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Today we left for our long awaited trip to Florida. We left on Friday afternoon and drove about 2 hours before we were absolutely famished and needed to stop. After a very heavy and overpriced meal, we made our way to Clarksville, TN where we bedded down for the night. It was a quick overnight pit stop and were were out the door by 10:30 the next morning to scamper down to Orlando. We arrived in Orlando and had three wonderful days at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
Overall, I liked Islands of Adventure better than Universal. There were a lot more rides and stuff to look at. Five separate islands each with its own theme. Spiderman was the best ride. It's a combination of roller coaster, 3-D holograms and some fire and water. Basically, I was sure I was gonna die until Spidey saved us. The first day I just moseyed around while Lovely Family rode all the scary stuff. By day three, I was riding the scary Deuling Dragons roller coaster.
Three days was plenty of time and we were ready to begin the next phase of the vacation--Spring Hill, FL (just north of Tampa). This is where Mom, Aunt and Uncle, and Grandma all live. It was VERY relaxing and good to see all the gang again. We spent one day on the beach at Clearwater, which was just beautiful. I forgot how nice the beach is--and bright! Unfortunately, we had camera issues so you won't get to see any of my Scary Dad Vacation Hair. We spent five days in S.H. and Aunt and Uncle were extraordinarily gracious and hospitable. We had lots of fun just hanging out in the pool.
On Friday, my brother and his family came down from Atlanta and we had a real shin-dig. It was really nice to see all the cousins playing together. And, of course, Max the dog wanted to get in on the action.
Now, I'm not much of a baseball fan. I don't watch it at home. Can't bear to listen to it on the radio. I don't follow it in any way. I do, however, love like an evening at our local ball park. We're home to the River City Rascals, which is a Frontier League team. The Frontier League operates mainly in the Midwest and is not affiliated with MLB. What I love like about it is that it's local and family friendly. We can get door to door in 15 minutes and it doesn't cost too much. It's good baseball too--not that I would know, or care.
Our recent outing to the ballpark was memorable in that I have no idea who we played, and no idea if we even won. But, we had a great time with some good friends and took pictures with various mascots.
We had quite a robust Fourth this year even though it fell mid-week. The day began early with a 9am Ski Show. This is an annual event put on by the Show Me Skiers. The whole community is invited to attend and participate. Back in the day, both ManHead and Lovely Daughter were in it. This year's theme was Christmas in July. The M.C. even wore an Santa Claus suit. I did not envy him. There were the usual assortment of pyramids, barefooters, ski jumpers, wake boarders and nearly every kid in the community. I've come to realize that it's not quite as meaningful when my kids aren't in it--but I enjoy it nonetheless.
Next on the agenda...eating meat. We had a selection of Brats, Dogs, Burgers and Steaks (sirloin, not Ribeye). Brit Voice On: It was a bit of a Meat Holiday :Brit Voice Off. There was some other stuff too, but I don't really remember. Our neighbors came over for a good ol' fashioned Fourth of July Meat Eating Party.
After a quick nap, we joined 2000 of our closest friends and we went out on our neighbors boat. Everyone who has a boat on our lake is out on the evening of the Fourth to watch the fireworks. You can practically walk across the water on boats. We lashed up with friends in a couple of other boats and enjoyed pyrotechnics and merriment.
For more pictures of the festivities, check out the slideshow below.
O Lord our God, most mighty and merciful father, I thine unworthy creature and servant, do once more approach thy presence. Though not worthy to appear before thee, because of my natural corruptions, and the many sins and transgressions which I have committed against thy divine majesty; yet I beseech thee, for the sake of him in whom thou art well pleased, the Lord Jesus Christ, to admit me to render thee deserved thanks and praises for thy manifold mercies extended toward me…I acknowledge and confess my guilt, in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. I have called on thee for pardon and forgiveness of sins, but so coldly and carelessly, that my prayers are become my sin and stand in need of pardon. I have heard thy holy word, but with such deadness of spirit that I have been an unprofitable and forgetful hearer, so that, O Lord, tho' I have done thy work, yet it hath been so negligently that I may rather expect a curse than a blessing from thee. But, O God, who art rich in mercy and plenteous in redemption, mark not, I beseech thee, what I have done amiss; remember that i am but dust, and remit my transgressions, negligences and ignorances…pardon, I beseech thee, my sins, remove them from thy presence, as far as the east is from the west, and accept of me for the merits of thy son Jesus Christ… Grant that I may hear [Your Word] with reverence, receive it with meekness, mingle it with faith, and that it may accomplish in me, Gracious God, the good work for which thou has sent it. Bless my family, kindred, friends and country, be our God and guide this day and forever for his sake, who lay down in the Grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord…Let me have all my directions from thy holy spirit; and success from thy bountiful hand. Let the bright beams of thy light so shine into my heart, and enlighten my mind in understanding thy blessed word, that I may be enabled to perform thy will in all things, and effectually resist all temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil. Preserve and defend our rulers in church and state. Bless the people of this land, be a father to the fatherless, a comforter to the comfortless, a deliverer to the captives, and a physician to the sick. Let thy blessings guide this day and forever through Jesus Christ in whose blessed form of prayer I conclude my weak petitions...Amen