We’re not even sure how to begin the blog tonight because this day was simply the best day ever.  The 2 1/2 hour drive from the Florida Welcome Center to Clermont was so awesome, because we put Princess and The Frog music on, and we all just sang along to the tunes.  The music literally spoke to us, because as Tiana sings “there’s been trials and tribulations, you know I’ve had my share; but I’ve climbed the mountain, I’ve crossed the river and I’m almost there”.  Well, we’ve had our share of roadblocks, we’ve climbed the mountains in Tennessee and crossed many rivers, and now here we are, and it is just truly amazing.

The Gardens at Citrus Tower is a gated community: just look at the pure joy on Ben’s face as we enter!

When we first started looking for an apartment we were able to find out a lot of information on the internet, but you never know for sure what you are getting.  Honestly, the pictures do not do it justice.  It is way better than we originally expected, and we almost feel like we have “checked in” to a resort.  The main lobby is plush, with a few different areas branching off:  one is the office, one is like a recreation room for the kids to watch TV, hang out or play Wii; one area is the fitness center, one is the business center, where computers and printers are available, and then there are doors that lead out to the pool area, which features Wi-Fi, all new lounge chairs and a large pool with jets spraying out from each side. Grills are also available for resident’s use.

The apartment itself is wonderful.  It’s a three bedroom, two bath apartment, with gourmet kitchen and enclosed laundry room off the kitchen.  It features tiled floors in the front hallway, bathrooms and kitchen; all appliances (including washer and dryer, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal); and valet garbage.  Seriously, someone comes and collects the garbage Monday through Friday.  There are these cute little bench-like containers outside each apartment, and we suspect you place your garbage in there.   There is also a screened-in patio area off the living room:  we definitely plan on using that area once we are able to buy a table and chairs to set out there.

Front hallway and off to the right you can see the patio door:

Patio:

Master bathroom decorated Mickey-style (you can’t see it but it has a garden-style tub):

Kitchen with laundry room door in the back:

We couldn’t be happier:  palm trees out the window, and a new home to live in.  From what we’ve seen of Clermont, it has everything within close driving distance.

Thank you all for following us to this point; watch for future posts regarding what relocation looks like.  Tomorrow we have our car insurance and DMV appointments, and will blog about that later in the day.