Florida trip, part 1 (Orlando)

The kiddos and I took a trip to Florida last week to see my parents and my grandparents (mis abuelitos). Matt didn't get to come with us, as he is trying to save his vacation days for a trip to Texas this summer. So, you guessed it, I drove from SC to FL with two kiddos ALL BY MYSELF! And the kids were AWESOME! I stopped for lunch and then once or twice to console the inconsolable, but we made pretty good time both ways. We actually met my parents in Orlando first, spent a few days there, and then drove on to Miami where we spent a week before coming back Orlando for another day and then back home. In Orlando, we opted not to go to any parks ($$$), but there was so much fun to be had elsewhere, anyways.

We started with dinner at Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney, but not before some exploring in and around the restaurant:



Checking out the gator in front of restaurant.



Christmas store next door - Brooklyn LOVES Christmas stuff.



Mickey fountains.




We rode a carousel, too.

 

Thunderstorm inside the restaurant
startled Josh a little.



It also startled Brooklyn.



Joshua LOVES his Grandma!


 

VOLCANO!


 

Checkin' out all the fish - they seemed
to be checking out Josh, too.


 


 

On our way out, Brooklyn  HAD to take a picture with the princesses.



The next day, we took to the air, water and rails:



That's right, we went up there... way up there!



Brooklyn was a little nervous, but Josh was grabbing at the railing and netting.



Riding the Ferry around Downtown Disney

Riding the little train ride in Downtown Disney with Brooklyn (up front) and Josh.

Then we walked around and checked out all the famous stores there:



The Toy Store!!
We HAD to take a picture with "Big Buzz"! :)




... and Potato Head.




Spent lots of time here.
Then, Grandma and Grandpa got Brooklyn
her own Potato Head to take home.
Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!



Playing in the Mickey Fountains, again.
This time, she got a little more wet. :)

After a change of clothes, we discovered how much Brooklyn LOVES legos at the Legos Store.


 

And, before we left for the day, we HAD to take another picture with the princesses (in the day time this time).

 We finished the day eating pizza at our Hotel's pool.

The next day, my parents went to the temple and Brooklyn, Josh and I went on an excursion via bus, monorail, ferry boat and then by foot. We took in lots of sights and even ate lunch at a fancy Disney Resort.

On the Disney Bus (her first ride on a bus)



Riding the Monorail.



Got a great view of the Princess Castle while riding the monorail.

 

Met some little girls dressed up like princesses
and traveled via Ferry Boat with them.




One of the gorgeous Disney Resort Hotels (their lobby).
Brooklyn really liked the waterfalls and all the flowers.

 After our excursion, we met up with my parents and left Orlando for Miami. Needless to say, my kiddos were pretty tired and both fell asleep as soon as I started the car. We really enjoyed Orlando!