It's Independence Day

 This time last year, we were in Lake Wales, Florida with Elliott's family for a family reunion. Elliott's parents rented a lake house and we packed up 2 cars to spend a week with his mom's mom's side of the family (The Nelson's). It was such a fun trip and since I didn't blog then, I'll recap now!

Below is a picture of everyone who attended the reunion on July 4th after Church in Lake Wales.

And then this handsome bunch

 Evan, Todd, Elliott

Claire, Meredith, Me

Margaret, Phil

The trip mostly consisted of hanging out at the Lake houses of various family members on Lake Wales listening to Ms. Margaret and her cousins recap stories of their childhood spent on the lake with their grandparents. It was neat to get a glimpse into their upbringing and meet so many family members I had only heard of until then.  Ms. Margaret's uncle is a farmer and part of the co-op that produces Florida oranges for Florida's Natural Orange Juice which is located in Lake Wales. Many of the cousins actually work for Florida's Natural in some capacity as well.  One day we visited and toured the orange groves and the plant where the oranges turn into juice! 

Orange trees in the grove

We watched a presentation about the company and got to meet Farmer Dave who is in one of the commercials! In most circumstances (except where required by law) Florida's Natural uses their actual farmers in all their commercials. How neat!

Me and Farmer Dave

Florida's Natural is the only orange juice producer that doesn't import any oranges. They use oranges from the US only while the other brands import from South America. After spending a day at the plant and a week with the family I have a whole new appreciation for orange juice and will only buy Florida's Natural! You should too.

http://www.floridasnatural.com/

Now, a trip to this part of Florida wouldn't be complete without a visit to Disney World! Lake Wales is about 30 minutes from Orlando and what group of 20 somethings wouldn't want to go to Disney World?? Actually Meredith had never been so naturally Todd wanted to go with her which enticed Elliott and Evan.  I think Claire, Margaret, and I were in from the beginning and Phil absolutely refused!

gearing up for the big day!

I think we all had a great time but agreed we could hold off on another trip until we have kids! We got there as soon as they opened the gates and let Meredith navigate since it was her first time. I think we walked about 10 miles around Magic Kingdom and stayed for the fire work show that closes the park down!

family photo (minus Phil)

No trip to Disney is complete without Mickey ears!

Happy 4th of July! Here's to spending the holiday's with those you love.