Florida

We escaped the snowy Minnesota weather during the holiday season and visited Florida for five days.  The girls were excited to visit Disney World but in the end realized that they did not enjoy standing in lines and walking around all day.  The adults were more passionate about the beach and gulf.  While exploring the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the girls enjoyed meeting Cinderella and Elena.  Emma's favorite rides were Pirates of the Carribean, Spinning Tea Cups and Frozen.  Analise liked Peter Pan, Frozen and the Crush the Talking Turtle.

Emma and Analise decided on the second day that we would only spend half a day at Epcot and that we would spend more time in the pool and venture to a nature preserve.  We did manage to make it to a nature preserve and got a surprise.  We were looking for alligators but Erin almost ended up stepping on a baby diamond back rattler.  It was small so we didn't think it was as dangerous.  However when we got back to the condo, Erin looked up information on the snake.  The babies are more dangerous because their venom is more potent and they tend to be the risk takers in the family.  So Erin decided for the rest of the trip she wouldn't be visiting any more nature preserves.  Now we know why many of the people were walking with dogs or walking sticks.  Our knowledge of ice and snow is superior but we are very unskilled when it comes to defending ourselves from the local Florida wildlife.

Vivian wants to see this castle Mommy.  Take a picture.

 Main Street decked out for Christmas

 Elena liked to close her eyes for the pictures just like grandma Kathy.  Finally got a good one.

Now if we could just get the girls close enough for a picture

Wildest Ride...Tea CUPS!!! 

After surviving Disney World with the crowds (Erin has never seen that many people walking in such small areas), we enjoyed exploring the beach.  Dan went on a jet ski while the girls and Erin took time to visit a giant inflatable water slide and sand bouncing activity.  We also got to view a sand sculpture contest and took a trip on a pirate ship.  The girls became pirates and discovered a hidden treasure while adults drank and danced on the deck.  While on the ship we saw dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

 Shell castle.  Why is Ani still wearing socks?

 The willing release of the water bottle that was just to heavy to carry over the bridge

Pirates Wanted...Will Train 

 I do Ski Do.

 Emma learns how to flip on the trampoline

The largest inflatable water slide

Erin was able to see a lot of life in the sea while out walking.  Somehow she captured images of stingrays and dolphins while everyone else slept in and missed the sea critters.  The best was the dolphin that was following her down the beach about 10 feet from the shore.

Shell and dolphin hunting

We were very thankful we missed all the rain and frozen roads that occurred while we were away.  We saw pictures of people skating down the sidewalks.  We were thankful our plane arrived in Minnesota safely and on time.

After such an exhausting trip, Dan and Erin agreed that we would not be taking a trip like that again for a very, very long time.  Too many lines, waiting, and tons of patience needed the whole trip.  Glad to be home.