Chapter two - week two

Monday 20th April

Joseph slept through til 4am today so we feel all refreshed!! We headed back to Sea World to do the things we didn't do first time around. Joseph got to see turtles, sharks and penguins as well as seeing the sea lion show. He must be getting used to the furry characters as he didn't cry this time!

As you can see though, the park is pretty empty at the start of the day - we had a whole section to ourself as the photo shows!

There was a storm in the middle of the day which cooled us down. It also meant we had to stay looking at the killer whales til it passed - I could think of worse things to do!!!

Jonnys is impressed it only cost $30 (£20) to fill the car with petrol!! If only it was as cheap at home!!

Tuesday 21st April

After a leisurely morning we went to do a little more shopping, including a bit of grocery shopping at Costco and Aldi (which we came about by accident - but are glad we did as it is so much cheaper than Walmart!)

Late afternoon was spent in the pool playing.

Wednesday 22nd April

We headed back to Aquatica water park today. We all slept in the shade for a while, particularly Joseph and I whilst Jonny did all of the water slides. We took Joseph on the rapids (they were surprisingly fast!) and he enjoyed the baby pool again. We enjoyed playing before tea, when Joseph had a fight with a load of raspberries - and won!!

We have also booked ourselves into a hotel in Clearwater which is right on the west coast, about 90 minutes away for next Monday and Tuesday night - we can't wait!!

Thursday 23rd April

Happy St George's Day! We put Joseph in his England cross romper

today but he was sick before we left the house!!

Joseph is on his third night sleeping right through again so all is good! We all had a long sleep (I had 8.5 hours which i haven't had in ages - it could have been longer but we cut our film short last night - it now takes us an average of three nights to watch a film!!)

We intended to go back to Aquatica today but as we were driving there the rain came down and down a bit more so we headed to the Florida Mall for shelter! There is a running theme of who is getting the most things purchased - namely Jonny and Joseph!!!

We had a quick lunch at Wendy's which is similar to McDonald's. I want one of their drinks machines installed in our house - there must have been at least 50 flavours to choose from! I wish they sold caffeine free diet coke with a hint of raspberry in the UK - mmmmm!!

In the afternoon we went to downtown Disney, which houses shops and restaurants. Nic - we found you in a toy store - see photo!!

We had a wander around then we took Joseph for his tea in the Rainforest Cafe, which houses a range of stuffed tropical animals, many of which move, especially when a tropical storm is simulated every twenty minutes. The attendant placed us right next to a baby elephant which moved every few minutes. Joseph couldn't keep his eyes off it, needless to say eating dinner was harder than normal but this has definitely been the best place Joseph has ever had his tea!! Jonny and I left with souvenir glasses too so all in all we had a great day!!

Friday 24th April

Today we spent the day at Aquatica - our last time!! Joseph loved it as usual plus we all got to have a little nap too!!

We took Joseph on the rapids again and all the extra spray and waterfalls that come over you - he doesn't bat at eyelid!! We also took him in the wave pool, again he just sat there with the waves splashing his face and he was fine! I think the Florida sun is making Joseph's hair grow so fast!!

We passed through Walmart for a mini shop but it still takes ages!! The whole time we queued to pay Joseph waved at the lady so it took forever!

Tonight Jonny and I will attempt another 45 minutes of a film - if we

can last!!

Saturday 25th April

Today we went to Sea World for the last time. It was very hot so we mainly did some of the shows again... Joseph wasn't as receptive at the dolphin show though, mainly because he found himself a 16 month old girlfriend in the row in front, so he spent most of the time holding hands with her!!

We went to an authentic USA sports pub in the afternoon which was brilliant!! The food was fabulous and the beer list too extensive for Jonny to choose! Think we will be going back there soon.

We stopped off at the dollar shop for a few bits and got Joseph an

Elmo from Sesame Street helium balloon, needless to say that's all he played with all afternoon!

Sunday 26th April

We had a leisurely morning so Jonny could watch the football - which in hindsight I bet he wishes he hasn't!

We had a cultural day today! We visited a local blueberry farm and went blueberry picking then ate blueberry ice cream!

After a bite to eat we visited a local winery and after wine tasting bought several bottles of wine for the rest of our holiday.

The evening was spent eating our blueberries (which Joseph loved!) and packing for our trip to Clearwater tomorrow - we can't wait!!