Just back from our annual family vacation...all 8 of us (9 if you count the one who rode along in her mommy's tummy:)...Jackie and Casey couldn't make it this year...we sure did miss 'em!
The house we rented had a pool and spa...right outside the back door! A real treat for all of us...especially the grands...
5 Days at Disney World...the happiest place on earth they say...guess they didn't talk to our grandson...he didn't agree:)
Catie disco danced with Goofy...
and we all ate breakfast with the princesses at Belle's Castle in Norway, Epcot.
Cannon waiting to spray Mickey during the parade with his "Anti-Character Stay Away" Spray:)
We took a day to head to Daytona Beach for a visit and swim with a favorite Uncle...
Our family vacation ended with the "family tradition" to Blowing Rock, NC. for the 4th of July.
Kids helping Grandpa Stead decorate the golf cart for the camps annual July 4th parade...
Kids helping Grandpa Stead decorate the golf cart for the camps annual July 4th parade...
Our annual hike to a favorite creekin' spot in the Julian Price Park Picnic Area.
All and all a great vacation...timed perfectly to miss the terrible storms and loss of electric at home...
Below are some random photos of the trip
P.S. Here are some links to places we visited or used for
our vacation...including the house rental:
House Rental:
We paid 550.00 for the week. Everything (linens and towels too) provided except heat for the spa...we paid an extra 75.00 when we arrived. Would recommend it to anyone! Gated community. Private Pool/Spa out our back door, LOTS of room for everyone to spread out and have their own space.
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/67411.html
Disney World Tickets:
Best price from this site and they were honored with no problem. NOTE: snap a picture of the back of your tickets when you get them...4 of ours went through the washer and we were advised by Disney officials that this is the easiest way for them to find the numbers to replace them...
http://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/attractions/tickets.html
Ocean Swimming:
Jetty Park, Cape Canaveral, FL is a county park with restrooms, campground, lifeguards and snack bar. We arrived about 5:00 on a Sunday and the cruise ships leave from the canal right beside the beach...kids loved watching them leave! 10.00 to park is a little steep, but it was a very nice beach! Took us about 1.5 hours to drive...toll roads but traffic was light.
http://www.jettypark.org/
Blowing Rock NC:
Rumor has it that this is the town Jan Karon's "Mitford" series is based on. Dad's cabin is close to Blowing Rock as well as our creekin' spot.
http://www.blowingrock.com/
Creekin' Spot:
Julian Price Memorial Park, Picnic Area: Boone Fork Trail: Access is gained by crossing the wooden footbridge in Price Park Picnic Area (milepost 296.4). NOTE: we only hike this half way...turning right in the picnic area...the hardest part is crossing the big rock right before the swimming area...but we did it with ages 2-73 in our group.
http://www.virtualblueridge.com/maps/price-park-trails.asp
our vacation...including the house rental:
House Rental:
We paid 550.00 for the week. Everything (linens and towels too) provided except heat for the spa...we paid an extra 75.00 when we arrived. Would recommend it to anyone! Gated community. Private Pool/Spa out our back door, LOTS of room for everyone to spread out and have their own space.
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/67411.html
Disney World Tickets:
Best price from this site and they were honored with no problem. NOTE: snap a picture of the back of your tickets when you get them...4 of ours went through the washer and we were advised by Disney officials that this is the easiest way for them to find the numbers to replace them...
http://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/attractions/tickets.html
Ocean Swimming:
Jetty Park, Cape Canaveral, FL is a county park with restrooms, campground, lifeguards and snack bar. We arrived about 5:00 on a Sunday and the cruise ships leave from the canal right beside the beach...kids loved watching them leave! 10.00 to park is a little steep, but it was a very nice beach! Took us about 1.5 hours to drive...toll roads but traffic was light.
http://www.jettypark.org/
Blowing Rock NC:
Rumor has it that this is the town Jan Karon's "Mitford" series is based on. Dad's cabin is close to Blowing Rock as well as our creekin' spot.
http://www.blowingrock.com/
Creekin' Spot:
Julian Price Memorial Park, Picnic Area: Boone Fork Trail: Access is gained by crossing the wooden footbridge in Price Park Picnic Area (milepost 296.4). NOTE: we only hike this half way...turning right in the picnic area...the hardest part is crossing the big rock right before the swimming area...but we did it with ages 2-73 in our group.
http://www.virtualblueridge.com/maps/price-park-trails.asp