The Last Night

Tonight was the Farewell barbecue offering steaks cooked to order with all the fixings. We were set out on the deck with a beautiful view of the sunset. What a wonderful way to top off a fantastic vacation.

My intention was to get pics of each family, but apparently with all the fun, visiting and laughter (and not being able to catch up to the kids and oh yes…  my questionable photography skills) I didn’t manage to get a good shot of everyone – my sincere apologies to those I missed.  I would love to have pics of those I sdont have posted, so please feel free to send them on over so I can add them! 

In the meantime, be sure to check out the blogs by Linda and Deb on AllEarsNet.com as I know they did a much better photography job then I did.

As the sunset, we moved indoors where we all reflected on the experience and shared our best memories.

The kids were very inspired by the High School Musical showing the night before and they attempted to teach Michelle this years dance craze.

We even had a birthday to celebrate along with the celebration of new friendships.

As the pictures show, the group now seemed like family and what better way to end a night with family then building smores around a campfire?

The Last Night

Tonight was the Farewell barbecue offering steaks cooked to order with all the fixings. We were set out on the deck with a beautiful view of the sunset. What a wonderful way to top off a fantastic vacation.

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The last Day – part 1

Woo hoo! Sleep in day – till 7:30 am! Yes, it was a late start today as I made my way to join the others for breakfast

I can’t believe it’s almost over! OK… gotta stop thinking that way for now and take in the activities of the day. I have been looking forward to the River Rafting activity since I saw the itinerary. And those who have seen me turn down Splash Mountain on a regular basis will be surprised by that statement. Getting wet isn’t one of my favorite past times, yet I love to swim and rafting the mostly class one water was a highlight for me.

We boarded the bus and headed off to the river bank where we suited up in life vests and divided into groups for our adventure.

Once floating we were given the option of staying in the boat and enjoying the scenery or jumping in and enjoying the water. I opted to jump in and it was great swimming a long side the boat as it floated down the river.  At some points it was shallow enough to stand, but other points you would hit a drop and the current would pick up a bit and I was thankful for the support of the life vest.

Let’s not forget the water fights. Oh yes. One tip – before you get on your boat be sure you are well armed. One if not two buckets on board is a must. Alas we learned that tip the hard way and Michelle had to threaten a fellow boat to hand over one of their three so we could partake in the action.  She swam over and pillaged a bucket so we were in the game!

And we had our secret weapon – Wanda! If you ever need someone who can really windmill a bucket, Wanda is your gal!

Michelle got right in there and offered to row awhile.

Incidentally, I neglected to buy a waterproof camera so the pics below are courtesy of Linda Mac who took some great photos during the trip. You can see them and read her blog entries over on ALL EARS - Just click -  http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/lindamac/

We returned to the lodge and met over near the winery for a brown bag lunch which included a sandwich chosen the day before so it was ready. (thanks Annette and Michelle for making sure I got roast beef!) And we got ready for the next part of our day.

Michelle had such a great time ATVing the day prior that she talked Annette, the girls, Linda and I into investing some money and going with her. OK… truth be told I talked Linda into going because I needed a driver. Can you tell Adventures by Disney has spoiled me a bit? [ed – reality is she couldn’t get an automatic transmission and only needed Linda to shift for her ]

There was some fantastic scenery and lots of drops so I’m glad Linda was driving although I’m sure she got a little annoyed with the back seat ATVing from the peanut gallery as my back end was not on a seat as one would know it. We didn’t have a dual seat machine, but instead I was more resting on a metal bar. ya… ouch.

“err, a Linda – you ever heard of a BRAKE??”

“Umm… that’s a hole there…”

“Ah… stream ahead…  water Linda… WATER!”

All I ever heard in response was a loud “YEAA HAWWW”  as the engine revved… followed by a lot of giggling.

We returned to the lodge to shower and get the ever present red dust off of us to prepare for our last night together.

The last Day – part 1

Woo hoo! Sleep in day – till 7:30 am! Yes, it was a late start today as I made my way to join the others for breakfast

I can’t believe it’s almost over! OK… gotta stop thinking that way for now and take in the activities of the day. < more... >