Tampa Bay 2022

 Once upon a time, Alyssa received a notification about travel deals, flying out of Provo. We looked at the list, and opted for Tampa, a location we knew nothing about. It turns out Tampa has a lot to offer. We chose to do most things through CityPass, which honestly has never disappointed me. I always feel like I get such a good deal going with them.

The current Provo airport is small. Well, it honestly feels abandoned at some times. We arrived 2 hours early, only to find out they really don't even think about security or boarding until what felt like moments before the plane took off.  The parking is vastly in a dirt field. Thankfully, the new airport opens next month!

Waiting for our flight was the scene of one of my favorite moments. You see, there are no food options there, and Alyssa was HUNGRY (pregnant) and knew that flying with Allegiant there would be no inflight food either. Braden had thought to pack some sandwiches, and Michelle offered hers to Alyssa. It was a touching moment, as Alyssa cried over that meal! And Parker taught us how to properly chill at the airport terminal.

We arrived in Tampa with no problems. Actually, our flights were pretty flawless. And we were soon driving our matching minivans on the Florida highways. No regrets on our matching shirts, either.

Sunday was Father's Day. We hit up Costco, Walmart and just enjoyed our time together. One of my favorite things was game time at the house! Some of us went to the beach. I was amazed how quickly Mason and Parker took to beach life. It was a great day.

Monday was the zoo and the aquarium. My goodness, my boy Dallin loves the aquarium! I feel like most of us had a wonderful time at both locations. And I have to tell you, Michelle is one of the most patient, loving Mother I've seen in action. There's a lot of energy between her 3 boys (I'm lumping Braden in there), but she manages them all so well and keeps their family running like a champ!

Tuesday was beach day in Clearwater. We rented a cabana with a couple of lounge chairs, and I was set. I could have napped there all day! It was a much better beach than the first one we had tried. And on the way back, some of us had Nicaraguan food!

Busch Gardens was amazing. I was not impressed with the price add-ons for the front of line passes, but we bought a few anyway. The meal plan worked out. My favorite was their bbq / smokehouse. Wonderful food. And they have so many rides for kids. Parker and Mason had a blast. And this day, Traven was such a great uncle, taking them on rides, through the treehouse, etc.

Man, it's kind of blur already. What did we do Thursday? We went to Ford Garage, a diner based on Ford Motors. I hope Eric liked it.

Friday we did a boat tour, and it was HOT. We also did another aquarium, but at this point we were pretty tired.

Here are some top 10 moments from some family members:

Mike:

Top 10 vacation moments for me, in no particular order:

1. Alyssa crying over a sandwich.

2. Wendys when we arrived in Florida. I was so hungry!

3. The storm, where the lightning was exploding all around us.

4. Relaxing under the cabana at the beach.

5. Not getting a speeding ticket.

6. Ford's garage.

7. Nicaraguan food.

8. Mason and Parker just enjoying everything.

9. Playing cards.

10. Kaylee's semi circle sunburn.

Kaylee:

No particular order.

1. Ice Show at Busch Gardens

2. Ice cream at the zoo

3. Braden finally winning Five Crowns

4. Mason and Parker

5. Seeing the Scientology Center and seeing real life members going in and out

6. Seeing Bucs Stadium and a giant picture of TB12.

7. Traven being a great uncle with the boys

8. Watching Dallin at the aquarium

9. Deep talks with Lyss while seeking shade at Busch Gardens

10. The fan Dad bought be for sleeping

Alyssa:

1. Nicaraguan food

2. Mason and Parker everywhere 

3. Beach

4. Hanging out with Kaylee while surviving the heat

5. Ice cream

6. Braden hitting the minivan and trying to say he didn't....

7. Cards

8. Watching Dallin enjoy the aquarium 

9. Bathroom doors getting locked several times (sorry Mason)

10. Mason singing primary songs on the airplane. 

Jason:

1) mason and Parker enjoying everything. 

1.5)Alyssa crying over the sandwich. 

2) spending time with the family 

3) Nicaraguan food

4) the beach 

5) mason singing primary songs everyday. 

6) mason and Parker telling me jokes. 

7) seeing dolphins at the aquarium

8) the smoke house at Busch garden. 

9) sharing a room with Kaylee. 

10) The heat and humidity, really enjoy that. (I was not the only one sweating from doing nothing). 

Lots of memories and stories. Despite our house deciding it missed us and having a number of things go wrong, it was a successful trip. Also, Jeremy, Lauren, Lucy and Max are the best house sitters!