Tuesday, May 28, 2013

It Was the Trip of a Lifetime

 

DH and I left a day early, and our first stop of the trip was Paducah.  And no trip to Paducah is complete without a trip to Hancock’s of Paducah … a warehouse packed full of quilting fabrics and supplies. 

IMG_0673This is just a small portion of the fabrics available.  And of course, no trip to Hancock’s of Paducah would be complete without a purchase.  Winking smile

 

After we finished up at Hancock’s, we drove down to see the Land Between the Lakes.  DH has been wanting to see Kentucky Lake and the dam, so I figured that if he could “endure” Hancock’s, I could surely “endure” the Land Between the Lakes.  And I have to admit that the Lake and the dam were pretty impressive (I’m not sure that DH could say the same thing about Hancock’s Winking smile).

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We hit the road in earnest Friday morning and after an overnight stop south of Atlanta, we got to our house in Kissimmee Saturday afternoon. 

 

We spent the first 8 days in the Kissimmee/Orlando area, visiting Legoland and Disney.  Since I’m not a fan of park rides, Legoland didn’t hold much appeal, but I was especially enthralled with all the miniatures at Legoland’s Miniland. IMG_0737

IMG_0818Notice the visitor at the Jefferson Memorial Winking smile

 

My primary job at Disney was watching T#4 while everyone else rode the roller coasters … no Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain for me!  Lest you think I did nothing but watch everyone else have fun, I did ride the kiddie rides (Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion, etc.).   I also rode the Dumbo ride but have to confess that it pushed my park ride limits (fear of heights).  Ha! 

 

Seriously, I had a fabulous time watching the littles enjoy Disney … and I marveled at the Main Street Electrical Parade and the fireworks afterwards.  I also enjoyed our day at Epcot, especially our lunch which consisted of samples of each country’s cuisine.  

IMG_0892T#4 waving to the princesses

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There was no better way to end our Disney days than with pool time; I certainly could get used to having a pool right out my back door. 

 

After our 8 days in Kissimmee/Orlando, we made our way to the beach.IMG_0921

 

We had a little time to kill before we could have access to our condo, so we drove up to Clearwater for lunch at Five Guys (my first time – but it won’t be my last).  We noticed this on their bulletin board – obviously we weren’t their first visitors from SW Illinois!IMG_0923

 

The next 4 days were spent on the beach.

IMG_0113Coral found on one of our walks along the beach

IMG_0115-001An early-morning runner carrying the Christian flag

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IMG_0959T#4 wanted to get up close and personal with a heron (forgive the blurry photo)

IMG_0969The sand castle we all built the day before

IMG_0975(Don’t forget to click on the pictures for full-size views).

 

If I thought having a pool right outside the back door was fantastic, it paled in comparison to having the beach right outside the back door!  Absolutely FABULOUS!

 

We all packed up Thursday morning, after 14 days together (pure bliss!) … DD and her family heading off to Chattanooga to spend a few days with DSIL’s sister, DH and I heading back home.    As much as we enjoyed Legoland, Disney and the beach, the best part of the trip was the time spent with DD and her family Red heart  … and I’m really missing them.   

14 comments:

  1. sounds like a wonderful trip! I have never been to LEGOLAND but it looks pretty amazing. Looks like you had nice weather too! Glad your back.

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  2. What a wonderful trip. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I bet the T's all loved Legoland and Disney. You know how I feel about Disney, but this year the beach is winning out. I can't wait until November for 3 lovely weeks at the beach!

    Welcome home and it's good to have you back here in the blog world! You have been missed.

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  3. Sounds like the perfect trip. First of all I like the idea of 14 days, I think you need that much time to unwind and I love that you had beach time after Disney...I have always felt exhausted after a trip to Disney...like I needed a vacation from my vacation. Glad you had a nice time. welcome back

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  4. A lovely vacation. To me the best ending of the night at Disney is the fireworks.

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  5. What an incredible trip. I bet it was wonderful. Gosh, what a pretty trip. I love all of your photos.
    I had no idea you had rented a house.
    I bet it was nice to get home.
    You were really busy.

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  6. Hi my friend, Oh how I loved seeing all your pics-especially of Paducah and the beach. Of course your grands are all adorable as well. You're making me miss the beach big time. I would be quite happy to go to the beach every year if we could take Hunter and not miss the grands so much. Happy Sewing and welcome home.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  7. So glad you got to go to Hancock's of Paducah!!! Such a wonderful place. :) (My hubby spent most of the time I spent in there sleeping off a headache in the car...)
    I bet it was just so much fun watching the grandbabies loving Disney. Our kids were 8 and 11 when we took them for the first time and they were over the top with excitement.
    Trivia: My hubby was a part of the celebration of the opening ceremonies of EPCOT in 1982 -- he was in the All American College Marching Band. One of his coolest experiences.
    Fun to read about your vacation!

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  8. What a wonderful trip! The family, Paducah and the beach -doesn't get a whole lot better! ~Jeanne

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  9. OH, I've missed you! Goodness, 14 days is a long time to be gone, but sounds like you certainly enjoyed yourself! We love, love Disney but, I'm like you, no big rides for me! Glad you are safely home and bet you are busy getting things back in order around your house. Sweet blessings!

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  10. OF COURSE you had to make a purchase! You'd be crazy not to. LOL
    It looks like you had a fabulous trip. My boys loved LegoLand. We stayed in a rental home in Kissammee when we went to Disney.

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  11. Good morning! Glad I didn't miss this post as I was anxious to hear about your trip. It sounds wonderful! And 14 days made for LOTS of time to make memories and enjoy time spent. I am so happy you got to do this. Welcome home!

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  12. I always say someone needs to not want to ride the scary rides because who will stay with the strollers, backpacks, and those too short to ride? I love Disney, but am not a rollercoaster fan.

    My hubs lived in Paducah when he was young...he spent summers on Ky. Lake and has always wanted to take me there. Maybe one of these days...

    Glad you had a wonderful trip!

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  13. I would love to see the things made out of Lego's. We actually have a park in Carlsbad which is our favorite town but haven't convinced my husband to go yet. Disney had to be a blast with the kids. I'm so happy you got to enjoy that. That Five Guys is right by my dad, they recently just opened. I wish my trip would have coordinated with yours, I could have meet you for lunch! Those signs remind me of my grandpa. Whenever he was at the gas station (they lived there) and saw a Illinois license plate he would ask where they lived. He actually came across people we knew. So glad you had such a wonderful time.

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  14. Sounds like a great trip! I've got the pool in the backyard but the beach out the front would be wonderful.

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I am SO glad you stopped by! No proving that you're a robot here ... I want to hear what you have to say! ;-)