Monday, April 19, 2010

Vacation, vacation, vacation!

Since our last post, Jason and I have done quite a few things with the time we have actually had together. Best of all, we were blessed with time off and used it wisely to squeeze in two wonderful vacations.


In January, Jason's first trip staying in Florida and visiting Disney World. This was quite an experience, as we were there for the record low temperature in Orlando, then even better, beat it the following the day. Due to the weather forecast predicting 60-70 degree weather for our trip, we were most definitely ill prepared for the cold- as a last resort, we ended up catching a taxi ride to the nearest Walmart for some warm attire. Needless to say, these were not the best additions to our wardrobe since everything warm was picked over and near non-existent. We had quite a few great laughs at "creative" layering. We also found much humor in the "extreme weather photos" the news stations were broadcasting of kids poor attempts at building "sleet men" and people scraping their windows. Even better was the news anchors attempt at educating the public as what sleet actually was. But with cold weather in Florida, the perks are on high in Disney World- with short to non-existing lines and minimal crowds, we were able to experience most everything in the park. Aside from the visiting all of the parks, we really enjoyed our resort being in the Downtown Disney area which is home to many specialty restaurants and shops. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we look forward to visiting again someday with our family. To see all of our pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=142309&id=680153924&l=aceb040779
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=142531&id=680153924&l=116c55dcf5



Most recently we were able to make a road trip to New Orleans in late March. This was by far one of my favorite trips I have blessed to be able to take with Jason, even when I take into account the near 14 hour drive. New Orleans is such a wonderful place- full of treasures, phenomenal history, and intriguing diversity. All of which I am a sucker for. When you arrive you truly feel as though you are in a whole new country and more than once have heard that a passport should be required to visit. We invested in a Visit-Ticket, which grants admission to 40+ museums/attractions, which I would highly recommend for any first time visitors. Some of the inclusions we visited:

A guided French Quarter walking tour and Ghost and Spirit walking tour
Cruise the Mississippi on the Steamboat Nathez

Visit Oak Alley and Destrehan Plantations for a taste of Southern plantation life
Attend a Creole cooking class for a sampling of local cuisine
Visit the various Mardi Gras/art/historical museums
Antique shop on Magazine St where we purchased two beautiful 1940's armchairs
Spend an afternoon at a local art fair in one of the many historic parks
Walk through Audubon Aquarium of the America's- one of the countries best
Take a guided boat ride through an alligator inhabited swamp

We had a wonderful time and cannot wait to return and experience the inspiring "southern hospitality", wonderful food, and beautiful locale. The link for that album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=162069&id=680153924&l=ccef085

We have much enjoyed over these last couple of years living life "vacation to vacation" and are very much looking forward to planning one last big trip this year in September when our schedules permit us to both be away for another week :)

3 comments:

  1. So jealous!! Crystal, where is the picture of YOU with the giant lizard???? :)

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  2. LOL! Look on Facebook and can see me holding the baby alligator :) I am glad you found us! I love your blog :)

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  3. Aren't vacations just the best? I love all the pictures, and it sounds like you had a great time in New Orleans!

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