to Turks and Caicos

So I might have had a small panic attack as we went to return the rental car . . . I could not find how to get in the rental car return garage.  We entered airport property via a side road so signs were non existent too.  I started to panic because I knew there was only one flight from FLL to PLS today so if we missed our flight it would be a huge issue.  I finally decided to exit the airport and start over.  This time we would enter on the main road and out of nowhere there were the magic purple signs for rental car return.  I was about to start crying happy tears . . . Colin was smart and just sat in the passenger seat silently!  I dropped the tank off and of course no receipt since everything is email so off we went.  As we waited for our flight, I received an invoice for the rental car . . . it was about $20 more than expected so I started looking at the charges.

Fuel Service $15.99?  I drove the car 31 miles and filled it up with less than 2 gallons of gas and had the receipt to prove it.  I decided to call and ask about the fee because I knew waiting until we got back home would drive me crazy.  I was put on hold while they investigated.  I was told according to my contract since I drove less than 75 miles it is a courtesy to low mileage customers to not have to fill the rental with fuel when it is returned.  Well isn't that so kind of Budget Rental Car!  What?  Insane if you ask me!  I had no clue, but said I would be happy to email the receipt showing the fuel purchase less than a mile from the terminal.  More holding . . . so he agreed to refund me.  I had no idea if I was getting $3 back or the fee but either way chalked it up as a learning experience.  Renting a car is always the one thing I cringe the most about when I travel.  I think it is often a scam and ridiculous fees especially at airports but some times we need a car!  Also, do not leave without getting some sort of receipt immediately!  I knew this but since it was less than a one day rental figured I would be good . . . WRONG again!  Oh well it was all good and wasn't going to let $15.99 plus taxes ruin my trip.

This is our first time flying with our Southwest Companion Pass on an international flight!  Of course the flight is only about 2 hours so will be super easy.  I mean I pay and Colin pays $5.60!
Hello Turks and Caicos . . . your blue water is so pretty and can't wait to jump in!

As part of our package, hotel transfers were included and super easy!  We are here . . .

Check in was a bit confusing as two families named Sims arrived at the same time.  I was questioned a few times that it was just me and the child to which I continued to say yes . . . apparently single parents don't come here?  We were given an overview of the property and explained all about the all inclusive benefits.  Colin was like this is my kind of vacation place . . . we shall see how long his excitement last!  We were shown to our room which seemed to take forever.  Now in all fairness I booked the cheapest (which isn't really that cheap) room possible and well I guess that is why I feel that we are in no mans land and on the third floor.  We are in Caribbean Village West Room 375 . . .

. . . could we be any farther from the center of the resort?  I'm not complaining as our room was for sleeping and showering.  I mean there were some minor issues like the room was bit dated and could use a refresh.  The bath had a bit of mold in the shower but nothing I was going to complain about mainly because I had unpacked and didn't want to move.

The view was okay too . . . I could see the water so that is a bonus . . .

. . . honestly I was going to be lounging by the pool or on the sandy beach so the view wasn't a big deal!  We managed to get a reservation at the only place that requires a reservation, Kimonos Teppanyaki which was Colin's choice since it was a cook in front of you place.  We also stopped by Bobby Dee's for an after dinner snack and ice cream!   I can't wait to explore tomorrow!

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

It seems like it has been forever since we were off on a trip.  Thankfully we both have off school and work the week of Thanksgiving so it was the perfect time to escape from home even if it is just a few days.  Since I waited so late getting a flight to our final destination was a bit of a challenge so we are spending a day in Florida before we head to the real destination.  We arrived after lunch so we only had the afternoon to explore.  I rented a car and after a forever wait in line we were on our way . . . did I mention how much I absolutely hated the rental car?  I had reserved the smallest/cheapest car possible but they were sold out so they gave me a full size Jeep Wrangler.  Colin was excited; me not so much.  I never realized how stinking large these things were.  I felt like we were driving a tank and was not happy in the traffic.  So we headed out to our one and only stop of the day, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.  It was right across from the beach, had hiking trails and bike rentals too.  I figured we could spend a few hours enjoying the warm sunshine that we have not had in Texas lately.  So we paid our fee, grabbed a quick lunch at the restaurant with live music, and set out to explore a bit.  I loved renting the bikes and riding the loop around the park a few times. . .

. . . and stopping to explore and look for lizards!

 I found it so odd that literally across the street from this was the beach and ocean!

The old trees were so cool . . .

. . . and last we hiked one of the short trails.  I was always alert because I feared some critter jumping out . . .

It was back to the car for a quick stop at Target for all the things we Colin forgot to pack like an extra swim suit!  Tomorrow we fly to our real escape, and I can't wait to return this ridiculously large rental Jeep!

Day 1: California Adventure

It is no secret I love Disneyland!  I mean California weather is usually perfect no matter what time of year.  I have visited Disneyland solo, with Colin, and now with a small group.  Our group is me, Colin, Lisa (aunt), and Katie (cousin).  We start our Disney Adventure at the California Adventure park . . . our start was a bit delayed because I had to wait in a super long line to get our tickets but we were good since the military tickets save so much money.  The gang is all here and ready to go!

Oh the matching shirts?  I used to think they were silly but let me tell you they have been nice!  You never have to remember what everyone was wearing and I don't know how many times it made it so much easier to locate our group so I guess I have become one of those Disney people!  Oh and Colin wanted no part of the matching shirts but agreed to same color but plain.  It is a very warm day for California but nothing compared to what we left behind in Texas!  So here is one of my Disney hacks . . . MaxPass . . . it isn't free but cost (I think) $15 per person but saves so much time!  You link your tickets on the app and schedule your FastPass rides!  No time wasted you just show up to the ride at your scheduled time, scan the app, and on the ride you walk!  So no more walking to each ride to get a ticket you just scan the app and done!  I also love that the fee includes the PhotoPass which are a lot of the photos from our trip.  There are photographers around the park and will take your photo for free!  If you have MaxPass they are linked to your account and automatically show up in the app to download.  Many would say it is too expensive, but I think it is worth it!  My favorite area in California Adventure is Carsland . . .

And my absolute favorite ride is Radiator Springs Racers . . .

The line for this is always long . . . usually at least 75-90 minutes long which I would never ever stand and wait but there is a trick to cut that wait time to less than 15 minutes.  The single rider line is awesome even if you are a group and don't mind splitting up on the ride!  You basically stand in the single rider line and they fill the empty seats with you!  Not all rides have this but the popular rides usually do!  If you can't bear to split up and ride solo then don't get in this line!  I just love this area and feel like I am in the movie . . .

We did explore the rest of the park too.  It was fun to have Katie along because she would ride the crazy rides that I would not!  Colin loved having her so he didn't have to ride alone.

It was a long hot day so we tried to find inside rides and activities to cool off.  There is tired and there is Disney tired . . .

What do you do to celebrate so many steps on a super hot California day?
You reward yourself with a super sugary milkshake at Black Tap Burgers & Shakes!  This is the Churro Choco Taco with was full of cinnamon greatness!

 PS  Calories don't count at Disneyland!

Day 1: Washington DC

***This trip post has taken me forever to write . . . it was just an amazing, emotional experience that I still struggle to find the words to express my thoughts and gratitude.***

We arrived last night just as the sun was calling it a day.  I tell you I got the warm fuzzy feeling as our driver passed the memorials . . . there is something magical about DC.

It is going to be a crazy few days but we are so excited to have a little bit of down time before the real reason for a last minute trip to DC . . . it is amazing!  It is a day of hanging out with old friends from Germany.  We head over to Old Town Alexandria for brunch and catching up.

It is always fun to see old friends even if you forget how many years have passed.  Colin and Logan headed out on a quick ride of scooters . . .

. . . in my mind I still think of Logan as a young girl!

She was one of Colin's first visitors after he was born!  Good byes are always hard but it was time to head back to DC.

We had an evening bicycle tour of the monuments reserved, even though we have been to DC many times, I was super excited.  We have visited most of the monuments but not all on the same day.

I wasn't sure what to expect but the tour is basically 4 hours long and your small group rides bicycles from monument to monument as the sun is setting.

My favorite had to be the WWII Memorial . . . just so beautiful at dusk!  Didn't get a photo at all of them but the Bike and Roll Monuments Night Tour is highly recommended!  I would even consider renting a bike and setting out on my own with a good map!  As we peddled back to our hotel, I wondered if one day we would be visiting a memorial that was inscribed with Sean's name?

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Summer Adventure Two is with our Sea and Ski Friends . . . we didn't get to ski this year but the beach was calling!  With three high schoolers it sure is hard to find a weekend to meet up and hang out!  These three have grown up together and we always make a point to see each other at least once a year!

I have mixed feelings about the ocean . . . love sitting in the sand and listening to the waves but the thought of what is lurking below sort of has me out of the water.  I did watch this guy scamper around me . . .

Colin still loves digging in the sand . . .

We left the beach behind and headed to the pier to watch the sunset . . .

It did not disappoint!

. . . and of course when in Cocoa Beach you must stop by the Ron Jon Surf Shop . . . it is open 24 hours a day!

Day 1: Michigan Road Trip

School is finally out, and we are ready to hit the road for some summer fun.  This week we kick off summer break with a Michigan Road Trip.  Our flight arrived in Detroit on time (Colin's flight was free thanks to the Southwest Companion Pass), grabbed the rental car, and are ready to hit the road . . . wait how does this car start?

Okay so I haven't been inside a new car without a gear shifter thingy so all these push buttons have me confused a bit.  We hit the road and start driving . . . and drive . . . and drive until I finally decide to take a break because I am tired.  We pulled into Hartwick Pines State Park to do a little exploring and eat our picnic lunch.  My first impression is from Colin complaining about the bugs and then I start complaining about all the bugs too.  Mosquitoes are not our friends.  Oh well so we don't have any bug spray so into the woods we go to explore a little bit.

The trails were nice and so was the visitor center and Logging Museum.  We are back on the road with just a few hours until we reach our destination for the night, Sault St. Marie.  I pulled into a gas station and was amazed it was full service . . . like in the old days but the cost was the same no matter who pumped my gas!  I tell you I think this day and time people would pay extra for full service especially if the weather is bad!  It was nice to arrive at the hotel and relax a bit before tomorrow.

Kentucky

I tell you this weekend seems to just get worse!  I have not been on a trip that it seems that every day something goes wrong.  We spent last night at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. 

I rented a cute cabin that was in the park so it seemed perfect . . . it was cute, clean, and had a view . . .

. . . until it rained non stop and the temperature dropped to near freezing! 

The cabin had no insulation and we could see the outside from cracks in the walls.  Apparently there was a bit of snow, but we were so cold we missed it.  I have never been so cold and miserable.  The only saving grace was the shower had really hot water and water pressure.  Even though we were both miserable some how we both managed to laugh about the situation.  Colin constantly reminded me of what a terrible trip this turned out to be; he was joking but in the end we agreed the elements were not in our favor.  We continued with our cave tour so at least we were indoors and warmer!  We took the Historic Tour which was a very large group of 100 people.  It was too large in my opinion!  Thankfully, I had booked our tour last week as all tours for the day were sold out.  So if you go make sure to book in advance.  Into the cave we go . . .

It was a dark cave so not many photos . . .

Our favorite part of the tour was Fat Man's Misery . . . I don't know how some of the people managed to fit as it was tight for me!

Of course there was a Junior Ranger badge to earn too!

. . . and back on the road to catch our flight in Nashville!  It was a fast weekend with miserable weather, but we made the best of the situation and had fun . . . two new states visited for Colin too!