Ker-Bloom

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Even as far up in the bleachers as I was, I could feel the heat from the explosions. It was interesting to see how the car and motorcycle stunts were performed, as well as watching on they did the falling from buildings stunts. So while the name of the show may be Lights, Motors, Action; there is more to it than that.

Happy Anniversary

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It's hard to believe it has already been 24 years since that fateful day when we said "I do." But I would not trade one day of the last 24 years for anything in the world. Pan has made my life complete. We have grown together. Thank you darling, for everything you do.

Lights, Motors, Action

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Hey, there's Flik at the tables outside of the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. That was so much fun as you really got an ant's view of the yard and even bigger bugs. After we left the Sci-Fi restaurant (where we got acrylic ice cubes with lights in them in our drinks), we saw Sully across the way giving out autographs. The Lights, Motors, Action show was a relatively new one that was brought over from the Euro-Disney.

Toy Story

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Definitely some competition there between the Muppets and Toy Story (and yes, I know I left off the "s" on Muppets in the title, mom). Don't you just love the picture of Slinky peering down from the roof. Pan really liked the Buzz Lightyear ship and I think he would have brought it home if he could. My favorite was the army man sleeping on the bench, LOL. He had the right idea.

The Muppets vs.

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I just love this billboard. And the Muppetvision 3D show. The hot air balloon and the fountain. And wandering down the Streets of America in Hollywood Studios. On other thoughts (my mind is wandering itself today), did you know that san-serif fonts were referred to as Grotesque or Gothic while serif is referred to as Roman. Just a tidbit for thought.

Meeting up with old friends

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Must have had a serious brain rush when doing this page because I got going on the journaling, LOL. We did have a great time at Hollywood Studios and even ran into one of Pan's high school buddies, who was working as a pryotechnician on the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. How fun would that be. Well, for me it sounds fun, but I guess for him it was just a job. 

MGM, oops Hollywood

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I don't think I have ever seen Hollywood Studios (I will always think of it as MGM) so empty, even on the days I got early entry. But it was definitely quiet on this morning. Later in the week Pan joined me for so fun and frolics at the Star Wars Tour.

More of the Showcase

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I really have to work on my journaling. I just never know what to put down, since we have visited here for so many years. Although this year I bought some green tea from the Japanese pavilion and a green tea set which I still have among the other 3 sets I own. 

Wine Tasting in Showcase

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Do love traversing the World Showcase at Epcot, especially when there is wine involved. Thing is, it was quite early in the morning and drearily overcast when I was there so I only tasted one wine from Australia.

A Mission in the works

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Like I said the Mission to Space (okay I said Mars) wasn't really Pan's cup of tea, but I really liked it and when he was in his conferences spent a good deal of time riding it over and over and over again.

New rides at

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We were so looking forward to getting on Soarin' and Mission to Mars and now was our chance. While I really liked Mission to Mars it was not so kind to Pan's digestive system and he would not ride it more than once.

A roomy room

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Of all the exciting things that have happened to us, this was probably one of the best. We got there a little early and they didn't have a room ready so we got an upgrade. Living area, Murphy bed (in the event we needed more room), settees, a bar and a fabulous view from the window.

Dolphin

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Earlier (and later) I remembered to mark the room we were staying in. Unfortunately I failed to do so in this one and don't remember except as you are looking it is on the same floor as the top fountain and would be on the the right as you look from this view.

2004 Recap

Not much in the way of a recap, but at least I got something down for the time we spent in Orlando. Even if it meant I had a lot of time staring at blue roofs.

Hurricane Season in force

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Most of the information on this page relates to the four hurricanes that cut a swath through Florida in 2003. So much destruction and sitting on pins and needles for us as one bared down on our neck of the woods while we were in Orlando. Thank goodness Pan's father was able to get the boat to safety for us.

More at the Marriott

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Not such a good year. Too many memories, to many hurricanes as can be attested to by the number of blue roofs still visible. Not as much time here this year either. No time for the parks, the marketplace or any sightseeing.

2003 Orlando Summary

Pages side by side as they will appear in the book (that I feel will never get done as we keep going on and on and on....)

Pool time

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I wish I had a yard big enough to warrant a pool like this. But can you imagine the maintenance on it? I get a headache just thinking about it. But it would be wonderful to walk out the back door and step into a "Lazy River Pool."

Happy 14th Birthday

Happy Birthday to my special girl, who turns 14 years old today. I hope all your wishes come true. Love you to Infinity and Beyond x2.

Quenched

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My favorite lunch hangout. The Quench Poolside Bar. Also ordered a kids meal with a glass of milk and sat back and enjoyed the sites of the meandering pool.

Hotel Living

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Cheated on this page, but not really. I wanted to remember some of the facts surrounding the hotel we spent a week at. For that period of time it really was our home. And a beautiful one at that.

Luxury

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  One of the most gorgeous hotels that is not on one of the park grounds is the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. The lobby is to die for. Paintings line the walls with sculptures and fountains interspersed throughout the buildings. Yes, buildings. As the conference center is in a wing and building all its own. There are plenty of restaurants including Primo, Citron, The Lobby Lounge, Quench Poolside Bar, Cafe Bodega and, of course, Starbucks. The rooms are spacious as are the bathrooms. Comfortable too.

  Yep, living in the lap of luxury. But doesn't hold a candle to what we had the next year. Just going to keep you in suspense for a while.

Inside the Rainforest

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   Seems that everytime we made it to Orlando, one of the restaurants that we have to visit is the Rainforest Cafe in Disney Marketplace. This year was no exception and we headed there for lunch as soon as we dropped off our luggage and settled in at the J.W. Marriott hotel which was the site of this year's conference that Pan was attending.

    The year being 2004, by the way and that's the menu on the paper in between the pictures.



Outside the Rainforest

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Okay, I didn't want to share on Google+ so it deleted my post? What the??????? Oops, wrong date.

Winding down

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So the journey comes to an end. One last walk down Canal Street and finally remembered to take a picture of the hotel we were staying at. It's hard to believe that we haven't been back since. Maybe one day, we'll head over again.

Photo spots

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One last walk down Riverwalk, locating a new restaurant... Original French Market Restaurant, for some delightfully Cajun/creole food and Bourbon Street as seen from our hotel room at night. I have to admit it was really enjoyable to watch the festivities from the comfort of our room instead of being in the thick of things.

More Spreadables

     And here we have all the pages put together. I am so liking how the travel book is progressing, but I think by the time I finish all the pages, it is going to cost me a fortune. And then there are the ongoing travels. I think I will stop this book in the year 2010. Then start working on a new one.
     I still appreciate Yin's templates, so many pictures. And you have to have something like this for zoos, aquariums and parks. And if you still don't have enough spaces for pictures, throw in a viewfinder slide for a couple more pictures.

Long may she wave

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag

of the United States of America,

and to the republic for which it stands,

one Nation under God,

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

 

Happy Birthday United States of America

Pink Flamingos, kind of...

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     No matter what zoo or animal preserve we visit, if they have flamingos, a picture is a must. My dad "hated" them, so being the loving daughters that we were, we got him flamingos every chance we had. But hey, the whole family participated. And to be honest, I don't think he really hated them, it was his joke on us, I'm sure, just to make us waste money on him. Missing you dad.

     But honestly, these were some of the most beautiful birds I think I have ever seen. Their colors were so bright and vibrant. Looking closely there are some pink feathers among all the coral colored ones.

You've got to be kidding

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Do you see that picture in the middle? The one with the cereal? Honestly, this is the only zoo I know of that has a cockroach exhibit. (I just read on their website that they have a cockroach cam). Talk about creepy crawlies. I got them just looking at it. But I know a few people who would be eyeing those catfish and crabs and thinking "LUNCH."

Louisiania swamp

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I thought it was so cool that they built an actual swamp in the zoo. And you know I can just imagine someone living in a shanty like this and looking out to see a gator on the porch or stoop. It just won't be me. I've already had my turn with an alligator that my uncle bought my sister and I when we were wee girls. Seriously, though, it is not a good pet, even when they are little.