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.

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..

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.

new background

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