Sunday, August 9, 2009

Out with the old and in with the new

This will be my last post on this blog. I am changing the way I blog, doing more opinion and review posts than my daily happenings. If you would like to follow, please see my new blog at
http://theway1see1t.blogspot.com/

Hope you pop by and take a peek!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Camping

I am not a camper. A bunch of friends go camping every year as a group and have a wonderful time. I don't miss it, and I don't want to do it. I am just not a camper. They do try to get me to go, and join the group, but I just don't like the whole tent business or outhouses, the no running water, bugs, etc.

I love the outdoors, and would go up for a day trip to visit if they camped close to home, but they usually don't and to make a two-three hour drive to spend a bit of time there, is just to much.

I have camped before, and I don't like the bugs, the dampness and all the work involved. I don't like camping, it is not relaxing or enjoyable to me at all.

So this year a friend of mine found this great camp site, where there are cottages to rent. So no tents, dampness, outhouses and there is running water and all the other comforts of home. It is close by and offers many amenities. Something I might consider next year if they choose to go there as a group.
I looked this place up today and thought it was a nice place to share with all of you. So here is the link to the website if anyone is interested.

http://www.cedarcove.ca/cottages.htm

Friday, May 1, 2009

Staycation

This summer we have decided we are having a stay-cation.
We are staying home for our summer vacation. Here is the meaning from Wikipedia

A stay - cation is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Stay-cations have achieved high popularity in current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high.

Common activities of a stay-cation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums and attendance at local festivals . Some stay-cationers also like to follow a set of rules, such as setting a start and end date, planning ahead, and avoiding routine, with the goal of creating the feel of a traditional vacation.

Since we just went away end of February to mid march, and hubby and I are going to be going away again this winter, we decided this summer to just take it easy at home, get some home things done and plan some activities to do and places to visit around home. I am looking forward to summer and many fun outings with the kids

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Vacation over - more to plan for 2010

We are home now and had an amazing time. The vacation is over for this year, but we are thinking of going back to Panama City Beach next year with my family again. Hubby and I are also wanting to go away for our 10th wedding anniversary that we are celebrating this June. We are thinking of a winter getaway to an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean as I have never been to the Caribbean. So lots to plan for the upcoming year, travel wise.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Panama City - Our last day and review

This is our last day here, and we will be having a relaxing beach day. The weather is sunny and hot. Today's high 81F. One more day on the beach. I will miss this beach, the heat and sunshine the most upon our return home. I am not looking forward to the gloom and gray and rain and snow and mix of end of winter weather back home. I love it here. I love the sunshine.
However, vacations have to end.

This vacation has been really nice, truly relaxing, fun and beautiful. A nice winter get away. Panama City would definitely be a place I could visit again. It is very nice, great weather, great beach, great activities for adults and children alike. We stayed in a wonderful Condo called Splash. They have heated pools, kiddie area, water park, hot tub, work out room(gym), arcade and free DVD rentals. You are very pampered here. In the condo, you have access to full size fridge, stove, dishwasher and microwave as well as Washer and dryer, a must have when you are constantly at the beach bringing in sand. There are Televisions, and DVD players in the bedrooms and the living area. Very nice when staying with multiple families. It is nice to have these necessities when vacationing.

I would definitely recommend anyone looking for a winter or spring break get away or for the beach lovers to consider Panama City Beach. Great fun here. I would also recommend the splash resort as a place to stay.

Our overall experience here has been great. Definite must visit for those who have never been.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - Panama City Beach is situated on the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida. The metropolitan area is made up of 20.5 square miles of land, and 6.2 square miles of water. The average yearly temperature is 71°F... just about where most people would set their thermostats.
Panama City Beach is definitely a beach lovers paradise!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Panama City Day 10

Today is another gorgeous day. It started off with fog and mist and then once the sun came up it burned all the fog away within minutes.

Today we hung around the condo for the morning and walked on the beach. The kids swam in the pool for a little bit and the hot tub and then an early lunch.
After lunch we packed up and headed to the St. Andrews State Park.
It costs $5US for a car load to enter the park. It has a couple nice beaches and an alligator pond. We didn't see any alligators though. We hung around the kiddie area for a bit, where the water is blocked by rocks, so it is very shallow and gentle, and then over to the other side where all the surfers are. The waves there are huge and there must have been over 30 surfers in the water. We were there a few hours and enjoyed our time. When we left we popped over to Walmart to pick up last minute groceries and then home for dinner.

After dinner, we headed to the hot tub and pool for about 45 minutes and then upstairs to relax for the evening. Our last day is tomorrow.. It has been a great time here.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach -From the beaches one can simply enjoy sun-bathing and swimming or partake in more adventurous activity with the available parasailing rides, jet skis, catamarans, and seaplane rides. Boating excursions are also available for sight-seeing, dolphin watching, fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Panama City Day 9

Today was another gorgeous sunny day. No wonder Florida is the called the sunshine state. We have been here 9 days and not 1 drop of rain. We did have some cloud cover when the storm blew by us,but no rain, and for the most part it has been sunny.

We did an early beach day today heading down at 10am. We hung out on the beach for about an hour, than the hot tub. We had an early lunch and then headed out to do a dolphin boat tour. We took the Sea Screamer on her maiden voyage of 2009. It was costly, for 5 of us it was $80US, but well worth it. We saw dolphins, pelicans, jelly fish and we were lucky enough to see a sea turtle. The captain sees them only a few times a year, so we lucked out by seeing one. The tour lasted 2 hours, and the kids had a blast. They were offered to drive the boat but did not, so I did and it was fun.

We headed back to the condo and had a quick snack and then down to the pool and the hot tub again. It was so nice. Then dinner and a walk on the beach and that was the day. We are wiped today, I guess a mixture of sun, wind and sand can wipe you out.

2 days left.. We are very sad:(

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - 13,000-15,000 people winter in Panama City, and 60% of those people are from Ontario.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Panama City Day 8

Today's weather is even warmer than yesterday and the gulf is a little rougher. Hubby didn't end up snorkeling yesterday, and since it is so warm today, I think he will do that. The kids want him to find some sand dollars and big shells for them.

This morning after our early morning work out, we took the kids to do some shelling along the beach. I found a tonne of shells that I will give to my preschool classes upon my return. The kids found a few they will keep. We are being picker and looking for the really unique ones now that we have about 1000 shells to bring home. What am I going to do with them all.

After the beach, we headed to Alvin's Island Tropical Store and K got herself a hoody just like mine, but in brown. We had lunch and then headed to the beach.

The sun is way hotter today. After almost 2 hours on the beach, we all got a little more color than expected. All week, the UV hasn't been strong and we can spend hours and get just a little color, but today we all are a little too red. Not overly burnt, but a little. The rest of our time here, the weather and the sun will be stronger, so we will make sure we are well coated in sun block.

After the beach, we headed up to the Condo and had a laid back evening. We made dinner, ate, cleaned up, and the kids showered and we rented a movie for them. Another day down, 3 more to go.

The beach was fun, the kids and I made a sand plop turtle and monster.. I am sure you are wondering what the heck is a sand plop. Let me explain.. You fill up a bucket with water and then some sand, you take the soaking wet sand out and just let it fall down in plops off your fingers. You can keep piling the sand on top and it will make a tower. It is really neat and keeps the kids busy for a while. I enjoy it too. If you are ever on the beach, make sure you make some sand plop creations.

Hubby went snorkeling today, but the water was too rough. There are no shells and no sign of life farther out. We might do shell island on Sunday and snorkel there. Apparently that is the spot for snorkeling.

After the beach, the kids met a girl at the hot tub and they played for a while with her, jumping into the pool and then warming up again in the hot tub, over and over again. When she left to go to the beach with her parents, we headed up to the room. We sorted some shells and the kids played on the computer and their Nintendo DS's.. Rest time. We made dinner, Salmon and pasta with vegetables, and garlic bread and ate around 5pm. After dinner we cleaned up and took it easy.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - Thousands of college and university students come out to Panama City beach for Spring break. The busy season starts the first weekend in March.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Panama City Day 7


One week into our vacation already. Today hubby and I decided to do a run on the beach. What a lovely thing to do. It was hard though. Different terrain, hard, then soft, angled sand, not always flat, climbing up and down dunes. It was a good work out. I took it slower than normal, because I didn't want to get hurt(twisting ankles, knees, etc.)

This morning, the kids and I played some checkers and then we went to McDonald's for coffee and happy meals and then to pick up some more groceries at Walmart. We don't want to buy to much so we are not left with stuff when we leave, but it seems everyday we need something. oh well, such is life.

We came back home, had lunch and headed to the beach. We were there 2.5 hours. The wind is cooler today but the air is much warmer. Tomorrow the temp is suppose to be around 23C so very nice. Ottawa forecast is calling for a nice temp there of 13C.

After the beach, we went to the hot tub again, and then back up to the Condo. The sun is very tiring. The kids are wiped out everyday. They watched some TV and then we headed to a restaurant my parents had been to before called Triple J's for dinner. I had Joey's chicken club, and I must say that was the best club I have ever eaten. mmmmm delicious.
I give that restaurant 2 thumbs up. Great service and food. Everyone enjoyed what they had.

After dinner, we headed back to the condo, hopped in the hot tub again, and then settled down with Alvin and the Chipmunks for the night.

I did something to my hamstring with that run on the beach today. I pulled it somehow, it is hurting. I will have to take it easy tomorrow so it can recover.

We have 4 days left here, and we will have beach days everyday. Other things planned are the sea screamer dolphin cruise on Saturday at 1pm and then K wants to go to Ripley museum, so I guess we might do that. Fun, Fun, Fun...

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - Kids will find a personal playground at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park and learn about area sealife at Gulf World Marine Park

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Panama City Day 6

Panama City Beach Florida. I love the warmth, the sun, the beach, the water, everything. I could live here.

I am sitting in our room, listening to the ocean waves and feeling the nice breeze blowing in.
The sand on the beach is so fine and so white. It is like sugar. They say the Panama City beach is called sugar beach because the sand looks and feels like sugar and it is SO true. The sand is so fine, when you walk on the sand it squeaks. It is lovely.

Today was a beauuuutiful day. Warm and sunny and very little wind.
The mornings and evenings are still cool but the days are great.
This morning we headed to Pier Park, a new mall complex just opened last year. It had lots of shops. I picked up a star fish Christmas ornament. This is my new thing. At all the places we visit, I will pick up a Christmas ornament and every year when decorating the tree we can reminisce about our vacations. Last year at Disney we picked up two ornaments, so this is number 3.. Hoping to add more every year or two.

The kids got some nice t-shirts(character) because here there is so many more to choose from then at home. C got a pair of shorts and we picked up some groceries.
We headed back to the Condo and had lunch. The condo was putting on a wii bowling tournament at 1pm. We went down and did some wii bowling and then headed to the beach for a few hours. It was nice on the beach. We dug in the sand, sat in the sun, played in the water, played Frisbee and football.

Tomorrow the weather is suppose to really heat up and stay that way for the rest of our time here. Time is flying by really quickly.

I don't want to go home to the snow, and the boots and snow pants and the mittens, and hats etc. So many layers. I am enjoying sandals, shorts, t - shirts and bathing suits. Nothing is better than that.

After the beach, we headed upstairs to the condo to make dinner. We had chicken, salad and potatoes. After dinner, down for another walk along the beach and then we rented another kids movie for the kids to sit back and relax and unwind for the evening. I think I will sit and chat with the rest of the family. My uncle and his wife popped in for a few days passing through on their vacation, so we are enjoying catching up.

More fun to come tomorrow.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - The water is crystal clear and emerald green. Absolutely beautiful.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Panama City Day 5

How the time seems to be flying. We love it here, we could live like this everyday. Too bad vacations have to end, and we have to return to normalcy soon.

Still following the same routine, hubby and I worked out and then we shopped at Alvin's Island Tropical Department Store. I bought the kids a zipper pull with their names on it and myself a zippered hoody with the words Panama City on it. Nothing tacky though. I like it.

After wards, we headed to the beach for an hour, and then up to the room for lunch.

After lunch, back down to the beach and the pool for about 2 hours and then up for a snack and then we headed out to play some mini golf. We went to the Pirates mini golf, way down town Panama City Beach, there is so many mini golf places to choose from here. It was a great golf course. Very clean and well maintained and lots of neat things, it just doesn't compare to anything Ottawa has.

After golf, we ordered pizza and brought it home. We had dinner and then headed back to the beach for a walk. Collected some more shells, and then rented the movie Wall-E for the kids. They enjoyed it. We had another relaxing evening, watching movies.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - If it was ever your dream to swim with dolphins in Florida, or even just watch them play from the shore or a boat, you have come to the right place.

Panama City Day 4


Today was much nicer. It was still a bit cool in the morning, so after our work out we took the kids bowling. The difference here, is they don't have 5 pin bowling, only 10 pin. The kids had some trouble holding the bigger balls, but it was a lot of fun.

After bowling, we headed back to the condo and had lunch, and then headed to the beach.

We spent about 2 hours at the beach, the kids had a blast playing in the sand. The water is still too cool to swim in, but you can get up to your knees without a problem. Then we went swimming in the pool and then over to the hot tub.

We headed back up to the condo and had a snack, got dressed and then headed for our walk along the beach. It was too cold in the morning to walk. There was so many shells today, but I am looking for the red and white ones and am having a hard time finding them. There were alot of broken shells today as well. The waters are much calmer though, so if they continue to calm down, we might be able to find some unbroken shells tomorrow.

After our walk, we went out for dinner. My picky children were miserable, as the kids didn't like anything. I got C to eat French fries, and K wouldn't eat anything and was very upset and I was not impressed. We got dessert on the way home, but not for the kids because their behavior was unacceptable in the restaurant. When we got home, I went down to the hot tub again, K went to bed and C watched a movie with hubby. Another nice day.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - The best thing about Panama City Beach shopping is you don't have to step far off the sand.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Panama City Day 3

Today was cold... Brrr
The storm that blew by us last night, brought no rain but cooled things off quite a bit. The high today +9. We tried to walk down on the beach this morning after our morning work out but it was too cold.

The kids decided they wanted to go in the hot tub. Mom and I decided to pick up some more groceries and then back home.

After grocery shopping and lunch we headed to Destin. I was not to impressed with the outlet stores. There wasn't to many deals. The deals we did find, were a pair of runners for hubby, a hoodie for C and a shirt and pants for K. Nothing really else there worth buying.

We were there a few hours, and then headed back home to make dinner. The kids and I went in the hot tub for a long while and then back upstairs to eat. After dinner, we walked on the beach. The sky has cleared up and the wind has disappeared. It was beautiful. When we got back, I took the kids to the arcade to pick up another movie. We watched an oldie, Finding Nemo.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach -Fishing and snorkeling are just the beginning of what happens in and on the water in Panama City Beach

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Panama City Day 2

Today it was very warm. I love it.
Hubby and I headed to the gym in the morning again, we think this will be our routine. Start the day off getting a good workout in, and then relaxing on the beach.

We took the kids for another walk along the beach looking for more shells, but the double red flags are up, because the water is really rough today, so the most of the shells were broken.

Back to the hot tub after our walk and then headed up for lunch.

After lunch, we took the kids to gulf world marine park. It was a very expensive trip ($80US) and upon first glance we thought not really worth out $. The place is very small, but the shows make the place. The first show we saw was a magic show that the kids enjoyed, but I did not. It was very lame. The second show was a sea lion show and was great. We all enjoyed it. The parrot show was next and it was another well done show. The dolphin show was the best. K got lucky and was chosen to go up on stage and throw the ring to the dolphins to catch, remove the ring from it's nose and shake hands with a dolphin. That experience made it worth our money. We got it all on video. If you ever have a chance to go there, make sure you see the shows, because they are very well done.

After wards we went to one of the dollar stores, and it was full of junk. Shells, and jewelery and cups. Not something we wanted. Then back to the condo. We had dinner, and then headed down for a good half hour soak in the hot tub. A storm was blowing in, and it was super windy sitting there in the hot tub, but oh, so lovely.

The night we spent watching another movie. The nights get dark fast, and you can't really go down to the beach as it is pitch black. Since the kids are up early every day we might as well take it easy at night.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - There are 27 miles of white sandy beach and this beach is recognized among America's most popular and healthiest beaches.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Panama City - our first day

We decided to have and easy day today as we are still recovering from our travel day.

Hubby and I worked out in the gym first thing. It is so nice having a gym at our disposal while we are here. After all that sitting around yesterday we needed to do some form of exercise. We both ran on the treadmill. It is nice to be able to keep up with the fitness routine.

This morning, we took the kids for a walk on the beach to do some shelling. The kids found a tonne of shells. The beach is lovely and white and soft. The water is a bit cool, and rough and some Jelly fish have been washed up on the beach, but they are just tiny little things.

After we got back, we took the kids for a swim in the pool, they hung out at the water park and then in the hot tub. The weather is sunny, but windy. The wind is a bit cool though right from the water, but still a beautiful day.

After the swim, we headed out to Walmart to pick up some graceries and then went to the beach for a good hour and a half. Then back to the pool. The it was time for dinner. We rented a couple of movies for the night(I use the word rent, but they are free to those that stay at the condo) and the kids played in the arcade there. It is full of games, such as bowling, racing, etc. We are still pretty tired, so we had an easy night watching movies.

Things you didn't know about Panama City Beach - The soft white sands of Panama City Beach are formed from quartz crystals washed through the millennia downstream from the Appalachian Mountains

Travel day to Panama City


What a long day today. We left home at 8am, drove to Syracuse New York, arriving at 11am. From there we checked in, went through security and then waited until our flight left at 105pm. We arrived in Atlanta at 330pm, and had a quick bite to eat from Wendy's then boarded our plane to Panama City. We left at 440 and arrived in Panama City at 445pm. They are 1 hour behind here on central time, so we gained 1 hour after arriving here. We headed straight to the condo. It is beautiful. Lots of space. Right on the Gulf. We unpacked, had dinner, and then went down to the hot tub. The kids played in the water park and then we headed back up to bed. We are wiped.. Sitting around all day can be tiring.

I am glad we are here.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Ready to go

Wow, how did the time creep up so quickly. I have pretty much packed all our clothing, and all that is left is our toiletries and stuff to bring in our carry on luggage. I have arranged substitutes for all my classes, a cat sitter, house sitter, and a bird sitter. I have someone covering my volunteer duty at school. I have left out the shovels for my house sitter. Hopefully while we are away Ottawa sees no snow. I have set one light on a timer, and will set the rest on timers 2 days before our departure, just so I know they are working.

I am in the process of cleaning out the fridge which is getting emptier and emptier, charging all of our electronics (camera battery, Nintendo DS's, MP3 players, organizing what games and movies to bring. Still lots to do. I will have a busy day before we leave day, to make sure all things at home will be good.

I am hoping for nice weather while we are there, but right now, they are seeing alot of up and down temperatures. I hope they remain on the up side during our stay. Long range forcast is showing highs in the low-mid 70's for our arrival. I will take that over anything below 0.
3 days and counting..

Monday, February 2, 2009

Things to do in Panama City Florida

The countdown is on. 25 days to go.
This trip will be more laid back than our Disney trip was. I would like to just have some down days and swim and hang out on the beach but also would like to check out some fun places for families.
Here is what I have found on the internet on some fun family friendly activities in Panama City. As you can see there is no shortage of fun things to do.
*sorry for the font changes, I did a lot of copy/pasting from online*

1. Gulf World Marine Park

This attraction offers great opportunities for learning about the animals. Fun and educational for every member of the family. Gulf World gives dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, reptiles and tropical birds, some well deserved time in the spotlight. In addition, special programs let park visitors "swim with a dolphin," become a "trainer for a day," enjoy "Dolphin day camp"(reservations required). They also host special concert performances in the tropical garden theater.

2. Shell Island

This uninhabited island off the coast is a popular destination for sightseeing and enjoying natural beauty. Bottlenoses play in the water surrounding the island, which itself is home to a fascinating cast of creatures and critters. Spend your day swimming with the dolphins and relaxing on the sand, far removed from the mainland's tourist beaches. Hop a Shell Island Shuttle over Shell Island, and be sure to sign up for snorkeling packages or kayak rentals on the way.

3. Coconut Creek Family Fun park

With two eighteen hole miniature golf courses and one gigantic labyrinth, the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park lives up to its name. Bring your pint-sized putting champs or seasoned swinger to play through the beautifully landscaped mini golf courses with an African Safari theme, complete with cascading waterfalls and a lake with native fish. What's most unique about the park is not its scenery, however, but the Gran Maze, a human-sized labyrinth the size of a football field; the first of its kind in the United States. Compete one-on-one or move in teams through this challenging, exciting game that is safe for kids and adults of all ages. Admission fees run around USD9 for an individual golf course, or just the maze, or you can pay one USD16 fee for two days to experience all three attractions.

4. Sea Dragon

This pirate-theme tour is a popular excursion in Panama City Beach. The 80' authentic pirate ship sails just off the shore of Shell Island. Bring your little lads and join the celebration of music, song, and dance and discover the hidden treasures of the sea when you haul up at Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises. The tour includes soft drinks, beer, wine and hot dogs. Dolphin sightings are also common on the tour.

5. Miracle Strip Amusement Park

Have fun with the entire family at this exciting amusement park that offers over 30 rides and attractions for all ages. Take a ride in the dungeon, on the roller coaster, or in the haunted castle while at this park where children can take a spin in the tea cups, ride the ponies on the merry-go-round, or test their driving skills in the bumper cars.

6. Shipwreck Island

Shipwreck Island, located in the heart of Panama City Beach, is an exciting water park offering more than you can imagine. Rides like "Tree Top Drop," "Pirates Plunge," and "Raging Rapids" will thrill you until closing time. If you want to escape the heat, let the gentle currents of the "Lazy River" sweep you around the park. Admission is $29 for those taller than 50 inches, $24 for those between 35-50 inches, and free for anyone under 35 inches.

7. ZooWorld

Zoo World contains seven and a half acres of botanical gardens and 300 wildlife species from Africa, South America, Australia, and Asia. From the great White Bengal Tiger to Australia's tiny Kookaburra, ZooWorld offers kids and adults a glimpse at worlds unknown. Zoo camps are offered for kids aged 6-13 in the summer, and birthday parties can be hosted here on saturday and sunday year round.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

new background

I found this template thanks to my BFF.. What a great site. Check it out at Aqua Poppy designs.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Panama City here we come

We have finally booked our flight to Panama City and look forward to escaping winter.
It will be nice to have some down time, beach days, family fun days and new experiences.
I am counting down the days and we are at 28 days and counting. I am very excited.
I will have some packing to do before hand as we will be staying with my parents while we are there. They are driving down and will be bringing some summer stuff up for us, so we can get away with packing one suitcase for the 4 of us to take on the plane.

Warm weather and sandy beaches here we come!

And that's the wonderful thing about family travel: it provides you with experiences that will remain locked forever in the scar tissue of your mind. ~Dave Barry In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children. ~Robert Benchley