Labor Day Weekend 2013

 Since I had a long weekend off, I thought it would be nice to get away for a few days. Hotels in Orlando were pretty cheap so I decided to make a return visit. We arrived Saturday afternoon and checked into our room at the Rosen Centre Hotel.

 Bud flexes his muscles in approval of the room.

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Our view from the 9th floor.

 Bud showing off his surfing skills on a "human" surf board.

 The Rosen Centre was beautiful. It was a steal at 55 bucks a night (Thank you Hotwire). The pool area was huge to say the least. Sunday night, the kids and I swam until 11:30 pm. 

 Everyone enjoyed our time in Orlando. As long as there is a pool, the kids are happy. 

Our time was short at the Rosen Centre, but we definitely enjoyed our stay. I would recommend staying at this hotel for the right price. 

  

Coming to Orlando gave us a reason to stop at Juniper Springs on the way back home. Our last visit was somewhat marred by rain, so the fact that the forecast called for 90 degrees and sunny was great. We didn't need anymore reason to drop in.

Though there were quite a bit more people than last time (due to the holiday), there was more than enough space to swim and take the plunge off of the platform.

Jay faked me out. We were supposed to be jumping together. LOL

Jay patiently waits for her next turn to jump in. The platform is her favorite and the ONLY thing she did the entire time we were there (which was almost 6 hours).

As always, the water was a little brisk, but still beautiful and inviting. 

I know, I know.......My form isn't what it should be. Gotta straighten those legs. 

Another fantastic day at Juniper Springs. When we were leaving, the kids were very grateful for the trip down. They were also exhausted and were both asleep within 20 minutes down the road. Juniper Springs is quickly becoming one of our favorite destinations. Next summer we will try to get around to some of the other springs in the area, but it will be hard to convince Jay to want to go somewhere else.

It was great to have one more day of summer fun before fall comes. We all can't wait until next summer to return again.

June 2013 - Roaming the Florida Keys

 For this years annual vacation, we booked 2 weeks at a lovely canal-front home in Key Largo. The homes location near the beach made for a constant breeze. The weather was lovely to enjoy in the evening.

The patio had a tiki-hut with patio furniture. This is where I spent a majority of the evenings.

 The pool was the highlight for the kids. It was hard to get them to get out every evening.

Both Jay and Bud showed their high-flying skills.

 Stopping into Fogarty's for some lunch in Key West.

 The kids and Papi taking a quick photo in Mallory Square in Key West.

After driving the Seven Mile bridge numerous times, the kids and I thought it would be fun to walk to Pigeon Key. For those unfamiliar with Pigeon Key, it is a small key that's connected to the old bridge. Pigeon Key was at one point a work camp for the Florida East Coast Railway. There is a ferry that will take you out to the key if you don't feel like making the 4 mile round trip walk. We chose to be tough and walk since it was our first time visiting. Next time, I think we will opt for the ferry.

Many opportunities for pictures.

After the long journey from Pigeon Key back to the car, we stop for lunch at Key Largo Fish Company. The food was great.

Crashing into Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest

 I had previously read about the Ocala National Forest and all the lovely landscape. The spring looked so inviting in photos that on the way back home to Atlanta from Orlando, the kids and I had to stop.

The old cabin and water wheel landmark the springs. The inside had a brief history of FDR's mission of conservation and the construction of the springs.

Juniper Springs has 3 nature trails. Unfortunately due to some recent storms, parts of the trail were blocked by downed limbs. 

The spring runs were crystal clear.

After working up a sweat on the nature trails, it was time to jump and cool off.

The 72 degree water was brisk to say the least.

Though our time at Juniper Springs was short, it was well worth the detour. The kids had a blast and are already asking about a return trip. I can say that we will in fact return to this fantastic place.