12 Days in Florida -- Disney World and Marco Island

[Minnie&Nana]

I LOVE that T-shirt too!!

 

[KatMark]

Gotta say... I love the " Old Guys Rock " shirt. And the pictures are so good. I grew up in Florida and would love to be back there again. We used to swim with the manatees at a state park in Florida called Blue Springs. It was so neat. Lots of years ago, though.

I love, love, love the TR. xoxoxo

Thanks. He saw that shirt and was SO happy when he found his size. I would love to move to Florida. If my kids ever get of college and get good paying jobs, Mark will retire a little early and we will be there in a heartbeat!

Ahh, school bread. Sorry you didn't like it, but for sure if you don't like coconut or cream filled pastries, it would be a no go!

You are also right about the Plaza fries, no idea why but they are so dellish. I am glad you guys went to Sci Fi, that's our favorite.

Can't wait to hear about Marco, I haven't been in four years so it will be nice to see some recent photos.

Sci Fi was really good. We hadn't done it in years and I really enjoyed it. Your wish is my command...Marco is up!

Your Marco Island pics are awesome, especially the ones with Nick!

Isn't she a cutie? I just love her!

I LOVE that T-shirt too!!

One of his better picks as far as t-shirts in my mind!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Fantastic pictures! I can't believe you saw so many different animals...especially the manatee.

If I had met MickeyNicki, I seriously would have asked for her autograph. She is that big of a celebrity on the food boards. How neat that you guys got to sit and chat for such a long time. Isn't it amazing how the love of Disney and the Disboards bring so many people together.

 

[KatMark]

Fantastic pictures! I can't believe you saw so many different animals...especially the manatee.

If I had met MickeyNicki, I seriously would have asked for her autograph. She is that big of a celebrity on the food boards. How neat that you guys got to sit and chat for such a long time. Isn't it amazing how the love of Disney and the Disboards bring so many people together.

Thank you, Lisa. I thought of asking Nicki for her autograph...but instead I bought her a cup of coffee. She truly is a celebrity on the food boards.

Some of the best parts of our trip were meeting all the DIS members we met this trip.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I really enjoyed this segment! We have been to Captain Brien's, it is very overpriced. With zero atmosphere! Sorry about your scallops at Snook Inn, I hate that dead grease taste some seafood gets if its not prepared right!

And now I know what MickiNicki looks like!

I need to make friends with somebody who has a condo in Marco!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

You and Mark would get along great...he does love his Dumbo. He was watching a special on public television last night about elephants.

Well, if his Dumbo ears ever get lost, I have an idea of where they might be Is he as excited as I am about the New Dual Dumbo ride coming to Fantasyland????

Your days in Marco Island sound VERY Relaxing! I'm like you, I love Disney, but it must have been nice to relax and do next to nothing for a few days!

 

[KatMark]

I really enjoyed this segment! We have been to Captain Brien's, it is very overpriced. With zero atmosphere! Sorry about your scallops at Snook Inn, I hate that dead grease taste some seafood gets if its not prepared right!

And now I know what MickiNicki looks like!

I need to make friends with somebody who has a condo in Marco!

Bob, our friend, offered to let us use the condo again next year. I'm thinking it a definite YES!

Well, if his Dumbo ears ever get lost, I have an idea of where they might be Is he as excited as I am about the New Dual Dumbo ride coming to Fantasyland????

Your days in Marco Island sound VERY Relaxing! I'm like you, I love Disney, but it must have been nice to relax and do next to nothing for a few days!

Two Dumbos!!! He is already wondering which one to go on first!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Dont bust my chops but I am just now getting to your trip report and my hat goes off to ya kid...I could never do one because I barely remember what I did 5 minutes ago forget 5 days ago ha ha! Must be the turning 37 thing.....

I think you are my sister from another mister because I make Todd put on all the silly hats and take pictures of him too, just like you do to Mark! The difference is DH will cut off my Disney allowance if I post them here

And I also think Mark is my brother from another mother because we love the same foods!

He is soooo cute on he Dumbo ride...dont you love it when the guys are into WDW as much as we are?

Your pics are just beautiful, especially those of the CSR...I think the next time we go and stay mod we are going to have to stay there again so we can really experience the resort and all it has to offer....so gorgeous at night and I can just picture myself sitting poolside at night with a nice mixed drink, in each hand!

Keep it going babe, its awesome!

 

[MickeyNicki]

After we left Snow White and stopped in the store right outside of the ride, we headed over to the area of Peter Pan. The first order of business, however, was going to our favorite ride -- the "bathroom" ride. The older we get and the more water we drink, the more we spend on the bathroom ride.

And this is why I think we are related...Todd says that I know where every single bathroom is in all of WDW, how many stalls and how long a possible wait can be

On the way out of the MK, we saw these pumpkins...I'm not sure how clear they are, but you can see "ice cream cones or sundaes" carved into the pumpkins. The other photos are some of the windows at the Emporium.

If you never told me about these I would have missed them..you know me being so short and never looking up kinda thing

Mark also took Nic's suggestion and went with the reuben sandwich.

Hmmm...Mark obeys me pretty well but my own husband wont? What is wrong with this picture??

The two of you look like you are sooo much fun.

I can attest to this, these two adult children you see before you are just as much fun in person as they are on the Dis..gotta love these two! But poor Mark, he cannot get in word in edgewise with Chatty Kathy at the helm!

We went and got Fast Passes for Pooh so that we could do a few things we had missed when we first visited the MK on Saturday. We did Mad Tea Party and then went to see Mickey's Philharmagic (this is my FAVORITE show at Disney). Mark, of course, had to stop to try on a hat. Again with the copying me thing, that is MY favorite right too!

Up next: Monday, September 21 -- Waffle House, meeting a staff member at the CSR, pool time

Ok I love ya but the Waffle House?! Girl are you nuts? That is the roach motel in Naples ha ha!

We decided to sleep in this day. Although we love the heat and the humidity doesn't normally bother us, it was REALLY hot and we just needed a little breather. We slept until 8:30 and took our time taking showers and packed most of our stuff so we wouldn't have to do it later at night as we would be leaving the CSR early in the morning. Oh, and forgot to mention earlier...we got turn down service every night:

And here is where I say you are from my husband's side of the family, always with the napping on vacation, like I drag him around for hours on end and he needs a nap or something....you guys are pulling a Todd!

Can't wait to read more and see what you thought of Marco Island (my favorite spot for a beach vacation).

Amy, next time you are on Marco let me know...we can meet for coffee! I work on the Island and go to Starbucks every day, almost all day, long!

 

[MickeyNicki]

In the afternoon, we got to meet the Food Queen of the DIS, Nicki (of MickeyNicki). We had hoped to have lunch one day but she had a family situation and so we decided to meet at the Starbucks for coffee before Mark and I went to dinner:

We talked and laughed for over 90 minutes. You really would have thought we had known each other forver and had not just met in person and had only talked here on the DIS. We had a blast and I was sorry to see the time end. We are hoping to meet Nicki & Todd (her husand) next year for the Food & Wine Festival by pushing our trip back a couple of weeks.

It was the most awesome thing ever to finally connect with you and Mark, suck down some good coffee and laugh our tushies off! Def meeting in WDW next year!

Your Marco Island pics are awesome, especially the ones with Nick!

Aw hon you are too sweet! Her pictures of Marco make me want to vacation there and I live 10 minutes off the Island!

Isn't she a cutie? I just love her!

I love you too!

If I had met MickeyNicki, I seriously would have asked for her autograph. She is that big of a celebrity on the food boards. How neat that you guys got to sit and chat for such a long time. Isn't it amazing how the love of Disney and the Disboards bring so many people together.

Oh my! Ok I am going to do signed autographs for Disney Dollars so I can spend them on more food to take more pictures for all of you guys! It was a blast meeting these kiddos and I wish we had more time to hang out! We felt like we knew each other forever!

Thank you, Lisa. I thought of asking Nicki for her autograph...but instead I bought her a cup of coffee. She truly is a celebrity on the food boards.

Yeah this one over here is too quick with the Starbucks card! We each had one and I was going to treat them but she already had her card in her hand...next time! I owe you for that and for finding Fultons for me!....no wait, Todd owes you for finding Fultons!

I really enjoyed this segment! We have been to Captain Brien's, it is very overpriced. With zero atmosphere! Sorry about your scallops at Snook Inn, I hate that dead grease taste some seafood gets if its not prepared right!

And now I know what MickiNicki looks like!

I need to make friends with somebody who has a condo in Marco!

Yup that is me...in all my glory ha ha! You know something, Capt Briens is from the same area in Boston as I am and when he first opened his little hole in the wall the food was out of this world fantastic, a bit pricy but still great. Then he moved to the new shopping center, got huge, opened the comedy clubs and the food is not what it used to be.....we went for lunch last month and it was not that great at all.

If you ever want to come to Marco let me know, I handle vacation rentals there and can give you a great rate..with the economy the way it is owners are giving nice discounts....

Ok enough of my selling myself...back to the scheduled report

 

[Janet B]

Hi Kathy
I’m finally getting a chance to read and comment on your TR ~ beautiful job and pictures as always. I do love the picture of you and Mark with Chip and of course, the one of Mark with his “rocking” shirt.

I just love your balloon tradition in honor of your Dad. It makes me think of my Dad and I get all teary for me and for you. Such a wonderful way of remembering him and “paying something forward” (love that movie). Anyway, I would feel so honored if someone singled me at Disney to share such a story.

Marco Island looks so very relaxing ~ I agree, as much as I love Disney too, I would love to have some relaxing days as you too experienced. The sunset picture is fabulous

Having read some of MickiNicki’s dining reviews, it was great to see a pic of her. Hey Nicki – you can write your own version of Zagats just for Disney!!

Keep it coming Kathy!

 

[KatMark]

Dont bust my chops but I am just now getting to your trip report and my hat goes off to ya kid...I could never do one because I barely remember what I did 5 minutes ago forget 5 days ago ha ha! Must be the turning 37 thing..... IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU GOT HERE!!! Yeah, I wish I was turning 37 again and again and again and again

I think you are my sister from another mister because I make Todd put on all the silly hats and take pictures of him too, just like you do to Mark! The difference is DH will cut off my Disney allowance if I post them here Tell Todd to lighten up.

And I also think Mark is my brother from another mother because we love the same foods! That is definitely the truth!

He is soooo cute on he Dumbo ride...dont you love it when the guys are into WDW as much as we are? And this is why we love our men!

Your pics are just beautiful, especially those of the CSR...I think the next time we go and stay mod we are going to have to stay there again so we can really experience the resort and all it has to offer....so gorgeous at night and I can just picture myself sitting poolside at night with a nice mixed drink, in each hand! I keep telling you to do that. You only spent one night...you have to give it at least a couple of nights...and now with the new comfy queen beds....

Keep it going babe, its awesome!

And this is why I think we are related...Todd says that I know where every single bathroom is in all of WDW, how many stalls and how long a possible wait can be

Yep...I know where every single one is too!

Hmmm...Mark obeys me pretty well but my own husband wont? What is wrong with this picture??
Because he's Todd and he can get you in restaurants where you DON'T have an ADR!


I can attest to this, these two adult children you see before you are just as much fun in person as they are on the Dis..gotta love these two! But poor Mark, he cannot get in word in edgewise with Chatty Kathy at the helm! Chatty Kathy???? I remember a Chatty Nicki.




And here is where I say you are from my husband's side of the family, always with the napping on vacation, like I drag him around for hours on end and he needs a nap or something....you guys are pulling a Todd!

I love my nappies.

It was the most awesome thing ever to finally connect with you and Mark, suck down some good coffee and laugh our tushies off! Def meeting in WDW next year!



I love you too!



Oh my! Ok I am going to do signed autographs for Disney Dollars so I can spend them on more food to take more pictures for all of you guys! It was a blast meeting these kiddos and I wish we had more time to hang out! We felt like we knew each other forever!
What a great idea. And I could have Mark model hats for people and charge a $1.00 a hat!


Yeah this one over here is too quick with the Starbucks card! We each had one and I was going to treat them but she already had her card in her hand...next time! I owe you for that and for finding Fultons for me!....no wait, Todd owes you for finding Fultons!

I think we're even...you steered us to Boma and Sci Fi.

Rest of report coming soon.

Hi Kathy
I’m finally getting a chance to read and comment on your TR ~ beautiful job and pictures as always. I do love the picture of you and Mark with Chip and of course, the one of Mark with his “rocking” shirt.

I just love your balloon tradition in honor of your Dad. It makes me think of my Dad and I get all teary for me and for you. Such a wonderful way of remembering him and “paying something forward” (love that movie). Anyway, I would feel so honored if someone singled me at Disney to share such a story.

Marco Island looks so very relaxing ~ I agree, as much as I love Disney too, I would love to have some relaxing days as you too experienced. The sunset picture is fabulous

Having read some of MickiNicki’s dining reviews, it was great to see a pic of her. Hey Nicki – you can write your own version of Zagats just for Disney!!

Keep it coming Kathy!

Thanks, Janet. I'm glad you are enjoying. We've done Daytona Beach and have stayed in an older hotel (a lot of older, retired people and families with small children--no 21-year old types) and Marco was ten times more relaxing.


Next installment coming up shortly.

 

[KatMark]

Monday, September 28

I was up at 6:00, showered and finished packing the rest of my stuff. I got Mark up and in the shower; as soon as he was out, I threw our beach towels in the dryer (didn't want to use our hosts towels that I had just washed) and got his toiletries packed. We made sure we had all the garbage out the bathroom, patio and kitchen and Mark took that out and we loaded the car with the luggage. We took one last walk on the dock, saw three dolphins swim by, and then got in the car (it was drizzling) and started our drive back to Orlando. We were on the road by 7:30 a.m. We stopped at the Waffle House (yes, Nic, I know you don't like it--but we do) and had breakfast--the service was absolutely horrible and the kid who served us was lucky he got a tip...but my breakfast was great as was Mark's). We arrived in Orlando around 12:00 and stopped at two of the outlet malls. We picked up a couple of t-shirts for souvenirs, a Dumbo ornament and a cute Daisy shirt for me. We then drove to the LaQuinta--which was farther than we thought from Downtown Disney--but at $40.00 for the night, no biggie (it was about 20 minutes away--it was close to Sea World), checked in around 2:00 and brought up the one suitcase we needed and our bags of souvenirs so that I could repack them when I got whatever I was going to buy tonight.

We left LaQuinta and drove to Downtown Disney, arriving around 2:45. I took a couple of pictures before we started hitting the stores:

And for those of you with hawk eyes, yes, I wore the same top in this picture numerous times. It was the top that I was coolest in, so I washed it frequently in Woolite so that I could wear it often.

The first store we went to was Arribas Bros. I love looking at (can't afford much of it) the crystal...just beautiful.

We then went to Team Mickey and I took this picture:

While at Team Mickey we picked something up for Andy. We weren't going to bring the boys anything, but Andy slept on the couch with our sweet dog the whole time we were gone and we figured it was the least we could do. We got him a golf towel to hang on his golf bag--it was Donald Duck with an angry face as if he'd messed up again; since Andy is not the world's greatest golfer (no Tiger Woods in this household) it was perfect for him (we also got him a shot glass from Marco Island--he collects shot glasses).

We went to the Design Your Own Tee-Shirt store. Mark wanted a Grumpy shirt (it's hard always finding his size) and I ordered a Christmas Fab Five t-shirt. We did not have any writing put on them....and they were still $60.00--a little pricey.

We also went to the Christmas Store (I only bought two ornaments this year...I was so proud of myself...and a new Christmas flag; they just didn't have any ornaments that "grabbed me" this year that I didn't already have--our tree is strictly Disney ornaments), Mickey's Pantry (got my annual magnet for my refrigerator), The Art of Disney and Pooh's Corner. We take the following two pictures every year as well:

We still had time before our dinner reservations at Fulton's, so we ran into World of Disney to get a feel for what sections we wanted to concentrate on:

Up next...dinner at Fulton's and meeting another DISer

 

[Amy&Dan]

Amy, next time you are on Marco let me know...we can meet for coffee! I work on the Island and go to Starbucks every day, almost all day, long!

You know, I noticed on your sig you were from Naples. I LOVE Marco Island! Dan and I stumbled onto it years ago when I got on Expedia looking for some last minute deal. We have been three times, all three times stayed at the Hilton. I think its time to make friend's with Kathy's boss! Meeting you for coffee would be so fun, I always love your food reviews and you were the one that let me shed my shame of liking Tony's at the MK!

Yeah, Kathy whats up with Waffle House? Last time I ate there I was in college and just needed a late night waffle run to soak up the beer in my belly! But those pecan waffles were really yummy as I recall.

 

[KatMark]

Fulton's -- we had ressies at 4:50 and got there about 4:45. First, let me say I tried to change this ressie online numerous times to a little earlier or a little later and it kept showing nothing available. We walked in and there was not a soul checking in; I don't know how many people were seated upstairs (we saw two families go up), but there was NO ONE and I mean NO ONE on the first floor in any of the rooms when we were seated (a party of two and a very loud party of four women were seated after we had ordered our meal). We had a nice window view and watched the boats come from the SSR and the POR to DTD.

I always start with the New England Clam Chowder Soup at Fulton's; Mark decided on a salad; I had the snow crab legs (with really yucky potatos) and Mark had the Mahi Mahi. John surprised us with a piece of cake on the house for our Anniversary (I won't go into reviews or pictures here since I did a dining review which is here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33796426#post33796426).

John took a picture of us with our cake:

We were scheduled to meet JanetB of the Dis at 6:30 and we were done with dinner at 5:50--being the place was empty service was very quick. So we paid the bill and decided to walk to the West Side and go to a couple of shops. Along the way, I took a few pics, including the new hot air balloon and the outside of T-Rex:

We walked back and sat down at the bar at Fulton's and waited for Janet's arrival. In walked sunshine. Janet has a smile that will light up a room and is as sweet as could be. We talked for an hour--we told her what we'd done and she told us what was on her agenda for the remainder of her trip (and how her daughter was upset she wasn't on the trip with her). Another DISer that I felt like I've known forever. Sweet Janet got a pin for me with Tinkerbelle on it that was part of the Dream year. Thanks again, Janet.

We walked with Janet up to World of Disney where her car was parked and she went to her dinner ressie at 1900 Park Fair (how was it by the way?) and we went and finished up our shopping. Since we bought Andy something, I had to get Markie something too; we found him the perfect t-shirt. It has Donald Duck on it and it says "I flunked anger management class." If you knew Markie, it suits him perfectly. But I love that boy...he can make you laugh no matter what. I still remember in the hospital with my dad when we knew the end was coming at any moment, he tried making the mood a little less somber and took one of the rubber gloves the nurses uses, blew it up and put it on his head...just Markie's way of making you laugh and the way he deals with his pain.

We bought our photo albums, a couple of photo frames, a polo shirt for Mark and a travel coffee mug for my best male friend with Tigger on it.

We left around 9:30 and headed back to the LaQuinta and took a walk around the pool and then went up to get our souvenir bag packed that we were carrying on the plane and watched a little television. Then it was off to bed...tomorrow we would be having breakfast at Boma and meeting another DISer, Aubriee.

Next installment -- Boma, Aubriee and visiting other resorts

 

[kaysmommie]

Found your trip report this morning. I enjoyed reading it all with my huge cup of morning coffee. Great pictures too. Happy you were able to get back to Disney and CSR this year . That story about your dad and you giving the little girl the balloon in his memory made me . That is very sweet. My dad passed away two weeks ago so I feel your pain. I know it will get easier though in time. Anyway I enjoyed your pics of Marco island, looks beautiful there.

 

[KatMark]

Found your trip report this morning. I enjoyed reading it all with my huge cup of morning coffee. Great pictures too. Happy you were able to get back to Disney and CSR this year . That story about your dad and you giving the little girl the balloon in his memory made me . That is very sweet. My dad passed away two weeks ago so I feel your pain. I know it will get easier though in time. Anyway I enjoyed your pics of Marco island, looks beautiful there.

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It is so very hard to lose anyone in your life, but a daughter losing a father is horrible. I know the pain you are feeling right now. It's been a little over a year for my dad and I will say the pain never goes away...but it does ease up a little.

 

[heaven2dc]

You both look more relaxed after your stay on Marco Island What a perfect agenda you had throughout your whole trip And I love the top you are wearing in the pic where you said you wore it often - it looks so comfy and cool and looks great on you! You are such a lovely couple - maybe someday we can meet if our paths cross at WDW.

 

[KatMark]

You both look more relaxed after your stay on Marco Island What a perfect agenda you had throughout your whole trip And I love the top you are wearing in the pic where you said you wore it often - it looks so comfy and cool and looks great on you! You are such a lovely couple - maybe someday we can meet if our paths cross at WDW.

Thanks "C" Family. Yeah, we were kind of dragging the first day or two in Disney because of the late flight (and poor Mark had to work late every night before we left). Thanks--it really was a great top. You are very sweet to say we are a lovely couple -- tell that to my kids, will you?
I hope we can meetyou one day too at WDW. I love meeting DISers.

 

[KatMark]

Tuesday, September 29 -- Going Home Day

Since we couldn't get the morning flight, I asked Mark if he wanted to go to breakfast at Boma. Nicki has been telling me that we needed to go for two years now (we had dinner reservations two years ago but cancelled them because we were tired and it was the day after we had eaten at WCC and had the second worse meal ever at Disney and Mark got sick on that food and I wasn't keen on the "flavors" at Boma). But Nicki said breakfast was great, so I made an ADR for 8:50. In the meantime, I had talked to Aubriee a number of times; Aubriee was giving the CSR a second chance after a not-so-good first experience and I told her we were going to Boma and she said she had a 9:05 ADR the same day so maybe we could sit together or at least meet up in the lobby.

So Mark and I loaded up the car with the luggage, souvenirs, etc., and left at 7:45 for the trip to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We thought it would take at least 35 minutes and it ended up taking us only 20 minutes. We walked in to the beautiful lobby of the Animal Kingdom right around 8:10 a.m. The first thing we did was go into the Gift Shop. I absolutely love the AKL's gift shop--so many different and exotic items, a great selection of resort related souvenirs (more than any other resort I've seen). Then we went to one of the look out points and looked at the animals. My dream is to stay here with a savannah view before moving back over to the CSR one year; I know a lot of people say it is too far from everything but, personally, I like that and we always have a rental car anyway.

We strolled down to Boma and arrived at 8:30. We were all set to check in when Aubriee came over and introduced herself.

We gave each other a hug and then went up to the podium to explain that Mark and I had an ADR at 8:50 and Aubriee had one at 9:05 but, if at all possible, we'd like to have a table together and we'd be willing to wait to her time. We were given a buzzer and not two minutes later all three of us were directed to our table.

The three of us chatted for while we waited for our waiter (who we could NOT understand at all) brought us our juice, water and coffee. The juice alone is reason enough to come to Boma for breakfast (described in my dining reviews). Aubriee told us she was enjoying her second time at the CSR...although it did not start out well (they put her in one room which was not good--4th floor of Casitas 2 which has NO elevator--which I never knew--and impossible to find); they were moving her to the Cabanas the next day on her "second" reservation. After that and a minor issue with the girl next door, the stay at CSR was fine. Unfortunately, she got sick for part of her stay at the CSR sent her over a little bag of goodies to hope she was feeling better.

We were at Boma for a little over an hour and then Aubriee was heading over to the AK and Mark and I stopped in the lobby at the front desk to see if there was any possibility that we could see a room. Unfortunately, they were booked solid and could not show us a room. We still had 2-1/2 hours before we headed to the airport, so we decided to go check out one or two other resorts to kill the time.

First, we drove over to the POFQ. The POFQ is the only other moderate that we have ever given any thought to (we actually had it booked once when we couldn't get CSR, but then CSR opened up). We took a look around the grounds and strolled through the gift shop and the food court. It really is a very pretty resort, but I think I would go nuts at the pool. Even at 10:30 a.m. the pool was very crowded and it seemed much smaller than the pool at the CSR. The hot tub was really tiny and I don't recall seeing a quiet pool anywhere.

A few pictures I took at the POFQ:

From there, we drove over to the Saratoga Springs. A good friend of ours used to own DVC here and she absolutely loves it. It really is very beautiful, the pool was very nice. But the next person who says the Coronado is spread out will totally make me lose it. The Saratoga is huge. I'm not sure if we'll want to stay here or not; we want to do the AKL first and perhaps the Beach Club...maybe down the road we'll try the Saratoga.

Well, it was time for that dreaded drive to the airport. We saw the "See You Real Soon" sign again and, as usual, I started to cry. I'm just always so sad to leave Disney and have to go back to the real world and deal with every day problems, etc.

Our flight going home, for the first time in three years, was NOT delayed for hours. We departed about ten minutes late, but we landed 20 minutes early.

We had an issue with the limo driver at O'Hare Airport so it took us longer to get home than it should have. This really ticked me off...we left 93 degrees and landed at O'Hare where it was 53 degrees; and now since we were back I wanted to get home to my puppy. Cookie was ecstatic to see us and would NOT leave my husband's side the rest of the night or all day on Wednesday (we took off Wednesday to recuperate from our vacation).

Up next in the final installment...our thoughts on our trip.