Our Big Fat Crazy Hiatus: May 2011

Orlando was lots of fun! We stayed at a resort outside of town, called Bahama Bay, right on Davenport Lake. I planned that our last stop would be our biggest and most luxurious, and it was! We had a huge condo with three bedrooms and two balconies, so we had lots of space. We decided to spend 4 of our 7 days at amusement parks. On the off days, we just relaxed at our condo with hiking trails and pools to swim in...and lots of free movies to see.

We went to Aquatica, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and Universal Studios. The rides were varied and I gradually eased into the hard-core rides by trying out Manta on the second day. Christopher became a fan of the roller-coasters after this ride and followed Shannon on lots of rides. After the week in Orlando, the kids flew home to Whitehorse and I flew to Cancun, Mexico to meet up with my husband. It was a great experience to show the world to my children and it will be a memory we will never forget!

Shannon took over my bed for a rest one day- it was a huge room with an enormous ensuite bathroom!

Bahama Bay Resort, outside of Orlando- we were on top floor on the left- it was our largest condo of the whole trip and we really enjoyed the luxury!

Christopher and Shannon in one of the pools on the property. Davenport Lake is just behind the pool...nicely fenced off since it was full of alligators!

Here's Shannon in the kitchen making up some supper.

Christopher on his small private deck finishing off the last of his homework.

Shannon in the livingroom watching a movie. We had unlimited movie rentals for free, so after a day at the amusement parks, we watched lots of movies!

Eating a hearty breakfast before heading off to one of the amusement parks for the day, on our outside dining area.

Shannon and Chris scouting for alligators in Davenport Lake.

Here is the sign warning you to be careful as you walk by the lake....we did not see one in the lake, but in other places in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Chris and I walking along near the lake- the trees were so large and looked like they belonged in the Everglades.

AQUATICA- Seaworld's Water Park...Christopher and Shannon were eager too explore the place!

Here are the kids coming down a giant water slide!

The man-made beach with a wave pool and the other exhibits in the background.

Christopher and Shannon looking at the beautiful dolphins that can be seen when going down one of the water slides/tubes.

A lazy river to float down...we did this many times!

This was my first water -slide experience...it was open at the top and turned into a clear tube that went through a pool where the dolphins could be seen. It was so fast that the woman after me lost her bathing-suit bottoms!

DAY 2- ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

The kids entering Seuss Landing...it was "memory lane" because of the
Dr. Suess books that I read to them when they were younger.

Shannon by the ride that was inspired by one of her favorite Dr. Suess books!

Brenda and Christopher pretending we are part of the Mulberry Street characters.

Christopher at Lost Worlds.

Christopher and Shannon entering Harry Potter's Wizarding World! This was a big moment for us all- we are devoted fans!

Here is the Hogwort's train!

Shannon and Brenda in front of Ollivander's Wand Shop...it was so interesting inside!

Here is the theatre presentation inside Ollivander's Wand Shop, complete with a wizard!

The butter-beer truck dispensed the most delicious soft drink I have ever had...it was a bit like root-beer but with more of a caramel flavour and it was topped with a creamy white foam! Yum!