Getting here - Well those that know me will tell you that I hate to be late so to make sure we had booked a hotel at Gatwick for the night before our flight and planned for twilight check in. This year there was a bit of logistics involved as half the party were coming from the Midlands and half of us coming from Kent. So Boxing day Connor was dispatched to Coventry to bring Grandma and Grandad along with his girlfriend and Hubby and I stayed on in Kent with my mum. We had arranged to meet at Virgin check in next day. All went according to plan and we all had dinner in the Weatherspoons before heading to the hotel for the night.
Next morning we all headed for the airport where security was breached quickly and we were settling down to browse for books and await our on time flight when - what is this - the fire alarm goes off and we are told to evacuate the terminal! We were kept outside for around 15minutes and then back in, by which time it was almost time to board. The flight was uneventful. Upon arrival immigration and bag collection went fairly quickly and we headed for the car rental. I had registered with Alamo to use the quick terminals but sorry to say that once again it did not work as I was told to see an agent - after queing I was told that this time it was because I had used an agent and I had a UK driving license. The agent then tried to upsell me into an eight seater " as it was more luxurious than the 7 seater I had booked" Have to say that I will only use Alamo if Dollar is unavailable. Finally managed to get out of the airport and headed to our villa. We had booked a home on Cumbrian Lakes which is next door to Eagle Pointe where we our house so know our way around [msnwink] The villa is lovely but I did have to make an effort not to drive to our house!
Day One - Today we were up early and had a slow breakfast. The boys wanted to head to Vans skate park as Connor had a voucher from Santa for a new skateboard so we loaded up the car and off we went. Shock horror! When we arrived it was to discover that Vans will be closing it's doors at the end of January![msnoo] Looks like we got here just in time - it will be the end of an era. We have been going there two or three times every holiday for the last 10 years! [msnoo]
While the boys skated the rest of us went to Sweet Tomatoes for some lunch and then the Outlets for a browes. I picked up a very nice Calvin Klien dress for work. After we had collected the boys we headed home to have a swim and then head out for dinner. Unfortunately the pool was freezing - so call to the MC who came round and adjusted the timer and temp and then we went out for dinner at Golden Corral. Now usually we have a good meal here - Lee's dad loves it and the kids can just browes and have a bit of this and that but this evening the choice was awful! Most of the choices were empty and were not being replenished. Ended up having a word with the manager who was apologetic and gave us a voucher fro 6 free meals and beverages. may give them another chance later in the trip.
Day Two - As the weather was sunny and 75 we headed to Aquatica today. Had a very relaxing day chilling on a lounger while the teens ran around going on all the rides. There was no lines as the park was fairly empty. After a very toasty day we headed home and got changed before heading to Dave and Busters for dinner. The grandparents and teens all loved it and we came away at the end of the night with a couple of teddy bears and a cuddly dolphin - all liberated from the crane grabbers [msnsmile]
New Years Eve - Another sunny day but with cooler days predicted for the next week we decided to head to Cocoa Beach for the day. It was fab as always lounging on the beach by the pier and attempting to surf! When the sun started to dip we came home via Boston Market for some dinner and then home to the villa. Pool heat is still not really working as the water is still cold - so showered and changed and then headed to Old Town Kissimmee to see in the New Year. The Teens where very keen and at 11.45pm where plunging from the Sky Coaster[msnsmile][msnoo] Not one for me I am afraid!
New Years Day - more sunshine and the chaps where playing golf at Celebration Golf Club so I took The Teens over to OWC for some wakeboarding. Nan and Granma decided to spend a the day soaking up the sun and reading books by the pool at the villa. The pool had lost it's chill by mid day but was cold again by the time Teens were back. The heater is struggling with the weather temps. May need to call MC again on Monday. The Teens were exhausted so we ordered pizza and DVD for the evening along with some Jack and Coke [drinkbeer]
Tomorrow the temps are down so may head to a park for the day. Ta Ta for now.
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Originally Posted by blytht
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