Downtown Disney!

 We didn't eat out that many times (nine meals) considering we were on vacation for ten days. We bought lunch at the zoo, ate a dinner at the Patio (restaurant near the pool at our resort), bought lunch at the Magic Kingdom, got a dinner at Subway, got lunch from Dunkin Donuts on our way back to Jacksonville, ate one dinner at the airport, and we went to three sit down restaurants - Perkins, Denny's, and the T-Rex Cafe in Downtown Disney. The latter was our biggest splurge. On Thursday morning we went swimming and then had our picture taken at the resort (so we could receive two free 5x7's). Our next stop that day was a trip to Downtown Disney for lunch and to visit the shops. The kids enjoyed playing with the legos and potato heads and riding the train. This picture (at left) is Paul's favorite from the trip. It was taken inside the Lego store.

In Antigua and Grand Cayman, Paul's parents shared a unit with us. I am sure they got more rest, sleep, and quiet since they were in their own unit this time. We also had separate cars, which again meant their time in the car was much more peaceful and quiet as Oliver does not like to be in a car seat unless he's asleep. Vacations with little ones are definitely not as relaxing. The exception would be our trip to Antigua when Nadia was 10 months old. Of all the vacations we've been on over the past 12 years my three least favorite were the cruise, Grand Cayman (because of the lousy weather and the fact that the food at the restaurants and grocery stores was SO expensive), and our trip to Florida in 2010 (because Paul was studying most of the time and Ian wasn't sleeping). My most favorite vacations from the past 12 years would be #1 St. Lucia (2001), #2 Mexico (2002), and #3 England/France (2002). St. Lucia is also Paul's favorite, but our trip to Mexico wouldn't be in his top three; I think he'd put my #3 as his #2 and Italy would be his #3. Aside from the nights in the hospital, I haven't had a night away from the kids since Nadia was born. We almost went away for a weekend for our 10th anniversary two years ago. A little trip with just Paul would be heavenly. Maybe in 2014 we can take a little getaway.

 

This trip went much better because the weather was perfect, and although Oliver got up at 4am or 5am most mornings, I still got far more sleep than I did on the first two vacations with Ian. We might not be able to go on a getaway this year, but I think at least a date is in order. We've been on only one date in the past twelve months, and that was with Oliver. It's been more than a year since Paul and I ate one meal without any kids. These years with the kids is going to fly by (unfortunately). Some day we'll be able to go on vacations as just a couple again, and maybe someday we'll be able to go on a vacation with them when they are married and have kids. It definitely was helpful having Paul's parents with us. Paul's dad even got in the water (two different days!). He hadn't been swimming since we were in Antigua (2009). The water in the splash pad was COLD (unlike the water in the swimming pools, which was nice and warm). Pop Pop went with Ian in there several times. I told Ian that this was true love. Our kids are so blessed to have four grandparents who love them very much.