Race Home

Well this one was short.  But we knew it would be - you can see we're all geared up for our express exit off the boat, something we usually don't do, but there's an event tonight in Oakwood that we don't want to miss:  Maddie's doing yet another taekwondo testing.  We thought it would be fun to make that testing, and yes, we started out the day on the Disney Wish in Port Canaveral.  

So first, a shower.  And a word about Disney soaps and shampoos in the shower.  If you know, you know, but these are some of the most iconic fragrances to the seasoned Disney traveler, a smell that takes you right to a vacation destination.  Super nice stuff.  

Ah, our last view from the veranda of 10520.  It's dark out there, and you can see all the porters jostling and moving about the suitcases.  Ours were with us for this part, as we're skipping breakfast and a longer line there to just get to Oakwood quicker.  Of course, it would be great to return to 1923 one last time for a nice breakfast - we'll do that next time.

We got into the express line at around 7am, and soon enough we were all off the boat fairly quickly.  We didn't have too much time to feel bittersweet about things, but again:  we knew it was a shorter cruise at the start, and it certainly isn't our last cruise.  You can see our first stop after leaving the parking deck:  it's a grocery store in Titusville.  Mom is there to select some flowers for our visit to the cemetery today, and we'll pick up some drinks as well.   

But we probably won't pick up any of these.  What an odd assortment, right?  Anyway, we left there and went up a few exits to the Canaveral National Cemetery.

This is where Nana and Ba-Ba are laid to rest, still a peaceful and serene location that's far from any noisy population center.  It's an emotional visit.

Mom placed the flowers there, and she touched the stone with the names of her parents etched upon it.  

We spent a few moments there, and it was super quiet.  No one else there at that time, and that was okay.  And from there, it was time to head home.  Our only planned stops were two visits to Buc-ee's on the way home for gas and food snacks.

But not one of these.  We like the Christmas one better.  This one was okay, as were the other t-shirts for the season:

I did get a racing t-shirt, a NASCAR vehicle with a Buc-ee on the hood.  We stopped at the Daytona location, and it wasn't as crowded as last time, thankfully.  We filled up with gas, got some iced tea, chicken salad, and these incredible chocolate candies that Mom and I are now officially addicted to... and then it was off for testing.  Still got a long way to go and a short time to get there, just like the old song says!

We made it next to the Georgia Welcome Center to use the rest room and pick up a few brochures for some Georgia destinations, but we were on the clock.  I was happy to get to the Georgia state line by noon, but I knew testing was around 5:30, and there was Atlanta traffic to consider, or more specifically the dreaded HENRY COUNTY.

Ah, time for our second stop at Buc-ee's, this one in Georgia.  The home stretch!  It was going to be close, but like Phileas Fogg, we were confident we'd make it just in time.  Even with Henry County traffic.  And then Atlanta traffic... oh boy, we were cutting it close... and then there was traffic caused by an accident around the Mall of Georgia area.  Would we make it in time?

Testing started at 5:30.  We made it to Edge Martial Arts at exactly 5:20pm, having driven straight from the Disney Wish this morning.  And we were so glad to make it.  Maddie brought the camera, and I was happy to take pictures of all the students during their testing.

Maddie destroyed this board with a sudden fierce jumping kick!

Look at everyone's expressions!

Maddie destroys another board with the People's Elbow.

Sparring sessions for everyone!

And finally, her form.  Maddie did really well tonight, and we were glad to not miss it.  But we didn't stick around long afterwards.  Maddie went to see Nate, and we went home to unpack a little, and then get some well-deserved rest.  It's been a long day, but really a wonderful and happy little trip, a birthday gift for me that I will always treasure.  Hey... treasure.  Treasure.  Maybe next time?

Maddie got home and we read again, and we talked and shared stories.  But we were tired, all of us, so we said our prayers, and got ourselves a good night's rest.