FLORIDA DAY 8

1. On Thursday, we made our way over to two places, one called "The Pier" and the other was Treasure Island. In short, the Pier was a nice place to see the water and some birds, but the upside-down-pyramid-of-a-building that housed an aquarium, some shops and a few eateries, was a let down. For us to get into the aquarium, it cost $18. I've been to a few pet shops that had more fish. We determined this was our one rip-off of the trip. So we headed out to Treasure Island and Madeira Beach...a much better choice. We found a place with some unique shops and had a great few hours.
2. The rain arrived on Thursday, so it was a good day to do the above.
3. We rapped up the day by eating at a place called Sonny's Bar-B-Q. Very good and all you can eat.

FLORIDA DAY 7

1. Day seven can be summed up as travel from Orlando to Tampa, and beach day.
2. A year ago, when we came to Florida, and had Sean, he did not want to get even his feet on the beach. This year, he felt like he had a giant sand box.
3. We've been to quite a few beaches, but this is the first one that was littered with sea shells. The sand was less than soft, except for a few places, and I should have worn sandles.
4. As regular watchers of shows on the Travel Channel and Food Network, we always set out to hit one of those places we see on TV that appeal to us. This time, it was Mel's Hot Dogs, and it did not disappoint, especially for Will, who loves hot dogs. As one who talks from time to time about having a hot dog cart, I kept the menu for some ideas. As a Christian, I'm not allowed to comment on the car, but a few lines from the movie Shrek do come to mind.

FLORIDA DAY 6

1. Liz was feeling much better today so she was able to go and see parts of the park that she missed the day before.
2. She was my buddy on a couple of roller coasters that rocked.
3. We headed out a little early today, leg-tired, sore feet, aching backs with slight head aches so we could go to Giordano's, a pizza chain based in Chicago, but having several locations in Orlando. The best deep dish pizza in the world.
4. Just realized I should have takena picture of that. Oh well.
5. We head out Wednesday morning for Tampa Bay.

FLORIDA DAY 5

1. Dawn, Will, Sean and I spent a day at Islands of Adventure, a park associated with Universal Studios. Liz spent the day at the hotel sick. I think she's doing better today.
2. Sean had his first amusement park ride today and seemed to really like it.
3. Will invited trouble by standing in the splash zone.
4. Will, Sean and I went to downtown DIsney to visit the Lego store. Will was happy.
5. Will's rushing me out the door, so I can't detail the day. See ya.

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FLORIDA DAY 4

1. We spent the day at Universal Studios.
2. Woke up Monday morning and Liz is not feeling well at all. She may spend most of the day in the hotel room. Bummer.

FLORIDA DAY 3

1. Left Atlanta bound for Orlando.
2. Made it in 8 hours.
3. Checked in to hotel.
4. Ate at IHOP
5. Went to a mall. Looks like the economy has even hit this area, based on the number of vacant stores in the mall. Though, the outlet centers around town seem well shopped.
6. Drove around a little more looking for a grocery store. I think the city planners believe everyone will eat out every meal. We couldn't find one for quite awhile.
7. Driving down International Drive, Liz commented she feltlike we were back in Hong Kong, with all the lights and glitter and such.
8. Was awaken at 3:00 am by our "neighbor" next door.
9. Hoping day four is a good day!

FLORIDA DAY 2

1. Got up, showered, ate breakfast, and went to get the tire fixed.
2. See picture from day 1.
3. Realized I should have posted the tire picture on day 2...oh well.
4. Kids really wanted to go to Target, so that was our first venture.
5. I took an hour to take part in a conference call for work, so we hung out at the mall and I sat near the food court.
6. Learned we are doing a book by Drew Brees.
7. Headed to an interesting Railroad/Civil War museum. I call it the Gramp and Granpa museum since my dad would love the civil war stuff and my dad-in-law would love the railroad stuff. I suspect they would both like all of it.
8. Bonus for me since I'm not really into railroads or civil war things is they had a traveling exhibit from National Geographic on photo history along with interesting photos that were shot during different time periods.
9. Had planned on seeing my youth pastor from 20 years ago, but his son came home sick, so we were unable to get together. Maybe on our ride home.
10. Went to a place called Sweet Tomoatoes for Dinner. Last time I ate there was in their Phoenix location. The kids were much younger.
11. Went to Borders and actually bought some books.
12. Sitting in the hotel room, and the boys have their jammies on.