Ok, so we're not really broke, but an Orlando vacation can run up a tab super quick.
As you all know, I'm the race director for ZERO's Prostate Cancer awareness 5K in Asheville. It takes a lot of planning and one thing that ZERO offers is a Race Directors' meeting where we can all come together and gather ideas for how to host the best race we can. Last year I didn't get to go because I had just had Charlie and so I wasn't able to make it down. This year, they decided to have it in Orlando again, and Dillon had something like 100 hours of paid time off so we decided to pack up everyone and come down. I'd go to my meetings and then we decided to stay a few extra days. We originally thought about going to some Disney parks, but when I inquired about how much it would cost (and it was over $1200 for 2 days) I decided that just wasn't feasible for us at this time. Since I'm working part time, we have to watch what we spend and sadly we just couldn't swing it. We've kind of avoided the topic with Luke and I don't think he actually realizes that Disney World is right around the corner. Our plan is to come back maybe next year before Charlie turns three and do the parks properly. Spend a week maybe and hit up the new Star Wars area they're building and the new Pandora World in the Animal Kingdom.
So, what do you do when you're not hitting up Disney? Well, there's a lot to keep everyone entertained. The first two days we stayed at a nice resort on Disney property and they had TONS of stuff to do. NINE pools, mini golf, a playground and even an alligator show (where Luke got to hold an actual alligator!) So we've spent a lot of time at the pool this trip. I think one day, Luke swam for maybe 5 hours total? He fell asleep watching tv, which NEVER happens. HA!
Today was too cold to go swimming, so we got to hit up the cheesy gift shops and then went over to Disney Springs where there's more than enough stuff to fill a day. We ate lunch at the TRex Cafe then went to the Star Wars store (where Luke got an awesome new light saber with his money from Peepaw) and we looked around and lots of interesting things. I swear the people watching down here could fill an entire week.
While I'm a little sad we weren't able to Disney hop, it's probably for the best. It's hard enough on older kids to do the gauntlet and I think it may have been a little overwhelming with a baby. Luke would be a trooper, but missing naps for Charlie is just almost suicidal (ha!). Dillon's also been a champ because he took on taking care of both of them and watching Charlie outside the pool and watching Luke while he swam around. It's been nice to get away and get into warmer weather, but I think we're all ready to get home. Even if it is snowing and 30 degrees.
Getting ready for our first day. Me for work and Luke for play!
Dad got them out the door! Yay!
Luke LOVES maps.
Our first resort was massive.
Charlie had fun!
We were on the 11th floor of our first hotel. Both kids loved looking out the window to what was down below!
Dillon said this was Luke's "Florida is SO HOT" face.
Holding a gator!
I caught up with them after the gator show.
He fell asleep without prompting. This never happens.
The next day! Charlie went for a walk with me and the ZERO folks and Luke finished up some swimming.
My zero peeps!
Poor Charlie. Her routine has been all off, she's missed all kinds of naps and she's been a grumpy guss most of the trip. She fell asleep while Luke was swimming.
She's still cute though!
Our new hotel has really nice walking trails out behind it. It also has a nice pool and playground.
After the meetings, I got some swimming in too!
Reality picture time. Me annoyed, Luke mad. HA!
Our new place has some interesting decor.
Last night! HAHA
We play the license plate game and we found Manitoba!We also have Alaska and Mexico this trip!
This place was fun.
LEGO STORE!
It was also a little chilly today. We had to wear jackets.
And the Disney store is outrageous. Decorations are on point.
TRex Restaurant!
It was loud and there were meteor showers and dinosaurs screaming and kids screaming and GAHDKLKJDF!
They did have cool decorations though. Geodes and dinosaur bones. Very cool.
Charlie was impressed. I think.
So we think this may or may not have been Jeff Goldbloom. He looked like him anyways.
I was able to get Charlie to catnap. I have no idea how.
Tinker toys!
An Asian Fusion restaurant with ducks in the window!
We made it back. I did laundry and we ordered Jimmy Johns for dinner. We're tired.
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