Florida or Bust: A 2012 Vacation Story

This past year my loving family has followed me around as I checked items off my bucket list (see here and here). Next year promises more of the same (see here and here). For their sacrifice I told them to choose whatever they wanted to do for our 2012 vacation and I would follow, no questions asked. I already know that the early favorite is going to be Disney World, but I’m going to do my best to help broaden the pool of options. Here are some of the places I’ve requested information from.

Any recommendations, suggestions or comments?

SeaWorld
SeaWorld has always sounded like a blast to me, and would no doubt be only one stop in a larger vacation.

Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens sounds like a trip to the zoo on steroids, with amusement park rides to boot!

Discovery Cove
A friend just recommended this place which happens to be a sister park to SeaWorld. Who doesn’t like swimming with the dolphins? I even love the band!

Universal Studios
I have always preferred the notion of visiting Universal Studios rather than Disney World. Honestly I think it has something to do with a friend in elementary school telling me how awesome it was. Maybe it’s because I love movies so much. Regardless, I’m going to be pushing the Harry Potter angle with Tanner on this one!

Kennedy Space Center
I love the idea of incorporating education into a vacation. I can only imagine the ideas and dreams that a visit to the Kennedy Space Center might plant in Tanner’s head.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
We all love the Tigers, and up until this year our family has visited a different major league ballpark each year. I’ve been to Spring Training games in Arizona as well as Florida, and the access to the players is great. Doing a vacation so early in the year kinda sucks, but it’s probably the optimal time to beat the heat anyway.

Panama City
I spent many years in Panama City and any trip to Florida will probably have to include a stop in the panhandle to rekindle some old memories.

Walt Disney World
Last, and certainly least, there is Walt Disney World. I guess it’s not all that bad, I just hate that it’s so clichè. We could certainly do much worse for a family vacation. Hey, maybe I can run into Zack and Cody!

Whatever they choose I’m already geeked and we still have at least 17 months to go!

Filed under: Florida, Vacation

WEEKLY LINKS: Milwaukee Vacation Edition

During one of our best vacations to date, we made a quick trip up to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to visit Miller Park. Here are a couple of the things I recommend as a result:

Holiday Inn Express — Not your typical hotel in that it also houses a water park inside. This was #2 on Tanner’s favorite things done during our trip. Great place to stay with kids!

Miller Park — I’ve been to 7 major league ballparks (including Wrigley Field) a couple minor league parks, and to Spring Training in Florida and Arizona. Outside of the nostalgia of Wrigley, Miller Park was the best experience I’ve ever had at a ballpark. It was like a baseball game mixed with a Michigan football tailgate party.

Cousin’s Subs — The only place we stopped to eat that we’d never been to before was Cousin’s Subs. They definitely make a great sub.

Jelly Belly — We got to tour the Milwaukee Jelly Belly facility, which included free samples. They also had a gift shop in which we spent a few dollars.

Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary — #1 on Tanner’s favorite things in Milwaukee list was this self-guided tour. The three of us jumped on a golf cart and drove through the vast wilderness of the park and saw Elk, Bison, Porcupines, Deer, and much more. If you’re ever in the area you should really check this out!

Mars Cheese Castle — On the way out of town we figured we owed it to our reputations to at least stop at one cheese store. Our only regret was that we didn’t have more time and money. You could easily spend all day and an entire paycheck in this place.

Filed under: Links, Vacation

Vacations 09

Change Conference
Taking 2 days off to attend the annual Change Without Compromise Conference at Northridge. Brad Powell does a great job of spelling out the need for change in the church. The worship is inspiring and the breakout sessions are great.

Miller Park
Every year we head off to explore a new major league ballpark. This year we’re heading up to Milwaukee to see Miller Park. After Wrigley Field, this is probably the stadium I’m looking forward to seeing the most so far.

Spirit Song Festival
Pulling the pop-up down to Cincinnati, Ohio for the annual Spirit Song Festival held at Kings Island. For the last few years their lineup has been just alright, and basically the same. This year they’re going for broke: Third Day, Switchfoot, Mercy Me, David Crowder, NewsBoys, KJ-52, Family Force 5, and more. Three days of concerts and coasters for only $75. Best deal around!

Fantasy Football Draft Party
I love our annual draft party. Tonia and Tanner pack up and head to her parents house and leave me the house for a full weekend of football, food, video games and cigars. We use an old fashion chalk board, and we even have a guy fly up from Dallas every year to attend. I think this years menu is going to be wings. They were a pretty big hit a few years ago. Pretty sure we’re also heading down to Cedar Point the day before as well. Great times.

Family Reunion
Loading up the Rendezvous again and heading down to Hamilton, Alabama for Tonia’s grandma’s family reunion. We went about 10 years ago and it was like going in a time machine. Good old fashion fun and plenty of fish fry’s!

Filed under: 2009, Vacation

Summer Sabbatical

For a myriad of reasons I just decided (like five minutes ago) that I’m going to take a Summer sabbatical on this blog. I can’t guarantee that I won’t post sporadically in the next couple months should something strike a cord with me, and I’ll definitely be back on a regular schedule at the end of August, but for the next couple of months I’m not going to be concerned about posting on this blog.

Instead I’m going to take this time to streamline its focus, its design, and its writing. I’m also going to take some time to polish off some other things that really need my full attention.

I’ll still be responding to comments, and continue to read and interact with all 200+ subscriptions in my RSS.

I’ll also still be utilizing Twitter and Tumblr.

Hope you all have a great Summer!

**MID SUMMER SABBATICAL UPDATE**
You still out there?

I’m not sure I’ll ever bring the blog back in its current form. I’m afraid this platform is a dying breed. Sure there are a few must-read blogs out there who are bringing it daily, but I’ve felt a shift in my interest in the majority lately. It sort of feels like the same old thing over and over again. It’s almost predictable. And I don’t want to be a part of predictable. I want to be a part of the next best thing.

I am finding Twitter and Tumblr very useful, although I have no idea if anyone is reading either. You can subscribe to both earlier in this post. They are also both fed into the sidebar of this blog.

One thing I still do love about the blogosphere is the community. I feel that is one thing I cannot give up. I still love hearing your voices, and watching you grow. I am inspired daily.

So, carry on my wayward pilgrims. I am still trolling around the internet, keeping up to date with all of your happenings. I am looking forward to seeing what transpires from this sabbatical as much as you are.

Filed under: Blogging, Blogosphere, Summer, Vacation

UP 2008

One of the most relaxing vacations I’ve ever had.

Gas was pretty high in spots.

The 3-hour Pictured Rock Tour in Munising was magnificent.

Got to eat a pastie from Muldoon’s.

Tanner and Pluto rode really well.

My wife is a nut and no, those aren’t my shades.

Filed under: Michigan, Munising, Pasties, Pictured Rocks, UP, Vacation

On Holiday

Heading to the Great White North (otherwise known as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) in a few hours. Looking forward to seeing some relatives in Escanaba, and visiting the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising.

Play nice in my absence, and I’ll see you Tuesday!

Filed under: Michigan, Munising, Pictured Rocks, Vacation

Vacation Plans

The 2008 Summer vacation plans are finally taking shape.

•  We’re going to start it all off with a trip to the UP. Specifically Escanaba and Munising, Michigan. A bunch of family are meeting up there and hanging for an extended weekend. I’m really looking forward to the R&R, as well as a trip to the Pictured Rocks.

• Next on the agenda is a trip to Silver Lakes and the Sand Dunes. Four wheelers and bikes to go along with some naps and book reading.

• Cedar Point is a must.

• This years ballpark is Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio vs. Seattle Mariners. (Previous Ball Park Vacations)

• We’ll be making another trip down to the Yogi Bear Campgrounds.

• I’m going to make a trip down to Arkansas to visit Harding University, and to hit up some Sonic and a movie with Neil.

What are your plans?

Filed under: Baseball, Camping, Cedar Point, Cleveland Indians, Harding University, Michigan, Sand Dunes, Silver Lake, Sonic Drive-In, UP, Vacation

Port Austin, MI

Enjoyed a nice weekend up at the tip of the thumb at a relatives lakehouse. Can’t really beat sitting on a recliner watching football with the beach front in the background. Or enjoying a campfire on the beach. Or watching your son scale a rock formation barefoot.

Filed under: Beach, Michigan, Port Austin, Rock Climbing, Vacation

Memorable Memorial

This past weekend was the first of three straight with at least 3 days off. If only the next two are as nice as this one. Activities included camping, bowling, batting cages, birthday & graduation parties, golfing, campfires, sparklers, four-wheelers, tractor rides, laughter, bikes, wet dogs, cheeseburger dogs, family & friends.

Thank a veteran today, and keep them in your prayers.

Filed under: Memorial Day, Vacation

Planes, Mute Math, & American Idol

I couldn’t be more stoked over my trip to Dallas. For starters, it’s Dallas. Secondly I’m heading to see my boy Brandon. Thirdly, we have some serious plans in store…

Thursday — Arrive at 9:30pm, head straight to a sports bar to watch Game 6 of the Dallas/Golden State series.

Friday — Bike riding, and train riding, around town are on the agenda. Museums and Brandons work will be visited. For the evening we’re going to catch a Mute Math concert.

Saturday — Cinco de Mayo. I’ve heard you can have a good time in Dallas around Cinco De Mayo. We will also be doing everything in our power to get into Game 7, should the Mavs make it out of Golden State.

Sunday — Check out Brandon’s church, have a nice meal and chill, then fly back, hopefully finishing up one of the books in my sidebar.

I don’t imagine much posting during this time. There will be a new Mud & Steel up tonight or tomorrow. We’re filming today since we’re both off tomorrow. (And I’ll be out of state).

For my parting thoughts, I thought it would be cool to give my Top Five American Idol Performances of All Time. Inspired by the most recent performance by Blake Lewis.

1. Shout to the Heart – Blake Lewis
(Dude is my hero. Best performance on AI ever)

2. Love is a Battlefiled – Carrie Underwood
(Threw me for a loop with a very un-country performance)

3. Hemorrhage – Chris Daughtry
(Better than Fuel? IMHO)

4. I Believe – Fantasia Barrino
(If this doesn’t bring you to tears…)

5. A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
(First AI performance I ever saw. Very raw and emotional)

Filed under: American Idol, Blake Lewis, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Dallas, Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Clarkson, Mute Math, Vacation, YouTube