Tampa Vacation

Last week we took our big family vacation in Tampa.  We were extra excited because Zach's parents were able to join us.

The drive was about 7 1/2 hours, so we thought the best thing to do was leave around 5am and then the girls would just go back to sleep in the car.  Wrong!  They stayed up and chatted and laughed for an hour and a half.  Then we stopped for breakfast.  Once we got back on the road again, Emily was getting upset and then proceeded to get sick, twice.  So we had to get her changed and the car seat somewhat cleaned up.  We were off to a rough start.  Eventually we made it and the real fun began!

After picking up Grandma and Grandpa Hinten, we were off to the Florida Aquarium.  The girls loved seeing all the fish and different kinds of sea life.  Haley was a fan of the sharks.

Day 2 was Busch Gardens.  There is a section of the park just for the little ones that was Sesame Street themed.  I'm pretty sure we could have spent the entire day there.  Emily got to ride on her first ride.

Haley went on her first "big girl" roller coaster.  Zach taught her to put her hands in the air.  She loved it so much she went on it twice!  No fears for my big girl.

Then the girls got to meet Elmo and Big Bird.  Haley wasn't too sure and Emily loved it.  She wanted to stand next to Elmo the whole time and gave Big Bird a high five as we were leaving.

We ended up making it just in time to the show that all the characters are in.  Both girls were dancing to the music the whole time.

Day 3 was our pirate cruise.  It was really neat and all about the kids.  The girls got little wooden pistols and pirate hats when we got on board.

Then they were able to trade in their pistols for water guns and there was a huge water fight on the ship.  I think Grandpa really enjoyed that :) 

There was also a treasure hunt and a story.  But towards the end, both girls weren't feeling too good.  I think they do as well on the water as their Mommy (not so good).  Overall, it was a fun experience.

In between all our fun adventures, the girls got some great time with their grandparents. 

In the evenings, Grandma would read bedtime stories.

And they had so much fun feeding the ducks and turtles. 

It was such an amazing vacation and I was a little sad to have to come home.  But we made so many wonderful memories on our trip!