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Introduction

Our trip to Florida - NO ONE WAS ILL! YEAH! But, all three of my boys had colds.

20th –Saturday: We drove to Atlanta and stayed with Hilary, precon diary writer. We had a great visit and she is so nice. We hit it off well. Very nice couple, very nice house. She made lasagna for dinner. She gave me a great idea for dishes. I was going to have dh buy me Louisville Stoneware dishes for Christmas. I had heard from so many people that they’d be too heavy so I decided against it. Hilary had pottery dishes and actually collects them from different potters. She has several place settings and serving dishes, mugs etc from a variety of potters. So, I’m going to do that. When I come across a potter, I’m going to buy a place setting.

21st – Sunday: We continued the drive to Tampa. We arrived at mom's place and my girlfriend, S, who moved down there came over with her son for pizza. She has gotten really hokey-pokey on me and we don’t have as much in common anymore. She has joined a Metaphysical Church. I’m not sure what that is but hey, whatever makes her happy. I just hope she doesn’t get tied into some strange group. I could see her getting sucked into a cult. But, it was nice to see her anyway. She was planning on driving back home for Christmas on the 22nd.

22nd – Monday: We ate left over pizza and salad and went to the pool and then to the mall and shopped a little. I don’t remember buying a whole lot but we did look a lot and ate at the Mexican place there. They also have a new Haagendaz ice cream kiosk. Yummm!

23rd – Tuesday: We went to the beach and then to the club for dinner. We had a nice time at the beach. The water was freezing but Ron and G tested it. I think G fell down a few times. I used my new digital video camera to take videos of the boys. Owen slept the whole time. G ran up and down the beach chasing the birds and throwing sand or shells. We also built a sand castle for a while. Dinner at the club was nice but it’s tough with G. He’s getting better with pottying but sometimes he has to poop and then doesn’t. I think we took him 4 or 5 times that night while at the club.

24th – Wednesday: We cleaned up the condo then headed to Naples around noon. We checked into the hotel. We took quick (I mean real quick) showers and went to my brother's house and then to church. Santa showed up at church and told a story to the kids then had stupid gifts in his bag but he didn't have enough. G came back all teary eyed (from sitting with all the kids up front) and said, "Santa didn't give me a present." I mean really, if you give stuff to kids, you have to give them to all the kids and over anticipate!!! That made me mad. Then we went to my brother's for dinner and wine and a little gift exchange and headed back to the hotel.

25th – Christmas: We put the presents on the balcony when G went to bed the night before and in the morning G dragged them all in. He thought that was great. He opened them up (including Owen’s) and then we went for breakfast and I got my favorite, eggs benedict. Then we walked around outside, it was cool in the mornings, but we got on our suits and braved the chill to go to the heated pool which was awesome. Then we checked out and went to look at the newest Hyatt resort 1/2 mile away. We stayed at the Hyatt hotel but they opened a sister resort to our timeshare down the road, which was really awesome. It was SOOOOO awesome. I look forward to staying there some time. They had all the pools heated (it was warmer outside by then) and a floating river pool, great playground, waterfall into the hottub, and tons more. Later that day we drove 3 hours to the River Ranch. It is a dude ranch just purchased by my sister's timeshare people. IT SUCKED!!! They hadn't done any renovations and although we could see them clearing ground for the new nice condos, where they put us up sucked. They had a little restaurant which resembled a bait and tackle shop. The dinner that night (only place to eat since it was sooooo far away from everything) gave me the runs for 2 days. We were supposed to stay 3 nights. I decided that we weren't staying and we checked out at 6am the next morning and headed to Disney.
26th – Friday: We drove toward Disney and thought we’d stop at a hotel to see if they had any rooms. Well most of the Disney resorts have gated entries. And we drove around for 45 minutes at which point I had to go to the bathroom so bad. We stopped at the Swan hotel and after my RUN to the bathroom I check and they had a room for $220 a night. I decided we’d look around. Once at MGM Studios, I was able to call Disney and found a hotel on the Disney property. It was still a bit expensive at the last minute but worth it. It was the Pop Century. They had just opened it the week prior. It was a lot like a beautiful motel. They had several pools but the rooms were basic, but clean. We took the free shuttle to the shopping area (Disney Village) that night and ate dinner at the Disney Marketplace.
27th – Saturday: We spent the day relaxing. Did the pool thing and ate dinner at the hotel cafeteria.

28th – Sunday: We drove allllllll day to get home! We wanted to be home so bad. We had a couple of detours or traffic delays but we made it home.

On Monday, we were back at work. Dh and I were the only ones here so we didn’t stay too long. Same thing on Tuesday. We have already decided to go to Disney for New Years next year for a week or so. We are very excited for that. Then I think we will plan a Disney cruise for 2006 with the kids.

For new Years eve tonight, we are going to L and T’s house to hang out. We are taking pizza fixings over and G and Macy and Macy’s half brother and her cousin will be there. I’m sure they’ll have fun and I doubt if we stay past midnight.

Owen is still sick. I think I may take him into the doctor again. He was hard to take care of on vacation at night. Although, he did great in the car. He couldn’t help but fall asleep from the car ride. He is really smiley now and loves to be held. He knows who his mommy and daddy are that’s for sure. Interestingly, he really likes TV. It is becoming helpful when I need that last 10 minutes to get ready for work and get everything settled. He still hates his swing.