We Strapped Sea Turtles to Our Feet! A Summer of Sea & Shore - 11/13 x3 FINISHED!!!!!

[Happydog]

I'm keeping you bumped today so I can look at your pictures tonight (after I get home from work, costco run for concession stand sodas, then straight to a soccer game).

Your day at Vero sounds wonderful. I absolutely loved it there! I really need to go back and soon! Can't wait to see the pictures of the boys ready for pirate night.

The one thing I forgot when I went to Vero in June was bug spray. I lasted all of 5 seconds at the campfire before I was devoured. lesson learned.

Harper's Ferry does sounds fun and you're right - I would love it!

I feel your pain with the run around the clock on the weekend!!! Vero is such a great location! Harper's Ferry is great!!!

what a perfect sounding day! beach time, pool time, a birthday party and cocktails on the porch! Dinner sounds yummy too.

So cute on the pirates.

Fast pass for the smores line. I love it!

Oh beach time that whole week was great! I have the beach photos ready to go this weekend so I will post them soon! The smores were unexpected but it was fun to have that perk given the crowd at the campfire!!!

What a great day at Vero! Was the birthday party event at Community Hall or do they have that at Vero?

Wow, another pirates night. Love Pirate Donald and Goofy. Too cute.

Yay for getting smores first!

The birthday party (I have to go check its official name) was a few times a week. It was there at the resort, they had a room for it. It was the same room where they held the sea turtle presentation.

Pirate nights were great!

 

[gallmcduck]

Isn't it fun watching children play, they have fun imaginations. Smores sound yummy but i'm not entirely sure what they are if campfires are involved I am thinking marshmallows and tasty.

Your F&W trip is just around the corner

 

[Happydog]

Okay peeps, perhaps the reality that a week from TODAY I WILL BE WAKING UP IN DISNEY WORLD, after a fun night at Epcot with friends, has encouraged me to get this TR DONE!!!!! I insist, like Soonergirl, to get this TR completed so I can start planning for my THANKSGIVING family cruise and my FOOD and WINE extravaganza!!!! MNSSHP here I COME!!!! Can you say Cosmo Slushies??!!! Bellini's??!! Snacking around the World Showcase??!! YAY YAY YAY!!!!


Okay, so to expedite this process, I am going to post highlights are features from the resort today, as well as our beach fun. Then I should be able to get another Vero post in, and then get me on the road to WDW! Where we spent an additional two nights!!! I have a lot to share, so I better get going!!! HA!

Okay, so knowing that some of you have not seen Vero Beach, I thought I would start with the themeing and the fun aspects of the resort that certainly make it a DISNEY resort...

First, the resort is set around the pool area, where there is an arcade, a QS food counter for breakfast and lunch primarily, and of course activity counters to rent equipment, a great pool slide and a minature golf course...

Check out this fun collection of signs... I was definitely captivated!

They had these themed signs for each part of the resort area, and they are all appropriately named for the different areas, arcade, restrooms, restaurant, gym, you can tell if you read them... just fun PLAY on Words, which is definitely DISNEY!

Something I really liked about the resort was the dense, lush landscaping. It definitely gave you the sense that you were in an oasis, and the beach was somewhat visable in certain areas, but when you went across to the beach through the gated access boardwalk, you got a different sense of the resort, which was also really cool...
SO green and pretty!

Here are some random shots around the pool recreation area, I took these on different days, some on the morning when I walked DS9 over to the Archery lesson (which he did twice)...

I have a better shot of the water park area, but this one you can see another "Disney touch" !!!!

This area by the QS restaurant again, and a nice gazebo eating area right next to the pool...

A few more resort area shots, I just loved the layout and the landscaping, and the style of the buildings. This is a great resort.

This is one of him coming back from Archery, from across the road where Disney has more property and their recreational area, I am going to post that in the NEXT post!!! ....

MORE COMING ...

 

[Happydog]

So as I mentioned, there were several activities that we worked into our trip, and one was Archery... Here are the photos as we went to do that one morning... (he did it twice, but this first session I did with him)... To get to the area where they have the archery set up, required the group to go across the road. Disney had build a walkway under the road, and of course it wouldn't be a Disney resort if they didn't add the touches they always do, so of course.....

This paint was luminescent paint, so it sparkled... hard to see in the photos, but it was so cool! AND yes, DISNEY music was piped in!!!

Once on the other side, there was another parking lot, and this little set up!

This was printed on the bridge as you went down through the tunnel... made me smile....

looking across the road now, at the resort from the other side of the walkway...

across the way there are fields and a "lake" ... Here are the kids taking off down the pathway with the CM... She was great!

And the Archery site, and some pics of the kids doing the activity...

MORE coming up! MINI golf NEXT!!!!!!!!!

 

[Happydog]

A few more photos of another beautiful day! Only one morning was really overcast, and rain came earlier than later... that was the day we headed to NASA the second time... I have those pics to post, too!

But for now... Ahhh...

So this post is dedicated to MINIATURE GOLF! Vero is the only DVC that has a miniature golf course ON property, and I think that is just cool!!! We visited twice. But we went the two times separately, DS9 went after a beach morning, while DS6 was working on a craft (shark tooth necklace!) and then DS6 played when DS9 was at the second Archery session, the morning we left for Disney!

As expected, and in TRUE HaPpY DoG FaMiLy style, they hammed it up well for the camera!!!! LOL! That's my boys!!!

This was a great course, nice length, fun to do while you were just taking a break from swimming, etc. And fun to do in the evening too, since I saw lots of families doing that.

MORE coming later this morning!!!! STAY TUNED!!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow! That resort at Vero Beach sounds just awesome! So many fun things to do, I bet my family would love it. And I love that so much is themed after Peter Pan This is your fair warning that we will be riding Peter Pan's Flight in a few days

The pictures of your boys are just so cute, looks like there is never a dull moment around your house!

Let's see, one week from right now, we will either be in MK or with Anita & Jen shopping at the outlet mall!

 

[Happydog]

Wow! That resort at Vero Beach sounds just awesome! So many fun things to do, I bet my family would love it. And I love that so much is themed after Peter Pan This is your fair warning that we will be riding Peter Pan's Flight in a few days

The pictures of your boys are just so cute, looks like there is never a dull moment around your house!

Let's see, one week from right now, we will either be in MK or with Anita & Jen shopping at the outlet mall!

YES! It really is! I bet your whole family would enjoy it. We didn't even try the "adult" restaurant, and only sat up on the 2nd level covered deck/lounge area once... it was a great place for a fab margarita that one day, and it is really peaceful and had a great view!! Plus there was plenty to keep all of us busy! The Turtles, etc. it is just a great resort! WE didn't even leave, I am embarrassed to say!!

RE Peter Pan's Flight I LOVE THAT RIDE AND I WILL HAPPILY RIDE IT !!!!!!

Regarding next week, YEP! I would say MK, I am wary about that outlet mall though!!! I better preview the stores so I know how much trouble I could possibly get into... WHICH set do you know? I have never been to a Disney outlet I have to admit, so I wonder if that is there? Vera Bradley UNDOUBTEDLY is there

Michelle I am jumping out of my skin excited. I just set the boys up with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, after dinner, and now I am headed to Target to get a few things... Your COSTUME is really cute

I started packing, well, "piling" LOL!!!!

EGADS! We really are almost there!!!! I have not checked the weather... I hope we have some sun!

 

[jenjolt]

LOL apparently I live in a cave because I had no idea about this TR!! (I send you my deepest apologies)

I too am about to head to Target so I'm going to have to wait to get all caught up but I know I'm going to love seeing Vero again! It is an amazing resort!!

So about the outlet mall shopping...yes to Disney and yes to Vera....they have both which means MUCH trouble could be gotten into!!!! I'm hoping to maybe find a pair of nice shoes to wear to my dinners while we are there!! Of course I will be looking at Target too LOL!!

Okay so I hope you'll forgive me and let me join the party late!! See you in like what 5 days WOOT WOOT!!!!! Oh and the weather forecast is getting better and better! We had rain but it would seem the rain is moving out and we'll have sunshine!! Of course it will not be warm enough for this southern gal to swim, but to each their own LOL!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wonderful posts about Vero -- it does look like a very relaxing oasis, and I love all of the Disney touches. You get the best of both worlds there -- beach and Disney! Gotta love it!

 

[MeMom]

Fun pictures of the boys, as always.

That is most certainly a beautiful resort.

See you next Sunday!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

We never made it under the road to the other side. That will change next summer!
I'm so glad that you were able to fully experience Vero Beach and help us for our next visit!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Regarding next week, YEP! I would say MK, I am wary about that outlet mall though!!! I better preview the stores so I know how much trouble I could possibly get into... WHICH set do you know? I have never been to a Disney outlet I have to admit, so I wonder if that is there? Vera Bradley UNDOUBTEDLY is there

I am leary about the trip to the outlet mall myself. I just did quite a bit of damage at the Coach outlet last weekend, another trip to an outlet store might be very dangerous. I'm thinking I may have to limit my shopping time On the other hand, I've never been to the outlets in Orlando and they might be fun to check out!

Michelle I am jumping out of my skin excited. I just set the boys up with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, after dinner, and now I am headed to Target to get a few things... Your COSTUME is really cute

I can't WAIT to see it!

I finally invested in an iphone (just bought an iphone 4 at the new reduced price - I figured there wasn't enough difference between the 4 and the 4S to matter to me - and I wanted it before our trip ) Anyway, I've been playing with that - trying to find Disney aps. You guys have any suggestions?

Oh and the weather forecast is getting better and better! We had rain but it would seem the rain is moving out and we'll have sunshine!! Of course it will not be warm enough for this southern gal to swim, but to each their own LOL!

The weather is definitely looking better! I may not swim much, but upper 80s is most definitely warm enough to lounge

See you next Sunday!

So excited about this - it'll be like I'm meeting DIS royalty!

 

[MEK]

I love Vero!!!! Thanks for all the great new pictures. Makes me want to go back. I think they have added more things on the lake side.

Cool pirate pics. I guess I never did see those pictures.

I had a blast playing mini golf there as well!!!!!

Gorgeous resort. I agree!

 

[Happydog]

LOL apparently I live in a cave because I had no idea about this TR!! (I send you my deepest apologies)

I too am about to head to Target so I'm going to have to wait to get all caught up but I know I'm going to love seeing Vero again! It is an amazing resort!!

So about the outlet mall shopping...yes to Disney and yes to Vera....they have both which means MUCH trouble could be gotten into!!!! I'm hoping to maybe find a pair of nice shoes to wear to my dinners while we are there!! Of course I will be looking at Target too LOL!!

Okay so I hope you'll forgive me and let me join the party late!! See you in like what 5 days WOOT WOOT!!!!! Oh and the weather forecast is getting better and better! We had rain but it would seem the rain is moving out and we'll have sunshine!! Of course it will not be warm enough for this southern gal to swim, but to each their own LOL!

I thought you were subscribed already!! So no worries! RE the TR, when you can catch up, do!

Such exciting news with the Outlets and the weather! I am hoping it will limited rain, As is typical for FL anyhow, though I know fall is mostly dry. So long as the weather is good for MNSSHP and we don't miss fireworks! Oh, I don't swim either -- I lounge.

I made my Target run, has some success, just this and thats, and then I have to get my hair colored TOMORROW, and a pedicure on Thursday. SO EXCITING to be on our way!!! I have lots of packing to do, but I have been piling and stitching costumes!!!

Wonderful posts about Vero -- it does look like a very relaxing oasis, and I love all of the Disney touches. You get the best of both worlds there -- beach and Disney! Gotta love it!

Jackie, it was our favorite part of the trip! Well, okay it was all a bunch of favorites, but I just loved the atmosphere. relaxing and family-centered!

Fun pictures of the boys, as always.

That is most certainly a beautiful resort.

See you next Sunday!

YAY for SUNDAY!!! Thanks, MeMom! We had so much fun. Wait till you see the ocean shots. We got some great ones, and some in the pool.... next update!

We never made it under the road to the other side. That will change next summer!
I'm so glad that you were able to fully experience Vero Beach and help us for our next visit!

You were busy sightseeing! We didn't leave the resort! That is why we were able to see and do those activities, and missed the fun stuff you did!

I am leary about the trip to the outlet mall myself. I just did quite a bit of damage at the Coach outlet last weekend, another trip to an outlet store might be very dangerous. I'm thinking I may have to limit my shopping time On the other hand, I've never been to the outlets in Orlando and they might be fun to check out!

I KNOW!!! I have to be good. Only getting a few things I MUST have... of course MUST is always highly subjective...

I finally invested in an iphone (just bought an iphone 4 at the new reduced price - I figured there wasn't enough difference between the 4 and the 4S to matter to me - and I wanted it before our trip ) Anyway, I've been playing with that - trying to find Disney aps. You guys have any suggestions?

I have a NEXUS S, not an iphone... SO I am a droid user! There are some great apps, I know, but I dont know them... there is one for Droid phones I want to get loaded before I go!

The weather is definitely looking better! I may not swim much, but upper 80s is most definitely warm enough to lounge

I am a lounger no question. That is what I do, with a drink in hand of course!

I love Vero!!!! Thanks for all the great new pictures. Makes me want to go back. I think they have added more things on the lake side.

Cool pirate pics. I guess I never did see those pictures.

I had a blast playing mini golf there as well!!!!!

Gorgeous resort. I agree!

It really is a fun place to be!!!

 

[eandesmom]

this post really makes me want to go to Vero! It's sounds so idyllic....just lovely!

 

[Native NYer]

Vero looks amazing!

 

[Happydog]

Okay, so here I will post a variety of water play photos from our trip... this would be at Vero Beach and the pool there at the resort... Needless to say, beach side was the way to go!!! We totally enjoyed our time at the beach most mornings, DH had brought two low camp-chairs from home and left them in the car when we were on the cruise. So we pulled these out and the beach bag! When we got to Vero...

Pool time, first... GOING...

GOING...

GOING ...

GONE!

The SENSIBLE son...

And like clockwork, after pool time came... ICECREAM!

Look Jackie, DS6 ate his weight in Mickey Bars for you this summer...

GOING...

GOING...

GONE!

Now the BEACH at Vero was really quite relaxing and nice! It was just over a smapp boardwalk type bridge, with a private resort key access.

In this photo you can see the sand dunes and the turtle nests that they marked all along the beach to preserve the eggs below. SO nice to know people were looking out for Mother Natures little friends!

We played in the sand ...

We played in the waves ...

And we played with Daddy! But more of that in the next post! Coming up!! NASA day 2, the shuttle, some additional water play with flippers!
Stay Tuned!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

about DS6 eating his weight in Mickey bars! That was so nice of him to do that for me! Playing in the water is always fun!

 

[Happydog]

Vero looks amazing!

It is a great resort! I bet you would like it!

this post really makes me want to go to Vero! It's sounds so idyllic....just lovely!

Well what I liked best was the fact you didn't feel compelled to do anything! Just whatever suits your fancy!

about DS6 eating his weight in Mickey bars! That was so nice of him to do that for me! Playing in the water is always fun!

Oh he had plenty!!! We had a great time at the beach!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I love the series of pictures of your DS on the slide! Such great shots!