One of the most wonderful things and difficult things about traveling full time is the interactions we get to have with friends, new and old. It's amazing to be in a new place and make new friends and also, very hard to leave them. When we left Massachusetts this summer, our new friend SUEPARKER (no, that's not a typo, it's all one word) took the boys aside. Knowing they were struggling with leaving their new friends she explained that the contacts we make stay with us and our friendships ripple out across the country and throughout our lives. SUEPARKER is right! We have been so blessed by our friendships, in so many areas of our lives but especially the last few months. While working in Mass we met and worked for a wonderful family. The Kelsey's have lots of wonderful children and one of them, Michael works in the hospitality industry. He was able to get us an amazing hookup at a hotel in Orlando and as an added treat, he had milk and cookies delivered to our fancy shmancy room! The boys and I went up to Orlando for a night and had a super special date! Here are picts of the pool and the fancy restaurant and of course, the super special surprise!
It made our special vacation even more special.
 |
| Jacob and the fancy bread basket |
 |
| Super cool poolside fireplace |
 |
| Jacob, Aiden and Livy at the Pool! |
We were in Orlando to meet up with Livy, Sammy and their Mom and Dad, Alyse and Phil. For those unfamiliar with these amazing people we should tell you Livy also goes by the name Wooby. Aiden laid eyes on her at the tender age of two and promptly said, "I'm gonna marry you!" and she is all for it! They have a very special connection that doesn't seem to dim with time and/or space. So when I told Aiden that Livy was in the state, he broke into tears of gratitude that we would get to see her. Jacob was also really excited to see Her older sister Sammy, all four of them have a great time together. We had a fantastic visit with them and were so very grateful they took time out of their vacation to see us. I wish we could have made the same trip up to Orlando the month before to see the Stockton crew and the Alejano-Steele crew as well! Seeing these friends from home really help us feel connected to our community.
Our friend Loya and her family came to visit us here at the park! Loya and I met at Philmont Scout Ranch 20 years ago this summer! She and her husband Andy were in our wedding and they have been traveling the lower 48 with their three gorgeous children. They are spending the winter touring in their van and a very cool tent that set up on top of their vehicle. It was AMAZING to catch up and felt as if no time had passed.
 |
| Fishing off the pier |
 |
| Ms. Loya and Ms. Lilly! |
The boys loved getting to hang out with other kids and we all had a blast. They got us the highly coveted Florida snowshovel! It's used in shelling so we took it to Sanibel Beach a few days later. Of course getting to see family is amazing too! My brother Jon and his family were kind enough to fly in a day early to Orlando and spend it with us at Universal studios before they met with his in-laws for a few days. We LOVE seeing the girls, Alan gets his girl fix, we adore them. And, even though it was a quick visit it was great. We explored Universal studios and got to share the experience of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts together. Those of you who know me professionally no doubt no about my enjoyment (fine it's an obsession, whatever,) with Harry Potter. Anything that has led millions of kids to find their passion in reading has my vote! This was truly, magical. Harry Potter come to life. It was awe-inspiring. (yes, I did well up thank you very much!) I wish I had more pictures to show you, of course with a ride like that the camera had to be put away but it was wonderful! More Universal Studio rides to come!
