More pics!

Animal Kingdom

Today was the last Disney day for us. We got to AK early, and ended up first in line to get in after another ticket taker thing opened. Waiting at the gate, we for photo-bombed by a cast member. After some chitchat, he asked if we wanted to be the first family on safari this morning. Ummmm...sure! Needless to say, we got a private and behind the scenes tour from a great guy named Lon. The day got better from there! Two rides on Expediton Everest and a Yeti sighting later, we ate breakfast ate the Tusker House. It cost more than my car is worth, but it was outstanding. Lion King show, Kali Rapids, a trek thru the jungle, time travel and a wild ride with the Dinosaur institute, and yet another ride on Everest later,we headed on home. Today was our best family day I think. We are all sad to go, but so grateful for the time away and together. To wrap it all up, there was a plane doing sky writing this evening, writing Jesus loves you. Pretty sweet. So tomorrow it is on the road again, staying in Paducah, KY and finally the DSM on Saturday. So much more...but I will let the pics tell the story.

Hollywood part 2

Today was epic fun with the rides. We ALL loved Toy Story 3 (2 times) and all, yes,even me, loved Tower of Terror. I was Emy and my first time. Scary but awesome. The best was probably Aerosmiths Rocking RollerCoaster for all of us. We did it twice also! Going 0-60 mph was thrilling and I sang to Aerosmith through all the turns. We enjoyed lots of shows today and the stunt show! Fun to see all the movie stuff there! We were done by 3 today which was also a nice break. We realized Brady was lots less emotional today as he has had tears the last 2 nights as we left the parks thinking we won't EVER be back. The magical feeling was with all of us but just between Brent and I, we will come back again! TheOsborne's

Hollywood!

Had a ball today. Rode all we wanted and were done by 3 pm. Found an outlet mall for some Disney souvenirs and then devoured dinner at the Orlando version of Taste of China. Then back to the condo for a relaxed night at home! Animal Kingdom is up for tomorrow; my personal fave. Looking forward to it (and the character breakfast at the Tusker House!)

More Magic Kingdom Pics

Magic

Truly magical day. We are worn out but happy. Highlights for each of us:

Brent - spending time with each kid doing unique things and seeing this thru their eyes.

Kari - the fireworks over the castle. Breathtaking.

Kristyn - splash mountain even with a slight delay!

Brady - meeting Mickey and Minnie with Mom.

Em - Splash Mtn, but the verdict is out as she was asleep when we asked her.

Great day. Truly.

More pics

Epcot

Long and great day. We opened and closed the park with a few hour break for dinner and a swim at home. Saw the world today and enjoyed every minute. Tired and content family tonight. Tomorrow, Magic Kingdom.

Looks like we made it.

We worshipped with the fine folks at Christ Lutheran Palm Coast and the Magnell family this morning, and headed down the road to Orlando and Disney. So far this trip has been highlighted by side trips. Today was no exception. We saw the sign for Daytona Beach, and wanting to see the ocean one more time, to the beach we headed. Right past the Daytona Speedway (awesome) and to Atlantic Ave which runs through the town and along the ocean. After some walking in the sand, we drove thru Daytona proper. I mentioned yesterday that it was Bike Week - touted as the world's largest motorcycle rally. Think Sturgis with lots of sand. One street was so packed you could not move down it. Unreal. Pretty cool to see. After a 2 hour tour, we made our way to the condo and finally to Downtown Disney for some food and a little shopping. Met two guys from West DSM there with the Valley band, and saw lots of Iowa gear too. No matter where you go...

Tomorrow is Epcot with a forecast of 85 and sunny. Gonna be great.

Flagler Beach

We spent the day on the beach. Absolutely perfect. 80's and bright sun. Nice breeze off the ocean. Cold drinks and sandwiches. Waves and sand. Motorcycles and lots of people around for Bike Week and spring break. We got a little too much sun but it was awesome. Here is a rundown.

Photos from days 1-2

A quick look.

Road warriors

We made it to Palm Coast, FL. Plenty tired from 22 hrs on the road, but thankful for the time together and the amazing sites. Included are:

Blood red moon at 3:30 am Thurs. Beautiful.

St. Louis at 8:30, The Arch, Busch Stadium, at the morning rush.

Metropolis, IL. Home of Superman. Giant statue.

Nashville - The Parthenon, 5 Guys Burgers, Travis Patton, and the Opryland Hotel. We had a ball getting lost, eating with a great friend, and playing like Percy Jackson. A choir showed up and threw it down in the Parthenon. Our hotel was super sketch, but we made due.

Rain Fri morning and off and on all day. Bright sun and pushing 90, too.

Rural Georgia. It was super long but vey pretty.

Alligators in the wild at Okefenokee Swamp Park. Crazy.

A lovely sunset in Jacksonville. Here to dinner with friends in Palm Coast.

Day breaking in the Smoky Mountains. Wow.

All in all, so far so good.