day two: SeaWorld

Yesterday was our second day on this wonderful vacation. We all woke up, still pretty tired from the drive, and walked over to SeaWorld. Surprisingly the lines were non-existent for the rides and entrance to the park. We walked right up, got tickets, and walked into the park. Since our group of 8 was a little large to do everything together, we split up. I took the teenagers and we went to ride the roller coaster Kraken and water ride Journey to Atlantis. We rode the coaster a few times and then accidentally met up with the rest of the group. We all then attended the Shamu show. This show was soo amazing.It was called "Believe" and the killer whales were very fun to watch and were even choreographed to the music. It was 100% better than the last time I saw the show. Here is a picture of the Shamu Stadium:




Besides the rides and Shamu Show we saw countless numbers of animals ranging from sharks to penguins to alligators and all kinds of fish. After a full day at the park, the bigger kids went to Don Pablos and had a great dinner with Mom while the youngsters swam at the hotel.

Here are a few pictures from our day at the park. Next up-EPCOT!

22 hours on the road then..FLORIDA!

Well I have been getting complaints that I haven't been updating very often so what better time is there than when I am on vacation!!

so...here goes...

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After an interesting, long, stressful, funny, stinky, and never-ending car ride from Missouri to Florida semi-non-stop (we did have many eating and bathroom breaks) we finally made it to our condo today. We have stayed at many hotels and condos in our travels but this is the nicest by far. It is a condo complex done by Hilton Hotels. Here are a few pics.

This was our first glance of the hotel and its lobby





The living area of the condo.


one of the many pools


Our condo form across the pond.


A view of the sunset when walking to SeaWorld which is within walking distance from our hotel!


Tomorrow we are off to SeaWorld..rain or shine. The weather does call for rain off and on all day but we will still have fun. The rest of the week has a beautiful forecast!

Fun With Family Pictures!

My friend introduced me to a new web site that you can edit photos on!

Here is a sample...

Concerts and Tuxedos!

This week has already been crazy busy!

Monday I didnt have school and the only plan I did have was to give a piano lesson. Of course, mid-way through the day, I get a call from my students dad canceling because she has the stomach flu. I was thankful that he canceled because I DO NOT want to get that, yet, it was a little upsetting since that was my "big plan" for the day.

Tonight was our first band concert after our performance at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention. My band only played one piece as a salute to Abraham Lincoln because our director (as the associate director put it), has a "fetish" with Abraham Lincoln. It was a great concert, even though it did last nearly two hours.

Afterward, a group of about 20 of us went to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings, also known to us as B-Dubs. It was a fun night, yet tiring. Time for me to get to bed!

Until next time!

Its been a while...

Well, I feel as if I have neglected my blog.

I have been very busy with school, band, and just having fun!

This weekend was Valentines weekend and I spent it with my wonderful parents. We went shopping and ate too much for our own good, but it was WONDERFUL! Saturday night was another sad loss for the Bears, but the game was still a lot of fun. It is starting to get busy since it's about a month into the first semester, which is CRAZY! Band concerts, jazz band concerts, tests, homework, piano lessons...its all keeping me as busy as I have been in a while!

Tonight I decided to relax and do some pre-spring cleaning. Since I got some new clothes this weekend, I decided to clean out the closest to give it a new look. Here are some pictures!





Also, this weekend my friend Shawna and I got coffee and saw the recent hit Twilight. It was a GREAT movie and much better than I expected. I also recently saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, with Springfield native Brad Pitt. Also, an EXCELLENT film! Try to see them if you can!

Until next time!

Too Funny!

Watch this!

Also, read the description on the side before viewing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs

no school...ICE!

Well, the weather in southwest Missouri has not failed us. For the third year in a row, we are in the midst of an ice storm. This year's mix on the ground goes something like this. Ice, snow, ice, sleet, and now a LOT of snow! I just went out to take the trash out, and I thought i would never be able to trudge back through that craziness!

Im thinking tomorrow may be another snow/ice day for us, but either way we have been told we WILL have band no matter what so get your sleds or skis out and head to the band hall!

We will see!