I chickened out

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you so much for watching! Find Tom's Channel (Rusty Judgment) here: www.youtube.com/@RustyJudgment and the Packing Cubes: amzn.to/3XDgLlA

[@gertrudewells1128]

Thank you for taking us along for a tour of your vacation rental and the parks, etc. We love your whole family and feel part of it.❤

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I wish staying in a hotel felt like that, with only what you really need and nothing more, but my mom insists on bringing tons of stuff that we don't need in, so I never get a chance to feel that.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

And yes, packing cubes are da BOMB! Been using them for years, regardless of whether I'm flying or driving.

[@margotfrost-stuart9841]

I appreciate you both 💜☮️💜

[@theresahoward7216]

Oh my goodness Tom just cleared up in one sentence why my Dad never enjoyed our hikes as much as my sister and I did when we were little "I'm the Dad, I'm always looking for predators."

[@patsytag5703]

Pools are ok but anywhere in Florida where there is water lakes,streams, retention ponds etc. alligators are at home and can easily get onto land.

[@allison_JR4E]

That was such a great comment by “Dad”! 😂

[@shavelka4603]

What a great Dad!!!

[@joannmendez2434]

I love it that he made this comment. Made my heart smile.

[@lmarkcum2010]

My husband says the same thing!

[@sarahjohn1484]

Having cleaned some Airbnbs, that locked door has some cleaning supplies and supplies to restock the unit (soap, shampoo, lotion, coffee, towels, sheets, etc.) Guests tend to steal all the toilet paper and stuff if it isn't locked up. Sounds like a fabulous vacation, though! Would love to do more extended family vacations with my parents and siblings!

[@kateyare4708]

A decade ago I asked myself why hotel rooms are so relaxing. And the answer I found was the lack of clutter with everything pared down to just the absolute minimum. Since then I have said often I want my home to feel like a hotel room. Thus began my journey to minimalism.

[@carolpiakak3830]

That was my mom and dad's train of thought...we don't need much, but we need vacations!! It was great. Later in life, she said "we didn't have a new house, and all the "things" but we sure had fun"! So many amazing memories that we "kids" still talk and laugh about! For anyone who can do it...do it!!

[@amybee40]

I grew up in San Diego, and my parents NEVER took us on vacation. But we had wonderful relaxed summers biking around, putting on puppet shows, reading lots of books, and of course, going to the pool and the beach! And now that I live in Central New York, in the snowiest city in North America, where would I prefer to vacation? San Diego, of course!

[@aimmeesu9161]

I haven't Planned anymore.. Usta Both with dad and kids, then Even as single mom of many

[@stephaniegaddis1716]

Right there with you on prioritizing travel and close-to-home adventures. Creating memories is way better than filling a house with stuff!! With 6 kids, we usually stay at VRBO rentals, then we cook breakfast/supper and pack sandwiches for lunches. This allows us the extra money to pay for some of those pricey experiences, like Tom's NASCAR experience. We've also learned that we can't travel with all of our extended family. Some of them would rather do the touristy stuff while we'd rather hike in the woods where there are no people. lol!

[@piqua793]

I've always heard Kissimmee pronounced the way Dawn pronounced it and I'm 62 years old and was born in Pensacola, FL and still live here.

[@wandrousvindella716]

This video was "all the feels". I'm a southern girl whose intro to Nascar was by her daddy ( he was a moonshine runner ) I'm thinking Tom will be back with the kids for a ride along. Y'all should plan vacays to different race tracks & camp at them. We use an RV trip planning app that allows you to find unusual spots and I'll be adding Nascar to the mix. Dawn, your pronunciation is correct. This is a great homeschooling opportunity on Chief Osceola, the Seminole tribe & all the history around Orlando. Big Cypress Preserve would be a great RV spot. I'll stop now, but this video was so refreshing & so deserving of your sweet family. (3 generations !) Thank you for sharing!

[@mangopuppybaby]

I was born and raised in central Florida. It always makes me sad when people visit and never see the gorgeous state parks. It makes me so happy that you truly got to enjoy the beauty of FL. Next time you go to FL in the winter you’ll have to go see the manatees!

[@beckyrosenowgartman3445]

I agree. Vacationing is high priority for our family. Experiences together are more valuable than things.

[@demarieingraham8674]

Millions of years of evolution.. Tom saying ‘I’m the dad..I’m always looking for predators “! 😂 Thanks for sharing your vacation.

[@Debbie-Savings]

What a nice well deserved vacation! So happy for you all and your family! What a blessing! ❤

[@aliciat.5602]

I just love you two together! Glad you had a nice, quiet BLAST!

[@carole6779]

Lol, I'm okay with empty cabinets. Open shelving can look too cluttered. Thanks for sharing this. 😊

[@janstanley538]

We moved to Port Charlotte, FL 2 years ago. Love it in FL! So glad I had listened to you before moving and decluttering.

[@BrendaHendrickson]

I’m so glad we still get to see videos like this! I love “going on vacation” with your family! ❤

[@denisearonow4921]

"I'm the dad, all I DO is look for predators" Love.

[@meganyoung7438]

My husband and I did the driving experience and it was so fun. I’m so glad you and your dad have that memory.

[@magpie3571]

Oh wow! I'm not far from Orlando. And earlier today, I was imagining you in Florida. And here you were. That's so funny.

[@rleon78]

We have no plans going to Disneyland anymore. There are so many other great things out in this beautiful country to show the kids.

[@j.pattara1509]

Like what?

[@lacee7494]

Disneyland is in California, Disney World is in Florida. Our family always enjoyed all kinds of trips, nature and history and hiking and theme parks and museums and beaches and mountains. It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

[@amominflorida]

No Disney for my family either.

[@Ford98270]

I bought my husband a NASCAR drive package in Las Vegas for on his birthday - 22 years ago. I don’t remember his speed, but he was the fastest in his group. Smiling ear to ear for days.

[@SassySue67]

I absolutely love Toms alter ego. So funny and he does it so well.

[@sheilamann6721]

I had to replay"bookin me a Nascar!" sounded different!🤣

[@TheMinimalistTherapist]

​@@sheilamann6721 Oh my gosh me too Sheila 🤣 I was like "Did Tom just say the f-word!?!"

[@zephirinedrouhin3735]

I know, me too!!

[@annawiest8760]

Fun VRBO! I really enjoyed hearing all about Tom’s race car experience. He really got into it! I have a family member who is a race car engineer and travels with teams to program their engines and keep them working optimally.

[@lindasnow557]

So funny! And Tom’s line, “I’m the Dad. I’m always looking for predators!” Just perfect!

[@DebbieLinville]

Thanks for sharing your vacation. Tom, your ,” did y’all know ?” was quite authentic! Congratulations!

[@cjs1440]

personal time, getting away, is important. no matter where u go. glad u had a great time! u deserve it!

[@beachseeker634]

Thank you for sharing your vacation with us. Dawn, please buy some sunscreen!

[@MikeyDonna]

It’s said that we use sunscreen so much that a lot of users are deficient in vitamin D. Witch is very serious and we get it from the sun on our skin, without sun blocker, or big brimmed hats or long sleeved shirts and long pants. Check it out.

[@bcvahsfam]

You all are like us! When we were in California, we enjoyed the state parks WAY more than the amusement parks. Loved seeing the Nascar experience and your rental. This was fun. Thank you.

[@deedsh6280]

I love your last line....'a vacation w/ no breakdowns'....haaaa. Getting out of Dodge is so important in this fast paced world, and seeing your family enjoy its time in Florida was great. I think compromise on how a vacation is set up can sometimes be the very thing that makes it even better when you return to the tried and true. Sometimes the experiments are not as successful, but still valuable to keeping options and minds open. Camping will be there for the next vacay Tom. :)

[@shadegarden7375]

So cool that you all got to slow down and relax and be in the warmth!! Especially having the whole family with you all!!❤️❤️

[@crybebebunny]

I am happy you brought us along for brief visit . How wonderful to go on vacation with family. Also nice that Tom's father visited there.

[@t3r1camp]

Wow! You were only about 30 minutes from me! We love Kissimmee State Park. We have camped for more than 20 years and we only camp at state parks. Great video! Thanks for sharing. God bless!

[@jacquelinewolf6652]

What a very nice suprise to start the weekend with a friday video ❤️

[@debbiewood4560]

Aw, you guys. What a great holiday. Thanks so much for sharing. It's nice to do both sorts of holidays, camping and holiday homes. Mixes it up. I was smiling and laughing along with you guys and suddenly thought, "this is like catching up with my family or close friends". Such fun. Have a great rest of your holidays. 😍

[@rachelhardy8346]

Was so glad when a Friday video popped up!! Glad you all had a good vacation.😊

[@bonnydunham7622]

Agree 100 percent on prioritizing vacations!!!

[@laurabielec8364]

Go see the manatees in Crystal River, Florida next year! Another thing I hope you can visit are other natural springs in central Florida. You guys are sweet. Love watching your videos and minimalizing my life too!

[@lisabromley6824]

"Boring" vacations are the best. We took a vacation the week between Christmas and New Year's day and went to a very quiet resort and did nothing touristy. It was a great time to just relax after our son's wedding in November, Thanksgiving and Christmas. My grandmother who lived in St. Cloud FL pronounced it ke - sim' - me.

[@lawaincooley6788]

What a nice trip for your family!! Theme parks are so stressful. I think they made wonderful memories there!

[@timothyhaslet8410]

Beth: yay Friday videos!!! So so thankful for them

[@jimcandykollath8425]

Tom, our vehicles are " brand new used". Loved sharing your trip!

[@stacyfausett5436]

Amen! Vacations are priority!!! And state parks are awesome! Hiking Utah is pretty amazing.

[@sherryyost786]

Thanks for the vacation video. What a cool rental and calm vacation. Love you guys.

[@mywhimsylifed.3055]

😌 I’m so glad you had a nice time in my backyard. Florida is mostly farmlands and nature.

[@kimsanders3222]

I didn’t drive, but I sure did do the ride along!!!! Wore that same suit and everything! Had to climb in and out of the window! Loved it!

[@SewKnitee]

When I try to explain my decluttering to my husband and kids I use a vacation rental as my example. I remind them how quickly we can pick up then enjoy our day when we are on vacation!!!!!!!

[@susanmunoz7688]

I agree with Dawn that it seems like the people that had lived there were making it cozy as possible ❤

[@rebeccaross1715]

BTW, thank you so much for this bonus video, I’ve really missed your ones on Friday.

[@andreatrippensee1954]

From one who is a Floridian, Dawn is correct in her pronunciation. Sorry Tom 😂 Happy Vacation!

[@eileenheinkel2374]

Agree. Sorry Tom

[@marywidick7443]

Yep!

[@jennb4611]

Yes 👍

[@krisandbrandyblomquist3364]

Yes. I grew up along the Kissimmee River... Dawn was correct. (We always chuckled at folks who pronounced it the way Tom did.... dead giveaway that they were tourists.) 😀

[@janepitchford9807]

I came here to say this 🤣

[@cindydolezal2980]

My late husband was a real jokester. When we got married my middle daughter, about 6, stayed confused for quite a while to the point where she was in tears. I taught her that if Dave said something and she didnt know if he was joking or serious, she should say, "Dave, are you joking?" Then I made him promise that if she asked, he had to give her a straight answer. He couldn't keep joking. It worked out very well.

[@CK1000ism]

I'm glad you stepped in and nipped that in the bud. Having a 6 year old in tears is a bit much.

[@ritadyer9295]

I told my 10 and 12 year olds the other day, (after I had repeated myself about ten times with no results or acknowledgment) that I sounded like a broken record. Then I remembered that they probably didn’t know what that meant! So I found a video to show them what a broken record sounds like. Then my 12 year old son wanted to argue about that isn’t what it sounds like on some video game!

[@brettelizabethspore]

Fun video. Fun to see you laughing and just doing what works in this season.

[@joannarozmus4315]

Yay, my husband did the Nascar experience in the Poconos in PA. He loved it!

[@briannacaylin7949]

You were in my neck of the woods!! I grew up having barbecues at Lake Louisa on the weekends. It’s a beautiful place.

[@zephirinedrouhin3735]

I just love watching you guys. I’m so happy for you to be enjoying a nice warm vacation. You’re not going to want to come back, then again your own bed is the best. With love, a fellow Minnesotan.

[@runnergirlr3746]

Dawn you are correct! We lived there 30+ years. Glad you were able to enjoy the warm weather!

[@kristingorak4956]

Tom’s pronunciation is how I say Kissimmee!! We go to Orlando a lot and might check out those parks!!

[@margiemccarthy6761]

Thanks for the Friday video!

[@sherifrier1078]

Oh my gosh I live 5 minutes from Lake Louisa State Park!!! Yes it absolutely has alligators. I’m glad you enjoyed it here😊

[@yvonneross208]

Love, no complaining in Fl! Gonna use that one for sure.

[@colleen6921]

My mom and dad always said kiss a me, like Tom……but I think Dawn is right. 😅 I’m new to watching your videos on decluttering and enjoy them so much I’ve been binge watching. I’m not a hoarder but I’ve been holding onto things way too long. I’ve decluttered, donated and tossed a huge amount. It’s getting easier all the time. I go to bed thinking of what I can get rid of tomorrow. 😂 Dawn you are so encouraging!! Your family is beautiful!! So happy to see you and Tom getting some well deserved R & R!! Have fun!!

[@nancylester9990]

That’s encouraging and I’m happy for you, but Dawn is correct about how to pronounce Kissimmee. I live in that area.

[@Christyi]

I always thought Kissimmee was pronounced like Tom said. I remember being younger and seeing commercials on TV about it and that's the way it was pronounced. Plus as I just spoke it into my phone it came out in one word & I believed it's spelled it right! That's surprising cuz I've seen people on here from Florida saying it's pronounced the way Dawn says it. 🤷 Either way I was watching the video while I was waiting for my BUNDT cakes to bake. 😁 Dawn I have been refusing your recipe for just over 2 years, but have always had issues with the cakes sticking to the pans. So I tried 2 different things today and I am so happy to say I had absolutely NO issues with sticking today! 🙌 Finally found Baker's Joy, baking spray with flour, but one of the main things I noticed that stuck so bad was the chocolate chips. Today I only used mini morsels & it did not have the indentions I used to get with the regular sized morsels. I'm a happy camper!

[@glee_again2594]

They’re both wrong but I love them and they were so great in this!! Loved the accents and all:

[@sky02148]

I missed the notification for this videos, another great video, place looks like so much fun thanks for sharing, and as always stay safe and God bless love ya Nancy

[@judyellen4412]

Great video. Fun to see what Florida looks like.

[@nanettelamb1519]

Love "no complaining in Florida!" The blue is a little much...love the touches, but it a smudge bright!!

[@barbkandel777]

I love you two together! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. We live in Ohio and just went to St. Pete, Florida, last week, because we needed to see the sunshine!!! So glad you had such a good time! ❤

[@cheryl6v6]

Dawn wins the pronunciation war XD Glad you had a great time- thats why we live in central Florida!

[@monicalile5727]

Tom is great!!

[@ellenloveeggleston3251]

Hey! Tom is RIGHT! :) Diggin that Southern accent, Tom! Being from Tennessee, I get it!

[@shavelka4603]

Congratulations on your vacation!!! Glad to hear how Tom got his Dad to drive a Nascar. Imagine that was a blast for you both.

[@staceyhill]

I live in Daytona Beach and I am so glad you all enjoyed the Driving Experience! Our area has so many wonderful things.

[@elchewtoy]

Just awesome, thank you for sharing.

[@jacquihilts8320]

Made my first Bundt cake from your recipe book and OH MY! It was absolutely amazing and I’m gluten free so that tells you something. Best gluten free cake I have ever had! Hands down!!!

[@Cherie5353]

Silver Springs is also so beautiful in Ocala Florida. That’s a must see.

[@susanweiss9794]

Thank you for sharing. Glad you are having a nice get away with family.🤗

[@kaypendergast5676]

You have it right. Vacations are memories!!

[@livingoncoffee]

Excellent video. Your husband made it a plus! Beautiful scenery.

[@TheZumbaileana]

Dawn is saying Kissimmee right!😂 funny thing- my family on my mothers side just had a gathering in December to celebrate my uncles 90th, and they all stayed there! I lived in orlando early 90’s and it was nothing like it is now. We live in Miami Beach in a little town called Surfside and we feel very blessed about the weather and our surroundings every day, I think your family would enjoy it as well.

[@justforfunny7674]

Yes Dawn is correct! I’d never heard it pronounced the way Tom said it until I moved from FL to KY for a couple of years! It’s a sure sign you are not local if you say it that way😎😂

[@dannhorne9782]

We lived there in the 90’s too and worked at Disney

[@sunshine3914]

I remember all the baseball announcers pronouncing it like Tom. Of course, that was a billion years ago.

[@glee_again2594]

They were both wrong! 😂 Listen again. I grew up there and my parents have lived there about 40 years.

[@alysiachristensen5475]

Love the episode and the blue in the interior!!!

[@ApprendreSansEcole]

That empty kitchen is so nice ! All the vacation rentals we have seen in France have very limited cabinet space and the few cabinets are full… leaving no space for our groceries (which then have to stay on counters, etc. Doesn’t feel relaxing to have food laying out everywhere !)

[@imamonstr]

yayayyyy!! what a pleasure to see a Friday update video !! The way Tom says Kissimmee is how my family says it too !

[@cyrenadelong1324]

So much fun! I love watching y'all! I live in North Lake County and got excited when I realized y'all were here!

[@gailrushing5553]

A good reminder of what we really need to survive on lesser amounts of things. I really need to get busy 😃

[@gracevilagi7761]

We live right next to Daytona ! I am glad you’ve enjoyed your vacay in Florida. We’re so thankful to live here.

[@eviewesner]

Loved the Friday update!!

[@eviewesner]

Thank you Dawn & Tom

[@patriciabritton5917]

WE got packing cubes for our trip in Sept and they work great.

[@pattitowry6114]

Awesome southern accent! I’m proud of you! And NASCAR! ♥️from Tennessee

[@marcimedley7525]

Thank you for making me smile!

[@cinnie2543]

Great travel log. About Florida, they say you have to assume there is an alligator in EVERY body of water. A little boy was killed by an alligator in Disney World a couple years ago. So it's great that you are always on the lookout for predators.

[@victoriafreke6751]

Looks wonderful X thanks for sharing

[@bunny7403]

You two are so funny!! Also, I LOVE sarcasm!!

[@nancyrosendahl5616]

Thanks for the information! I wanted to book something in Florida for next year but had no idea where to start! This place looks amazing! 😎🌞🌴

[@madusonkeeper]

Florida has been gorgeous!

[@jtviolet]

So happy to see you on a Friday!

[@rhondabray8948]

I like in Cocoa, Fl about 45 minutes east of Orlando airport. Dawn you are saying Kissimmee correctly, Tom is saying it like a tourist lol. Love your videos and glad you all enjoyed your vacation.

[@iriswelch3553]

Your vacation rental reminds me of our timeshare vacations. There not a lot of stuff in the kitchen, but enough to fix breakfast and dinner. We usually go out for lunch. The weather there looks wonderful!

[@findingaway5512]

The themed rooms are super cute.

[@frans.6369]

So glad you discovered packing cubes. We found them a few years ago when we had our van life adventure and now use them whenever we travel. Glad the weather was warm for you, as we live in South Florida.

[@debraaugustine5505]

Loving the accent/character! I’m from Alabama and my husband is from Ohio. He and his family make fun of me and my family and we make fun of them. It’s hilarious! So glad YA’LL had a great time on your vacation!

[@joniwarren3100]

I ‘love’ Tom’s twin. 😂 Glad you are having a wonderful vacation…

[@cindyedmonds8878]

Dawn is correct as many ppl have already commented. Love Florida in the winter but not near Orlando! That place is packed 365 a year, no matter the season. We just got back from Ocala visiting family. Weather was perfect!

[@amominflorida]

A breath of fresh air to see a family visit Florida and highlight its nature parks.