Scottish Highlands Festival Loon Mt. NH 9/17/2011

On a beautiful Saturday morning, I woke the kids up early so we could get up to Loon Mountain and enjoy the Scottish Highland Games with their Aunt Jenn. The kids were looking forward to sleeping in on their second weekend into school, but that wasn't to be. We all got up bright and early, stopped by DnD and headed on our way. What a BEAUTIFUL ride! We took Rt. 302 through Windham-Bridgton-Fryburg, Maine, then into NH onto the Kancamagus Highway, and it became even more beautiful! The Kancamagus takes you up and through the White Mountains, and the a few of the trees were just starting to turn colors. A river follows the road most of the way. I wish I would have had time to take pictures, but I wanted to meet Jenn at the scheduled time, and on the way home I wanted to make it through before dark. It is a very twisty and curvy road. At one point there was a "hairpin" turn, with signs warning you of it ahead.

We met up with Jenn just inside the gate and proceeded to Clan Village to take a look around. We checked out the food, and then went to the watch the cabor toss in the Heavy Games . After that we went to the music tent and listened to Albannach, which I loved. It was all drums and one bag piper. After finding something we all would eat, we went back to the heavy games to watch the end of the competition. We didn't want to miss The Red Hot Chili Pipers, so we headed back that way, stopping to watch the Scottish Dancers in their competion. We found a little space in the back of the packed tent for the Chili Pipers, and it was standing room only. They played rock and roll, AC/DC, Journey, etc., but I found I like Albannach better. After a big ol' brownie sunday, it was time to say goodbye so we could make it down the mountain by sundown. It was a great day, I do regret not taking Dominic up on the ski lift/gondola, but I promise myself, and him, that we will do it next year. And yes, we are already planning on going again next year!

Day 9 - Time to go home

Much to my sadness, it was time to go home. I was looking forward to seeing my kittys again, I did miss them very much. But I wasn't looking forward to the same old grind you leave behind when your on vacation. We packed up the night before so all we had to do was eat breakfast. Cabanas, one last time. We went back to our room and hung out on the veranda until Customs would let us off the ship. We thought we saw manatees or dolphins in the water. We were finally cleared and got off the ship with no problems. We caught our shuttle and we had the same driver that took us to port. He again, had funny stories to bring us back into the real world (like we can't just show up and eat breakfast anywhere and leave without paying). I told the kids before we got off the shuttle to look around and make sure we didn't leave anything behind and Donovin found a $50 Jamacian bill! Lucky!!! The next big question in our minds (beside when we would be going on a cruise again) was the car going to start. I'm not sure if I was happy or not, but it did. Wild fires were going through Orlando at this time and we hit a lot of the smoke from them. Luckly the airport was far enough away, the flights were not affected. At the airport in plenty of time, we waited for our flight and reflected on our wonderful trip.

Finally home, I hugged my girls. I do love being on vacation, but coming home is nice too. I am truly grateful that we are able to do these trips for my boys. They are truly wonderful, kind and hard working children and deserve to have a wonderful childhood. They are such joys in my life and I truly love every minute that I spend with them. I am the luckest Mom in the world and I thank God everyday for the joys in my life, my kids, my husband, my family, my life.

Day 8 - CASTAWAY CAY!

Our favorite place in the world (besides home). Castaway Cay is just a perfect spot, with wonderful people, leaving you with not a care in the world. I can only think of one thing wrong with CC, your never there long enough. After another great breakfast at Cabana, we were off the ship by 9:30am. We stopped by the Castaway Cay Post Office to mail ourselves a couple of post cards, then headed to the beach. Dominic and I went snorkling in search of Mickey Mouse. This was the first time we had been snorkling in that area, so this would be the first time we would see Mickey. He was way out there, but we found him. There were lots of big pretty fish, and one scary one!! Dad and Donovin saw a sting ray, but we missed him.

After some swimming at the beach, we went to Pelican Plunge and all the boys went down it while I took pictures. Lunch started to smell real good so we ate at Cookies II for some chicken, bbq ribs, salad and cookies. Yummmmm. We rented a raft to float around and fish watch. Donovin wanted to go see the sunken Mickey, so Dom and I took him out there. It's a long swim, but it was worth it, Donovin got to see the Mickey and we all had a lot of fun. We were getting a little tired and a little sun burned so we decided it was time to head back to the ship. Dad and Donovin took naps while Dom and I wandered the ship. Someone sent us room service cookies, we never found out who did it, but what a treat! Dinner was Animators Palate, the same name as on the Wonder but the room was different. Instead of the black and white walls turning into color, the pictures on the walls came to life with the animals from Finding Nemo. Another surprise I knew about but didn't tell the kids. The animals would actually talk to the people at the tables, asked them where they were from, things like that. I thought it was a great idea, the creators of Disney are really impressive. They never disappoint.

After dinner, we all rode the AD again, thinking this would be our last opportunity since it was our last night on the ship. Time goes by way too fast! We tried to get into a "Game Show" later that night, but only Dom and I were willing to get on stage, and you needed more then 3 to enter. We watched anyway, and it was funny. I didn't want to go to sleep that night, because I knew in the morning our trip was over. The crusie is a wonderful time, and we are going to sail again. This time we are planning a longer one, most likely the 7 day Alaskan cruise when Dominic graduates high school. I wish it could be sooner, I love that time with my family, so who knows....

Day 7 - Nassau, Bahamas/Sea Lion Encounter

I woke up at 5:30am, walked the ship and took some pictures. Got my first cup of coffee for the day then back to the room and sat on the veranda until Dominic woke up. He is my explorer, always up early to walk around, while Dad and Donovin are the sleepers. We didn't have to rush around, we were going on the Sea Lion Encounter excursion at 12:30 so it was nice having a slow morning. Dad and Donovin had their first breakfast, while Dom and I had our second breakfast. I LOVE breakfast, especially when there is a big variety to chose from and most of all, alreayd made! We went to the pool and rode the AD. We met our excursion crew to make our way to the Blue Lagoon Island for our Sea Lion Encounter. This was a highlight of our trip. The Sea Lions were so cute, and we had a lot of laughs. The boat ride was nice and the islands are just beautiful. We hugged and kissed the sea lions, petted them, heard the speak and Dad got splashed. I highly recommend anyone thinking about doing something like this to do it.

Back on board the Dream, it's Pirates in the Carribean Night. Most people dress up in their best (or worst) pirate costumes. We tried our best to look like Pirates, and we pulled it off as best as the Guimond family could. Dominic and Donovin used make-up for their faces, and got a few compliments on it. I thought they looked great. The waiters/cast members at the Roayl Palace were also dressed as Pirates. After dinner was the Pirate Party and fireworks. Lucky we got there early and found a decent spot to watch them. Dom and I rode the AD, it was pretty neat to ride it at night, of course it's pretty neat to ride it anytime! A wet and wild ending to a wonderful day.

Day 6 - Disney DREAM Cruise

Can you feel it?? The excitement?? What a great feeling. I wish I had that feeling everyday no matter where it was I was going. Waking up to another beautiful day, we rushed to the window to get the first glimps of the Dream. There she was, just as beautiful as I thought she would be! I still had not told the kids we would be sailing on Disney's new ship the Dream. We had been on the Wonder, and they remember it somewhat. I was pleased, though, that I had kept this secret. Dominic had seen commercials for the Dream and thought he heard that it was only sailing twice this year. He told me that someday he wanted cruise on that ship, "you must have to have a lot of money to go on that one, it only sails twice." Knowing that we were going on this ship, and the boys were in for a surpise, made it that much more fun for me. We made our way down to breakfast, the room was PACKED! Not sure where all these people came from, but I did know where they were going! Even for the amount of people there, the rushing, and squeezing, the elbowing for food, everyone was in the same mood. Happy! The Disney Cruise Line will do that for you. After breakfast we rode the elevator up and had to stop in the hallway window to get another look at her. And so did the family that came up a few minutes later. The kids rushing to the window to see if it was even there, the smiles, laughing, it really does bring happiness. Luckly, we were able to get on the earlier shuttle, since we were ready early. The shuttle driver was great, he gave his funny talk that I am sure he gives to all cruisers, and before I knew it he was talking about The Aqua Duck. Besides being 40% bigger than the other Disney Cruse ship, it also has a water roller coaster, The Aqua Duck. Our driver was telling the children on the bus that if you fall off the mat while on the AD, then they shut the whole ride down, take a walk through it, and then if found nothing wrong, start it back up. So stay on the mat. The look on Dominic's face was pretty priceless, he looked confused, turned to me and asked "What's The Aqua Duck?" I don't remember what I said in reply, but I tried to be casual about it. Then I just couldn't hold it in any longer, I told them we were cruising on the new ship, the one he thought you had to be really rich to sail on. They both still looked a little confused as we got closer, once we were at the port, it suddenly sank in. We were going on the Dream!!! After being dropped off, we waited in line to enter the terminal. Once we got inside, we went straight to the Castaway Club Line, got our Key to the World cards and waited. Minnie came out to greet people, the boys played on the Ipods, and I took pictures. Finally they started calling boarding numbers and then our turn to board! Family picture taken, check. High fives to Goofy, check. Ready for a great time? check! As we made our way on board, they always announce the family entering, and ours was "Please welcome the Dumond Family!" Let the cruising fun begin!! First thing you do when you board it find someplace to eat. The Cast Members steered us toward the Enchanted Garden. On our way there, Dominic took my arm, with a skip in his step, said "I am so excited". Those four words made it worth every penny I spent on this trip. And I knew exactly how he felt. (Although hearing Donovin laugh on the rides in Orlando, made it all worth it too, he has such a great laugh!). After lunch we headed up to the top deck and Dominic took his first ride on the AD. Donovin got his ice cream, he said that would be one of the first things he would do, and he did. And we explored the ship. Time had come for us to get into our rooms, we had two cabins with connecting doors. It was a bonus for us, the extra room and bathroom was great! Our rooms also had verandas!! I didn't know how hubby would do with them, but we both were able to enjoy them. I unpacked, hung out our FE, changed then headed up for the sail away party. Our FE was only out minutes, and we had received something!! Bubbles and such for the sail away party! I love the party, I think it is a fun time. The boys didn't seem to care either way, but I like to watch all the people dancing and having fun. Once we were on our way, it was time to get ready for dinner. The Enchanted Garden was first nights dinner. Zolt from Hungary and Joel from Honduras, were our waiter/server. After dinner, Dominic and Dad rode the AD again. I was trying to find ways to stay awake because Donovin was determined to watch the very first, midnight showing of Pirates of the Carribean, On Stranger Tides 3D, at 11pm. We stayed awake, much to my surprise, and found four of the last 8 seats available, to watch the movie. I found the movie just as enjoyable as the other ones, but such more fun being on a Disney ship watching it!! Ahhhh, finally after a loooong day, bed time at 2am.

Day 5 - NASA

Another beautiful day, not as hot, still sunny. My kind of weather! Breakfast was at the hotel, not crowded, and pretty good. I like the make your own waffles. We hopped in the car to make our way to NASA. After holding our breath because we were not sure the car was going to start! The rental car, ahhh the rental car......what fun that thing was. Smelled funny, but the guess was if it was going to start, as there were times when we just didn't think it would. And this day gave us our biggest question mark! It did start, so we took bets as to if it would start when we returned from our cruise! Finally making it to NASA, we saw the 3D IMax movie on the Making of the International Space Station. It is amazing to me how brave those men and women are that go into space. The grounds of NASA were beautiful, and lucky for us, not crowded. We sat in on a speech from Astronaut Bob Springer, and were able to meet him afterwards. He has been up the ISS twice. We did the Shuttle Experience, which simulated what it would be like during takeoff on the shuttle. It was neat, but I doubt it even came close to what it would really be like. We then took the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn Center, which held memorabelia and mock-ups of rooms and how they may have looked when man first walked on the moon and you were watching from you living room TV. It also had the entire control room from that was used that day. The original room, from monitors to chairs, to phones. Everything. It was a real interesting place, and I look forward to going back and spending more time visiting and taking it all in. And being there, right after the last Space Shuttle Launch, knowing that program was ending, gave it a lot more meaning. The Space Shuttle landed after we were back home, so unfortunately we missed both the launch and the landing. But hope to return someday to see a whole new program being launched.

Cocoa Beach was where we decided to eat dinner. After driving around a bit, we found the pier and a beachy bar/grill for dinner. I can't remember the name of the place we ate, but the food was great! We walked on the beach for just a bit, there were these funny red jelly fish on the sand and in the water so we didn't go further than our ankles. It was a nice ending for a great day. In the back of my mind, I knew we would be boarding our cruise the next day, and the excitement was mounting.

Day 4 Universal Studios Island of Adventure

We packed up our belongings and checked out of the Nick. Back at Universal, we parked at King Kong section, Donovin was sure this was a good sign! Again, we got the map and decided to just follow it around the park. We started off at Poseidon's Fury show. It was ok, a lot of standing. You stood in line, you stood the entire show, I was worried our feet would hurt before we even started in on the park. Next stop was Harry Potter, but it was SO crowded! I made the decision to just skip the area and go back at the end. I was scared that I made the wrong decision, but my thought was there were a lot of school groups there, they had to leave sometime, right. And that sometime, I was guessing would be before us, so I took the chance. Would I regret it? Jurrasic Park was next, and I admit, I got scared! (But so did Dominic). We did Dudly Do Rights Rip Saw Falls, it was a really long line, but well worth it, as it was hot out. Popey's Bilge Rat Barges was next, since we were wet anyway. We all got wet, but there were a few girls from a school group on our raft and they were soaked! Lunch time we found ourselves at the Comic Strip Cafe. Typical park food, not bad, not great. But hit the spot. The Amazing Spiderman 3D ride was next, this turned out to be hubby's favorite. So now we are down to whether I made the right decision or not. Harry Potter time. My decision paid off, it wasn't as croweded, it still had a lot of people in the area, but not like that morning. I just want to say here, that I absolutely LOVED the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It felt like we were really there. Amazing. I give so much credit to the artist who made the movie come to life. First we rode the Dragon Challenge, then Dominic and I rode the Flight of the Hippogriff. Finally, Harry Potter and the Fobidden Journey. Hands down, all time favorite ride of any theme park I have ever been to. Just going through the line was amazing in itself. The pictures came to life, just like the movie. Dumbledors office and the turning staircase were exact. Again, it was just like being at Hogwarts. The ride was unbelieveable. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, whether it was a 3D ride, or roller coaster, I just never knew or thought to find out. Which made it all that much more fun. We had to put our bags in lockers, but they told us the ride didn't go upside down. At times it felt like it would. It was a 3D/Roller Coaster/4D ride all in one! If that makes any sense. It was a little scary too!! Especially when the dementors came out. If we had had time, I would have ridden it again, at least once more, but we had to go. What a perfect ride to end the day with, and our vacation in Orlando.

We hopped in the car and started our way to Cape Canaveral. The drive was about an hour, a very easy ride. We saw some neat birds, a field of cows , more birds and a couple of wild pigs. Check-in at the Country Inn and Suites was a breeze and they had my FE items that I mailed ahead of time. We hung out in the room for a bit, of course Donovin got some popcorn and we turned in for the night.

Day 3 Universal Studios

We arrived at Universal just after the park opened, and to Donovin's joy, we got to park in the King Kong area. He is a BIG King Kong fan! We headed to the Jimmy Newtron ride first, only to find out it was closed. We then decided to take the park map and just follow it around, and it worked out great. We went on Twister, Revenge of the Mummy, Disaster, Jaws (yep, it's still around! I LOVE this cheesy ride!) We ate at Louie's Pizza, I don't know if I was just really hungry or if it was just really good. But it was the best pizza I have had at any theme park. Next was Men in Black and The Simpsons Ride. The Simpsons Ride was the kids favorite. I have to say it was a great ride. I love the simulated rides like that, hubby on the other hand, no so much. Next, ET's Adventure. I forgot that that ride is geared towards little children. A nice break, and had A/C and no line, but not one I would do again. Terminator 2 in 3D and last but not least, Rip Rocket Roller Coaster. You could pick the music you wanted to listen to while you rode. Donovin and I both chose You Can't Touch This. The lines were not bad, the weather was hot but not unbearable. We went back to the Nick to swim for a bit, the we decided to brave Walmart again (crazy, I know). We enjoyed the Nick hotel, but were looking forward to our next adventure!

Day 2 - Sea World / Willow Tree Cafe

We arrived at Sea World about 1/2 hour after the gates opened. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. After a few pictures quick pictures we went through the Dolphin Nursery and Shark Encounter. Then we went for The Kracken! One of two roller coasters. We had to wait a few minutes for the ride to open, but it was worth the wait. It was a lot of fun, as Donovin said "that was AWESOME!". After the Kracken we got a little wet on the Journey to Atlantis ride. We headed over to the other side of the park to wait for One Ocean, the killer whale show to start. It was a beautiful show and one not to miss. We sat in the splash zone, Donovin and I were pretty wet, but somehow the splashes missed Dominic and Bert! The virtual ride Wild Artic was next, the boys and I found that fun, Bert felt a little motion sick on that one. Next, the Sea Lion and Otter Show which is a hoot. Get there early and watch the Mime greeting everyone as they arrive, he had us all laughing! Dominic and I decided to try the Manta roller coaster. It lays you flat facing the ground as if you were a Manta Ray. We only rode it once! The G-forces were pretty extreme, and at the end you stayed laying face down until you were fully into the station, even when the ride wasn't moving. I was ready to get out of that position, it was not comfortable. Once was enough and we were satisfied that we said we went on it. Since there was no line at the Kraken, Dom and I decided to ride it again. And then again. It was getting late at this point, and we still had a dinner to get to. So we wrapped up our day, saying goodbye to the alligators and headed back to the hotel to rest up and clean up for our dinner later that night.

Dinner at the Willow Tree Cafe in Sanford, Florida. We were invited there by an old friend of Bert's who he was in the Air Force with while stationed in Germany. Rusty, along with his wife Martha and their friend Wayne recommended this place as it served authentic German food and beer, which was the beer they drank when they were stationed in Germany. Let me say this was a WONDERFUL time. We all loved it, including Dominic and Donovin! Dominic ordered wienerschnitzel, just so he could say he did but he ended up liking it. I did try his and it was very good. All the food that we had was fabulous, I just don't remember what it all was! But really, beside the great company we had, the entertainment was what topped the night. I recommend anyone visiting the area go to the Willow Tree Cafe, Thur - Sun, if just for the entertainment. There was a "two-man-band" and they sang German songs and played a variety of instruments the entire time we were there (about 4 hours). This was such a wonderful night, and made it to the top of our enjoyment list. The photos and videos don't do the night justice, but again, if your in the area you should really try to make it to the Willow Tree Cafe!

DAY 1 - Florida Vacation May 21-29, 2011

Day 1: After months of planning the day finally arrived. Our flight from Portland to Orland was nonstop on AirTran, which arrived 30 minutes early! Unfortunately we used that extra time going back and forth trying to get our rental car. Apparently you have to stop at the counter inside the terminal before going to the rental car area, although all signs pointed out to the car area. Not a big deal, and at least we did that during "extra" time and not on "vacation" time! So on to the Nickelodeon Hotel.



Not a bad hotel, very clean and the staff was great. But we felt that we were not there enough to enjoy it, so we probably would not stay there again. If you have young children who need down time, it would be great. We forced ourselves to use the pool because we paid to stay there. That night we ventured out to Walmart to buy snacks and such. To put that trip in one word, NIGHTMARE! It was the craziest Walmart I have ever been in. Throw in the fact that I had been up early, traveled all day and was now in 90 degree heat after leaving 50 degrees and rain for weeks. It had to be done, but I couldn't wait to get out of that store.

Niagara Falls 2010

It was a hard decision as to where to stay in Niagara. I did a lot of research for this trip, and went back and forth as to which side to stay on. Most research led me to the Canadian side. It had more to do, better view, etc. I decided to split the trip, a few days on the American side (I also wanted to help our economy in my own small way) and a few days on the Canadian side, and I have to say it worked out perfectly. I LOVED the American side and when/if we go again, I would spend more time there. There wasn't a lot of nightlife or gimmik shops, it was more of a park setting, which is what Niagara Falls is, a state park. The grounds were beautiful, and you got closer to the falls then on the Canadian side. On the Canadian side, there was a lot more people, crowds, noise, lights, shops and it was a lot more expensive! We were surprised as the cost of food/beverages, which was about double, then on the American side. If we were not staying at the Great Wolf Lodge, I would have been miserable. It was a little ways out from the falls, which also meant it was away from all the distractions. And all those distractions took away from the beauty of the falls. My two cents, the American side, hands down, the best side for visiting Niagara Falls. We traveled by car from Portland to Niagara Falls, staying about half way at Howe Caverns, NY. Where we visited, of course, Howe Caverns. Here are just a few pics, the first one are the boys outside of the entrance of Howe Caverns, the Howe Caverns motocycle built for them by Orange County Choppers. OCC actually made two of them for the owner of Howe Caverns, one on display and one that he rides. Then the boys down in the cavern. It was really a neat place to visit, there was a small river that ran underground and we actually took a boat ride through part of the cavern.

This is the view outside of our hotel room on the American side of Niagara Falls. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, and I would stay there again. Wonderful staff, walking distance to everything, indoor pool. It had everything we needed.

American side Niagara Falls Park

The Aquarium......can you tell my guys have a thing with sharks!

Cave of the winds, this was a blast (no pun intended)! Maid of the Mist, awesome fun!

We met this band at the Hard Rock Cafe, they were the winners of a local radio contest, which sent them over to London to open for Paul McCartney. I can't remember the bands name, I'll have to ask my kids?

Onto the Canadian side, we stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge in Ontario. I absolutely love Great Wolf Lodge. We have only stayed at two, here and Williamsburg, VA, and loved them both. Very clean all over, rooms are nice, staff is very friendly. And the water park is quite large, you don't feel too crowded.

Canadian side of the falls....

These pictures were taken from a stop on our way to the Canadian side.

The family portrait.