Summer '19 Family Trip Part 2

...And The Fun Continues  

The next part of our trip was filled with even more adventure as we celebrated together and went on even more day trips!

Thursday: July 4th, Watermelon Run, & @amberunz 

Thursday was 4th of July! We started off the holiday with the Track Shack Watermelon Run 4th of July 5k. Mom walked it while I ran, and we both met up after to eat watermelon and watch the awards be given out.

While we were watching, I spotted Amber Schulz, a well known Junior Olympic teen runner who I've followed on Instagram for years! I was star struck but went over to meet her. She was just as kind and inspiring as she is on social media.

New Friends, Boat Rides, & Fireworks

After the race, we went home to rest and get ready for our family dinner at our Aunt and Uncle's house. That night, we arrived for dinner, reconnecting with our family members before getting to meet some of their friends from Honduras; the son was enrolling in an American performing arts college. We ate vegan burgers and salad for dinner, eating our homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and brownies for dessert.

After dinner, we went on a boat ride and watched fireworks go off all around the lake, and when we got back, our Uncle Jon and Chris set off our very own fireworks in the backyard. Zooey and I lit sparklers, and we all loved every moment as the night came to a close.

Friday: Disney World, Rides, & Long Lines 

Friday was Disney World day! We started off our adventure at Epcot, venturing through Mexico and riding the Frozen ride in Norway. We also went on one of our favorite virtual reality rides: Soarin'! Then, we headed to Animal Kingdom! Mom had been before, but it was brand new to Zooey and me.

We went on the beautiful Avatar Na'vi River Journey, the smooth Kali River Rapids, and then, on the fantastic Avatar Flight of Passage ride. We waited in line for 3 whole hours to become a part of the Avatar world on the virtual reality flight ride in which it's like you're really flying on an Avatar dragon.

More Roller Coasters, Rain, & Treats 

Then, we rode the crazy yeti roller coaster Expedition Everest! The ride flew as if we were fleeing from a real yeti, going backwards, hiding in the dark, and going down steep mountain hills. The coaster gave us such a thrill and we couldn't wait for more. Then, we went through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, spotting tigers and birds. Eventually, it started to pour rain, so we took a break and ate a salted pretzel before riding the DINOSAUR roller coaster.

When it was time to go home, we hopped back on the Disney bus to Epcot so we could drive home and pick up dinner. We got chimichangas at Tijuana Flats, stopping to pick up some Ben & Jerry's ice cream too. We had an amazing Disney day as we got to ride lots of new rides and meet lots of new people.

Saturday: More Goodbyes, Shopping, & Pizza

Saturday morning, we ate breakfast with Nanny and packed up to get ready to leave for Alex's house on our way back to Georgia. We said our goodbyes and left for Newberry, Florida.

On the way, we stopped at Goodwill to go shopping and then picked up a pizza for dinner. At Alex's, we played with her cats and piano, and then watched comedy as we went to sleep before leaving for home in the early morning.

A Bittersweet End

The Florida trip was absolutely amazing. It was filled with so much joy and love and activity as we met new people and spent time with our family. I can't wait to see my family again soon and can't wait to make even more memories!