We have returned from a week in Florida where we visited Stan in Tampa and spent six days in Orlando and Disney World. Thanks to all of our friends and family for their great information that helped us make the most of this trip. We really had a great time!

Click on the linked dates to see all of the photographs for that day

3/23 – 3/24 – Visiting Uncle Stan in Tampa and 3/25 – Uncle Stan’s and first day in Orlando

We flew down and the kids were very good on the flight. They were VERY excited. Thursday the 24th the kids were able to enjoy the ocean for the first time. It was also the first time that we had all seen Stan’s new place in Tampa, it is very cool!  It is also where Carolyn ate at the Waffle House for the first time.

On Friday, Stan made us an awesome breakfast and we packed up for Orlando. Joel and Janet allowed us to share a condo with them which was huge! Thanks again!!  The kids loved it and said they wanted to move in.  They liked playing in the loft area.

3/26 – Magic Kingdom

We set off for our first Disney adventure to the Magic Kingdom. It was a beautiful day and we were able to do just about everything that we set out to do.  Keanen and Joey went on Space Mountain.  Joey didn’t like that ride so much.  He loved the Buzz Lightyear ride.  We then saw a show by Cinderella’s castle and Elizabeth was able to see the princesses.  Then we spent some time in Rapunzel’s garden where the kids danced with her and met her.  We went on Mad Hatter, Snow White, Peter Pan rides and then met the stepsisters from Cinderella.  We also saw Mary Poppins and I asked the kids if they wanted her autograph.  Their response, “Who is that?”  Then we watched the parade which was neat!  Kids loved the parades!  Joey and Keanen went on Splash Mountain and Elizabeth and I just hung out by pirates.  Then we all went on Pirate of Carribean ride.  When it was all said and done we put in a 10 hour day and had a blast!

3/27 – Typhoon Lagoon

Chances of rain was in the forecast for the remainder of the week and on Sunday we had temperatures in the 90’s so we decided that a day in the sun and water was appropriate. We did not take many pictures because we do not have a waterproof camera but I can say, “WOW!” that is a cool water park. I do not know how many times that kids and I were hit by the wave in the wave pool. Too much fun!

3/29 – Animal Kingdom

It was supposed to rain in the afternoon of the 29th but it never happened. We were able to enjoy a full day of fun.  We saw the Lion King show and It’s a Bugs Life in 3d, met a lot of characters, went on a safari, went on a scary rollercoaster ride that went backwards, and ended the day with a nice refreshing water ride where Keanen got soaked!

3/30 – Hollywood Studios & Epcot

Joey and Keanen spent time in the Star Wars area getting trained to be a Jedi while Elizabeth and I saw the Little Mermaid show and Beauty and the Beast show!!  Met Toy Story characters and went on a Toy Story Arcade game ride.  Watched the Pixar Parade and the Disney Junior show.  Then we felt bad cause Elizabeth hadn’t been able to get many princess autographs.  We heard Epcot was the place to go so after 6 hours at Hollywood Studios we high tailed it to Epcot with a mission!!

We literally ran over to the World show case area on a hunt for princesses!  We were able to get a few autographs, but not many due to the weather.  We were in line for Jasmine and all of a sudden a big storm came through and people were running everywhere.  Somehow the line stayed formed and moved indoors and we were able to still get the autograph.  We plan on spending more time at Epcot next time!  It looks like a neat place, but we literally ran through it!

Joey’s highlight of the week came from participating in the Jedi Training Academy held at Hollywood Studios (Part1, Part2, Part3, and Part4) The below video is part 3 where Joey takes on Darth Vader himself 🙂

Thanks Carolyn for helping post this one!

Today we had a great time today at Pat and Mike’s house. It was the first time that the three of us brothers have been together at the same time in years! The kids had a blast and everyone is in good health.

Click here for the full album (more pictures)

Look at Nix’s short legs (middle picture) 🙂

Opening presents….

We began the weekend fun began yesterday out in the snow with the Bruski boys…

We spent a few days with Sean, Heather, and the boys. We had a good time in the water, doing crafts, making smores, and eating ice cream 🙂

Click here to see all of the pictures

The wave pool…

Joey takes a spill while getting dumped on…