I took almost 500 pictures, so now I have the daunting task of going through them and hopefully putting together a photo book of our week. We visited all the main parks, including Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom...
(We arrived when it opened at left after the closing fireworks...the kids were such troopers!)
We did every big ride, saw tons of 3D movies, and met a bunch of Disney characters. We brought ponchos with us in case of rain, and we did indeed need them...the rain would come and go. And BOY was it HOT!
We decided to stay outside the parks in a condo that could accommodate our family size, and it was beautiful! It had an awesome pool where we relaxed almost every evening after returning from the parks. Here is the view from our living room...
I had a phone call from my mom while sitting out a roller coater ride with my youngest (he wasn't tall enough) and she told me they had just had an earthquake. That rarely happens in New Jersey! Luckily, she checked on our house and all was fine. Her house shook and it is all brick...very scary.
Later in the week we heard about the approaching Hurricane Irene, and I was afraid we might have a problem getting home. Thank God, we made it home this afternoon in time to get ready for the same hurricane that is now heading our way. Luckily we are far enough from the coast that we do not have to evacuate, but it is still nerve-racking. Most of our weekend events have been cancelled (birthday parties, soccer tournaments, pool) so we will be hanging out at home together for a few more days.
School doesn't start until the day after Labor Day here in New Jersey, so I am cherishing these last few days together as a family. It is so rare that we are all together at home with absolutely nowhere to go! Maybe I'll be able to catch up on some blogs, make a few cards, and get through those 500+ pictures I took! Honestly, my mind is still in vacation mode, so I'd be happy just playing board games and cards and goofing off for a few more days with the kids. I cherish these days!
Sorry I haven't been around to visit...I promise to start making the rounds soon. Until then, stay safe and take good care.
Judy
I can't wait to take my daughter to Disney World, I think we will do it next year sometime as she will be 6 then and hopefully tall enough and "old" enough to enjoy herself. I love your pictures! Hoping that you stay safe as Irene moves through!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time and truly a rare one, having you all together! It gets harder and harder as they get older! Glad you beat the storm so far - be safe!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful family vacation!! I am sure your kids loved it and will treasure the memories forever! And we start school same as you! Trying to enjoy as much summer as we can! :>
ReplyDeleteWelcome back. We took our two (6 and 9) to Disneyland for spring break and had a fabulous time. Thanks for the corner chomper recommendation. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Judy! Thanks for sharing such wonderful pics--you had such great weather! Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you had such a wonderful time with your family! And, I sure hope you will be far enough away from any major problems Irene may cause. Take care and stay safe!
ReplyDeleteJudy, I am envious! I have wonderful memories of the same trip with our two boys! It was my favorite vacation of all the ones we took! Love the photos! So glad you don't have to evacuate. Enjoy your family and welcome home! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you had a great trip! You were down in my neck of the woods! Don't you just love Disney World?! Well, I'm glad you made it back home and be safe with Irene! When Irene first started I thought we were gonna get nailed down here. Only our beaches took the most hit. And 500 pictures! You were one busy lady and sounds like the funs not over! :) Take care.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, Disney World sure looks fun...I have to say we've never made it there, look forward to seeing the pics.
ReplyDeleteHope you stay safe whilst Irene betters your state...it must be very scary!
Jenny x
Sorry typo...should say batters your state!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos from your vacation. I am just back too from vacation and took 800+ photos so know what you are going through re the photo book! LOL!
ReplyDeletePrayers that you and all your family are safe and sound after Irene.
LOVE LOVE LOVE WDW. My fiance and I are honeymooning there next May! And we might go with my family in April. Then we're going to plan a trip with our friends again in Feb 2013. Seems like the perfect time to get annual passes!
ReplyDeleteWhat condo did you stay at? It looks familiar.