Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Harry Potter: The boy who lived
10 years ago Lisa and my sister drug me to a movie. It was a children’s book and something I had never heard of. Thinking about it now I was 22 at the time, Lisa and I were still new in our relationship and a children’s movie was not something I was that excited to see. But that’s what Lisa wanted to do, and I love going to the movies so who was I to argue.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was directed by Christopher Columbus and introduced us to an amazing world of magic and mystery. The three main characters who over time build a friendship of a life time, Harry Potter (Played by Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson). These three were surrounded with an amazing cast including Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (played by Richard Harris), Professor Minerva McGonagall (played by Maggie Smith, Rubeus Hagid (played by Robbie Coltrane), Neville Longbottom (played by Matthew Lewis), Draco Malfoy (played by Tom Felton), and Professor Severus Snape (Played by Alan Rickman).
When the movie ended I was swept away by the story and the wonders of the world of magic. I was already excited for the next movie, not even sure if they were going to do another movie. I was constantly asking Lisa and my sister what happens to Harry, Ron and Hermione.
In 2002 I was excited to hear they were releasing the 2nd book in the Harry Potter series. So the same group of us went to the movies again.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This movie introduced us to several new characters that you either loved or hated like Dobby the House Elf, and Lucius Malfoy played perfectly by Jason Isaacs. I remember walking out of the theater telling Lisa, that was better than the first one and once again I was waiting for the next movie to be released.
2004 was when the third movie was released.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
This movie introduced us to the great Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, and David Thewlis playing the role of Professor Lupin. Michael Gambon also took over the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore because of the death of Richard Harris. This movie also had on a new director, Alfonso Cuarón, and a much darker tone then the first two movies. Again as the common theme here is I walked out of this movie amazed and wanted more. I was ready to go back and see it again as soon as we walked out.
At this point Lisa and my sister cut me off with telling me what was happening in the next book. So as frustrated as I was due to the lack of information they were providing me and the fact that I am okay with spoilers and I ended up reading the 4th and 5th book in a week time frame while we were on vacation at Myrtle Beach.
In 2005 the fourth movie was released
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The forth movie introduced us to major players like Alastor ‘MadEye’ Moody, played by Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes and the Dark Lord Voldermort. The movie also went with another director, Mike Newell. My first impression of this movie was utter disappointment. After I read the book I was so excited about so much and the movie left a lot out of it. However, I have since gotten over that disappointment and this movie is my favorite in the bunch. The story takes some amazing twist and turns and the surprises in the end would have had me fooled if it was not for reading that book. I can pick this movie up anywhere and watch it and be just as excited about the tri wizard tournament as I was the first time I saw it. Easily my favorite in the series. But the flood gates have been opened so I was now more than okay with being spoiled by reading my way through the rest of the series.
In 2007 the fifth movie was released
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Lisa and I had to go see this one twice. The first time we saw this movie we arrived later than normal and ended up in the first rows and our neck was killing us and we were both getting kind of dizzy so the first time we watched the movie it clearly wasn’t as enjoyable as the second. This movie introduced us to another director, David Yates, who has stayed with the series until the end. The main character we were introduced to here is Delores Umbridge, who is played to perfection by Imelda Staunton. We were also introduced to Luna Lovegood, played by Evanna Lynch and two member of the “Order” Kingsley Shacklebolt, played by George Harris, and Nymphadora Tonks, played by Natalia Tena. Finally we meet the sociopath of the films Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter. This was the movie Harry Potter became a leader and realized what was in store for him in the future. We also witness a battle that everyone had been waiting for between Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldermort.
Warner Brothers at this point made a decision to delay the next Harry Potter film for two years. Part of the reason was because of the writer’s strike and the lack of “summer blockbusters” and I am sure the rest of the reason is due to money. The tried to spin it saying the wait between this Harry Potter film and the 7th would not be as long, but I still felt the wait sucked. However in 2009 the 6th movie was released.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
David Yates was back to direct again, and really the only character we are introduced to is Professor Horace Slughorn who has a secret he is ashamed of that Harry must get him to admit to. This, to me, was supposed to be the Harry Potter version of the Empire Strikes Back. However, a lot was changed from the book to the movie. It’s still a good movie, but the pacing of the movie was a bit slow and there was not a whole lot of action in the movie.
The last book of the Harry Potter Series is really two different stories. The first part is the journey to destroy the secret from the previous movie and the second part is the final battle where sides must be chooses between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix. Maybe it’s because I like conclusions but this book was hands down my favorite. However, this book had so many key points that needed to be in it the decision was made to split the film into two series.
In 2010 the first part of the last book was released.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
In the first part of the movie we really are not introduced to any new characters. Well we are but most of them are villans. This movie find Harry, Ron and Hermione away from the comforts of Hogwarts and traveling to find the way to destroy Lord Voldermort
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
The last of the Harry Potter movies was released on July 15, 2011. I have yet to see it (Lisa and I plan on seeing it on Sunday at 12 noon) but it is already blowing away records. The opening night the movie brought in $92.1 million ($43.5 million from midnight showings) which destroyed Twilight Saga: New Moon previous opening day record of $72.7 million. A lot of people are expecting this movie to pass the Dark Knights opening weekend record of $158.4 million. I am really excited to see the final battle between good and evil. The excitement I have for this movie is the same excitement I had when Star Wars Revenge of the Sith came out. A feeling of sadness that its finally over, but on the other hand you are excited to see everything climax. When reading the final chapters of this book I could not put the book down there was so much happening. Then come the final moments between Harry Potter and Lord Voldermort and their battle alone did the series justice.
Its sounds weird but Harry Potter brought back a love of reading for me. My mom tells stories of how I used to read all the time, and with summer reading list and being forced to read books and stories that I had no interest in I really stopped reading and did not want to read anymore. It was easier to play video games. Harry Potter changed that for me. I started with the 4th book, and read straight through to the 7th book (I then went back and read the first three books) I have my kindle at my side because you never know when I can get a chance to read. I absolutely love it and love when I can get lost in a book again. I really do believe that JK Rowling helped me discover that again.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was directed by Christopher Columbus and introduced us to an amazing world of magic and mystery. The three main characters who over time build a friendship of a life time, Harry Potter (Played by Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson). These three were surrounded with an amazing cast including Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (played by Richard Harris), Professor Minerva McGonagall (played by Maggie Smith, Rubeus Hagid (played by Robbie Coltrane), Neville Longbottom (played by Matthew Lewis), Draco Malfoy (played by Tom Felton), and Professor Severus Snape (Played by Alan Rickman).
When the movie ended I was swept away by the story and the wonders of the world of magic. I was already excited for the next movie, not even sure if they were going to do another movie. I was constantly asking Lisa and my sister what happens to Harry, Ron and Hermione.
In 2002 I was excited to hear they were releasing the 2nd book in the Harry Potter series. So the same group of us went to the movies again.
This movie introduced us to several new characters that you either loved or hated like Dobby the House Elf, and Lucius Malfoy played perfectly by Jason Isaacs. I remember walking out of the theater telling Lisa, that was better than the first one and once again I was waiting for the next movie to be released.
2004 was when the third movie was released.
This movie introduced us to the great Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, and David Thewlis playing the role of Professor Lupin. Michael Gambon also took over the role of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore because of the death of Richard Harris. This movie also had on a new director, Alfonso Cuarón, and a much darker tone then the first two movies. Again as the common theme here is I walked out of this movie amazed and wanted more. I was ready to go back and see it again as soon as we walked out.
At this point Lisa and my sister cut me off with telling me what was happening in the next book. So as frustrated as I was due to the lack of information they were providing me and the fact that I am okay with spoilers and I ended up reading the 4th and 5th book in a week time frame while we were on vacation at Myrtle Beach.
In 2005 the fourth movie was released
The forth movie introduced us to major players like Alastor ‘MadEye’ Moody, played by Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes and the Dark Lord Voldermort. The movie also went with another director, Mike Newell. My first impression of this movie was utter disappointment. After I read the book I was so excited about so much and the movie left a lot out of it. However, I have since gotten over that disappointment and this movie is my favorite in the bunch. The story takes some amazing twist and turns and the surprises in the end would have had me fooled if it was not for reading that book. I can pick this movie up anywhere and watch it and be just as excited about the tri wizard tournament as I was the first time I saw it. Easily my favorite in the series. But the flood gates have been opened so I was now more than okay with being spoiled by reading my way through the rest of the series.
In 2007 the fifth movie was released
Lisa and I had to go see this one twice. The first time we saw this movie we arrived later than normal and ended up in the first rows and our neck was killing us and we were both getting kind of dizzy so the first time we watched the movie it clearly wasn’t as enjoyable as the second. This movie introduced us to another director, David Yates, who has stayed with the series until the end. The main character we were introduced to here is Delores Umbridge, who is played to perfection by Imelda Staunton. We were also introduced to Luna Lovegood, played by Evanna Lynch and two member of the “Order” Kingsley Shacklebolt, played by George Harris, and Nymphadora Tonks, played by Natalia Tena. Finally we meet the sociopath of the films Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter. This was the movie Harry Potter became a leader and realized what was in store for him in the future. We also witness a battle that everyone had been waiting for between Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldermort.
Warner Brothers at this point made a decision to delay the next Harry Potter film for two years. Part of the reason was because of the writer’s strike and the lack of “summer blockbusters” and I am sure the rest of the reason is due to money. The tried to spin it saying the wait between this Harry Potter film and the 7th would not be as long, but I still felt the wait sucked. However in 2009 the 6th movie was released.
David Yates was back to direct again, and really the only character we are introduced to is Professor Horace Slughorn who has a secret he is ashamed of that Harry must get him to admit to. This, to me, was supposed to be the Harry Potter version of the Empire Strikes Back. However, a lot was changed from the book to the movie. It’s still a good movie, but the pacing of the movie was a bit slow and there was not a whole lot of action in the movie.
The last book of the Harry Potter Series is really two different stories. The first part is the journey to destroy the secret from the previous movie and the second part is the final battle where sides must be chooses between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix. Maybe it’s because I like conclusions but this book was hands down my favorite. However, this book had so many key points that needed to be in it the decision was made to split the film into two series.
In 2010 the first part of the last book was released.
In the first part of the movie we really are not introduced to any new characters. Well we are but most of them are villans. This movie find Harry, Ron and Hermione away from the comforts of Hogwarts and traveling to find the way to destroy Lord Voldermort
The last of the Harry Potter movies was released on July 15, 2011. I have yet to see it (Lisa and I plan on seeing it on Sunday at 12 noon) but it is already blowing away records. The opening night the movie brought in $92.1 million ($43.5 million from midnight showings) which destroyed Twilight Saga: New Moon previous opening day record of $72.7 million. A lot of people are expecting this movie to pass the Dark Knights opening weekend record of $158.4 million. I am really excited to see the final battle between good and evil. The excitement I have for this movie is the same excitement I had when Star Wars Revenge of the Sith came out. A feeling of sadness that its finally over, but on the other hand you are excited to see everything climax. When reading the final chapters of this book I could not put the book down there was so much happening. Then come the final moments between Harry Potter and Lord Voldermort and their battle alone did the series justice.
Its sounds weird but Harry Potter brought back a love of reading for me. My mom tells stories of how I used to read all the time, and with summer reading list and being forced to read books and stories that I had no interest in I really stopped reading and did not want to read anymore. It was easier to play video games. Harry Potter changed that for me. I started with the 4th book, and read straight through to the 7th book (I then went back and read the first three books) I have my kindle at my side because you never know when I can get a chance to read. I absolutely love it and love when I can get lost in a book again. I really do believe that JK Rowling helped me discover that again.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon
So I decided recently that when I go to the movies I should give a movie review. Why? Because it my blog and that’s what I want to do.
So I am going to rate movies on a scale of 1 to 10 based off of my own personal enjoyment factor. I may comment on acting but I am not sure I am qualified to talk about how well someone else has acted. This is how I feel when I walked away from the movie.
Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon
Sam Witwicky: Shia LaBeouf
Carly Spencer: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Lt. Col. William Lennox: Josh Duhamel
Dylan Gould: Patrick Dempsey
Charlotte Mearing: Frances McDormand
Seymour Simmons: John Turturro
Dutch: Alan Tudyk
Bruce Brazos: John Malkovich
Robert Epps: Tyrese Gibson
Jerry Wang: Ken Jeong
Ron Witwicky: Kevin Dunn
Judy Witwicky: Julie White
Optimus Prime: Peter Cullen (voice)
Sentinel Prime: Leonard Nimoy (voice)
Megatron: Hugo Weaving (voice)
Running Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Release Date: June 29, 2011
(This may have spoilers below)
The third Transformers movie opens in the 1960’s and the Ark, a Cybertronian spacecraft carrying an invention capable of ending the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, crash lands on the far side of the moon. The crash is detected on Earth by NASA, and President John F. Kennedy authorizes a mission to put a man on the moon as a cover for investigating the craft. The Soviet Union also witnessed the moon crash causing the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1969, the crew of Apollo 11 lands on the Moon to explore the craft.
In present day Sam Witwicky is frustrated that he is unable to work with the Autobots and failing to find a job. He also becomes envious of the close relationship between his new girlfriend, Carly Spencer, and her boss Dylan Gould. They only explain Megan Fox absence as she broke up with Sam. Sam met his new girlfriend, Carly, at the White House when he received a medal of honor he is not allowed to tell anyone about.
During a mission to Chernobyl to investigate suspected Alien technology, Optimus Prime finds a fuel cell from the Ark, discovering it had survived its journey from Cybertron. The Autobots are attacked by Shockwave who manages to escape. After learning of the top-secret mission to the moon, the Autobots travel there to explore the Ark. There they discover a comatose Sentinel Prime – former Autobot leader – and his creation, The Pillars, a means of establishing a Space Bridge between two points to teleport matter. After returning to Earth, Optimus uses the energy of his Matrix of Leadership to revive Sentinel Prime.
From this point on the Decepticons create a plan that involves humans helping their cause. The Autobots are asked to leave Earth and Chicago become the final battle ground,
I really enjoyed the trilogy that Michael Bay has put together. I know I find Transformers; Revenge of the Fallen really watchable, even though everyone says it is horrible, including the director. But in the end I really liked all three movies they had giant robots fighting, decent humor, and Peter Cullen from the 1980’s cartoon voice Optimus Prime. I really enjoyed the opening of the movie. Having the history of the space race in the 1960’s being such an important aspect of this movie was really cool to see. Also having the government not tell us the real reason they went to space seems totally believable to me today. I also really need to mention the battle at the end of the movie. In my opinion it was fantastic. It was nice to see the United States military be more of an asset to the Autobots as opposed to the previous two movies when it seemed like we needed to rely on them.
I will say based on my enjoyment factor alone I will give Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon a 7 out of 10. I recommend watching it but only if you are into this thing. If not you are not going to like this movie at all.
So I am going to rate movies on a scale of 1 to 10 based off of my own personal enjoyment factor. I may comment on acting but I am not sure I am qualified to talk about how well someone else has acted. This is how I feel when I walked away from the movie.
Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon
Sam Witwicky: Shia LaBeouf
Carly Spencer: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Lt. Col. William Lennox: Josh Duhamel
Dylan Gould: Patrick Dempsey
Charlotte Mearing: Frances McDormand
Seymour Simmons: John Turturro
Dutch: Alan Tudyk
Bruce Brazos: John Malkovich
Robert Epps: Tyrese Gibson
Jerry Wang: Ken Jeong
Ron Witwicky: Kevin Dunn
Judy Witwicky: Julie White
Optimus Prime: Peter Cullen (voice)
Sentinel Prime: Leonard Nimoy (voice)
Megatron: Hugo Weaving (voice)
Running Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes
Release Date: June 29, 2011
(This may have spoilers below)
The third Transformers movie opens in the 1960’s and the Ark, a Cybertronian spacecraft carrying an invention capable of ending the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, crash lands on the far side of the moon. The crash is detected on Earth by NASA, and President John F. Kennedy authorizes a mission to put a man on the moon as a cover for investigating the craft. The Soviet Union also witnessed the moon crash causing the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1969, the crew of Apollo 11 lands on the Moon to explore the craft.
In present day Sam Witwicky is frustrated that he is unable to work with the Autobots and failing to find a job. He also becomes envious of the close relationship between his new girlfriend, Carly Spencer, and her boss Dylan Gould. They only explain Megan Fox absence as she broke up with Sam. Sam met his new girlfriend, Carly, at the White House when he received a medal of honor he is not allowed to tell anyone about.
During a mission to Chernobyl to investigate suspected Alien technology, Optimus Prime finds a fuel cell from the Ark, discovering it had survived its journey from Cybertron. The Autobots are attacked by Shockwave who manages to escape. After learning of the top-secret mission to the moon, the Autobots travel there to explore the Ark. There they discover a comatose Sentinel Prime – former Autobot leader – and his creation, The Pillars, a means of establishing a Space Bridge between two points to teleport matter. After returning to Earth, Optimus uses the energy of his Matrix of Leadership to revive Sentinel Prime.
From this point on the Decepticons create a plan that involves humans helping their cause. The Autobots are asked to leave Earth and Chicago become the final battle ground,
I really enjoyed the trilogy that Michael Bay has put together. I know I find Transformers; Revenge of the Fallen really watchable, even though everyone says it is horrible, including the director. But in the end I really liked all three movies they had giant robots fighting, decent humor, and Peter Cullen from the 1980’s cartoon voice Optimus Prime. I really enjoyed the opening of the movie. Having the history of the space race in the 1960’s being such an important aspect of this movie was really cool to see. Also having the government not tell us the real reason they went to space seems totally believable to me today. I also really need to mention the battle at the end of the movie. In my opinion it was fantastic. It was nice to see the United States military be more of an asset to the Autobots as opposed to the previous two movies when it seemed like we needed to rely on them.
I will say based on my enjoyment factor alone I will give Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon a 7 out of 10. I recommend watching it but only if you are into this thing. If not you are not going to like this movie at all.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Vacation
Well hello stranger where have you been….
Oh wait that’s me that has not updated the blog in some time.
I guess one of the problems with not working at the hotel is I can not spend 16 hours on the weekend updating my blog. So there may be some breaks in my posting of blogs but I will do everything I can to keep up on it.
So in an effort for Lisa to keep me busy so I don’t think about going back to work, my first weekend away from the hotel was a vacation week.
So before I start talking about vacation I will need to apologize for the picture selection. I know for a fact Lisa took a lot of pictures for the week we were away. The problem is when we came home from vacation her summer job has kept her so busy that she has not had an opportunity to upload any of the pictures. So until she gets them you are stuck with what I can find from the ones she was able to upload and from my mother-in-law’s camera
We left on Saturday June 25 to drive to Myrtle Beach for the week. We left around 7am and made fantastic time to get there. I believe we made three stops in all two to change Jack’s diapers and another for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We arrived at North Myrtle Beach around 5pm. We were all really excited over the condo we rented for the week.
The Living Room
Kitchen/Dining Room
Upstairs Bedroom
The In-laws Bedroom
When unpacked everyone immediately went to the beach.
Lex swinging his way to the beach
Jack's first time on the beach of Myrtle Beach
Our First time in the ocean
The first day of vacation was a lot of fun. The entire family woke up and we went to the beach first as soon as we were done eating breakfast. The first thing I did was go into the ocean with Lex.
Lex and I in the Atlantic
When we were in the ocean we did a lot of digging on the beach and playing in the sand.
Scouting the area for our first dig
Off we go
Getting started
Jack we are almost to China
Lex having the time of his life
Lex finding the sand a new home
Not sure if Lex can reach the bottom with his arms anymore
Test how much more we need to dig
Lex sensing a trap
Lex falling for our trap
Lex buried alive...and loving it
Day two was more of the same. We went back to the beach and played there but that evening we decided to go to Broadway on the Beach. Broadway on the Beach, is just a small shopping area that may have one of my favorite stores of all time, a retro 80’s store! I could have spent our lifesaving on the junk they had. But instead I bought Lex a $4 can of sour candy that was in a Ghostbusters tin. Before we walked the shopping center we decided to go to the Aquarium.
Walkign to the Ripley's Aquarium
The Year of the Shark
a play area for kids there
I like to think Lex is King Arthur and pulling the sword from the stone
This is one of those times I do not have all the pictures that were taken. I had a very good time at the Aquarium. It was not as big as the Baltimore Aquarium, but they had a really fun shark exhibit, they were not nearly as expensive and not very crowded either. It was nice to be able to enjoy looking at the fish and sharks and not being run into 1000 kids with no manners. Not to mention the parents of those kids with even less manners. I did find that Jack did not like being placed as close as possible to the sharks. I guess he has the same fear that I have of being eaten by a shark. (Thank you Jaws, and Open Water for that fear)
As we walked around Broadway on the Beach we were trying to find the Hawaiian restaurant that Lisa saw an advertisement for and when our search failed everyone turned to me for a dinner suggestion…. Oh yeah we went to…
On Tuesday Lisa and I decided to take the kids and visit an old friend of mine, Jennifer. Jennifer was the second GM I had at the Hampton Inn and my first AGM. She is resort manager for the Caribbean hotel and Villas. We had spoken on Sunday and she told me to bring the family and she would get us into their water park.
When we arrived there Jack was sound asleep and was not happy when he woke up. And was even less happy when he realized he was in the pool water. So Lisa took Jack out of the pool and he ended up falling asleep on her shoulder for the time we were there. Lex on the other hand took one look at the water slide and wanted to go down it. He got to the very top of the stairs, looked down the slide and had cold feet. So the life guard called me to come up and Lex had to see me go down the slide first so he knew it was okay. I haven’t gone down a water slide in years and had a blast. I may have gone down that slide ten times. Lex went down that slide for the next 2.5 hours. Around 12:30 Lisa did not think Jack was feeling well so we had to go and Lex was so upset about leaving.
When we came back to the condo we started to eat lunch when Jack threw up everything he had eaten for the day. And just like that my Tuesday was over. Jack did not want to be anywhere else but having his head on my shoulder. So while everyone else went to the beach Jack and I had to stay behind.
Wednesday morning Jack was back to his normal self. His fever had broke and he was ready for some adventures.
Jack not going to let a little illness get in his way
Jack
Mommy and Jack
Digging until he hits water
Lex finding the best sand
Nothing says family then digging holes on the beach
On Thursday morning we decided to go play Putt Putt. We found one of the courses and yours truly was the clear winner. Not to mention I was also playing with a handicap of Jack, who wanted to be held the entire time. I was actually pretty impressed with myself because playing with one hand I shot a 1 under par. May have been the second best game I have played. However, towards the end we could see Lex’s attitude start to change.
He ended up catching a fever which ended my Thursday and he wanted me to stay home with him. While he slept.
Lex sleeping on his sick day
On Friday everyone was feeling better and we spent more time on the beach and went back to Broadway on the Beach to do more shopping and feed the fish and ducks.
Lex at Tiki Jim's
Feeding Time
If only...LOL
Whenever I see anything KISS related it make me think of my friend Richard
A long week
We had such a good time that week. The weather was beautiful and we are already looking forward to going back. I will take Myrtle Beach over the unnamed Ocean resort that is only a few hours away, any day of the week. With the exception of the car ride home we could not have asked for a better vacation…. Yes the children cried from Myrtle Beach to Baltimore… second worst car ride of all time.
Myrtle Beach we miss you and we will be back soon.
Oh wait that’s me that has not updated the blog in some time.
I guess one of the problems with not working at the hotel is I can not spend 16 hours on the weekend updating my blog. So there may be some breaks in my posting of blogs but I will do everything I can to keep up on it.
So in an effort for Lisa to keep me busy so I don’t think about going back to work, my first weekend away from the hotel was a vacation week.
So before I start talking about vacation I will need to apologize for the picture selection. I know for a fact Lisa took a lot of pictures for the week we were away. The problem is when we came home from vacation her summer job has kept her so busy that she has not had an opportunity to upload any of the pictures. So until she gets them you are stuck with what I can find from the ones she was able to upload and from my mother-in-law’s camera
We left on Saturday June 25 to drive to Myrtle Beach for the week. We left around 7am and made fantastic time to get there. I believe we made three stops in all two to change Jack’s diapers and another for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We arrived at North Myrtle Beach around 5pm. We were all really excited over the condo we rented for the week.
When unpacked everyone immediately went to the beach.
The first day of vacation was a lot of fun. The entire family woke up and we went to the beach first as soon as we were done eating breakfast. The first thing I did was go into the ocean with Lex.
When we were in the ocean we did a lot of digging on the beach and playing in the sand.
Day two was more of the same. We went back to the beach and played there but that evening we decided to go to Broadway on the Beach. Broadway on the Beach, is just a small shopping area that may have one of my favorite stores of all time, a retro 80’s store! I could have spent our lifesaving on the junk they had. But instead I bought Lex a $4 can of sour candy that was in a Ghostbusters tin. Before we walked the shopping center we decided to go to the Aquarium.
This is one of those times I do not have all the pictures that were taken. I had a very good time at the Aquarium. It was not as big as the Baltimore Aquarium, but they had a really fun shark exhibit, they were not nearly as expensive and not very crowded either. It was nice to be able to enjoy looking at the fish and sharks and not being run into 1000 kids with no manners. Not to mention the parents of those kids with even less manners. I did find that Jack did not like being placed as close as possible to the sharks. I guess he has the same fear that I have of being eaten by a shark. (Thank you Jaws, and Open Water for that fear)
As we walked around Broadway on the Beach we were trying to find the Hawaiian restaurant that Lisa saw an advertisement for and when our search failed everyone turned to me for a dinner suggestion…. Oh yeah we went to…
On Tuesday Lisa and I decided to take the kids and visit an old friend of mine, Jennifer. Jennifer was the second GM I had at the Hampton Inn and my first AGM. She is resort manager for the Caribbean hotel and Villas. We had spoken on Sunday and she told me to bring the family and she would get us into their water park.
When we arrived there Jack was sound asleep and was not happy when he woke up. And was even less happy when he realized he was in the pool water. So Lisa took Jack out of the pool and he ended up falling asleep on her shoulder for the time we were there. Lex on the other hand took one look at the water slide and wanted to go down it. He got to the very top of the stairs, looked down the slide and had cold feet. So the life guard called me to come up and Lex had to see me go down the slide first so he knew it was okay. I haven’t gone down a water slide in years and had a blast. I may have gone down that slide ten times. Lex went down that slide for the next 2.5 hours. Around 12:30 Lisa did not think Jack was feeling well so we had to go and Lex was so upset about leaving.
When we came back to the condo we started to eat lunch when Jack threw up everything he had eaten for the day. And just like that my Tuesday was over. Jack did not want to be anywhere else but having his head on my shoulder. So while everyone else went to the beach Jack and I had to stay behind.
Wednesday morning Jack was back to his normal self. His fever had broke and he was ready for some adventures.
On Thursday morning we decided to go play Putt Putt. We found one of the courses and yours truly was the clear winner. Not to mention I was also playing with a handicap of Jack, who wanted to be held the entire time. I was actually pretty impressed with myself because playing with one hand I shot a 1 under par. May have been the second best game I have played. However, towards the end we could see Lex’s attitude start to change.
He ended up catching a fever which ended my Thursday and he wanted me to stay home with him. While he slept.
On Friday everyone was feeling better and we spent more time on the beach and went back to Broadway on the Beach to do more shopping and feed the fish and ducks.
We had such a good time that week. The weather was beautiful and we are already looking forward to going back. I will take Myrtle Beach over the unnamed Ocean resort that is only a few hours away, any day of the week. With the exception of the car ride home we could not have asked for a better vacation…. Yes the children cried from Myrtle Beach to Baltimore… second worst car ride of all time.
Myrtle Beach we miss you and we will be back soon.
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