Ohana means family.....

Our final morning in Florida greeted us with more humidity then we had been used to for awhile. I felt like I needed a knife to cut through it. ;) We packed up our memories from the trip and made our way one last time over to Walt Disney World to meet up with Andrea at Disney's Polynesian Resort (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=PolynesianResortLandingPage) for breakfast with the characters. Once we arrived we found out that we would be dining with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch. I was so excited and felt like one of the many kids.

We were seated at our table and presented with some delicious sweet breads and fruit. We were then served our breakfast platter which consisted of eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon and biscuits. They also came around with Mickey waffles which were too freaking cute.

I am usually not a fan of sausage but man was this really good.



While we were eating they had a parade with the characters and kids. I wanted to jump in the parade but decided not too. heh. After the parade the characters came around to meet everyone and take pictures. This was the highlight of my day. :D

Here are Eric and I with Stitch.



With Pluto.



With Lilo.



With Mickey. I love this picture.



After we finished breakfast we headed down to the lobby to check out the gift store and to say our final goodbyes.

This is my favorite picture of Andrea and I.



After we said goodbye Andrea headed to work...boo and Eric and I headed over to Downtown Disney to putz around as we had ample time to kill before heading to the airport.



We checked out a few stores and then headed out in search of something to do. We ended up just driving around, found some cheap gas and then headed to the airport...early.

We had an amazing trip and Walt Disney World was everything and more than I had ever imagined. I can't wait to go back again and be able to spend more time exploring the parks. I can't thank Andrea enough for being such an awesome tour guide and friend.

Goodbye from Orlando....

A day of rest...Florida style.

Today was another early day as we were scheduled for our time share presentation at 8:30. The presentation was the downside of the amazing deal on the time share we were staying at. But luckily the villa and property sold itself to us...but we didn't buy. Granted if the money was right...we probably would have walked away as owners. ;)

Two hours later we were done and slightly disappointed but knew we were playing it smart. We headed back to our villa to just relax and enjoy one another's company since we had been on the go since we arrived.

We eventually ventured out to grab a late lunch and then headed back to wait for Andrea to get off of work. After Andrea got off work she headed over to hang out for the evening. We didn't do too much but chit chat, played some cards and then ended the evening with some REALLY awesome pizza and laughter as always.

We called it an early night so we could get some rest and be up early for dinner with the characters at Disney's Polynesian Resort (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=PolynesianResortLandingPage).

A "2 week" Safari, train rides and hugs from Mickey!

Today was the day I became a kid again and got to say I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!

Eric and I woke up early and enjoyed our version of a continental breakfast out on our balcony and enjoyed this beautiful view.



Eric was up earlier than I was today and was telling me that he spent a little time out on the balcony and saw some hot air balloons launching from a field nearby. I can only imagine how beautiful that must have been. After breakfast we got ready and went to pick Andrea up and we headed straight for Disney's Animal Kingdom.



We got there just after it opened and made our way to the center of DAK (Disney's Animal Kingdom) and made a stop at The Tree of Life.



With our "passports" scanned at the gate we made our way to Africa where we were scheduled for a 2 week safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.



We saw elephants and hippos, rhinos and lions. I even saw Rafiki hiding on a rock.



After our safari came to an end we hopped on the train to ride and then off to Asia for a visit to gander at Mt. Everest. Eric and Andrea went for a ride on the Everest Adventure (i think that's the name). I opted out as Andrea said that it goes backwards and I don't do backwards. I went over to where Andrea said I could catch them coming down the mountain side and snapped a picture of their "train". After Asia we headed over to Dinoland where I met Pluto and Goofy.



After a stop at the gift shop we hopped in the car and headed for the Magic Kingdom. We found parking again and then hopped on the little tram that took us to the entrance for either the ferry or elevated tram that would take us over to MK. We took the ferry over to the park which was a nice little ride filled with anticipation for what was to come.

We were greeted by the Magic Kingdom train depot which if there is a train you know it's going to be a good day. :)



As soon as we entered the kingdom I got to meet Snow White and have my picture taken with her. As soon as I said my farewells it was off to earn my ears. We were going to go with the bride and groom ears but opted for just the original ones.



As we rounded the corner to Main Street we were greeted with this amazing view. I felt as though I was dreaming because it didn't seem real that I was actually in DISNEY WORLD!!!!



A spin through the haunted mansion and a ride through a small world, Andrea and I took a breather on the carosel before I stood in line for a ride on Dumbo. I was the biggest kid in line and could not wait to fly through the air with Dumbo. My turn finally came and I found myself speed walking to my elephant. I don't think that the goofy grin on my face disappeared the entire time I was on there.



After my flight with Dumbo we headed to Toon Town where we got to meet Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Then we walked through Mickey's house and went to the judge's tent where we met Mickey and Minnie.

I have NO idea why I am bent over like a goober.... :P



We jumped aboard Walt's train and took a few spins around the park before deciding we were all beat and ready to call it a day.



While I didn't get to do everything I was hoping to at DAK and MK I can honestly say that my first visit ever to Walt Disney World was everything I had always dreamed it would be.

This says it all....



Stay tuned for more....I am beat and my feets are needing a soak.

Hello Sunshine State

Eric and I arrived in Florida last night after a very smooth flight (on board tv..yay jetblue) and then getting our rental car...seriously...who thought it would take 30 mins just to pick out a car?!?! :P~~~ We made a stop at Whattaburger for a late dinner and then checked into our hotel for the night.

We woke up and I gave my friend Andrea a call to make plans to meet at the hotel and then take off to Winter Park to meet up with our friend Shannon and her boys for lunch. It was sooo great to finally give Andrea a gigantic hug after knowing each other through only words for so long. Eric, Andrea and I hopped in the car and took off for Winter Park. We met up with Shannon and her boys for lunch at Urban Flats which offers flatbread sammiches, salads and other goodies. We had a great time just catching up in person and getting to meet her adorable boys.

Here is a picture of Andrea, Shannon and I.



After lunch Eric, Andrea and I headed to Winter Garden to check out the Central Florida Railroad Museum (http://www.cfcnrhs.org/). This museum is a very small memorabilia museum but had a lot of neat history relating to the Central Florida Railroad region. Here are a few pictures from the museum.

The old Atlantic Coast Line sign/emblem.







After the museum we headed to the Hilton Grand Vacation Club - Tuscany where we were staying for the remainder of our stay (http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/orlando-florida-villas.php). This place was GORGEOUS!!!!! I felt like royalty driving in the front gate. We had a 1 bedroom villa with a gorgeous view of the pond and fountain.

This is the entrance to our building.



After settling in we hung out for a bit and then took Andrea back to our hotel from last night so she could get her car and then we said good bye for the night. Eric and I then headed out to find some dinner and get a few groceries for our place. While in search of dinner we came across a Krispy Kreme that had HOT DONUTS NOW!!! You know we had to stop. :P

They have palm trees in front!!!!



After a busy day on the road we finally grabbed dinner and headed back to our villa for the night to rest up for our big day at Disney tomorrow.

See you tomorrow from the Magic Kingdom.

Florida or Bust....

Eric and I are Florida bound for our anniversary and am so excited. We will be spending a day at Walt Disney World and I can't believe I am finally going to meet Mickey. We'll be sure to update about our trip but for now....it's time to head to the airport.

More to come....

It smells like Chicken Broil time.

I have headed home for a solo visit to Michigan for the 55th Annual Manchester Chicken Broil. This is one of my most favorite childhood traditions and having missed the last couple it was time to head home. Go here (http://www.manchesterchickenbroil.org/) to learn more about the chicken broil and it's history.

I flew in last night and met my parents at the airport. We ventured into Ypsilanti on the way home to grab me a bite to eat at one of my most favorite local joints. The Chick-Inn Drive - In.



You CANNOT find places like this in Northern Virginia.

After I ate we headed home to Manchester.

My mom and I headed out for the day. A much needed haircut was in order and then we headed down to Adrian to do some shopping. We stopped in at Starbucks (cause you know I can't go without 'em. :D ) and enjoyed our drinks and just caught up on stuff. Then we headed over to Wal-Mart to pick some things up for the house. After all of our errands were complete we headed back to Manchester to get ready for that awesome chicken dinner.

Mom and I headed out for a walk to check out the field and so I could take some pictures. This is a picture of the cinder block pits that the men assemble for use. If you close your eyes you can smell the bbq...



You can take your dinners home or eat in on the field. Here is a view of the field diners.



This is what I've been waiting for....the awesome chicken dinner.



The first bite is ALWAYS the best.



and sadly that's about ALL I got. Shortly after my dad and I sat down to eat we got a call from my mom that the ambulence was down at my grandmother's (dad's mother). SO we packed up our food, threw it in the back of dad's truck and hauled rubber down to my grandma's. She had fallen out of her wheelchair and was being transported to the hospital. So we spent most of the evening in the ER until she was admitted. My dad and I headed out to McDonald's around 10 something to get us a bite to eat and then went back to the hospital to eat with my mom.

After a long and tiresome day we headed home for some much needed sleep.

Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.

Celebrating the 4th Inner Harbor Style!

Eric and I hit up Baltimore for the 4th this year. Our first stop when we got into town was http://chapspitbeef.com/ which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The food was so good and totally worth getting "lost" over. We headed towards the Harbor to check into our hotel and just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. We ordered in dinner and then headed out to enjoy a beautiful yet rainy fireworks display on the Inner Harbor. The hotel we stayed at had a 5th floor observation deck which gave us a very nice view of the fireworks.

Here we are waiting for the fireworks to begin with the Harbor behind us (don't mind the blur....a really nice and HAPPY stranger offered to take our picture).

From 4th of July

Fireworks are definitely one of the hardest things to photograph when you don't have a tripod to keep the camera still....but I ended up with a few nice shots.

From 4th of July

From 4th of July

Saturday we met up with our friends Adrian and Christie for breakfast and then some shopping as they were just getting back from the cruise to Bermuda. We had a great day together and were disappointed to see it come to an end.

** Backdated to July on 9/30/2008 **

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing you and yours a very safe and happy 4th.

Happy Father's Day!

First off, I wanted to wish my dad and all the dad's out there a very happy Father's Day. I wish I could be in Michigan today to give my dad a hug and tell him how much I love him, though I know he knows. :)

On my way home from church today I decided to swing by the grocery store and get the goods for a nice relaxing picnic. I swung home, told Eric to get dressed and we were on our way. He had no idea where we were going or what we were doing which was my plan. :)

We took the ferry over to White's Ferry and found a nice shaded spot under a tree.

The view of the Potomac and a bunch of geese as we cross over to Maryland.



Welcome to White's Ferry, MD.



We laid out our picnic and then enjoyed the non-humid day and the nice cool breeze.

MMmm.....sandwhiches, potato salad and banana pudding. As well as soda and chips. :)



After awhile and once our stomachs were full we decided to head out as it was starting to get a little warm and the nice breeze seemed to have disappeared. We drove up through Poolesville and then over to Point of Rocks and then back home to Leesburg. It was a beautiful day to be out and about, but would have been better if we could have spent it with Dad.

Happy Father's Day Dad!!! We love you.

Happy Memorial Day

For those who have come home, for those to still come home and for those who will never come home. Thank you. Thank you for our freedom and thank you for your sacrafice. I am PROUD to be an American.

A night at the ballpark.

Eric and I headed up to Frederick, Maryland tonight to catch a Frederick Keys game. The Frederick Keys play in the Carolina League and are the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

The players in position for the National Anthem accompanied by one of the local little league teams.



The Keys came out strong in the beginning of the game and then slowly lost steam as the visiting Pelicans from Myrtle Beach found their momentum and took off.

Keyote tried to rally the fans to stand behind the home team.



Eric and I showed our enthusiasm for the team.



After the game they had a very nice display of fireworks. Just the perfect ending to a very fun evening.

Crabby McCrabberson Party of 4

It has been awhile since I've written here but it has been prety quiet on the travel front for us. I think we ventured out a couple times for some railfanning in April but nothing too exciting.

It is May and spring is in full bloom. May also means that my parents are in town for their annual vacation. They come down every May around their anniversary to spend a little more than a week with Eric and I. Today actually happens to be their anniversary (Happy 34th Mom and Dad) and Eric and I took them into DC and to Philip's Seafood Buffet for all you can eat...you guessed it....SEAFOOD! http://www.phillipsseafood.com/index.cfm?page=menus&id=11 I'm usually not a big fan of the kind of seafood you have to pull apart and break legs and work for the meat but man...those crab legs were soooooo delicious.

After we ate we strolled down to the Fish Market. This is a photo of one of the many vendors there at the market. You can get fresh fish and seafood to take home, you can get sandwiches, peel and eat shrimp and many other things to eat there in the market. It is such a cool place to just people watch too.



This is the view of the marina that is right there next to the Fish Market.



We strolled through the market and past all of the vendors. I like this picture of the (snow?!?) crab and the Maryland blue crab. Let me just say...the blue crabs are WAY too much work. ;)



They have everything from catfish to trout to crawfish and shrimp to large octupus and these baby octupus. For those of you from Michigan and you Red Wings fans...just think of chucking these little guys onto the ice. ;)



A coupe of booths down I decided to play with the color accent feature on my camera and took a picture of the blue crabs.



and then focused on the reddish/salmon color of the other crabs.



After we were done at the market we headed towards home by way of Maryland and White's Ferry. This is a ferry that runs across the Potomac River and ferries commuters and the like back and forth. It's $4.00 for a one way trip but truly worth it.

A few stops here and there and then we were home to relax and enjoy one another's company.