Enjoying Orlando

We spent last Wednesday relaxing by the pool. We debated whether we should do more parks or not, being there and all, but ultimately decided that relaxing by the pool would be more fun. We did have a great day, practically had the pool to ourselves. Lily and I got to the pool by 9AM. We tried to miss the mid day sun but otherwise spent all our time swimming. She is starting swim lessons next week, she loves the water as much as I do so I hope that will help her to be more independent in the water. Lily loves her Independence. Lately she even tucks herself into bed at night preferring to say goodnight in the living room.

Thursday we went to Sea World at Busch Gardens. They offer military and family free tickets to their park one time per year. We took advantage and enjoyed the royal treatment. They even had all the military members stand up to be recognized at the Shamoo show. It was very touching how well we were treated and I was very grateful. We had a blast a Sea World. We got Lily a stroller and that made all the difference. Again we separated from the older girls. We even got to see a Sesame Street show. And we got to have Pepsi, there is no Pepsi anywhere on Disney property not even at the gas station. They do have good gas prices though. So we all enjoyed our Pepsi very much.

We all got our souvenirs at Sea World. Thought we would drop some money there since they were so kind to give us free admission. I got some cute necklaces, Lily a cup and stuffed dolphin, Mandy a shirt and bracket, Jeff ... Jeff decided what he really wanted was to add an Orlando Hard Rock Café glass to his collection. He has a great big collection of Hard Rock Café glasses from all over the world. We discovered that the Hard Rock Café was located at the City Walk at Universal. We headed over there.

First we got turned around on which direction to go on I4 to get there. The map I was looking at made the freeway appear to run north and south. I knew we had to go North to get to Universal. According to the signs the freeway ran East and West, Jeff asked me if we needed to go West and I said yes. I was looking at the map trying to figure out which exit and not really listening to him. I got my East and West confused and we ended up going back toward Disney instead of toward Universal. While driving down the road I mentioned that the outlet mall we were passing looked familiar and everyone in the car told me yeah, we passed it this morning we are going back the way we came. Oops. It was hard to find a way to turn around because all the exits led to other highways, but we eventually got back on 4 going in the correct direction, North East. We passed Sea World and waved and continued on toward Universal. We followed the signs and were soon in the Universal compound which was very similar to Disney. But, we soon discovered that you have to pay $12 to park at Universal, even if you just want to buy a glass at the souvenir shop at the Hard Rock Café. We decided not to pay the money and left Universal without a glass and Jeff ended up without a souvenir for the trip. Poor Jeff.

Tomorrow is the big day, the trip home, full of suspense and adventure. Jeff even remarked at one point, "this is more fun than a ride at Disney World". Of course the scariest ride he rode at Disney World was the Tea Cups, see y'all tomorrow.