Mickey Always Wins, Right Mom? Updated 8/14

[sohappy]

This trip report is going to be LOADED with pictures. I am a disboutique-er, but I have boys, so this report will NOT be loaded with ruffles! I have most of it already written- I just need to load up the photobucket account.

Before we go to far, let me introduce the cast:

Me- Single mom who lives 5+ hrs from family. I also work full time (++) as a process/chemical engineer for a cosmetics company- fun stuff but very, very busy. I am an overplanner in general and love to be organized. Ummm, what else. I guess you will get an idea of my personality from the report

My mom-early 50s, one of the very best teachers I know. She just knows how to get the point across to everyone. She is a workaholic and a perfectionist. She tends to worry a lot about things that don't really matter rather than relaxing and having fun. She is crazy about her grandkids and spoils them rotten.

My dad- mid-50s, also a perfectionist. He is always right, just ask him. He likes things done his way, so he had a hard time letting me plan all of this. Both he and my mom still see me as a kid and tried to talk me out of the trip. They have a hard time seeing me as a capable adult.

Jackson- My 5 year old. Seriously the sweetest kid ever! He regularly tells me how pretty I am. He regularly says "you are the best mom in the whole world" He also tells his teacher something similar. He is pretty advanced for his age, but not smart enough to know when to keep his mouth closed!

Cooper- my 3 year old. Such a little priss! He is a sweet cuddlebug of a kid, but has attitude to spare. He and his older brother look nothing alike, but they really, really love each other. I love to watch them interact. It always amazes me how much they look out for each other.

OK so now to the details. We left from Memphis (spent the night in a hotel there) on Sunday 5/25 and stayed in adjoining rooms at POP until 5/31 and we were on the deluxe dining plan (can you say character breakfasts?!!).

Next post will be the arrival day WITH pics!

[sohappy]

Jackson wakes up at 5:02 literally buzzing with excitement. We (me, J and C)all slept in the same full bed the night before. I didn’t sleep much- not enough room combined with excitement. I was just laying there waiting for a reason to get up. Jackson then developed the unreasonable fear that we were going to miss the plane. He kept saying “I can’t -------, we will miss the plane”. Our flight was at 9:30 and we were minutes from the airport, so we were fine. We all got showered, ready and packed. For some reason, I didn’t pack any hair gel for Cooper in the “memphis bag”. So he had quite the fro. He has naturally curly hair, but he is a boy and it is soooo messy if we don’t keep gel in it. I didn’t have anything at all to use, so we left it au naturale. We went downstairs for the complimentary breakfast. It was pretty terrible. I had been telling Jackson that he could eat as much sausage and bacon on our trip as he wanted. He was very disappointed that there was none at this breakfast. He ate a waffle and tons of fruit. Cooper had a little bit of everything. He pretty much wants what is on my plate- whatever that is. He can have the exact same plate that I do, but he wants mine. I have no idea why he is like this. I have even tried serving him off of my plate and me eating on his, switching with him- nothing works. He just wants what I have. It can be annoying, but I know it is coming now, so I usually get 2 of something that I really want. He ate mini-muffins, biscuits and fruit. After breakfast, we got ready to catch the shuttle to the airport. My dad travels a good bit for work and gets points for staying at certain hotels. So he always stays there. He then redeems these points when he travels for pleasure. He used the points to get this room in Memphis and then they offered to shuttle us to and from the airport so we wouldn’t have to pay to park the car at the airport for the week- SCORE! So we loaded all of the bags into the shuttle and were on our way. We checked in curbside, no problems. The security line was long, but other than the million parts we had to put through the scanner, no problems.

Soon we were on the flight. Originally I booked row 16 seats ABC DF thinking that no one would choose E if they had a choice. If they did choose that seat, we could take DE or EF and be happy. There was a very nice lady in E who moved over to F for us. Cooper wanted to sit with me and Jackson sat with my parents.
Cooper showing off his fruit snack (Jackson's pic came out too dark)
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We had all sorts of distractors- leapsters, DVD player, flash cards, and snacks. I even brought gum for takeoff. I gave Cooper some gum and he promptly swallowed it- UGH! I was especially worried about Cooper’s ears. As a baby (6-10 months old), he had 9 eardrum ruptures and several more ear infections in a matter of months. We had tubes put in and still had lots of infections. When the tubes fell out, we went back to the ruptures. So we had more tubes put in and had his adenoids removed. So far, we haven’t had many issues. One of the tubes is stuck in his ear and is building scar tissue. We will have to have surgery this summer to have it removed. Anyway, with his history, I just knew he could have some trouble on the plane. So I decided that he really needed the gum and gave him another piece-the last piece in the pack. That little toot swallowed that piece too and we still weren’t off the ground. So now he has swallowed 2 pieces and we are starting to take off. So I found a fruit snack and it took him at least a few minutes to devour that. No more gum for Cooper- that is a new rule. I told him to yawn really big. He understood that and yawned away. So we were good. The flight was pretty uneventful. We just hung out for the 2 hrs. Once we landed, Jackson started complaining about his ears. He wanted me to clean them with a q-tip and peroxide RIGHT THEN. My handy dandy bag had neither. He was whiney, but I told him “no whining at Disney”. He knew the rule that we had established- If you act up, you go back to the room with a baby sitter while everyone else goes to enjoy the park- and not just any babysitter- a mean one that makes you sit in the dark.

We made our way to the ME desk. Mom took the kids while Dad and I checked in. The line moved quickly and soon we found ourselves on a bus on our way to our resort. We were having the best luck- no wait so far. We got to the resort and checked right in. My room wasn’t ready, but my parent’s was. I made the executive decision to check all of the luggage into luggage services so that we wouldn’t have to lug it to the room. My dad wasn’t much help with the heavy luggage (he had shoulder surgery 4 weeks prior to the trip) and I didn’t want to waste the time moving the luggage. While we checked in and got the baggage situation under control, mom took Jackson to the food court and got a snack lunch for them. I figured she could handle one of them by herself, but not both. After we checked in, I took Coops and Dad over and we got lunch and our mugs. We paid for the lunch out of pocket so that we would be sure to have enough credits. We were on the deluxe plan, but we had a few 2 credit meals and a character breakfast every day. I had some sort of breaded chicken with a salad. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. Cooper had mac and cheese and grapes. Jackson had a hot dog and fries. My kids don’t really like fries, so no one ate those. We refilled our mugs and headed off to the magic kingdom. Our plane touched down at 12:30 and we were at MK by 2:30- great timing.

I promise more pics in the next post---:woohoo:

[sohappy]

When we got to MK, we got our first photopass card and promptly took a pic

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We were meeting a friend at Donald’s boat at 3, so we hurried back to the back. I met an online friend from another board with a little girl just a few weeks younger than Coops. We were pregnant together and have watched our little ones grow up together. It was great to see them in real life. The kids had fun playing and we had fun hanging out.
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We had dinner reservations for 5 PM at Whipsering Canyon Café. So around 4, we caught the train back to the front of MK and took a boat to the wilderness lodge.
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(told you he was a priss)

Jackson loved the “river fountain” in the middle of the hotel. We were there a bit early and they didn’t open until 5, so we looked around the resort for a bit. We quickly discovered the pressed penny machine and so the obsession began. There are lots of times that we got pressed pennies throughout the week, but I cannot remember them. So I will just say now that we have 34 pressed pennies gathered from different times during the week. I also got the boys some pins off ebay and they traded most of them out for ones that they liked better. I really don’t remember all of the trades (any of them really). I hope it is enough to say they traded a lot and Jackson picked Stitch or Donald Duck every time. Cooper picked Chip, Dale, or Stitch if given the option. They really got into it. I should have taken pics, but I forgot.

Soon enough, they called our name and we were seated. I let Dad and Jackson in on the jokes that might happen. Jackson was itching to ask for ketchup even though he rarely eats it. He also talked my dad into drinking his drink really fast. It turns out that wasn’t necessary. Mom often asks for “the largest drink you have” and she did it again. Soooo, she got brought this lovely drink.
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Jackson thought it was hilarious. Several others asked for ketchup before Jackson could, so mom caught on to the jokes especially after they threw the straws at us! We had fun. Everyone got the skillet other than me. I got some western chicken pasta thing. It was similar to chicken carbonara, which I love. Cooper started off eating like a PIG- watermelon, my chip and dip, corn bread, etc. Then he said he was sleepy. I held him and he was out. He slept the entire time. Jackson participated in the horse races- he even went around twice.
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He had so much fun and took the promise to not pick his nose seriously. He said that Cooper didn’t have to keep the promise since he was asleep, but it would be nice of him not to pick his nose.

We got a banana dessert, smores cheesecake and an apple dessert. All of them were GREAT. I liked the apple one best followed closely by the banana one. We all passed the desserts around and all had a few bites of each one. Jackson didn’t eat any of his ice cream- for some reason my kids don’t really like it. He had already eaten ½ his weight in pink shrimp (as opposed to brown/fried shrimp). I told our server earlier how much fun Jackson was having with the jokes. Before we left, she poured mom’s drink into the other cups so it looked empty and shouted, “hey everybody! Someone over here just finished a large drink. If you see them running to the bathroom get out of the way and if you see them in the pool, I wouldn’t go in there!” Jackson could barely breathe from laughing so hard. He repeated that line at least 20 times that night.
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After dinner, we took the ferry back to the MK. It was a nice quick trip. We weren’t sure what we wanted to do, so we gave the boys a few options. They picked Buzz Lightyear. It had a long wait, so we grabbed some fastpasses and went to the Laugh floor. It was a pretty cute show. My kids love Monsters, Inc, so they thought it was funny. Cooper wanted to know where the “guy with two eyes was” aka sully. You know because 2 eyes is such a distinguishing characteristic. Afterwards, we went to ride Buzz. Cooper rode with me and Jackson rode with Mom. Dad rode by himself and used both guns. We all did pretty miserable score wise, but we had a lot of fun. Cooper screamed with terror at first, but afterwards said he loved it- “we got those bad guys didn’t we mom?”
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Now it was time to catch the parade. We headed across the frontierland bridge and got a spot. The kids enjoyed it so much more than I expected. I honestly didn’t think they would like it at all. I was so happy to see the “I’m-a-boy-and-I-don’t-like-girls-esp-princesses” façade wear away from Jackson as he jumped up and down waving at Cinderella. It really melted my heart for him to take a step back and enjoy the magic without a care in the world as to what someone else might think. I thought I might explode with happiness. After the parade, we slowly made our way down a very busy main street to leave. I wasn’t sure how the fireworks would go over and the boys were fading fast. We made it back and got to bed by 11:30- a very long day indeed.

[notsosnowwhite]

I love the part with the babysitter who will make him sit in the dark! You're my kind of mom.:thumbsup2

We last visited this past December with my boys, 6 and 3. We told them that the Tower of Terror was the Time-Out Tower and anyone who acted up had to go sit in the lobby. Worked like a charm.

[sohappy]

I am going to remember that one!! Later in the trip it progressed to "well, we might need to go back to the room for a babysitter, do you think that Cruella would be available? Or maybe the evil stepmother?" Straightened them up QUICK!!

[Alex&Evan'sMom]

I told my boys the same thing. They knew that if they acted up they would be stuck in the hotel room with a sitter while we had fun. Worked like a charm! Loving your report!!

[twob4him]

Yaaaaaa :dance3: :cheer2: I am so glad you decided to do a trip report! Jackson and Coops are just darling~ and you are too! Glad you got there and everything went smoothly...you all did sooo much on your first day! Can't wait for more!!! Great start! :thumbsup2

So how was POP??? You know if we go to this Dismeet in Feb, I was thinking we could stay there. They have their own bus right...oh well, I sure hope it all works out.

[mommyof2princesses]

Love it! I am going to use the babysitter line! I think it is hilarious! ya'll look like you had a great time at whispering canyon. We got a horrible waiter and no jokes. :confused3 Dh said we will never eat there again.

Can't wait for updates!!

[HeatherSue]

I'm going to take notes on your TR because I always forget what I want to comment on otherwise. Since I started writing my own TR, I know how nice it is to have people comment!

Jackson sounds a lot like Tessa in that she always tells me I'm pretty and that I'm the best mom in the whole world. It's nice to know someone thinks so! :rotfl: She also LOOOVES bacon!!

I feel you on Cooper wanting the food on your plate, even if he has the exact same thing on his. Sawyer does this, too!

It's hard to capture in a picture how truly HUGE that drink is at Whispering Canyon cafe. Isn't it fun?!

How sweet that Jackson was excited to see Cinderella!

I don't remember the "don't pick your nose" promise. If Tessa promised that, she has severely broken her vows!!



Your boys are just too adorable. They melt my heart with their extreme cuteness!!

[thumperbelle3]

I love the name Jackson!! Your boys are adorable. Coopers curls are too cute! Looks like your trip started off to a great start. Is Laugh Floor fun for adults too?

[jham]

I am loving your TR! The boys look so cute! I love Cooper's hair, especially when it's wet! That is so cute about Jackson jumping up and down waving at Cinderella! I'll have to remember the babysitter that makes you sit in the dark and the no picking your nose promise for our next trip! :rotfl: Glad you had fun at WCC! We ate there and...well...that's coming up soon in my TR, but let's just say it wasn't pretty. AT. ALL.

[The Moonk's Mom]

Love it so far! I LOVE the babysitter line...must remeber for next trip! It looks like you were haveing a great time!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Also going to steal the babysitter line....what a bunch of mean mommies we truly are :lmao:

[sohappy]

I told my boys the same thing. They knew that if they acted up they would be stuck in the hotel room with a sitter while we had fun. Worked like a charm! Loving your report!!

Thanks for joining in! So glad that others like the mean babysitter line. It really is priceless- and it wasn't an empty threat- I was fully prepared to get a sitter if need be.

Yaaaaaa :dance3: :cheer2: I am so glad you decided to do a trip report! Jackson and Coops are just darling~ and you are too! Glad you got there and everything went smoothly...you all did sooo much on your first day! Can't wait for more!!! Great start! :thumbsup2

So how was POP??? You know if we go to this Dismeet in Feb, I was thinking we could stay there. They have their own bus right...oh well, I sure hope it all works out.

We did so much everyday! This was our "relaxing day"!! Really, the parks weren't too busy and we had a plan, so we got to do a lot.

We LOVED Pop. We weren't there much, but the kids like the pool, it wasn't too loud. In general it was great. I will probably stay there in the future. For as much time as we spend in the room, I can't really justify spending more.

Love it! I am going to use the babysitter line! I think it is hilarious! ya'll look like you had a great time at whispering canyon. We got a horrible waiter and no jokes. :confused3 Dh said we will never eat there again.

Can't wait for updates!!

I am sorry you had a bad time! I have found that reviews seem to be hit or miss. Our waitress wasn't great, but Jackson was so bursting with excitment, even a little interaction was great. I probably wouldn't go there again. I think that the food was just OK, and well, we have seen the antics, so it wouldn't be that funny a second time. . .unless we had someone else with us that didn't know what was going on.

I'm going to take notes on your TR because I always forget what I want to comment on otherwise. Since I started writing my own TR, I know how nice it is to have people comment!

Jackson sounds a lot like Tessa in that she always tells me I'm pretty and that I'm the best mom in the whole world. It's nice to know someone thinks so! :rotfl: She also LOOOVES bacon!!

I feel you on Cooper wanting the food on your plate, even if he has the exact same thing on his. Sawyer does this, too!

It's hard to capture in a picture how truly HUGE that drink is at Whispering Canyon cafe. Isn't it fun?!

How sweet that Jackson was excited to see Cinderella!

I don't remember the "don't pick your nose" promise. If Tessa promised that, she has severely broken her vows!!

Your boys are just too adorable. They melt my heart with their extreme cuteness!!

How funny! Yes I think Jackson and Tessa would be great friends- I said friends, no need to worry Luke!! They could eat all the bacon and tell us how awesome we are! And Sawyer and Cooper could eat all our food!

I have another pic of the drink, but it is blurry. It is in my scrapbook pages that I will try to post too. I will try to post the pages that go with each day as I go along- just need to get all that loaded to photobucket.

The lady that did the horse races made them promise a bunch of stuff- not to pick their noses, and to never, ever, ever, ever step foot into universal studios.

I love the name Jackson!! Your boys are adorable. Coopers curls are too cute! Looks like your trip started off to a great start. Is Laugh Floor fun for adults too?

It was kind of corny, but I liked it. I think that you can submit jokes. They also highlight some people in the audience and then put captions like "has the urge to get up and dance". some people cooperated, some didn't. I was hoping Jackson would get picked. That is right up his alley, the little ham that he is.

I am loving your TR! The boys look so cute! I love Cooper's hair, especially when it's wet! That is so cute about Jackson jumping up and down waving at Cinderella! I'll have to remember the babysitter that makes you sit in the dark and the no picking your nose promise for our next trip! :rotfl: Glad you had fun at WCC! We ate there and...well...that's coming up soon in my TR, but let's just say it wasn't pretty. AT. ALL.

I love Coopers hair too. I have stick straight hair and my mom made me wear mine curly every day- seriously every night I slept in sponge rollers every.night. I love my straight hair now, but Cooper's hair is just irresistable. I will have to load the pics of him with straight "girl" hair from this week. He wanted straight hair like his brother, so we straightened it. Soooooo funny.

Love it so far! I LOVE the babysitter line...must remeber for next trip! It looks like you were haveing a great time!

Another babysitter convert! Disney babysitting should give me royalties or something, doncha think?

Also going to steal the babysitter line....what a bunch of mean mommies we truly are :lmao:

And another one- Off to call and see what I can work out for commission!

Thanks everyone for reading. I will probably post an update tonight or tomorrow morning.

[sohappy]

I am going to include the scrapbook pages that I did for each day as part of the trip report. I will try to add them to the end of each day as I go along, but no promises. I am making a shutterfly book for my parents for mothers/father’s day (I know it is already passed, I gave them a gift certificate for the book for the actual holiday, hmph) Anyway, I had to bust it to get all 40 pages done quickly. Here is the first part of the book.

Title Page of the book (5 mickey heads- one for each traveler)
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I did summary pages like this for each day. This is the condensed version of my TR (with all of the negative things that I might say about my parents removed)
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/ArrivalDay.jpg

And scrapbook pages from our first day
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http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/whisperingcanyon.jpg

[Tnkrbelle565]

So great!!! You are really making me want to get Elements!

[Twins+2more]

I love your scrapbook pages. Love the mini trip report right in there. :thumbsup2

[Disney Brat]

Just found your TR!! Great job so far! I love the scrapbook pages. can't wait to read more!

[mommyof2princesses]

Love your scrapbooking pages. I really should start doing it digitally. I would probably get more done!

[sohappy]

Monday started early- 6:15 for me. I got up and dressed while the kids were asleep. I made sure that Tink left some treats and I set out some Disney covered Hershey nuggets (the kids saw me making these so they couldn’t be part of the tink treats). I woke the groggy kids up. I really don’t understand why they were so groggy. They don’t ever sleep anyway, so this trip shouldn’t be much different. They wake up at 7 everyday no matter what, usually earlier. When I mentioned that Tink had been there, they both bolted out of bed to see the treats. I think it was pooh and tigger silly putty and something else small- maybe glowsticks. They saw the prizes, grabbed them, went straight back to bed and pulled the covers over their heads. I finally got them up, covered in sunscreen (can I tell you how much I love the Kiehls sunscreen- so waterproof and so good), and dressed in their Pooh finest.

We had an 8:05 reservation at Crystal Palace. We got the Magic Kingdom a little early and had to wait outside. As we made our way in, we stopped to take a few pictures of the park and of the boys with Walt and of the castle.
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And this lovely pic of an almost empty Main Street?
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We then headed over to crystal palace for our very first character breakfast. We waited a bit and it started to drizzle a little. It didn’t last and no one got really wet. And that would be all of the rain we saw the entire trip- I swear, we were soooo lucky the whole week.

Within a few minutes we were called to our table. Being a single mom who eats out a lot, I know that they will clear your table if you leave. I didn’t realize that Disney and their buffets were different. I figured it out after a few days, but the first day, I sent my mom and dad to make the kids plates while I placed drink orders. I could hear my kids screaming with excitement whenever they saw a character come out. I think that Jackson even chased Eeyore down at one point. They finally came back with the kids’ plates full of things that my parents like to eat. I wonder if they even asked the kids what they wanted! Both kids had eggs on their plates (which we don’t eat) so I know that they didn’t ask about that at least. I let my parents run to get their own plates while I waited with the boys. Now it was my turn, but first I had to remake the kids’ plates with stuff that they would eat (yogurt, fruit, bacon, waffles). I made my own plate and got a small plate of pooh’s breakfast lasagna- you have got to try this. It was GREAT! I didn’t know if I would like it. I can be picky, but thought I would give it a try. I am soooo glad that I did. Then the characters started to come around. The kids loved the characters. Tigger first, then Pooh, then piglet and finally Eeyore. We got all of the signatures and a few pics. I wish that I had gotten better pics, but the kids had a blast and that was all that counted, right?

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This picture of Jackson cracks me up. It looks like he is looking lovingly at Eeyore (who he really does love). In reality, he was checking out the mesh eyes. He said he wasn’t sure if Eeyore was real. I told him that I thought he was, but maybe he had something to protect his eyes from the babies that might poke him. He liked that.

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Here is the pic taken immediatly after- see, checking him out
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A little side note- Jackson takes whatever I say to be true. We have been learning to ride a bike without training wheels (I say we because it is my butt chasing him around out there, I get a little credit, right?). I have been telling him “if you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you won’t be able to do it”- trying to do the power of positive thinking with a 5 year old is hard. He was sooooo mad at me at the pool this weekend- He wondered if he could touch the bottom (he couldn’t, it was too deep). He said, “but Moooooommmmm!! You SAID if I think I can, I can and I thought really hard, but I still can’t” Yeah, told off by my kid!

[sohappy]

Where were we. . . After breakfast, we find out that we just missed park opening by literally 2 minutes. We go up through the castle to fantasyland. I spot Tink’s Treasures and stop in to see if anyone has woken her up today. Unfortunately someone had. I hadn’t told anyone about it, so they wouldn’t be disappointed if we didn’t get to do it. We then started checking off the itenary- Dumbo first. It was my turn to ride with Jackson because I had ridden with Cooper the night before. He was nervous about going up, so he said he was going to fly low. That lasted a few seconds. He loved controlling the height. We went up and down, up and down. Both boys thought the ride was great. We then headed over to the Many adventures of Winnie the pooh. It later became known as the honey pot ride. Cooper and Jackson both rode with me in the front and mom and dad in the back. Cooper cried a little, but overall liked the ride. He is afraid of sudden loud noises and things jumping out at you (the kid is afraid of everything, including caged cows, lint on the floor, and butterflies). He says that he cried a little, but he had fun on the ride. We then made it over to Peter Pan. Cooper was really scared in this ride. He loves pirates on the TV, but not so much in real life. He whined a lot, but asked to go again. This was a recurring thing on the trip, Cooper would get scared, then he would have a blast. In the end, he mostly remembers the fun parts. He will tell you where he cried, but he also says that he loves all the rides. When we came out Mom wanted to go on Small World. I knew that the wait was always short for this ride, so I talked her into Snow White. I took TGMs suggestion and tried to turn it into a game of finding the witch. Cooper was OK on this ride. He really liked screaming out “WITCH”, so he didn’t really whine that much. Up next, the horsies aka Cinderellas Carousel.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1074.jpg

Look how excited Jackson is here- he is the one pointing
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1078.jpg

I love roller coasters and thrill rides, but things that spin in a circle make me sick. We walked right onto yet another ride and picked out the horses. Mom stood by J and I stood by C. I didn’t want to ride- the up and down plus the round and round = me barfing for sure. So, I just buckled Cooper in tightly, grabbed onto the rail and closed my eyes. I managed to snap a few pics, but had to close my eyes again. Dad chose to sit this one out. He brought along a foldable chair that didn’t take up any space, so he got that out and took some video. The kids loved it of course, what kid doesn’t love this ride. I was just happy it was over. Now it was time for my mom’s favorite “it’s a small world”. I don’t mind this ride, but it is a bit annoying. It is nice and cool and not scary at all, so I knew we would be OK. We walked on yet again and rode. I think that both boys sat with mom and I sat with dad in the next row. I planned on taking some pics, but I didn’t. I borrowed the kingdom keepers book on tape from the library a few weeks ago and I was freaked out. I know it was during the day and just a story, but after seeing the movie Dolls, I am done. These things were creeping me out. So after a very long time, the ride was over. Of course the kids liked it- nothing scary! We were planning to hit the teacups if they weren’t busy and they weren’t. Lucky us!

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1087.jpg

Mom rode this ride with the kids. One time when I was little I rode that little spinning hamburger at mcdonalds until I threw up. I have been done ever since. Mom likes this kind of stuff. It really strikes me as odd. Growing up, I always saw my mom as a scaredy cat. We went swimming every single day in the summer, so swimming was a big deal. She wouldn’t put her head under unless it was absolutely necessary and she wouldn’t even jump off the diving board. What a weenie! So seeing her go on thrill rides (she loves rock n roller coaster best) is just so odd to me. I have tried to come up with other reasons as to why I think she is a wimp, but it all goes back to putting her head under and the diving board. Sorry, back to the topic at hand.

As soon as we exit, we all see Alice and the Mad Hatter. Unlike everyone else, I saw the enormous line. We decided to skip it and come back later if we had a chance. Wow! Fantasy land was practically complete and it was barely after 10! We were going to Toon town next. I didn’t know if cooper would like the barnstormer, but though it was worth a try. I had heard how short it was, so I knew even if it was bad, it would be over soon. He loved watching “goofy’s airplane fly around while we walked up the queing area. We walked right on. I rode with Cooper and Jackson rode with my mom. Dad rode by himself. Cooper absolutely loved this ride. It was probably his second favorite ride of the whole trip. He scream/laughed with excitement the whole ride. It was really, really short though. We were supposed to catch the train over to frontierland/adventureland, but the kids wanted to play in toon town. I had really planned these schedules out, but knew I had to be flexible. We went into the area with the character meets. The wait was pretty short for the “pals” so we decided to check it out. We didn’t wait long and we got to see Donald, Goofy and Pluto. The kids really loved meeting the characters, giving them hugs and getting their autographs. It was really sweet.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/image063.jpg
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http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1111.jpg

more to come

[sohappy]

Afterwards, we stopped in the little store that you have to pass through to leave the area. It is really hard to drag kids through this stuff without them wanting to stop and look and BUY STUFF. I let them each pick a small stuffed animal and picked up a pressed coin book. They both picked stitch and we were on our way. We decided to check out mickey’s house next. The kids loved looking around, but it was pretty busy inside. Mom and dad waited outside in the shade, so I kept up with both boys by myself. Jackson decided he needed a better look at the kitchen. We were planning to go over to the judges tent to see Mickey, but the line was crazy long. We didn’t want to wait today, maybe on Friday we could get there earlier.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1130.jpg
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Next up was Minnie’s house where we had to get the sewing pic for all the disboutiquers. I love that Cooper is pressing the button. When he wants to help me sew, he knows exactly which button to push to make it go and which one to push to cut the threads and raise the needle. He really was trying the help Minnie out!

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1135.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1136.jpg
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http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1138.jpg


We made a quick stop at the small play area. Cooper loves little slides- only the little ones, not the big ones. He played on the slides, while Jackson climbed on top of the house.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1131.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1132.jpg


It was getting kind of lunchish at this point, so we headed over to Pinocchios. I really wanted to go here for the Figaro fries more than anything. From what I heard they were fries with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ranch. We got fries with cheese and bacon. We also got a chicken Caesar salad (all around) and different desserts. I think I got a strawberry cheesecake. It was OK, but not great. Cooper found out that he loves Caesar salad and turkey roll ups and does not like cheesecake. I think that Jackson ate a few grapes. While everyone was eating I secured fastpasses for philharmagic. We ate and then caught the show.
Obligatory glasses pics

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1140.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1141.jpg

It was really cute, but Cooper freaked out (as always). Anything coming at his face is just too much. In the end he talked about how much he loved it, but he whined a little during the show (in my lap). Jackson got so into the show that he grabbed the lady’s hair in front of him. Sorry if that was you! I promise he didn’t mean to!

At this point, I thought it would be a good idea to head back to the room for a nap. The kids had other ideas.

Up next: Scrapbook pages of our first day

[eeyore3847]

Love the TR so far , I am subscribing!!

lori

[kafitty]

your kids are adorable! Cooper's eyes and hair make me melt. :love:

and just wanted to tell you a positive story about my brother, who had lots and lots of ear problems when he was younger - tubes, near constant ear infections, etc. They still bothered him slightly when he was a preteen, but now as a 21 year old he only has the slightest discomfort - which is good, considering he's a pilot! (yes, my TWENTY-ONE year old brother is not only a pilot, but he's an instructor!! :worship: i am so in awe of him, i had to brag, hahah.)

actually, come to think about it, he was a TOTAL WIMP when we were kids, and apparently he grew out of that too. :rotfl:

[DesigningMouse]

Great pictures and your boys are adorable. Love the scrapbook pages. Wish I was that talented.

[HeatherSue]

Another great installment! You got so many adorable pictures! I think I like those un-posed pictures with the characters the best, so I think yours are great! Good save telling Jackson about the eye screens! :thumbsup2

Gotta love the Minnie's sewing machine pics! Your sewing machine has a button you push to cut the thread? I'm jealous!

your kids are adorable! Cooper's eyes and hair make me melt. :love:

and just wanted to tell you a positive story about my brother, who had lots and lots of ear problems when he was younger - tubes, near constant ear infections, etc. They still bothered him slightly when he was a preteen, but now as a 21 year old he only has the slightest discomfort - which is good, considering he's a pilot! (yes, my TWENTY-ONE year old brother is not only a pilot, but he's an instructor!! :worship: i am so in awe of him, i had to brag, hahah.)

actually, come to think about it, he was a TOTAL WIMP when we were kids, and apparently he grew out of that too. :rotfl:

Wow!! I'm impressed by your brother, too! That's so sweet how proud of him you are!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Great installment...I loved your pics with the Pals...they look so thrilled!

[twob4him]

Awwwwww, Stacy, both boys are sooo adorable and look how they are lovin' Disney!!! :lovestruc Love the requisite sewing machine pic! Thats funny about Coops trying to figure Eyeore out....I think I still do the same thing! :rotfl: You certainly are inventive though....the screen so the little kids won't poke his eyes and then the Tooth Fairy Palace on the $5....hahaha :rotfl2: Very creative! I am really enjoying the trip report and can't wait for more!!!
PS I hope we can meet in Feb too! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[noahdove]

Oh, I feel as tho I was with you on this awesome magical trip:) Thanks for sharing..your children are beautiful:)

[Cherlynn25]

Your boys are sooo cute!!!! Nice job on the customs so far too. Cant wait to hear about the rest of the trip

[MichelleVW]

Great pics! Your boys are adorable!! I love their matching outfits! :goodvibes

[Disney Brat]

Great installment!! I love the outfits!! Can't wait to read more!!

[sohappy]

Love the TR so far , I am subscribing!!

lori

Thanks for reading! It is kind of silly, but it makes me sooo happy to know that someone is reading what I wrote.

your kids are adorable! Cooper's eyes and hair make me melt. :love:

and just wanted to tell you a positive story about my brother, who had lots and lots of ear problems when he was younger - tubes, near constant ear infections, etc. They still bothered him slightly when he was a preteen, but now as a 21 year old he only has the slightest discomfort - which is good, considering he's a pilot! (yes, my TWENTY-ONE year old brother is not only a pilot, but he's an instructor!! :worship: i am so in awe of him, i had to brag, hahah.)

actually, come to think about it, he was a TOTAL WIMP when we were kids, and apparently he grew out of that too. :rotfl:

WOW!! Brag away! I would be proud of him too. Thanks for that. I hope that Cooper's ears get better. I think that having the adenoids out helped ALOT. But the kid has lots of weird problems in general. He had a wart on his lip- a wart! Who has that! His dad let the dermo FREEZE IT OFF. UGH anyway. He also has reflux, terrible ezcema, has fever blisters all the time, etc. We have an appt on Friday to see about removing the old tubes and putting new ones in. Unfortch I will be away on business, so XH will have to take him.

Great pictures and your boys are adorable. Love the scrapbook pages. Wish I was that talented.

Thanks, but I have seen your sewing skills and you are VERY talented!

Another great installment! You got so many adorable pictures! I think I like those un-posed pictures with the characters the best, so I think yours are great! Good save telling Jackson about the eye screens! :thumbsup2

Gotta love the Minnie's sewing machine pics! Your sewing machine has a button you push to cut the thread? I'm jealous!


I love the unposed pics, but I like them in addition to the posed ones. Crystal palace was the only place we didn't get posed pics.


i have thw walmart disney brother. I LOVE it. I do not love the built in designs, those are terrible. It threads the needle and can be set to automatically back stitch. It has a button to make it go and another to control the speed (I never use the petal anymore). And yes, it has a button to clip the threads. I didn't realize how much I loved this until I started working with the serger again.

Great installment...I loved your pics with the Pals...they look so thrilled!

Thanks. Jackson really loves Donald and Cooper loves being a priss.

Awwwwww, Stacy, both boys are sooo adorable and look how they are lovin' Disney!!! :lovestruc Love the requisite sewing machine pic! Thats funny about Coops trying to figure Eyeore out....I think I still do the same thing! :rotfl: You certainly are inventive though....the screen so the little kids won't poke his eyes and then the Tooth Fairy Palace on the $5....hahaha :rotfl2: Very creative! I am really enjoying the trip report and can't wait for more!!!
PS I hope we can meet in Feb too! :banana: :banana: :banana:

they really keep me on my toes. Jackson is always asking all sort of weird questions especially. Sometimes I have great answers and sometimes not. You guys just got lucky in that I had a good one today and it wasn't "ummm, uhh, yeah, umm. .. I think" which will happen later in the trip.

I really, really hope everything works out for Feb. I don't know if you saw this on the other thread, but I am up for a new position at work. I have promised myself that if I get it, I will be going for sure. Now here is hoping that I get it! I should find out in a few weeks, but I have a really good feeling about it.

Oh, I feel as tho I was with you on this awesome magical trip:) Thanks for sharing..your children are beautiful:)

Thanks. We had a blast. I never know if I am being oo wordy or boring. I figure that the pics of cuteness can make up for it if it is too boring.

Your boys are sooo cute!!!! Nice job on the customs so far too. Cant wait to hear about the rest of the trip

Thanks!

Great pics! Your boys are adorable!! I love their matching outfits! :goodvibes

Thank you!!

Great installment!! I love the outfits!! Can't wait to read more!!

Thanks! I am going to load the scrapbook pages in a few and maybe another installment tonight.

[sohappy]

Scrapbook pages, as promised
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/MagicKingdomnotes.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/crystalpalace.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/magickingdomrandom.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/MagicKingdomcharacters.jpg

Up Next- Pirate and Princess Party

[minnie2]

You guys looked like you had so much fun! Your boys are too cute! I love your scrap book pages! I need to start back on my scrapbook!

[The Moonk's Mom]

The boys look great! CUTE Pictures! I love your scrapbook pictures, I still cut, paste/tape, write...I really should figure the whole digital thing out! Yours looks great!:thumbsup2

[twob4him]

Stacy, how long does it take to do those scrapbook pages? The are so colorful and clear...I just love it! I am assuming you have a special software program? How long did it take for you to learn it...where do you store your finished "albums"? Can you print them out? I saw on YCMT where you can purchase scrapbook stuff for the computer...I obviously haven't ever tried it on the computer....I am full of questions :goodvibes

:love: Very beautiful work my dear....I just love it! :lovestruc

[sohappy]

Stacy, how long does it take to do those scrapbook pages? The are so colorful and clear...I just love it! I am assuming you have a special software program? How long did it take for you to learn it...where do you store your finished "albums"? Can you print them out? I saw on YCMT where you can purchase scrapbook stuff for the computer...I obviously haven't ever tried it on the computer....I am full of questions :goodvibes

:love: Very beautiful work my dear....I just love it! :lovestruc

I think that how much time is really variable. I have knocked one out in 30 minutes and then others, I have agonized over for days. I think it depends on if you have a clear idea before you start or not.

I use Photoshop Elements and got the book "Digital Scrapbooking the easy way" or something like that. There are probably tons of good books out there. I think that I had it pretty much figured out after a weekend or 2 of messing with it. I am always learning something new too. For me, it is sooo much better because after I "cut" a paper, I can always click undo. And once I buy the paper (usually a few dollars for 8 sheets), I can use it over and over and over again. Same thing with embellishments. I never have to say, "gosh I wish this flower was smaller". I just make it smaller. Once you start, you get HOOKED fast!

I usually print out a book each year at Shutterfly.com Other places have books too (walmart, etc), but I have always loved everything I have gotten from shutterfly. The books are hard bound similar to a child's Dr. Seuss book. The 8x8 are about $30 for 20 pages and then $1 for each additional page. My "year in review" last year was 100 pages, the max. The Disney book this year will be 40 or less. They also have 12x12 and that is what I usually buy myself. They can print individual pages too. I think that runs around $6. Oh and there are lots of free sites for things- kits, papers, embellishments, etc. I am in love, seriously!

[mommyof2princesses]

The boys looked so cute in their matching outfits! They looked like they had a lot of fun at Crystal Palace and I love that pic with the little one looking into his eyes! So sweet!

i cannot do round rides either. I used to love them, but now they make me sick. I can't even watch the tea cups!

I love your scrapbook pages. I really need to get mine done!

[mom2LLN]

Great pictures. Your boys are adorable and I love the matching outfits.

The scrapbook pages are amazing!!

[Moonlitdreams82]

Your boys are so adorable!!!!! I'm looking forward to reading more. The scrapbook pages are great! I'm a big picture/journal/scrapbook person and it's making me so excited to be able to do that when we get back from our Disneymoon. 26 days!!!!yay!!!!!!

[sohappy]

When we last left, I thought it would be a good idea to head back to the room for a nap. The kids had other ideas. They were so amped, they would not lie down. I tried to get them to lie on the bed watching TV while I went to get the mugs refilled (mom and dad had an adjoining room with the doors opened). Mom and I got the drinks and came back to the kids jumping on my parents beds. It didn’t look like a nap was in the cards today, so we decided to go swimming instead. Cooper went into the hippie dippie pool for about 2 seconds before he decided to go to the splash area. Jackson played in the bigger pool and “took lessons” from my mom. My mom is a great swimming teacher, so Jackson was lucky to have the time with her. I half hoped that swimming would tire the kids out, but no luck. They were too excited for the pirate and princess party. Mom and Dad were going to Raglan Road at DTD while I took the kids to the party. I asked them if they wanted to come originally, but they didn’t (a decision they would later regret). Jackson put on his Jack Sparrow costume (long pants with boot covers and a coat in late May in Florida!!) complete with a drawn on facial hair. Cooper put on his momma-made Captain Hook costume. He quickly nixed both the boot covers and the hook. I wasn’t going to argue with him- less to keep up with. I drew on a cute little mustache as best as I could with my eyeliner. I was so mad because I forgot to bring the BLACK eyeliner that I had gotten specifically for the mustaches. I had to use my personal brown/black liner for their facial hair. UGH! So I have plenty of extra black eyeliners at home if anyone needs them.

I had decided to leave the sit-and-stand stroller behind and get one of the rentals. I thought they were included with the party, but when I called information they said no. Oh well, $30 for one night was high, but worth it at this point. I decided to stop at the food court and burn some snack credits. It was our second day there and we hadn’t even used one yet! I got us 2 waters and a snack each (chocolate cake for me, chocolate dipped mickey rice krispie treats for the boys). Cooper took a few bites and decided that he was sleepy. He turned around in his chair and promptly went to sleep. Jackson and I finished up our snacks and threw away the trash. I picked up Cooper and we muddled out way to the bus stop. I was carrying Coops, holding Jackson’s hand, and carrying a stuffed bagallini bag. Luckily I had put the bag across my chest and it wasn’t falling down.

Cooper slept all the way up to the stroller rental. As soon as I had a place to put him, he was awake- grumpy, but awake. While we were in line to get a stroller, a guy came up to me and asked if I was renting a stroller. I told him yes and he offered to “sell” me his stroller for $15. That seemed a little weird to me and I didn’t have cash anyway. I told him thanks but I didn’t have cash. I saw his wife give him a little shove and he said we could have it. She went to get us a new tag to write our name on. SCORE AGAIN! Free stroller rental. I have a feeling that they might have been free for the party (they should have been!), but I never found out. We headed down main street. I wanted to get some pics of the boys in their costumes before they got all gross (or they changed out of them!). Jackson got up and let the guy get 1 picture. Cooper wouldn’t even get out of the stroller- told you- grumpy!

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/image105.jpg

We were there quite early, so we went back to ride Buzz. We didn’t wait long and all rode in the same car. Cooper controlled the spinning, so we spent the whole ride going in circles. It was fun nonetheless. We decided we had time to burn, so we could ride the TTA. It was nice and cool. Eagle eyes Jackson spotted Buzz Lightyear. He screams out “stop the ride, I see buzz, we need off NOW!” We continued on the ride, guess they ignored him! Jackson really did listen to what they were saying. He considers the brief trip through the space mountain ride his actual ride on space mountain (he is still too small, both boys are teeny. Cooper probably won’t make it to 30 lbs this summer). He later bought a space mountain stitch pin “because I rode that ride, you know”. You cannot argue with this kid. After the ride, we had to go over and see Buzz. We waited a few minutes and got his autograph and a few pics. The kids loved that he used a stamp.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1144.jpg

We decided to head over to Adventureland. We wanted to be in the right spot to see Jack Sparrow. It was still quite early, so we thought we would catch a few rides. The Jungle Cruise said it had a standby time of 40 minutes, so we passed (although looking back, I bet it wasn’t that long, I didn’t see a line at all). On our way over to Pirates, we spotted Hook and Smee. They got a kick out of Cooper’s costume. “Pirate Hook” is one of Cooper’s favorites. He maintains that he isn’t a bad guy, really. We were the last ones in line, so I didn’t mind letting the kids take a few minutes (usually I rush them along so that everyone gets a chance). The kids were very excited to have met even more “guys”.

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On the way back, we saw a line starting to form for Jack Sparrow. It was around 6:35-6:40 at this point. It wasn’t really that much of a line (we were 4th), but we though we should jump on it. We waited in line with another pleasant family. The time went by quickly and soon enough we were making our way through the rooms. Before they opened the doors, the queue line was HUGE. I was really glad we got there when we did.

[sohappy]

We made a turn and found ourselves face to face with Jack Sparrow.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/image028.jpg
The boys were bouncing in their shoes (you can really see that in the pic, huh?). I was really amazed at how much time he took with each family. He got down and talked to the boys, made Jackson do a little turn so that he could check him out.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1155.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1157.jpg
Cooper decides to come over and be a PRISS-
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1158.jpg
Jackson told him that Cooper was Captain Hook- Jack said “we have a problem mate, he doesn’t have a hook- maybe we can call him Captain no-hook”.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1160.jpg

It really was sweet. He maintained his pirate attitude, but wasn’t scary for the children at all. Cooper kept pulling on his shirt-tale telling him that his “moneys” and “pennies” and “coins” had pilled everywhere. Cooper can’t say the “s” sound in front of a consonant unless he really tries. I have been working with him to say ssssssssssssnack and ssssssssssspider, etc. He does fine if he is reminded, but the “s” is very much exaggerated. Later he told Jack that his coins ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssspilled everywhere and it was a mess. I am so glad that we waited to see him. The boys just loved it.
Cooper so worried about the coins
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1161.jpg

Random Captn Jack picture
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1162.jpg

Signing autographs
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Jackson almost broke the guys composure. He told Jackson that he didn’t give autographs to just anyone and he had to get something in return. He told Jackson that he could come to work on the Black Pearl. Jackson told him “no thank you, my mom doesn’t let me sleep over with friends yet”. We almost got a smile with that one.

Jackson also loved the attention he had been receiving as Jack Sparrow. He got lots of “oohhh a pirate” “nice goatee” “did you forget to shave today” “hiya jack” “how’s it going captn”. He is such an attention lover that this was heaven for him. He refused to take off the costume. Cooper was hot, so he put on his pirate mickey shirt and pirate shorts.

We then rode Pirates of the Caribbean. Cooper was freaked out. He sat in my lap and still squirmed. He just doesn’t like pirates in real life (unless you are a good guy like Captain Hook and Jack Sparrow- we gotta work on the good guy classification). Jackson started off timid, but he loved it. Cooper decided ½ way through (when he saw Jack Sparrow) that it couldn’t be all that bad. He started screaming out “you scurvy dog” to all of the pirates he could find. I am not sure where he heard that, but it was pretty cute. When we got out, they both gave it a thumbs up. The royal guard training was going on when we got out, so we weaved our way around all of that.

We had gotten a few treasure spots at this point. The boys thought it was sooo cool that they got jewels. Jackson used his eagle eyes to find more and more treasure spots. At this point, I had seen several people with special PPP maps- wow what a novel idea! I wanted to get one to see if the treasure spots were listed. I had to go all the way down this huge ramp at the rose gardens near tomorrow land to get one. And guess what, they spots weren’t listed. UGH.

We checked out what was around Tomorrowland for the party. We spotted the line for Pirate Mickey and friends waaaaayyyyy too long. The kids really wanted to see him, but I wanted to get to the parade. We decided to go back across to Frontierland to get a spot (yes, we walked back and forth, back and forth). I am glad that we had seen Spectro the night before. I knew the kids would like the parade and I knew that this one was special. They loved jumping up and down and waving to all of the characters. As the pirates started to come down, Cooper noticed a bunch of them walking with swords and said in his most excited voice “oooohhhh mommy, fighting guys!” He is such a boy. He was just as happy to see guys bang swords together as he was to see Jack Sparrow again.

[sohappy]

The kids were really winding down at this point. I decided it was best to get them back to the hotel before they crashed since I didn’t have a stroller once we left the park. No way could I carry both of them. I took a wrong turn and ended up in Fantasyland. I couldn’t make it through the castle because the parade was still going on. UGH. So we went back to tomorrow land- I walked all over the park several times this night for sure! In tomorrowland, we saw that the Indy cars had little to no wait. They had asked to ride this ride several times earlier in the day, so we hoped in line. We all rode in one car and I drove to keep the peace. It was so empty that we didn’t see another car at all during our whole ride. Jackson spotted yet another treasure spot and we got another necklace.

We were all falling apart now, so we headed to the exit. As we walked down an empty main street (sooo very different than the night before), a photopass guy stopped us and asked if we were leaving. I told him yes, the kids were tired and grumpy. He told us we would kick ourselves if we didn’t stay. The kids told him that they wanted to go home. He said “I bet if your mom got you a lollipop you might want to stay”. Are you kidding me? Sugar is the last thing I want to give them at this point! The kids are now sooo excited about the lollipop that they are getting. Cooper picks out a 5 pack of small lollipops and Jackson pics out a giant rainbow spiral one. I got a cookie and a few drinks. Almost nothing could be used as snack credits, so I just paid with a room charge. I seemed to do this a lot when trying to get an actual snack. Most of the snack credits went to water or diet coke.

We got our snacks and headed down to the end of main street near the exit. I was pleasantly surprised that there were very few people there. We sat on the curb and had our snacks and watched the show. I put earplugs in the boys ears (during all the parades and loud shows too) and they were fine. They really enjoyed the fireworks. I am sad that we didn’t see wishes the night before, but this was a nice treat too.

One of the only decent pics that I got-
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1205.jpg

As we were headed to turn the stroller back in, who did we see? Pirate Mickey of course!! He was allllll alone too! The boys ran up to him and got some pics. They were soooo excited. I was happy that we hadn’t missed that photo opportunity too. Notice Jackson’s lollipop- it is *almost* as big as his head- and he has a really big head!

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We gave the free stroller back and headed to the bus stop. Like almost all times we took a bus, it was waiting right there for us, virtually empty. We got on and settled in. Cooper sat in my lap and Jackson sat beside me. Luckily I had my phone within reach. I had to call my parents to come with stroller to pick us up from the bus stop. Both boys snuggled up and fell right to sleep when the bus took off. We put the sleepy heads in the stroller and headed back to the room to get into bed.

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Coming soon: Scrapbook pages of Pirate and Princess Party (about 5, I think)

[MI mom of 3]

Love the pics and your scrapbook pages are fabulous!! I still do all mine the old fashioned and much slower way!!:rolleyes1 I will probably be 'borrowing' some of your ideas.

The boys are too cute! I remember when mine were that little (they are 15 and 16 now) Enjoy this time...it goes sooo fast!!

The interaction with Cap'n Jack was wonderful.

Can't wait to read more!!

[sohappy]

And now some scrapbook pages
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/PiratePrincessParty.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/ppp1.jpg

I this really great idea to do this page 1/2 pirate, 1/2 princess (I even have the pink pirate paper), but there wasn't much princessing going on, so we are just calling it pirate party here

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/ppp2.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/asleep.jpg

That's it!

Next chapter- Animal Kingdom and yet another character breakfast- complete with scrapbook pages!!

[Tnkrbelle565]

And now some scrapbook pages
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/PiratePrincessParty.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/ppp1.jpg

I this really great idea to do this page 1/2 pirate, 1/2 princess (I even have the pink pirate paper), but there wasn't much princessing going on, so we are just calling it pirate party here

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/ppp2.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/asleep.jpg

That's it!

Next chapter- Animal Kingdom and yet another character breakfast- complete with scrapbook pages!!

Love the pages Stacy!

[mommyof2princesses]

Stacy, I love it! Jackson and Cooper looked like they had a blast at the party! They looked so simply adorable in their costumes! captain Jack sounded really cool! We would love to do this party, but we always go at a time when they are not doing it...AKA MNSSHP instead.

Love that you add your scrapbook pages too! Good to see you are getting 2 things done at once!

[sohappy]

I am stuck in the Memphis airport so I am charging my computer for an update. Coming in a few animal kingdom

[sohappy]

Nevermind- I made it home! Woohoo! No delays today- so without further ado-


ANIMAL KINGDOM DAY

After a late night, the kids were difficult to get up again (at 6:40). They eventually woke up and went to see what Tink brought. I knew we would get some pool time today, so Tink brought goggles and snorkels. I set out lion king Hershey nuggets. Cooper stuffed as many as possible into his cute little mouth as quickly as he could. The boys dressed in shirts that I ordered from Australia. Jackson has a penpal in Australia (whose mom I am friends with online). The mom makes the most adorable shirts and takes my crazy requests. Cooper wanted an elephant shirt. Jackson wanted a triceratops and a pterodactyl. These weren’t even the crazy requests. Both boys wanted Pokemon shirts- Pikachu and Turtwig to be exact. She was nice enough to humor me (I was paying afterall). The shirts came out great and the kids liked being ultra-casual for a day. We caught the first bus to Animal Kingdom.

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We were on our way to breakfast at Tusker House. I don’t know why but I made our reservation at 8:30. I didn’t realize this until we were already at the gates. On our way, Jackson saw the sign that said “Africa”.

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He was so excited. His very best friend, Justin, just moved back to South Africa. They met in the 3 year old class and were just inseparable. The loved to play together and got along perfectly. He was such a great playmate and we were sad to see him go. We loved his family so much, we all miss them greatly. Jackson thought we might be near Justin’s new house. I had to tell him, that no, this was a representation of what Africa was like and not the real Africa. He was disappointed until I told him that we could take a pic and send it to Justin. We took a pic with Jackson and the Africa sign and emailed it to his family. We told them that we looked all over “Africa”, but we couldn’t find them. They thought it was such a cute pic. I am glad that we got to talk to them again, but sad that Jackson missed his friend so much. Jackson had to hold his lollipop up so that Justin could see it (it is the same one from the night before).

We were still 30ish minutes early for the reservation. Oh, well, it wouldn’t hurt to go early and see if we could be seated. Turns out, we could!! We sat down and got some yummy juice. Jackson even liked it which is saying something. He is much more of a milk drinker and not a juice drinker at all. Mom offered to sit with the boys while I ran to get food. I made a plate for both boys and came back. After mom made her plate, I was off to make mine. I had lots of good stuff, but I really only remember the potatoes and the cheese blintzes (sooooo yummy). We ate quickly and saw all of the characters (still the boys favorite part)- Mickey, Pluto Donald, Goofy and Daisy. The boys didn’t really want to pose with Daisy, you know because she is a girl and all. Luckily, they would change their tunes later in the week.

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After breakfast, we walked out to the CMs walking the park entrants by us on the way to the safari. We crossed the maze of people on the way to Expedition Everest. I really wanted to ride as did Mom. Dad didn’t know if he could because of his shoulder. This was only our 2nd day and I didn’t want to chance ruining the rest of the vacation due to injury- so he was banned. Mom and I ran ahead while he pushed the stroller along. We walked right onto the ride for the most part. A family in front of us kept getting bigger and bigger, but I was determined not to let rude people damper my spirit. I liked the ride. It was OK, nothing great, but OK. Like most people, I knew the Yeti would try to “get you” at some point and kept looking for him. I though it would be scary, but it wasn’t at all. You could see him the whole time and he barely moved. I was a little weirded out by the backwards in the dark part. I was disoriented and couldn’t tell if we were going up or down. It was confusing, but not scary.

Once the ride was over, we headed over to dinoland. Dad couldn’t ride Dinosaur and Jackson wanted to go. Dad took Cooper on Triceratops spin 2 or 3 times while mom and I took J on Dinosaur. This was such a bad idea. I thought he might be scared, but he really freaked out. He didn’t want to ride it again- EVER. He was excited about going on “the dumbo dinosaur ride”. UGH- more spinning in a circle. So we got in one car with mom and C in the back. Up and down, tilting forward and back- rolling stomach, then the ride was over.

[sohappy]

We had lunch at Yak and Yeti at 12 so we wanted to stay somewhat nearby. We decided to check out tough to be a bug. On the way we stopped to play in the boneyard. The kids really loved this play area. Cooper had small slides and Jackson had lots of room to run wild.
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Jackson liked to hide from me which is just a bad idea. He quickly learned after a time out that he didn’t want to do that again. He knew the punishment- going to the room to sit in the dark with the evil babysitter. At this point, I realize that I can’t find the “special” pirate and princess photopass card that I was given the night before. The guy gave me the card even though I already had one. I told him that I didn’t need it. He tried to tell me that if I used this card and ordered prints I would get 40% off or something. I told him that I already purchased the CD, so the chances of me buy any prints at all were slim to none. Anyway, now the pics were lost. These were the pics with Captain Hook and Jack Sparrow. I knew that I got some good pics of Hook, but I really didn’t think I had gotten anything good of Sparrow. I was freaking out that it was lost, but knew I couldn’t do anything until I got back to the room to be sure. At this point, I got out my key to the world cards (and Jackson’s too) and the other photopass card and took pictures. I was not going to loose all the pics or our cards for sure. The kids played around for a bit more then we headed off to see the show.

I knew that it was too much for Cooper so I had already decided to hold him. I thought Jackson would think it was funny. Cooper whined some, but he wouldn’t stop looking at the screen. I took off his glasses and physically tried to get him to put his head down on my shoulder, but he was too interested (and terrified at the same time). Jackson loved it, everything except Hopper. He got a little scared at that part. Overall though, he thought it was GREAT. We still had time to burn, so I ran ahead to check the wait for the safari- 40 minutes. On the way I saw Devine. I stopped for a minute and took a pic on my phone. Luckily mom and dad stopped to watch too. I couldn’t get them on the cell phone so I headed back. I had gotten fastpasses so we could go after lunch. We all met up at devine and watched for a minute. Then the boys spotted Baloo and King Louie. We had to get pics and an autograph.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%202/disneypart1275.jpg
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Jackson had to have an explaination as to why King Louie didn’t sign. I guessed that he might not be smart enough. Jackson immediately comes back with “ohhhh, mom you are calling him a bad word, you are calling him stupid, you aren’t supposed to say stupid, stupid is a baaaadddddd word”. Jackson loves to see how many times he can get a bad word in before you stop him. I didn’t even say it! Moving on. The boys caught sight of the drums and had to bang away. They like to think of themselves as musicians, so we got quite the show. They had a blast and we had a blast watching.

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We still had time, lots of time, so we decided to let the boys go back and get the tattoos they saw earlier. Cooper picked the biggest tattoos and decided they had to go on his scrawny arms- you will see them in all of the lovely jumpers that I made. It really adds to the pictures, don’t you think? Cooper got Lilo and Stitch in a hammock between palm trees listening to a record player (see what I mean about being HUGE?) and Sully. Jackson got stitch surfing and Jack Sparrow (I think he was still relishing the attention from last night). They were both happy. Notice Cooper’s lovely Coke mustache. He never gets Coke at home, but my parents gave it to him allll the time on vacation.

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We still had time, but we decided to go ahead and check in and see if we could be seated early at Yak and Yeti. Guess what? We were! The kids got out their crayon rolls (these came in soooo handy) and were excited for a break from the heat.

[sohappy]

This food was pretty good. I don’t generally eat Chinese/Asian food. I don’t like the quality of meat most local restaurants use. I don’t really like meat that much and quality of meat is a big thing for me. I have tried, but I just know that isn’t like any chicken I have ever seen. I tried PF Changs, it was OK, but I got some weird meat there too. In all fairness, I know I am weird. I don’t eat all of a chicken strip- there are bad parts there too, and on the chicken breast. I am just weird, I know it, so that makes it OK. Back to Yak and Yeti. We got the fried green beans, the lettuce wraps, and mom got a salad. The green beans were great. Cooper really loved those. Jackson wouldn’t even try it. Dad and I shared the lettuce wraps. I loved these. They are one of my favorite things to eat. I was afraid that I wouldn’t like the honey chicken with brown rice that I had ordered, so I ate ½ the lettuce wraps to be sure that I was full! I liked the honey chicken OK. It wasn’t outstanding, but it wasn’t bad either. Mom and dad got sweet and sour meat- one got pork one got chicken. This is what they always get, even at the yucky places in the mall with the fluorescent pink sauce. They liked it, but no one was particularly happy with the rice. We like fried rice A LOT. I don’t really like rice that much other than fried rice and jambalaya. I can’t remember what the kids ate. I know Cooper had a bit of everything. He is such a grazer. He loves to try everything, esp, what I am eating. Dad ordered the brownie sundae for dessert- this is not for one person. Especially after eating a full meal. Dad said it probably had ½ a batch of brownies in it. Mom and I got the won-tons and pineapple. OMGoodness that was sooo good. I couldn’t eat it all, but it was great. I would never have thought that this would be one of my favorite meals.

We were all done and ready to hit the safari. I think that we were a few minutes late for the fastpass return time, but they let us on. Cooper sat in mom’s lap, then dad, then Jackson then me.
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Jackson sat in my lap some just so he could see more. We saw some bullish animals with giant horns (sorry for the commentary, I wasn’t taking notes at this point).
Then we saw this hidden giraffe.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%202/disneypart1290.jpg

Then a not so hidden giraffe- he crossed the road right in front of us. We had to stop and wait for him to cross. I took this pic zoomed all the way out. We were so very close. It was amazing.
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We then passed the white rhinos and the “rhino eggs”. When the driver told this story, I told Jackson about Miss Cammie’s Teddy and the zebra eggs. Little boy giggled himself silly. He thought that was the funniest thing every. I bet he and Teddy would get along famously (or infamously!).
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After the safari (and telling Cooper that we might ride again later), we headed over to Camp Minnie Mickey. J and C wanted to “see some guys”. Unfortunately, they had seen all of these guys other than Minnie. We waited in the line for Minnie. Jackson suddenly became shy. I don’t know why he does that, but he didn’t want to talk to her and he was mortified when she wrote xoxo in his autograph book. Cooper took it all in happily (you can really tell from the pic, huh?).
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I really wanted to catch the Lion King show or the Nemo show, but the kids were done. They were ready to leave. I tried once again to talk them into a show, but they were having none of it. We had late Friday totally free, so I knew we could come back if we changed our minds. Before we left, we stopped and took a few photopass pictures. They boys were not really into it though
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On the way out there were tons of “guys” doing meet and greets right there at the exit. This made my boys day. All of the sudden, they had a sudden burst of energy. They saw rafiki, then flik (Cooper calls him tough be a bug), chip and dale and Meeko.

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Brer Bear had to go in before we could get in line. Oh well, tons of guys that we hadn’t expected. They were sooo excited- more autographs and more hugs! We caught the bus back to Pop. I thought we would have quiet time today. I got both boys to lay down and fall asleep. Jackson only slept maybe 30 minutes, but Cooper slept an hour or more. We had planned to swim a little, but the nap kind of threw us off schedule. We needed to go to downtown Disney. I figured that the kiddos could play in the water there and if we got in early enough, we could play in the pool too.

[sohappy]

Jackson was fit to burst to spend “his” money. The kids had several things that they had to do each day leading up to the trip in order to earn a coin. 1 coin = $1. They each earned about $50 that they could spend as they pleased. Once we got to downtown Disney, we had to go straight to the toy store to spend their money. Both boys looked forever. I bought each one a build your own my potato head (Cooper calls it a tomato head- in all fairness, we have tomatoes several times a week and rarely have potatoes). I probably should have just gotten the big one for a few $$ more. I also let the boys build their dad a light saber. They got a kick out of it and I know he would like it too, especially since they made it for him. Jackson read all of the directions himself and really tried so hard to do it all by himself. He was really proud of the final product. So we looked some more and some more for “the best toys” to spend their money on. We picked things up and put them back and picked up something else, then put it back. It went on forever.

Finally they decided. Cooper got a pirate set (sword, eye patch, hook, compass, and telescope) and a stuffed stitch wearing mickey ears and a mickey t-shirt, eating a mickey bar. Jackson ended up with a Jack Sparrow figure with a cannon thing and some star wars Disney figures (Donald as the guy with the red face and stitch as the guy with the black robe). I am not a star wars fan. I have seen some of them, but I am out of the loop for sure. Jackson assumes that Stitch is good (turns out he is bad) and Donald is bad (turns out correct). I don’t argue with him because he is always right, just like my dad.

Now my dad had a mission. He wanted a caricature of the boys. I have no idea why he wanted to spend that much, but he got it. It is funny because the boys don’t really look much alike, but the guy that drew them gave them the same nose and mouth, exactly. Because it is black and white, the differences are much less noticeable (coloring- skin and eyes). They actually look like brothers in the pic. I took the boys to buy a pin while dad paid for the portrait. Jackson got stitch on space mountain (since he rode it, you know) and Cooper got pirate stitch. I was getting sick of stitch at this point. Now we were getting hungry. We stopped at earl of sandwich. When we ate at Pinnochios we got an entrée, a side, a dessert and a drink. Not so much at Earls. The CMs really weren’t that nice either. I got a caprese sandwich and mom got a chicken Caesar wrap. We halved them and shared. They were GREAT. I loved both of them. I don’t know what dad got, but it was meaty and big. The boys got “boy cheeses” and barely touched them. I got a brownie that was just OK. There were some chips there too, but they didn’t get eaten either.

Now it was time to do some shopping. There wasn’t anything that I needed, so I volunteered to watch the boys (you know, my own kids and all) while mom and dad went shopping. We headed to the closest splash area and found a spot. Mom and Dad went to the Christmas store. They wanted to get something for my sister’s baby and her step kids as well. My sister was NO help at all. I told mom to get her a baby’s first Christmas ornament. My sister said that was fine as long as it was red, gold and lime green- no other colors, but it had to have all of those colors. She isn’t hard to please at all, huh? They found an ornament that somewhat fit the bill and got it. We wanted to go to Goofy’s candy company, but it was getting late and the boys were drenched. I am sad that we missed Goofy’s esp since we had a bazillion snack credits left. The boys would have loved it. I just didn’t have it in me. We made it back to the room and gave the boys the option of swimming or playing with toys. They picked toys. After a quick bath, they played with their toys around 30 minutes before snuggling into bed.


UP NEXT- SCRAPBOOK PAGES

[sohappy]

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/AnimalKingdomNotes.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/tuskerhouse.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/AnimalKingdomrandom.jpg
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http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/safari.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/tattoos.jpg

[lkangell8201]

Great trip report! Your boys are just adorable! All of your pictures are so good and wow, you scrapbook pages are awesome!

[MousekaMaddi]

what a fantastic report!! Great job, so glad u shared your cute guys with:lovestruc us!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Great update Stacy. I realized that i missed the last update and just looked at the scrapbook pages from P&PP so I missed the whole Captain Jack thing...which is weird since I never usually miss an opportunity to check out a fake Johnny Depp!!!

“no thank you, my mom doesn’t let me sleep over with friends yet” :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Did you make the buzz lightyear bag that DS was wearing at p&pp (I'm assuming that it was carrying his autograph book)????

Love the Animal Kingdom update and the tatoos!

Have to ask you though. HOW do you get your children to eat veggis so good (green beans and tomatoes "several times a week") Aisling ate all veggies until she was 2 1/2 and then just stopped. The only ones we can get her to eat now are corn and carrots. DH and I eat tons of salads and she won't TOUCH anything in a salad :confused3 Got any tips for me?

[sohappy]

Love the pics and your scrapbook pages are fabulous!! I still do all mine the old fashioned and much slower way!!:rolleyes1 I will probably be 'borrowing' some of your ideas.

The boys are too cute! I remember when mine were that little (they are 15 and 16 now) Enjoy this time...it goes sooo fast!!

The interaction with Cap'n Jack was wonderful.

Can't wait to read more!!

Scraplift away! I love to get inspiration from others. These pages were especially difficult for me. I generally put 1 maybe 2 pictures on a page. It was kind of hard to do so many pictures on each page. I know I will have to print 12x12 so that we can see all the detail.

Love the pages Stacy!

Thanks. I really made them quickly and think they all kind of look the same. I am not happy with a lot of them, but I don't have the time to fix it!

Stacy, I love it! Jackson and Cooper looked like they had a blast at the party! They looked so simply adorable in their costumes! captain Jack sounded really cool! We would love to do this party, but we always go at a time when they are not doing it...AKA MNSSHP instead.

Love that you add your scrapbook pages too! Good to see you are getting 2 things done at once!

See, I can't wait until we can go to MNSSHP. We are going to try to go next year. Jackson is overjoyed at the idea of trick or treating at MK. I do recommend the PPP. We had a blast. The only issue I ran into was being alone with 2 small ones- we were limited by height restrictions (and no one to sit out with the other kid) and we could only ride things that all 3 of us fit into together.

[sohappy]

Great trip report! Your boys are just adorable! All of your pictures are so good and wow, you scrapbook pages are awesome!

Thanks. I love to take pictures (esp of the boys).

what a fantastic report!! Great job, so glad u shared your cute guys with:lovestruc us!

Thanks for reading!

Great update Stacy. I realized that i missed the last update and just looked at the scrapbook pages from P&PP so I missed the whole Captain Jack thing...which is weird since I never usually miss an opportunity to check out a fake Johnny Depp!!!

“no thank you, my mom doesn’t let me sleep over with friends yet” :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Did you make the buzz lightyear bag that DS was wearing at p&pp (I'm assuming that it was carrying his autograph book)????

Love the Animal Kingdom update and the tatoos!

Have to ask you though. HOW do you get your children to eat veggis so good (green beans and tomatoes "several times a week") Aisling ate all veggies until she was 2 1/2 and then just stopped. The only ones we can get her to eat now are corn and carrots. DH and I eat tons of salads and she won't TOUCH anything in a salad :confused3 Got any tips for me?

I did not make the buzz bag. I bought the bag and autograph book off ebay BEFORE I found the disboutique thread. It looks really really simple. I could send it in Aisling's package and you could copy it. Jackson's was made of felt. They really didn't mind wearing them most of the time and they kept their pins on the bag too.

My kids are weird. I don't think that I did anything to them (at least I hope not), they are just weird. They don't really like ice cream, J hates cinnamon rolls, C hates donuts, and neither will eat cake unless it has candles on it. I have no idea where this came from because I would rather have dessert than dinner! But they are GREAT veggie eaters. Jackson's fave thing for me to send in his lunch is a big ole salad- lettuce, tomato, carrots, cucumber, sunflower seeds, bacon, ham cubes and no dressing. He LOVES it. Both boys cheer when we go to outback because they get broccoli (which I don't eat) and not the yucky kind of broccoli that comes with cheese on it. I told you they are weird. I guess my only advice is to keep trying. Both kids have to try something. If they don't like it fine, they don't have to eat it. BUT you have to try it. So I might make them try something a few times before they will actually eat it. Jackson still will not eat mac and cheese or spaghetti (no pasta at all). I even got Pokemon pasta and nothing. He did taste it, but he doesn't really like it.

Don't be fooled though, they can be adventurous eaters (J asked for pink shrimp and frog legs for his birthday last year and just had his first RAW oyster this year), but they are quite sheltered. I don't eat much meat (mostly chicken), which means that when they are with me, they don't eat much meat. The little meat that I do eat, does not contain bones. I cannot stand chicken on the bone. Just won't have it- can't even pick up the package at the grocery store. Anyway, the kids had never had chicken on the bone/fried chicken, or anything of the sort. One night they were at their dad's and called to say goodnight. Jackson answers the phone with "mom, you will never believe what they gave us to eat at camp today? Chicken WITH BONES!!" He actually liked it. Cooper not so much.

OK, you weren't looking for a novel. . .i will stop now.

[kafitty]

While we were in line to get a stroller, a guy came up to me and asked if I was renting a stroller. I told him yes and he offered to “sell” me his stroller for $15. That seemed a little weird to me and I didn’t have cash anyway. I told him thanks but I didn’t have cash. I saw his wife give him a little shove and he said we could have it. She went to get us a new tag to write our name on. SCORE AGAIN! Free stroller rental.

Woo!! Good thing wifey was feeling the pixiedust:

He started screaming out “you scurvy dog” to all of the pirates he could find.

:lmao:

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%201/disneypart1226.jpg

SOOO CUTE!!!


your scrapbook pages are really neat too!!

[eeyore3847]

YOur boys are just sooo darn cute. I love your scrapbook pages too!!! Very cute! Awesome trip report!

[twob4him]

Hi Stacy! I just caught up on both installments and loved them! You P&P Party looked like fun and your AK day was huge! I found that park tiring! Love all the character pics and the scrapbook pages are terrific! Jackson is so cute....he could be a child model! And Coops curls and smile are the best~ :goodvibes

[mommyof2princesses]

Another great update! The boys looked like they had a blast in AK! So sweet that Jackson thought he would see his friend in Africa. How cute!

And of course you need the kids playing on the drum pic! That is classic. We have one for each year! One day I need to make a scrapbook comparing the same pics from different years!

[sohappy]

EPCOT DAY

Another morning of grumps waking up. They did perk up when we said we were going to Chef Mickeys. We took the bus to magic kingdom, the nice driver took us over to the contemporary where we had reservations at chef mickeys. We got inside and noticed LOTS of pressed penny machines- we would come back later, we had Mickey to meet! We got seated quickly and ran to the buffet to get our food. We only had 10 minutes until the characters started to our table. Cooper had mostly fruit and a sausage. He did eat part of a pancake. Jackson had 1000 pieces of bacon, a mickey waffle, a chocolate donut and a lot of watermelon. We saw Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy- not a bad day. Oh and I noticed that the shade of blue/green in the shirt is a great shade for Cooper. I love it on him.

Goofy (and goofy Cooper)
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Mickey
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Mickey (notice Cooper being Goofy again)
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Donald
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Pluto
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I love this exchange with Minnie- Jackson was sooo shy around her all week.
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Look at that sweet face!

We also got to do the little dance party thing. I thought Jackson’s little arm was going to twirl off! He was so excited to whip his napkin around.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/disneypart1341.jpg
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While we were eating, Jackson noticed that one of his gummy bears (yes, for breakfast) was a little. . . um. . . on the larger side. He dubbed him Theodore gummy and made me take a pic (as in Alvin and the Chipmunks)
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/disneypart1346.jpg

And I just love this pic of the boys. Jackson is giving his cheesy 5 year old smile and Cooper is looking kind of like a buck-tooth, but they did this themselves. Just a random moment I caught on film. I didn’t ask them to hug, they just do it all the time. Oh and I noticed that the shade of blue/green in the shirt is a great shade for Cooper. I love it on him.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/disneypart1347.jpg

Up next- we get to Epcot and Jackson rides “the most fantastic ride ever”.

[sohappy]

After pressing 6 pennies (2 stiches, of course), we hopped on the monorail to get to Epcot. We were running a bit late, so I ran ahead to check out Soarin. It had a 25 minute wait when we arrived, so I grabbed 4 fastpasses and decided to modify the plan.
We got fastpasses with a return time of 10:30. We did living with the land, which the kids loved. They loved seeing their favorite fruits and veggie (good eaters!). We still had time to kill, so we decided to do turtle talk with Crush. That was a total hit, dude! They loved it. Then the Nemo ride.

There were a few scary parts for Cooper, but overall, both kids loved it. I though it was cute but I was glad that we didn’t have to wait in a long line- it would not have been worth it. It almost wasn’t worth the 50 million miles of queing area. We also took the requisite pic in Bruce’s mouth.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/disneypart1369.jpg

Don’t the kids look thrilled to be there?
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/disneypart1366.jpg

Now it was time for soarin. Since Cooper isn’t tall enough yet, we had to go in groups. I would take Jackson, so we ran back. The plan was for mom and dad to go when we got off. Jackson wasn’t so sure about this ride. He was quite excited when we got to take our shoes off. He is a talker, this kid. He immediately starts talking to the lady next to me about taking off shoes, and never having ridden this ride, and where we are from, and his brother being too little- it goes on and on. His head wasn’t high enough on the back of the seat, so we had to use the middle belt. Once I was seated, I noticed that MY head wasn’t too much taller than the mark! I almost needed the middle belt.

Then we were off. Jackson had a blast, he oooohhhhed and aaaaahhhhhed over everything. He screamed out with excitement over and over “Look at the trees, I can smell them” “oooohhh, a river” “wow, balloons”- on and on. I always worry that he is so verbal and so outgoing that he might get on the nerves of others. He isn’t mean and is quite funny, but I always just overthink (my mom really has a thing for not inconviencing others even though it is a major inconvience to yourself- she instilled this in me. I am working through it, but it creeps in all the time. This is a prime example). I try to quiet him down a little, but he is just overjoyed.

Once it was over, he immediately starts talking to the lady next to him- “that was fantastic, didn’t you think? I loved it” The lady on the other side of me stopped me on the way out and said that Jackson made the ride for her. She said her own son was 10 when he rode it the first time, so she missed all of the over-the-top excitement. She was so happy that she could experience it with us. I felt soooo much better. I decided at this point, that it was his trip too and to let him enjoy it to the full extent. I felt the urge to hold him back creep up several more times, but I was able to squash it most of the time.

Mom and Dad were starting to get worried as they waited at the exit for us. They had parked the stroller, but forgot my bag- really, my bag- it is not that small and PURPLE and hanging off the back of the stroller!!! I am not talking in the stoller, hanging from the back- ugh! So I grab both boys and RUN back to the entrance. At this point, it had been sitting there for at least 20 minutes. GREAT! It has my license, my debit card (AKA my only source of money, other than the parents), my camera- digital SLR, christmas gift to myself- see where I am going with this!!! Luckily it was still there.

The boys and I hung out at the exit of the land and waited, and waited and waited. It was taking a long time, so I took pics of the boys and emailed them to their dad. (unfortunately, I deleted them from my phone) I let the kids write their own notes. Jackson’s said “the pointing means that you are really cool. I talked to crush today. I also got to fly and smell pine trees and oranges. I love you and I miss you. If you push the button on your light saber it glows your favorite color. Love Jackson” Cooper’s was pretty random- “I got to ride the Nemo ride in a shell. I saw jelly fish and a shark and a shell. It was fun. You are the best dad in the world Love Cooper” Yeah, weird.

Mom and Dad finally made it off Soarin. While we were trying to run to our lunch reservations, Dad has to stop and talk to the millionth person of the day- something about POW, then he starts talking about Natchez (where they live). Then Mom and Dad see someone they know. OK, we are at the land and have reservations in Japan in less than 20 minutes. Finally, they stop talking and we rush to the boat dock. Dad is moving pretty slow, so there was no making it to Japan by foot in time FOR SURE. Luckily the boat is docked and we are the last guys to get on. And then we got lucky again- we got dream ears!!! How exciting. The boys loved them and I was excited that I didn’t have to buy them mouse ears! Score!

We made it to Japan just in time. We had to wait 10-15 minutes to get a table. The food was good, but I like Bennihana and Crazy Habachi (and Kanpai for that matter) better. Appetizers- me edamame for Jackson, Mom- ginger salad, Dad- shrimp cocktail for Jackson. Jackson ate every bite of edamame- every.single.bite- remember I said he was a good eater! Cooper ate one of Dad’s shrimp. For entrees, I got chicken, the kids got kids shrimp, mom got shrimp and dad got steak and shrimp. Jackson had a bit of a meltdown at the table. When I threatened him with going back to the room with a babysitter to sit in the dark, he straightened up. Oh and not just any babysitter- it was going to be some sort of villan, maleficent, cruella, etc- cause I am mean.

He ate pretty well. Cooper ate all of my noodles, most of my onions, and some of my chicken, notice he did not eat his shrimp!! I got a fruit tart that was not really all that good. Dad got chocolate ginger cake. It was . . . odd. I guess I am so fond of ginger dressing that I just can’t handle the flavor with cake. It was just too weird for me.

After lunch, we went to the toy store, aka pokemon heaven. The boys spent the rest of their money. They each got 2 guys- I don’t know which ones and I cut the tags off, so I may never know. They know though, so I guess I could ask them. The lady couldn’t figure out how to ring them up using the remaining balance on the gift cards, so I just had to pay for them. I have to remember to use the gift cards before they “expire”- AKA start costing me money to maintain. Then we went to our first kidcot station (notice the dream ears)
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/disneypart1372.jpg

I don’t know who’s brilliant idea it was to allow sharpie to sponsor these stations, but REALLY- Come on!!! Sharpies! Cooper’s hands were covered in it by the end of the day. The kids really got a kick out the stations though. I don’t think that they took too much away from the world showcase other than the kidcot stations. We started at Japan and went counterclockwise. Cooper started to whine that he was hungry (we just ate), and we had snack credits to burn, so we got 2 mickey bars, 2 sodas and a water. Cooper got it alllllll over him. Jackson ate a few bites, but ditched it the moment he started to get messy (I love this kid!).

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[sohappy]

Luckily, I had more clothes for them to change into- the crazy overplanner that I am! So into the friends around the world outfits. Both boys whined for a minute about the ichies on the shirt (aka appliqué), but let it go quickly. At Germany, it was decided that I would run to get fastpasses for them for test track. I wasn’t even going to ride and I had to get the passes- whatever. Mom and Dad took the kids to more kidcot stations and I met them in Norway.

I think that some of these countries have a competition to put the station in the most difficult to find and others have a competition to put it next to the most breakable and expensive things. At Norway, we decided to use some of our snack credits. Being on the deluxe plan, we had WAY too many. So we got a schoolbread and an almond pretzel. Both were OK, but I wouldn’t make a special trip there for either. It was nice to see what everyone was talking about though. After Norway, we ducked in and out of the breakables at Mexico to get to the kidcot station there. Finally we were done with that side of the “world”. On our way out, we saw this guy-

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We headed back around to catch the boat back to morocco to go clockwise. On the way we stopped for a few photo opportunities.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/image138.jpg

Cooper wanted pictures with the chickens (AKA parrots). Such a silly kid.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%203/disneypart1391.jpg

We hopped the boat back to Morocco and did the remaining 4 stations. At France, we stopped to the let the kids play in the fountain.
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The kids and I actually did the Canada station while Mom and Dad waited for our table at Le Cellier. At some point Cooper stepped on his mask and broke it apart from the handle. The nice guy at the kidcot station in Canada fixed it for him. I was grateful carrying 2 pieces was no fun for sure. Back to Le Cellier- WOW what a great meal. I was really impressed. I booked this ADR based on a friend’s recommendation and the DIS recommendations. I don’t like steak, but my parents love it. We always had it for special occasions growing up, so I thought they would like it. Also the kids have taken to it with their dad (he is a big time meat eater/griller/bbqer- so unlike me, might be why we are divorced), so I thought it was worth a try. I got the cheese soup. I liked it, but couldn’t eat that much. I liked dipping the pretzel bread into it. Cooper really like it. Mom and Dad got the Caesar salad- it was really good. Mom got the mushroom filet, I got the regular filet with cream cheese mashed potatoes, and dad got some sort of steak with risotto. The kids got steak and green beans. That was seriously the best steak I have ever eaten. So far it is the best meal of the trip. I don’t even like steak. We got crème brule, chocolate moose and smores for dessert, but just tasted each one. Cooper really loved the marshmallows on the smores. Jackson ate most of the fruit cups.

After dinner, we waddled our way back to Test Track. It was time for the fast passes. Mom and Dad took Jackson and he loved it. It seemed to take a long time (30ish minutes) for them to ride. While they were there, we hung out in the little playground nearby.

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Cooper kept calling it “his” playground- “we play at my playground, mommy?” He had a blast even though he was a bit too small for all of the things. He especially liked this hand bike thing. When they got back, Jackson, of course, had to play on the playground as well. Fine, it’s vacation, take your time- this would come back to bite us!

Now we needed to head to the Imagination pavilion. I have such fond memories of going to Epcot when I was 13 or 14 (I turned 14 on the trip and don’t know which day we went to Epcot). I loved figment and the fun hands-on area. My kids are very hands-on and love to explore. We cut a path through Minnie’s Butterfly garden and were on our way. We got there 5 minutes too late- UGH! I was really sad. We decided that we could come back on Friday if we wanted. I was just sad that we missed it. I know that they would have really loved it. I guess that just means that we have to plan another trip, right?

As we were leaving, we noticed that spaceship earth was still open. I didn’t have it on my “must-do” list, but mom and dad wanted to go. It wasn’t as boring as I remember. The kids actually liked it, so I am glad that we went. I didn’t hate it before, it just didn’t wow me either.

[sohappy]

Now it was really time to leave, oh, but wait, there is a photopass guy. We decided to get in line to get a pic of the kids in front of “the big ball”. The group ahead of us did a group shot, then a kids group shot, the individual kid shots (4 kids), then kid AB shot, then kid CD shot, then AC, then AD, then BC, then BD, etc. It took forever! Now it was finally our turn. Guess what, the camera breaks. After several minutes, we are back on track.

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The photographer takes a few pics and we are off back to Pop. Once we get in, the kids really, really want to go to the “cat” pool. What is a cat pool you ask? That is what my kids call the small pools for small children, usually know as a kiddie pool. My kids hear kitty pool and then it becomes cat pool. They won’t be corrected on it either. Now that Jackson is a reader, it is easier to reason these things with him “it is with a d like in kid, not a t like in kitty”. Cooper on the other hand is never wrong and you cannot make him change his mind for any reason. Anyway, we went to the cat pool for a minute.

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The kids really loved the hippie dippie pool and the cat pool at Pop. While they were playing, I ran to refill the mugs and burn more snack credits. I got a mickey rice crispy treat, some popcorn and some grapes. The kids devoured the grapes and enjoyed the blue slush that I got them. They don’t often get “special” things to drink. Occasionally, we will get a sprite, but it is mostly milk, water, juice. They LOVED the blue slushy. They kept running out of the pool to grab a grape and a sip of drink. I made them sit out until their mouths were clear, then back to the pool they went. After a while, we went back up to the room. The boys were a bit cold, so we got a quick bath before bed. They wanted to play with their toys for a bit, then it was time for bed. They were out the minute their heads hit the pillows. Overall, another great day.

[sohappy]

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[Tnkrbelle565]

Another great update and pages. I don't normally eat steak either...in fact, I think Le Cellier was the first steak I've ever eaten at a restaurant. Couldn't believe how fantastic it was. Can't wait for that one again

Seriously, you should have Jackson be a child model.

I have the same fabric to make A's Epcot outfit. I think I'm going to branch out to the Simply Sweet pattern and try that with it.

[sohappy]

YOur boys are just sooo darn cute. I love your scrapbook pages too!!! Very cute! Awesome trip report!

Thanks! I think your little ones are cute too. That Jojo knows how to pose!

Hi Stacy! I just caught up on both installments and loved them! You P&P Party looked like fun and your AK day was huge! I found that park tiring! Love all the character pics and the scrapbook pages are terrific! Jackson is so cute....he could be a child model! And Coops curls and smile are the best~ :goodvibes

You are too sweet. Jackson could never be a child model. He serioulsy cannot take direction at all. The pics I posted a week or so ago took FOREVER to take and several bribes for them to be still and do what I said.

Another great update! The boys looked like they had a blast in AK! So sweet that Jackson thought he would see his friend in Africa. How cute!

And of course you need the kids playing on the drum pic! That is classic. We have one for each year! One day I need to make a scrapbook comparing the same pics from different years!

What a great idea about the drum pic. I will have to take a pic of them when we go next year. (and the next and the next).

Another great update and pages. I don't normally eat steak either...in fact, I think Le Cellier was the first steak I've ever eaten at a restaurant. Couldn't believe how fantastic it was. Can't wait for that one again

Seriously, you should have Jackson be a child model.

I have the same fabric to make A's Epcot outfit. I think I'm going to branch out to the Simply Sweet pattern and try that with it.

I am just not a big meat eater in general. I have food issues and I know it. But I would go to Le Cellier at least once a week if I could- and that really is saying something. I think that the last time I had steak before that was when I pregnant with jackson. I got a craving for steak (low iron, huh?) and made Dh (at the time) take me to get one. Two bites into it, I remembered why/how much I didn't like steak.

Can't wait to see the Epcot outfit. I was so limited as to what I could do for boys. I hope to have some better ideas for future trips- although, I am sure that Jackson will outgrow the "mommy making my clothes" phase.

HEY ALL YOU LURKERS- I see you. I know you are out there. Leave a comment! I :lovestruc :lovestruc :lovestruc comments

[HeatherSue]

I was finally able to catch up on your TR. Plus, I took notes!

The boy's dinosaur shirts are SO cute! Your friend does nice work!

How was the family in front of you getting bigger and bigger? Did they cut in front of you in line. Or, did you cut in front of 1/2 the family when you got in line? :rotfl: That happened to us a lot with 15 people! People would just cut right through the middle of us when we were filing in!

I didn't like EE very much either. I was pretty dissapointed.

I love the boy's shoes! How cute!!

So funny, Jackson saying you called Louie a bad word! Tessa also considers "fat" a bad word. Even if I'm talking about cutting the fat off of a piece of meat!

LOVE the tattoos!

On our trip, I found out that fastpasses are good for the rest of the day, not just the times stated on it! So, you can use it whenever you want, once your time window comes up!

We also made a comment about Teddy's "zebra eggs" on the safari!!

The Chip and Dale pictures are GREAT! You can see how excited the boys are in the one from the back!

Who's the extra kid in your picture with Meeko?

I'm also not up on my Star Wars lingo!

LOVE the boy's button up shirts. I think they both look great in that color, too!

I think Jackson has a little crush on Minnie!

That is so neat that the woman on Soarin' stopped and told you that Jackson made the experience special for her!

I don't see anything weird about Cooper's message to his dad! It sounds great, especially for a 3 year old!

I couldn't agree with you more on the sharpies!! Tessa was so upset when she got marker on her shirt! Surprisingly, it washed out, so she got over it!

The Friends around the world outfits are great, too!

Yay!! A picture of you! Cool shades!

I like the new Spaceship Earth ride. The new ending was pretty cute!

Cat pool! :rotfl: How cute!

This is a GREAT trip report!! I'm loving it!

[twob4him]

Well Stacy those are the best pics ever....your boys are just so precious and I loved both Epcot outfits! Gee I have the same fabric :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rotfl: :rotfl:
What wonderful memories and I give you credit for going around the world and taking the boat back to do the other side....you are amazing women!!! :yay:
Cute scrapbook page again! Can't wait for more! :goodvibes

[sohappy]

I was finally able to catch up on your TR. Plus, I took notes!

The boy's dinosaur shirts are SO cute! Your friend does nice work!

How was the family in front of you getting bigger and bigger? Did they cut in front of you in line. Or, did you cut in front of 1/2 the family when you got in line? :rotfl: That happened to us a lot with 15 people! People would just cut right through the middle of us when we were filing in!

I didn't like EE very much either. I was pretty dissapointed.

I love the boy's shoes! How cute!!

So funny, Jackson saying you called Louie a bad word! Tessa also considers "fat" a bad word. Even if I'm talking about cutting the fat off of a piece of meat!

LOVE the tattoos!

On our trip, I found out that fastpasses are good for the rest of the day, not just the times stated on it! So, you can use it whenever you want, once your time window comes up!

We also made a comment about Teddy's "zebra eggs" on the safari!!

The Chip and Dale pictures are GREAT! You can see how excited the boys are in the one from the back!

Who's the extra kid in your picture with Meeko?

I'm also not up on my Star Wars lingo!

LOVE the boy's button up shirts. I think they both look great in that color, too!

I think Jackson has a little crush on Minnie!

That is so neat that the woman on Soarin' stopped and told you that Jackson made the experience special for her!

I don't see anything weird about Cooper's message to his dad! It sounds great, especially for a 3 year old!

I couldn't agree with you more on the sharpies!! Tessa was so upset when she got marker on her shirt! Surprisingly, it washed out, so she got over it!

The Friends around the world outfits are great, too!

Yay!! A picture of you! Cool shades!

I like the new Spaceship Earth ride. The new ending was pretty cute!

Cat pool! :rotfl: How cute!

This is a GREAT trip report!! I'm loving it!

1. I really need to do take notes- I read your report and think “I have to comment on that, ohh, remember that, I have to say how much Jackson liked that” then get to the end and can’t remember anything! I must be getting old.

2. I have bought several name shirts from her. I am sure that you could whip something like that out super fast with your skills. The designs are just felt and she straight stitches about ¼ or 1/8 inch from the edge. Super cute and pretty fast, I would guess
3. the mom and her kid were in line. We were well into the line and the grandmother comes up to the line with 2 more kids. Then the dad and the uncle climb over the rope. They were just split up. Part of the group got there faster and the others just caught up once we were well into the line. Even with our party of 5, we would get split up a lot. People would push in front of me and the kids. I can only imagine having 15!
4. EE- mheh. I didn’t think it was that great. RNRC is soooo much better. I didn’t get to ride it this trip though.
5. I forgot to say that Cooper’s shoe broke in DTD. He pulled too hard on the back strap and it just ripped where the back strap meets the “button”. I called the company and they sent me a new pair for free- no questions asked. I didn’t even have to show proof of purchase or ANYTHING. I appreciated their response, but they are probably going to get taken advantage of in the future.
6. Oh, Jackson hasn’t decided about fat yet. Most of his bad words are school mandated “booty” “stupid” “shutup” “fart”. I hate being in public and he says “oohhhhh mooooommmm, you said the s-word”. He says it sooo loud and it is always for stupid. UGH. Now we have the f-word too- “fart”. NICE.
7. I don’t love the tattoos. Cooper had lots of cute outfits that were sleeveless. He looked just plain silly with the tattoos. I won’t complain because they had a BLAST and loved them, but they were not my ideal for pictures. Next trip AK will be one of the last days and we will get tattoos then (and I will plan outfits accordingly!)
8. Being a faithful DISer, I had heard this, but my mom is a fretter like yours. She does not like rule breakers. So, she wouldn’t even try.
9. Gotta love that Teddy!
10. I had no idea that they loved Chip and Dale (or that they even knew who they were), but they really were so excited to see them. Cooper even picked pins with CnD if he had the chance.
11. So glad you noticed, now I can comment. I mean, really, kid, can you back up two feet and let us get a picture. We were polite and didn’t take a long time, so there is no need to bust in our picture. Where were his parents? Every time I look at those pictures with Meeko, I get upset. ARGHHHH!
12. I feel bad that I know nothing about boy stuff. I was raised girly and don’t have a clue about superheros (other than wonderwoman, you know because she is a girl). I haven’t even seen the newer star wars movies. The kids want to see the newest one that is coming out in a few weeks, but I don’t want to take them. I can’t imagine that I will enjoy it and I don’t really want to learn- bad mom! I am sure that their dad will take them.
13. Thanks for the comment on the shirts. I wish that I had Carla’s pattern before the trip. It fits much better and looks cleaner than the commercial pattern.
14. I think that secretly Jackson loves all things Disney- even the girly princess and Minnie too.
15. The lady stopping me on Soarin really is one of the highlights of the trip for me. I was so worried about him annoying others, I didn’t realize what a pleasure it was for some.
16. Cooper’s message is just kind of random. He is a really random kid. He just pulls stuff out of nowhere!
17. I hate sharpies (except at work where I love them). I won’t keep them at home because the kids tend to give themselves tattoos all the time and sharpie does not come off of skin easily.
18. Thanks. I love the friends outfits too. If I had been brave enough, I would have done a big mickey head. Instead, I used my machine to do a small one.
19. Not too many pics of me. I really need to loose some weight and am not comfortable with my appearance, so I stayed out of most picture. And the shades make me think of you- they are walmart or target shades, $5 I think.
20. The cat pool cracks me up every time. I won’t correct them because I like when they say it.
21. Thanks for reading. I am going to try to get another update soon. Life has gotten hectic.


Well Stacy those are the best pics ever....your boys are just so precious and I loved both Epcot outfits! Gee I have the same fabric :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rotfl: :rotfl:
What wonderful memories and I give you credit for going around the world and taking the boat back to do the other side....you are amazing women!!! :yay:
Cute scrapbook page again! Can't wait for more! :goodvibes

Wonder where you got that fabric? Hmmm. . .

You are too sweet! The kids actually LOVED the kidcot stations. They would have stayed at each one for hours coloring. They would always complain when we told them we had to move on to the next station. I did not enjoy lugging the masks around and they mysteriously didn’t make it back to Arkansas- not sure what happened to them . . .

I can’t wait to meet you IRL in Feb. We are all going to have a blast.



NEW UPDATE THIS WEEKEND, I promise!!

[twob4him]

Wonder where you got that fabric? Hmmm. . .

You are too sweet! The kids actually LOVED the kidcot stations. They would have stayed at each one for hours coloring. They would always complain when we told them we had to move on to the next station. I did not enjoy lugging the masks around and they mysteriously didn’t make it back to Arkansas- not sure what happened to them . . .

I can’t wait to meet you IRL in Feb. We are all going to have a blast.

NEW UPDATE THIS WEEKEND, I promise!!
I am soooo excited too! My friend that I am going with leaves this Friday for 9 days in Disney. I helped her plan her trip which was so much fun. I wonder what its like to go around Disney without kids??? ----->> :woohoo: I guess we shall find out in Feb!

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

[sohappy]

The plan for Thursday was to fit in as many characters as we could. We started the morning very early at Hollywood and Vine with the playhouse Disney characters (June Leo, Goliath and Jojo). We actually arrived at the park so early that we had to wait outside until 8 for our 8:10 reservation. We were the only ones on the bus along with a crazy guy and his daughter from Puerto Rico- although, if I had to guess, I would have said Jersey or new york. They were very nice. He was great with the kids and his daughter was great as well. We entered the park with them and took a few pics of the hat and an empty park.
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We checked in and sat down right away. We saw all of the characters very quickly. I think that the kids are getting sick of buffet breakfasts though- Jackson had a huge plate of bacon (and he stole the pieces off my plate) and didn’t eat half of it. I wasn’t really impressed with the food. It was OK, but I wasn’t full by any means. I don’t really like egg yolks, so breakfast can be difficult at times. I figured that if we got the Little Einstein kids we could leave, but the boys all of the sudden wanted to see Jojo and Goliath. I didn’t really care. My parents wanted to leave early though. They were always worried about doing the next thing. I told them several times “it’s vacation, we have nothing but time, relax”. Cooper was cracking me up- he kept asking for “go-lion”- how could you say no to that?!! Both kids actually participated in one of the dance party parts. Not sure why, but the kids took the worst pics with the characters that they loved the most (June and Leo).
June
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Leo
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JoJo
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Goliath
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We left breakfast to see the park opening up. We went as fast as we could to the new toy story midway mania ride. The wait was 5 minutes so we decided to ride. Cooper absolutely loved it and asked probably 30 more times that day to ride “the woody ride”. I thought it was great and very different than buzz lightyear. I liked buzz, but this was really really cute. We walked right onto the ride. Everyone had fun and wanted to ride again. Dad had to use the restroom (we MADE him take the fluid pill today since he had skipped the 2 previous days and his legs were HUGE at the end of the day). He decided to potty while mom and I took the kids back on the ride that now had a 10 minute wait. I think it was even an overestimation. We got off and Cooper wanted to ride again, so we got fastpasses. The wait time was now over 30 minutes. We left toy story and caught the 10 o’clock showing of voyage of the little mermaid. It was a really cute show and everyone loved it- no crying, so it gets a thumbs up. We made it out just in time to see Playhouse Disney. Cooper really liked this show. He danced around and had a blast. Since we were so late, we were in the back and off to the side, so not the best spots by a long shot! We still enjoyed it. We came out and ran into Quincy, so we just had to get his autograph and some pics.

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Handy Manny had just gone in for a break, so we missed him. We wanted to see the Magic of Disney Animation (J loves to draw and he is pretty good at it). But, we figured that it wouldn’t be that busy and we could come back later. We did run in the building and get pics with the incredibles. Coops kept trying to show them his muscles!
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Jackson had another mini meltdown. He said he was too shy to meet them- the kid is the furthest thing from shy you could imagine. Mheh, it worked out. We met them, but the line for sorcerer Mickey was waaayyy too long, so we passed- afterall, we had regular mickey, chef mickey, pirate mckey, and safari mickey- and we were getting luau mickey later in the week.

After a quick stop at the Woody ride AGAIN, we decided it was time to try to see the power rangers. We headed back to the streets of America on possibly the longest route you could take. At this point, I should say that my dad is always right, just ask him. He corrects you on mini mistakes and no one can do anything as good as he can, I am serious. So, if he make a suggestion, most times it is just better to go with it rather than argue. You aren’t going to win. So, he tells us which way to go and it is the worst walk ever- oh, well only walking right? On the way we decided to use some snack credits. Mom and Dad got sodas and I got a water and a popsicle for the boys to share- the share word was becoming harder and harder as the week wore on. The girls ringing me up took forever and then decided that my card wasn’t working and that I would just be comped the snacks. I feel so bad in a situation like that. I don’t know why, I just have trouble accepting kindness. Well, Cooper had a meltdown because Jackson didn’t want to share. SO, I went back to buy Cooper a popsicle. I tried to pay cash for the other stuff, but they told me “it’s on Mickey”. That was a really nice gesture

[sohappy]

So now we have 2 sticky boys and we are waiting for the power rangers. With my eagle eyes, I spot a photopass guy. I ask where the rangers will be stationed and we were right where the red one was going. We immediately got in line (2nd) and waited. The kids were beyond thrilled. The rangers were there for such a short time we were only able to be the red and white rangers. Those were the ones that they wanted most, but you know they wanted them all. So we planned to come back. The yellow ranger didn’t make it out to this show- she was busy training new recruits at the power ranger center. this first pic is CLASSIC (hi, my name is Jackson and this is my little brother cooper (pats head)).
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I just have to show these pics- When the rangers came out, their little car-thingy played the different power ranger theme songs. Whenever the overdrive song came on, Cooper started doing this little dance. Imagine this stance bouncing up and down- HILARIOUS. Just to prove it, he is wearing two different outfits- same dance. I crack up looking at these.
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We had just missed Lightning and Mater, so we decided to get the Monsters Inc guys. This required a costume change. We literally changed in the queing area. No one was there, so I had my mom pull the stroller into a corner and changed the boys there. Saved time and my sanity, so it can’t be that bad right? The boys met Mike and Sully with their Mike shirts on.

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Those shirts really were a hit for sure. Lots of people pointed them out and made comments. It was nice for something to finally get noticed. I did get stopped earlier in the day and asked where I got Jackson’s cars camp shirt. When I told the lady that I made it she said she was impressed. Cooper’s einstines outfit got attention too, but not like Mike! Cooper loved pointing out their picture to the LE. Anyway, back to Mike. The boys loved the monsters guys. Cooper was very excited to show them his tattoo of sully.

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We decided to get the toy story guys, but the line closed a few minutes before we made it. Sooo, Muppet Vision 3-D it was! I was afraid that Cooper would freak out again, but he was fine. He actually fell asleep in the front row. So I held him until the show finished. This was probably the least scary/noisy 3-D show and the kid goes to sleep. When we left, I put him down in the stroller and he was OUT.

Once we were outside, we saw buzz and woody back out. I left Cooper in the stroller with mom and dad and ran over to get in line with Jackson. We waited forever in the hot sun, but got the autographs and some pics with Jackson. Look how hot poor Jackson is-
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2259.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image201.jpg

Cooper was still asleep at this point. Jackson whined all day for a stuffed bullseye toy, so we grabbed it quickly. We had about 8 minutes before Indy starts, so we head that way. It was standing room only, so we got along the back wall. I held Cooper who slept through most of that show too! He finally woke up and both boys started to complain about being hungry. We didn’t have lunch scheduled for this day because we had an early dinner at 4:15 at Brown Derby. We wanted to catch the block party bash parade before we got a snack (and I wanted the boys to eat a decent dinner too- esp for 2 credits!!).

[sohappy]

OK, I am going to end it there for today- coming up soon- the parade, Brown Derby, "the worstest ride EVER" and Fantasmic

[Tnkrbelle565]

Oh they are so gorgeous...they look they are having a blast! Can't wait to read me and find out what the worst ride is!

[CampbellScot]

Oh my GOODNESS!! I can't believe I JUST found this report!! It's FANTASTIC!! The pictures are so much fun!! Seriously, your boys are so incredibly darling. Little Botticelli babies!!!

I'm LOVING the clothes!! The Monsters Inc. patchwork shorts are my favorites! I think I remember when you made those and posted them on the disboutique board. The boys looks so sweet with the Monsters!!!

I love how they are always hugging each other! That is so incredibly sweet.

The pictures are fabulous!!

can't wait to hear more!!!

OH...and i love that y'all saw RHINO eggs on your safari!!!:lmao:

[sohappy]

Oh they are so gorgeous...they look they are having a blast! Can't wait to read me and find out what the worst ride is!

Thanks for always reading every update! Makes me feel so special. Worstest ride ever, hmmm. . . let's just say Jackson is very short for his age (he can still wear his 3T uniform shorts!). That should narrow it down a little

I finished your pretrip report this past weekend- Man! I feel so special- The outfit is going to be a surprise for EVERYONE! Not sure if it is THAT good!

Oh my GOODNESS!! I can't believe I JUST found this report!! It's FANTASTIC!! The pictures are so much fun!! Seriously, your boys are so incredibly darling. Little Botticelli babies!!!

I'm LOVING the clothes!! The Monsters Inc. patchwork shorts are my favorites! I think I remember when you made those and posted them on the disboutique board. The boys looks so sweet with the Monsters!!!

I love how they are always hugging each other! That is so incredibly sweet.

The pictures are fabulous!!

can't wait to hear more!!!

OH...and i love that y'all saw RHINO eggs on your safari!!!:lmao:

ohhhh, Miss Cammie read my report! I feel like a superstar! hehe. You already know how much I LOVE your report. I hope you guys have a blast on your upcoming trip.

The boys are soooo loving with each other. I have the best pic of them almost kissing (my parents ordered that one instead of the one of them actually kissing) during a pro photo session. It is so sweet. It was taken almost 2 years ago, but I smile every time I see it. They really, really want to be with each other. Some of that I attribute to the divorce- they can always count on being together no matter what- if they are at mom's or dad's or where ever, they are together at least. We try to do "alone time"- meaning mom gets one kid for 24 hrs while dad has the other, then switch. It is good to get the one-on-one with each kid, but they miss each other like crazy.

[Disney Brat]

Love the update!!! Great outfits the boys were wearing!!! They definatly deserve tons of attention!!!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Thanks for always reading every update! Makes me feel so special. Worstest ride ever, hmmm. . . let's just say Jackson is very short for his age (he can still wear his 3T uniform shorts!). That should narrow it down a little

I finished your pretrip report this past weekend- Man! I feel so special- The outfit is going to be a surprise for EVERYONE! Not sure if it is THAT good!


You are welcome! All these TRs are my mini escape from reality!!!! I didn't realize that Jackson was that short. He doesn't look that short. My goodness. Ash is like some kind of giant!!!

ya, I probably didn't need to make the outfit a surprise for everyone but since I didn't have pics of Aisling actually wearing it...I decided not to share yet!!! I'm going to have "Cindy" send it with the invite to dinner. Which means that I'm going to need to sew the buttons at Disney :eek: oh well!

[jewjubean]

Love the Tr, But something has been bothering me sense i started reading your TR...I know you from somewhere lol....I read your from Ark. but i didnt catch were exactly you were from..my grandparents are from Trumann but i've lived in Jonesboro and Mtn. Home ....Pm me if you are from around there !

[sohappy]

Love the update!!! Great outfits the boys were wearing!!! They definatly deserve tons of attention!!!

That is so sweet! Thanks for reading

You are welcome! All these TRs are my mini escape from reality!!!! I didn't realize that Jackson was that short. He doesn't look that short. My goodness. Ash is like some kind of giant!!!

ya, I probably didn't need to make the outfit a surprise for everyone but since I didn't have pics of Aisling actually wearing it...I decided not to share yet!!! I'm going to have "Cindy" send it with the invite to dinner. Which means that I'm going to need to sew the buttons at Disney :eek: oh well!

I didn't think about not having a pic of her in it. I can't wait to see her in it. I hope you catch her reaction on film. I know she is going to be soooo cute (she doesn't need a fancy dress for that, she is already a doll!).

Jackson is probably 42ish inches. Cooper is like 36 maybe (he got stopped on Goofy's Barnstormer). They are both pretty small for their age. Cooper can still wear all of the clothes he wore last summer (12-18 months and 18-24 months) and he is 3!!!

Love the Tr, But something has been bothering me sense i started reading your TR...I know you from somewhere lol....I read your from Ark. but i didnt catch were exactly you were from..my grandparents are from Trumann but i've lived in Jonesboro and Mtn. Home ....Pm me if you are from around there !

How funny! I live in Little Rock. My parents are from south MS. Do you recongnize me or the kiddos? If it is me, I get that A LOT! Everyone says that to me. I think that I have that "recongizable face". Feel free to PM me if you want more info. It would be cool if I knew you IRL.

[Tnkrbelle565]

I didn't think about not having a pic of her in it. I can't wait to see her in it. I hope you catch her reaction on film. I know she is going to be soooo cute (she doesn't need a fancy dress for that, she is already a doll!).

Jackson is probably 42ish inches. Cooper is like 36 maybe (he got stopped on Goofy's Barnstormer). They are both pretty small for their age. Cooper can still wear all of the clothes he wore last summer (12-18 months and 18-24 months) and he is 3!!!

I will definately try to get a "reaction" shot. Luckily, 1900 PF dinner is on day 2 so I won't have to try and hide it too long! Ok, I guess your boys are peanuts. Hey, they get plenty of wear out of their clothes huh? Ash hasn't been tiny since she was born. How did I take home a 5 lb baby and 4 1/2 yrs later have a 45 inch/ 47 pound monster?!?! :confused3

[sohappy]

I will definately try to get a "reaction" shot. Luckily, 1900 PF dinner is on day 2 so I won't have to try and hide it too long! Ok, I guess your boys are peanuts. Hey, they get plenty of wear out of their clothes huh? Ash hasn't been tiny since she was born. How did I take home a 5 lb baby and 4 1/2 yrs later have a 45 inch/ 47 pound monster?!?! :confused3

Yeah, she is bigger than Jackson (who will be 6 next month). Jackson was 7 1/2 lbs at birth, but was 15 lbs by 3 months. He was such a chunk. He got really sick (in the hospital for a month and a half and has had 3 or 4 surguries since) and lost a lot of weight. He was only 13 lbs at 5 months. But, but 9 months, he was almost 20 lbs. That was the last time he was big- He only gained a few lbs over the next year or so. Did I mention that I am barely 5 feet tall? Yeah, I was always a peanut too! I remember being DEVASTATED that I had gained 4 lbs between 2 and 3 grade. I weighed all of 44 lbs in 3rd grade!!!

[Moeluv4u7]

Stacy,
This trip reportis awesome! I just opened it and got wrapped in- First you opened w/ the cast of characters... That was a gem- Your boys are darling! It seems that you all have had an absolutely great time! Having the boys just about knocked out at the end of the day attests to that! LOL
I also love the way you had outfits planned for each day that matched where you were and even changing at the parks- Stacy, now I must say, I am not sure that I would even have patience for that! Did you carry a bag through the park w/ everything? I guess between my back and the heat, I wouldn't be able to carry things all day- But, mine are 7 yrs and up now- Don't know if I could get outfit changing out of mine anyway- LOL But both of yours look absolutely cute and even w/ matching crocs everyday. I love it! Our first trip will be next year and I hope we are able to fit in as much as you did so far! Our trip will be 5 days- S-Th and I plan it to be end of June right now- it could be 2nd week of July- we will see- (ressie's you know)
I am going to have to visit disboutiquers board- I have never looked over there thinking it was strictly "princesses speaking on their disboutique experience" LOL I dunno :confused3 Definitely my next browse to see- Looking forward to next update!

[sohappy]

When we last left, the kids were getting grumpy. We had just been to the Indy show and Cooper was waking up from a nap.

We staked out a very hot, not-shaded place for the parade- brilliant idea, I know. All of the good spots were taken when we got there, so we got a spot and decided not to complain. While we waited for the parade, I ran over near the hat for the boys to get “the stitch picture”. They really wanted to get the pic of stitch coming out of the ground. Cooper didn’t understand the explaination. He wouldn’t point at first, but in every other picture, he is pointing. Then after pictures, he said “I point mommy, but stitch didn’t come”. Silly kid. He did love seeing the photopass picture. I am sure he wants it framed!

THE Stitch Picture (notice C not pointing)
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image204.jpg

Now these pics are not the best of the kids, I just think it is hilarious that Cooper is pointing in every single one!
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image206.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image206.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image207.jpg


Yep, still pointing!
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image209.jpg

We went back to the places that my parents were holding in the hot, hot sun. At this point, I really regretted the chocolate brown mary jane crocs I was wearing. I felt like my feet were cooking. I decided to go get some waters for everyone. We sipped the water and tried to find a good spot to sit. The kids wanted to sit in my lap on the ground. OK, this ground was HOT. It was even worse with 70 (J- 40ish, C-28ish) extra pounds pushing me into the pavement. I had to get back up. I felt like my butt was cooking at that point. Jackson went back to the stroller to sit down and fell asleep. He slept through most of the parade.

We caught the second “stop” of the parade. The Monster’s Inc guys stopped in front of us. How appropriate. The monsters guys LOVED Cooper’s shirt (J was still asleep at this point). Almost all of the characters and dancers came over to see Cooper. We got lots of dirty stares from others, but I didn’t ask them to come over. Cooper loved the attention.
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2263.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2266.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2267.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2268.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2269.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2277.jpg

Jackson woke up half way through the parade. Up until this point, he had asked a few times if Mickey was real or a guy in a suit, etc. He asked why Eeyore had mesh on his eyes. He is a pretty observant kid, but I wanted him to experience the magic. My standard answer was “what do you think? I think that they are real.” He agreed early in the vacation that they were real. While we were watching the parade, Jackson saw this- and freaked out.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2274.jpg

[sohappy]

“MOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYY!!! !! That guy is a FAKE!! I can see his feet! Why did they let that fake guy in here!” He was furious. I told him that maybe the real guy was too late or sick or still working. I think that he bought it and went back to his magical happy place. He seemed to put it out of his mind for a while at least. He then started to obsess about the sock on one of the monsters.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2278.jpg

He really felt it was his obligation to tell the monster that the sock was there. He kept trying to flag him down, but no luck. As the parade was ending, little squeeze balls were thrown out into the audience. One of the monster’s guys threw 2 balls right to my guys. Not knowing what was going on, they didn’t realize the balls were for them. Two older girls ran over and scooped them up. I was mad that the girls were rude, but it wasn’t going to ruin my day. The monsters saw this and went back to the army guy for 2 more balls. They walked them over to J and C and put them in their hands. Each of the monsters came back over and gave them a hug before they left. It really was a special, magical time. I wouldn’t have missed the parade for the world! After the monsters went by, we saw the “tough be a bug” float. Cooper has seen a bug’s life, but he refuses to call it that- even Flik is “tough be a bug”.

We were about 25 minutes early, but headed over to Brown Derby. We got seated right away. I got a salad appetizer that was pretty good. I ordered steak again after last night’s great one at Le Cellier. Bad choice on my part. It wasn’t really good at all. I don’t really like meat and ordered it well done, so don’t take it as a true critique of the restaurant. I am just weird and I know it. I got grapefruit cake for dessert. I just knew I had to try it. It was. . .ummm. . .ok. . .interesting. I really couldn’t eat it without my mouth puckering. I ate 3 bites hoping it would get better, but nope. It wasn’t torture, but I would not order it again. Mom got some sort of banana dessert that was GREAT. I ate most of it. My mom knows how much I love dessert, so she let me order her dessert all week. She would take 1-2 bites of each one and I could have whatever I wanted- sooooo sweet! Dad got the crème brulee. It wasn’t bad either.

Jackson ate his hot dog, but not much else, maybe a few bites of lettuce. What a way to use 2 table service credits. Cooper wanted a boy cheese. This is another one of those cute things that I cannot bare to correct. He will not eat a “girl” (girl = grilled) cheese. He is a boy and likes boy cheeses. So I humor him. He ate most of it. Neither kid ate their ice cream. It was hidden treasures with gummy worms, and cookies, and other stuff, but nope, not one bite. Very weird kids, I tell you! Dad really wanted to eat here to get the fantasmic package, so whatever. I tried to go to one of the other participating restaurants (you know the ones that are 1 credit!!), but he thought they didn’t have the package- again, no arguing with him. He is always right.

After dinner, I ran to get fast passes (2 and 2) for tower of terror and rock and roller coaster while mom and dad went back to see more rangers. I made it back in time for the rangers to come out and this time yellow had finished training the new recruits, so she was out as well.

As soon as they came out, I had mom and dad go stand in the yellow line while we finished blue (we were 2nd in line again). Just before our turn at yellow, I had mom and dad mosy on over to the pink one (Just for the record, we didn’t skip in front on anyone. When we got to the line, we went to the back- it was just easier to get the boys to go toward the grandparents than to find a specific line in a sea of people, plus my dad walks as slow as molasses, so we were just technically giving him a headstart). So now we had the complete set!!
Blue Ranger
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2290.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2291.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2292.jpg

Just look at Jackson hugging up on the yellow ranger-
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2294.jpg

More yellow ranger
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2296.jpg

And Pink ranger too
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2304.jpg

Next was waiting to see Lightning and Mater. That took a while and I am not sure it was worth it. The handlers were not really great and the cars were too close together- oh, and no photopass guy either! The kids were really winding down at this point, so no great pics.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2310.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2311.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2312.jpg

The blue ranger photopass guy didn’t show up earlier either. I already bought the CD, so I really wanted to get as many pics as possible. Once we finished that and argued about the best way to get back, we headed toward rnr coaster and tot. In case you want to know- there is a way to get back to Toy Story Mania just past the Cars. We stopped to take this picture-

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image217.jpg

[sohappy]

Jackson and I rode tot. He was not happy. He cried a little and at one point his leg hit the bar and cut it open. It didn’t bother him in the slightest until he saw it (as in he didn’t even notice it until he got all the way out to my parents and they pointed it out to him). Later on the phone he told his dad that he rode tot and it was pretty cool, but he didn’t like the “fake thunder and lightning” (I told him it was fake because both boys don’t handle thunder and lightning well). Oh and I didn’t really like the up and down part either.” He also told his dad that if he didn’t stop laughing, he wasn’t getting the light saber we had made him earlier in the week. I hung out with the kids while Mom and Dad rode Rock and Roller Coaster. I took a pic of the boys in front of the guitar and sent it to their dad (he is a HUGE aerosmith fan and this was his fave ride on our couple trip before we had kids).

Love Cooper playing the guitar here. Jackson is holding his bullseye that he can’t bare to leave behind for 2 seconds
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/image211.jpg


After everyone met back up, we decide that we really need to get to the animation thing. Jackson is really a good artist for his age. He isn’t amazing and I promise I am not bragging. I just think that he is really interested in it and I want to encourage him to pursue all of his interests. He really wanted to “take the art classes”. We watched the show and he loved every minute of it. We left there to get to the classes, but just missed the showing. UGH! I really felt bad. It was one thing he was really looking forward to. If we went to the next show, we would be late for fantasmic. So, we compromised and bought a learn to draw book. He picked the lilo and stitch one. He was beyond excited.

From this point on, I guess I forgot to take pictures. So feel free to just skip on over to the scrapbook pages. . .

Next trip, I will for sure make time for the animators. He really loves to draw and do art projects. While we are getting the book, my parents felt bad that Jackson got bullseye while Cooper was sleeping and he didn’t get anything. So, they go get him a Woody doll- at this point, stuffed animal count is up to 9 for the trip! We decide to try to use even more snack credits before the show. All week, we really forgot about getting snacks. I think that I used 5 in the first 3 days and we each get 2 a day!! Unfortunatley, the candy store is very strict about what is and isn’t a snack credit. I ended up just paying for some cotton candy, popcorn and some gummy bears. My dad got some snack mix for my mom, and guess what, it was too big to be a snack, so I paid for it with my room charge. We got a few drinks with snack credits- thank goodness for drinks. More than ½ of our snack credits were drinks for sure. Then we headed off for the super secret entrance to fantasmic. We made the trek and got our seats.

OK, I don’t really understand the benefit of the package. When we got there, people on there other side were not even filling in the sections that we were in. We could have just as easily gotten as good of a seat on the other side. What was the point? Oh, yeah, dad is always right, don’t argue! We waited and snacked. The kids loved the gummies. Jackson thinks that Goofy’s Candy C O (he says each letter C O) is great. He goes on and on about Goofy’s Candy C O. He can’t just say Goofy’s Candy or Goofy’s Candy Company no matter how many times I explain it. I was a little worried about Fantasmic. Cooper didn’t have the best record. I figured that I could take him outside to play if he really couldn’t handle it. I had warned both boys that the bad guys were going to try to get Mickey. There would be a dragon for sure (forgot about the snake), but they needed to remember “at Disney World, Mickey always wins”. That became Cooper’s mantra for the next day “mickey always wins right?”. He liked the show a lot and so did Jackson. I think that being prepared for what was coming helped them not be so scared. I am ooohhhhing and aaaahhhhing over everything when Cooper leans over and says “it’s just a fish mom”- way to put it into perspective little one. As soon as fantasmic is over, we leave, but don’t get to use the super secret entrance. We must walk all over the park again.

We make it back to the room safe and sound. Once we get back to the room, Jackson has to work on his drawing. He starts off by drawing a picture of Stitch with the guns and then he draws Lilo. He decides that he is going to make a poster for his room with all of “the guys” on it. He works on his drawing for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Cooper is loving the markers that came with the drawing set. He loves to make a mess of any sort. Soon enough, it is time for bed. As soon as their heads hit the pillow, they were OUT.

First one that I left off on the last installment- swimming in the cat pool-
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/swimming.jpg

And DHS pages
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/DHS.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/hollywoodandvine.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/scrapbook/disney/mgmcharacters1.jpg

[Tnkrbelle565]

Jackson woke up half way through the parade. Up until this point, he had asked a few times if Mickey was real or a guy in a suit, etc. He asked why Eeyore had mesh on his eyes. He is a pretty observant kid, but I wanted him to experience the magic. My standard answer was “what do you think? I think that they are real.” He agreed early in the vacation that they were real. While we were watching the parade, Jackson saw this- and freaked out.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i45/hbbknits/disney%2008%20visit/day%204/IMG_2274.jpg

I would have freaked too! That's big and scary! Ash already figured out that they are guys in costumes :sad1: It's putting a whole new spin on the trip this year.

[sohappy]

Update this weekend, I promise!

[Tnkrbelle565]

What a TEASE!!! ;)

[disneymomof1]

Love your trip report, and your boys are so handsome. Looks like you and your family had a ball !!!!:banana: