#FamilyFun at Water Country USA in York County Virginia

During our short summer getaway in Williamsburg, Virginia, Water Country USA was the first thing we tried. Water Country is a water theme park in York County, Virginia, about 3 miles southeast of Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It is the Mid-Atlantic's largest water park.  It is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment. The park is just a few miles away from Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  We were very lucky that the hotel we  stayed into is very close to these parks.

It cost $134 for the four of us to get in.  It was so hot that day that I felt so miserable since I couldn't swim with them.  My period is so irregular that I always have it when we  travel, no matter how  I schedule our travels on the week where I wasn't suppose to have it, just my luck I guess.  But anyhow, the kids had a blast so that's what matters.  

 We went  very early there and were so suprised to see a long line of cars already  ahead of us.  We thought, we would be the first one lol.  We were seeing different cars from different states which  the kids had fun  with while we wait for our car to move along.  They were  guessing where the next car would be from.  I love that my kids always finds  ways to amuse themselves.

 Even though we purchased our tickets online, we still have to go through the admission process because  their  booth where you can  check in using your  receipt wasn't working.

I don't know about you but  it seems like wather theme parks are magnets for kids so it doesn't really matter how hot it is, they just can't wait to get in and enjoy the  water fun.

Wave pool is very popular to any water theme parks and it is always  full of people.

It is a must to apply sunscreen before  going to the water  to avoid being  sun burned especially when it is too hot.

My husband is  easily get sun burned so it is a must for him to  have  his skin sprayed with sun screen lotion.

I would have enjoyed the water too but unfortunately, I couldn't.  I enjoyed watching my family have fun though.

There were so many fun things to do in Water Country.  My daughter is always the adventurous one who is not scared of trying anyhing even the scariest ones.

My son is  always cautious so he kind of stayed  on the ones where it is safe for him and he feels more comfortable.

At first I couldn't wait for them to come back to where we first  sat in because the sun caught up in that location.  I couldn't leave without them knowing where I was because it would just create a  cinfusion so I  waited for a couple of hours and I was miserabvle already.  They said that the  lines was long  that it took them almost an hour to get into one slide that they only  enjoyed for  few minutes .  They are sure  more patient than me  because if I will wait in line for that long, I would say, forget about it.

Anyway, we couldn't go to  any theme parks without the kids asking for some dip and dots treat.  What I don't like is the price lol.  These parks know that they can get  whatever amount they want because there are always have kids who would  want it.  I also find it ridiculous that  you are not allowed to bring  drinks and snacks.  They really want you to buy their food and drinks at a cost they want.

At the end of the day, it's the memories that we made  that counts, no matter what the cost was.  This would be another moment that we can look back to in the  future and say "Oh we had so much fun out there!"

The Top 5 Pilgrimage Sites in Europe

Have you ever thought about taking a pilgrimage, especially after diving deep into your religion’s teachings through a resource like Deily? Then continue reading for a short list of the top five pilgrimage sites found throughout Europe. Perhaps taking one of these pilgrimages will bring you closer to God and really connect you with your spiritual self.

1.     Fatima in Portugal

A Marian apparition appeared to three peasant children back in 1917, and the Chapel of the Apparitions was built on the site where the visitations occurred. Each year since then, particularly on the days of October 13 and May 13, which mark the anniversaries for the apparitions, the streets throughout Fatima, Portugal become filled with pilgrims who have come from all over the world to visit this holy place.

photo source

2.     Lourdes in France

Another hugely popular pilgrimage site in Europe is Lourdes, France. This is a southern town that is the site where Catholics celebrate the ascension of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. Other celebrations are also held throughout the year there, and the U.S. National Lourdes Pilgrimage is responsible for taking groups of American Catholic pilgrims to the shrine, where prayers and petitions are offered. Over seven million people visit this religious site every year.

3.     Luther Country in Germany

Martin Luther made history by starting the Protestant Reformation, so travelers today make it a point to follow in his historical footsteps within the states of Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. This region is called Luther Country, and sites that are related to the Reformation are found in LutherstadtEisleben, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Erfurt, and Eisenach. Pilgrims also visit the Castle Church site, where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses in 1517. 

4.     Assisi in Italy

Many pilgrims plan their trip to Italy not only to visit the Vatican, but also to visit Assisi, which is an Umbrian hill town that is located to the north of the city of Rome. This area is considered Saint Francis’ birthplace, and his influence is memorialized within the Basilica of San Francesco of Assisi. This has even been named a World Heritage Site, and it is one of a total of eight historic churches within this amazing area of the country.

5.     Camino de Santiago in Spain

Those seeking one of the oldest pilgrimage sites on the planet should visit the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is the burial site of Saint James, and it has been a pilgrimage site since the medieval era, so even if you are traveling to the area merely for the history and not for the religious experience, you can certainly appreciate its allure. The route runs right through the northern part of Spain and ends at the cathedral.

These are just a few of the many amazing pilgrimage sites that are found throughout Europe. There are many more found all over the world, and they are fantastic places to go if you want to really connect with your religion on a whole new level and show your devotion to God.

Waller Mills Park in Williamsburg Virginia #RoadtripFun

Our roadtrip  adventure to Virginia was a lot of fun.  We weren't aware of some amazing places and  things to do but glad I  have a friend on Facebook that told me about  places we could visit.  One of those places she suggested is the Waller Mills Park in Williamsburg, it was very close to where the hotel we were staying at was.  

 Our daughter's birthday was full of adventures, we packed it with activities.  The first thing we did in the morning is soak in Water Country USA (I will write about it separately).  That place was  humongous but I did not  swim as I had my period  that time.  Lady in Red  happens to show up at a  wrong timing every time!   Then as I posted a picture  of  that place, my friend told me about the other places we can visit that is for free.  To be honest, I enjoyed most of these places other than the   amusement or water park.

 As recommended, we went to  Waller Mill Park after we got done  at Water Country and  ate our lunch.  It was  super humid that day but we didn't care because we love outdoors and exploring nature is something that we all love to do.

 The kids were like in paradise  seeing this beautiful park with a lake and  lots and lots of squirrels running around the trees.

 The view there was beautiful and whenever the wind  blows, it was truly refreshing.

 This little lady who begged me if she can have an IF account was bummed out that she forgot her  iPod because she  couldn't take pictures to  post on her IG.  Her brother is very kind and he lent her  his  iPod.

 My son is in the stage now where he doesn't like being photographed.  I can't get a decent  picture of him.  Anyway, I take pictures anyway.

 The birthday girl is so thrilled that we are doing all these activities on her birthday. You would think that she would  ran out  energy after an  exhausting morning at Water Country but she is fully energized. which surprised me.

 We just sat  on the benches  there for a while as were  so full after our lunch.

 I was teasing my husband to throw his cellphone on the lake because he keep using his gadget while we were having fun.

 As always, this goof ball is  making faces as I took pictures of him.

 I told the kids that this is by far my favorite of the things that we did.  We can relax and  it cost us only  a parking  fee.  We get to see the beautiful lake and relax.

 My daughter wanted to do a boat ride but we didn't as we just had our lunch and we were stuffed.

 There was a beautiful bridge  there which I love.

 This would be great for pre-wedding shoot.  The view is beautiful!

 We went to the other side and my son was ecstatic.  Squirrels are everywhere.  He was chasing them lol.

Here's some info about the park.  Waller Mill Park is located on Airport Road (Rt. 645) between I-64 and Rt. 60 West.  It  is the City's 2705-acre park situated around its reservoir that was opened to the public in July 1972. The 360-acre lake is open for fishing, boating, pedal boating, canoeing and kayaking with a tunnel connecting the upper and lower sections of the lake. 

 There are numerous picnic tables,  shelters, play fields, and playground equipment  that are nestled among the trees providing a scenic picnic area. There are also corn hole games and fishing poles that  are available for rent .  There are fun activities to do there.

 I am so glad that we went there because it gives us time to relax and bond without the  stress of  being in a crowded place.  The park was very peaceful and only few people were there when we visited.  

 We had the best time out there.  I think we stayed for a couple of hours before we went to our next adventure.

 Time flies when  you are having time.  Even though we still want to  stay, we couldn't because we  still had two activities  planned for the birthday girl.

 After we left this beautiful park, we tried the Jamestown Scotland ferry as suggested by  my friend.  That would be mo next post.

  My kids  had a blast learning how to skip rocks.

 It was  fun seeing my husband  show  them how to skip rock.

 I was laughing because they couldn't find a flat rick to skip.  My son  said it is hard to skip rocks.  I grew up in a coastal area in the Philippines and skipping rock is a fun memories that  I did growing up.  

I am pleased that these kiddos are always eager to try new things.

 Waller Mill Park was a great and beautiful place.  If you ever visit Williamsburg, I highly recommend for you to check out this park.  If you love outdoors, this is a place for you.

I am so glad that our little young lady had a great time  on her birthday!  This is why we do road trips instead of having a party, it is more  fun and lots of memories to look back to someday.

Thanks again Angel for the recommendation.  It really addred excitment to our whole trip!