Thanksgiving in Williamsburg

Thanksgiving this year was spent in Williamsburg. Again the accommodations were great, this time at Wyndham Governor's Green. The set-up worked out just great for us.

We arrived on Tuesday Night and got pizza for dinner.

You never know when "quality time" is going to happen. You can't plan it, you have as much time as you can and there is some quality along the way. We had just such a thing happen. We decided to go geocaching. Several caches were showing up just a mile or so from where we were staying. The GPS took us to Waller Mill Park. It was just an awesome place on an awesome day. We went looking in for a box that ended up being over half a mile deep into the woods. Finally we found it, along with great views of the river and Autumn beauty all around.

On the hike back to the main park you might have thought that there would be complaining and moaning but, instead, there was singing and laughing along the trail - it was a moment (quality time).

We had lunch with Nana and Pop Pop at Friendly's. I won each of the girls a plush toy from the claw game (I am the very best at this game). Everyone ate a great lunch because quality time makes you hungry. Sundaes all around and then off to Colonial Williamsburg.

We didn't know if Colonial Williamsburg would be open or not on Thanksgiving Day but we found it in full swing. The girls played with horses, climbed trees, and talked with people dressed in real Colonial dress. Pop Pop had a conversation with a colonial Episcopalian about religion while the girls drank cold apple cider. The Christmas decor already adorned some of the buildings and it was beautiful. Somehow it always makes you feel proud to be an American.

Then it was back to the condo to take a nap for Emily Grace while I took the big girls to the pool (indoor of course).

Just a note here: swimming in Cold months takes special planning. Or, like us, it will include a very cold dash to the pool in your swimsuits and an indescribably cold dash back to the car and back to the room - just saying.

Thanksgiving Dinner was at The James Landing grill. We were the first to arrive and the girls took the opportunity to roll down the irresistible hill. Dinner was a great ending to a great Thanksgiving Day.

The next day (Friday) was opening day of Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. We didn't get much in the way of pictures because we were busy experiencing it with our family. We did get a picture with Santa. We rode lots of rides: The Swings, Battering Ram,Der Autobahn, and DaVinci's Cradle. We saw two great shows: Deck the Halls (while we ate at Das Festhaus) and Gloria.

 

 

Posted with Blogsysxs

Myrtle Beach November

We had the opportunity to go to Myrtle Beach off season. Always a different experience than tourist season. There was no agenda really but we did get to take in a few Christmas activities.

We stayed at the Hilton Royale Palms. Great accommodations, as always, and on the 11th floor this time.

We walked on the boardwalk which we rarely do during tourist season. It was quite nice.

It was my intention to take everyone on the sky wheel (in the background here) but $44.00 (off season price) seemed a little much for me; after all it is just a Ferris Wheel right?

We went to see the Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland at the Pelican's Ball Field.

 

Mom and the big girls went to The South's Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre. They even got to be in the show!

Dad and the big girls went to play miniature golf while Emily Grace slept and mommy baby sat.

 

Regular Mytle Beach activities are better off season.

 

 

No trip anywhere is complete without geocaching.

 

 

 

All family time is FUN!

 

Posted with Blogsysxs

Happy Birthday Olivia

This is a travel blog so let me explain. So some time ago some friends told Megan that they had calculated home much birthday celebrations cost, even with just family. Turned out that they were spending enough that they could take a small trip for the same money. They give each kid a choice, a birthday party or a small trip to the destination of your choice. We did the math on our own and sure enough we could do the same and come out even.

So far, the girls (Megan included) have opted for the trip. This year Olivia chose to go to water country. It happened to be the last day of the season that Water Country was open.

We got to Williamsburg on Sunday night. We had plans to go to Busch Gardens for the night but unrelenting rain drove us into the local Cracker Barrel for a long leisurely meal. Emily Grace spent most of her time on the rocking horse there.

Since this was a birthday outing we splurged on a Mega Cabana and we were very pleased. It was large and comfortable and came complete with our own full-time server, 12 towels (that you keep), morning snack, afternoon snack, a carrier bag to keep, a refrigerator, a private locker, a private picnic area, all the drinks you can drink. This comfortable place served as a great base for the day's activities. We highly recommend it.

Olivia stretches out before the main activities began.

 

Life jackets on and then off to the rides.

 

We rode and rode

 

Then lunch and cake

 

And presents

 

After presents we rode more rides and made a late night trip home. I can't believe I have a 7 year old. It just goes to show you why we have to milk this and every moment for all it is worth. I love all of my girls and I'm very proud of my big first grader.

Posted with Blogsysxs