Florida!!

The week before Thanksgiving we had an amazing vacation at Orange Lake Country Club in Orlando, Florida. It's unusual for us to vacation in the fall, but this was Gods perfect timing. Just days before we left our buyers loan fell through, so it was wonderful to have something so lovely to look forward to after a whirlwind discouraging events.

Joe & I went to Orange Lake for another timely trip, just weeks after my Mom died, when Alathea was only 7 months old! We knew we loved the place and we were thrilled to have an opportunity to go back!

The first few days it was just the four of us. We enjoyed the amazing pools and lazy river and went to Disney World for a day and took the girls to the Rain Forest Cafe at night. Super fun little family times. But the rest of the week was super fun too, once the rest of the Bowers clan arrived on Tuesday:

The whole clan. I just love when we are all together!

JuJu with her girls

There was a lovely "beach area" with sand, palm trees and hammocks. We loved letting the girls play in  the sand while we swung in the hammocks. I could do this every day :)

We love that their are palm trees, tropical plants and water falls everywhere! The resort is the biggest in the world and has a 12 acre water park and 1/2 mile lazy river. Just some of the reasons why we love it here!

These two are hilarious together. Joe's planning an attack on this bird trying to get into our condo. Julie is a little scared :)

Alathea watching people float by on the Lazy River

Mimi Golf! A must for Bowers vacations.

This picture of Abigail makes me laugh. She's in her own world, talking to her new best friend Mini Mouse, while the rest of us are hanging out together. Sweet Girl.

Abigail's first pony tail. She now insists on one everyday!

I think she was told she was "pretty" one too many times.

Alathea & Julie went for a WILD ride on this golf cart! I thought they might fly off of it!! With Julie's driving record, my fears were warranted :)

We stayed on one of the FOUR golf courses on the resort. Rocky & Joe enjoyed many rounds of golf together. And with the sweet deals they offered, it was virtually free! As you can see, Alathea loves her Uncle Rocky!

Julie & Alathea on the Lazy River

Another sweet freebie- the Cabana. It was just off the Lazy River (you can see it behind Joe). It was like our own little house by the River, with a TV, fridge, snacks, ceiling fan, ect. Pretty awesome!

The girls loved all the Florida wild life that would visit each morning.  These we named the grey flamingos, they were a favorite.

One of the girls favorite pools! We loved having no one there early in the morning!!

Daddy is so much fun!!

The girls playing in the beach area.

A wonderful, timely Bowers vacation!! I must add that it was difficult leaving the sunny and 80 degree Florida weather to coming home to cold and rainy Charlotte! But at least it makes it feel more like Christmas!!