the Schrader 5

We had a good time on our short trip to Orlando. We left Sunday just after lunch and checked in at the Shingle Creek Resort. I was attending the Just Read, Florida! Convention. So, while I was in meetings the kids and my mom were able to play at the resort. I had no meeting Sunday so Chris came along since he was off work. So, after checking in, we hit the pool for a bit. After the pool we headed to dinner at Fuddrucker's and then to Universal. The boys had been wanting to see the water stunt show and we got there just in time for it. Universal was very hot so we didn't stay long. We arrived just after 6:00 and it was still 102! We left Universal at 8:00 and went back to the resort. Chris left to go home to Hanzie and work.

Will and Noah model in front of the resort.

The boys enjoying the pool on Sunday.
The boys were begging to take pictures with the camera. Here is one of their shots.

Here the boys are playing in the pool while I was in meetings.
Because it was so hot, our evenings were spent at the mall for the most part. Will placed himself right inside of this honey pot at the Disney Store.

The boys favorite stop at the mall- the indoor surfing! One of the stores had an indoor surf pool thing. The boys watched forever. The employees were really good and did some cool tricks. The people doing it were just fun to watch wipe out! We actually brought Chris back here last night to show him. Next time we go to the mall he is going to try it.

Of course they convinced Grandma Ann to buy them some m&m's at the gigantic m&m store!

Chris drove back to O-Town last night to attend the closing conference dinner. We skipped it last year and regretted it after everyone said how cool it was. So, this time we went and were not disappointed. They had an awesome lit up dance floor, a gigantic band, tons of other acts including some cool acrobatics, clowns, face painting, artists drawing portraits, and TONS of food. They had a special buffet for kids complete with chicken tenders, pizza, hot dogs, and french fries. Needless to say, it was a hit.

The clown made a nice hat for Ethan and Chris. You can't tell in the picture, but at the top the balloons are joined so these boys were connected.

Will's crazy hat from the clown.

Noah took a picture of Grandma Ann at the dinner.

Noah wanted nothing to do with the clown. The clown made him a cool sword anyway. Here he is modeling Will's hat and his sword.

Here we are at after the party. We went back to the room, changed into our swimsuits, and headed back to the pool and spa to relax on our last night there. The boys were excited because they got to stay up until nearly 10:00!

The conference itself was enlightening. They had some interesting and funny keynote speakers. Some of the sessions I went to had some innovative ideas in the world of teaching children to read. Others were the same old info that we have all heard over and over again. I think the Just Read, Florida! program is great. They truly try to give teachers the tools they need to help even the most struggling readers succeed.