Out came the sun...

The weather was quite miserable this weekend, so when the skies cleared late Sunday afternoon we dashed outside for a spot of gardening and 'al fresco' dining. Amy tested out the new gas Weber with a healthy meal of grilled salmon, grilled zucchini and couscous. She gave her dad the thumbs up! Gas is definitely the way to go, its so easy and quick. If you come and visit us, Craig will whip you up something delicious in no time (I'll be relaxing on the deck!)- smart move on my part.

Gosh these Petunias are coming on nicely....



and these Marigolds are so.... yellow.

They smell good enough to eat.


Ahh.. nothing like 'catch of the day' after all that gardening.

IMPORTANT

There are four new posts excluding this one. Click on the headings in the menu to the left to make sure you read them all. Enjoy!

Carrie's Big Day

Just a few photos from Carrie's party last week. A good time was had by all and as usual the grande finale was an open bath.


Nicole, Carrie and Nicki.


Jumping castle to occupy the kids.


Tayla and Amy.


Whose birthday is it?


Jump in!

SeaWorld Orlando

Sea World was definitely the highlight of our vacation. The Shamu (Killer Whale) show was simply awesome and we were amazed by the grace of these beautiful creatures.

The dolphin area consisted of an underwater viewing area and also a 'touch' area, above the water, where they allow you to feed the dolphins at certain times and they actually swim right up to you to be stroked. Wonderful experience.


Amy's personal favorites were the seals. Flap, flap! AAHH, AAHH.
Craig and I took turns (via 'child swap') on 'Journey to Atlantis'. Mild for him (a veteran of Kraken, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Expedition Everest) and EXTREME for me (veteran of nothing).

Pool fun

We also had plenty of time to relax at the lovely pool near our villa. It was very hot in Orlando and we were able to cool off after a long day at the parks.


Don't forget the float!


I've got a hat like Tessie Bear.

Please wake up Mommy, I need another swim.

Disney World

Finally, some real photos of the magical place they call Disney. It was quite surreal to actually experience the Parks and see so many familiar landmarks. The most famous, of course, being the Magic Kingdom. It was towards the end of the 1st week, so Amy still wasn't feeling herself, but she was excited to be there.Who are these guys?????


This is Mickey Mouse...


...and this is his house.



Tigger and Pooh larger than life.






Mommy and Amy on a giant spider web at 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids' playground.


More playground fun.






No place like the Animal Kingdom to remind us of home. These African dancers were incredible.


The Tree of Life (it's not real).



All too much for one day...

Don't worry...

Just a quick post for those desperate checkers out there. Sorry we haven't posted any Disney news yet, but as most of you know it was a pretty horrific first few days. We have settled back home now and I will give a more detailed account of the fun times we had in Orlando in the next few days.

Right now I am coming to terms with the fact that I am on the eve of my 30th birthday. I think I'll be okay, but I guess I'll only know for sure when the sun rises in the morning.

These photos are especially for you if you were worried that Amy may have been scarred by her ordeal. This blogger can assure you that your fears are unfounded.