Mid-September

When we moved to Orlando, we expected amazing big city resources. One area where we have been very disappointed is the libraries. We tried the two that are closest to us, although we still have to drive farther than we did in Maryland, and were surprised at how small they were. We hoped that the main library in downtown would be better. Thankfully, it was. In fact, it was amazing! It is in an old building that was built in the 1920s and it is huge--290,000 square feet! We really enjoyed exploring all 5 floors and checked out lots of great books.

After the library, we walked over to the Orlando Regional History Center. It is located in the old county courthouse. It was a cute, regional museum. But, it really needs updating. One plaque talked about a cool state park with an awesome old tree. I looked it up so we could plan a visit and learned that the tree burned down in 2012. Another information poster talked about Spring Training in Davenport and how even though the park that surrounded the stadium is gone, you can still see the Royals play. They have been gone since 1993. That was definitely the most egregious example. Regardless, they had some cool exhibits and it was worth a couple of hours of our time. 

Luke driving an old milk truck

There was a a pioneer section that the kids loved.

They recreated one of the courtrooms. Kara would make an excellent judge.

But, this may not be the best jury. Fun fact, this courtroom is the first place in America that DNA was used in a trial.

On Thursday, Thomas and I took the day off to have a daytime date. We went to Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. We tried lots of delicious food and had a great time.

A fun, cheesy photo!

On Thursday morning, Jack and Kara weren't feeling great, but they both felt like they could go to school. Jack had an earache and Kara had a headache. Kara said she hadn't slept well the night before, so we hoped it was nothing and they both went to school. Unfortunately, by Thursday night Kara really felt bad and she had a fever. Friday morning, she woke up and said she felt a little better but didn't want to go to school. Jack said his ear really hurt. Thomas took them both to the doctor. Kara has strep and Jack had an ear infection. They didn't test Jack for strep, since the medicine for the ear would take care of both, but said it looked like he also had it. Ugh! Luke was on day 10 of his medicine and now we are starting over. I hate when the kids are sick, but I REALLY hate it when they get sick one after another. With 4 of them, that can last a month or more. Fortunately, strep is quickly cured. But, I don't like that now we've been battling it for almost 3 weeks. First Luke, then Luke again, now Kara (and probably Jack). Fingers crossed that we can nip it in the bud this time. 

In other news. We have counters and appliances again! We haven't had use of our kitchen for over two months! It has been so frustrating. We aren't quite there yet; they still need to finish the hardware and put in the backsplash and a few other small parts. But, we are almost there. And it is so nice that we will be able to cook again. I will probably do a final blog with pictures when it is truly finished. Hopefully, next week. But, we shall see.