This year our vacation was centered around two things, seeing family and going to Universal Florida. In October 2018 I went to Microsoft Ignite in Orlando and at the end of the conference they had closed the park for us. We had a little over 4 hours to run around both Universal Florida and Islands of Adventure. Natalie being the Harry Potter nerd she is was not happy that I went to Universal without her so this vacation was to fulfill the nerd's desire of going to Harry Potter World.
This year we decided our main vacation would be in Spring instead of summer and it ended up being perfect timing due to everything that is going on in this crazy world right now. I wanted to drive to Florida but Dean is too much of a pain in the car at this age so we had to fly. I really hate flying with kids. I think the 12 hours of travel when flying is far worse than the 40 driving for so many reasons. There are also a lot of restrictions with flying due to ticket prices. It's a good thing my work is flexible because we had to do a two week Tuesday to Tuesday trip to save $2,000 on airfare.
We left for vacation on March 3rd, right before the Corona madness started. However, probably due to everyone fearing the virus was on it's way to America, both our flights to Fort Lauderdale were nearly half empty. We landed close to midnight and got to Natalie's uncles house at close to 2 in the morning. This is when the hell of no sleep began. We had to have Dean in our bed and sleep was not happening. There's nothing like wanting to go to bed after a long day of travel when you have a kid that wants to laugh and play in bed.
Zach is not Florida born. This kid was stripping all the time because he said it's too hot.
In Aventura. I want to know who thought this billboard was a good idea.
Here he is stripping again. We didn't even make it 12 hours in Florida without venturing out for some Cuban food.
I want to say this was the second day out there. We went to visit Natalie's aunts and uncles. They have a canal behind their apartments. Here are Zach and Dean checking out the Iguanas. Zach was obsessed with catching lizards. We caught an anole and brought it over to Natalie while she was talking with her aunts. She went to look at it and I tossed it on her chest. The kids thought it was hilarious, although she didn't think so.
Trying to teach the kid how to swing from vines.
I tried to do a throw back picture with Adri, since I used to take her here all the time when she was a baby. She was not happy about it. This picture actually put her into tears and she wouldn't talk to me. She's at that fun age.
This was when we discovered how much Dean loves birds. Dean has a duck that he sleeps with. He thinks all birds are ducks and kept yelling ducky and trying to chase them.
Zach is interested but just acts like Mr. Cool with his hands in his pocket when he walks by.
This was hilarious. A pelican decided to go on the attack. It didn't deter Dean. He wanted to pet "Ducky". Once he found actual ducks it was so hard to get him out of the aviary. I had to carry him out while he screamed. He was OK once we got out and he found another bird to chase.
We watched the wildlife encounter show. Flamingo is also a sanctuary. They brought out a half retarded opossum for the kids to pet, a raccoon, and an alligator that lost half it's mouth. They have to hand feed the alligator. Zach and Dean both wanted to pet it, Adri wanted no part.
While we were at lunch with the Hoopes Jasmine came into town. We had to hit up Total Wine for some Domincan Rum (no not the Captain Morgan in the picture) and some Presidente. We can't get Presidente on the West Coast.
I told Tia I just wanted a little margarita so she got me a tiny cup.
After a late night partying we got up really early and drove up to Jacksonville. This is when we could start to see the insanity in America unfolding. We stopped everywhere between Miami and Jacksonville looking for some hand sanitizer to refill my travel sized bottle. I have a lot at home but couldn't fly with it. The funny thing is people still don't wash their hands and all the hand soap was fully stocked but we couldn't find any hand sanitizer.
We drove up to a plantation to meet up with our old neighbors from Coral Springs. We told them we would be there at noon and I got there 7 minutes before noon after an almost 6 hour drive. I'm that good. I was actually eating my super awesome Publix sub while driving so we could make it on time. Interesting fact. People in Florida don't know the difference between a bell pepper and a banana pepper. I thought it was just a Miami thing but this was a white girl in Central Florida reaching for the pickled banana peppers when I told her bell pepper. In Florida you have to tell them green pepper. I don't know why it's that hard. Regardless of color a bell pepper looks like a bell and a banana pepper looks like a little banana. Anyways the sub was awesome. I miss Publix sandwiches.
This plantation wasn't all that great compared to the ones in South Carolina but it did have an interesting history. Everyone tries to tie slavery to only white people but it's so far from reality. Every race has owned slaves in the past. Slavery in America started when an African queen sold slaves to white people. This plantation was actually owned by a black woman. Her family was involved in the slave trade in Africa, she became a slave, got her freedom, changed her name, and became a slave owner. I believe it was her grandson that was disgusted by it all and set the slaves free and took them to what they say was a part of Haiti that is now Dominican Republic.
Eduardo and Stephanie wanted to go to the beach after the plantation but it was cold. We ended up just going to their house instead, where it was warm and a perfect day to bbq. They sold shortly after we sold in Coral Springs, then their neighbor sold right after them. We all left within a few months of each other. I really miss a lot about that house and having the best neighbors we could have asked for. I really loved my yard and all the time I could spend turning it into a jungle. Well they made me feel a lot better that we made the right decision leaving. According to Eduardo and Stephanie the neighborhood has gone down a lot and the high school that was in the top 1% of the country is now a C school. They were living in North Carolina when they sold then came back down south a bit to Jacksonville and they love it. I really liked their house. If I wasn't stuck here due to family, I'd actually look at moving to that area. I wouldn't mind being their neighbor again. After leaving South Florida I couldn't go back due to the insanity but I really like Central and Northern Florida.
Here are Adri and Zoe. Zoe was just 7 when we left. She was always so friendly. We had nothing between our yards and she would always come over to talk to us. I was a little surprised that she remembered us.
The next day we went to St. Augustine in the morning, on our way to Cocoa Beach. I had been to St. Augustine once, 14 years ago, and thought the kids would like it. This is the old European established city in America. This trip was a lot more enjoyable than my last, which was in August, and hotter than a mofo.
Castillo San Marcos. They used crushed oyster shells in the mortar on this fort. I use these opportunities to teach the kids instead of just having them walk around like zombies and posing against their will for all my pictures. Today's lesson was focused around defense in depth. I tried to teach them that even though my job is very different than defending a fort we use the same concept in computer security of defense in depth to protect our data. This fort was actually created to defend the city after some pirates raided St. Augustine at night and killed 60+ people, including women and children.
This was Zach's favorite part of the fort. I always ask the kids what was the favorite part of their day and this was Zach's. This is the powder room. To get into this room we had to crawl through an 18 inch high doorway. He liked it because it was like a secret room and no one else was going in here.
A display of all the stuff people put in cannons. When people hate each other they can really be bastards. I somehow think the pirates deserved having this stuff shot at them though.
How would you like to have a cannon shoot some nails at you.
I think those are 50 pound cannonballs. They had some really small ones, like the size of a pool ball, and I think those were 12 or 14 pounders. Some really dense lead.
One of the mortars.
All the different cannons and mortars. I think the longer cannon shoots something like 1.2 or 1.5 miles.
After the fort we decided to head downtown. The congregation was established in 1565 and this church was built from 1793-1797.
Jasmine and Suegrita didn't go in the fort with us. Instead they did free tasting at a distillery. So on the way back to the car we decided to do a free tasting as well, and Jasmine got round two. They served mini shots, in a line, and everyone got their pour then had to drink at the same time. I only tried a couple of the 7 flavors because I was the driver. It was good enough to get me to buy one of their tropical rums for later.
Before going back to the car we went back through the visitor's center and look what I found. They had two testers on the front of the shelf and pushed way back where no one could see it was one last bottle. $13 for 8 oz but I had to get it before going to Universal.
After St. Augustine we had a 2 hour drive to Cocoa Beach. We were supposed to get there a lot earlier but things happen when traveling with a family. We were able to get there before sunset. We didn't get to go to the beach but we did get to play in the lazy river that was pushing 95 degrees. I wished we spent a couple days there. Cocoa Beach seemed really kick back and I could have used a couple days to do nothing but sit around and sip on some rum. Dean refused to sleep in his pack n play that night so it was hell.
The next morning we got up early, again, and headed out to Orlando. Jasmine hooked us up with a killer deal at the Westgate a few miles from Universal. We had three rooms, three bathrooms, two kitchens, a balcony, and large living room. It was really nice. I just wish the bath tub was bigger. The only problem with the Westgate is that the shuttle service is not all that great so we ended up getting raped paying $27 a day to park at Universal.
We got a late start at Universal that day. I don't think we even got in the park until close to noon. Before we went to the park we decided we were going to start a thing we call pre-game. We busted out the bottles of rum we bought in Cocoa Beach and did a shot of rum every morning before heading out.
Day 1 Pre-Game
At Universal Islands of Adventure.
We paid $8.50 for a cup of butter beer. Such a rip off. Like watered down cream soda with melted marshmellows on top.
Standing in this line really put me in a bad mood. Some jerk off kids were vaping behind us and blew their vape mist right at us. It caught me off guard and I was about to snap. If they would have done it again all hell would have broken loose. They staff saw them doing it and told them it's only allowed in designated areas and they kept on doing it wherever they wanted. Really, I hope they get the CoronaVirus. People acting all crazy wearing masks and stuff and these people are blowing their friggin vape mist in our face during a pandemic. I really can't stand people and it put me in a bad mood for a good hour or so. I was already not in the best of moods even though I should have been, being where we were, because I found out after making it to America, and doing a single show in Philly, Insomnium had to cancel their tour because of this stupid virus and all the restrictions. I already had VIP tickets for April 4th in Mesa, which got refunded but I was not happy about it. The band nearly went bankrupt over it and had to start a go fund me to recover from the losses. Just the start of a lot of stupidity that is taking place to try and stop a virus that's going to get us all anyways by year's end..
Later in the day Adri went on whatever this ride is. We call it the tower of death. It shoots us up, as opposed to Supreme Scream at Knott's which shoots you down and is a lot scarier. Adri is quite the dare devil for 9 years old. I wasn't doing this stuff until I was 13 or 14.
Day 2. We found Dean the perfect gift in Harry Potter World the first day. Here he is with his new friend the phoenix.
Day 2 Pregame
The second day we did Universal Florida. Zach wasn't big enough for the Harry Potter ride in Island of Adventure but he was in Universal Florida. I don't understand why because this one is an actual roller coaster. I wish I had taken a picture of his face when we saw the dragon then fell off the track. He was so scared but loving it at the same time. The second time he wasn't scared and was all smiles.
Anyways I thought this would just be a lame 3D ride but it was really cool. We ended up doing it twice. The kids loved it too. They had a Duff Beer song while we were in line and now Adri sings it every time I drink from my Duff mug.
Dean liked the waterslide.
Adri's favorite ride. This kid is almost fearless. She was scared to get on it but it was her decision. We didn't have to try and coerce her at all. She was determined to try out this roller coaster and she loved it. I tried to go on this when I was there for Ignite but halfway through the line a thunderstorm came through and the ride was closed due to the lightning.
After day two we all felt weird and thought maybe we had picked up the Corona virus. We had the oddest sinus infections the next couple days but it was pretty mild and different than anything else we have had.
Day 3 Pregame
Day 3 before going to the park we decided to do the paddle boats on the lake. We thought it would be a nice relaxing adventure. Not! Hot, sweaty, and sore. Those things are not built for comfort.
Day 3 was another day at Universal Florida.
Natalie really wanted to be in Harry Potter World at night. One thing that we didn't get to do because this night was the night that the park closed early, I think at 8 or 8:30.
Look at big brother.
We decided to be funny this night and give ourselves the Corona vaccines.
Day 4 Pregame
This ride is called Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. I didn't go on it at Ignite because the line was long and I though it looked lame. We didn't go the first day an Island Adventure because the line was long, at times up to 2 hours but 75 minutes when we went on it. So we finally decided to check it out and it was awesome. No joke, the best ride in both parks. No loops or anything but it was so cool. They use magnets to launch it so it speeds up at random places and it goes fast low to the ground through trees and in between ruins, which makes it seem even faster. At one point they shoot us up the track but then it ended and we rolled back. I'm thinking WTF, they are running multiple cars just 30 seconds apart or something. Well somehow they switched tracks and we went backwards into a building and then stopped. Then I thought they would shoot us back forward but instead they dropped us down a floor onto another track. It was really cool.
We decided to do the rafts. There is a warning you will get soaked and it's no lie. You can't move to another seat to avoid a waterfall. At one point there is a waterfall that goes across the entire river and everyone gets it. After we got off the raft and were starting to go I decided we all need to take off our shoes and throw them in the bin. It was a good last minute call. There was no line so we asked to go again and the guy told us to go back through the line. Really lame so we decided not to go again. But for a second there we were feeling crazy enough for a second ride. Suegrita did not go on this ride.
We split off so Adri could go on The Hulk later that day. Zach is too short. So Zach and I went to Jurassic Park. There was no line and we got our own boat. We got off the ride and went right back through the line and back on a second time. I was able to get Zach on another favorite ride of his, Spiderman, before we all met up at The Hulk and went back to Westgate. Dean loved watching The Hulk ride from below. He would point and yell "Whoa" every single time they launched the train.
We got out of Universal at just the perfect time. Friday was our last day and starting Sunday they were closing because of Corona. It was supposed to be two weeks but looks like it's going to be at least six weeks now.
I think we were back on the road that night by 8. It was a long drive back to Miami. We had to stop for dinner and we were calling our friends back in Phoenix hearing about all the crazy going on. Stores completely wiped out by morons that thought the world was ending. Now it was no longer just the toilet paper and hand sanitizer, it was literally everything but vegan food! After dropping Natalie's mom off we got back to Tio Jose's just after 1 AM. I had to have a shower after sitting in everyone's Corona virus all day so we didn't get to bed til just before 2 and Dean was being a pain in the butt again and wanted to play until 3 AM. We ended up having to buy him a pack n' play the next day, because you can't put a price on a good night's rest.
I think it was the next day we met up with cousins again at our old spot, Hollywood Beach. We used to go here weekly. Our first date 13 years ago this month, which Natalie doesn't call a date even though she bought my dinner, ended here at an Italian restaurant on the Hollywood Beach boardwalk. We used to go to the beach a couple times a month all year round. A lot I like about it but it's also a human circus. They have changed the area around the amphitheater a lot since we left.
Our last beach trip of vacation at North Beach, Miami. We have friends from Coral Springs that we met up with. We went to church with them but never hung out outside of church when we lived there. After we moved, actually when I was at Natalie's aunt's house in Florida visiting, I had posted on an ex-Mormon page on Facebook, which you can't hide form people's feed, and I got a message from this guy. I was thinking oh great, I upset another Mormon. Then I found out he messaged me to let me know his family just left the church. He was the Priesthood President when I lived there and was in line to be the next Branch President in Pompano Beach when he left. It was a bit of a surprise for me that he left.
They saw that we were back in Florida and messaged me that we should meet up. We met up for lunch then went to the beach, then back to Tio Jose's for some bbq and drinks. It was great hanging out with them. They are really cool people and it's too bad we didn't hang out more when we lived there. It's hard for a lot of people to understand what it's like to grow up in the Mormon church and then leave so it's good therapy having friends that understand it and can talk to you about their experiences.
In between this I had a work from Florida day. We have a customer that needed to do a DR test run so I got to work a day and use one less vacation day.
Our last day in Florida we went out for some Cuban food then hung out for a couple hours in Greynolds Park. Zach decided he wanted to go on a hike with me and look for more lizards and iguanas. I like the fact that this kid is so much like me in when it comes to enjoying the outdoors and having fun doing the stupidest little things like looking for lizards.
The trip back was hell! Did I mention I hate traveling with kids? Trying to get everything on the cart and get to the terminal from the rental car return was a joke. I put the cart on the moving walkway, which I wasn't supposed to do but it's normally not a problem, and since it was overloaded it flipped on it's side against the wall. I had to hang on for dear life and ride it out. By this time everyone is in Corona panic. They are starting to confirm cases in the US and local governments are closing down business. I don't panic, and wonder if we already had it long before it was getting detected, but I still don't want to risk the kids getting sick. But they want to touch everything! When we finally land in Phoenix it's just more hell. We get over to baggage claim and the cart machine won't take my credit cards. It ate four dollars and wouldn't take the 5th for the cart then only gave me two back. I went to the information booth and they told me I have to call the 800 number. There was no one to help and I had 3 kids and 8 checked items. I had to go to outside and find myself an abandoned cart. I hate flying with kids!!!! The one good thing is none of my mugs, bottles or rum, or mama juana were broken this time.
We got to bed at 2:30 that morning. With all the craziness I had to get up at 5:30 to get to the grocery store and fight all the crazies for what food was left. I called in sick and my boss ended up giving me the day off without using sick time. It was a rough ten days trying to deal with the stupidity once we got back and get basic supplies. Now with the way the economy is and everything I definitely don't think we'll be flying out to Florida next time. Next time we'll take our trailer and we can come and go as we please, I don't have to juggle 9 bags through airports, no rental cars, and no worries about how much of whatever we can bring back.
That was our vacation. A lot of fun. Like I said, a lot I miss about Florida and a lot of the time I wish I could move back, just further north. So much I don't miss about people down south, the way they drive, the way they are so rude, the traffic, the craziness of it all. There was crazy traffic at 12:45 coming into Miami one morning. It was not like it just 10 years ago but now it's building up into a huge crowded city. I like being out in the suburbs away from all this stuff where life is a little slower and the people are nicer.
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