Yankee Candle Store
Busch Gardens, Michael W. Smith Pictures
Last day at the park. Last day at the pool. It was a bit of a sad day, but a good one overall. We started with some breakfast and a trip to the huge Yankee Candle store. It was broken up in to several large sections with different themes. The kids of course loved the Christmas area. Santa was wandering around in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts greeting the kids. It snowed now and then and there were plenty of things to see. In the main lobby area there was a clock that would open up and put on a show with mechanical animals which kept the kids enthralled for a while. They loved the fountain and Ari loved smelling the candles. We bought a couple of clearance candles (Orange-cicle and Hawaiian Melon) and headed out.
We were not going to the park until late. We had tickets so see Michael W. Smith at 7:00 in the park and we didn't want to wear out the kids before the show. We headed over to the pool and the kids found a friend with a lot of pool toys. This kept them occupied for quite a while and we relaxed as best we could. If we didn't have the concert that night, we probably would have ended up back at the pool. They were showing Rio poolside that night and the kids love that movie.
We didn't get to the park until almost 3:00. We told the kids to pick a few rides they really wanted to ride one last time. They rode the boats, lady bugs, Bert and Ernie's Lock Adventure (I know I keep switching their names. Of course Ari calls them Ernie and Bernie so I could keep doing that), the Little Clydes (kiddie horses) and the little balloons which had become a favorite at this point as well. We also hit the Lorikeet Glen again as the kids really were getting a kick out of seeing the birds close up. I did have one land on my shoulder this time. The photographer there said it was funny, but that one bird only ever seemed to land on redheads. The bird had a red tuft on its head as well which I though was funny. She took a few pics and we headed out.
It was getting close to showtime and the line was huge to get in. Luckily we had reserved seating and decided to go get some dinner. We were going to get food at Trappers but the bugs were horrible so it was back to the Festhaus. I got a corned beef sandwich which was great once I took off the Swiss cheese. Luckily I noticed it or we wouldn't have been going to the concert. It makes me sick. After seeing part of "This is Oktoberfest" we headed for the show.
The show was great. We ended up sitting next to another family who also had a daughter names Ariana (even spelled the same way). The mother kept Ari occupied with various tasks throughout the time we were there which we were extremely thankful for. I only know a small number of Michael W. Smith songs so I could only sing along to so many of them, but it was a wonderful concert. It was a wonderful crowd and everyone was cheering and singing. I was glad we ended up making this. It was a great experience and a fun time. We left around 8:30 before the concert was over (we missed the encores, if there were any) and the kids were starting to get really tired.
The one sky ride from France to Germany was right outside the concert. We took that and walked to the exit from there. While passing through Italy we let the kids ride one more ride. The Little Balloons. This was the last ride for the trip. We headed out and back to the room. We finished packing up and went off to bed.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
Day 7 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Pictures
We got up and went over to the resort pool. We spent about an hour over there and decided to head to the part to finish out the few things we had left on our list. We started off with a trip to Ireland. It was already after lunch by the time we got to the park so we decided to hit Celtic Fyre, which is a song and Celtic dancing show. I really liked this one. I wish we has seen it earlier as I would have gone back a few times. The kids clapped along and Lily danced. This show has been here for years and I've never gone over to see it. It was good to finally get there and see what I've been missing.
The girls were tired at this point in the week so we decided to make it a very short day. We did the normal round of boats, lady bugs, Little Clydes and Ernie and Bert's Loch Adventure. We took a ride on the train and sky ride to cut down on the walking and avoid the rain. The girls definitely needed a break so we only ended up spending about three hours in the park total and we left to let the girls get to bed early. Ari passed out fairly quick and Lily had her normal burst of energy before bed and eventually crashed. A short day with some needed rest.
We got up and went over to the resort pool. We spent about an hour over there and decided to head to the part to finish out the few things we had left on our list. We started off with a trip to Ireland. It was already after lunch by the time we got to the park so we decided to hit Celtic Fyre, which is a song and Celtic dancing show. I really liked this one. I wish we has seen it earlier as I would have gone back a few times. The kids clapped along and Lily danced. This show has been here for years and I've never gone over to see it. It was good to finally get there and see what I've been missing.
The girls were tired at this point in the week so we decided to make it a very short day. We did the normal round of boats, lady bugs, Little Clydes and Ernie and Bert's Loch Adventure. We took a ride on the train and sky ride to cut down on the walking and avoid the rain. The girls definitely needed a break so we only ended up spending about three hours in the park total and we left to let the girls get to bed early. Ari passed out fairly quick and Lily had her normal burst of energy before bed and eventually crashed. A short day with some needed rest.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Day 6 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Pictures
We decided to start the day with some shopping. We hit the outlets and got a few things we needed and a few we didn't. I picked up some of my favorite peach salsa and the kids got some clothes. Afterwards it was back to the parks.
Today was another water day. We started again in the Sesame Street water play area. We spent a while there and rode Ernie and Bert's Loch Adventure. The ride operator tried to keep Ari off of the ride since she was in her bathing suit shorts and not regular shorts but said she would let her on this time. This was the only time we had any issues with a worker here. Also, Ari went on plenty of other rides in her bathing suit. Not to mention this was a water ride, so that made it even weirder.
Then it was back to the Land of the Dragons and the water play area there. This time Lily was awake and she had a blast. She loved the one fountain she could climb up. Sort of a little, multicolored volcano. We spent a while there before once again going on the boats and lady bugs. Then it was off for a late lunch.
We made our way over to the Festhaus again as we wanted to see Entwined. Not a bad show. From what I understand it was horrible last year but Busch Gardens brought in some outside people to rewrite it. It was seriously cheesy but funny. The basic premise is that its a long lost Grimm fairy tale. It also has a real heavy, obvious moral to it which they come right out and tell you. Good for the kids I guess. Overall though not a bad show and something I'll probably go back to see it next time we're in BG, but it wasn't something we went back to see on this trip.
After lunch we wandered around, hitting some kiddie rides and making our way over to the Italian area. We took the train over. Our goal was to hit a few smaller rides we had yet to try and then go to the Roman Rapids. Instead, a thunderstorm hit and all the rides in the park were shut down. We waited around for a while and eventually decided to call it an early day. We headed back to the resort and let kids watch a few show before going to bed.
We decided to start the day with some shopping. We hit the outlets and got a few things we needed and a few we didn't. I picked up some of my favorite peach salsa and the kids got some clothes. Afterwards it was back to the parks.
Today was another water day. We started again in the Sesame Street water play area. We spent a while there and rode Ernie and Bert's Loch Adventure. The ride operator tried to keep Ari off of the ride since she was in her bathing suit shorts and not regular shorts but said she would let her on this time. This was the only time we had any issues with a worker here. Also, Ari went on plenty of other rides in her bathing suit. Not to mention this was a water ride, so that made it even weirder.
Then it was back to the Land of the Dragons and the water play area there. This time Lily was awake and she had a blast. She loved the one fountain she could climb up. Sort of a little, multicolored volcano. We spent a while there before once again going on the boats and lady bugs. Then it was off for a late lunch.
We made our way over to the Festhaus again as we wanted to see Entwined. Not a bad show. From what I understand it was horrible last year but Busch Gardens brought in some outside people to rewrite it. It was seriously cheesy but funny. The basic premise is that its a long lost Grimm fairy tale. It also has a real heavy, obvious moral to it which they come right out and tell you. Good for the kids I guess. Overall though not a bad show and something I'll probably go back to see it next time we're in BG, but it wasn't something we went back to see on this trip.
After lunch we wandered around, hitting some kiddie rides and making our way over to the Italian area. We took the train over. Our goal was to hit a few smaller rides we had yet to try and then go to the Roman Rapids. Instead, a thunderstorm hit and all the rides in the park were shut down. We waited around for a while and eventually decided to call it an early day. We headed back to the resort and let kids watch a few show before going to bed.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Day 5 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
We started off the day at one of the many local pancake houses. The Colonial Pancake House. The food was really good there. I got two blueberry pancakes which were excellent. Ari devoured her pancakes.
Next we went back to the resort and spent a while at the pool. Ari went right in and started playing. Lily came in after a little while. We stayed for about an hour before drying off and heading for the park.
It was boiling hot at the park. We didn't bring bathing suits so we did everything else we could to stay cool. We got there around 11:30 and had a goal of hitting at least a couple of shows. We took the skyride to France and wandered over to the More Pet Shenanigans show. Last time I saw a show here it was all about more exotic animals. Not its about household pets and I loved it. A bit cheesy but that was to be expected. It had a lot of cats and dogs, a parrot, a rat, a few ducks and a couple of pigs. All the animals were from shelters. We'll probably be back to see it again before the week is over. Ari couldn't take her eyes off of the show and Lily laughed through the whole thing.
We headed down the hill to Ireland. Amanda and the kids took a break and I went in to Flying Over Europe. Think Soaring' but in a Star Tours like vehicle. Large screen and moving simulator setup. I liked it. It had some nice scenes of various European cities. Plus the building was nice and cold so that was a plus.
After the show, we grabbed a snack a d headed for Germany. On the was at we hit the Little Clyde's and since Ari was asleep Lily got to ride by herself.
The next show we wanted to see was This is Oktoberfest. They no longer have the rising stage and last year they had gotten rid of the show altogether. From what I understand there was a small uprising and they brought it back. It was basically what I remembered. Good German music and dancing. I watched while eating my Sausage Sampler Platter with red cabbage, German potatoes and sauerkraut. Great meal.
I hit DarKastle after dinner. Last time I was on this the ride vehicle broke and I couldn't see 90% of the ride. I could hear it but the vehicle never turned in the right direction to see the screen/scene. This time it worked and it was a really good ride. The 3D was great and the story cheesy, but good.
Next we went to the Land of the Dragons and hit the boats and ladybugs. We then walked over to New France (Canada) and took the train over to Italy. We were planning on hitting the Roman Rapids and maybe a few smaller rides. At this point, a thunderstorm hit and they closed all the rides in the park. We let the storm pass and waited for the rides to open. A few did but nothing we were looking to ride so we headed out a little early.
Next we went back to the resort and spent a while at the pool. Ari went right in and started playing. Lily came in after a little while. We stayed for about an hour before drying off and heading for the park.
It was boiling hot at the park. We didn't bring bathing suits so we did everything else we could to stay cool. We got there around 11:30 and had a goal of hitting at least a couple of shows. We took the skyride to France and wandered over to the More Pet Shenanigans show. Last time I saw a show here it was all about more exotic animals. Not its about household pets and I loved it. A bit cheesy but that was to be expected. It had a lot of cats and dogs, a parrot, a rat, a few ducks and a couple of pigs. All the animals were from shelters. We'll probably be back to see it again before the week is over. Ari couldn't take her eyes off of the show and Lily laughed through the whole thing.
We headed down the hill to Ireland. Amanda and the kids took a break and I went in to Flying Over Europe. Think Soaring' but in a Star Tours like vehicle. Large screen and moving simulator setup. I liked it. It had some nice scenes of various European cities. Plus the building was nice and cold so that was a plus.
After the show, we grabbed a snack a d headed for Germany. On the was at we hit the Little Clyde's and since Ari was asleep Lily got to ride by herself.
The next show we wanted to see was This is Oktoberfest. They no longer have the rising stage and last year they had gotten rid of the show altogether. From what I understand there was a small uprising and they brought it back. It was basically what I remembered. Good German music and dancing. I watched while eating my Sausage Sampler Platter with red cabbage, German potatoes and sauerkraut. Great meal.
I hit DarKastle after dinner. Last time I was on this the ride vehicle broke and I couldn't see 90% of the ride. I could hear it but the vehicle never turned in the right direction to see the screen/scene. This time it worked and it was a really good ride. The 3D was great and the story cheesy, but good.
Next we went to the Land of the Dragons and hit the boats and ladybugs. We then walked over to New France (Canada) and took the train over to Italy. We were planning on hitting the Roman Rapids and maybe a few smaller rides. At this point, a thunderstorm hit and they closed all the rides in the park. We let the storm pass and waited for the rides to open. A few did but nothing we were looking to ride so we headed out a little early.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Day 4 Yorktown, Hampton and Norfolk
We started off the day with some scrambled egg the I cooked up on the portable stove they supply. It worked well enough for us. We got in the car and headed for Yorktown.
We first went to the Yorktown Beach and spent about an hour there. Calm water and a good temperature. Its a fairly small beach more on the river than the ocean. Ari was a little daring and went up to her waist while Lily only got her feet wet.
We drive over to the River Walk which again was pretty small but a nice walk. We got some ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's store. We also stopped by a tropical wine store called River Fruit Tropical Wines and bought some peach wine after trying a few samples. The owner recommended posting it over some cold peaches and letting it sit for a few minutes before drinking, so we'll try that.
Next up we drove to the Jamestown-Scotland ferry. Its a free ferry that wasn't very far out of the way so we wanted to let the kids see it. We were the second to last car on and we left right after we parked. It was a nice trip, although the bathroom was in need of some work. For free though its hard to complain.
We ended up in the middle of nowhere and headed towards Hampton. We went to Buckaroe Beach in Hampton and went out to the water. Ari had a great time and actually went in up to her neck. Lily again just got her feet wet. We played there for a while and would have stayed longer, but they closed the beach after a thunderstorm popper up within sight of the beach. We ran the kids to the car and drove into the city. Am and had found an old carousel built back in the 1920s by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company they we took the kids on after the storm calmed down a little.
Next up was Norfolk. We drove over towards the Norfolk Tides stadium and went past the Norfolk Naval Base on the way. My dad's ship was stationed out of there back in the 70s. They give tours so next time we'll have to build in some time to see it. We made it to the stadium, got some tickets and went in. We were going to try the restaurant, but it was an expensive buffet so we grabbed some nachos and watched the game for a while. Brian Roberts was starting his rehab assignment so we got to see him play. After three innings we wandered around and eventually made it to a bouncy house, which both kids played in. After 5 1/2 innings we left as the sky started looking dark and the kids were getting restless.
It was a nice stadium, but I much prefer the Frederick Keys stadium (and to a lesser degree the Bowie Baysox stadium). The food was pricey and pretty good. About normal for a major league stadium, except this is still the minors.
It took about an hour to get back to the hotel and we all passed our not to long after getting back.
We first went to the Yorktown Beach and spent about an hour there. Calm water and a good temperature. Its a fairly small beach more on the river than the ocean. Ari was a little daring and went up to her waist while Lily only got her feet wet.
We drive over to the River Walk which again was pretty small but a nice walk. We got some ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's store. We also stopped by a tropical wine store called River Fruit Tropical Wines and bought some peach wine after trying a few samples. The owner recommended posting it over some cold peaches and letting it sit for a few minutes before drinking, so we'll try that.
Next up we drove to the Jamestown-Scotland ferry. Its a free ferry that wasn't very far out of the way so we wanted to let the kids see it. We were the second to last car on and we left right after we parked. It was a nice trip, although the bathroom was in need of some work. For free though its hard to complain.
We ended up in the middle of nowhere and headed towards Hampton. We went to Buckaroe Beach in Hampton and went out to the water. Ari had a great time and actually went in up to her neck. Lily again just got her feet wet. We played there for a while and would have stayed longer, but they closed the beach after a thunderstorm popper up within sight of the beach. We ran the kids to the car and drove into the city. Am and had found an old carousel built back in the 1920s by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company they we took the kids on after the storm calmed down a little.
Next up was Norfolk. We drove over towards the Norfolk Tides stadium and went past the Norfolk Naval Base on the way. My dad's ship was stationed out of there back in the 70s. They give tours so next time we'll have to build in some time to see it. We made it to the stadium, got some tickets and went in. We were going to try the restaurant, but it was an expensive buffet so we grabbed some nachos and watched the game for a while. Brian Roberts was starting his rehab assignment so we got to see him play. After three innings we wandered around and eventually made it to a bouncy house, which both kids played in. After 5 1/2 innings we left as the sky started looking dark and the kids were getting restless.
It was a nice stadium, but I much prefer the Frederick Keys stadium (and to a lesser degree the Bowie Baysox stadium). The food was pricey and pretty good. About normal for a major league stadium, except this is still the minors.
It took about an hour to get back to the hotel and we all passed our not to long after getting back.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Day 3 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
We started the day with a trip to the repair shop. We drove over too the Mr Tire (which was actually a Mr Tire owned or partnered shop called ThreadQuarters). I explained what was going on and dropped off the keys. We walked across the street to a McDonalds hoping there was a play area, which there wasn't. So we ate breakfast and waited for the phone call to let us know what was wrong and tried to think of things to do with the kids. As we were sitting there one of the repair guys came over and handed back the keys. All it was was the lug nuts had come loose. They tightened them up, checked out the car and drove it over to us. No charge. The car has been perfect all day since then. Our day has gone really well since then.
We went back to the resort and swam for a while. The girls did great (other than Lily falling in, but she was fine) and had a great time at the pool.
We headed for the park and got put in preferred parking even though we didn't pay for it. Don't know why. We got there around 1:00 and we decided to hit a few roller coasters first. (Well, I hit the coasters and the girls hung out). He took the sky ride to France and I went on Gryphon. Great coaster. Straight down drop and were fast, but very short.
Next over to Germany for Verbolten. I think this is now my favorite coaster in the park. No inversions and not the fastest but more of a story and actually several scenes. Most of it takes place inside and there are a few parts that are extremely unique. I won't spoil it here but there is one bug surprise that just puts it over the top. Hopefully I'll have time to ride it again.
Ari rode some little airplanes next and then we headed back to the Land of the Dragons to ride the boats and ladybugs again. This has become quite the theme in our three days here.
At this point everyone was hot and tired and luckily it was time for our dinner with Elmo. We headed over to Ireland for the dinner. It takes place in the castle that used to host a show. While we were waiting my blood sugar went down to 68. I had an apple sauce that got me through until the meal. They had hot dogs (not bad), Mac and cheese (pretty good), beef stew (good), mozzarella sticks (good), baked potatoes (good) and chicken (good). Overall a decent meal. The desert consisted of cookies, Elmo and Cookie Monster cupcakes and apple strudel. The strudel was really good. The cookies were standard. The girls ate the icing off the cupcakes but I didn't try them.
We headed out, stopping by the Little Clydes and then home. There is a playground behind our building and the girls played there until it started getting buggy. Then they watched a few shows until it was time for bed. Overall by far the best day we've had. Hopefully it'll keep up.
We went back to the resort and swam for a while. The girls did great (other than Lily falling in, but she was fine) and had a great time at the pool.
We headed for the park and got put in preferred parking even though we didn't pay for it. Don't know why. We got there around 1:00 and we decided to hit a few roller coasters first. (Well, I hit the coasters and the girls hung out). He took the sky ride to France and I went on Gryphon. Great coaster. Straight down drop and were fast, but very short.
Next over to Germany for Verbolten. I think this is now my favorite coaster in the park. No inversions and not the fastest but more of a story and actually several scenes. Most of it takes place inside and there are a few parts that are extremely unique. I won't spoil it here but there is one bug surprise that just puts it over the top. Hopefully I'll have time to ride it again.
Ari rode some little airplanes next and then we headed back to the Land of the Dragons to ride the boats and ladybugs again. This has become quite the theme in our three days here.
At this point everyone was hot and tired and luckily it was time for our dinner with Elmo. We headed over to Ireland for the dinner. It takes place in the castle that used to host a show. While we were waiting my blood sugar went down to 68. I had an apple sauce that got me through until the meal. They had hot dogs (not bad), Mac and cheese (pretty good), beef stew (good), mozzarella sticks (good), baked potatoes (good) and chicken (good). Overall a decent meal. The desert consisted of cookies, Elmo and Cookie Monster cupcakes and apple strudel. The strudel was really good. The cookies were standard. The girls ate the icing off the cupcakes but I didn't try them.
We headed out, stopping by the Little Clydes and then home. There is a playground behind our building and the girls played there until it started getting buggy. Then they watched a few shows until it was time for bed. Overall by far the best day we've had. Hopefully it'll keep up.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Day 2 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
We packed up the car and headed back to Walmart. I found a cheap camera to get us through the week and for a while after. Working well so far, although the lack of viewfinder is taking some getting used to. We left for Williamsburg after that. The traffic was horrible and the car was getting louder. The front left tire was really clicking and getting me worried. We decided to head to the park and make an appointment to get it looked at the next morning.
It was the last CD at of the food and wine festival and we did make several more stops. First we headed to the Forest of Fun and rode Oscars Wiggly Worms. Amanda and I thought it was great, but the kids didn't really enjoy it. So we got them changed and headed for the water play area. They loved it and we spent quite some time there until they turned the water off. They turn it off to have to Sunny Days Celebration show. We walked over the the Land of the Dragons, stopping in Italy for a quick snack. Ari played in the water over by the dragons for a while as Lily slept. She then rode the boats and ladybugs again.
We headed for Le Scoot ( log flume ) and everyone was able to ride. It was Lily's first big ride and both kids loved it. While in the area I stopped at the Canada food booth and got a venison sausage and a pear cider ale. Both were excellent.
We wandered over to the animal area. I was really looking forward to what had been one of my favorite areas for years. Lorikeet Glen. I was disappointed. I remember there being a lot of birds and walking in with nectar and being swarmed. They encouraged interaction. I have pictures of Amanda covered in birds. Now, it was hard to even find the birds there were so few of them. They tell you to keep away from the birds because they bite. They still sell nectar, but people reach way over and the birds barely take anything. Most birds just ignore it. I used to visit at least once a day and I'm while we'll probably go back its mostly because the girls still loved being that close to the birds.
After the birds it was back to New France (Canada). We got dinner at Trappers Smokehouse with the 50% off coupon we got when we stopped for a snack in Italy. I got the beef brisket which was fatty, but really good and a big portion so even after the fat I still had plenty. I also got a side order of beans which were excellent.
We decided to walk back to the front of the park and snack our way out. We hit Italy and started with tiramisu which was great, but in a plastic cup and very small. Next I hit Greece for some baklava. Good and very sticky. I've had better (from Morocco in Epcot) but it was good. The last of the stops was back in Scotland for some Ginger Beer while the kids rode the Little Clydes again. Again it wasn't too late as we wanted to get to the resort and check in. Of course they wanted us to sign up for a tour, which I'm used to but have gotten good at getting out of. We then headed to our room praying our tire didn't fall off (it was getting really loud). We got set up and eventually got the kids to bed and made an appointment with Mr Tire before heading to bed and trying to get some sleep.
It was the last CD at of the food and wine festival and we did make several more stops. First we headed to the Forest of Fun and rode Oscars Wiggly Worms. Amanda and I thought it was great, but the kids didn't really enjoy it. So we got them changed and headed for the water play area. They loved it and we spent quite some time there until they turned the water off. They turn it off to have to Sunny Days Celebration show. We walked over the the Land of the Dragons, stopping in Italy for a quick snack. Ari played in the water over by the dragons for a while as Lily slept. She then rode the boats and ladybugs again.
We headed for Le Scoot ( log flume ) and everyone was able to ride. It was Lily's first big ride and both kids loved it. While in the area I stopped at the Canada food booth and got a venison sausage and a pear cider ale. Both were excellent.
We wandered over to the animal area. I was really looking forward to what had been one of my favorite areas for years. Lorikeet Glen. I was disappointed. I remember there being a lot of birds and walking in with nectar and being swarmed. They encouraged interaction. I have pictures of Amanda covered in birds. Now, it was hard to even find the birds there were so few of them. They tell you to keep away from the birds because they bite. They still sell nectar, but people reach way over and the birds barely take anything. Most birds just ignore it. I used to visit at least once a day and I'm while we'll probably go back its mostly because the girls still loved being that close to the birds.
After the birds it was back to New France (Canada). We got dinner at Trappers Smokehouse with the 50% off coupon we got when we stopped for a snack in Italy. I got the beef brisket which was fatty, but really good and a big portion so even after the fat I still had plenty. I also got a side order of beans which were excellent.
We decided to walk back to the front of the park and snack our way out. We hit Italy and started with tiramisu which was great, but in a plastic cup and very small. Next I hit Greece for some baklava. Good and very sticky. I've had better (from Morocco in Epcot) but it was good. The last of the stops was back in Scotland for some Ginger Beer while the kids rode the Little Clydes again. Again it wasn't too late as we wanted to get to the resort and check in. Of course they wanted us to sign up for a tour, which I'm used to but have gotten good at getting out of. We then headed to our room praying our tire didn't fall off (it was getting really loud). We got set up and eventually got the kids to bed and made an appointment with Mr Tire before heading to bed and trying to get some sleep.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Day 1 Busch Gardens Williamsburg
We had packed almost everything the night before and were ready to take off in the morning. We left around 8:30 and headed south after grabbing breakfast. Traffic was fairly light as we kept east of the DC beltway and made pretty good time. We went over the Nice Memorial Bridge into Virginia. We stopped at Wawa and filled up one of our tires since it was getting really flat. Its pressure was 16 when it should be 30. So that was fixed and we moved on. Soon after the front right tire started clicking. I was hoping it was minor and we could get it fixed after the trip. So we decided to keep driving.
We made it to Busch Gardens around 1:30 and headed into the park. My annual pass voucher was good enough to get us free parking and we headed in. We traded in our vouchers for real tickets and went into the park.
We started off taking a spin around the park in the train from the Scotland. After the train we ran over to Elmo's Forest of Fun and watched the Sunny Day Celebration. They actually had Grover in the show so that was fun ( they also had Abby, Cookie Monster, Zoe and of course Elmo).
Saturday and Sunday were the last two days of Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival. I started off in Scotland with a Scotch Egg which was pretty good but a little dry. Next we headed towards Italy. On our way through we stopped at the Spain pavilion and grabbed a couple of glasses of Sangria. It was pretty good, but small. Next we headed for Germany.
At this point the kids were asleep. So I took advantage of the time and got some Currywurst and a beer flight (4 beers, probably 4oz each) and took some time drinking those. The sausage was good and the beers ranged from good to excellent. (Spaten Oktoberfest - Excellent, Franziskaner hefe-weisse - very good, Bitburger - good, Kostritzer - very good).
We decided to do the Rhine River boats next. We make our way down the big hill to find stairs at the bottom. Two nice women helped us get both strollers down to the bottom. We woke up the girls and headed on to the boat. While in line, Lily's diaper leaked poop everywhere. After cleaning off the walkway, we made a beeline for the strollers. I put my camera down and we got the kids ready to head back up the hill. At this point, my camera fell of the top of the stroller and hit the concrete, breaking the lens. We headed up and Amanda took Lilly to the bathroom while I took Ari over to the land of the dragons. She rode the boats and the lady bugs. We saw the water play area and took note of that for later (there was one in the Sesame Street section as well).
We headed out around 6:30 and made our way to the hotel in Chesapeake, VA. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel on the way. The hotel was a few blocks away. After checking in we headed for the pool and took a quick swim before heading to bed. Ari had a really hard night which I'm sure had something to do with spending hours in the car. It didn't help that the bed Ari was supposed to have wasn't available as she was expecting. Plus I think the swimming got her a little wired.
We made it to Busch Gardens around 1:30 and headed into the park. My annual pass voucher was good enough to get us free parking and we headed in. We traded in our vouchers for real tickets and went into the park.
We started off taking a spin around the park in the train from the Scotland. After the train we ran over to Elmo's Forest of Fun and watched the Sunny Day Celebration. They actually had Grover in the show so that was fun ( they also had Abby, Cookie Monster, Zoe and of course Elmo).
Saturday and Sunday were the last two days of Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival. I started off in Scotland with a Scotch Egg which was pretty good but a little dry. Next we headed towards Italy. On our way through we stopped at the Spain pavilion and grabbed a couple of glasses of Sangria. It was pretty good, but small. Next we headed for Germany.
At this point the kids were asleep. So I took advantage of the time and got some Currywurst and a beer flight (4 beers, probably 4oz each) and took some time drinking those. The sausage was good and the beers ranged from good to excellent. (Spaten Oktoberfest - Excellent, Franziskaner hefe-weisse - very good, Bitburger - good, Kostritzer - very good).
We decided to do the Rhine River boats next. We make our way down the big hill to find stairs at the bottom. Two nice women helped us get both strollers down to the bottom. We woke up the girls and headed on to the boat. While in line, Lily's diaper leaked poop everywhere. After cleaning off the walkway, we made a beeline for the strollers. I put my camera down and we got the kids ready to head back up the hill. At this point, my camera fell of the top of the stroller and hit the concrete, breaking the lens. We headed up and Amanda took Lilly to the bathroom while I took Ari over to the land of the dragons. She rode the boats and the lady bugs. We saw the water play area and took note of that for later (there was one in the Sesame Street section as well).
We headed out around 6:30 and made our way to the hotel in Chesapeake, VA. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel on the way. The hotel was a few blocks away. After checking in we headed for the pool and took a quick swim before heading to bed. Ari had a really hard night which I'm sure had something to do with spending hours in the car. It didn't help that the bed Ari was supposed to have wasn't available as she was expecting. Plus I think the swimming got her a little wired.