Sunday, April 27, 2014

Orlando & Clearwater Beach

After our day in Savannah and Tybee Island, we went to Orlando for four days. We stayed at Orange Lake Resort (which is where we usually stay when we go to Orlando). The resort is very nice with lots to do on the property.

I kept trying to get a picture of the kids shooting out of this slide in River Island, but it just happens too fast!
We also spent a lot of time at this pool in the North Village. Even though the slide was smaller, the kids loved it because they could go down it backwards, sideways, whatever!



We love the pina coladas at Orange Lake. We had a bunch of them while we were there.

Karaoke was a big hit two different nights. Parker and Claire even convinced Brian to sing!

The view from our screened in porch. So pretty!

Another one!

We went to Downtown Disney one night and ate at Rainforest Café. It's always a fun experience even though the food is just average (and VERY EXPENSIVE).

We also went and toured the Grand Floridian hotel. It was really beautiful. We even got on the monorail and rode around through some other Disney properties. We even got to see the castle!

On a different day, we went to Typhoon Lagoon water park. We have been there once before, and it was even more fun this time. The weather was perfect, the lines were short, and everybody was finally tall enough to ride everything. So fun!

More karaoke!

At dinner one night...totally exhausted!

At the end of the week, we went to Clearwater Beach for a couple of days.



We stayed at Sheraton Sand Key Resort. It was our first visit to Clearwater Beach. We enjoyed exploring a new beach town. We liked it pretty well, but we were a little disappointed in the ocean water. I think we just had our expectations a little too high. It was pretty, but not much different from what we are used to seeing.

Brian really wanted some good seafood while we were there. We asked around and kept hearing about a place called Crabby Bill's. Even though we were skeptical, we decided to give it a try. You guys...sooooooo good.

I had coconut shrimp and Brian had a grouper sandwich and grilled shrimp. He also had she crab soup that was gone before I got a chance to take a picture. It was all so fresh and really delicious.




We told the kids this pirate ship was coming to pick them up.

We even tried the pina coladas in Clearwater. Pretty good, but not the same as Orange Lake.

The hotel had a meet and greet with the actor who played Sawyer from the movie Dolphin Tale.

The night before we left, we went downtown to the pier area. There was a gorgeous sunset!





The whole trip was so much fun. We made some great memories and really had fun just spending time together! We are very blessed!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

We Love Savannah!

We started our Spring Break trip with a stop in Savannah, Georgia. I love to visit Savannah any chance I get. Several years ago, Brian and I took a short trip to explore Savannah and Charleston for a few days. We really loved both cities, but I have to say that Savannah was our favorite. Since that trip, we've taken the kids a few times (usually just on the way or home from Florida). 

This beautiful fountain at Forsyth Park is one of my favorite parts of Savannah. The trees surrounding it on all sides with the moss hanging ~ be still my heart. Absolutely beautiful!

Another part of the park that we enjoy is the big playground.

Notice every one of those kids up there and one random dad. They were all playing a massive game of tag. I loved watching a bunch of kids from all different places play together as if they'd known each other forever. They would gather on the top to choose who was "it" then take off in all directions. Fun!

We spent a little time walking through the squares and seeing the gorgeous homes.


We've never eaten at Paula Deen's restaurant, Lady & Sons. Often we end up walking or driving by there, but we end up eating somewhere else. To be honest, the reviews I've read just aren't that great. If I'm going to eat (and trust me I am), then I want it to be great!
On my first trip to Savannah, we found Vinnie Van Gogo's pizza in a little area we love called City Market. The kids loved their HUGE pieces of pizza!
While the kids ate their pizza, Brian and I enjoyed eating at a little place also located in City Market called Anna's. We've eaten at Anna's every time we've been in Savannah. The food is always so good! However, I will say the service is lacking. One of the reasons we love eating there so much is the outdoor patio that faces the City Market area. It's so nice to sit outside and enjoy the food. Just plan on it taking a little while to be greeted and served! 

Brian and I shared this delicious pasta and crab cakes.

Another part of Savannah that we enjoy exploring is the riverfront.

Savannah is super close to Tybee Island, so we like to head over there as well. The water was so cold, but I'll take the beach any way I can get it!

The Tybee Island Lighthouse
Visiting Savannah was such a fun way to start our vacation!

Monday, April 21, 2014

Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter weekend. On Thursday, my cousin Krista brought her kids to eat lunch with us at school since they are on on spring break. We only get to see them a few times a year, so it's always exciting when we do.

 These girls talk on face time several times a week. I wish they lived closer to each other like Krista and I did (next door)!

 Emma came over Thursday night to play for a long time. They had so much fun!
 Max loved Krista! He really doesn't know her very well, but he definitely liked her a lot.
 On Friday, we were out of school (yahoo!) so I shopped and ran errands. Then I went to my cousin Kayla's (Krista's sister)  baby shower.
 Saturday was a really pretty day. When we went to the grocery store, they had a few activities going on for kids. They each got to decorate a chocolate egg.
 We also saw the Easter bunny. As we were walking away, I heard Claire say, "That's not the real Easter bunny because everybody knows the Easter bunny wears a sweater".
 We went to Italian Village for dinner. Yum!

 Then we went to the park and played for a while.
 The Easter bunny did not disappoint (sweater or no sweater).


 Parker and Claire were very excited and of course ate candy for breakfast.
 They posed for the traditional Easter pictures that their mom forces upon them.

 Then we headed to church. We had such a wonderful church service! 

After church, we went to lunch at Grandma and Grandad's house.

 The afternoon was full of talking and playing.

We hope you had a very special Easter celebrating our risen Savior!