For the last 4 years, I have driven
back to Chicago for the holidays. I’ll be honest – Florida is a LONG state! I stop
in Atlanta on the way there and back, so that breaks up the drive. This year, I
only stopped on the way up and stayed with my friend Amy and her family. Amy
and I worked together until last year. I love the time I get to spend with her,
Bill, Sophia and Lauren. This year, I only stopped on the way to Chicago.
Coming home, I had a few additional drivers so we went straight through – to
Orlando!
Best Road Trip Snack!
Kristy, Steve and Bridey came back
and were spending the week between Christmas and New Years in sunny Boynton
Beach, Florida. I love having visitors! We left Chicago at 5am and made great
time throughout the day, until an accident in the mountains, just outside of Chattanooga
put us behind schedule. We didn’t get to our hotel in Orlando until 2:30am.
However, we were going on pure adrenaline as we were out the door by 7am to get
into Harry Potter world. Unfortunately, Bridey was a few inches too short to go
on the major roller coasters. We hit all the rides at Islands of Adventure and
were ready to leave by 3pm. If you are going to Universal, you MUST MUST stay
on the property. The Fast Pass perks and early admission are definitely worth
it.
Bridey in Jurassic Park
We visited the Everglades Holiday
Park, where Gator Boys is filmed. Went
on an airboat, saw some gators in the water and then the show afterwards. I
don’t think you can pay me enough to get that close to those animals!
Baby Gator
He's crazy!
The next few days were spent with
lots of football, beer, wine (Eppa – my new favorite), Just Dance and American
Idol competitions.
Fun in the sun and celebrating NYE with the Regans!
I'm prepared to get my Just Dance on!
Oh, and food! We had great food and experiences at two
places in Ft. Lauderdale – Gilberts and Chima’s. On their last night here, we went to my
signature place that I take everyone to……Old Key Lime House. It’s a great
bar/restaurant on the intercoastal and the weather was perfect. It was such a
wonderful week; I didn’t want it to end.
This is the part where I hate airports…..early morning drop offs. Sad
face.
Kristy, B and Sabri at Old Key Lime House
