Gulf Coast, Busch & Universal Day 8 4/7/10 - Pool Party

[Ariel's Mum]

The Cast

Me – Lynn 40+ (Obsessed by holidays, loves Florida, Bossy and a Holiday Planner)
DH – Philip 40+ (Thankfully Loves Florida and happy to go with the flow)
DS – Luke 11 (will turn 12 on July 3rd – Loves Florida and organising things)
DD – Rachel 10 (almost 11 - swings from being a tweenage drama queen to horizontally laid back!)
DSis-in-Law - Marie 40+ (third visit to Florida, Loves it)
DBro-in-Law - Robert 40+ (second time in Florida and a convert)
DNephew - Harrison 7 (second trip and been planning this one since his 2007 trip!)

Day 7

We're travelling up to Orlando this morning for a pool party at Marie and Robert's villa. We're meeting with friends who are also in Orlando. Philip and I didn't bother packing last night so we wake around 6.30 to get it done before we set off. We also need to make sure the villa is tidy as we've arranged a mid-stay clean for our return.

The packing's harder work than you'd think as we're leaving the villa for 5 nights. After we're organised we wake the kids and sort their clothes for our stay. Then we tidy the villa and hit the road around 8.45. The weather is awful. It's absolutely pouring down. So much for the sun shining for our pool party

We stop for a quick McD's breakfast just after we turn onto the I4. A quick 20 minutes later and we're back on the road again... The weather is even worse, if it wasn't for the fact that it's so hot and clammy we'd almost think we were back in Scotland. As usual when it rains so heavily, some drivers are driving with their hazards on otherwise you would be hard pushed to see the car in front.

It finally stops raining just as we reach Championsgate but the skies are still cloudy. We drive straight to Marie and Robert's villa which is in the Manor at Westhaven. Philip and I have stayed at Sanctuary at Westhaven three times so we know the area well.

When we arrive at the villa, we're on our own. Marie and Robert are out shopping – see told you she'd not just have one trip to the outlets We empty the car of luggage then Rachel and I head to Championsgate to get a pedicure at our “usual” nails place. Unfortunately it's closed as it's July 4th. We're really disappointed as we had been looking forward to this

So we decide to go collect the boys and head to the Target at Posner Park. There isn't a Target near us in Bradenton and we know this is a good one. The shopping at Posner Park is much better than when we last visited but we don't really have much tome to look around. We do however go to PetSmart. We're getting a puppy on our return to the UK so we're looking for a ed for her. Get a gorgeous pink furry puppy bed for $20 – Bargain.

We buy a few bits and bobs in Target including a case of Bud Lite Lime for the party this afternoon.

10 minutes after we arrive back at the villa, Marie and Robert return from shopping. Marie has bought Harrison lots of designer goodies – can't remember what exactly but she says she got great bargains. She's a happy bunny.

Robert and Philip head back out to buy some frozen pizzas and tequila. Philip's promised to make us his frozen margaritas!



Our friends (Monica, Alan, daughter Sarah and son Anthony) arrive around 4pm. Sarah and Rachel are best friends at Primary school so they are delighted to be meeting up on hols. Monica has totally entered into the 4th of July. Note the shades and flag!



Despite the lack of sun, the adults spent a lovely afternoon/evening enjoying good company, delicious margaritas, ice cold bud limes and coronas.



The kids had a blast playing in the pool.









The night flew in and all too soon it was time for our friends to leave. After tidying up, it was time for bed. Tomorrow, Discovery Cove.

Day 9

[florida girl]

Looks like a good time was had by all.

[anniee]

Great day.

[k l is excited]

Sounds like you all had fun, just what a holiday should be. Look forward to reading your next report.

Karen

[orlandosgr8]

Shame about the weather, but it sounds like you had fun.

[MADWIFE01]

Hi there, I was really enjoying reading your trip report and nearly fell off my chair! I work with Monica we are both midwives in the same Ward! How funny I couldn't stop laughing wait till I tell her she is on the Dibb!

[Ariel's Mum]

Hi Liz

That's amazing - what a small world we live in

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