Everyone made it home without incident, tired but happy! The caravan separated in D.C. with the minivan heading due north and the Cavalier heading off to the north east! We did manage one more stop at McDonald's in VA before heading out our separate ways!
Ron Jon's will have to deal with a more normal workload, no 5 bags of garbage generated per day, no 10 loads of wash per day (I assume Kim is hard at work on laundry at home, and Kris is filling up garbage cans in Avoca!).
Can't wait to go back again, but this time Bob, Rich, Kae and Kirie will have to come along for the ride!
April
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Day 9: FL to Dunn NC
Got started a little late this morning (to be expected) but we were on the road by 9 am. After a quick stop at Mickey Ds for breakfast we flew through Florida and most of Georgia. Only one potty break the whole way thru.
Stopped for lunch (also Mickey Ds) outside of Savanna and that appears to be our downfall, because I we stopped three time in SC (and passed the same truck towing a huge boat three times). The first stop was for Kris to "pretend" to pour milk into Megan's bottle because Kim had poured it and she wanted Mommy to do it (cried from Savanna GA until we stopped in SC to resolve the problem).
Stopped for AJ to go to the bathroom at the next rest area.
Stopped to change a very nasty Riley diaper a few miles further along (Kim's response to Riley's request to stop while she actually did the deed "Sorry kiddo - nobody else gets a poopy break"). Hey - at least we stopped to change the diaper.
Even with the stops we made excellent time. We passed Dillon SC after 8.5 hours, and it took us 9.5 hours to get from Dillon to Ron Jons.
We made it to Dunn in another hour and the kids enjoyed a quick swim in the pool while we ran for some dinner and chocolates from Cracker Barrel.
Planning an early wakeup call and start tomorrow, our final day - I think everyone is looking forward to getting home!
Stopped for lunch (also Mickey Ds) outside of Savanna and that appears to be our downfall, because I we stopped three time in SC (and passed the same truck towing a huge boat three times). The first stop was for Kris to "pretend" to pour milk into Megan's bottle because Kim had poured it and she wanted Mommy to do it (cried from Savanna GA until we stopped in SC to resolve the problem).
Stopped for AJ to go to the bathroom at the next rest area.
Stopped to change a very nasty Riley diaper a few miles further along (Kim's response to Riley's request to stop while she actually did the deed "Sorry kiddo - nobody else gets a poopy break"). Hey - at least we stopped to change the diaper.
Even with the stops we made excellent time. We passed Dillon SC after 8.5 hours, and it took us 9.5 hours to get from Dillon to Ron Jons.
We made it to Dunn in another hour and the kids enjoyed a quick swim in the pool while we ran for some dinner and chocolates from Cracker Barrel.
Planning an early wakeup call and start tomorrow, our final day - I think everyone is looking forward to getting home!
Day 8: Last Day at Ron Jons :(
In keeping with our hardcore schedule, we started off today at the pool (April even got up early to go with the group - it was accidental, but I got credit for it anyway!).
The plan was pool ... beach ... pool. After the morning pool session we were back at the apartment for lunch and then got ready for the beach. It must have taken longer than we thought because by the time we got down there the clouds were beginning to move in. We got into the water anyway and noticed that the ocean was a bit different than it had been all week.
Anyway, Camryn, Breanna, April and AJ were out fairly deep playing in the waves and chatting when it started drizzling. AJ and Camryn started for shore right away. April and Breanna thought they were working their way in, but it turned out that we were caught in a small Rip tide. By the time I (April) got us turned around we were actually quite a bit further out! AJ and Kim has also noticed and AJ started back out toward us to help out. I got us to a place where I could touch and AJ towed us into shore. Luckily Breanna never even realized what had happened. I really didn't want to scare her, but Camryn and I did have a chat about why you always need to swim with a buddy, never ever alone, especially in the ocean.
After dinner AJ, April, Kim, Breanna and Camryn went to the pool for a final swim before we left. The skeeters were out, but otherwise it was peaceful and Camryn and Breanna made a new friend that they played with for a good while.
When we got back Kris had morphed into a cleaning machine and the apartment was really looking great. Kim and Kris had already packed up for an early morning departure on Sat.
The plan was pool ... beach ... pool. After the morning pool session we were back at the apartment for lunch and then got ready for the beach. It must have taken longer than we thought because by the time we got down there the clouds were beginning to move in. We got into the water anyway and noticed that the ocean was a bit different than it had been all week.
Anyway, Camryn, Breanna, April and AJ were out fairly deep playing in the waves and chatting when it started drizzling. AJ and Camryn started for shore right away. April and Breanna thought they were working their way in, but it turned out that we were caught in a small Rip tide. By the time I (April) got us turned around we were actually quite a bit further out! AJ and Kim has also noticed and AJ started back out toward us to help out. I got us to a place where I could touch and AJ towed us into shore. Luckily Breanna never even realized what had happened. I really didn't want to scare her, but Camryn and I did have a chat about why you always need to swim with a buddy, never ever alone, especially in the ocean.
After dinner AJ, April, Kim, Breanna and Camryn went to the pool for a final swim before we left. The skeeters were out, but otherwise it was peaceful and Camryn and Breanna made a new friend that they played with for a good while.
When we got back Kris had morphed into a cleaning machine and the apartment was really looking great. Kim and Kris had already packed up for an early morning departure on Sat.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Day 7: Has it really been a week!
Wow - have we really been hanging out together for a whole week? Hard to imagine. What a hoot!
Today started out with a trip to the pool. The pool was fun, but everyone was hungry so we ordered some lunch from the Tiki bar and while we were waiting for it, it started to rain. After just beating the storm in from the beach yesterday we were taking no chances, so we high-tailed back to the tram to get back to the room. All of us except Kim that is ... we left her there waiting for the food. She showed up at the room 20 minutes later weighed down with chicken tenders and fries, wondering what had happened to us, because by then the sun was out and the pool was gorgeous.
Unfortunately the good weather was short lived and the rain settled in for the afternoon, so we decided to take our trip to Ron Jon's today. Since there are eight of us and the van seats 7 (sort of) we decided to just go in the van. This left Kim crammed into the back seat with Camryn and Breanna in their car seats ... and AJ in the trunk! I can only imagine what people were thinking when we pulled up right in front of Ron Jons and opened the trunk to let him out.
We went to Ron Jons where April, Riley and Megan waited in the car for about an hour while everyone else shopped. Then we went to Walmart where we all waited in the car while Kim and Kris shopped. Then we went to Walgreens, where April decided she was going to leave the vehicle!
After our exciting excursion we were back to the room for a pasta dinner and showers before the Animal Show, redux. We had to give up our awesome front row parking spot when we took the van, so on the way back it was looking like we would have to park far away. We unloaded the groceries (3 more gallons of milk!) in front of the building a good spot opened up out front, so Kim reparked the van closer, then another spot opened next to it, so she ran up to get my keys and moved my car too!
The second viewing of the show was not as exciting as the first. Everyone stayed for the Ally-gators (and Riley held one, of course). Kris lasted all of 30 seconds in the same room as the spiders, and Megan was not really interested, so off they went to the playroom. Riley held the spider, and then wanted to go to the playroom. The rest of us stayed long enough to hold a snake and then bugged out!
The playroom was fun, but everyone was a little tired by the end. Megan really didn't want to leave, so we will be returning to the playroom tomorrow so she can enjoy the slides some more!
Today started out with a trip to the pool. The pool was fun, but everyone was hungry so we ordered some lunch from the Tiki bar and while we were waiting for it, it started to rain. After just beating the storm in from the beach yesterday we were taking no chances, so we high-tailed back to the tram to get back to the room. All of us except Kim that is ... we left her there waiting for the food. She showed up at the room 20 minutes later weighed down with chicken tenders and fries, wondering what had happened to us, because by then the sun was out and the pool was gorgeous.
Unfortunately the good weather was short lived and the rain settled in for the afternoon, so we decided to take our trip to Ron Jon's today. Since there are eight of us and the van seats 7 (sort of) we decided to just go in the van. This left Kim crammed into the back seat with Camryn and Breanna in their car seats ... and AJ in the trunk! I can only imagine what people were thinking when we pulled up right in front of Ron Jons and opened the trunk to let him out.
We went to Ron Jons where April, Riley and Megan waited in the car for about an hour while everyone else shopped. Then we went to Walmart where we all waited in the car while Kim and Kris shopped. Then we went to Walgreens, where April decided she was going to leave the vehicle!
After our exciting excursion we were back to the room for a pasta dinner and showers before the Animal Show, redux. We had to give up our awesome front row parking spot when we took the van, so on the way back it was looking like we would have to park far away. We unloaded the groceries (3 more gallons of milk!) in front of the building a good spot opened up out front, so Kim reparked the van closer, then another spot opened next to it, so she ran up to get my keys and moved my car too!
The second viewing of the show was not as exciting as the first. Everyone stayed for the Ally-gators (and Riley held one, of course). Kris lasted all of 30 seconds in the same room as the spiders, and Megan was not really interested, so off they went to the playroom. Riley held the spider, and then wanted to go to the playroom. The rest of us stayed long enough to hold a snake and then bugged out!
The playroom was fun, but everyone was a little tired by the end. Megan really didn't want to leave, so we will be returning to the playroom tomorrow so she can enjoy the slides some more!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day 6: Dolphins and Boyfriends
As expected, a quiet day today to give everyone a chance to decompress!
Kris and Kim took everyone to the pool this morning so that April could catch up on some work. Very relaxing and enjoyable!
This afternoon we planned a trip to the beach, which was very fun because we planned on only staying for an hour so we didn't pack like we were embarking on a trek to the north pole!
While there, Megan and Riley played in the sand and the surf. AJ and April took Camryn and Breanna into the "deep" waters to try to catch some waves. We didn't catch many waves because the ocean was calm, but we did hear some amazing stories about their many boyfriends! We instituted a new rule, no dating until age 60 (at least!).
Some rolling thunder chased us back to the unit and we made it back before the torrential downpour hit. After the rain we looked out from our balcony to watch the dolphins swim right where we were early. We also saw some birds diving right into the ocean to catch fish. Totally cool!
April and AJ went off to Costa's for dinner and everyone was asleep by the time we got back. Here's hoping for a restful night so we can enjoy an action packed day tomorrow. Planning to see the animal show again. Will let you know how Kris gets along with the spiders!
Kris and Kim took everyone to the pool this morning so that April could catch up on some work. Very relaxing and enjoyable!
This afternoon we planned a trip to the beach, which was very fun because we planned on only staying for an hour so we didn't pack like we were embarking on a trek to the north pole!
While there, Megan and Riley played in the sand and the surf. AJ and April took Camryn and Breanna into the "deep" waters to try to catch some waves. We didn't catch many waves because the ocean was calm, but we did hear some amazing stories about their many boyfriends! We instituted a new rule, no dating until age 60 (at least!).
Some rolling thunder chased us back to the unit and we made it back before the torrential downpour hit. After the rain we looked out from our balcony to watch the dolphins swim right where we were early. We also saw some birds diving right into the ocean to catch fish. Totally cool!
April and AJ went off to Costa's for dinner and everyone was asleep by the time we got back. Here's hoping for a restful night so we can enjoy an action packed day tomorrow. Planning to see the animal show again. Will let you know how Kris gets along with the spiders!
Day 5: I Wuv Alligators!
After a morning at the beach, where the water was freezing cold, even at the ankle deep level, we decided to spend the afternoon at the pool.
The pool was amazing! All the kids had a great time, we played with the ball, played "I'm gonna get you" and "washing machine" with Megan and Riley. Played chicken with Camryn and Breanna (and some kid named Nick who joined in). Nick's sister "Yellow Bikini girl" was our faithful ball return girl (who seemed to have some interest in AJ, though he was oblivious). Everyone at the pool borrowed all the balls we took with us, but we were able to retrieve them all before heading back to the room.
We ordered dinner from the hotel restaurant (not a good choice, they got the order wrong and the food so-so), and AJ and I ran to the store for a mid-week stock up on essentials. By the time we got back, Megan was exhausted from all the excitement, but the rest of us decided to go to the "Hands On" animal show we had tickets for. Amazingly Riley wanted to go with us, even without mommy, so we all piled into the golf cart, Riley chatting the whole way about seeing the cats.
We waited a little while in line (very patiently, all things considered) and got excellent seats. As the woman who was selling the Space Center as an excursion got started, Riley decided to move things along by announcing to one and all "Where are the cats? I wuv cats!"
The first animal out was a baby alligator. When the lady told us that we would all get to hold and touch an alligator, Riley was thrilled, and immediately announced "I want to hold an ally-gator! I wuv alligators!" The lady brought the alligator around and we all got to hold it, especially Riley who did not want to give it back! We also got to hold a tarantula (we got some great pictures of Riley holding the spider for mommy!), Riley held the spider twice! And we all touched a snake.
At this point the lady brought out an oppossum and that wasn't cat-like enough for Riley so she fell sound asleep. Totally out like a light for the next hour. She missed seeing the skunk and the tortoise and holding the snake (which she really wanted to do too!) so we will go back to the show again on Thurs, hopefully with Megan and Kris.
After her nap Riley was wide awake, so we did not have a very restful night. Looks like we will be taking it easy on Wed.
The pool was amazing! All the kids had a great time, we played with the ball, played "I'm gonna get you" and "washing machine" with Megan and Riley. Played chicken with Camryn and Breanna (and some kid named Nick who joined in). Nick's sister "Yellow Bikini girl" was our faithful ball return girl (who seemed to have some interest in AJ, though he was oblivious). Everyone at the pool borrowed all the balls we took with us, but we were able to retrieve them all before heading back to the room.
We ordered dinner from the hotel restaurant (not a good choice, they got the order wrong and the food so-so), and AJ and I ran to the store for a mid-week stock up on essentials. By the time we got back, Megan was exhausted from all the excitement, but the rest of us decided to go to the "Hands On" animal show we had tickets for. Amazingly Riley wanted to go with us, even without mommy, so we all piled into the golf cart, Riley chatting the whole way about seeing the cats.
We waited a little while in line (very patiently, all things considered) and got excellent seats. As the woman who was selling the Space Center as an excursion got started, Riley decided to move things along by announcing to one and all "Where are the cats? I wuv cats!"
The first animal out was a baby alligator. When the lady told us that we would all get to hold and touch an alligator, Riley was thrilled, and immediately announced "I want to hold an ally-gator! I wuv alligators!" The lady brought the alligator around and we all got to hold it, especially Riley who did not want to give it back! We also got to hold a tarantula (we got some great pictures of Riley holding the spider for mommy!), Riley held the spider twice! And we all touched a snake.
At this point the lady brought out an oppossum and that wasn't cat-like enough for Riley so she fell sound asleep. Totally out like a light for the next hour. She missed seeing the skunk and the tortoise and holding the snake (which she really wanted to do too!) so we will go back to the show again on Thurs, hopefully with Megan and Kris.
After her nap Riley was wide awake, so we did not have a very restful night. Looks like we will be taking it easy on Wed.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Day 4: The day AJ changed his name
Miss Megan set the tone this morning when AJ woke up. She welcomed him into the living by announcing "Good Morning, Dave." Needless to say, he was "Dave" for the rest of the day, rest of the week, possibly the rest of his life!
Other than that it, it was a fairly quiet and uneventful day, which we needed. Pool, playground, beach. Very relaxing. April got her computer working too - yea!
After dinner the older kids, Kim and April snuck out onto the beach. Kris got the twins down to bed early (which they needed as they were overtired from all the excitement). We discovered no shells on the beach, but had fun with frisbee anyway. After the evening beach walk, we just hung out and watched movies untli bed time.
Other than that it, it was a fairly quiet and uneventful day, which we needed. Pool, playground, beach. Very relaxing. April got her computer working too - yea!
After dinner the older kids, Kim and April snuck out onto the beach. Kris got the twins down to bed early (which they needed as they were overtired from all the excitement). We discovered no shells on the beach, but had fun with frisbee anyway. After the evening beach walk, we just hung out and watched movies untli bed time.
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