T'is the Season in Florida November 24th - December 3rd

I can barely believe we are racing towards December and I know there is a strong likelihood that this Blog will span over a several week period with sporadic updates....where has the discipline gone!!!

I suppose I have our hectic schedule to blame with heading over to Florida for Thanksgiving although we did not make it until the evening. Janet fed and watered us in the traditional Thanksgiving style with turkey, mashed potatoes, yams with marshmallow (an American thing) and all the other other trimmings. The meal was topped off perfectly by Charlotte and Tom coming over to Janet's before the four of left for Chris and Ruth's home, our abode for several days while they were away visiting family. I love how close Tom and Charlotte have become of late and as any mother can attest to, it is one best feelings in the world when the siblings are in harmony.

So our visit to Florida was a typical juggle as we were only in Fort Myers for four days before having to head to Orlando for work meetings and the company Christmas Party.  Managed to have some quality time with the children which was important but very little time with friends which was a shame.

One thing I did ensure on route to Orlando was my compulsory yuletide visit to see the festive explosion of Cracker Barrel. This was some Americana Andy had to witness  and if that does not make you feel festive, nothing will!

I was disappointed that I had several days of company meetings but with some sweet talk to the boss I ended up having most of Thursday off and we treated ourself to Island of Adventure at Universal.

What fun we had although we declined to get on any rides other than Spiderman and Cat in the Hat. Weak stomachs and tender heads what a pair of light weights we are!!! Island of Adventure has always been my favourite park within the Disney/Universal complex but I was even more dazzled by the new installation of the The Harry Potter section.

The set was spectacular with the same shops at buildings. Andy was particularly enamoured by the shop Dog Weed and Death Cap.

The joke shop was fantasic and even our lunch felt authentic in the Hogsmead school canteen.

That being said, I think my true Island of Adventure love is still Who-ville and I was thrilled to see Dr. Zeus's creation decked for Christmas. I have always found this so magical and could not pass down a photo opportunity with Thing 1 and Thing 2.

Once we'd posed with 'The Things' we figured we should go full out and see who we could find...Andy scored with Storm one of the X-Men babes.

All of this was starting to make us hungry which was just as well as we had to build our appetite for the Alinean Christmas Party.

On the Friday, we went to my company team event which was Go-Kart racing and Andy and I had the honor of being the slowest of the group. Not our sport for sure! The fumes gave both of us headaches so we had to take an old fashioned remedy of Margaritas at a nearby Mexican restaurant.

In a year where everyone is tightening their belts, Alinean still spoiled us with a beautiful Christmas party, held in a stylish Italian restaurant. Champagne, cocktails and canapes followed by a delicious three course meal ....hmmmm.......prepared us nicely for our flight home in First Class the next day. One could get used to this lifestyle so easily!!!

So a Very Merry Christmas from Florida and look for the next post that will certainly be back on UK soil.