I am back in Cincinnati from a fantastic week in Florida. For those who don't know Don and I were just in Orlando on a family vacation. We took my parents up on their offer to stay in their villa. My dad got a fab deal on a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom villa at Orange Lake Resorts in Orlando. The rents have been talking for years about doing a whole family vacation, finally mom and dad found a Holiday Inn resort and off we went to Florida.

The vacation began on Friday when the entire crew stayed at the Walter house. For one night mom, dad, Sarah, Melinda, and Ella were stuffed in the house with Don, myself, and two cats. First thing Saturday morning the crazies went off in a car to the magical world of Disney. It was Saturday night Don, Melinda, and I went to root root root for the redlegs at Great American Ball Park. We watched a fabulous game where the Reds beat the Cardinals! Sunday lead to Chipotle, Graeters Ice Cream, and then the airport...then VACATION officially begun!

Monday was a long day filled with the magical world of Disney. Don, Melinda, and I began in Hollywood Studios. It was here that we took part of the Toy Story Mania ride. We waited in line for nearly an hour, but it was well worth it. This is an interactive 3D game where you shoot balls at items gaining points. I came so close to Don's score...at least that is my story. After Toy Story Mania we ate some lunch at Pizza Planet then off to a backstage tour of the park and an amazing stunt show at Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. It was at this show where we were able to see the space shuttle launch! True Kennedy Air Center is far away from Disney, but we were able to see the smoke trail from the space shuttle! Pretty Cool huh!!! Once this event was over Don and I enjoyed a black light rock n roll roller coaster. As if this day was not full enough for one day Don and I traveled to Magic Kingdom to meet up with the rest of the family where we had dinner and Ella and I rode the Dumbo Ride before heading off to watch the night parade and the fireworks. 13 hours in the magic land of Disney may be magical, but magic hours are just as long as real hours and it was one LONG day!

WOW I am tired just remembering Monday. So you will be happy to read Tuesday was play at the resort day. I swam most of the day with my adorable niece then Don and I went to the resort version of Iron Chef. It was here that Don got picked from the audience to participate and be a sous chef! Who would have thought Don in the kitchen? Not I! Not only did Don participate, but his chef kept leaving Don alone and they STILL won the challenge. Maybe I should hand off my aprons and cookbooks to my hubby.

Wednesday then came and it was another day in Disney. We spent the first part of the day back in Magic Kingdom then off to see the world in Epcot. After this HOT day we traveled to Downtown Disney; however we did not get to enjoy our shopping experience due to exhaustion and heat. Lucky for me my sisters and dad wanted to go back on Thursday for some real shopping before Sarah got on her plane to fly home and go to work. Anyway back to Wednesday...the best part watching my husband try to eat a 30 inch pizza! I of course was a supportive wife who thought he could complete the competition and was so disappointing when he wasn't able to eat half of it. Ok, now the truth....I hackled him the ENTIRE way. It was fun though. My dad and Don both thought they could each eat a 30 inch pizza. While they attempted to eat the ginormous pizza Melinda, my mom, and I got plenty of laughs. I am guessing we added many years onto our life with all the giggles.

Thursday held more than just shopping, it was also the day Melinda, dad, Don, and I traveled to Tampa to see a Ray's game. All I can say is I am proud to be a Red's fan and have such a great ball park and food to enjoy it in. Tropicana Field is an indoor field that is decorated as a carnival...quite scary to me, and the food was so so...oh how I longed to be at Great American Ballpark.

Friday held another full day at the resort including 3 rounds of miniature golf, swimming in yet another resort pool, and a BBQ dinner provided by the resort staff that included dancing and bands. Ella wanted to get up and dance and then talked a waitress into letting her play with the band. Yes my niece is taking after her uncle and is trying to get into a band.

Saturday was the last day. Mom, dad, and Ella took off to make their driving venture to Ohio while Don, Melinda, and I checked into our new hotel and enjoyed a afternoon at the M&M store and Howl at the Moon piano bar.

All in all it was a GREAT vacation. I really can't wait until next year when we get to do it again.