The Hardin Family

Leaving Clearwater…Heading to Disney World!!

July 5th, 2008

Well, we are wrapping up our 2nd stop on our vacation in Clearwater.  Here is a recap of the past 2.5 days here:

We arrived Thursday night as Ryan stated and ordered pizza for dinner.  It was a relaxing evening at my uncle’s place, where he was able to spend time with us and our girls.  This was his first time to meet Lauren, and it has been 2 years since he has seen Madison.  Then, Friday, I began the day by making breakfast for everyone…yes, I made breakfast!  For those of you who know me pretty well, you know I don’t cook.  Well, the eggs burned a little but were edible.  Awhile later we went out to run errands/shop, and on the way back to my uncle’s we went by my grandparents (my mom’s parents) old house.  The woman who now lives there was sitting on the porch.  I wanted to take a picture of the house of what it looks like now so as we passed by I was crying just thinking of the memories of coming here to visit them.  I asked Ryan if we would go back by would he ask the woman if she would mind if we took a picture.  Ryan was great and said he would ask.  I’m sure the woman thought I was nuts, but Ryan told her that his wife’s grandparents used to live in this house and she would like a picture.  The woman was very nice and said no problem, but she went inside because she didn’t want to be in the picture.  I thanked her as I continued to cry.  After that we went back to Uncle Bill’s so we could have lunch and the girls could take a nap.  Ryan, Uncle Bill and I then spent the afternoon talking about memories we all had of our families.  That night we went to eat at a mexican restaurant.  Word of advice…don’t order mexican in Florida.  I guess I shouldn’t say that, but it just isn’t what I’m used to in Texas.  Then Ryan, the girls, and I proceeded to a park to watch fireworks.  Of course the spot we chose was not the best, but it really didn’t matter.  As soon as the first firework went off, the both let out screams and cries.  The picture below shows how Madison spent most of the time.  Now we are to today, Saturday.  I made breakfast again.  Ryan said he could get used to this.    About 11:00 we visited my grandparents’ mausoleum.  Although it may be morbid, I have included a picture of it with the girls and I.  Madison didn’t understand what it was or why I was crying.  Try explaining to a new 3 year old where we were and why.  I miss my grandparents…all 4 of them.  Then we proceeded to a citrus stand where they sell fruits, freshly squeezed orange juice and souvenirs.  Then again, we headed back to my uncle’s for lunch and a nap for the girls.  Lauren refused to sleep so we just knew she would be cranky later.  We went to eat dinner fairly early to a place my uncle frequents often.  It was called Finley’s..an Irish Pub.  It was a really neat little place.  Now, we are back at my uncle’s and we have packed up everything and got things ready for Disney World tomorrow!  And like we thought…Lauren is so overly tired, she is having a hard time going to sleep.    We are going to Disney World Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  I’m sure we will just make one long post on the last day.  Here are some pictures from our time here in Clearwater.  Thank you Uncle Bill for allowing us to take over your apartment.  We love you.

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized