SJ's Mini-Party

For SJ's birthday, we met friends at the local laser tag place. Good time was had by all!
(Notice the stance of SK and mini-him🤣 while watching the rules video)

Irma

September 11 and 12, 2017
SK had to leave for an event, so the kids and I rode out tropical storm Irma together. It was a Monday and school had been cancelled for Monday and Tuesday. The track moving into Florida before heading our way lessened the damage here.
A Harry Potter marathon was planned. We lost power from noon to about 6pm, thankful it was such a short time. We played board games. Even tax receipts sorting by candle light.
The yard was covered in pine ones, branches, and leaves. The kids helped me clean the front yard. I started the back. Thankful a tree didn't fall completely.
Coco was funny. She would run from window to window. With every limb thump...she was on it. I guess she thought it was the biggest squirrel EVER!
It was devastating to watch the path go directly over our favorite oasis...Bahia Honda. The after photos broke our hearts, moving SJ to uncontrollable sobs. The poor people that lost everything.

Magic Kingdom

6/21/17
We were there for the opening! Instead of the train, Disney lets people into the castle area. Characters dance and sing on the stage. Fireworks. Drop rope.
We stampeded with the rest of the herd to 7 Dwarfs Mine Train. It went quickly. A favorite ride that we couldn't get fast passes for...

Crystal Palace Lunch

6/21/17
We usually hit the breakfast buffet, but we were late planners this trip. Earliest was 11:30. It was alright, nothing exciting....
Except for Pooh and friends!
There were so many smiles and hugs.

Pooh!

Hugs for Pooh, then finished breakfast. We hiked over to the Swiss Family Treehouse. Then, big thunder mountain railroad.

Up Close Dolphins

We were leaving the beach when someone said "dolphins!". I took my camera out of my pocket and immediately started to film! Amazing to watch them fish that close to the beach!

Good Morning Maine

Great way to start the day...sigh. SJ was sleeping in, but we went for a walk on the beach.
Yep. Water was like ice!! Still beautiful. The beach is sandy...I thought it would be rocks. There are a few that have washed up in the surf, but almost powder sand.

Maine Event

After a long night of playing and fireworks, we piled into the car. Driving north to Maine, we heard some snoring from the backseat.
We stopped for lunch at Fisherman's something restaurant. It was so good. Soso and I split the chicken parm, but the rest of the group got seafood. While waiting on the table, a gentleman, I imagine was the owner, pulled a lobster to show the kids. It was HUGE! Lobster-zilla!!
We hit the highway instead of staying on the interstate. Jumping on and off hwy 1 skirting the shoreline.
Beautiful salt marsh and coast line views until we pulled into our place for the week.

4th Party

We did the boat parade again this year. Al had his yearly party with food...so much food! The neighbors around the lake shot off fireworks.

Quiet Ride

After our quick trip through the Disney store, we jumped the train home. We lost three out of four kids to sawing logs. Sophia was our only company!

M&M Store!

On the official 'to do list', we went to the M&M store at Times Square. Kids went nuts. Filled a bag of variety of colors. We hopped a cab and headed to Grand Central Station. Day was done! Saw so much waking around the city. Great day!

Carousel Ride!

Finally, kids were able to ride the carousel! Afterwards, we stopped for ice cream. A reoccurring theme was food!