On our recent holiday at our villa my Mother and I as usual woke about 4.30. Normally when this has happened in the past we sit and drink coffee and delight in being back at the villa and talk about how we want to spend our holiday.
Last time however we did what we had promised to do for some years. With nobody else stirring in the house we quickly got dressed and headed to Walmart which is only a mile from our villa. It was still only 5. 30 and still dark.
This was one of the rare occasions when the car park was relatively empty and the aisles were a joy to wander around. We leisurely looked at the merchandise without being distracted by the girls and stocked up on the cosmetics that we take home with us: Revlon Nail Polish and Lip Liner, Maybelline Eyeliner and Mascara, masses of Aussie Hair products and numerous packets for false nails.
Then onto the food section just to get Jack Daniels Sauce. Unfortunately since we got home we find this has become readily available in Asda and Tesco!
We were surprised when leaving Walmart that dawn had broken, well it was 7. 30. Back to the villa and we still got time for a swim with the girls before heading out for breakfast.
It is a ritual on our first day to go to Shoneys for an All you can eat Breakfast. It is slightly pricier than the others and there is less choice but it has always been a big favourite of ours.
The girls then wanted their turn to have look around Walmarts so Grandad took them whilst Mom and I did the food shop. No matter how many times we go to Florida I always marvel at the fact you cannot buy a small packet of anything!
When we returned to the villa the girls were ready for their first Park. We had bought 14 day Aquatica/Seaworld tickets so even though it was mid afternoon we decided as they could go as often as they liked during the holiday we would go there initially just for a few hours. I took them whilst my Parents stayed to look around the villa to see if anything needed renewing/replacing during our stay.
We found Aquatica was a great park for those who like rides and water although not so good to sit and sun bathe.
Home and getting hungry again we headed to Fridays (another first day ritual), Dad was driving so I indulged in a couple of cocktails. The balloon lady came to our table and made balloons for the girls whilst they had their desserts.
After our meal we had a game of Crazy Golf on the course just besides Fridays (we go to the one near the villa on the 192 towards the 27 junction) and late in the evening went home to bed.
A great first day with many more days of our holiday still to come.
Last time however we did what we had promised to do for some years. With nobody else stirring in the house we quickly got dressed and headed to Walmart which is only a mile from our villa. It was still only 5. 30 and still dark.
This was one of the rare occasions when the car park was relatively empty and the aisles were a joy to wander around. We leisurely looked at the merchandise without being distracted by the girls and stocked up on the cosmetics that we take home with us: Revlon Nail Polish and Lip Liner, Maybelline Eyeliner and Mascara, masses of Aussie Hair products and numerous packets for false nails.
Then onto the food section just to get Jack Daniels Sauce. Unfortunately since we got home we find this has become readily available in Asda and Tesco!
We were surprised when leaving Walmart that dawn had broken, well it was 7. 30. Back to the villa and we still got time for a swim with the girls before heading out for breakfast.
It is a ritual on our first day to go to Shoneys for an All you can eat Breakfast. It is slightly pricier than the others and there is less choice but it has always been a big favourite of ours.
The girls then wanted their turn to have look around Walmarts so Grandad took them whilst Mom and I did the food shop. No matter how many times we go to Florida I always marvel at the fact you cannot buy a small packet of anything!
When we returned to the villa the girls were ready for their first Park. We had bought 14 day Aquatica/Seaworld tickets so even though it was mid afternoon we decided as they could go as often as they liked during the holiday we would go there initially just for a few hours. I took them whilst my Parents stayed to look around the villa to see if anything needed renewing/replacing during our stay.
We found Aquatica was a great park for those who like rides and water although not so good to sit and sun bathe.
Home and getting hungry again we headed to Fridays (another first day ritual), Dad was driving so I indulged in a couple of cocktails. The balloon lady came to our table and made balloons for the girls whilst they had their desserts.
After our meal we had a game of Crazy Golf on the course just besides Fridays (we go to the one near the villa on the 192 towards the 27 junction) and late in the evening went home to bed.
A great first day with many more days of our holiday still to come.