Last day

We were in Magic Kingdom until 1 a.m. last night but got up and were ready to check out at 11 a.m. Nice that bell services came to our room to get our luggage and give us a ride to the lobby, especially since four of our bags were L's.

I know L loves what she's doing in Florida but I'm ready to bring her home in August.

We took the bus to Magic Kingdom then hopped on the monorail to check out the Polynesian resort.

We had a quick lunch there.

L with the aunts.

Hugs for everyone and we went to Magic Kingdom where Allison and Julie stayed, Cindy and I went back to the resort and L caught the bus to Beach Club to go to work.

We had a couple of hours of pool time before clouds rolled in. It never did rain though. We made it to the airport on time but the plane was delayed taking off. It was a long day.

Cute souvenir keychain Cindy got for everyone. We each got a different color.

Lots of park hopping

Cindy and L went to L's apartment to pack up some of her things while Allison, Julie and I went to Animal Kingdom. We decided to watch the Feathered Friends show.

The birds flew right over the audience. Here's an owl.

Many times and did a few tricks. When Cindy and L met us at the park we rode Expedition Everest. It was my first time on it. L's trick to use the single-rider lane was so fast (like 5-10 minutes) she and Cindy rode it twice.

We went back to the resort and swam at the quiet pool for the afternoon. Here's Cindy in her new bucket hat waiting for the bus to Hollywood Studios. We decided to wear the matching "girls trip" shirts but L was getting all the attention and comments for her "Stranger Things" shirt.

We had dinner reservations at the Sci-fi Drive-in.

Then we were on the bus again headed to Magic Kingdom for the 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. after hours for deluxe resort guests.

We had to take first-time visitor Julie on Small World. We also did the mermaid ride and haunted mansion. Julie sat out on the mine train roller coaster then Julie, Allison and I rode Pirates of the Caribbean while L and Cindy headed to Space Mountain.

Hollywood Studios day

Today was Hollywood Studios. L found Donald and Daisy Duck on a balcony as we entered the park. Cindy and L went on Tower of Terror while Allison, Julie and I walked through the Walt Disney display ...

then went to the Frozen sing-along. It was really hot and so nice to be in air-conditioning.

We did a little shopping. I broke my sunglasses yesterday so I bought a new pair. Cindy and Julie ended up buying the same pair.

We spent a couple hours at Sartoga's main pool and had lunch there.

Then it was back to Hollywood for our 5:30 p.m. reservation at Oga's Cantina. Still pretty hot out but we did wait to go on the Toy Story video game ride. L was the top scorer.

Disney gifts and a boat ride

It was like Christmas this morning when Allison and Lindsey surprised us all with matching shirts. They're cute and we got lots of attention in the parks.

And Julie gave us these mugs she had made. L's says, "Just L," because Julie wanted just "L" on it and her friend took it literally. We had a good laugh and now we have a good story. Julie said she should have had it say, "Our L" because that's what we all think about her. Aw!

Rockin' the matching shirts!

We started out the day at Magic Kingdom but it was hot and crowded so we watched the "Festival of Fantasy" parade ...

then took the bus to Yatch and Beach Club so everyone could see where L works. We got lucky, found a table for five and had lunch there.

Love being with my girl. She's definitely in her happy place.

L was able to take us on a free boat ride which was nice.

L drove most of the time from Yacht Club to Hollywood Studios. (I might have had a close encounter with a Friendship Boat when I drove for a very limited time.) We did that twice before heading back to our resort to cool off.

Enjoying the boat ride.

We were hoping to go to the pool but it was closed for weather so Allison whipped up a cheese board and I tried put my new wine glass.

We went back to Epcot for the fireworks show ...

Rode the ride in Mexico.

And Nemo, Soaring and here we are on Spaceship Earth.

Cindy had her eyes closed when the ride took our picture so the "world we created" looked pretty funny.

We’re going to Disney!!

Julie, Cindy and I were at Midway waiting for our 7:40 a.m. flight that didn't take off till after 8. Disney World, here we come!

We met up with Allison at the Orlando airport after walking a lot to try to find the bus we scheduled to take to Disney. We got to the resort, Saratoga Springs, just as our groceries were being delivered. A bell services employee drove us to our room at the Paddock and brought in our groceries.

Then this happened. (Red nail polish, not a murder scene).

Then we were off to Epcot.

We went to Mission Space and Test Track. It started raining but L eventually found us. We rode Soaring and then the new ride, Guardians of the Galaxy. It was awesome but I see how it makes some people queasy.

We had dinner at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico area. Our waiter even gave us chips, salsa and queso dip for free. At least I assume others were paying for them.

L had a "first visit" button made for Julie and gave it to her at dinner. Time for bed after a long day.

Aunt arrival

Andy and I picked up Cindy from the train station this afternoon. We leave tomorrow for Disney with Allison and Julie.

It rained for most of the morning but stopped by time her train arrived so we were able to stop by Forest Park's German Fest in the afternoon.

Summer scenes

Pretty sunrise this morning. Kind of woke me up - so pink and bright.

Our only day lily is blooming ...

as are the tiger lilies.

Too easy

Even with August's many interruptions, B and I finished this puzzle in just over 24 hours. It was only 550 pieces and, we agreed, too easy for us.

I do like the picture though. I'm passing it along to my friend, M, who will give it to her 90-something-year-old father.

Cat on vacation

Schubert's mom messaged the other day to say he's on "kittycation" until late July so I shouldn't get worried when he doesn't come by to visit. He looks like he's enjoying his new surroundings.

Happy 23rd, B!

It's nice to have B home and especially nice he indulges me with my many photo opps. Can't let his birthday pass without a pan of brownies and the annual picture with the number candles.

Make a wish, B!