We started our day with a ROAR at T-Rex Cafe. We had planned to eat there the previous night, but formulated a new game plan when the hostess explained that there was a 3-HOUR WAIT for parties of 4. That pretty much ruled out our party of 13! Actually, when we wandered into the restaurant on Sunday, our expectations of actually eating there weren't high. We figured that once again the wait would be ridiculous, but to our surprise, they were able to seat us immediately. Apparently, the night before had been so crazy that people were passing out from the heat they had to endure during the wait. I guess that turned them off to returning the next day. Score for us!
Baylor loved the life-like dinosaurs, but he didn't want to get too close. I guess he hasn't quite figured out real vs. make-believe. Have any of us, really?
After lunch, we made a Lego pit stop and built some race "cars." I use that term loosely because these vehicles didn't resemble cars at all, aside from the 4 wheels. Each child used a different strategy in their design. Some went minimal thinking lighter might equal faster. 
Others built massive clunkers based on the theory that gravity would pull their car down the sloped race track at a faster speed.
Some just built contraptions that they considered cool and hoped for the best. Some how, everyone was a winner at least once!
Continuing with the racing theme, our last stop was Ridemakerz, a spin-off of the Build-a-Bear concept based on cars & trucks. It was awesome AND expensive once the boys' had customized their rides with every accessory offered, but I think the experience was worth every penny. Anh agreed, but said we wouldn't be planning a trip back unless Grandfather was footing the bill.
The process was fairly simple. You start by choosing your vehicle body and tires, and there was an impressive selection. Hence, Anh's fear that we may have to return one day and repeat the pricey experience. Although, in defense of the store, they really did have options to suit every price range. I just happened to be in "vacation mode" that day and let my boys go crazy.
After selecting your body, you choose your suspension, street or monster. Both Jax and Baylor chose street. Again, I see a return visit and a monster truck in our future. Your 4th decision could be your most expensive, you must decide whether you want to add a motor and turn the vehicle into an R/C car. That's a $25 decision. Chose wisely is all I can really say, and that doesn't necessarily mean cheap. I subscribe to the, "What's the point if there's no motor?" thought process. Anh didn't, but he was clearly in the minority.
After assembling your vehicle which involves the use of a drill (Baylor's favorite part of the experience), it's time to accessorize! The boys chose hood scoops, spoilers, exhaust pipes, rims, and stickers. Yeah, all that added up quick!
When the process was said & done, we had racked up a grand total of $150 for two cars. Yeah, I know! That's crazy, but what's even crazier is that I can't wait to do it again! If I win the lottery, I'm seriously booking a birthday party there. Anh was convinced that the boys would lose interest in these cars after a day or two, but so far they're still a hit. We made some memories, and honestly, that's priceless or so they say!
Our weekend stay at the Reunion Resort truly was a reunion of sorts. In addition to spending the weekend with John & Mia, our mutual friends Anne & Francis were also able join us for dinner on Saturday night. 
Thankfully, 
A w
Oh, and allow me to introduce the HIT of the weekend, John Jr. (otherwise known as Little Johnny)! Not to take anything away from the other 4 adorable little boys in our gang, but 
Don't worry! They never managed to get their hands on an open can!
The playground was outfitted with water cannons and "broken" pipes that gushed water EVERYWHERE. The kids had to work tirelessly to turn off the gushers before the GIANT (and I do mean GIANT!) bucket perched precariously on top of the entire structure could fill to the brim and send it crashing down over the entire area. Yeah, it was a sight to be seen!!!
Whoever designed this wonderland is a genius! It's the perfect playground for sweltering Florida. Now, if only I could get one in my backyard! And, I'm complaining about my power bill now. Can you even imagine?
Although, after seeing the pure joy our kids experienced, I dare say the expense would be worth it. For now, we'll have to settle on revisiting our friends' condo as often as possible. I can assure them, we won't hesitate to invite ourselves back for another weekend. Ha!
However, all eyes were on another little boy's toy dump truck. Of course! You always want what you can't have. At one point, our three boys appeared to be plotting a truck-jacking. The potential victim must have sensed the danger because he quickly called it a day and high-tailed it out of there. Wise decision!
With the temptation removed from the equation, the boys went back to playing in the water, and the moms returned to swapping terrible twos horror stories. There's certainly no shortage of dirt to dish. Our boys are feisty and creative! Ironically, they behave the most when they're together. Just another reason/excuse to keep scheduling the playdates.
The only downside to the day was that we weren't able to venture down to the beach. The lifeguards were flying the red flag due to rough surf and a strong undertow. So, we decided not to risk our luck and stayed clear of the water. However, the conditions seemed to attract every surfer on the island which served as a nice sideshow for the moms. The boys didn't seem that impressed. They're a tough crowd!
Baylor and I ended up calling it a day relatively early thanks to his sour attitude. He was exhausted, but didn't recognize that fact. Instead, he blamed his bad mood on me packing completely unacceptable snacks and toys. I knew the real problem though, the fact that he had been up since 6AM! He was passed out in his car seat before we hit the mainland, and that my friends is yet another sign of a successful playdate. Total & complete exhaustion of the 2-year old is a good thing!
