Orlando Trip / Shuttle Launch - Florida 2008 Part 2

Laura, Kaden and I headed to Florida for a few days to take in some more of the attractions and catch the last NASA Shuttle Launch that will be done at night. I was able to get some VIP tickets to the viewing site on KSC (done through my senator), so we wanted to catch it before the Shuttle gets retired in 2010.

The first day we got there, we headed to Downtown Disney for some dinner at a small, over-priced pub and then headed over to the circus tent for a Cirque Du Soleil show called "La Nouba". Kaden did very well and only got bored once, but to his credit, I was bored at that point too. It was a slow spot in the show.

The next couple days were spent eating out and swimming in the resort pool. We stayed at the Mike Ditka Runaway Beach Resort as we had such a good experience the last time. It was awesome again and, for the money, you can't beat it. We'll be back.

We ended up making it to the Shuttle Launch at KSC where we met a bus at the mall on Merritt Island, riding that to KSC for a security check and then on to the viewing area which is about 6.6 miles from the launch pad. You see it over the water. The exact spot of that viewing area is 28°30'45.25"N, 80°36'35.82"W. They had stands, the countdown clock, concessions and a souvenir shop. The launch was pretty neat, but the drive back was not.

We ended up spending part of a day at Epcot Center courtesy of a high school classmate of Laura (Thanks, Jason B!) and then we went to Tampa so I could meet with a client of mine while Kaden and Laura went to the zoo. They had a great time. I did get to have lunch with an acquaintance of mine. We did a little miniature golf in town, also. He loves the mini golf.

It was a great trip, but I could have taken it a little warming. The last few days it only got into the 60's. Not cool, Florida!

Check out all the photos by CLICKING HERE and HERE (photos I lost after posting awhile back, somehow).

Flying In Florida - The Video

Here is a short video of flying from Venice Regional Airport in Venice, Florida to the Albert Whitted Field in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Paul T flew his club's Archer after a lunch at Sharky's on the Pier which can be seen on the water after takeoff.

Back From Vacation

After 19 days away from Ohio, we are glad to finally get back to our family and friends in Ohio. We left on the 5th around 330p and arrived in Orlando around 1015a after 1050 miles straight of driving. Fun fun.

After nine nights in Orlando at Mike Ditka's Runaway Beach Club (HIGHLY recommended), we drove to Punta Gorda, FL and spent three nights at Laura's grandparents' house. We then drove up to the Myrtle Beach area (Calabash, NC, specifically) and spent five nights at our friends' condo at Crow Creek Golf Course with them.

Check out all the photos by CLICKING HERE.

(Note that the photos are somewhat out of order since there are pictures from the Digital SLR, the SD550 and my cell phone. They all use different file names which make them sort like that. Sorry.)

Here is a quick list of the many things we did on our trip. We had a lot of fun, saw a lot of cool stuff, did a lot of neat things and ate a lot of good food (ugh).

• indoor and outdoor swimming pool fun
• watched the Space Shuttle launch (STS-122) from Port Canaveral (Getty Park)
  
• played at the beach in PC and then ate in Cocoa Beach
  
• spent three days (two with kids and one without) at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
• went to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center and Hall of Fame
  
• Brandon went flying with Paul T from Punta Gorda to Venice and St Petersburg
• enjoyed the beach at Ocean Isle, NC
  
• played 18 holes of golf in NC
• walked through Broadway on the Beach in MB

Valentine's Day Update

On Tuesday, Laura and I went to Universal Studios by ourselves while her parents watched Kaden and Emma. It was really nice to ride a bunch of the rides and cruise around at what seemed like warp speed without the kiddies. We ended up eating at Chik-Fil-A with them afterward. Yesterday we just lounged around the pool and it rained a bit too.

Today was spent at Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Center. It's about $40 per person which includes basically everything (IMAX, rides, bus tours) you'd want to do there. We watched one IMAX movie, rode the SHuttle Launch Experience, spent some time at the playground and then wandered around a bit too. We plan to head back for the bus tour on the way out of Florida. (The tickets are good for two days within a seven day span.)

2/11 Florida Update

We've had a great trip so far and there is plenty more to come! After a 1050 drive straight through, we relaxed by the pool on the first day after checking in early. We're staying at Mike Ditka's Resorts - Runaway Beach Club. It's awesome - VERY highly recommended.

On Thursday we went to Cape Canaveral and watched STS-122 launch from KSC and then enjoyed some time on the beach at Jetty Park. We topped off the night at Florida Seafood in Cocoa Beach where Kaden fell asleep in the booth.

Friday was a day at Universal Studios where we ended up eating dinner at Miller's Ale House. Yum! Saturday was a lot of swimming after breakfast at IHOP, lunch at NYPD Pizza and then dinner at Chik-Fil-A. Sunday was a day at Island of Adventure (amusement park connected to Universal Studios via the City Walk). We did dinner at Bennigans (the Monte Cristo capital as far as I'm concerned).

Today is a day relaxing at the resort and lots of swimming. We were supposed to check-out today but decided on two more nights. Unfortunately, the prices on our villa went up so we went without the loft option. That means we had to move villas. No biggie as I was able to get one about 50' from the original.

Anyway, here are a few photos of what we've been doing...