Not too much detail.

I won't post all the details because the internet connection is sketchy, I can't put pictures up and it's likely somewhat boring anyway - but we are still having a great time. Took yesterday pretty easy after intense park action all the previous days. Kaleigh had to leave yesterday so we went to Disney Quest and spent quite a bit of time there. Went out for a nice dinner and then came home to the pool and hot tub. Today we're planning to get some outlet mall shopping in. Shea has several clothing stores in mind and Allan wants to see what he can find in an electronics store. We had options of going back to a park but I think we are completely "parked out".

A chance to update.

Internet working a little better so I'll do a quick update - without pictures.

Thursday was Epcot day.  Gave ourselves a little more time in the morning arrived leisurely around 10 at the park.  We took in all that we really wanted to.  We're finding that all the attractions have been updated and are different than before so the Hawkins' are experiencing lots of new things.  It rained quite a bit that day so we ducked under cover and had a nice lunch - saw all of future world and headed over to the World Showcase in the early afternoon.  Made our way all the way around (really, truly disliked the film in the Canada pavilion) and snacked at Mexico while waiting for Illuminations.  Our entirely perfect day was marred when the kids could not get on Test Track - line ups too long and the park was closing.

Friday - Universal mania.  We were there before the park opened at 9 and we closed it last night after a fireworks display at 10.  13 hours!  Two parks.  The rides are simply amazing there.  They have updated the Studios Theme Park and there are lots of new rides there...including Men In Black - you get a lazer gun and rack up points - unbelievably fun - and the best ride yet...The Simpsons.  Unky Duck was definitely on everyone's mind on that one.  It was absolutely hilarious.  We finished off with The Mummy which was a seriously improved ride over it's California cousin.  

Headed home around 11 - Shaun and Kaleigh went shopping for snacks and breakfast goodies.

Yours truly hit my pillow and slept more soundly for a solid 8 hours than I have in years.

Today - Blizzard Beach and tomorrow Disney Hollywood studios.  Whew. 

Internet connection not so good.

Had a fantastic 10 out of 10 day but our internet connection is weak.  Will try to upload more news soon.  Thanks Irene for the comments and Kath, Unky Duck, Bree and all.  Nice to know you're out there.

Cell phone and internet connection weak.  Sorry bout that.

Thursday, July 31st. Epcot Day!

We actually thought we would treat ourselves to a vacation and sleep in today. The plan is to go to Epcot early afternoon and then stay right until Illuminations Fireworks at 10:00 p.m.
We had a very nice time at the Spectre Electric Parade and fireworks at the Magical Kingdom last night.

We are thinking of everyone back home - really we are - please feel free to give us an update or comment on the blog. Bree - your videos rock - love the monologues. Are they on Youtube under Hawkward Productions? You can look at more of our pictures on Laura's Facebook.

Talk to you soon everyone - looks like a sunny start to the day here...

It's a Magical day in the Kingdom

Forecast is the same everyday that we will be here - thundershowers and 30. No need to worry about us though - no please don't fret - we'll be okay. Even in the rain we have a great place to come back to.

Just some quick pics.

A ten out of ten!

This day could not have been better. We allowed ourselves a little lie-in this am and decided to do a low-impact park - Animal Kingdom. We successfully found our ticket place and got out to AK by around 10. Sent our fastpass runners (Allan and Shaun) to Everest. Met up with them and immediately got on Kali River Rapids. Shaun and I were the winners of the most soaked contest until we went on later in the day - Emily won that one.

Had a quick and unbelievably good snack and then we tackled the big one. Everest.

Significant kudos to Emily who had no qualms about getting on the frightening coaster....she is 6.

She was amazing. We managed to see every show and ride every ride we wanted to (except for the one we forgot) without spending more than around 20 minutes in line. It was fantastic.

Went out for a Cuban meal tonight - way too much food - we're going to try to remember to share meals from now on - and went grocery shopping. Now we're stocked and loaded.

Ready to tackle Magic Kingdom tomorrow.

Hello to everyone back home. Thanks Amanda, Kath and Lena for looking after the Picanteria...especially now that Denise is gone gone.

WOW - Lotsa Surprises

First surprise was seeing Shaun at the Minneapolis gate when we arrived. He was supposed to go through Chicago from Fargo on his "free" pass he received when he was bumped off a United flight awhile back. Well, what do you think happened? He was "bumped" again today and they rearranged him through Minneapolis and - you guessed it - he was bumped to our flight. And they gave him ANOTHER free flight for his "inconvenience" and free food. He knew about this quite early today but decided to surprise us.

Then, our next big surprise was our house. It is amazing. (will insert pics here when I am not dead on my feet.) It is 12:30 our time and 1:30 florida time so we've changed our plans and will allow ourselves a small lie-in in the morning and we'll go to Animal Kingdom tomorrow.

Really tired so will sign out now. We'll check your blog right away Breeze.

Entering a new phase!

Yours truly has definitely had her head in Saskatoon these past few days but now I'm really counting down the hours to Disney. It's funny...with all the travelling we do - how excited we are about this trip. Part of it is that we really need a holiday. I can't remember Allan being so geared up for a vacation. That makes me so happy. He's been working really hard this year and this trip seems like just what the doctor ordered for him. He bought a new digital underwater camera today. The other thing is the great group we'll be travelling with. I get to do Disney with Shaun for the first time since he was 10 or so. And it's Kaleigh's first time (she's done Universal California which is a good warm up act). I had a great time bonding with Taylor this week and know that it's going to be awesome having her along to share a great time with Shea and the rest of us. Emily has been before but I'm hoping she has a more memorable time this year - she's a bit older, we'll be there longer and I so want her to LOOOOVE Disney. Mary hasn't ever been before and I suspect she'll love the atmosphere and the schtick. We're very sorry Robin isn't going to be able to join us (and we wish him a very happy birthday on Sunday) but we understand.
Stay tuned for pics and stuff.