Tampa & Clearwater Beach

When we found out that all of our children would be here for Christmas, we decided that we wanted to find a day trip for the 26th.  We knew that everyone would be ready to get out of the house after a weekend of celebrating the holiday and we really thought they would want to explore more of Central Florida.  Originally, we planned on spending the day in St. Augustine as we had been told by multiple people that it was the #1 spot to visit in the area.  We were all excited about the trip, but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate.  After doing a little bit of research, I suggested The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay.  Everyone was excited to give it a try.  

The six of us left this morning after the fog lifted and were surprised at how little traffic there was on       I-75.  The trip to downtown Tampa was an easy one and soon Meg and I were buying tickets to the aquarium.  It was actually cheaper to purchase a membership than one day tickets.  Meg and I were both happy about that and made plans to come back this year and try the dolphin cruise as well.  The guys met us at the entrance and we started our day upstairs in the Florida wetlands area.  We loved seeing all of the fish and birds native to our new home state.  

After watching the sting rays being fed, we headed to the reef viewing area where we saw large turtles, sharks and rays.  Next we visited the jellyfish, eels and clown fish.  We also saw some rare animals from the ocean and found out that only 20% of ocean waters had ever been explored.  We then headed to the outside to see the African penguins.  They were adorable and we all liked their family area very much.  We then stopped by the gift shop on our way out so that Meg could get a bracelet.  Everyone was very impressed with the aquarium and glad that we made that a part of the day.

We walked to a local brewery for lunch.  The food was delicious.  Cal had never been to Tampa before and loved the city.  It was very nice and there was definitely a lot to do and see.  Once we finished lunch, we drove to Congo River Mini Golf.  Doug, Cameron and I had played there two years and wanted everyone to try it.  Although the free fall that we witnessed then didn't quite impressed everyone else there today, we did have a great time.  Cal was the big winner besting Cameron by two.

Our last stop of the day was Clearwater Beach.  Even though it was only eight miles away, it was ten degrees cooler and a lot windier than miniature golf.  We didn't mind, however, and enjoyed a long walk on the beach and some shopping along the shore.  We had wanted to take Brett and Cameron to Jimmy Hula's while we were there, but the restaurant was closed permanently.  No one was very hungry anyway, and decided to wait and order Marco's once we got back to Ocala.  Today was definitely a favorite of everyone and we were glad that we could spend the entire day together as a family.  

A Very Merry Christmas in Florida

Everyone agreed to open gifts at 10 a.m. this morning so no one had to wake up early.  Cameron got up in time to show us all his Heat Miser hairdo before our Christmas morning started.  Just as in years past, we started with our stockings where all received a fun graphic tee, candy and a mixed cocktail to try later.  We then moved on to presents with Cameron and Meg playing Santa as always.  There were a lot of gifts for everyone to open and definitely no complaints about the contents.  There were some surprises and a few gifts that were requested.  Doug had a new Portillo's shirt to match his love of the Chicago chain.  Brett's new leather coat was a big hit as was Cal's winter jacket for the cold Chicago weather.  Meg had several new books to read including Jane Austin's Emma.  Nick was just as happy about his new glass chicken hot sauce jar as Doug was giving it to him.  Cameron was adorned with several new beloved Lions items and I was thrilled to have a DVD set of all of the Peanuts specials.  Everything went very well, and overall, I had a lot of fun watching our family enjoy Christmas morning.  

Doug made a wonderful ham dinner for all of us this afternoon.  Phil joined us for that and an afternoon of playing Nick's new game, Wavelength.  There was also time for several rounds of ping pong and Cataan.  Meg took a break to set up her new iPad while the guys were busy.  Cameron and I got out Mastermind and Cal watched football.  Everyone made time to call or text Grandma and Grandpa "Merry Christmas" as well.  

This evening, some of us watched It's A Wonderful Life while others read their new books or watched Home Alone.  It was a relaxing night compared to how busy we had been the past few days.  I know that everyone was very happy for that.  I wasn't sure how Christmas would be in Florida, but I do have to say that it was absolutely wonderful and I was so very happy that all of our family could join us here.  

Christmas Eve Traditions

Even though our address had changed, the majority of the Christmas Eve traditions that we all held dear in the Heinisch home continued.  The morning started with Christmas cookies with dad.  In the afternoon, everyone finished wrapping their Christmas gifts and opening the advent calendar.  We then watched multiple Christmas specials including "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" which Cal decided was a dream as he never remembered watching it.  In the evening, we attended Christmas Eve mass, drove around looking at Christmas lights, had Doug's lasagna for dinner, opened Christmas Eve gifts and played games for the rest of the night.

Although the majority of the day was the same as Christmas Eve pasts, there were some differences.  We spent a good part of the day in t-shirts and shorts.  Pickle ball was played in our driveway.  Phil joined us for our nightly traditions.  We also opened Grandma and Grandpa's gifts instead of Godparent gifts.  Even with the changes, we had a wonderful day together and enjoyed not having to worry about the weather even once.

Another Great Day in Florida

We were all out the door this morning to head downtown.  Mellow Mushroom had opened a few weeks ago and we knew that we had to be there before 11 a.m. if we wanted a table.  Everyone but Doug and I were surprised that there was already a line when we pulled up at 10:50 a.m.  Getting there early, worked however, as we were one of the first groups seated outside.  The service was a little bit off, but we knew that from the reviews.  It didn't hinder how much we enjoyed the restaurant, however, and everyone thought the pizza was delicious.  

After lunch, we walked to Grandpa Joe's to look around.  Brett and Nick found some fun sodas to try - green apple and toothpaste.  From there we all split up.  The guys headed to Epic Theater to watch the movie, Iron Claw, while Meg and I went shopping at Bealls.  We didn't find a lot that we wanted, but we did get a few items at the Dollar Tree that we needed.  We had just enough time for Meg to pick out a new sweater from Old Navy before the guys' movie ended.  They really liked it, but said that it was extremely sad.

Brett and I headed to church from the movie theater.  We were a couple of minutes late to mass, but didn't mind as we really wanted to be there for the live nativity afterward.  It was very nice and we both enjoyed seeing the St. Francis tradition.  Dinner was ready when we got back.  Doug had made appetizers for everyone, which were delicious.  

Phil joined us for our meal and the first ever Christmas Minute to Win It Heinisch family game night.  Meg had been making fun of me for planing the games for the past three weeks, but enjoyed them just the same.  From building snowmen out of marshmallows to playing Christmas tree pong, we all had a great time.  Brett and Cal narrowly beat out Meg and Nick for first place, while Doug and I finished last almost over taking Nick and Phil with our trivia wins.  The prizes that I picked out at Disney World were a big hit and overall it was a wonderful way to end a fantastic day.  

A Happy Home

This morning was a quiet one with lots of walks, trips to Circle K and Wawa, reading, opening the Advent calendar and gift wrapping.  Doug, Brett, and Cameron arrived a little bit before 2 p.m., thankful to be home.  We were all very glad to see them and once we unloaded the van, we headed to Jaws Jumbo Burgers for lunch.  I had wanted to try it since it opened this summer and today was the perfect day for it.  The owners were friendly, the food was delicious and the decor was absolutely wonderful.  For those of us in the family that loved the movie Jaws, the atmosphere was perfect.  The best part, however, was being there together.

After lunch, Nick, Meg and Cameron headed to Sholom Park for a long walk.  I finished unpacking everything that Doug had brought back from Indiana while they were gone.  We spent this evening at the house playing games.  Phil joined the guys for Cataan while Meg and I picked up pizza at Piesano's for dinner.  We ended the evening with a few rounds of The Donner Party, eating Grandma's fudge and watching A Year Without a Santa Claus.  It was definitely wonderful having everyone home again.