Silly Shopping and Epcot

Have you ever gone to one of those Time Share presentations.....so pushy! We went to one years ago and almost signed on the dotted line but decided to pass and we never regretted it. Fast forward to our move KSA and we decided it would be a great way to gather family in one place in a fun destination. This time we (meaning Chris) did his research first and then approached them instead of the other way around. We chose a three bedroom that sleeps 12 in hopes that if we provide the place they will come.

AND COME THEY DID!

Our time share in Orlando just opened last year so we, over Spring Break, met up with my little bro Reggie and his crew and my youngest sister Lauren and her one and only. Happily the Time Share did not disappoint. We decided that if we live in a military style row house most of the year that we wanted to be in something really nice and relaxing. Next time we go we will spend more time at the resort itself and do half as many parks. Then again all the kids will be in different stages so the experience will be new all over again.

While the cousins reunited at the fabulous pool Ryanne and I went shopping for all the snack food for the week. Something we do for our kids on trips like this that works REALLY well is buy lots of healthy snacks along with a few goodies to put in big Zip-lock bags with their names on it. With 7 kiddos in tow someone is ALWAYS hungry and this way they can snack at will.

Our first evening we spent some time goofing off at Downtown Disney.There was a Lego shop that needed exploring and some ice cream that needed to be eaten.

We got home pretty late (which became a trend for the trip) that first night but the next morning no one had to be up early except Chris & Reggie (ahem who never surfaced) to pick up Lauren and baby H. from the airport.

iPads + iPhones for 7 kids = Peaceful Meal at Cheesecake Factory for the adults.
We also spent a bit of time at the pool relaxing before the craziness of the week set in.


One day at Epcot is just not enough but we did the best we could using Strollers & Fast Passes. We caught the last week of the Garden Show where the park has topiaries of different characters throughout, some fun and some a bit creepy. Have you every seen topiary with a toupee.....it made Prince Charming not so charming.

If you asked the kids their favorite part of the day it would be the Test Track, Norway Boat Ride, Sampling Sodas from around the world, Soaring, and the new Turtle Talk. OK did I just name all the rides in the park? Oh well. Turtle talk is completely interactive and "Totally Su-weet." This computerized turtle picked S. out of the audience and answered her question along with others. It's hard to explain but it was impressive.

We also enjoyed the Oompa Band at the German Buffet along with the sausages and salads. I was surprised at how many rides have become interactive- actually putting your faces into the ride. The kids really enjoyed that.

Not sure if staying for the fireworks was a good idea but we did. They enjoyed it but it quickly turned to melt down mode with trying to exit the park.

Aunt Lauren made these awesome Toy Story themed shirts for the boys. It made it extremely easy to keep track of our three little guys in red.