Last Days of Vacation

Last Days: Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space CenterSo on our last we decided to drive out to the Atlantic Coast and see if we could see the Space Shuttle. Technically we did see it, but mostly we just saw all the scaffolding, they don't let you very close, and we didn't want to pay for the tour, but it was still pretty neat to see the Nasa building and where all the Magic happens!
Here is Brian and the kids at the Kennedy Center in front of the rockets.
Here is Amy at Cocoa Beach. We didn't have any sand toys, and I actually forgot the bog with the kids swim suits that day, but we made do with a spoon and a swim diaper :)
Brian and I trying to get a cute couples picture...and Max "photo bombing" us with his cute little bum!
We found all sorts of sand crabs and little clams digging in the tide.
Our little beach baby!
We buried Daddy!
West Coast Family in the Atlantic!
They had these Waffle Houses everywhere, so after church we had to see what all the hype was about. The waffles were pretty tasty!
And who can leave Florida without trying some Gator Jerky...Yum! We had an amazing vacation, but it feels good to be home safe and sound. I have one week left before the next semester begins and a lot of projects I want to try an accomplish! Hopefully I can even keep up with the blog a little!
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FL Day 6

Day 6: Discovery Cove

This was the park that we booked in advance that allowed us to go to Busch Gardens all week. We almost didn't do it, because Max isn't exactly known for his love of the water and it was a lot of snorkeling (something he has never done) and ALL day water. But we decided to take the risk and it was ALL worth it. Max LOVED snorkeling and the fact that he could not only see and breath under water, but that eh could "swim" (float) all by himself with a life vest. His excitement was worth every penny spent on this vacation!
Here's Max in the cave of the winding river.
Amy loved floating along as well. She was a little more awkward since she would mostly just fall forward, but she loved floating along on her back!

Under the waterfall!
Amy doing what she loved best!
The park included all of our meals and snacks. Here is Max showing his excitement.
After getting there, and getting all the sunscreen on we were finally ready to go see some fish! We saw all sorts of parrot fish, ginormous rays, polka dot fish and many more.
They had a separate pool where you could swim "cow nose rays". They would swim right next to you and you could feel their slippery skin.
Amy and Daddy trying to touch a ray swimming by,
They also had an aviary where we could feed many different types of birds and they would land right on you. Max and Amy loved trying to get the birds to eat from their little containers!

We had so much fun and it was such an amazing day! They also had a part of the park where you could swim with the dolphins, but Max and Amy were not old enough, and honestly we filled the entire day without missing it! Only one day left, we are thinking of checking out the Atlantic Coast tomorrow and then we fly home Sunday night! It has all gone by too fast, but time flies when you are having fun!

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FL Day 4 & 5

Day 4:

We actually did nothing ALL day and it was wonderful!!! After such a busy day at Busch Gardens we decided to have a down day and we just relaxed at the pool...of course we forgot to bring our camera, so no pictures on this day.

Day 5: Busch Gardens... Round 2

We had so much fun the first time, we decided to do it again!
Amy loved being able to feed and pet all the different birds.
Max conquering the water play area.
We can not get a picture will all of us looking at the camera, but here we are.
Big Bird!
We didn't get a picture of our flat tire the first day. Apparently sometime on the airplane the intertube got punctured and we had a flat all day, but thanks to WalMart we were able to get it fixed for day 2!
The Gorillas were awake the second day and striking a pose.
Amy Loved the swings!!
Although Elmo isn't in this picture, all Amy talks about is when se went and gave Elmo Big hugs!!!
Amy fell asleep right before we went on the Log ride and didn't wake up until after the big drop...wish we could sleep like that!!!
Here we are ready to see Pirates 4D.

The best part of the day was that we found out Max was big enough for a larger roller coaster. Max has always said that he loves roller coasters, but has never been on a big one, especially one with a loop. He was excited ALL day long, and after he saw the ride he exclaimed, "Awesome Mom, I get to go upside-down.!!" So he went on Scorpion and LOVED it!!! He went 3 times, and would have done it all day if we let him.

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Fl Day 3

Day 3: Busch GardensMax and Amy love going on fun rides!
We got to feed Kangaroos...they were so cute and soft!!! Max actually took this picture since Amy was too little to go in with us!
Max and I with the kangaroos.
Lots of different birds to check out!
Amy looks a little mad on the ride, but she was having a great time :)
Amy on some swings. This was the first ride where Max was actually too tall to ride...Amy loved it!!
Brian and I enjoyed getting soaked as well... it felt great!!
We all enjoyed the water area to help cool us off. Amy took charge and squirted not only her brother, but also some unsuspecting children.

We had a lot of fun in the Sesame Street Area. There were a lot of little rides for Amy to go on...here is Brian and Max in a little feris wheel.
We had SO much fun at Busch Gardens. A great combination of fun rides and lots of animal exhibits. Here, Max and Amy are up close to a huge iguana!
Amy is showing off her gorilla impression. They were pretty lazy for us, but we don't blame them, it was very HOT!!!
Brian decided to try out some monkey moves.
My new friend the flamingo, striking a pose ;)
We also attended a beautiful Cirque show there. besides the Amazing choreography, it was also air conditioned...very nice :)

We loved Busch Gardens. It was a great combination of fun rides and animal habitats. We didn't do everything on Tuesday since we get to go back on Thursday! Wednesday we are going to just sit back and relax a little around the pool!

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FL Day 2

FL Day 2:

After settling in, and buying groceries for our week stay, we got to go visit our friends the Appel's who are serving their church Mission down in St. Cloud Fl, helping to run a camp there.
Here's a good "official" missionary picture of Elder and Sister Appel...although they will always be John and Mary to us. Along with seeing their camp and playing, Mary also cooked one her famous home cooked meals :)
They built this huge water slide on the camp. Max couldn't get enough!
Amy enjoyed a few trips down and then just chatted with the ladies!
Max was going crazy, which is kind of unusual for him, but he loved every minute of the slide!
There's John up at the top watering it all down for us! Since FL is so flat, they actually had to build this "hill" for the slide.
Mary and Amy on our hayride through the camp.
Brian tried out some of the many adventurous amenities of the camp. Here, Brian was climbing across the rope when we suddenly heard a large splash and lots a bubbles...apparently a Gator decided to make Brian's cross across the pond more exciting!

We had so much fun playing at the camp and seeing all that the Appel's get to do there!. A wonderful start to our FL adventures!

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