Curing my BAD TICKER JUJU!!!!...Hey! Where's da Monkey king? New 2/11! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-20-2007, 08:03 AM

Sometime last March I proudly placed a ticker in my signature. We were going to the F&GF, and I made sure I chose greenery and flowers for my countdown. The plan was to go for five days in May…a Mother’s Day/birthday celebration. Each and every time I posted on the DIS, I was watching my number get lower and lower. Ah, the joy of the ticker.

But one day DH and I talked money.

UGH.:headache:

Money. The nemesis to all Disney fanatics.

Bottom line – it just wasn’t a good time to go.

Woefully I took down the ticker.

It was with great joy that I put another ticker in my signature in April. DH was scheduled to go to California with his job, and if one of us goes to California, all of us go to California. And if in California, we go to Disney Land! Peace restored with a new ticker, I was again able to watch those glorious days fade away as our departure date got closer and closer.

Then one day the phone rang.
………….
“Yes, I’m sitting”
…………
“What?!?”
……………
“When do they want you to go?”
……………….
“What do you mean ‘never’?:mad: Where are you going instead?”
………………
“Washington DC for FOUR months?”
(Insert many, many expletives *here*.)

Lost another ticker.

So, what do you do when you’ve had your household disrupted for over four months? We go to Disney World. Ticker reinsertion happened the first week of August. It was a week-long trip planned for October, just after DH returned from DC. Don’t you just love how the ticker people prey on your need for coordination? I chose a fall leaf scene this time, with a pumpkin or something for my countdown. Ah, another finite line to watch shrink. Until one day in late August when DH told me a secret. Seems my husband had been planning a surprise trip for December. :woohoo: I have ALWAYS wanted to go to the world for the holidays. ALWAYS. I am a Christmas kind of gal. It is my goal to have a tree in every room in my house. I love it. And to see it done up by the masters has always been a dream of mine. Well, this dream was about to come true.

Here’s the rub.

DH explained that he had been planning a 4 day trip to the world for Christmas. He said he’d like to stay for a longer period of time, but the only way we could swing it would be to cancel (GASP!) our October trip.

Of all of my ticker losses, this one was the easiest to handle. I took my autumnal themed ticker down, bidding it a fond farewell knowing that if I could rid myself of my bad ticker juju, my Christmas stocking would soon be in it’s place.

TKDisneylover

11-20-2007, 10:12 AM

Sending you some pixie dust to break that bad ticker juju!pixiedust:

Hanging in there and hoping to read about the planning of your Christmas trip!:thumbsup2

mindyd

11-20-2007, 10:29 AM

Hi,

That stinks how many times you had to cancel but now you are getting close so hopefully that ticker can keep on ticking LOL!

PrincessV

11-20-2007, 10:34 AM

:lmao: :lmao: I didn't even look to see who the OP was - I KNEW just by reading the title! :hug:

Okay, now I'll go back and actually read...

ETA: Great start sharkB8! (You realize, I'll never be able to call you anything else, right?!) I'm so excited for you - WDW during the holidays is like nothing else!

DisneyJo

11-20-2007, 10:45 AM

Yeah Kate's started a Pre Trippie :yay: I am so pleased you finally got a ticker to stick, I can remember you taking the others down :sad1:

Can't wait to hear your plans :yay:

BTW thanks V for letting me know :hug:

Disneyland_Mama

11-20-2007, 03:32 PM

Lauralee131

11-21-2007, 04:58 AM

Grab your rabbit’s foot.

Got it!

Walk around your chair three times while quacking like a duck.

Done!:thumbsup2

Spit on the ground a send some pixie dust my way.

Did that...

THIS trip looks like it’s about to become real.:thumbsup2

Woo Hoo!!!!:yay:

But one day DH and I talked money.

NO!!! What'd you go and do that for??:confused3

UGH.:headache:

Oh man, I know where this is going...THE talk...:sad2:

Money. The nemesis to all Disney fanatics.

:mad:

Bottom line – it just wasn’t a good time to go.

Woefully I took down the ticker.

:sad2: sniff, sniff....

It was with great joy that I put another ticker in my signature in April. DH was scheduled to go to California with his job, and if one of us goes to California, all of us go to California. And if in California, we go to Disney Land! Peace restored with a new ticker, I was again able to watch those glorious days fade away as our departure date got closer and closer.

Alright!!! :banana:

Then one day the phone rang.

Not again...:sad2: I can't keep doing this!!

“Washington DC for FOUR months?”
(Insert many, many expletives *here*.)

Lost another ticker.

I inserted many expletives on your behalf as well!!:mad:

Until one day in late August when DH told me a secret. Seems my husband had been planning a surprise trip for December. :woohoo: I have ALWAYS wanted to go to the world for the holidays. ALWAYS. I am a Christmas kind of gal. It is my goal to have a tree in every room in my house. I love it. And to see it done up by the masters has always been a dream of mine. Well, this dream was about to come true.

OMG - he's been PLANNING a TRIP????:confused3 Seriously??? Awesome!!!

DH explained that he had been planning a 4 day trip to the world for Christmas. He said he’d like to stay for a longer period of time, but the only way we could swing it would be to cancel (GASP!) our October trip.

Ooooh....what to do...:rolleyes1 what to do....:rolleyes1

Of all of my ticker losses, this one was the easiest to handle. I took my autumnal themed ticker down, bidding it a fond farewell knowing that if I could rid myself of my bad ticker juju, my Christmas stocking would soon be in it’s place.

Hmmmm....Yep - I think this would have been an easier ticker to lose, too...WDW at the holidays! I'm so jealous SharkB8!!! And like V said, you'll always be SharkB8 to me too!!!

I'm so excited for you and your surprise trip...what a great hubby!!:santa:

Can't wait for more!!!popcorn:: popcorn::

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-21-2007, 08:02 AM

Sending you some pixie dust to break that bad ticker juju!pixiedust:

Hanging in there and hoping to read about the planning of your Christmas trip!:thumbsup2

Thanks, Tammy, for the pixie dust. And welcome aboard!

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-21-2007, 08:03 AM

Hi,

That stinks how many times you had to cancel but now you are getting close so hopefully that ticker can keep on ticking LOL!

It wasn't easy to keep taking those tickers down, BUT, we're almost there on this one! Now I have to figure out how to pack in secrecy.

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-21-2007, 08:07 AM

:lmao: :lmao: I didn't even look to see who the OP was - I KNEW just by reading the title! :hug:

You watched them all come down, too! It was a give away title :rotfl2:

I'm down to 10 fuzzy days!!!!!!:woohoo:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-21-2007, 08:10 AM

:wave2: :wave2: Hi Jo! Glad you found me. I couldn't decide if I should do a pre-trip or not, but I've got to share my excitement with somebody! My boys don't know!!!!

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-21-2007, 08:12 AM

:woohoo: Go SharkB8!! :woohoo:

In all honesty, I was really bummed when your DLR trip was cancelled until I realized it was scheduled for exactly the same week as my WDW trip and we wouldn't be able to have us a mini-meet! Another time, eh? ;)

Here's tons of pixie dust for ya! :pixiedust: You deserve it!

T, I was bummed, too. It's been about 15 years since I've been out there and I would have loved to go back. BUT, I guess it wasn't supposed to happen. One of these days...

Thanks for the pixie dust :hug:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-21-2007, 08:49 AM

LL! So glad you're joining the madness!

Yeah, the money talk stunk...BUT, we're going soon!!!!!!!!!!!:woohoo: :thumbsup2

DisneyJo

11-21-2007, 09:16 AM

Your boys still don't know? :faint: Wow you're good :thumbsup2

Disneyland_Mama

11-21-2007, 08:12 PM

So what's going on? Are you packed yet? Is your "Crap-O-Disney-Stuff" box full yet? Do the boys know yet? If not, how are you going to tell them????

You've got me on pins and needles - Inquiring minds need to know this stuff!! :hyper:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-26-2007, 08:43 AM

I just realized I am down to 11 days. ELEVEN! And that's not even using V's fuzzy math! :thumbsup2 I've got to get crackin' on this thing. I'll be back to fill in the blanks.:yay:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-26-2007, 09:22 AM

A little background information?

DS#1 is eleven. He is my Renaissance man. He loves to read, write, draw and paint. He plays guitar. This is his third year competing with his Lego robotics team. He is taller than his not-so-short Momma, and he is a sweetheart of a young man.

DS#2 will be 8 in January. He is a goof from head to toe. He loves an audience, and sometimes his own reflection in the mirror or a window is audience enough. :rotfl2:

DS#3 is 4. He is a pipsqueak of a boy and oozes impishness. He’s trouble coming and going. But lovey and sweet and quick to offer an apology (which I receive daily and often).

DH is the reason for this trip. He started it. As I said, I’ve always wanted to go at Christmas time, and the past three years have been grueling for us. Lots and lots of time with him in one place and us in another. His job has had him on the road for up to 4 months at a time. He’s home now, for good! And what a better way to settle in to life again than to pack up the car and head south for some time with the mouse.

And me? I’m a SAHM and home schooling parent.:teacher: I just got my invitation to my 20th high school reunion, which dates me, but I’m currently refusing to age. I simply look at my white hair as cheap high-lights.:scared1:

Our plan was to arrive on December 9 and leave on the 15th. (We are within driving distance, so we pack the van to capacity and get on 95 and just keep going until we see the cows.) That would give us a full five days in the parks, plus a little extra on arrival and departure days. We booked a room at SOG. Then it was time to start the search for December hours and make plans! I pulled out my notebook and hesitantly started to gather information. In the back of my mind was always the loss of my other tickers. I admit to being a bit nervous. I wasn’t ready to delete another. I rationalized my way into commitment:idea: ….make an ADR! That will make it stick!

PrincessV

11-26-2007, 09:29 AM

I simply look at my white hair as cheap high-lights.:scared1:
:rotfl: I understand - I underwent 6 months of highlighting to get so the new whites will just blend in with the higlights :rolleyes1
I rationalized my way into commitment:idea: ….make an ADR! That will make it stick!
OOOO, where, where?! popcorn::

DisneyJo

11-26-2007, 01:00 PM

He loves an audience, and sometimes his own reflection in the mirror or a window is audience enough. :rotfl2: OMG that's Ellie to a tee, we should get them together, actually no they'd fight over the mirrors :rotfl2: When Ellie was little she could always find the mirrors in every shop!

I simply look at my white hair as cheap high-lights.:scared1: :rotfl2: I wish I could do that, but as my hair is so dark they really stand out :eek:

So what are these ADR's then???

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-26-2007, 02:07 PM

My decision to keep this trip from the boys was purely selfish in nature. As much as I would love to be able to say that the idea of surprising them was just what I needed to keep my yap shut, it's really being done out of necessity. See, we have a Grand Gathering planned in 237 days. How do I know this? My children tell me every day just how many more days until they get to see their cousins again. And just yesterday, while maneuvering my way through Costco, I was fielding questions from #3.

"Momma, do you like Riverside or Shades of Green better?"

"Momma, do you like Splash Mountain or Big Thunder better?"

"Momma, do you like Soarin' or Test Track better?"

The obsession is deep and powerful at my house. And the thought of having to maintain my sanity through a daily barrage of reminders and countdowns to Disney while trying to buy, wrap, and ship presents, bake, mail cards, put up the tree, decorate the house, and deal with company AND deal with life, just wasn't appealing to me. Crazy, I know. So, I opted to keep it quiet.

We lost the belief in Santa this year. Funny thing is that it was the oldest to find out last. DH and I decided long ago that if we were ever asked point blank if Santa was real, that we would tell the truth. Until the spring, such a question was never asked. DS#2 got creeped out at the thought of a huge bunny coming into the house to leave baskets.:scared: He wondered what most 7 year old boys wonder....where was the bunny poop? So, he asked me if we were the bunny. Yep. Then he asked me if we were the tooth fairy. Yep. And, while his childhood fantasy world was unraveling, he asked if we were Santa. Yep. But, with a 4 year old in the house, we asked him to be a big brother and keep it to himself.

No problem.

Until one morning the 4 year old was eating breakfast and out of the blue come the interrogation lights.

"Momma, are you and Da Santa?"

#2 tried desperately to change the topic.

To no avail.

I had to confess. He had asked and that was the deal.

But, I had an almost 11 year old who still believed. What to do? I didn't feel right leaving him in the dark when his littlest brother knew the truth, so I felt it right to tell him. The potential shame of being told by a 4 year old seemed worse than having your mom tell you. So, off I went to burst his bubble. He took it well, but seemed to doubt me. His response: "You don't have the budget for all that!"

:rotfl2:

So while the magic of Santa has left us this year, we've chosen to replace it with the magic of Disney.

Up next...How to reveal?

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-26-2007, 02:10 PM

OMG that's Ellie to a tee, we should get them together, actually no they'd fight over the mirrors :rotfl2: When Ellie was little she could always find the mirrors in every shop!

I'm going to have to be careful with my boys around your girls...mine are easily smitten:love:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-26-2007, 02:19 PM

:rotfl: I understand - I underwent 6 months of highlighting to get so the new whites will just blend in with the higlights :rolleyes1

Fortunately I can still pull them out, but I know I'm going to be outnumbered soon:rotfl2:

And the ADR?.....I'm getting to it. And notice, it's singular!:scared1:

DisneyJo

11-26-2007, 03:12 PM

"Momma, do you like Riverside or Shades of Green better?"

"Momma, do you like Splash Mountain or Big Thunder better?"

"Momma, do you like Soarin' or Test Track better?" Awww that sounds sweet can't understand why you don't like it :rolleyes1 :rotfl2:

We lost the belief in Santa this year. Funny thing is that it was the oldest to find out last. What!!!!! He's not real :sad: My 2 still believe, I think!!!!

I'm going to have to be careful with my boys around your girls...mine are easily smitten:love: :rotfl2:

PrincessV

11-26-2007, 03:53 PM

The potential shame of being told by a 4 year old seemed worse than having your mom tell you. So, off I went to burst his bubble. He took it well, but seemed to doubt me. His response: "You don't have the budget for all that!"
OMG, I'm cracking up! :lmao: What a sweetie :goodvibes

You'll like this... I went into parenthood flat-out refusing to lie about the Santa thing, so I never even brought the subject of Santa up with Leo - no gifts from the big guy, no putting out cookies, etc. - figuring he'd still enjoy the surprise of presents Xmas morning, but I wouldn't have to maintain the myth (I'm really, REALLY bad at that). Guess what? It didn't work. He's a true believer anyway. I gave up and labeled two gifts as "From Santa" this year. :rolleyes:

Only ONE ADR????? :faint:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-27-2007, 12:07 PM

So, I’d been making my list, checking times twice, then checking my bank statements. Seems as much as I would have liked to do it, MVMCP was out of the question. A party of 5, 3 of which are adults…it was just too much to ask this time of year. So I came up with an alternative plan. We’d go into MK on a day of the party, stay until they kick us out with their big, white gloved hands, and go to Chef Mickey’s for a late dinner. That way we get to linger, and if all goes according to my devious plan, we’ll get to see the fireworks from the Contemporary. I know, it won’t be the same, but it’s the frugal way to tour. Some people go commando, I just go cheapo!:rotfl2:

December 11 seemed like as good a day as any that week, and when I called the only time I was able to get was 7:50. Perfect.:thumbsup2

Then one morning my phone rang. It was my sister, with whom we are gathering grand-style in August. (Yes, right around the scheduled repeat of Lapufest!) She has her morning coffee with Mousesavers and called to fill me in on a deal for AP holders. Codes were out for December. :woohoo: WAAAAAHHHOOOOOOO! Don’t get me wrong, SOG is nice. Very nice. And the sleeping is delightful. But I wanted immersion. I wanted property. And this was my chance.

So I worked the numbers and was able to get POR for $20 less per night.

Well, what’s a girl to do with all that extra money?:confused3

I did what any good DISser would do.

I added a night on the end.

So now we’re at POR from the 9th to the 16th.

DisneyJo

11-27-2007, 12:45 PM

Great idea about the Contempory to watch the fireworks and another day :yay: :yay: :yay:

PrincessV

11-27-2007, 03:09 PM

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-27-2007, 07:05 PM

Great idea about the Contempory to watch the fireworks and another day :yay: :yay: :yay:

Thanks, Jo. I'm hoping we time it right. Otherwise I'm going to be telling my boys to hurry up and eat!:rotfl2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-27-2007, 07:08 PM

Okay, now you're just scaring me - we really do seem to live parallel lives:
I also opted out of MVMCP this year due to cost. And found an alternative in dinner at Ohana on a party night. :thumbsup2

Only I canceled that and we're hitting the MK on a non-party night for some rides in the dark. :rolleyes:

What I'm saying is: GOOD PLANNING! :yay:

Yup, great minds.

I think it's sweet that Leo fell for Santa even though you never brought it up. I guess kids just need the magic. Mine still talk of Santa like he's real, even though they know he's not. The only real difference is that now they pester me to give up what they are getting!:lmao: Not a chance! :cool2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-27-2007, 07:10 PM

I just came from getting new tires put on the van.

Now we can safely drive.

:rotfl2:

Tomorrow I'll fill you in on my crafty weekend and how/when I'm telling the boys. I'll even try to post pictures. :scared1:

DebIreland

11-27-2007, 07:14 PM

SHAAAAAAAAAAARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're back. Well, okay, you were always here, I'm the one who went missing. But you're going back to WDW!!! Oh my goodness, I'm so happy for you. I cannot wait to live vicariously through you over the coming weeks. :woohoo: I just barely read the 1st post but I simply had to post!! This is so cool - another trip, another trippie. Off to print it off now and read it properly. So glad you started this!!

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-27-2007, 07:17 PM

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-29-2007, 11:57 AM

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/November2007202.jpg

Okay, somebody PLEASE tell me how to resize this thing:confused3

Each year we do the advent thing. Whether they are filled with chocolates, notes, pictures, or the ever increasing in price Lego calendar, it just wouldn't be Christmas without a countdown. So this year I decided to make their calendars so that I could fill them with Hershey's kisses, mini reese's cups, and notes. THE note on December 8th will read "go pack your bag, we're going to Disney!":yay:

I drilled holes in the wood, and in them sit mini-votive candle holders. The candy goes inside the candle holder, and they are topped with scrapbooking paper cut to fit so there is no peeking.

And, yes, I did say the 8th. We've decided to go a day early. Can you imagine? I've added yet another day to this trip? It's a disease. An illness. I share it with many of you. :hug: We're not going all the way to WDW. We'll drive to Jacksonville and stay the night there so that we only have a 2 hour drive on Sunday. That way we can get there early enough that we'll have time to pick up our APs, go check in to POR, and then head to a park.:woohoo:

bawsmom

11-29-2007, 01:09 PM

what a great idea!! i can't wait to hear how they react!!:cool1: :woohoo: :banana: :dance3:

DisneyJo

11-29-2007, 01:39 PM

SHAAAAAAAAAAARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're back. Well, okay, you were always here, I'm the one who went missing. DEBBBBBBBB so good to see you again don't stay away so long this time you hear!!!!!! BTW I just finished my TR :goodvibes

Each year we do the advent thing. Whether they are filled with chocolates, notes, pictures, or the ever increasing in price Lego calendar, it just wouldn't be Christmas without a countdown. That's really cute Kate and you're going a day early :yay:

PrincessV

11-29-2007, 02:40 PM

I drilled holes in the wood, and in them sit mini-votive candle holders.
Color me impressed! I'm not allowed to use power tools. :sad1:

I love this idea - the boys are going to FREAK! :banana: :banana: :banana:

I've added yet another day to this trip? It's a disease. An illness. I share it with many of you.
I have no idea what you're talking about.

:rotfl:

Hey sharky? Only 6 non-business days left! That's less than a week :thumbsup2 :cool1: :woohoo:

Disneyland_Mama

11-29-2007, 02:44 PM

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/November2007202.jpg
I love this idea!!! :goodvibes

And don't think of it as vacationing cheapo - it vacationing creatively. ;)

It's a disease. An illness. I share it with many of you. :hug:

:rotfl:

sharkB8HooHaHa

11-30-2007, 07:26 AM

That's really cute Kate and you're going a day early :yay:
Thanks, Jo :goodvibes
Color me impressed! I'm not allowed to use power tools. :sad1:

Thanks, V. Um, have you had issues in the past? Why are you on power tool probation?

Yeah, I think they are going to freak, too. Heck, it's all I can do to keep from outwardly freaking myself:rotfl:

I love this idea!!! :goodvibes

And don't think of it as vacationing cheapo - it vacationing creatively. ;)

Thank you, T. I made Mickey ornaments for a mini tree for our room, and DH made a wreath for our door. I'm going to try to get those up later today, but the boys are always milling about:confused3

what a great idea!! i can't wait to hear how they react!!:cool1: :woohoo: :banana: :dance3:

Welcome!:goodvibes So glad to have you here!

TheDISneyFamily

11-30-2007, 03:51 PM

DisneyJo

11-30-2007, 04:08 PM

Color me impressed! I'm not allowed to use power tools. :sad1: Why??? Is that what your Mom says?? I own all the power tools in this house, I put up the shelfs, fix things, plumb in the washing machine etc :rotfl2:

Disneyland_Mama

11-30-2007, 04:10 PM

Why??? Is that what your Mom says?? I own all the power tools in this house, I put up the shelfs, fix things, plumb in the washing machine etc :rotfl2:

Wow Jo! I don't need a husband, I need a wife like you! :rotfl2:

DisneyJo

11-30-2007, 04:15 PM

Wow Jo! I don't need a husband, I need a wife like you! :rotfl2: And I don't like shopping either I'm the perfect wife :rotfl2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-01-2007, 07:34 AM

KATE!!! I can't believe you are in the SINGLE DIGITS! :yay: Holy cow!!! :banana: I'm sooooooo happy you are going to WDW for Christmas!!! What a great surprise for the boys!!! :santa:

I can't stop smiling now! :goodvibes

WOOOOOHOOOOO! :dance3:

-Michelle

I know! I am so excited! Plus, the fact that the boys have no idea just makes it really cool. They are going to flip. We put their note inside the piece of chocolate for the morning of the 8th....("I bet that gold makes the chocolate taste funny anyway" ~ Sorry, I digress to a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory moment:confused3 )

Now I just have to figure out how I can start to pack without them figuring it out.:laundy:

Thanks for climbing aboard!

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-01-2007, 07:36 AM

Wow Jo! I don't need a husband, I need a wife like you! :rotfl2:

:rotfl2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-01-2007, 07:46 AM

Back in September or so I was on the Meet the Dissers thread, just having a look about to see who was going to be in the world the same time as me. I saw some familiar names as I scanned the list. Then, just as I neared the bottom, I saw the coolest thing. V.

Because of our decision to add a day to the end in order to spend the savings we had accrued by getting the AP rate at POR, my trip was now about to overlap with V's by 2 days. Yup. Two chances to meet V.:yay: So I sent her a PM letting her know of my discovery, and much to my delight, she seemed not only willing to meet another potential axe-murderer, but happy to do so.:goodvibes

:yay:

DisneyJo

12-01-2007, 02:28 PM

Woohooo you're going to meet V :yay: Give her a hug from me :goodvibes

PrincessV

12-01-2007, 07:44 PM

Two chances to meet V.:yay: So I sent her a PM letting her know of my discovery, and much to my delight, she seemed not only willing to meet another potential axe-murderer, but happy to do so.:goodvibes

:rotfl: I LOVE potential axe-muderer meetings! You're so sweet :hug: And may I say a word to my fellow readers? I am absolutely super-duper happy to meet sharky! I've "known" her almost as long as I've been DISing and never had a chance to meet. I'm STOKED! :woohoo:

Oh, and about the power tools... I may or may not have allegedly knocked out the entire power supply to a bathroom whilst installing a new medicine cabinet. Is it my or my drill's fault some yahoo ran the wiring in that spot? I don't think so. I may also have dropped 1/4 bucket of mastic in the bathtub and tried to wash it down the drain. :rolleyes1

Dory4Vs

12-02-2007, 10:10 AM

Hey your almost there!!! 6 more days!!!!

DisneyJo

12-02-2007, 02:06 PM

Oh, and about the power tools... I may or may not have allegedly knocked out the entire power supply to a bathroom whilst installing a new medicine cabinet. Is it my or my drill's fault some yahoo ran the wiring in that spot? I don't think so. I may also have dropped 1/4 bucket of mastic in the bathtub and tried to wash it down the drain. :rolleyes1 :rotfl2: No wonder you are banned :rotfl2: Maybe on your Christmas list you need one of those gadgets that you put up to the wall where you're going to drill and it buzzes if there are wires behind, I've got one :rotfl2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-07-2007, 06:46 PM

T’was the night before Disney
And all through the house
Poor Momma was pacing,
“Get me to that Mouse!”

The luggage lined up by the door with some care
In hopes that the morning time soon would be there.

The children were cuddled up, tucked in their beds,
not knowing just what fun lay ahead.
While Da with his spreadsheet and I with the basket
Are trying to pack all we need the fastest.

When from the washer there arose such a clatter,
I rose from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away up the hall I went like a fiend,
It was just the spin cycle tossing the machine.

Yanking clothes here and there to balance the load
I uttered some words usually saved for the road.
The last thing I needed was a costly breakdown,
Didn’t it know we were set to leave town?

I jiggled the dials and pushed it about,
Thought one more foul word, then blurted it out!
“Now Washer! Get going! Don’t you dare stop now!
On Whirlpool! Keep working! You have to somehow!”

And then in a moment I heard not a sound,
Seems the whole thing had stopped spinning around.
As I took a deep breath and tried to find peace,
I realized the source of the starting to cease.

In my panic what I had failed to see
Was the washer was finished, it finished with glee.
The cycle was complete, my wash had been done,
And now to the dryer set on “surface of sun”.

With clothes washed and dried we could finish the packing,
For morning was nearing, I could tell by my snacking.
We were heading to Disney World, happy as could be,
Mickey, my boys, my husband and me.

Once morning arrived we would be on our way,
Just a van packed with suitcases, no fancy sleigh.
But you’ll hear me exclaim as we leave the house,
“We’re off to Disney! Here we come Mickey Mouse!”

Disneyland_Mama

12-07-2007, 07:31 PM

Yay!!! :yay: Hope you have a fabulous trip, Sharkie!!!

Here's tons of Pixie Dust for you guys!!!

pixiedust:
pixiedust: pixiedust:
pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:
pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:
pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:
pixiedust: pixiedust:
pixiedust:

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-07-2007, 10:23 PM

Hey your almost there!!! 6 more days!!!!

You got the ticker to work:thumbsup2 Now I know what to put in mine:woohoo:

:grouphug:

DisneyJo

12-08-2007, 09:26 AM

What a great rhyme Kate and wooohoooo you're on your way, have a great vacation!!!!

:wave2:

PrincessV

12-08-2007, 01:24 PM

T’was the night before Disney
This little piece of literary magic is just BRILLIANT sharkB8!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Can't wait to see you!

cmp1111

12-08-2007, 10:08 PM

I suppose you're off to Jacksonville by now, just as I got caught up.

It sounds like a great trip in the making. I'm excited to read more! :goodvibes

CE

DisneyJo

12-17-2007, 01:51 PM

Welcome home Kate :goodvibes

Dory4Vs

12-18-2007, 04:54 PM

Welcome home!! We can't wait to hear how your trip went at Walt Disney World!! :santa:

Disneyland_Mama

12-18-2007, 05:50 PM

Just checkin' in to see if it started. :surfweb:

popcorn::

Lauralee131

12-19-2007, 04:24 AM

Helloooooo????

Is this thing on??? :confused3

Hmmm....wonder where SharB8 could be??? :scratchin

Guess I'll just wait....:rolleyes1

Lauralee131

12-19-2007, 04:26 AM

It's just me Kate....

Still waiting....:bored:

DisneyJo

12-19-2007, 05:51 AM

Hey LL want to play? :bored:

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-19-2007, 07:54 AM

I know, I know. I'm planning to get it up and started today.

And LL, get some sleep!

:goodvibes

DisneyJo

12-19-2007, 08:35 AM

Woohooo starting today :yay:

Lauralee131

12-19-2007, 11:36 AM

Here Jo!!! Catch!!!! :bored:

Ok, I've popped a fresh bag...I'm ready.... popcorn::

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-19-2007, 12:37 PM

I needed no help waking up Saturday morning.

I had stacked all the clothes that were to come in neat little piles.

I had packed the boxes of oatmeal and granola bars that were to serve as breakfast for the week.

I had located autograph books, lanyards and ponchos.

I was ready.

But everyone else was still asleep.

A quandary.

Making as much noise as humanly possible, I started coffee. I slammed cabinets. I needlessly flushed toilets. I turned on the shower, then turned it off. Nothing. Not a stirring to be had.

Then, as I was running out of options for noise-makers that wouldn't raise questions, the neighbor's dog started howling.

Perfect.:thumbsup2

Within a few minutes I had #3 up and I knew it wouldn't be long before the other two were up and about.

The rule in the house is no advent calendar until breakfast has been eaten. They are, after all, filled with little Dove delights, and if #3 had the option, he'd eat nothing but junk all the time. Convincing him to eat early was a challenge. He's not a big breakfast eater. But a bowl of cheerios later we were on our way to the calendars.

DH and I tried not to make a big deal out of the fact that we wanted them all to open at the same time. We desperately tried to be nonchalant with the camera. Yes, it was out of the ordinary to have someone take your photo while opening an advent calendar, but they seemed to chalk it up to parents being odd.

They opened the paper sealing the holder.

#2 was first to lift his chocolate out.

He saw the end of the piece of paper and asked what it was.

I claimed to have no idea.:confused3

Then #1 took his chocolate out and asked why he had something sticking out of his as well.

Again :confused3

#2 pulled his paper out and started to read. To himself. Then looked puzzled as if he was stuck on a word.

#1 pulled his out and read. To himself. He looked up at us.

#3 pulled his out, stuck the chocolate in his mouth, and asked what was going on.

So we asked #2 to read it out loud.

"Go pack your bag because we're going to Disney World."

Nothing.

Silence.

Silence and stunned faces.

Not stunned happy. More like deer in your headlights stunned.

They didn't believe us.

Well, #3 did. He asked where his suitcase was so he could get packing.

bawsmom

12-19-2007, 12:49 PM

ooohhhhhh!!! that gave me chills!!!:cool1:

how exciting!!! can't wait to hear the rest!:woohoo:

DisneyJo

12-19-2007, 12:59 PM

Well, #3 did. He asked where his suitcase was so he could get packing. That is so sweet and so funny about #3 :rotfl2: I'm going to have to go back and read your intros though as I can't remember how old your DS's are!

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-19-2007, 01:48 PM

That is so sweet and so funny about #3 :rotfl2: I'm going to have to go back and read your intros though as I can't remember how old your DS's are!

Sorry, Jo. #1 is 11. #2 is 7 (8 next month), and #3 is 4.

DisneyJo

12-19-2007, 03:24 PM

Thanks kate, I did go back and look though :goodvibes

Disneyland_Mama

12-19-2007, 03:38 PM

:rotfl: I love that the 4 year old was ready to rock! :woohoo:

What a great surprise for your boys!

cmp1111

12-19-2007, 06:09 PM

I love the visuals! That's a great reveal! :thumbsup2

Lifelong_Dreamer

12-20-2007, 02:58 AM

Hey there, I am late to your trippie but I am glad I got here for the start of the actual trip report.

I loved your Twas The Night Before Disney, very cute. :thumbsup2

Too funny that the boys didn't believe you about Disney. :rotfl2:

Lauralee131

12-20-2007, 04:25 AM

YAY!! It has BEGUN!!

And how sweet!:cloud9: I got a little verklempt just reading that!!:grouphug:

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-20-2007, 11:42 AM

ooohhhhhh!!! that gave me chills!!!:cool1:

how exciting!!! can't wait to hear the rest!:woohoo:
Thanks! Glad you're on board:thumbsup2

:rotfl: I love that the 4 year old was ready to rock! :woohoo:

What a great surprise for your boys!

T, he's ALWAYS ready to go to Disney :rotfl2: And Mr. 44 inches was ready to take on the biggies this time!

I love the visuals! That's a great reveal! :thumbsup2

Thanks. It was a fun way to reveal the trip....even if they didn't believe us:rotfl2:

Hey there, I am late to your trippie but I am glad I got here for the start of the actual trip report.

I loved your Twas The Night Before Disney, very cute. :thumbsup2

Too funny that the boys didn't believe you about Disney. :rotfl2:

Welcome! Glad you're here:goodvibes

YAY!! It has BEGUN!!

And how sweet!:cloud9: I got a little verklempt just reading that!!:grouphug:

Hey LL!:goodvibes Glad you're finding some time to read along. I know things are crazy for you right now. Is Tony home?

jcc0621

12-20-2007, 12:27 PM

I'm here, I'm here....LAte, but I am here:yay: Love the advent calender reveal, what a great idea! I can't keep my big mouth shut so I would never be able to keep the secret:lmao:

Can't wait to hear the rest:thumbsup2

Lauralee131

12-21-2007, 05:23 AM

Hey LL!:goodvibes Glad you're finding some time to read along. I know things are crazy for you right now. Is Tony home?

Yep - Tony's home...been back since Thanksgiving. He took on a new job with the same company that will keep him home, which is nice. He's working in the trailer now too so it's also nice that he's getting a break from the field. So he's fine-tuning his computer skills now:badpc:...maybe he'll do HIS side of a TR someday.... :rolleyes1

jcc0621

12-21-2007, 08:50 AM

Yep - Tony's home...been back since Thanksgiving. He took on a new job with the same company that will keep him home, which is nice. He's working in the trailer now too so it's also nice that he's getting a break from the field. So he's fine-tuning his computer skills now:badpc:...maybe he'll do HIS side of a TR someday.... :rolleyes1

Oooh, flailing hands, neck strains, and everything:cool1: :rotfl2:

Lauralee131

12-21-2007, 12:31 PM

Oooh, flailing hands, neck strains, and everything:cool1: :rotfl2:

:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

PrincessV

12-22-2007, 10:31 AM

#3 pulled his out, stuck the chocolate in his mouth, and asked what was going on....

They didn't believe us.

Well, #3 did. He asked where his suitcase was so he could get packing.
:lmao: Oh Kate, I can totally picture this!

I'm so excited to see your TR - it was so good to meet you! :hug:

Lauralee131

12-26-2007, 04:09 PM

popcorn:: Just checkin' in....

You know, in case YOU were wondering where I was....;)

:bored:

PrincessV

12-28-2007, 01:53 PM

popcorn::

sharkB8HooHaHa

12-31-2007, 03:46 PM

Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,
Then one day he was shootin at some food,
And up through the ground came a bubblin crude.

Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.

Once the boys opened their calendars and read the news, they proceeded with much doubt. Well, except #3 who was filling his suitcase with countless stuffed animals that apparently needed a vacation. Numbers 1 and 2 cautiously gathered sweatshirts and autograph books, as if waiting for the big "PSYCH!" from their parents. I guess they think we're awful :confused3

As I was doing my pre-trip chicken with my head chopped off imitation, DH was changing the oil in the car. We had a goal, and that was to be in the car by 11. I had bags stashed in every closet in the house. I had piles and piles of clothes to be shoved into bags. I had plants to water, windows to lock, and lights to turn on. Fortunately, I also had a list.

I love lists.

I issued orders like a pro.

And they listened.

Coolers were sought and packed.

Bags with breakfast items were stacked by the door.

Our mini-tree for our room was stuffed in a bag.

Everyone showered, dressed, and were present and accounted for. We were ready to go. AND, it was nearing 11 o'clock. Bad juju, see you later!

We locked the doors, climbed into the van, "seat belts everyone!" and were on our way! :woohoo:

We made it to the bottom of the driveway when DH noticed the oil slick. Hello bad juju.

Fill in your expletive of choice here.

We pulled in front of the house to find oil gushing from beneath the car. Yes, GUSHING. :eek:

Engine off.

DH pops the hood and starts to look.

I head to the garage for towels to clean up the Exxon-like disaster in my driveway. And the boys are still belted in and ready to go. As I am futilely mopping up oil, DH starts to look, dare I say, panicked. He mutters something about a cracked oil line and keeps moving. He asked me to turn the car on again so he can try to find the source, and as I did, I hear "SHUT IT OFF!"

This was rapidly becoming an environmental nightmare.

So, I got out the bucket of Simple Green de-greaser and started spraying the driveway. One quart of oil vs. one gallon of Simple Green a squirt at a time...it was going to be a long clean up.

About this time #3 started to cry. He had determined that we were never going to Disney World again. #1 and #2 tried to calm him. He was nearing a point of being inconsolable. Just as he made his declaration of independence (he was going to unbuckle himself and wait on the porch), DH discovered that the seal on the old oil filter had never come off when the filter was removed. Add to that seal a new seal on a new filter. Two filters apparently don't filter at all. :confused3

Turns out it was an easy fix. Once the old seal popped off and the new filter was put back on, we were good to go. Well, once we put in another quart of oil.

So, #3 rapidly calmed himself as he was assured that we were, in fact, leaving soon and he was going to go to Disney World.

We were delayed by only 30 minutes.

Turns out it was just the first in what turned out to be quite an adventure down to Florida.

jcc0621

12-31-2007, 05:22 PM

Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,
Then one day he was shootin at some food,
And up through the ground came a bubblin crude.

Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.

Well the first thing you know old Jed's a millionarie........

Once the boys opened their calendars and read the news, they proceeded with much doubt. Well, except #3 who was filling his suitcase with countless stuffed animals that apparently needed a vacation. Numbers 1 and 2 cautiously gathered sweatshirts and autograph books, as if waiting for the big "PSYCH!" from their parents. I guess they think we're awful :confused3

Psych them out often do ya:rolleyes1

We made it to the bottom of the driveway when DH noticed the oil slick. Hello bad juju.

Fill in your expletive of choice here.

We pulled in front of the house to find oil gushing from beneath the car. Yes, GUSHING. :eek:[/QUOTE[

Oh No!:scared1:

Engine off.

[QUOTE=sharkB8HooHaHa;22335966]About this time #3 started to cry. He had determined that we were never going to Disney World again.

Awww, poor little guy:hug:

We were delayed by only 30 minutes.

Not Bad:3dglasses

Turns out it was just the first in what turned out to be quite an adventure down to Florida.

Uh ohpopcorn::

cmp1111

01-01-2008, 11:41 AM

Numbers 1 and 2 cautiously gathered sweatshirts and autograph books, as if waiting for the big "PSYCH!" from their parents. I guess they think we're awful :confused3

:lmao:

I love lists.

::yes:: Me, too!

Everyone showered, dressed, and were present and accounted for. We were ready to go. AND, it was nearing 11 o'clock. Bad juju, see you later!

Hooray!

We made it to the bottom of the driveway when DH noticed the oil slick. Hello bad juju.

NO!!! :sad2:

This was rapidly becoming an environmental nightmare.

At least no baby seals were harmed, I assume. ;)

About this time #3 started to cry. He had determined that we were never going to Disney World again. #1 and #2 tried to calm him. He was nearing a point of being inconsolable.

Oh, poor thing.

We were delayed by only 30 minutes.

Pshew! :goodvibes

Such adventures, and we're not out of the driveway yet! Great installment! :thumbsup2

DisneyJo

01-01-2008, 11:51 AM

Oh Kate you're hilarious, I'm so glad the major oil leak turned out to be a minor easily fixed problem and you were on your way again before DS #3 started a protest :rotfl:

PrincessV

01-02-2008, 02:20 PM

Numbers 1 and 2 cautiously gathered sweatshirts and autograph books, as if waiting for the big "PSYCH!" from their parents. I guess they think we're awful :confused3
Okay, what's up with that? You know mine is equally suspicious... remember that he was convinced I was ready to feed him to the Country Bears? What have we done to merit such distrust?! ;)
Bad juju, see you later!
Hooray! :yay:
Hello bad juju.
Oh carp. :headache:
Fill in your expletive of choice here.
Done. And it wasn't "carp."
So, I got out the bucket of Simple Green de-greaser and started spraying the driveway.
Color me impressed! I'd have had NO idea where to start. :confused:
Turns out it was just the first in what turned out to be quite an adventure down to Florida.
Oh No!!!! :hug:

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-02-2008, 05:10 PM

Psych them out often do ya:rolleyes1

That's the thing that is so funny...we don't. Ever. :confused3 Why they thought I'd yank this one away from them is beyond me.

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-02-2008, 05:12 PM

At least no baby seals were harmed, I assume. ;)

Nope, no seals. No water fowl. Not even a fish.

But maybe a fire ant or two... (and I think that's okay with me :rotfl2: )

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-02-2008, 05:13 PM

Oh Kate you're hilarious, I'm so glad the major oil leak turned out to be a minor easily fixed problem and you were on your way again before DS #3 started a protest :rotfl:

Thanks, Jo. It was minor, but had potential, you know what I mean?

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-02-2008, 05:16 PM

Okay, what's up with that? You know mine is equally suspicious... remember that he was convinced I was ready to feed him to the Country Bears? What have we done to merit such distrust?! ;)

I do remember the Country Bears! To the point where I thought about going to see if they were doing the Christmas show last month but then thought twice. The last thing I need is #3 announcing to all of the grocery store that I tried to feed him to the bears! (And he would make such an announcement. This is a child who quotes Jim Gaffagan in Costco :rotfl2: )

puggymom

01-02-2008, 06:13 PM

HI Kate, just found your trippie and I'm on board!

:scared1: at the oil leak, glad it was minor.

DS#3 is cracking me up:lmao: , I hope I get to meet him in August!

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-03-2008, 08:16 AM

HI Kate, just found your trippie and I'm on board!

:scared1: at the oil leak, glad it was minor.

DS#3 is cracking me up:lmao: , I hope I get to meet him in August!

Hey Mo! Welcome :goodvibes

Yep, #3 is a piece of work. Some of the things that come out of his mouth :lmao:

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-04-2008, 11:27 AM

With the oil crisis averted, we were on our way.

Picture this. We're about half way through Georgia. The boys were in the back playing their game boys. Well, numbers one and two were playing their game boys. Number three was planning our trip.

"First we'll go to Magic Kingdom and ride Buzz. Twice. Then we'll walk in front of the castle and go to Pirates. Then we'll go on Big Thunder. And if it's not too cold, we'll go to Splash. And then I'll be hungry so we'll get ice cream. And then we'll go on the Goofy rollercoaster. I love that ride. It's short. But fast. And then...."

Seriously.

As we were moving along down 95, DH and I started talking about the fact that we needed to go to SOG to get our new APs before checking in to the hotel. We knew we could check in with the vouchers and we were trying to decide where we should exchange the voucher for the actual pass when it hit me.

"Do you have your ID to get into SOG?"

"I knew I should have grabbed that bag!"

See, DH had spent the week prior to our leaving applying to graduate school and was a bit distracted. As we were leaving the house, he looked at the bag he brings to work, the one with his ID in it, and got that little voice in his head that said "bring the bag". He countered the voice with a "no, I'm going on vacation, I don't need the bag." The voice lost. The bag stayed home, along with his ID.

SO, now to figure out just HOW we were going to get beyond the gate at SOG so we could buy our passes.

We didn't even have the phone number for SOG to ask.

So I call Disney.

If you would like to continue in English, press one.

If you are calling about Walt Disney Resort in Florida, press one.

If you are calling about an existing reservation, press two.

If you have visited Walt Disney World Resort before, press one.

If you have visited since 2002, press two.

If you have visited more than five times, press one.

All I needed was a phone number.

Then they asked me to stay on the line when I was finished with my conversation so I could take a brief survey.

Finally! A human.

Then I got disconnected and sent directly to the survey.

:mad:

Insert expletive here.

DH saw my frustration and took the phone. In what seemed like 30 seconds he was talking to Charles, who gladly gave him the number to SOG.

SOG said that we could use a pay stub to get onto property. Okay. Easy. We can print one of those off the computer. We decided we could do that at the Marriott when we got there.

Then I asked if it was the same hotel we stayed in last time.

No.

Where is it?

"The paperwork is in the bag."

:scared1:

So, here's what we knew. We had a room reservation for a Marriott property somewhere in Jacksonville. :confused3

Back on the phone.

"Hello, Marriott. I've been separated from my bag with my reservation information, could you please tell me where I'm staying tonight?"

Marriott was happy to provide us with the information.

All the while we are progressing down 95 with a child in the backseat who was now on day five of our trip and we were going on Test Track first.:rotfl2:

So we make it to Jacksonville and think we know where the hotel was. But we didn't. Back on the phone. This time directly to the hotel who gave us directions.

We got there. Checked in. Grabbed some dinner and headed to St. Augustine to hit the Disney Outlet store. We managed to find some Christmas gifts for the boys, and a sweatshirt for me. Up to the counter and DH's AmEx was declined. :eek: They tried mine, saying that his strip might have been damaged. Mine was declined, too.

Allow me to insert here that we only have the AmEx. It's not a revolving account, so we have to pay it in full every month. It was not a maxed out issue. We were thinking ID theft.

Back on the phone.

A human answers when you call American Express.

That's a nice thing.

Turns out, they were suspicious because we had ventured outside of a 100 mile radius of our home. So they froze the account.:headache:

After assuring them that we were on vacation and that they could, in fact, allow us to apply charges to the card, they took care of it on the spot and we were able to leave the outlet store with our AmEx AND my sweatshirt :worship:

We returned to the hotel hoping that tomorrow would be full of pixie dust.

jcc0621

01-04-2008, 11:51 AM

"First we'll go to Magic Kingdom and ride Buzz. Twice. Then we'll walk in front of the castle and go to Pirates. Then we'll go on Big Thunder. And if it's not too cold, we'll go to Splash. And then I'll be hungry so we'll get ice cream. And then we'll go on the Goofy rollercoaster. I love that ride. It's short. But fast. And then...."

Seriously.

HOW cute!:goodvibes

Then I got disconnected and sent directly to the survey.

:mad:

Insert expletive here.

Oh No, I would have had choice words to insert too:rolleyes1

So, here's what we knew. We had a room reservation for a Marriott property somewhere in Jacksonville. :confused3

:eek:

We got there. Checked in. Grabbed some dinner and headed to St. Augustine to hit the Disney Outlet store. We managed to find some Christmas gifts for the boys, and a sweatshirt for me. Up to the counter and DH's AmEx was declined. :eek: They tried mine, saying that his strip might have been damaged. Mine was declined, too.

Bad, bad juju...GO AWAY:mad:

A human answers when you call American Express.

What is this thing you call a human that answers phones:confused3

Turns out, they were suspicious because we had ventured outside of a 100 mile radius of our home. So they froze the account.:headache:

NIce to know they are on top of things, but NOT at a time like this:headache:

After assuring them that we were on vacation and that they could, in fact, allow us to apply charges to the card, they took care of it on the spot and we were able to leave the outlet store with our AmEx AND my sweatshirt :worship:

:cool1: :cool1:

We returned to the hotel hoping that tomorrow would be full of pixie dust.

Here's hoping:wizard:

PrincessV

01-04-2008, 12:33 PM

Lifelong_Dreamer

01-04-2008, 01:23 PM

Yikes, here's hoping that everything starts to go smoothly once you arrive at WDW. :laughing:

TEminnie

01-04-2008, 01:53 PM

Sorry Kate--just noticed this too!
I'll catch up and then invite the Hoff over too! :thumbsup2

...and I have a PTR too! :rolleyes1

DisneyJo

01-04-2008, 03:30 PM

Wow Kate you don't like things to be easy do you :rotfl: Glad it all got sorted out and your DS is sooooooo cute :)

Disneyland_Mama

01-04-2008, 05:21 PM

All I have to say is WOW! :worship:

WOW....

.. to the oil clean up.

.. to the not going postal on DH for forgetting the bag.

.. to your mad phone skillz!!

Are you always this calm? :confused3 I'd be freaking out and probably unable to dial I'd be shaking with anger.

I love how the boys are completely oblivious to the drama unfolding upfront! :lmao: To funny!

puggymom

01-04-2008, 05:52 PM

cmp1111

01-04-2008, 09:39 PM

"First we'll go to Magic Kingdom and ride Buzz. Twice. Then we'll walk in front of the castle and go to Pirates. Then we'll go on Big Thunder. And if it's not too cold, we'll go to Splash. And then I'll be hungry so we'll get ice cream. And then we'll go on the Goofy rollercoaster. I love that ride. It's short. But fast. And then...."

:lmao:

He countered the voice with a "no, I'm going on vacation, I don't need the bag." The voice lost.

Oh, dear. :sad2:

Finally! A human.

Then I got disconnected and sent directly to the survey.

:mad:

Insert expletive here.

I have a choice one for you. :rotfl:

So, here's what we knew. We had a room reservation for a Marriott property somewhere in Jacksonville. :confused3
I'm sorry, but this is getting fairly funny to the observer. :lmao:

All the while we are progressing down 95 with a child in the backseat who was now on day five of our trip and we were going on Test Track first.:rotfl2:

I think I like this kid. :thumbsup2

We were thinking ID theft.

Back on the phone.

A human answers when you call American Express.

That's a nice thing.

Turns out, they were suspicious because we had ventured outside of a 100 mile radius of our home. So they froze the account.:headache:

I understand this is frustrating, but I actually DID have my AmEx number stolen whilst vacationing in Mexico. AmEx was much more on top of it than I was and have terrific customer service. Woohoo, AmEx. :cool1:

We returned to the hotel hoping that tomorrow would be full of pixie dust.

I wish this for you, too. :goodvibes

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-07-2008, 09:25 AM

NIce to know they are on top of things, but NOT at a time like this:headache:

It is good of AmEx to pay attention, but the timing was way off!

Say it with V: ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE VOICE. ;)

ALWAYS! And the funny thing is that he usually does listen to the voice. For some reason, he was trying to go on vacation:confused3

Yikes, here's hoping that everything starts to go smoothly once you arrive at WDW. :laughing:
Thanks! It gets better...I promise

Sorry Kate--just noticed this too!
I'll catch up and then invite the Hoff over too! :thumbsup2

Welcome aboard TE!

Wow Kate you don't like things to be easy do you :rotfl: Glad it all got sorted out and your DS is sooooooo cute :)
Thanks Jo. #3 is a keeper to be sure.

All I have to say is WOW! :worship:

WOW....

.. to the oil clean up.

.. to the not going postal on DH for forgetting the bag.

.. to your mad phone skillz!!

Are you always this calm? :confused3 I'd be freaking out and probably unable to dial I'd be shaking with anger.

I love how the boys are completely oblivious to the drama unfolding upfront! :lmao: To funny!
T, I tried to stay as calm as possible. I knew there was no point to flipping. DH was doing enough for the both of us.

OK if this isn't a future Disser than I don't know what is!

Mo, he's already planning August! :rotfl2: If he knew HOW to make a spread sheet, it would be made AND laminated by now!

I'm sorry, but this is getting fairly funny to the observer. :lmao:

I can easily see how it's amusing to the observer. Now that it's over, it's pretty funny to me, too. At the time, however.... not so much.

Thanks everybody for reading along. More to come today or tomorrow.:goodvibes

tinawv

01-07-2008, 09:44 AM

Sounds like the beginnings of a great trip report. I have heard other posters state the same problem with their credit card when traveling. It's good that they take these safety precautions, but they should let their customers know before hand. On the other hand, I'm sure it's in the small print. ;) Looking to forward to reading more about your trip.

TheDISneyFamily

01-11-2008, 09:08 AM

Okie dokie! I'm here and all caught up! :goodvibes

Big reveal to the boys - :dance3:

Oil leak - :scared1:

Forgetting the bag! :headache:

The credit card issue - :rolleyes: It figures!

I'd say this is gonna be one heck of a trip! :thumbsup2 The best ones always start out with a little chaos! :teeth:

I can't wait to read more!!! :surfweb:

-Michelle

DebIreland

01-12-2008, 08:01 AM

puggymom

01-12-2008, 04:35 PM

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-12-2008, 09:23 PM

Yup, I'm guilty. I know I said I'd have an installment up earlier this week, and it never came. I can't even blame it on the DIS, which has been touchier than ever.

Good news is that my oldest son had his regional competition for his Lego robotics team today and they did very well and are heading to the state comp next month.:woohoo:

I will get our first day in Florida up soon.

Pinkie swear.

TEminnie

01-12-2008, 11:01 PM

Hey Shark! :flower3: :wave:

Getting ready to get all caught up with this! Wow! You've been and you're back. Hope it was fabulous!!!! Just gonna print the installments I missed - can't wait to read them.

Hope you're all well!! I'll be back soon! :thumbsup2
Hey Deb! I've missed you too! How is Ireland??

Yup, I'm guilty. I know I said I'd have an installment up earlier this week, and it never came. I can't even blame it on the DIS, which has been touchier than ever.

Good news is that my oldest son had his regional competition for his Lego robotics team today and they did very well and are heading to the state comp next month.:woohoo:

I will get our first day in Florida up soon.

Pinkie swear.
Ok.ok....Cause I think you're still on hold with American Express!

Lauralee131

01-12-2008, 11:09 PM

Sooo....when last I tuned in, I posted.....

It's just me Kate....

Still waiting....:bored:

And then I came back and threw a ball around for awhile....

And had a snack....

popcorn:: Just checkin' in....

You know, in case YOU were wondering where I was....;)

:bored:

And then I checked in again....

Actually, I'm catching up this page and the one before it...and I'm :mad: at the JuJu!!!! Bad Juju. Bad!!

We got there. Checked in. Grabbed some dinner and headed to St. Augustine to hit the Disney Outlet store. We managed to find some Christmas gifts for the boys, and a sweatshirt for me. Up to the counter and DH's AmEx was declined. :eek: They tried mine, saying that his strip might have been damaged. Mine was declined, too.

Allow me to insert here that we only have the AmEx. It's not a revolving account, so we have to pay it in full every month. It was not a maxed out issue. We were thinking ID theft.

Back on the phone.

A human answers when you call American Express.

That's a nice thing.

Turns out, they were suspicious because we had ventured outside of a 100 mile radius of our home. So they froze the account.:headache:

After assuring them that we were on vacation and that they could, in fact, allow us to apply charges to the card, they took care of it on the spot and we were able to leave the outlet store with our AmEx AND my sweatshirt :worship:

We returned to the hotel hoping that tomorrow would be full of pixie dust.

OMG - same thing happened to Tony when he was working in Florida in the fall!!! Good thing they do it, but if they can take the time to check your account, go and freeze it, wouldn't it take less time to just call and ASK us if we were using our card?!?!?!:headache:

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-13-2008, 08:14 PM

We slept surprisingly well, given the events of the day before. We awoke knowing we were a mere two hours from the mouse, and this was, after all, our "bonus" day. (Please recall that originally we weren't going to leave the house until Sunday, but then the mouse on my back got a little louder so we used points to stay in Jacksonville in order to get down there a day early...there's that fuzzy rationalization again!)

The hotel's continental breakfast came with an apology. Seems they had a large meeting there the day before and there was a run on, well, all forms of breakfast food. We ate what we could and got on the road.

Number three was well beyond the planning stage of his trip and just wanted to know when we would be there.

"How many more minutes?"

"How many more seconds?"

"How many more meters?"

"How many more 'miller-seconds'?"

We kept an eye out for the cows. If that farm owner ever caves to the pressure of the retail world, I don't know what I'll do. I love to watch for the cows. That's when I know it's time to head westward:yay:

All in all it was an uneventful trip. Compared to the day before, it was downright boring. But we made it. We went straight to SOG to get our AP vouchers.

Then we headed for POR where the boys watched cartoons while Serge from Brazil checked us in. Serge wasn't feeling the magic. He barely spoke. The said only enough to ask me for a photo ID and my AP voucher. He handed me a map, circled our building, and told us to pull out of the parking lot, take a right, take the second right, and park.

And with a forced smile, Serge sent us on our way. Without a magical day.

We piled back into the car, as the map showed us a rather long walk. Following the directions, we parked and then began the quest for building 26.

Note to self: If ever staying at POR again, I will request a building that is not so far away that my walk to Old Key West would have been shorter than the walk to the food court.

We went to the room where we dumped a few suitcases and the cooler. We grabbed some water and were back out the door. Magic Kingdom...

The walk to the bus was short. The stop was nearly empty. We had to wait a bit for a bus, but one eventually came. As I walked onto the bus I noticed that my heels were getting sore.

You know where I'm going with this, right?

We got off the bus and had to go to guest services to exchange vouchers for APs. Again, I'm feeling a little pain in my feet. But I wasn't going to let it impact my bonus day. On my Christmas trip.

So paper APs in hand we all had to go through the turnstiles to prove that we would be using the same finger print for the rest of the year. ( #1 had forgotten which finger to use by day 3, just for the record. ) And then the moment I most look forward to....town square. AND it had a big ol' tree in the middle of it! I had to stand there and gawk for a while. The park was not crowded at all and the day was beautiful. I found that I missed going in at rope drop. I missed the mosh pit like atmosphere and that collective sigh as we, a mass of humanity, see the castle for the first time as we round the corner. But rounding that corner was spectacular. The decorations at Christmas on Main Street are subtle. The garland drapes from one side to the other and the lamp posts are covered in Mickey heads and tinsel. There is a southern touch with fake oranges and apples. And the number of pointsetta plants used was unbelievable. They were mixed in with dusty miller to create a snowy look up against the bright red flowers. Beautiful.

And while I'm taking this all in, my feet are still bothering me.

In my defense, I am a seasoned visitor of WDW and have regretted my shoe choice before. Today was different. I knew we would be having a short day in the park...an after 11 arrival and an early departure due to the party that night. I am normally a flop gal. I wear them any time the mercury registers 60 F. My heels are not accustomed to confinement. But DH got me a pair of Sketchers for my birthday, and they are very cool. I wear them frequently and thought they'd be okay for a short day of walking.

Not so.

They were tearing up my feet.

So I slunk into the first aide station and asked for band aides. I had to sign a piece of paper confirming the fact that I wore the wrong shoes.:guilty: I felt silly, to say the least. But, I slapped those protective coverings over my red heels and we were on our way to Buzz!:woohoo:

We walked under the pixie dust maker in single file to get our fill of pixie dust and then went to become Space Rangers. First time through I STUNK! I swear my zapper was busted! Then we went through again, as is tradition, and I maxed out the score. Wave bu-bye to that bad juju!!!!! I had never made it past planetary pilot before. Well, not without the help of a broken down ride ;) But today was a new day, and I had fresh band aides on my feet.

According to the plan set in stone by my third born, we were headed next to BTMRR. After a spin on the wildest ride in the wilderness, we rode the boat over to Tom Sawyer's Island. We don't go there often, and quite frankly, the tunnels make me sick to my stomach, but I had read about the paint brushes and wanted to see if we could find one. No luck.

We managed to hit all of our favorite rides without much traffic. It was a pace that was starting to make my band aides shift. New spots on my feet were becoming raw. I tugged and pulled on the plastic in an effort to cover what I could while trying not to slow us down or hobble to obviously.

We chose Haunted Mansion as our last stop for the day. I won't ruin it for anyone, but it is such an improvement over the old ride. It actually has creepy parts, and the effects early in the ride are outstanding. And while the old bride at the end has always given me the willies, she is now also in another spot and is so creepy I can't look at her. Seriously.

It was nearing six and the party-goers were starting to get thick. We had planned to grab a quick bite in the park, but found that most counter service places stopped serving at 5:30 in an effort to keep non-bracelets from lingering with the bracelets. Interesting tactic which forced us to leave early and go back to POR to eat. The bus was just where it should be and the ride quick and easy. Once back, we grabbed food. Yup, that's just how memorable it was. We ate.

Back in the room, I took off my shoes and realized I had done some damage. These were not blisters in of the wet and squishy variety, but open sores. AND, I had left all my flops at home:scared1: What to do? DH offered to go buy me some shoes. :worship: I sent him on his way with instructions to go to DTD and not venture off property. I figured he could find flops someplace and I'd wear them for a few days while my feet healed and then I'd wear my chucks. Number 1 went with him and I got 2 and 3 settled into bed. Then my phone rang. He was getting crocs and wanted to know what color I wanted. My choices, you wonder? Black or pink. That was all they had in my size. Ugh. He offered to go elsewhere, but it had been a long day and I wanted them back, so I asked about the pink...Was it girly? Was it pearl? Was it bright? Um, did the black look like men's shoes? No. No. No. Yes. I opted for the pink. Never my first choice in the real world. Not even my tenth. But when my choices are black or pink, and the black looked too masculine, I guess I go with pink.

In the darkness of the room with two slumbering boys they weren't so bad.

cmp1111

01-13-2008, 08:43 PM

"How many more 'miller-seconds'?"

:lmao: Love it!

So I slunk into the first aide station and asked for band aides. I had to sign a piece of paper confirming the fact that I wore the wrong shoes.:guilty: I felt silly, to say the least. But, I slapped those protective coverings over my red heels and we were on our way to Buzz!:woohoo:
They really make you sign something? :rotfl2:

Never my first choice in the real world. Not even my tenth. But when my choices are black or pink, and the black looked too masculine, I guess I go with pink.

In the darkness of the room with two slumbering boys they weren't so bad.

Oh, dear. I'm sorry about your feet, but that was nice of your DH to go shoe shopping. I can barely get mine to buy shoes for himself. And I don't usually choose pink, either! :thumbsup2

PrincessV

01-14-2008, 10:28 AM

(Please recall that originally we weren't going to leave the house until Sunday, but then the mouse on my back got a little louder so we used points to stay in Jacksonville in order to get down there a day early...there's that fuzzy rationalization again!)
Well done! :thumbsup2
"How many more 'miller-seconds'?"
"Miller-seconds" - I think this is the amount of time it takes for one to recognize the carpy beer with which their Guiness has secretly been replaced. ;)
As I walked onto the bus I noticed that my heels were getting sore.
:scared:
You know where I'm going with this, right?
Sadly, yes. :sad2:
And the number of pointsetta plants used was unbelievable.
:rotfl2: Yeah, we're really big on pointsettias down here. They seem to LOVE the Fl weather.
So I slunk into the first aide station and asked for band aides. I had to sign a piece of paper confirming the fact that I wore the wrong shoes.:guilty:
No WAY?! Has our litigious society gotten to the point where WDW has to protect itself against potential blister-suits?! :faint:
We had planned to grab a quick bite in the park, but found that most counter service places stopped serving at 5:30 in an effort to keep non-bracelets from lingering with the bracelets.
I forgot about that - happened to us last year at the pary. We went early, figuring we'd grab food at MK and all our choices were closed. :headache:

DH offered to go buy me some shoes. :worship: I sent him on his way with instructions to go to DTD and not venture off property....Number 1 went with him... Was it girly? Was it pearl? Was it bright? Um, did the black look like men's shoes? No. No. No. Yes. I opted for the pink.
:lmao: OMG, hearing sharkB8's DH and #1 tell this story was an absolute riot, BTW.

So, is there a picture of the pink crocs? I'm dying to see what you ended up with! ;)

DisneyJo

01-14-2008, 02:47 PM

Yay you're there, so your room was a long way away huh?

Oh your poor poor feet but how sweet of your DH to go buy you some new shoes. :love:

Any photos???

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-14-2008, 03:35 PM

My, oh my...uploading from Image Zone was a nightmare! :headache: But, here are a few to start with........

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5140.jpg

This is #2 and I ~ A photo taken by #3
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5141.jpg

And this is me and my boys...notice the height on #1! It's not a great picture, but if you get out a magnifying glass you'll be able to see my Buddhalicious sketchers.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5143.jpg

cmp1111

01-14-2008, 07:45 PM

Cute pics, and boy, #1 IS tall! :goodvibes

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-16-2008, 09:05 AM

Cute pics, and boy, #1 IS tall! :goodvibes
Thanks, CE. Yup, he's taller than me!
Yay you're there, so your room was a long way away huh?

Oh your poor poor feet but how sweet of your DH to go buy you some new shoes. :love:

Yes, Jo, we were far. Are you usually in the Mansions or AB?

"Miller-seconds" - I think this is the amount of time it takes for one to recognize the carpy beer with which their Guiness has secretly been replaced. ;)

So, is there a picture of the pink crocs? I'm dying to see what you ended up with! ;)
Ah, somehow I knew you'd be a Guinness fan :worship:

I'll try to find a picture of the offensive pink crocs. I might have to take one of them hiding in the corner of my closet :rotfl2:

They really make you sign something? :rotfl2:

Oh, dear. I'm sorry about your feet, but that was nice of your DH to go shoe shopping. I can barely get mine to buy shoes for himself. And I don't usually choose pink, either! :thumbsup2

I had to sign in at first aide.:laughing: What an embarrassment!

TheDISneyFamily

01-16-2008, 10:02 AM

Yay! :yay: Pictures! :banana: I love pictures! Wow! Your son IS tall. He looks at least 15 or 16! Then again, maybe you're just short... :scratchin Just kiddin'! I hope you get the hang of posting pictures, because I want to see more!!! :goodvibes

I really missed going for the holidays, so I need to live vicariously through your trippie! :thumbsup2

Soooo, what happened next!? popcorn::
-Michelle

DisneyJo

01-16-2008, 02:37 PM

Yes, Jo, we were far. Are you usually in the Mansions or AB? Last time we stayed in the mansions, Magnolia Terrace so pretty close to everything!

OK picky picky here, I don't suppose you could update your title when you do a new update please :flower3:

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-16-2008, 02:59 PM

Thanks, Jo!:goodvibes

DisneyJo

01-16-2008, 03:10 PM

Wooohoooo you did it :yay: :yay: :yay:

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-17-2008, 12:42 PM

You ever have one of those moments where you wish you hadn’t used a particular parenting approach with your kids? I had one of those as we left the room for Epcot.

After a decent night’s sleep, we were all up and ready in time to make it to the park around nine. It’s been my experience that rope drop at Epcot is anti-climactic, so while we try to get there roughly at opening, we don’t stress over a few minutes. So with bellies full of oatmeal, we gathered our things and were heading out the door. Please recall that I foolishly tore up my feet the day before and DH and #1 went to DTD to purchase for me a stunning pair of crocs. Stunning, because when I put them on, I realized just how PINK they were.

But, my feet were properly band-aided to reduce the risk of infection, and they were comfy, so we were on our way.

We stepped out of the room into the light of day and #1 looked at me and said “Momma, they make you look like a dork.”

Well.

“Son, don’t call me a dork.”

“I didn’t say YOU were a dork, I said the shoes make you look like a dork.”

There it was.

The parental semantic trick used to cover up a slip of the tongue when you said your child was acting like a brat, or being a bully, or seeming like they don’t know any better.

It was tossed in my lap as only a pre-teen can do.

The fact of the matter is, I DID look like a dork. :rotfl2:

Up next, photos of the offensive shoe and I get a dream in the loo!

jcc0621

01-17-2008, 12:49 PM

You ever have one of those moments where you wish you hadn’t used a particular parenting approach with your kids? {/QUOTE]

All the time, and mine is only 4:rolleyes:

[QUOTE=sharkB8HooHaHa;22629902] Stunning, because when I put them on, I realized just how PINK they were.

DId you need :cool2:

But, my feet were properly band-aided to reduce the risk of infection, and they were comfy, so we were on our way.

That is the only thing that matters.

We stepped out of the room into the light of day and #1 looked at me and said “Momma, they make you look like a dork.”

Well.

“Son, don’t call me a dork.”

“I didn’t say YOU were a dork, I said the shoes make you look like a dork.”

There it was.

The parental semantic trick used to cover up a slip of the tongue when you said your child was acting like a brat, or being a bully, or seeming like they don’t know any better.

It was tossed in my lap as only a pre-teen can do.

Uh oh:scared1:

The fact of the matter is, I DID look like a dork. :rotfl2:

WHo cares as longs as your feet didn't hurt:thumbsup2

Up next, photos of the offensive shoe and I get a dream in the loo!

The loo:confused3 This should be interestingpopcorn::

cmp1111

01-17-2008, 01:13 PM

You ever have one of those moments where you wish you hadn’t used a particular parenting approach with your kids?

Of course! ::yes::

We stepped out of the room into the light of day and #1 looked at me and said “Momma, they make you look like a dork.”

Well.

“Son, don’t call me a dork.”

“I didn’t say YOU were a dork, I said the shoes make you look like a dork.”

There it was.

The parental semantic trick used to cover up a slip of the tongue when you said your child was acting like a brat, or being a bully, or seeming like they don’t know any better.

I got caught on this one the other day. By a 5 year old. :sad2:

Up next, photos of the offensive shoe and I get a dream in the loo!

Well... :rotfl2: That does sound interesting!

DisneyJo

01-17-2008, 02:26 PM

We stepped out of the room into the light of day and #1 looked at me and said “Momma, they make you look like a dork.”

Well.

“Son, don’t call me a dork.”

“I didn’t say YOU were a dork, I said the shoes make you look like a dork.” I'm sorry Kate but :rotfl2:

The fact of the matter is, I DID look like a dork. :rotfl2: So he was right then :rotfl2:

Up next, photos of the offensive shoe and I get a dream in the loo! Oooh can't wait to see them and loo as in toilet :confused: :rotfl2:

PrincessV

01-17-2008, 07:42 PM

You ever have one of those moments where you wish you hadn’t used a particular parenting approach with your kids?
::yes:: Frequently.
“Son, don’t call me a dork.”

“I didn’t say YOU were a dork, I said the shoes make you look like a dork.”
:lmao: Amazing how it just comes right back at ya when you're least expecting it, no?!
I get a dream in the loo!
You what??!! :scared1:

Disneyland_Mama

01-18-2008, 10:45 AM

Stunning, because when I put them on, I realized just how PINK they were.
Can't wait to see the pics of those Crocs! :lmao:

“I didn’t say YOU were a dork, I said the shoes make you look like a dork.”
Sorry, but :lmao:

It was tossed in my lap as only a pre-teen can do.
And in my case a 6 year old. :lmao:

Up next, photos of the offensive shoe and I get a dream in the loo!
You too? I got a dream in the loo - the morning after Lapufest. :eek: :lmao:

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-19-2008, 09:46 AM

The loo:confused3 This should be interestingpopcorn::

Well... :rotfl2: That does sound interesting!

Oooh can't wait to see them and loo as in toilet :confused: :rotfl2:

You what??!! :scared1:

You too? I got a dream in the loo - the morning after Lapufest. :eek: :lmao:

::yes:: A dream in the loo, as in toilet...well, bathroom, really.

And this confirms what I've always believed. The tag fairy does not read TRs.:laughing:

DisneyJo

01-19-2008, 09:54 AM

::yes:: A dream in the loo, as in toilet...well, bathroom, really.

And this confirms what I've always believed. The tag fairy does not read TRs.:laughing::rotfl2: And why does the tag fairy not read the TR's that's where all the funny people are :rotfl2:

Last edited by Disneyland_Mama : Yesterday at 03:50 PM. Reason: Wait - I guess my "dream" was more of a prayer - answered by the Porcelin God! =) Ewwww :rotfl2:

TEminnie

01-19-2008, 10:02 PM

“Momma, they make you look like a dork.”

:rotfl: Daran bought a pair at the beach and loved them so much he kept wearing them......much to the teen's dismay! He's threatening to take them to Disney! :rotfl2:

I'm sure you looked great in them tho! :lmao:

puggymom

01-20-2008, 12:34 PM

Just getting caught up here Kate and I am :lmao:

I can't wait to meet you and your kids, you guys are cracking me up:rotfl2:

OK, sorry about your feet. It's funny because just this morning I realized I have to break in my new Croc Ithacas for my next trip (they have been in my closet since October:sad2: )

I don't have kids, but I have had my 18 yo nephew through a few things in my lap, gotta love 'em :rolleyes1

OK, where are the pics of the pink crocs;)

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-24-2008, 03:33 PM

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5488.jpg

This is not a great picture, but my shoes are screamin' for attention. Notice, it's dark outside. Notice, there are 3.5 million lights by which to be distracted. And what you notice are my feet.

Yup, I looked like a dork.

And check out the pose on #3. A meditative moment, perhaps? :confused3 :rotfl2:

DisneyJo

01-24-2008, 04:10 PM

And what you notice are my feet. They're not that bad at all Kate!!!!

Yup, I looked like a dork. Yeah but a comfy dork :rotfl2:

And check out the pose on #3. A meditative moment, perhaps? :confused3 :rotfl2: :rotfl2: What is it with kids doing that? Ellie does it all the time but she also goes huuuuummmmm :rotfl2:

PrincessV

01-24-2008, 04:18 PM

I;m sorry, but I can't see the pic through all that blinding pink light.

;)

cmp1111

01-24-2008, 04:32 PM

Oh, Kate, they're not that bad. But, they are pink. Very, very pink. ;) (And I will admit that they were the first thing to which my eyes were drawn.) :hug:

jcc0621

01-24-2008, 07:17 PM

The crocs aren't THAT bad....Were you feet comfy? That's all that matters:thumbsup2

Dory4Vs

01-27-2008, 09:31 AM

Here's a postitive look on your crocs.... They are the pink version of Cinderella's Glass Slipper!:woohoo:

They aren't that bad looking.... They look extremely comfy!!! That is what matters.:thumbsup2

puggymom

01-27-2008, 01:19 PM

Well, they are pink and they do make you take notice of you,well at least your feet.:lmao:

Hey do what you have to do to survive the World;)

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-28-2008, 03:06 PM

We didn’t have too wait long for our bus to EPCOT. And it was a good thing. Seems all that shoe distraction kept me from following one of the fundamental rules of room departure…hitting the bathroom.

I’m the only coffee drinker in the house. (Well, #3 will chug it if a mug is left unattended, but I’ve learned my lesson with that one. Just how wound can a half a cup of coffee make a three year old? You have no idea.) The four pot coffee maker in the room provided just enough coffee for me to get my infusion of caffeine for the day, so while the boys were all following the room departure rules, I was finishing off the last drips of java in the mug. Then all the shoe/dork comments started, and I failed to follow my own regulations.

Needless to say, by the time we got to EPCOT, I needed to make a stop.

So did #3.

We ran into the nearest facility, the stop on the left just beyond SE. Bladders emptied we were busy washing up. Number three LOVES how most of the bathrooms in Disney have sinks that are just his size. It’s like finding the good prize in the bottom of the cereal box. Sometimes you get it. Most of the time you don’t. But when you do, it’s the cool glow in the dark skull or the pull back race car. :thumbsup2 ’s good stuff. Not the Smurfs pen that arrives already out of ink. :mad: Apparently, the low down sink is much the same way.

So there we were washing away, one big person at a big sink. One little person at a little sink.

Number three is, how shall I put this, aggressive with his soap usage.

All of my children are.

They seem to think the more soap they apply, the less likely the survival of the germ.

So as #3 was approaching his fourth squirt of soap, he had overflow issues. I caught what I could and he finished washing his hands. We grabbed towels, dried our hands and then I used the paper towel to sop up the soap from the counter.

Number three was busy trying to shoot his paper towel into the garbage can.

Then the woman who cleans the bathroom approached us. #3 was on his fourth or fifth shot and I thought, perhaps, she was tiring of watching #3 bend down and carefully get his debris without touching the floor. I thought maybe she was going to use her two-pronged garbage picker to toss it for him. But she didn’t. She reached into her pocket and as she pulled out a little piece of white paper, she thanked me for cleaning up after #3. I looked down and she had given me a Tinkerbell pin. The YOAMD Tink pin you give someone for doing a good thing. I was stunned. All I did was clean up my mess. Then she gave one to #3, who had finally made his three point shot and was now wondering what was going on.

I told her it was okay, that she could give it to someone who deserved it, but she explained that once it was awarded, there was no taking it back. She seemed to think we deserved it.

-------------------------------

Number three refused to wear his pin on his lanyard or on his person.

I offered mine to #1 and #2 to put on their lanyards.

They refused, too, but only after they asked if they could use it for trading fodder.
:confused3

Up next...Just how creepy is the Monkey King?

Lifelong_Dreamer

01-28-2008, 03:18 PM

Disneyland_Mama

01-28-2008, 03:30 PM

Sweeeet!! Shoot, I'd take a dream in the loo anyday. I'd take a dream anytime, anywhere - you hear that Dream Gods???

Actually I'm grateful to hear someone actually cleans up their soap over flow - do you know how many times Maddies put her elbows in someone elses water/soap over flow? Blech!! :scared:

Maddie loves your pink crocs. ;)

DisneyJo

01-28-2008, 03:33 PM

:rotfl2: Great dream in the loo :lmao: I can't believe the boys didn't want the pin though do they not realise you can't buy them :confused:

jcc0621

01-28-2008, 03:34 PM

We ran into the nearest facility, the stop on the left just beyond SE. Bladders emptied we were busy washing up. Number three LOVES how most of the bathrooms in Disney have sinks that are just his size. It’s like finding the good prize in the bottom of the cereal box. Sometimes you get it. Most of the time you don’t. But when you do, it’s the cool glow in the dark skull or the pull back race car. :thumbsup2 ’s good stuff. Not the Smurfs pen that arrives already out of ink. :mad: Apparently, the low down sink is much the same way.

I :lmao: when I read this becasue this is Jimmy's thing too. He LOVEs when there is a Jimmy size sink in the bathroom. If there ia Jimmy size toilet we've hit the jackpot:rotfl2:

She reached into her pocket and as she pulled out a little piece of white paper, she thanked me for cleaning up after #3. I looked down and she had given me a Tinkerbell pin. The YOAMD Tink pin you give someone for doing a good thing. I was stunned. All I did was clean up my mess. Then she gave one to #3, who had finally made his three point shot and was now wondering what was going on.

I told her it was okay, that she could give it to someone who deserved it, but she explained that once it was awarded, there was no taking it back. She seemed to think we deserved it.

You did deserve it, how many people who came in there after you appreciated the fact they didn't have to deal with a mess:goodvibes

Up next...Just how creepy is the Monkey King?

:confused3 popcorn::

cmp1111

01-28-2008, 06:35 PM

Apparently, the low down sink is much the same way.

::yes::

We grabbed towels, dried our hands and then I used the paper towel to sop up the soap from the counter.

Perfectly natural... For NICE people. :goodvibes

She seemed to think we deserved it.

Of course you did. Think of the thousands of people every day who say, "This isn't my bathroom, so it's not my problem." :sad2:

Up next...Just how creepy is the Monkey King?

How creepy is he?

PrincessV

01-28-2008, 06:35 PM

Number three LOVES how most of the bathrooms in Disney have sinks that are just his size. It’s like finding the good prize in the bottom of the cereal box. Sometimes you get it. Most of the time you don’t. But when you do, it’s the cool glow in the dark skull or the pull back race car. :thumbsup2 ’s good stuff. Not the Smurfs pen that arrives already out of ink. :mad: Apparently, the low down sink is much the same way.
I :lmao: when I read this becasue this is Jimmy's thing too. He LOVEs when there is a Jimmy size sink in the bathroom.
:rotfl2: Add Leo into that mix, too! You should have heard the sound of glee when he discovered th little sink outside Boma. :cloud9:

She reached into her pocket and as she pulled out a little piece of white paper, she thanked me for cleaning up after #3. I looked down and she had given me a Tinkerbell pin. The YOAMD Tink pin you give someone for doing a good thing.
OMG - that's awesome! :woohoo: A teency bit of a sad commentary on the state of Disney manners when the staff is that impressed by people doing what they shoud. But very, VERY cool!

Number three refused to wear his pin on his lanyard or on his person.

I offered mine to #1 and #2 to put on their lanyards.

They refused, too, but only after they asked if they could use it for trading fodder.
:confused3
:rotfl: Ewww... girl stuff. ;)

puggymom

01-28-2008, 06:36 PM

You really did get a dream in the loo:lmao:

This just has me cracking up:lmao:

THough I am sure that lady appreciates folks like you.

OK, I 'm confused on the Monkey King comment, waiting, not so patiently, for explanationpopcorn::

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-31-2008, 06:42 PM

Great score on the Tinkerbell pin, I definitely think you deserve it, that poor CM has to clean up after so many other rude people that just leave their messes all over the place so your consideration (even though it was a natural instinct for you) probably made her day a little brighter.

Actually I'm grateful to hear someone actually cleans up their soap over flow - do you know how many times Maddies put her elbows in someone elses water/soap over flow? Blech!! :scared:

:rotfl2: Great dream in the loo

You did deserve it, how many people who came in there after you appreciated the fact they didn't have to deal with a mess:goodvibes

Perfectly natural... For NICE people. :goodvibes

OMG - that's awesome! :woohoo: A teency bit of a sad commentary on the state of Disney manners when the staff is that impressed by people doing what they shoud. But very, VERY cool!

Thanks, everyone, for thinking we did a good thing. I just did what I do. I wouldn't want to wipe up other people's messes all day, so I don't expect someone to do it for me if I've knowingly gobbed soap all over. It's a cool pin, I suppose, but as V said, far too girlie for the boys, and truth be told, I'm not a fan of Tinkerbell.

You really did get a dream in the loo:lmao:

This just has me cracking up:lmao:

THough I am sure that lady appreciates folks like you.

OK, I 'm confused on the Monkey King comment, waiting, not so patiently, for explanationpopcorn::

Wait until you see the Monkey King, Mo. Then you'll understand.

Hopefully I'll get it done and up tomorrow.

sharkB8HooHaHa

01-31-2008, 06:43 PM

cmp1111

02-01-2008, 09:42 PM

I'm not a fan of Tinkerbell.

Me, neither. ;)

Lauralee131

02-01-2008, 11:32 PM

You ever have one of those moments where you wish you hadn’t used a particular parenting approach with your kids?

Yep. More times than I can count!!:rolleyes1 To get over my guilt, I assure myself that someday Michael will work it all out in therapy and still love me in the end...;)

We stepped out of the room into the light of day and #1 looked at me and said “Momma, they make you look like a dork.”

Well.

“Son, don’t call me a dork.”

“I didn’t say YOU were a dork, I said the shoes make you look like a dork.”

There it was.

The parental semantic trick used to cover up a slip of the tongue when you said your child was acting like a brat, or being a bully, or seeming like they don’t know any better.

Ahhhhh....Michael has recently discovered the word "dork"...it's driving me crazy!!!:headache:

The fact of the matter is, I DID look like a dork. :rotfl2:

Hmmm...well, I guess that's different then....

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5488.jpg

My eyes!! My eyes!!!:cool2:

:lmao:

Number three LOVES how most of the bathrooms in Disney have sinks that are just his size. It’s like finding the good prize in the bottom of the cereal box. Sometimes you get it. Most of the time you don’t. But when you do, it’s the cool glow in the dark skull or the pull back race car. :thumbsup2 ’s good stuff. Not the Smurfs pen that arrives already out of ink. :mad: Apparently, the low down sink is much the same way.

Oh my God - our boys could be twins!!

So as #3 was approaching his fourth squirt of soap, he had overflow issues. I caught what I could and he finished washing his hands. We grabbed towels, dried our hands and then I used the paper towel to sop up the soap from the counter.

Yep - they'll love meeting each other...Michael could spend the whole day at those little sinks washing up just so he can...oh but wait...

Number three was busy trying to shoot his paper towel into the garbage can.

Yep - now I'm thinking they were separated at birth!!

Then the woman who cleans the bathroom approached us. #3 was on his fourth or fifth shot and I thought, perhaps, she was tiring of watching #3 bend down and carefully get his debris without touching the floor. I thought maybe she was going to use her two-pronged garbage picker to toss it for him. But she didn’t. She reached into her pocket and as she pulled out a little piece of white paper, she thanked me for cleaning up after #3. I looked down and she had given me a Tinkerbell pin. The YOAMD Tink pin you give someone for doing a good thing. I was stunned. All I did was clean up my mess. Then she gave one to #3, who had finally made his three point shot and was now wondering what was going on.

Man, a Dream in the freakin' bathroom...:headache: It must be me...I must have gotten your Juju when you were done with it...I couldn't get a dream in WDW last year if I took a stinkin' nap!!!

Phew! Finally caught up...I should get some sleep....and make my own Disney dreams!!:cloud9:

mrp4352

02-07-2008, 12:47 PM

popcorn::

Are you coming back soon? Miss you!!

(Hmmm, we really need a de-lurking smiley!!)

PrincessV

02-07-2008, 03:33 PM

:rolleyes1 No pressure. ;)

Lauralee131

02-07-2008, 03:55 PM

Hello??? Is this thing on???:confused3

Ok...where does a General keep his armies????

DisneyJo

02-07-2008, 04:38 PM

In his sleevies :rotfl2:

cmp1111

02-07-2008, 05:23 PM

In his sleevies :rotfl2:

That was my guess! :goodvibes

sharkB8HooHaHa

02-07-2008, 07:17 PM

This photo serves to not only wish you all a happy year of the rat, but to give you an idea of what is to come...(hopefully tomorrow!)
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5162.jpg

sharkB8HooHaHa

02-07-2008, 07:18 PM

popcorn::

Are you coming back soon? Miss you!!

(Hmmm, we really need a de-lurking smiley!!)

Thank you for de-lurking:thumbsup2

It's good to have you on board.:goodvibes

jcc0621

02-07-2008, 07:25 PM

cmp1111

02-07-2008, 08:12 PM

Nice pic, but now you're just a tease... :lmao:

DisneyJo

02-08-2008, 11:08 AM

So Kate what are you? A rat, dog, pig????

I'm a Buffalo :rotfl:

cmp1111

02-08-2008, 12:55 PM

So Kate what are you? A rat, dog, pig????

I'm a Buffalo :rotfl:

I'm a rat - this is my year...;)

mrp4352

02-08-2008, 12:55 PM

This photo serves to not only wish you all a happy year of the rat, but to give you an idea of what is to come...(hopefully tomorrow!)

It's tomorrow!!! :yay: :dance3: :banana: :cool1: :cheer2: :dance3: :yay: :woohoo: :cool1: :dance3: :cheer2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

02-08-2008, 01:28 PM

So Kate what are you? A rat, dog, pig????

I'm a Buffalo :rotfl:

Um, Jo, I think you mean ox. :confused3 There is no year of the buffalo. And as a rooster, you and I should get along smashingly.

DisneyJo

02-08-2008, 04:21 PM

Um, Jo, I think you mean ox. :confused3 There is no year of the buffalo. And as a rooster, you and I should get along smashingly.
I looked it up and it said Buffalo, I didn't think that was right either :rotfl2:

Look here!!!! (http://www.chinatoday.com/culture/zodiac/zodiac.htm)

jcc0621

02-08-2008, 06:32 PM

In honor of TE, I am a goat:rotfl2:

So, Kate any chance of an update soon:confused3 No pressure or anything:rolleyes1

puggymom

02-08-2008, 07:10 PM

I'm a Horse, that would fit my appetite.

SO will I get an update before I leave, in 35 hours;)

cmp1111

02-08-2008, 08:57 PM

I looked it up and it said Buffalo, I didn't think that was right either :rotfl2:

Look here!!!! (http://www.chinatoday.com/culture/zodiac/zodiac.htm)

That's weird, Jo, as it has me as a mouse, not a rat. Hmmm. Not sure which sounds better! :lmao:

TEminnie

02-08-2008, 09:48 PM

In honor of TE, I am a goat:rotfl2:

Dang--I wanna be a goat. I am Capricorn which SHOULD translate to goat but this is what it says....

MONKEY: You are a vary intelligent and a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.

well, I'll take the intelligent, witty part! :snooty: :lmao:

sharkB8HooHaHa

02-09-2008, 08:39 AM

With pins stuffed into bags for safe keeping, we were on our way. We, along with the rest of humanity, were headed for The Land.

It seems there is a whisper campaign out there to get fast passes for Soarin’ before attempting to do ANYTHING else in Epcot. It’s as if it’s printed in all the touring guides, all the online information, even talked about amongst guests.

“Oh, you HAVE to get fast passes for Soarin’ first, or you’ll never get on!”

So with this mass of people, we made our way into The Land.

We, too, headed downstairs.

I had my sights on Living With the Land. I love that ride. I’m a botanical geek and with the exception of the alligators, which continue to get bigger and bigger, that ride is at the top of my list of favorites.

As we came off the escalator we noticed that the hoards of people were all going to the fast pass machines. No one was actually getting on the line for Soarin’. No one. So with a quick glance at each other, we all agreed that we’d hit the skies over California. As we walked past the CM, she said to us, “Ignore the 20 minute wait sign. It defaults to 20 minutes first thing in the morning. There is no one down there.”

Well, thank you very much.

And it’s true. We were in our seats and off the ground in no time.

And it was a great way to start the day.:thumbsup2

We rode LWtL next, which was nice because they had the plants decorated for the holidays, and then went to Nemo. I learned something in the Nemo ride this time that I didn’t pick up last time around. When the ride slows to let someone in or out that needs assistance, and you’re in the EAC with Crush, if you’re at all prone to motion sickness, it’s best to look down.:scared:

Duuuuude.

Mission:Space is one of those rides that I love to do with the kids. Number two always talks to the screen, to the people in the car with us, to anyone who will listen. Or not. And number one always comes off with this big ol’ smile on his face, as if he had really landed on Mars. We always join the green team, ‘cause, well, I’m just not crazy. So as we approached the ride and DH and I were discussing who was going to stay with #3, a strange thing happened. Number three walked right up to the measurement stick as if it were a constant in his life and was well above the required height.

:woohoo: Talk about Waaaahhhhoooooooo!:woohoo:

So I took the boys to the green team and DH made his solo way to the orange team.

I was more than a bit concerned about #3. Silly Momma that I am.

He sat next to me, with #2 on his other side. There I was, going to Mars with my three boys. I kept trying to explain what was going to happen. I kept asking if he was okay. AND, I kept trying to look over at him…not an easy take in M:S where you’re so strapped in the only thing you’re free to move is your arms, and that’s only to engage hyper-sleep.

“Are you doing okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

What? Uh-huh? What I am supposed to think that means?

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

So I think he’s freaking out and I’m trying to devise a plan to get out from underneath the shoulder straps that keep me from hurtling off into the atmosphere when I suddenly here, “This is AWESOME!”

I was able to relax just in time to keep us from falling off the edge of Mars.

jcc0621

02-09-2008, 08:45 AM

It seems there is a whisper campaign out there to get fast passes for Soarin’ before attempting to do ANYTHING else in Epcot. It’s as if it’s printed in all the touring guides, all the online information, even talked about amongst guests.

Who would do this:confused3 :rolleyes1

As we came off the escalator we noticed that the hoards of people were all going to the fast pass machines. No one was actually getting on the line for Soarin’. No one. So with a quick glance at each other, we all agreed that we’d hit the skies over California. As we walked past the CM, she said to us, “Ignore the 20 minute wait sign. It defaults to 20 minutes first thing in the morning. There is no one down there.”

Well, thank you very much.

Great start:thumbsup2

He sat next to me, with #2 on his other side. There I was, going to Mars with my three boys. I kept trying to explain what was going to happen. I kept asking if he was okay. AND, I kept trying to look over at him…not an easy take in M:S where you’re so strapped in the only thing you’re free to move is your arms, and that’s only to engage hyper-sleep.

“Are you doing okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

What? Uh-huh? What I am supposed to think that means?

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

So I think he’s freaking out and I’m trying to devise a plan to get out from underneath the shoulder straps that keep me from hurtling off into the atmosphere when I suddenly here, “This is AWESOME!”

I am still debating this one. DS makes the height requirement, but not sure if he would freak on me or not.:confused3

I was able to relax just in time to keep us from falling off the edge of Mars.

Good thing you were able to push that button in time;)

TEminnie

02-09-2008, 09:01 AM

Hollywoodhaha

02-09-2008, 09:45 AM

:laughing:

ENSOCK

02-09-2008, 09:49 AM

Great report but where's the rest??:confused3 Can't wait!:rotfl:

puggymom

02-09-2008, 10:01 AM

Great score on Soarin'. And good tip about the 20 min wait too.
The Land--I like it too and almost planned a "behind the seeds' tour--but Mo said it was so boring she left. :confused3
Mission Space--so did you DH like the orange side? Had he ridden it before?

Good update Kate!

Well, mine was boring because of the guide, the less he know the more he talked and let's say he didn't know much!

I love Mission Space, but I always go green! Nice to know about Soarin and the default.

How nice for you to ride with all 3 boys.:goodvibes

DisneyJo

02-09-2008, 10:05 AM

It seems there is a whisper campaign out there to get fast passes for Soarin’ before attempting to do ANYTHING else in Epcot. It’s as if it’s printed in all the touring guides, all the online information, even talked about amongst guests. I wonder where people hear that :confused: :rotfl2:

And it’s true. We were in our seats and off the ground in no time. Great way to start the day :cloud9:

When the ride slows to let someone in or out that needs assistance, and you’re in the EAC with Crush, if you’re at all prone to motion sickness, it’s best to look down.:scared: I know those bubbles really make you feel as though you're moving :scared:

Number three walked right up to the measurement stick as if it were a constant in his life and was well above the required height.

:woohoo: Talk about Waaaahhhhoooooooo!:woohoo: Yay :yay:

“This is AWESOME!” So pleased he liked it :goodvibes

I was able to relax just in time to keep us from falling off the edge of Mars :rotfl2:

PrincessV

02-09-2008, 06:35 PM

the alligators... continue to get bigger and bigger...
What - like these guys?

http://www.sptimes.com/2003/03/21/photos/sp-gators.jpg

Heh heh. ;)

No one was actually getting on the line for Soarin’. No one. So with a quick glance at each other, we all agreed that we’d hit the skies over California. As we walked past the CM, she said to us, “Ignore the 20 minute wait sign. It defaults to 20 minutes first thing in the morning. There is no one down there.”
SWEEET!! :woohoo: I'm making a note of this one.

“Are you doing okay?”

“Uh-huh.”
OMG, this makes me crazy - what on earth does "uh-huh" mean?!

What? Uh-huh? What I am supposed to think that means?
Exactly! :rotfl:
I was able to relax just in time to keep us from falling off the edge of Mars.
Phew! I'm so glad #3 enjoyed it! Did you know, I've never been to Mars? :sad2:

Disneyland_Mama

02-09-2008, 07:27 PM

It seems there is a whisper campaign out there to get fast passes for Soarin’ before attempting to do ANYTHING else in Epcot. It’s as if it’s printed in all the touring guides, all the online information, even talked about amongst guests.
Is nothing sacred? :rolleyes1

As we walked past the CM, she said to us, “Ignore the 20 minute wait sign. It defaults to 20 minutes first thing in the morning. There is no one down there.”
:thumbsup2 Very good to know!

So as we approached the ride and DH and I were discussing who was going to stay with #3, a strange thing happened. Number three walked right up to the measurement stick as if it were a constant in his life and was well above the required height.
Ooooh, I hope Evan's tall enough to ride!! Gotta find his "magic shoes"! :idea:

So I think he’s freaking out and I’m trying to devise a plan to get out from underneath the shoulder straps that keep me from hurtling off into the atmosphere when I suddenly here, “This is AWESOME!”
:woohoo: glad he liked it!

I'm sorry.... but the rest of the installment is missing somewhere... :confused3

cmp1111

02-10-2008, 07:40 PM

“Oh, you HAVE to get fast passes for Soarin’ first, or you’ll never get on!”

What? Where did THEY get this? :rotfl:

“This is AWESOME!”

I was able to relax just in time to keep us from falling off the edge of Mars.

Excellent! My boys loved it. Buzz & I did it 3 times in a row. We had to squeek Woody on, and we didn't want to chance it a second time, but... I swear, they think they're really helping. :goodvibes

I am still debating this one. DS makes the height requirement, but not sure if he would freak on me or not.:confused3

Does he like Star Tours? While M:S is the better planned ride, it kind of "feels" the same (on the green side, at least) if you KWIM.

sharkB8HooHaHa

02-11-2008, 08:18 AM

I am still debating this one. DS makes the height requirement, but not sure if he would freak on me or not.:confused3

Maybe if he goes on with other kids? August, perhaps? A pre-wiener fest ride?

The Land--I like it too and almost planned a "behind the seeds' tour--but Mo said it was so boring she left. :confused3
Mission Space--so did you DH like the orange side? Had he ridden it before?

Yeah, DH likes the orange team and has done it before. He's only able to go on it once per trip, though...it gives him a headache :headache:

I really liked the behind the seeds tour. My boys did, too.

Great report but where's the rest??:confused3 Can't wait!:rotfl:

I'm working on it!:)

:laughing:

Thanks for de-lurking:goodvibes

How nice for you to ride with all 3 boys.:goodvibes
It was nice to go on with all of them:love:

Phew! I'm so glad #3 enjoyed it! Did you know, I've never been to Mars? :sad2:
What!?!?! You, me and Jimmy in August.:rotfl2:

I'm sorry.... but the rest of the installment is missing somewhere... :confused3
I'm getting there, promise:thumbsup2

Does he like Star Tours? While M:S is the better planned ride, it kind of "feels" the same (on the green side, at least) if you KWIM.

I agree. And Star Tours is worse in terms of jostling around and the motion yuck.

jcc0621

02-11-2008, 08:44 AM

Maybe if he goes on with other kids? August, perhaps? A pre-wiener fest ride?

This is an excellent idea:thumbsup2

What!?!?! You, me and Jimmy in August.:rotfl2:

:rotfl2:

I agree. And Star Tours is worse in terms of jostling around and the motion yuck.

The motion on Star Tours doesn't bother me, but my back always hurts after riding it:sad2:

sharkB8HooHaHa

02-11-2008, 01:01 PM

One of the things I had really been looking forward to on this trip was the opportunity to visit the countries in Epcot and hear the customs and traditions of the Christmas season. So after having received outstanding assistance from number three on Mars, we walked our way back toward World Showcase.

China was our first stop.

It was a wonderfully warm and sunny day, and we got there a few minutes early so we were able to sit and do some people watching.

But there just weren’t many people to watch.

So number three grabbed the camera and started taking pictures.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5162.jpg

After just a few minutes, the Monkey King came out and made his way through the now accumulating crowd. He was very primate acting. So much so it wouldn’t have surprised me if he had tried to pick a bug off of someone. He was doing that whole tilting of the head thing in an effort to look at us curiously. It was creepy. Couple that with his creepy mask, and, well, he was just creepy.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5181.jpg
And then he started to speak.

It was the strangest thing. He was not a man from China, or anywhere in the Eastern part of the world. He sounded, well, a bit like my Uncle Jimmy from Brooklyn.
But he told a really interesting story about how selfish he had been. He had stolen something from the Dragon King and was locked in a rock as punishment. Buddha let him out on the condition that he spend the rest of his life working with Buddha to show people the importance of acting out of selflessness. So his message was to spread kindness and to offer good deeds whenever possible.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5182.jpg
Then we headed to Germany to meet Helga. She told us of German traditions at Christmas and of how many things we use today to celebrate that came from Germany. She made us sing “Oh Christmas Tree” through the second verse and then give it a go as “O Tanenbaum”. That was an utter failure. But a good try. Seems not all German traditions have taken a firm hold.:confused3

Then she closed her eyes to make a wish and out came this gigantic nutcracker. Ugh. I hate nutcrackers. And this thing was about 9 feet tall. :scared1: Talk about creepy.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t240/sharkB8HooHaHa/100_5191.jpg
Off they marched and I asked the boys where they wanted to go next.

Number three’s response?

“Mars.”