I'm back. Miss me?

Well, back from a short vacation with the family. All in all, a good trip for the kids. Heck, anytime away from work is good time. How about a quick rundown of what happened over the long weekend?

Friday
Friday was the trip down. Left later than normal, but not bad considering that 4 of the 10 were about or under the age of 10. Goat rodeo anyone? Still, took back roads down to Orlando. The route was 17 to 19 to 27 to 192. Took a few wrong turns in small towns, but got there without too much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Ate at a pretty good BK in Eustis. My little one enjoyed the play area.

The big event was attending the Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney on Friday night. The Magic Kingdom opens from 7p to 12a for ticket event holders only. Well, it was an event, for sure. Sold out. Herded through Tomorrowland to get photos, then things kinda fell apart/slowed down. No one could decide on what to do. With a group of 10, especially with 3 kids that only want to ride, you can't please everyone, and you can't get everyone to go on everything! Coming to that realization took a good chunk of time out of our already limited schedule.

So, everyone is in a rush to hit "major" rides. My little one was a trooper. My knee wasn't. See, my father-in-law can't walk the park. My brother-in-law and myself took turns pushing him in a wheelchair. The motorized carts hadn't been recharged for the event. Anyways, pushing 425lbs through the Magic Kingdom can take a toll on someone with already bad knees.

Anyways, the hit of the evening was the Christmas parade. Got my little one up close and he loved it. Didn't want it to end. Alas, it did have to end.

Saturday
Pretty much a free day, with the only planned event being a dinner show called Dixie Stampede. More on that later.

Fart around for most of the day until the afternoon. Went with brother-in-law and girlfriend to Bass Pro Shops. Mega-store for hunters, fishers, and outdoors persons. Think something the size of a Sam's Warehouse Club, but all camo, tents, hunting supplies, boats, four-wheelers, etc. From there, hit the Nike outlet for new shoes. Feets feeling good, meet up at the Dixie Stampede.

Well, the Dixie Stampede show is put on by Dolly Parton. Country themed, North versus South, just shoot me now stuff. However, due to Christmas, it was North Pole vs South Pole. After being seated, we see the show (lots of animal acts...still have no idea how Ostrichs fit in with the Civil War, but I digress) and eat. The food was very good. Creamy veggie soup, cornish game hen, pork, potatoes, and more. Of course, you have to eat with your fingers, because that is what you do at these shows.

Sunday
Epcot. My favorite park....with a small group. With 9 of us (father-in-law opted out of the journey), it was again another mess of trying to please everyone with every ride. Well, I declared right up front that I was eating in Germany, and if people wanted to join in the buffet, come along. That got some attentions. No more pussyfooting. Anyways, saw some attractions, then made our way through the World Showcase. The kids only wanted rides, so they got bored and whiney. About lunch-time, I headed off to Germany. Brother-in-law and girlfriend, sensing I know what I'm talking about, come along. As the rest move on, we sit down to the best meal of the trip.

Brats, Knocks, Sausage, Kraut, Schnitzel, Spatzel, pork, and all the fine German deserts you could ask for. Took our time, had plenty of helpings, and even enjoyed the Christmas show by the German band. Hour later, we are stuffed and rested. Play catch up to the other group. However, the weather started getting cold. Real cold. I decide that I would take my little one back to the room, while the rest stay and hit a few attractions missed earlier.

Monday
Return home time. Reverse the route, again leaving late due to the kids. Quite ride back. Again, we stopped in Eustis. However, we stopped at a very new Sonny's BBQ. The Sonny's locally are very old, and they show it. However, the Eustis Sonny's was great. Large and bright, great staff, magnificent portions. All you can eat BBQ pork really sets the mood for the journey home. Especially not having to cook when you get there.