lots of landscaping and there are some bus motorhomes that are out of this world in here. There are lots like us too so I feel right at home. However, the pool is really small and NO PLAYGROUND!!! I can't believe I didn't ask about that when we called. In my defense though the other one we were considering didn't have WIFI and their pool had a pool float caught in the pump and it was being repaired. They couldn't tell me how long before it was done. We are staying two nights here so I thought a pool was a necessity.

We swam right after we got all set up. Tonight Tim grilled hamburgers out on the grill. They tasted so good. I don't know if I was just hungry or if just being near a beach has enhanced my senses all together (I love a beach!). We watched movies and turned in pretty early for me. That is why this post is going on this morning instead of last night.

Today should be a full day of sightseeing. Can't wait for the rental car to get here!

2nd day on the road

Wow! Already two days into the trip. Today was pretty uneventful. We got up made coffee and Tim and the boys walked up to the little taco shack for breakfast burritos. He asked the lady last night what time they opened in the morning. She told him 8 a.m. At least that is what we thought she said. Neither of us speak Spanish and I'm not sure she spoke English. They weren't open and I had some awfully disappointed boys. We had cereal and pop tarts instead. Not quite the breakfast burrito but close.

We headed out of Canton, Texas at 9:05. Easy to get on the highway and we were in Louisiana before we knew it. Rita (the GPS system) steered us around the downtown Shreveport so we had no traffic at all in Shreveport.

We stopped in Alexandria at a Wal Mart Supercenter. It was listed in my Next Exit book as RV friendly. Well it was a mile off the interstate and road construction all the way and would you believe they didn't have a gas station. We had already gone through a loaf of bread and 1/2 gallon of milk. I also got some juice and fruit. These kids are snack monsters!!!! I had a basket of chips, cookies, fruit chews etc... They almost cleaned it out. I am of course rationing the loot. We had several people comment on our matching shirts. Jessi was dying of embarrassment. I loved it.

Rita (the GPS) directed us to take a state highway to Baton Rouge. We contemplated both ways and it did look shorter. For the most part the road wasn't bad but we did have to go over two really high bridges. One over the Mississippi and another big river we didn't know. Tim never took his eyes off the road. He really doesn't like those high roads. He has done a super job driving. When we got to Baton Rouge the interstate was really busy. We were barely moving for about 5 miles but then it cleared out. We are always wondering what the hold up is.

FYI We named the GPS just like they did in the movie RV. Theirs was Lola. I'm not sure how Tim came up with Rita, but I say its because when we get where we are going we'll have a big margaRITA.

I don't think I'm going to pick a campground the rest of the trip. This is really a nice place. Great beautiful lake, nice pool, and great site. However, I'm always the one saying I want cable TV and WIFI. This place has neither. Well the WIFI you had to pay for through the internet. Not very expensive just a pain.

We swam when we got here and had dinner. The girls and I played card games while the boys played the Playstation. All and all we had a great day. Tim had his first sandwich going down the highway. We had lunch on the road!!

Again I want to repeat how awesome traveling this way is. The kids have not once asked "are we there yet" They keep busy and Jessi slept again today. The set up is also awesome. Tim commented today what took us 10 minutes (and that is rounding up) would have taken us 30 to 45 minutes in the fifth wheel. We literally pull in, Tim pushes the auto leveling buttons, gets out plugs in the electric and water and we are good to go.

Can't wait to see where tomorrow takes us.

Louisiana!

Hi all. We made it to Lakeside R.V. Park. Traffic on I-10 and I-12 was hectic for a few miles. Then Rita (our nickname for our GPS navigation deal) had us save some time by sending us on another route. While it did save time, the roads were quite bumpy! Most of the roads were bumpy in Louisiana, come to think of it!

This is a very nice park. Fairly new, and as the name implies, right beside a lake! It is nicely kept, but no cable t.v. and quite a ways from everything. However, a few miles on down the road is a Camping World!! My family hates it when we go to Camping World!! I can stay in there for hours! Seriously, I need a propane connection for my grill setup and a few other things.

We are hoping to stay a couple nights in Gulfport, MS. There is a place there that is close to the beach and has a rental car place. Hopefully we can get a car and do a little sightseeing and go to some shops and GOOD restaurants.

I have been happy with gas mileage and the performance overall of the motorhome. The air conditioning in the main living area struggles at times, but it has been near 100 degrees at all the places. Going down the road with those big windows for the windshield makes it kinda hot too.

The kids have been having fun and I agree with Bengi that we should have done the motor home thing years ago. This is the way to travel with 4 kids! However, we really need to find a vehicle to tow behind. Thinking of a Dodge Durango 4 wheel drive with 3 seats. Should work.

We are truly very lucky. One day I hope the kids will realize how lucky we are. I enjoy this a great deal and as I said, this is the only way to go. I think Bengi is going to post with some pictures. See you later.

On our way!!!!

What an awesome start to our vacation!!! We got up this morning and left the house at 7:45. We checked and double checked to make sure we had everything. We honked at Amy's and Albert and Jeri's. So for all my family and friends aren't you glad you don't live near us!!!

The trip was so comfortable. Jake, Josh, and Jenni sat at the dining table to begin the trip and played games. Jessi slept on the couch. Later the other three went back to the bedroom and watched movies. Tim and I had plenty of leg room and we weren't shoulder to shoulder with each other. We should have done the motorhome thing a long time ago!!!!!

Kids can be so funny. We were about 1 1/2 into our trip and I went back to check on the kids. The boys were both laying on the bed in their underwear. I asked them where their clothes were. Their reply was "we are laying in bed do we need them" I just shook my head and came back to the co-pilot seat. We stopped in Gainsville at the rest stop and had lunch. I made sandwiches and we ate right here in the trailer. So convenient.

Back on the road and heading into Dallas. Oh my goodness. I was a wreck. I felt like we were right on top of the cars in the lane beside me. It was Sunday afternoon and the traffic wasn't horrible but I was scared to death. I think next time even though it will add a little to our trip, I'm going to drive through Ft Worth. We know the roads better and it can't be near as scary.

We stopped to fill up about 25 miles outside of Canton, Texas. We had driven 340 miles and it took 43 gallons to fill it up. We figure that is about 7.5 mpg. This is a little more than we expected so yeah!!!!

We decided to call it a day in Canton, Texas. Tim had found a place on the internet that looked really great. It is called Mill Creek Ranch RV Resort. It is totally awesome. It is close to the Canton First Monday Flea Market thing. Luckily it isn't this weekend. We are one of about 6 campers here. It is so beautiful. There is a series of 6 little pond/lakes around the property. The pool, playground, and club house are really NICE!!!! These are my kind of places to stay. The whole bill was $36. Works for me!

We pulled in and Tim went through the tedious job of setting up and leveling the coach. It is actually just pushing two or three buttons and tada!!! Then he goes out and plugs in the power cord and water and we are good to go. The kids and I went directly to the pool while Tim took a quick well deserved nap. They had a couple of hula hoops and I giggled as the kids tried to see who could go the longest.

For dinner Tim and I walked up to the entrance of the park where there was a little taco shack. We got some great mexican food. The little kids of course ate macaroni and cheese.

So far we are having a blast. We can't wait to get back on the road tomorrow and see where we'll stop tomorrow. Tim is actually looking right now for our next overnight stop. Kids are in the back playing the playstation. This is definitely an awesome start to our vacation.

One more day!!!

One more day!!!!! I am so absolutely excited!!! I'm also tired as can be!!!!! We have spent the last two days packing the trailer. I wouldn't let anything go in unless I had inspected it. The kids and Tim said I was worse than the airline check points.

We have almost everything packed. Just a few last minute items to go in. Like us and the kids!!! Jessi was tired and fed up with the packing.

This morning we got up really early and went in to town to get the groceries. We stopped by Richards Barber Shop so Tim could get a cut. He looks really nice. Ready for all the pictures I plan to take. We then headed to Wal Mart. One of the items on our list was one of those cushions that go on top of the bed. They had one in a queen size. We bought it and brought it home. I placed it on the queen bed and it was 4 inches short in width on both sides. The length was OK but not wide enough. I figured that would be really annoying and at $70 I was taking it back. So I had to go back into town to return it. Sears had one that fits perfectly. I sure hope that makes the mattress feel better. It was a little hard for me.

I have loaded all nine of the shirts I made for the trip. Jessi is not thrilled about us all dressing alike but I figure for a few days we can. The rest we can wear whatever we want. It is so much fun making and designing shirts.

We are leaving in the morning. I can't wait. After the grocery trip I realized it was almost here. I have been looking forward to this trip more than any other I've been on. Three weeks with my family and no distractions. Or should I say lots of distractions!!!

Well I better get the house cleaned up a bit. Just need to put up the rest of the laundry and do tonights dishes.

Amy just came by to get Poochi and I showed her how to do the pool. She is going to keep an eye on things for us.

The next post will be on the road. Yeah!!!!!!