Winding Down

Today we started packing and preparing to leave. Elijah was still able to fit in swimming, fishing and rock climbing. We also made our traditional trip to the outlet mall. Our usual stops include the Stride Rite Outlet and the Coach Outlet. Great deals at Coach -- 75-80% off!

Tomorrow we hit the road to head back to the cold weather. Say a prayer that we have safe travels.

Happy Birthday Madison!

Happy Birthday to Gary's niece Madison. The big 9 today. Time flies! I hope you had a great day today!

Magic Kingdom and some other things

Today we started out with some swimming, followed by rock climbing. After that we ventured out to Magic Kingdom for an early afternoon adventure. It worked out well for the most part. We got lucky with Pirates of the Carribean. It was closed for some reason, but reopened right when we walked up. Then we were off to the Haunted Mansion. Elijah seemed interested in Big Thunder Canyon, but the wait was 70 minutes. I didn't want to wait that long for a water ride. It was warm, but not that hot. From there we ventured over to Fantasyland, Toon Town, and Tomorrowland. A pretty eventful day. Now the debate begins . . . do we leave tomorrow or Saturday? Guess it's time to turn on The Weather Channel.

It's Ash Wednesday

Today we took it easy. Elijah did some fishing and even tried out rock climbing. He also did the paddle boats. We debated a late start to the day, but Elijah got a little too much sun on his neck. It was bothering him, so I did some aloe treatments and we took it easy. Thanks to the internet and GPS, we found a Long John Silvers -- Elijah's favorite fish place to take on a lenten meal.

I also got to catch up with an old friend! Not bad for not hitting a park today. Oh, Elijah caught a Bass. We took a picture and then put the fish back in the water.

What's the Problem?

So tonight we ordered a pizza. I did it online -- same thing I did two days ago. From the same place. However on this particular occasion, I get a phone call from the driver telling me that I gave the wrong address -- how did I do this since it's the same address I gave two nights ago. I reconfirmed it and she flat out told me that the address was actually different. Well really, it's not, but sometimes they give the address to the sales center 1 mile away because GPS tends to have an issue with the real street the condo is on. What ever happened to the customer is always right?

After that "arguement" she demands to know what the room number is. Didn't you get it from the order? She replys the 'address was a mistake.' Once again wanting to argue that point. After I reconfirm the address, she asks what the building number is. Short of walking outside to the front of the building and trying to read the sign at night, I have no freakin idea what the building number is. She refuses to deliver the pizza without it. She won't recognize the fact that we ordered from the same place two days earlier without problem. What is the problem now? Yet she continued to be difficult. I told her to keep the pizza.

We went to CiCi's. Dominos Pizza on International Drive in Orlando, FL sucks!

Hollywood Studios

Today we ventured back to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney/MGM). It was a good time. We went on the Toy Story ride. Grandpa S hadn't been on it before since it was also being built (like the Simpson's Ride USF) when he was here last. Still a great ride. Then it was the usual -- Muppetvision 3-D, Star Tours, etc. This time we took in the parade which was more of a show than a parade. They made two stops on the route and entertained you with music, dancing and tricks. Elijah recovered to souvenier balls from the show.

They also opened a new attraction: American Idol, but Elijah didn't want to do it. He has this thing about bad singing.

After that we stopped at the store to pick up some fishing polls. The condo we're at lets you fish. Elijah has been loving that!

Epcot

Today we started out with the intent of going to Hollywood Studios, but when we got there, the line was really long to just pay for parking, so we decided to head on over to Epcot. First stop is always Spaceship Earth. Elijah loves going in the "giant golf ball." I ran over to get some fast passes and on the way back, I noticed that Kim Possible is recruiting agents to save the world. I'm in! We did a mission and it was really fun. I don't think Grandpa enjoyed it as much as Elijah and I did.

We also went in Innoventions and played 'Don't Waste It' and got to sort out all the trash our household uses in a year. They emailed us a certificate and everything. Pretty cool day.

When we got back to the condo, Elijah and Grandpa S went out on the paddle boats while I went out to dinner with friends who live here. When I got back I found out that they were also able to go fishing. Elijah caught one but it broke the line and got away. Maybe next time!

Universal Studios

Today we went to Universal Studios. First thing we took Grandpa S to The Simpson's Ride. They were still building it the last time he was down there. Good times, although when they were showing some of the clips from the show, I was thinking about how much it may be warping my son.

Happy Birthday Bobbie & Nikki!

Happy Birthday to two of my cousins: Bobbie and Nikki. One from each side of the family. I hope you both had a great day! All the best!

Finishing the Drive

We made it to Knoxville and left at about 8:15 on Saturday morning. We made it to Orlando at about 6 p.m. Wasn't too bad overall, but there were some times that felt like it would be an eternity.

Now we are all tired. Unpacked the car and decided to unwind a little. No energy to go out -- too bad because the Mardi Gras party at Universal is probably a blast. Oh well, new day tomorrow.

Travel Day

Today we are heading off to Florida. The plan is to drive to Knoxville and stay the night. We would drive further, but since I made Elijah go to school today, we aren't leaving until after 3 p.m. I don't like to be on the highway late at night. We'll see how it goes. Say a prayer for safe travels!

Cardboard Classic

Today we did our 2nd annual (it is the event's 15th annual) cardboard classic. Grandpa D recycled the sled from last year and made some alterations to it. He and Elijah came in 13th place. Grandpa sat in front this year -- not sure if that worked for the better since they were in 10th place last year. Overall it was a good time and much warmer than the year before. It was also nice to not stress about getting on a flight to Orlando after the event!

B&G Banquet

Tonight we went to the Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet. The food was not great, but we had good company. Elijah won a medal of honor for his popcorn sales -- highest in his den. The look on his face was priceless. We also got to see some Webelos earn the Arrow of Light. A very interesting ceremony. Not exactly how I would have expected to spend Valentine's Day, but it will do.

Disappointing

I was online today and read an article about a certain Olympic swimmer admitting to poor judgement. In the past I have found the poor decisions and indiscretions of role models to be unfortunate. Today as a parent I have to say that I'm very disappointed. This is someone that my son has commented on aspiring to be. I only hope I can keep this information from him.