Our Christmas dreams will come true this year :o) PICS Included

[S'sMom]

Ok, we are finally cruising at Christmas, and I am oh so EXCITED!! We have gone to Disney (at christmas), so I know how the magic looks with them. We have cruised 4 times, but never at Christmas.

INSTALLMENT #1

Our cast of Characters:
:cloud9: Me: Raquel. Age 36, and a School Librarian
pirate: DH: Anthony. Age 40, and Architect
princess: DD: Kelsey, Age 6 (the true Disney expert)
:donald: DS: Anthony, Age 10weeks, but will be 6 months at that time.
:teacher: My twin: Rochelle, Age 36, Teacher - Been to Disney once, but never cruised
:tigger: DNep: Nate, age 3
::MinnieMo DNei: Hayley, age 1
:mickeyjum DNep: Jeff, age 14

Our stay:
December 21 - 24, 2008 – Possibly the Caribe Cove Resort (3 bedroom villa – Only $99 a night WOW!!!) This might change. :confused3
December 24 - 28, 2008 - Disney Cruise (Category 9)


Ok, so after years of begging, dh and I finally got a falmily member to agree to go on the cruise with us.

Our biggest challenge is getting there (waiting on airfare to go down hopefully), and when we get there how do we get around? Well its almost as simple as 2 rental cars and a trip back to the airport prior to the Disney Cruise Bus picking us up and wisking us away.


Now for a couple of previous pics from our past cruises…….

Heres the bathroom.. I know, I know its JUST a bathroom. But I am really into seeing what they look like before I arrive on a cruise 
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc22.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc21.jpg


Next is the same little girl one year apart taking the same pic. She grew a lot . First pic in 06 & second pic in 07
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc27.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc20.jpg


Then Daddy and Kelsey looking out of the window
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc29.jpg

Our Servers from our last cruise in June 2007
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc10.jpg


Kelsey and I
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/MommyKelsey.jpg


The Ghost Ship (Luvs the Movie)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc12.jpg


Some Beach pics

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc14.jpg


Some pics of the Ship in the Bahamas and on Castaway Cay
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/DC1-1.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/DC7.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc11.jpg


Our room (at night)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc23.jpg


Our Oldest Angel (Pre-Anthony). The Kids club did this to her at 12:00 in the AM.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/dc24.jpg




I will add more soon :thumbsup2 . Just wanted to get a start.

[MadiMouse]

Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm first! LOL. Great PTR so far. I know you all will have so much fun! I promise to start my DLR TR this week! :)

[S'sMom]

Thanks, and Yes Madi, please do finish. We are definately putting DL in our plans for next year possibly. I cant wait :)

[Lan]

I'm Here!!!!

[The Disney Fanatic]

I'm here too! :wave:

[S'sMom]

Hi Lan and Fanatic,

Thanks for joining me. :wave :)

[dolfinjuls]

Hi! I followed you over from Tosha's TR! Glad you're doing a PTR! Can't wait for more! Love the pics of Kelsey in front of the porthole both years, she really did grow a lot!

[Glendamax]

Wait a minute . . . Is this report written by the lady who has the "super cute kids" she bought from the toy store? :lmao:
Love the pics of the room! You make me wanna go too! And of course, your daughter is ADORABLE!!!!!!!

Thanks for letting me know about this one MadiMouse! I'm on board! :thumbsup2

[S'sMom]

Dolfinjuls,
I am happy to have you on this journey with me... :)

GlendaMax,
I am happy to see that you are back :). When will you grace us with your report? When you do, please let us know. Also, when ARE you going to do the Disney Cruise??

[The Disney Fanatic]

I wish I was going back again in December. I am now hooked on Disney during the holidays. The Disney Wonder looked great with the holiday decorations and I loved the caroling by the CMs.

[Glendamax]

Dolfinjuls,
I am happy to have you on this journey with me... :)

GlendaMax,
I am happy to see that you are back :). When will you grace us with your report? When you do, please let us know. Also, when ARE you going to do the Disney Cruise??

Hopefully I'll get started on the report by the end of the week. As for the cruise - I have NO idea!

[S'sMom]

Hi Fanatic,

I read your TR and I just loved it (Limo ride and all) :). Yes I cant wait to see what you saw.

GlendaMax,
Well let us know when you get it started..

More to come folks, I will do an update by tomorrow, if I can get out of jury duty. ((Lol)). Hopefully, I can get released if I tell them that I am nursing (which I am), and I need to pump 3 times a day (which I do). Hopefully, I will just be too much trouble for them and they show me the door, if not, its ok because my suburan city is a small one, so it wont be bad. (I hope :) .

[S'sMom]

Hi Everyone,
I am asking for your prayers for the teachers (and myself) in the school district I work for. Some of us may be losing our job due to a "really high" deficit that may furlow alot of us. :(

So far, we are good for now, but in this economy, you never know.

I am not sure about our trip in December, but for now it is still a go. :) Lets just pray it stays that way.

-----------------------------------------------------
Ok Enough bad news :) Now for a "tentative" schedule.
Ok, heres the plan so far.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Fly out early (at least we hope so) Havent gotten the ticks.. waiting on price to go down. If it does not then we will have some expensive plane ticks ((lol)):rotfl2:
Pick up rental car. We will get two cars, because its cheaper :)
Check into the hotel. So far, its the Caribe Cove Resort. But you never know. I am always looking for something cheaper.
Downtown Disney & The New T-Rex Restaurant for some food. I love the Lego store and the Christmas store, which is always fun.
Take the camera and head to the different hotels to take pics of the Christmas decorations.
Dinner (not sure where just yet) :confused3
Gaylord Palms for the ICE exhibit
End the day with some sleep,etc.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Wake up really early, and head to Disney Studios for the morning.
Have lunch & rest at hotel
Off to EPCOT to end the day with the fireworks, etc...
Dinner will be there (not sure where) :confused3
End the day

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Another early day, head to Animal Kingdom for the AM.
Have lunch & rest
Off to MK for the rest of the day
Dinner will be at MK, not sure where. :confused3
Back to the hotel to complete packing for the next day.... OFF TO THE
CRUISE. :banana: :dance3:

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Wake up early, pack the rental car, and head back to the airport to turn in car. We will then catch a ride with the Disney bus. (I wanted the kids to experience the bus ride) :cloud9:
We arrive for 4 nights of Christmas bliss.......

------------------------------------------------------
Of course, all items are subject to change. Once changes are made, I will update everyone. I normally do a formal itinerary (which I will still do closer to our date). I will share when it is complete. I did this one, just for now.

I hope you have enjoyed this INSTALLMENT :thumbsup2

------------------------------------------------------
Ok guys,

I just wanted to share some recent pics of the angels at their best. :thumbsup2 :)

This was taken outside of our home about 3 weeks ago. Rainbows are wonderful gifts from heaven.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/NewPics1018.jpg

Heres Little Anthony at Kelsey’s game on yesterday
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/NewPics1038.jpg

Here is Miss Kelsey at the first soccer game of the season. She looks so professional :cheer2:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/NewPics1047.jpg

[S'sMom]

More info to come :)

[dolfinjuls]

Prayers for you...I hope your job is secure!

What an amazing pic of a double rainbow! Beautiful!

Your babies are so cute!

[The Disney Fanatic]

Hi Everyone,
I am asking for your prayers for the teachers (and myself) in the school district I work for. Some of us may be losing our job due to a "really high" deficit that may furlow alot of us. :(

So far, we are good for now, but in this economy, you never know.

I am not sure about our trip in December, but for now it is still a go. :) Lets just pray it stays that way.

-----------------------------------------------------
Ok Enough bad news :) Now for a "tentative" schedule.
Ok, heres the plan so far.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Fly out early (at least we hope so) Havent gotten the ticks.. waiting on price to go down. If it does not then we will have some expensive plane ticks ((lol)):rotfl2:
Pick up rental car. We will get two cars, because its cheaper :)
Check into the hotel. So far, its the Caribe Cove Resort. But you never know. I am always looking for something cheaper.
Downtown Disney & The New T-Rex Restaurant for some food. I love the Lego store and the Christmas store, which is always fun.
Take the camera and head to the different hotels to take pics of the Christmas decorations.
Dinner (not sure where just yet) :confused3
Gaylord Palms for the ICE exhibit
End the day with some sleep,etc.Monday, December 22, 2008

Wake up really early, and head to Disney Studios for the morning.
Have lunch & rest at hotel
Off to EPCOT to end the day with the fireworks, etc...
Dinner will be there (not sure where) :confused3
End the dayTuesday, December 23, 2008

Another early day, head to Animal Kingdom for the AM.
Have lunch & rest
Off to MK for the rest of the day
Dinner will be at MK, not sure where. :confused3
Back to the hotel to complete packing for the next day.... OFF TO THECRUISE. :banana: :dance3:

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Wake up early, pack the rental car, and head back to the airport to turn in car. We will then catch a ride with the Disney bus. (I wanted the kids to experience the bus ride) :cloud9:
We arrive for 4 nights of Christmas bliss.......------------------------------------------------------
Of course, all items are subject to change. Once changes are made, I will update everyone. I normally do a formal itinerary (which I will still do closer to our date). I will share when it is complete. I did this one, just for now.

I hope you have enjoyed this INSTALLMENT :thumbsup2

------------------------------------------------------
Ok guys,

I just wanted to share some recent pics of the angels at their best. :thumbsup2 :)

This was taken outside of our home about 3 weeks ago. Rainbows are wonderful gifts from heaven.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/NewPics1018.jpg

Heres Little Anthony at Kelsey’s game on yesterday
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/NewPics1038.jpg

Here is Miss Kelsey at the first soccer game of the season. She looks so professional :cheer2:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/NewPics1047.jpg

I WANNA GO TOO! :sad2:

[S'sMom]

Thanks Dolfinjuls,
The board is still waiting to make a decision, so I guess we will all know something about our jobs by next week. I think that they are just prolonging the inevitable. But Hey, I am sure all will be fine :)

Fanatic :o),

Wait, when will you be going to the World again?? I know that you went during the holidays, so you can be my go to person.

More updates to come .............

[S'sMom]

Hello,

We checked in this AM to the POR. Of course it is gorgeous on the outside and in.

We left for the airport at 4:35AM, and drove to my moms house so that she could take us. We didnt want to pay parking (way too much at DFW - about 7-10 a day :scared1: ). We made to the airport about 5:45 AM, and believe it or not it only took about 20 minutes to get the bags checked and get through security. Only problem is, they had to me to open my Bottle of pumped breastmilk for screening :sick:. But I understood, problem is something happened and the mile wasted in his diaper bag so I lost what I had anyway.

We got on the plane, the baby slept so he was good the whole 2 hours, and Kelsey was up and naped a bit. Of course DH slept. I never sleep, I just watched Law & Order on my iPod.

Anyway we made it and got on the tram and got to teminal B. Went downstairs from there to the DME, and got on the bus. The line was a bit long, but it went quickly. We got on the bus and and it was not crowded at all. :yay: :woohoo: Total time from airport, DME and hotel = about 1.5 hours (not bad).

We got off the bus and got checked in with no problems. Our room was ready so we were able to go and get settled. Now its about 12:55PM. We then got on our bus to DTD, and that ride was grear because the EAst Bus Depot was really close. We went to McDonalds, and did some looking with minimal shopping, then we arrived back via the boat about 5:00PM.

I have a PT job teaching for a university and I have to teach and grade paper tonight :headache: . So now I am in office hours waiting on my class to start. Of course my family is sleeping like they have not slept in days so I am the only one up and I have to say enjoying the day.

Tomorrow is EPCOT day and my twin and her family will be coming in and meeting us. I will update you them :yay:

I will be uploading some pics hopefully before the cruise on WEdnesday. MORE TO COME!!

[MadiMouse]

Yay! I can't wait to read more!!!

[Lan]

I hope you guys are having fun!!!

[S'sMom]

I will do a full report later but I wanted to post some footage, and a few pics for now.....

Here is some footage of "Doodie's" (our ds) first time in the ocean water along with my dd.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/th_OurChristmasVacation08224.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/?action=view&current=OurChristmasVacation08224.flv)

Heres Kelsey, Doodie, and myself :thumbsup2 in the window of our room..
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/OurChristmasVacation08100.jpg

My Family :lovestruc
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/OurChristmasVacation08175-1.jpg

Heres ds and dd looking at fish at EPCOT :love:

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/OurChristmasVacation08071.jpg
Will update more later. Enjoy!!!

[MadiMouse]

Okay, now you all are such a beautiful family! Doodie is too precious. LOL. Kelsie is really growing! Yay! I want a son...like tomorrow! :)

Can't wait to read more!!!

[S'sMom]

Okay, now you all are such a beautiful family! Doodie is too precious. LOL. Kelsie is really growing! Yay! I want a son...like tomorrow! :)

Can't wait to read more!!!

Thank you, I will definately be adding more soon :):rainbow:

I say go for the son, they along with the girls are blessings !!

[Glendamax]

YAY you're back! Thanks for the pics you've posted so far! You all look so nice in your black and white outfits!

Love the video clip - so those kids ARE real? No batteries huh?! ;) OH it must've been nice to be soooo warm in December!

What happend with the jobs? Did anyone get laid-off? Please let us know!

[Lan]

Love the pictures. Now start writing the report, so I can be jealous:rotfl2:

[The Disney Fanatic]

You have a beautiful family! I love the pics! :thumbsup2

[dolfinjuls]

Yay! You've started! Your family is beautiful. I can't get over your daughter's eyes, they're gorgeous!

[S'sMom]

Thanks Glenda, Lan, Disney Fanatic and dolfinjuls :)



But before I get into Day 2 here are some pics that I should have included earlier…
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/2.jpg
Baby at the airport
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/1.jpg
Kelsey & baby at the airport (DFW)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/3.jpg
Anthony looks really sleepy huh?? That is what waking up at 3AM does to a person
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/5.jpg
Of course Kelsey is not afraid to fly
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/7.jpg
I managed to get in the pic.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/9.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/10.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/11.jpg
WE have arrived and experienced our first time using Disney transportation.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/22.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/21.jpg
Our Hotel on the outside
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/12.jpg
Tree in Hotel lobby
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/14.jpg
Our Room
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/15.jpg
Picture of Dudie after we arrived at our hotel
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/16.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/17.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/18.jpg
Pictures from Downtown Disney
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/19.jpg
Here is a glimpse at the new Villas being renovated!! I cant wait!


To be Continued!!!

[S'sMom]

Ok now that you are caught up a bit………………………… Now on to Day 2
EPCOT!!

Wow! Out first day went really smooth with pretty much no hiccups (which is always great).

We decided to not rush to get up but of course we were up and ready to go by 9:30. We went and got on the bus (didn’t take that long to arrive). Of course the bus was crowded and we were the only ones standing (with Dudie in tow). Thank God, it was a really nice family with two teenage girls who gave up their seats so that I could sit with the baby (Safety was an issue).

Now, I have to ask myself…. Was it wise for us to go to EPCOT on this day?? NO IT WAS NOT!! IT WAS A BAD CHOICE!!. The crowds were unbearable!! I thought that because it was a late night for resort guests, that it would not be that crowded until later. WRONG!!! Of course that was my rational on it ((lol)). Anyway, we headed in with the crowds, and headed for Test Track!

Now this is where it got interesting. Kelsey and I decided to go and get in the Single Rider Line for Test Track, and yes we knew that we would be split up, but that was fine, I would just have to make sure that I got on first so that I could wait for her afterwards. Well…. God knew that that plan was not that great, and this lady walked up and asked if anyone wanted her FAST PASSES because they had already gone on and they didn’t need them. I immediately said yes, and we got in the Fast Pass line and gave each other a high five. I text Anthony the great news and he said great. We got on and off within 15 minutes. WOW!! That of course was the only time we were able to ride under those conditions. The lines were a minimum of a 150 minute wait. Horrible!!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/25.jpg
Dudie chillin at EPCOT

We then decided to go and get a bite to eat that the Umbrella place. We ate the chicken strips. Not that good but hey we were hungry. We ate and by that time my sister arrived. Her babies were of course excited, but guess what??? Lines were to freggin long that it was bananas! We did manage to get on the Nemo ride and Anthony, Kelsey and my oldest nephew got on Mission Space. My sister and I and the younger kids waited, which thank god it didn’t take that long.

After that we left and decided to go back to out hotel room to freshen up and get something to eat. We opted for the hotel restaurant (which had a lot of choices, and the quality was not that bad). We then went back to the room to get ready for the next portion of our journey. I got everything packed again, and made sure to keep out the clothes to travel in, and then went to bed.

Day 3:
Onward to the cruise!!

The kids the morning we were leaving
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/26.jpg

We woke up and got everything ready. Then the bellman knocked on the door to pick up our luggage. Problem was… They never told us that they would be picking them up. So we begged the guy to come back in 30 minutes and he was so nice to come back at that time. They picked up our luggage, and we left the room about 30 minutes after that to head to the lobby to wait on the bus.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/27.jpg
Kelsey on Bus
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/28.jpg
Dudie and Daddy on Bus

Finally, they gathered everyone and started to load everyone on the buses. We were on the 2nd bus because the first one became crowded fairly quickly. The attendants were really helpful with the stroller. We sat at the very front two seats (on different rows). Anthony had Anthony and I had Kelsey with me. It was a great ride, so peaceful, and I was able to get in a quick eye closing. When I woke up we went over the bridge and the driver told us to look to the left and there is was!!!!

We arrived and got off of the bus and headed in through security. We went up the escalator and I went to check up in while Anthony sat with the kids. My twin then showed up (she was on the bus from the Animal Kingdom), and we watched her kids while she checked in.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/29.jpg
View we had when we arrived
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/30.jpg
Dudie and Daddy

We got the kids registered and ready to go the kids clubs, and from there we were on our way through the Ears!.

We took our pics and proceeded to our rooms to freshen up and then upstairs to the buffet at the Beach Blanket. I must take this time to say that the chicken that they served was wonderful.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/38.jpg
Cruise at Christmas how nice
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/39.jpg
Lobby of Cruise

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/31.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/32.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/33.jpg
Pictures of us in our room
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/36.jpg
Lunch line at beach Blanket Buffett



Anyway we then went back to our room to get ready for the drill. As you can see Dudie looked so funny in his vest .
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/37.jpg


Ok, well I better take a break for now, but I wanted to post something so that you can see everything. Sorry it took so long. I promise I will be back by the weekend with more.

So stay tuned!!!

[Lan]

Welcome Back:rotfl: I can't wait to read more about your trip.

[S'sMom]

YAY you're back! Thanks for the pics you've posted so far! You all look so nice in your black and white outfits!

Love the video clip - so those kids ARE real? No batteries huh?! ;) OH it must've been nice to be soooo warm in December!

What happend with the jobs? Did anyone get laid-off? Please let us know!


Yes we are back :). And thank you so much. I felt so uncomfortable in that dress. ((lol)) :o) Yes they are real although if I can only get the little one to sleep through the night it would be all good. Now he sleeps well at 6AM - 11AM but not any other time :rotfl2: .

The whole vacation the weather was great. IN orlando it was about 75 degrees but in the Bahamas it was about 80-85 degrees! It was beautiful. Not sure when I will go back, but when we do it will be at Christmas time.

As far as the job lay off go.... We had 550 teachers laid off, but get this they hired back more than half about 2 months later. I was not touched, Thank God! I guess it was a good thing considering I am a Librarian. But thankfully, all is well on that front.

[The Disney Fanatic]

I hope you have some photos of Castaway Cay. I really miss that place. :sad2:

[Glendamax]

I can't get over how long the lines were! So glad you were able to get a FP for Test Track!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pics! Especially the one of the baby in the life jacket, and the lobby of the ship! :thumbsup2

OH! And I'm so glad you didn't lose your job! I'm glad they hired alot of them back!

[S'sMom]

Ok, where was I…….

Oh yes, we left of at Dudie in his life vest during the drill….

Ok After the drill we went upstairs just to sit and wait for the boat to push off. I even got in a quick ice cream for the occasion.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/51.jpg
Anthony and Dudie
After the boat set sail we explored the ship and made our stop in the kids club for Kelsey to play a bit and even let Dudie get a taste of what he is to look forward to.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/52.jpg
We then went back to our room to get ready for dinner. We had the late dinner so we had time to really get ready. It was the first night at Animators Palate and it was Christmas Eve so that alone got us excited. We ate dinner and the food was good.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/53.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/54.jpg
Dudie attempting to feed himself
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/55.jpg
This is what we found when we returned to our room that night. The Chocolates were not good at all but I did keep the box. This is just one of many little items we found as gifts from the cruise. (Of course we paid for them but hey its always good to get something). Oh yea.. on the last night we received a big lithograph with the princesses on them, that was the last one. I did not get a picture because I forgot.
Anyway…
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/56.jpg
Kelsey after dinner trying out her bed..

CHRISTMAS DAY!!!!!
WE woke up and yes we are in Nassau. The weather was not bad at all. We ate breakfast and went back to our room to get ready to go. We then headed to the gangway to begin.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/57.jpg
This was our bus stop to begin our excursion
By the way … We did the Discover Atlantis excursion. It was really nice and one day we may just go back and stay a bit. Here are some pictures of the crystals they had installed when the hotel was built. Now this was on the way to the Discover Atlantis (fish).
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/58.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/59.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/60.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/61.jpg
Here is a picture of the very start of the tour, and get this these crabs were above our heads.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/62.jpg
Our tour guide decided to show up some sea creatures up close and personal.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/64.jpg
Daddy and Dudie
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/65.jpg
Here are some pictures of the Atlantis Hotel.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/66.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/67.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/68.jpg
Here is the tunnel that I was waiting for.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/69.jpg

[S'sMom]

After we returned from our excursion we got back and had some lunch and relaxed and let the kids go to the kids area. The kids performed some Christmas songs. As you can see Kelsey is luving it…
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/70.jpg
We then got ready for dinner. It was Christmas and it was dress up night. You have already seem some of the pics from that night here are some more.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/71.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/72.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/73.jpg
For this picture, I know that you are wondering why we changed him. Well Dudie has Eczema and Seborrehic Dermatitis. To minimize his scratching we put on his 1st Christmas footie PJs . That is the only thing that he wears that he wont scratch.
From there we headed to dinner. WE went and took the pics early. Here is a pic of The Christmas menu. By the way we got to keep those.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/74.jpg
We then went back to our rooms to change clothes for the the Bedtime Story movie with Adam Sandler. Such a great movie. I really enjoyed it. And as late as it was when we were done, we were still not sleepy
The next day was out day at sea. Nothing much went on, but we did manage to see Bolt (too cute) and Kelsey went back to the kids area and we rested and she swam in the pools, Just a good lazy day overall. This night was pirate night and here Kelsey, Dudie and I are before dinner
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/76.jpg
We MISSED the fireworks  But did get this…
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/77.jpg







CASTAWAY CAY DAY!!!
We are now at Castaway Cay. We really had a great time. And the weather was perfect. The water of course was clear and just the overall mood of the island was good. Not much to tell but here are some pics.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/78.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/79.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/80.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/81.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/82.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/83.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/Ssmom/84.jpg


NOW get this……..
We decided to go back to the room to rest, but I remembered that DVC was doing a presentation and that someone was going to walk away with a $300 shipboard credit. So with Anthony in the room with Dudie and Kelsey in the kids area, I decided to go. I got there early to get my seat, and yes I was the only one there for a while. Then this guy walked in after the presenter began talking to me one on one. HE said, is there where we do the drawing for the $300?? She said yes. Then she continued on with the presentation. The guy was not at all interested and was a bit rude (well not that rude, but he really wanted the shipboard credit.) So she continues on and as she was wrapping up another young man came in and was truly interested and he did not know about the drawing. So the other guy said when are you doing the drawing and she said that she was doing it now. So they put the 3 names in a bag and other lady chose. GUESS WHO WON??!!! You got it!!!!!!!!!!!!! ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was exciting but not that fun. I only had until about 10:30 to buy stuff and trust me with that time frame that is not at all enough time. But by the end I managed to get it all spent . So now I have all this STUFF…. Because I had to be mindful of weight so I could not get the things I wanted. But I did get a watch and some cologne for hubby and some other items.

LAST DAY!!
Well we got up got dressed, ate breakfast and headed to the bus. We got back to the airport and waited for our flight and then the vacation was over.
All in all, we had a good time. Not having a car was a good idea and I will definitely be doing it again without a car next time. Now when will that be…. Who knows. I really would like for Disney to drop the prices a bit more, but nothing truly beats Disney.!!
Now if I could just figure out where to go next time??? All suggestions are welcomed!

[S'sMom]

I can't get over how long the lines were! So glad you were able to get a FP for Test Track!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pics! Especially the one of the baby in the life jacket, and the lobby of the ship! :thumbsup2

OH! And I'm so glad you didn't lose your job! I'm glad they hired alot of them back!

Yes, those lines were just bananas :crowded: . I could not believe it myself. I have been there during Christmas before and never once have I experienced that. Maybe 30 minutes at the most. I am guessing that because it was the EMH that night, that may have had something to do with it. But wow, did we make a bad choice that day. I knew when we were walking to the ticket counter that we should have turned around and went to Disney Studios.

The lifejacket pic was funny huh??? :rotfl2: . Poor baby. When we got to our station the head guys was like you can go on and take it off of him now. but we opted to keep it on him because we did not want to wake him.

[S'sMom]

I hope you have some photos of Castaway Cay. I really miss that place. :sad2:

Yes I got some pics of the Castaway Cay!! :thumbsup2 I really enjoyed it.

When is your next trip planned??

[The Disney Fanatic]

Yes I got some pics of the Castaway Cay!! :thumbsup2 I really enjoyed it.

When is your next trip planned??


I wish I knew when our next trip was going to be. I have to do that grown up thing and prioritize. :crazy2: We are still trying to get another house.

Back top your TR......... Thanks for your pictures of Castaway Cay! I really miss that place! :sad: I am glad you guys had a chance to just relax with a lazy day at sea. Most people come back from a Disney Trip exhausted. It's good to relax on vacation.

P.S. I agree with LindaMax. Your baby looks cute in that life jacket! :thumbsup2

[MadiMouse]

Hey!!!!

Yes, I have been MIA, but I am back. I loved the report and the pics!!!!
So, when is the next big trip??? We are going in April for an extended weekend but our next big trip (week long) will be in 2010. So let the planning begin!!! :)

[S'sMom]

Hey!!!!

Yes, I have been MIA, but I am back. I loved the report and the pics!!!!
So, when is the next big trip??? We are going in April for an extended weekend but our next big trip (week long) will be in 2010. So let the planning begin!!! :)

Hey!!,

I have been MIA myself a bit. My friend lost her 6month old baby boy recently, and that was something else. Just wasnt in the mood for anything, but I feel much better now (I guess you will never be the same after something like that). Well.... enough of that......

Yes, I am still not sure when we will be going back. Everytime I come up with a date then another plane crashes.:sad1: I think that 2010 is going to be the BIG year for us as well. At least you guys live close enough to take a quick trip. All we can do is go to San Antinio :confused3 .

I am glad that you enjoyed the pics :yay:

[Dallas_Lady]

I swear I'm not stalking you, but after your responded in the minivan thread, I looked you up and found your trip report. We have so much in common it's kind of weird. I'm a teacher, and my DH (whose name is Tony) is an architect! How funny is that!! I'm glad you made it safely through all the craziness at DISD. Your kids are too cute. I haven't read your whole report, but I am going to go back and do it now.

It's a small world after all! (Great, now I have that song in my head, LOL)

[S'sMom]

OMG!! Like the students say :). No, that is fine, I am so glad that you responded and are enjoying my TR. That is a freaky coincudence, but it is really cool.!! I just veiwed your website, you must tell me how you set that up. Your babies are absolutely gorgeous, and I know that they give you a run for your money (lol).

It is so rare that you find someone with that much in common :). I cant wait to get to know you guys better :)

Thanks for visiting mt TR, I hope you like the rest... Also I have another about my dd last trip to DW as an only child.

[kthshh]

Hey Girl, I joined the madness and I can tell you that I've already got the fever. I enjoyed reading your trip report.

Vana

[S'sMom]

I am so glad that you decided to join :o). I understand the fever I have it all the time! You have found a great place to get the cure (lol). The more I come here the stronger the fever gets! You know me I am liable to plan a last minute one at any time :o). But we will see, for now I shall dream.

Laters!

[Sandra32]

Lovely report and photos. Really enjoyed reading it!