~A XMAS STORY~decorations, crowds, pixies..AND A BLOODY NOSE~ACTUAL UPDATE 11/9 p190

[punkin413]

well, we're back from our first-ever christmas trip to disney world! :santa:

as you can tell from the title, we had ups, we had downs. we had rain, we had cold weather and we even had snow!!! ;) we met some fun characters, saw some great shows and we had some yummy food. but most of all....WE HAD FUN!!!! oh, and that little thing about the bloody nose.....you're just gonna have to wait on that one to get the scoop! :rolleyes1

so get comfortable and get into the christmas spirit and come along with us on this crazy trip of ours! i look forward to sharing it with you all. :grouphug:

INDEX

~intro - you're reading it!
~travel day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29227167&postcount=2)

day 1 - BW / BC / EPCOT
~rain, rain, GO AWAY! (boardwalk/beach club) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29267416&postcount=52)
~lunch with everyone and their mother (arrival at epcot) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29373011&postcount=143)
~to soar or not to soar? (epcot FW) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29515677&postcount=280)
~dinner with yoko......saaaaaaaaaaaank you! (teppan edo) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29577982&postcount=333)
~around (half) the world in an hour-and-a-half (world showcase) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29658923&postcount=412)
~pretty lights and.....gangsters in germany???? (epcot Xmas decorations & more world showcase) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29801840&postcount=553)
~an illuminating evening! (illuminations) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29917471&postcount=659)

day 2 - DHS
~freezing at DHS....with the masses (arrival at DHS) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29980367&postcount=703)
~is this a CRAZY elevator??? (characters & ToT) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30104531&postcount=778)
~lunch at the drive-in (sci-fi dine-in theater) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30161727&postcount=814)
~ain't no party like a disney block party 'cause a disney block party don't stop! (block party bash) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30306147&postcount=896)
~fast cars and mean old men (lights! motors! action!) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30483518&postcount=1007)
~why did that cat play with my hair? and ray and anna's duet! (bolt/fantasmic) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30618871&postcount=1111)
~are they gonna start moving now??? (TSM, osborne lights and we close the park) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30765876&postcount=1178)

day 3 - MK / GF / POLY
~high fives for uncle scrooge (arrival at MK, luke meeting uncle scrooge) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30853040&postcount=1232)
~faith trust and PIXIE DUST! (meeting the fairies) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30978006&postcount=1309)
~you really ARE a scrooge, huh? (alice & the mad hatter, uncle scrooge take 2 and morning at MK (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31073919&postcount=1377)
~a big dose of christmas-y fun! (mickey's twas the night before christmas) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31231975&postcount=1440)
~MK crowds and a dole whip float (afternoon stroll through MK) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31271192&postcount=1479)
~my awesome view of mickey's philharmagic - score! (philharmagic, space mountain, TTA & casey's) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31495903&postcount=1675)
~excuse me, ma'am, are you alive??? (buzz, train ride & HM) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31649024&postcount=1774)
~a giant gingerbread house and a DIS celebrity sighting! (GF decorations & arrival at poly for dinner) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31721861&postcount=1808)
~pineapple envy and wishes from afar (dinner at kona cafe, first glimpse of castle lights and wishes from outside MK) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31763146&postcount=1846)

day 4 - AK / WL / MVMCP
~to be dissed by goofy is like a slap in the face (arrival at AK, character breakfast at tusker house) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31868953&postcount=1886)
~monkeys and meerkats and gorillas....OH MY! (pangani forest exploration trail) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32031402&postcount=1979)
~a monkey for a yeti (more devine and EE) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32090053&postcount=1999)
~we found nemo! and safari time with giraffes, elephants and....a teddy bear? (finding nemo show & safari) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32175635&postcount=2065)
~a jammin' parade and the christmas decorations i SHOULD have seen (jingle jungle parade and WL) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32259875&postcount=2115)
~the castle comes ALIVE!!! (MVMCP and castle lighting) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32425757&postcount=2242)
~that's some wicked dancing! (dinner at cosmic ray's, the queen of hearts and a dance party with cinderella's stepsisters) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32540389&postcount=2292)
~dancing chipmunks, meeting piglet and SHOPPING! (dance party with chip & dale, belle & the beast and shopping on main street) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32758750&postcount=2377)
~the dreaded BLOODY NOSE!!!!! (luke's accident and ornament shopping) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32885969&postcount=2411)
~holiday wishes in the sky (MVMCP fireworks) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33008040&postcount=2452)
~celebrating the season with mickey and the gang! (celebrate the season show) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33378501&postcount=2541)
~once upon a christmastime in the VIP section :cool2: (mickey's once upon a christmastime parade) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33485393&postcount=2569)
~now it's time to say goodbye...:sad1: (leaving disney world) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34270702&postcount=2839)

LINK TO MY PRE-TR FOR DECEMBER 2010: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2327634


non-TR stuff
~my christmas mini TR! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29338387&postcount=108)
~2008 in pictures (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29419414&postcount=199)
~really neat disneyland documentary from 1956 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29455519&postcount=249)
~exciting news....NYC here i come! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29738008&postcount=466)
~weekend in the ATL (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29875936&postcount=616)
~ultrasound pics of my niece! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30037498&postcount=748)
~a night with the killers (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30053724&postcount=753)
~our girls' skating adventure (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30432988&postcount=971)
~we got snow!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30576411&postcount=1055)
~snow, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30688642&postcount=1147)
~luke's new haircut & cabin pics for our romantic getaway! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31024171&postcount=1347)
~margot rain.....born april 14, 2009. she's beautiful! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31344869&postcount=1571)
~our anniversary trip to the mountains.....with goats! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31424213&postcount=1629)
~IT'S SPRING!!!!!:flower3: (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31589642&postcount=1747)
~new pictures of miss margot! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31916568&postcount=1915)
~if you'd like to read about my adventures in new york city, click here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2189155
~new car!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32164282&postcount=2040)
~R.I.P. LUCY :sad1: (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32273614&postcount=2137)
~HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32320225&postcount=2168)
~INVASION OF THE BABIES!!!!! (father's day weekend in nashville) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32391319&postcount=2208)
~summer pics & Happy 4th of July! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32669588&postcount=2355)
~pics of miss margot laughing :laughing: (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32754320&postcount=2372)
~various pics and a trip to AMERICAN GIRL (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33080461&postcount=2479)
~incubus & tonga toast! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33231861&postcount=2513)
~trip to TN to visit cows, toddlers, memom and margot! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33606195&postcount=2612)
~having fun in the middle of a mountain and SEE 7 STATES (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33741503&postcount=2638)
~Disney's A Christmas Carol Train Tour (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33882361&postcount=2669)
~savannah & tybee island mini-trip - day 1, part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33905627&postcount=2680)
~savannah & tybee island mini-trip - day 1, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33958898&postcount=2695)
~savannah & tybee island mini-trip - day 2, part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34011905&postcount=2711)
~a detour from the detour - some friends head to disney world! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34050144&postcount=2736)
~savannah & tybee island mini-trip - day 2, part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34068943&postcount=2746)
~savannah & tybee island mini-trip - day 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34150394&postcount=2767)
~disney on ice: celebrations! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34156107&postcount=2776)
~HAPPY HALLOWEEN! and fall foliage pics, too (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34211705&postcount=2802)
~more disney fun with people you don't know! (including breakfast at CRT) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34248546&postcount=2827)



a quick intro to our cast.....

there's me. i'm dawn. i'm the planner, guide, timekeeper, disney dork extraordinaire. you probably already know me if you're reading this.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC08702.jpg

then there's ray. that's hubby to me. you probably already know ray if you know me. if not, he's a wonderful husband who caters to my disney obsession without too much complaining, although i've promised him we're taking a disney break in 2009 (that happens when you go 5 times in 2 years!).

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December122008DisneyDay2HollywoodSt.jpg

this trip we had some company in the form of one of my bestest friends, anna.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC08731.jpg

her husband, chris......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC09494.jpg

and their 4yo DS, luke......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1252.jpg

if you read my pre-TR, you already know all this. if you haven't, then go here to get more of the lowdown on our gang: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1981033

[punkin413]

AND WE'RE OFF!!!!!! :dance3:

well, the day had finally come: december 10th - the day we leave for disney world!!!! as you can see, luke was very excited about his countdown being finished!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1001.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1002.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1004.jpg

we left after we all got off work (minus anna who had taken the entire day off to get ready). i think we left our houses around 4:15. we took separate cars but generally stayed together the whole way down except for straying here or there to get gas, etc. the rain from atlanta through valdosta was HORRIBLE!!!! it took us way longer than normal because of the weather. and the semi trucks were scaring me to death! when the weather finally cleared up and we had been driving in clear skies for about 20 minutes, i looked at ray and said, "how relaxing it is to drive without having a death grip on the steering wheel!" :rolleyes:

we saw this at exactly 9:29 p.m.!!! :yay:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07984.jpg

we stopped for gas about 45 minutes later and luke was out.......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07986.jpg

it was smooth sailing through florida, although my directions this time were very odd - taking us on some highway and it wasn't 429 like we usually take. anyway, we arrived at our condo around 12:30. it was BEAUTIFUL! i'm so glad we got a decent place to stay at. this was the first time we'd staying off property (to save money) and i have to say it was really nice for the money ($109/night).

the living room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07990.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07991.jpg

dining area......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07992.jpg

kitchen.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07993.jpg

luke's room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07994.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07997.jpg

he was very excited about sleeping the top bunk bed!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07998.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1005.jpg

chris and anna's room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07995.jpg

our room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07996.jpg

oh, and we had a christmas tree!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1016.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1019.jpg

the only complaint i had was that the cable didn't work but who cares when you're in disney world? nobody really has time to watch TV anyway! we got local stations and some random other stuff. ray was missing his ESPN!

we unpacked and i was ready to hit the hay by around 1:30. this is the last thing i saw before i went to bed....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1020.jpg

anna said they stayed up really late playing on the internet. BOYS! :confused3

up next.....our first park....EPCOT!!!!

[IluvXU]

I cannot believe I am first... just a lucky moment to DIS!
Cannot wait to see what this trip entails. I am sad you are taking an 09 break... I need to live through your trips Dawn, but starting a family is the best reason. BTW... did you get any Jim Shore collectables... I want the ornament set for Christmas, but I think I am not getting that, but getting another piece!

[MeMom]

That looks like a very nice place! Looks like Luke could have had lots of buddies over to spend the night with him with all those beds.

I'm interested to hear what you thought of staying off-site overall - the pros and cons. I'm thinking if we ever do a full two weeks sometime, we will try one of the house rentals, because moneywise it makes sense. It would be cheaper than staying on property, and we'd have plenty of time to do the driving back and forth that we'd need to do. It's just a thought, of course - both the staying off property and the staying two whole weeks.

Trent would have been dying away without ESPN.

You should be completely immersed in the Christmas spirit now, huh? Jill will be here tomorrow night, so we'll be doing our Christmas stuff this weekend. Then it's pretty much two weeks of just chilling out and being happy to not be at school!

[MeMom]

I cannot believe I am first... just a lucky moment to DIS!
Cannot wait to see what this trip entails. I am sad you are taking an 09 break... I need to live through your trips Dawn, but starting a family is the best reason. BTW... did you get any Jim Shore collectables... I want the ornament set for Christmas, but I think I am not getting that, but getting another piece!

You may be first, but there's a chance I'm going to be second and third! :)

You do get a prize. It's a year's worth of Mickey heads in assorted colors. You know Dawn and her countdown calendars. Since she's taking a break, you should have the honor of taking them in her place.

I looked at the Jim Shore stuff over and over, but I never did figure out what piece I wanted to start with. I ended up leaving with NONE of them.

[CanadianWDWfan]

I'm here, I made first page! I beat Vandyfan...:rotfl:

[troobabiee7]

Yay, I'm so glad you started! I've been studying all day for my music final tomorrow so it was a nice little distraction. Were you on I95 driving down? It gets crazy on I95 whenever it rains on our drive down to Orlando - the trucks FLY by and send water shooting everywhere, and then they weave in and out of the different lanes. It's SCARY! I'm glad you guys made it down despite the rain, and the house looks really pretty! I love how they had a Christmas tree set up. I've never been down to Orlando in December; we always go in the summer so Disney always means the summer and heat to me, but having that tree there would definitely help gets things in the Christmas spirit. I'm interested to see how you liked staying offsite. We rent a house/condo every year and LOVE having the extra bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and just general extra space. Can't wait for more!

[Spartangirl]

Yay! You started!!! The condo looks amazing.......that's cool that you had a Christmas tree too! Can't wait to hear more!:goodvibes

[CanadianWDWfan]

Your place looks great, very decorative and tropical. I love all the details. I like it alot. :thumbsup2

You got a tree!

Luke looked so happy. :yay: Hope he was able to get back to sleep after his nap in the car.

Silly boys there are other things in life than ESPN...:rotfl2: I'm sure they could say the same about us and Disney. :rotfl2:

I hope it isn't Luke who gets the nosebleed, I know I have to wait and see.:hug:

[Hedy]

popcorn:: popcorn::

[eemmie1]

I am also interested on your opinion of off site verses on site. I have only stayed on site and I must say that after looking at the condo you had might reconsider. You can really save a bundle especially when you go with another couple.

[LMO429]

Hi Dawn! You must go back to Disney in 2009 I love your trip reports! ;)

[hlrababy]

Hey Dawn!!!!!

I'mmmmmm heeerrrrreeeeeee!!!:lmao:

I am so ready to hear all about it!!

[Sarilas]

How cool that they decorated for Christmas for you!

[jwwi]

The condo looks so nice, and very well decorated for the holidays. What an amazing price too. Can't wait to hear all about your trip. :surfweb:

BTW love the mickey head print

[tinkgurl]

Yay! You've started! :woohoo:

Love the intro pics of everyone (even though I already know who everyone is :laughing:)

The place looks nice and so cute that you had a x-mas tree!

Started my TR! How do you put the title in your sig so then when people click on it, it brings them to your TR?

[starlight_003]

I am glad you started!!! Just love your trp's. The condo looks very nice. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

[shannon47142]

the condo pictures looked great! I'm looking forward to another awesome report:goodvibes

[Ally192]

I'm so glad to see you've started your TR!!
Looking forward to reading more! :yay:

[kschafer]

I'm here :woohoo:

Glad they had the christmas tree up you were hoping for. Can't wait for more

[Cat0727]

The condo is gorgeous! I can't believe they had up a tree! Looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip! :goodvibes

[AussieAngel]

Wahooooooooooo!!! :yay:

Fun start to your trip report! The condo looks fabulous!

You look so warm and cosy in that first photo, wearing jeans and your grey hoodie!! :thumbsup2

[timandlesley]

Welcome Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am loving this first update, your travel day went well, what a great condo, can't believe they even had a Christmas tree. The pics so far (as always) are great, can't wait to read about all the highs and lows.popcorn::
Lesley

[rentayenta]

I didn't know you went again! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read all about it! The condo looks great. :goodvibes

[disneymom1980]

I'm jumping on too................I can't wait to see more!

[punkin413]

thanks to everyone for joining in the fun!

for everyone who asked about staying off site, i'll go ahead and answer here. the pros are obviously the cost, what you get for the money, the fact that you have a full kitchen, more room and a lot more privacy. this guy also had all kinds of baby stuff for his renters to use (2 strollers, a highchair, a pack and play, etc.). the biggest con is that you have to drive to disney world, no internal transportation. i'm not a big fan of the buses at disney anyway. but our condo was about 5 miles away from the entrance to disney. that doesn't seem far but when those 5 miles are on highway 192 there's a lot of traffic and a lot of red lights. so it takes about 20 minutes to and from most of the parks. so it's REALLY hard to take a break in the middle of the day, especially when you have limited time like we did this trip. another con is that it's lacking that disney "magic." don't get me wrong - i loved this place! but one reason i really love disney world is the customer service. obviously you don't get that here. but it's not like we had BAD customer service - the owners were wonderful. it's just that you don't get ANY customer service while you're there. it was nice not to have to wait in a line for breakfast or to check in though!

and of course there's the other obvious cons: no DDP, no EMH. but those really didn't matter to us this trip because i had the DDE card (which expires in may :sad1: ) and i've learned to avoid EMH parks like the plague unless i'm just there for EMH only.

ray and i talked on the way home about if we'd do the condo thing again. i think for longer stays it really makes sense because it saves TONS of money and you have more time to take breaks instead of staying at the parks from open to close like we did this trip. for shorter stays (i'd say 7 days or less) we're gonna stay on site again. it's just easier to get around and kind of take breaks and not feel so obligated to stay in the parks ALL DAY.

please feel free to ask any questions about anything i didn't address!


I cannot believe I am first... just a lucky moment to DIS!
Cannot wait to see what this trip entails. I am sad you are taking an 09 break... I need to live through your trips Dawn, but starting a family is the best reason. BTW... did you get any Jim Shore collectables... I want the ornament set for Christmas, but I think I am not getting that, but getting another piece!

i need to live through my trips too! :lmao: yes, i got a jim shore piece but you'll have to wait to see what it is. ;)

That looks like a very nice place! Looks like Luke could have had lots of buddies over to spend the night with him with all those beds.

I'm interested to hear what you thought of staying off-site overall - the pros and cons. I'm thinking if we ever do a full two weeks sometime, we will try one of the house rentals, because moneywise it makes sense. It would be cheaper than staying on property, and we'd have plenty of time to do the driving back and forth that we'd need to do. It's just a thought, of course - both the staying off property and the staying two whole weeks.

Trent would have been dying away without ESPN.

You should be completely immersed in the Christmas spirit now, huh? Jill will be here tomorrow night, so we'll be doing our Christmas stuff this weekend. Then it's pretty much two weeks of just chilling out and being happy to not be at school!

erica offered to keep him company in one of those beds!

see above about the pros and cons of staying off site.

i could've called the owner about the cable problem because he did advertise that they had cable and he's a really nice guy - i'm sure he would have made an effort to fix the problem. but honestly we didn't have a lot of time to watch TV - 4 days isn't a lot in disney time! we were so busy that it really wasn't worth the phone call.

is today your last day of school this year? if so, hope it's a good one! and yes, we are definitely in the christmas spirit! i leave for nashville next tuesday, although ray has to stay home. :sad2: he couldn't get enough time off work because he had to take a day off when my computer crashed to help me fix it. it's the first time we won't be together at christmas since we've been married. i'm bummed but i'm coming home on saturday and i think we're gonna go out on a date that night to make up for it.

You do get a prize. It's a year's worth of Mickey heads in assorted colors. You know Dawn and her countdown calendars. Since she's taking a break, you should have the honor of taking them in her place.

i'm officially hanging up my countdown calendar-maker hat, at least for a little while anyway. but i will be happy to help anyone else make one!

I'm here, I made first page! I beat Vandyfan...:rotfl:

:laughing: yeah, where are you, erica????

Yay, I'm so glad you started! I've been studying all day for my music final tomorrow so it was a nice little distraction. Were you on I95 driving down? It gets crazy on I95 whenever it rains on our drive down to Orlando - the trucks FLY by and send water shooting everywhere, and then they weave in and out of the different lanes. It's SCARY! I'm glad you guys made it down despite the rain, and the house looks really pretty! I love how they had a Christmas tree set up. I've never been down to Orlando in December; we always go in the summer so Disney always means the summer and heat to me, but having that tree there would definitely help gets things in the Christmas spirit. I'm interested to see how you liked staying offsite. We rent a house/condo every year and LOVE having the extra bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and just general extra space. Can't wait for more!

glad i could give you a break from studying! no, we don't take I-95. that goes down the east coast. we're in central georgia so we take I-75 through the middle (down through macon and valdosta). but I-95 sounds the same with the truckers splashing water all over you and weaving in and out of lanes. it's very scary!

Yay! You started!!! The condo looks amazing.......that's cool that you had a Christmas tree too! Can't wait to hear more!:goodvibes

thanks! yeah, it was nice. i was happy!

Your place looks great, very decorative and tropical. I love all the details. I like it alot. :thumbsup2

You got a tree!

Luke looked so happy. :yay: Hope he was able to get back to sleep after his nap in the car.

Silly boys there are other things in life than ESPN...:rotfl2: I'm sure they could say the same about us and Disney. :rotfl2:

I hope it isn't Luke who gets the nosebleed, I know I have to wait and see.:hug:

luke went to sleep pretty easily every night we were there. he was exhausted by the end of the day....as we all were! you will have to wait and see about the busted nose!

popcorn:: popcorn::

hi! glad you're here!

I am also interested on your opinion of off site verses on site. I have only stayed on site and I must say that after looking at the condo you had might reconsider. You can really save a bundle especially when you go with another couple.

see above about on site versus off site. ;)

Hi Dawn! You must go back to Disney in 2009 I love your trip reports! ;)

i'd love to go back but i must get some other priorities straight first! no worries - ray's already said he'll go back in 2010.

Hey Dawn!!!!!

I'mmmmmm heeerrrrreeeeeee!!!:lmao:

I am so ready to hear all about it!!

glad you're here, heather! :)

How cool that they decorated for Christmas for you!

i thought so too! :laughing:

The condo looks so nice, and very well decorated for the holidays. What an amazing price too. Can't wait to hear all about your trip. :surfweb:

BTW love the mickey head print

we thought so too! and the mickey head print was a nice touch. :thumbsup2

[punkin413]

Yay! You've started! :woohoo:

Love the intro pics of everyone (even though I already know who everyone is :laughing:)

The place looks nice and so cute that you had a x-mas tree!

Started my TR! How do you put the title in your sig so then when people click on it, it brings them to your TR?

thanks for joining in! i will PM you with how to put the title in your TR, then i'll go sub to yours!

I am glad you started!!! Just love your trp's. The condo looks very nice. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

thanks! :goodvibes

the condo pictures looked great! I'm looking forward to another awesome report:goodvibes

thanks so much!

I'm so glad to see you've started your TR!!
Looking forward to reading more! :yay:

thanks for coming along!

I'm here :woohoo:

Glad they had the christmas tree up you were hoping for. Can't wait for more

we were happy to see the tree! thanks for joining in.

The condo is gorgeous! I can't believe they had up a tree! Looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip! :goodvibes

thanks! we loved the condo and the tree was such a nice touch.

Wahooooooooooo!!! :yay:

Fun start to your trip report! The condo looks fabulous!

You look so warm and cosy in that first photo, wearing jeans and your grey hoodie!! :thumbsup2

thanks! yeah, that was probably our coldest day. we froze that day!

Welcome Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am loving this first update, your travel day went well, what a great condo, can't believe they even had a Christmas tree. The pics so far (as always) are great, can't wait to read about all the highs and lows.popcorn::
Lesley

thanks so much! the condo was great but i'm hoping to stay at WL one day for christmas.

I didn't know you went again! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read all about it! The condo looks great. :goodvibes

this will be the last trip for awhile! ray and i are wanting to get everything in place to start a family and that means no expensive disney trips for at least a year.:sad1:

I'm jumping on too................I can't wait to see more!

thanks for joining us!

[xoktenox]

Yay I'm so glad you started!

First off your condo looks sooo gorgeous! If you have to stay offsite that looks like it would definitely be the place to stay. I bet Luke was so excited to have all those beds to himself :laughing: It was so nice that you have an xmas tree too!

Those pictures you put in your introduction of the people on the trip are too funny. I was laughing out loud at the one of Ray, Chris and Luke, they're so funny!:lmao: And by the looks of the picture of you, it was a bit chilly there?

Looking forward to readin more:goodvibes

[troobabiee7]

[COLOR="Red"][SIZE="5"]glad i could give you a break from studying! no, we don't take I-95. that goes down the east coast. we're in central georgia so we take I-75 through the middle (down through macon and valdosta). but I-95 sounds the same with the truckers splashing water all over you and weaving in and out of lanes. it's very scary!

Oohhh, I wasnt sure what part of Georgia you're in but you come from the opposite direction. I'm sure it's like that on all highways! :laughing: I loved reading your pro and cons for the house, we always have the same ones. In 2005 and 2007 we stayed 5-minutes from Disney and it was great, but in 2006 we were a good 20-minutes away and it got frustrating driving all the way down 192. It was worth it, though, to pay $2000 for an entire house for a month! You can't beat that :woohoo: :woohoo: We also like to sleep late and go to the stores and flea markets along 192 in the morning, and then head to the parks in the afternoon and stay until closing. It's a completely different way of touring the parks but it works for longer trips. That's not to say that I wouldn't love to stay onsite ;) I'm glad you guys had fun regardless!

Are you taking a break from traveling altogether next year, or do you have some non-Disney trips in the works?

[Charleston Princess]

I finally had a chance to make it over here. The condo looks even better in your photos than the ones you posted on the PTR. So much room, and I love that it was all decorated for the Christmas holidays.

Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

[meloneyb21]

popcorn:: subscribing!

Awesome condo for the price.

[FauntleroyFAN07]

found you guys, the condo looks great, that would be nice to stay there for longer trips, but if you end up getting your camper, then you can stay at fort wilderness for alot longer and it is cheaper, i think the off season rate is like 40 something anight, then if you get a AAA discount take 20 percent off that..

[KatGarcia]

I'm all caught up! The condo looks great! I def think all of us who go a lot consider the off site stuff at least once. I think you did really great finding this one!

I tell Dh the same thing about 2009- that we can take a disney break....let's how how we actually do with that one, right?!

[tinkgurl]

Thanks for the help with my sig! :hug:

[VandyFan10]

Good grief I'm 3 day's behind!

Sub'd popcorn::

Ready to go back and read :yay:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07997.jpg

Hey I think we all need one of these :lmao:

he was very excited about sleeping the top bunk bed!

And did he sleep there??? I hope he didn't fall off!! :laughing: And yes I would have been HAPPY to take another one of those THREE empty bunks!!!

I'm here, I made first page! I beat Vandyfan...:rotfl:

Beat me by a mile!! Goodness I'm behind! I could have sworn I looked on line last night before I went to bed to see if she had started :headache:

:laughing: yeah, where are you, erica????

I'm here....just fashionably late.....wondering where my 'welcome to the new TR' e-mail is :rotfl:

[punkin413]

i had to share this with you guys. anna gave me her christmas card yesterday and i LOVE it! 2 of these shots were taken on this trip so i had to post it here. the one on the left was taken a couple months ago - just them being silly. the one in the middle is luke watching the jingle jungle parade. and the one on the right is in front of the christmas tree at WL.

(i blotted our their last name as to prevent any stalker-ish behavior from non-friendly dissers! :laughing: )

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/File0049.jpg

Yay I'm so glad you started!

First off your condo looks sooo gorgeous! If you have to stay offsite that looks like it would definitely be the place to stay. I bet Luke was so excited to have all those beds to himself :laughing: It was so nice that you have an xmas tree too!

Those pictures you put in your introduction of the people on the trip are too funny. I was laughing out loud at the one of Ray, Chris and Luke, they're so funny!:lmao: And by the looks of the picture of you, it was a bit chilly there?

Looking forward to readin more:goodvibes

yes, it was a bit chilly that day. we couldn't believe it - it was like 40 degrees! thanks for reading!!!

Oohhh, I wasnt sure what part of Georgia you're in but you come from the opposite direction. I'm sure it's like that on all highways! :laughing: I loved reading your pro and cons for the house, we always have the same ones. In 2005 and 2007 we stayed 5-minutes from Disney and it was great, but in 2006 we were a good 20-minutes away and it got frustrating driving all the way down 192. It was worth it, though, to pay $2000 for an entire house for a month! You can't beat that :woohoo: :woohoo: We also like to sleep late and go to the stores and flea markets along 192 in the morning, and then head to the parks in the afternoon and stay until closing. It's a completely different way of touring the parks but it works for longer trips. That's not to say that I wouldn't love to stay onsite ;) I'm glad you guys had fun regardless!

Are you taking a break from traveling altogether next year, or do you have some non-Disney trips in the works?

we're not early risers, either. well, at least ray's not. i usually wake up around 7:30, 8:00 without an alarm. he'll sleep until 11:00 if i let him!

ray is taking a break from traveling, at least anywhere far. we might go camping or something here and there. i'm going with anna to visit my sister in connecticut in may. we're gonna go to NYC while we're there. i'm excited because i've never been there!

I finally had a chance to make it over here. The condo looks even better in your photos than the ones you posted on the PTR. So much room, and I love that it was all decorated for the Christmas holidays.

Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

thanks for coming over! yeah, the condo was great. i'd definitely recommend it!

popcorn:: subscribing!

Awesome condo for the price.

thanks for reading!

found you guys, the condo looks great, that would be nice to stay there for longer trips, but if you end up getting your camper, then you can stay at fort wilderness for alot longer and it is cheaper, i think the off season rate is like 40 something anight, then if you get a AAA discount take 20 percent off that..

oh, definitely! i've already been reading up on fort wildnerness. we could even bring the doggies!!!

I'm all caught up! The condo looks great! I def think all of us who go a lot consider the off site stuff at least once. I think you did really great finding this one!

I tell Dh the same thing about 2009- that we can take a disney break....let's how how we actually do with that one, right?!

it was nice to stay off site, better than i thought it would be! i still love staying at disney world though. there's just something different about it - i can't explain it! let me know if you get your DH to change his mind.....then tell me how you did it! :lmao:

Thanks for the help with my sig! :hug:

you're welcome! :goodvibes

Good grief I'm 3 day's behind!

there you are!

And did he sleep there??? I hope he didn't fall off!! :laughing: And yes I would have been HAPPY to take another one of those THREE empty bunks!!!

yes, he slept there the first night but then i think he slept in the bottom bunk the rest of the time. and no falling off that i know of!

I'm here....just fashionably late.....wondering where my 'welcome to the new TR' e-mail is :rotfl:

i sent you an e-mail yesterday that had something about me starting my new TR at the end of it. or at least i think i did. who knows???? are you enjoying your drink???

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh! Their x-mas card is adorable!

[rentayenta]

Dawn, having a baby trumps Disney any day. :goodvibes

[MeMom]

Dawn, having a baby trumps Disney any day. :goodvibes


As cool as Disney is, she is right - a baby is better!

Luke's picture in the middle is very sweet.

[winkers]

checking in...........


I LOVE the picture of you on the speed racer thing!:thumbsup2

[MA pigletfan]

YAY!!!! I am IN!!!
I love Anna's family xmas card..adorable!!!!!!!
Can't wait to hear about your trip...oh and that condo looks great!!:thumbsup2

[CanadianWDWfan]

I have to agree with MeMom a baby is definitely better than Disney! ;)

The christmas card is so cute and it really captures thier spirit. A great holiday memory for them. :santa:

I wanted to know if there was a pool at your rental property? :fish:

[nateryan]

I'm here! Can't wait to hear about another one of your trips.

Love their Christmas card. I used the same one with 3 pics of my boys this year (all 3 pics were taken in Florida.) :thumbsup2

[Leleluvsdis]

I'm in... so I just recently started looking at the PTR and TR boards, but I am DEF HOOKED!!!

[IggyLans]

I love reading your trip reports... Actually I wasn't going to say anything, it feels a little stalker-ish....but we saw you guys at Epcot at TeppanEdo on Thursday, Dec 11, we were waiting to be seated, and you guys were leaving the restaurant, and then on Friday the 12th, at DHS by the Toy Story Mania ride. It was actually kind of neat to recognize someone from the DIS.... Great start to your TR!

[the_princess]

I'm in... can't wait to see more christmas pics... :)

[punkin413]

Oh my gosh! Their x-mas card is adorable!

yeah, i thought so to!

Dawn, having a baby trumps Disney any day. :goodvibes

i know, i know. and i'm REALLY excited about it. i will miss disney though. but i know i'll be back relatively soon. ray wants to go back in december of 2010. so maybe we'll be taking a baby with us then!

As cool as Disney is, she is right - a baby is better!

Luke's picture in the middle is very sweet.

i know. and i can't wait to take that baby to disney world! :laughing:

i love that picture of luke - it shows him in a rare quiet moment. ;)

checking in...........


I LOVE the picture of you on the speed racer thing!:thumbsup2

thanks! i like that one too. i realized this trip that i'd never gotten a picture of myself on it. it was cold that night, especially speeding through the woods on that thing! :rotfl2:

YAY!!!! I am IN!!!
I love Anna's family xmas card..adorable!!!!!!!
Can't wait to hear about your trip...oh and that condo looks great!!:thumbsup2

yay....gina's here! :banana:

I have to agree with MeMom a baby is definitely better than Disney! ;)

The christmas card is so cute and it really captures thier spirit. A great holiday memory for them. :santa:

I wanted to know if there was a pool at your rental property? :fish:

i know and i'm excited about the possibility of starting a family. i just know i will miss disney, but it will be worth it!

and i love their christmas card too!

yes, there was a pool and a hot tub adjacent to the property, but it was shared with other condos in the area. i didn't see it very close but it looked nice from a distance.

I'm here! Can't wait to hear about another one of your trips.

Love their Christmas card. I used the same one with 3 pics of my boys this year (all 3 pics were taken in Florida.) :thumbsup2

thanks for joining in!

cool that you have the same card - great minds think alike! ;)

I'm in... so I just recently started looking at the PTR and TR boards, but I am DEF HOOKED!!!

thanks for reading! glad to have you.

I love reading your trip reports... Actually I wasn't going to say anything, it feels a little stalker-ish....but we saw you guys at Epcot at TeppanEdo on Thursday, Dec 11, we were waiting to be seated, and you guys were leaving the restaurant, and then on Friday the 12th, at DHS by the Toy Story Mania ride. It was actually kind of neat to recognize someone from the DIS.... Great start to your TR!

oh, how cool! i wish you would've said something. i love meeting DISers! hope you enjoyed your dinner at teppan edo - we did! when did you see me outside of TSM? i hope it wasn't while we were getting fastpasses because i wasn't happy at that point! :laughing: i know we walked by there several times though. we didn't actually ride the thing until like 7:45 that night!

[punkin413]

I'm in... can't wait to see more christmas pics... :)

thanks for reading! :goodvibes

[tinkgurl]

Dawn..just thought you'd like to know that I mentioned you in my TR already! :laughing:

[punkin413]

Dawn..just thought you'd like to know that I mentioned you in my TR already! :laughing:

i saw your update where you mentioned me and disney clothes. i just haven't had time to respond yet. thanks - i feel so special! :rotfl: and of course i love all your disney stuff too!!!

[tinkgurl]

i saw your update where you mentioned me and disney clothes. i just haven't had time to respond yet. thanks - i feel so special! :rotfl: and of course i love all your disney stuff too!!!

Haha, you're welcome! I just wanted to make sure you saw it so you'd feel recognized! :cutie:

[punkin413]

so i just thought i'd start our first park day before i leave for nashville for christmas. i'm leaving tuesday after work and i knew tomorrow i wouldn't have time because i'll be busy packing and getting everything jammed into my car.

by the way, between anna and i we took over 2,000 pictures in 4 days....so get ready! :eek:

oh, and one more thing before i get started...i left my camera battery charger plugged into the outlet in the bathroom at the condo and the owner is so nice - he overnighted it to me and i'll get it tomorrow - in time for christmas! such a nice guy!!! :thumbsup2

-----------------------------------------------
so when i left you we had hit the hay, very tired from our long and turbulent drive down to orlando. we didn't set any alarms for this day because i know i didn't get to bed until like 2:00 a.m. and ray and chris were up even later. i think i woke up around 9:00 and then woke ray up about 30 minutes later. we ate breakfast, showered and got ready to hit epcot! i checked the weather on the internet before we headed out and it said scattered thunderstorms until around 1:00....no biggie.

getting ready to hit epcot!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1021.jpg

little did we know that the forecaster who typed in "scattered" on that forecast was an idiot! :rolleyes:

we got there around 11:15 and we parked at the boardwalk because we wanted to see their christmas decorations first. when we got there it was drizzling but nothing horrible.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08002.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1022.jpg

going into our first disney resort!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1023.jpg

i LOVED the christmas decorations here! they're so bright and colorful, with lots of red and blue.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1025.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1029.jpg

notice the guy snoozing in the chair! :rotfl:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1030.jpg

here's the gazebo with donald and daisy. so cool!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1026.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08004.jpg

i love all the little details......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08007.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08012.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08006.jpg

the ingredients for the gazebo.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08005.jpg

the poinsettas outside were so pretty but we couldn't get good pictures because it was raining.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08013.jpg

we had thought about eating lunch out on the boardwalk. there were a few choices out there: spoodles pizza window, the boardwalk bakery (which has sandwiches) and the little kiosks along the boardwalk. but it was raining and so that plan was down the drain. so instead we decided to head over to the beach club, look at their decorations, then go to beaches and cream for lunch. we were gonna head there anyway to get the kitchen sink - we'd just eat lunch there too and then have ice cream afterwards (everyone sharing a lunch, of course, to save room for all the ice cream!)

when we looked outside, it didn't look too bad, so we decided to forego the ponchos and just use our hoodies. ray and i walked under the awnings for as long as we could........

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1033.jpg

luke didn't seem to mind the rain.........

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1035.jpg

neither did this guy. and no, i didn't take this picture. i try not to look at the birds.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1034.jpg

continued in next post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29267423&postcount=53

[punkin413]

still so pretty, even in the rain!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1036.jpg

look at all the birds!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1041.jpg

as we walked the rain got heavier and HEAVIER....AND HEAVIER!!!!!! it was POURING by the time we got to the beach club.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1043.jpg

thank goodness they had towels at the entrance to the beach club because we were SOAKED when we got there!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1044.jpg

the first thing we saw was the gingerbread carousel. it smelled really good in there!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08014.jpg

i took pictures of each individual horse....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08016.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08017.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08018.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08019.jpg

and this guy named claus wasn't on the carousel for some reason....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08020.jpg

the ingredients........

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08025.jpg

tink watched over the carousel again....she's everywhere!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08027.jpg

they also had a pirate ship with captain jack sparrow....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08021.jpg

and a castle with belle (snow white was on the other side)......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/DSC08024.jpg

anna felt at home at the beach club!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1049.jpg

here's one of the christmas trees. i didn't like it as much as the boardwalk - it was a little too pastel-y for me. but still very pretty!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1050.jpg

ray insisted on getting us those disney parks ponchos. i hated spending money on those, but he wanted them. after he got those in the gift shop, we headed towards beaches and cream. we were all hungry! we got there and the hostess said it would be 45 minutes to an hour for a table. :headache: we were all really hungry and wanted to eat. plus by this time it was almost noon i knew if we waited for a table, THEN ate, we'd get a really late start at epcot. so we decided to bypass beaches and cream and the kitchen sink. :sad1: i know....THE TRAGEDY!!!!!! i was really looking forward to it. but you know trips never go exactly how we plan and if we get upset at those things, we'd be miserable. so i just tell myself, "it's something you do next time." :upsidedow

so being that we were starving, i knew that the best CS at epcot in future would was sunshine seasons and we had to get fastpasses to soarin anyway, so we decided to trudge that way in the rain. anna and chris had to tie luke's poncho up at the bottom so it wouldn't drag, but he didn't mind at all - he loved it!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1052.jpg

heading out into the DOWNPOUR!!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1054.jpg

that's all for now. up next....just how wet would we be by the time we get to the land? and a day at epcot!

[VandyFan10]

still so pretty, even in the rain!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1036.jpg


It is....I love this resort too!! If I had my choice of DVC places I really don't know what I would choose. You know I love the Wilderness Lodge!! But I really like the Boardwalk too! And now they are building the new ones at the Contemporary they look REALLY nice. I would :love: to stay there with a view of the castle :cloud9:. Even as much as I like these other resorts that just keeps creeping into my mind....it would be wonderful!!

I'm so sorry it rained so hard on you guys that day! :sad2:

I also need to go back and look at my horses from last year and see if they made different ones :rotfl:

Great update! I'm so excited I'll get to see you in a few days!!!

[AussieAngel]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1030.jpg

Check out the girl behind him totally posing for your photo too!! Maybe she was playing on the DIS boards on her laptop right at that very moment...

Fun start to your trip report, even if it was a bit rainy! :yay:

[MeMom]

I keep feeling like I need to grab a towel to read this report. Rain, rain, rain! I'm sorry you had to start out like that. We had none on our Thanksgiving trip. The ponchos were ready, but unused, so they're on call for the next trip -whether that ends up being in March (keep those fingers crossed!) or in July.

The decorations are neat. We didn't make it over to either of those resorts this trip, so it's nice to get to see the ones we missed.

That's a cute picture of Luke strolling along under the umbrella.

[Charleston Princess]

All that rain! What a bummer!!! Sorry that you missed the kitchen sink, but I would have been the same way -- I hate waiting, especially when I know I need to be heading to a park.

Out of curiosity, how long a walk do you think it was from the Boardwalk to the Beach Club, and then from the Beach Club to Epcot?

I love all the Christmas decorations -- especially the gingerbread carousel -- all that detailing really is just amazing!

[hlrababy]

Awww, what a wet start!!! The boardwalk looks gorgeous!! I would really like to go and visit there sometime!
I love the ship with Capt. Jack!! They really do go all out with the gingerbread houses!!!

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurrah! You started! Can't believe you're already on page 4! :scared1: Where have I been?? Oh yeah, I was at Disney too ;) but unfortunately I didn't see you guys. I did think about you guys often, though.

Especially with the birds. Is it just me or is the bird problem out of control? They were dive-bombing people in Epcot. It was scary!

So the condo looks great. Like CP/Jackie said, even better than the pictures in your PTR. Love the Mickey Paint Chip poster! There's an art project for us DIS'ers!

Love Anna, Chris and Luke's Christmas card! Looks like Luke liked the Jungle parade!

The rain. :headache: Was that Thursday the 11th? That's the day I arrived and I think it was a monsoon. Scattered my you-know-what! Sorry you didn't get to try Beaches 'n Cream but you know you'll be back and it's always fun to have new things to try!

Gotta love Beach Club w/ the towels out for people coming in from the rain. Ahh... the deluxe life! :)

I think you're off on your holiday travels tomorrow. Have a safe trip. We'll be looking forward to hearing more about Disney and your holiday when you get back. Merry Christmas!!! :santa: :goodvibes

[kschafer]

Wow, a wet start to Disney. You hate to be disappointed because after all...it's Disney, but it is a shame. Sorry you didn't get to have your Kitchen Sink. It's a good reminder that you can't possibly do it all so relax and have fun!

Question: when you park at the boardwalk to visit, do they not enforce the time limit?

[tinkgurl]

:headache: Aw man, rain rain go away! Wow, those Christmas decorations look beautiful! I remember watching one of Samanta Brown's Disney Christmas shows and she showed the recipe for the carousel so it was cool so see a picture of it! I was waiting to see how long the wait would be to eat...I figured everyone was flocking there because of the weather! 45 minutes-an hour kinda puts a damper on plans so it was probably a good idea you skipped it! Did you guys walk all the way to Epcot or catch the ferry?

[Happy Elf]

Sorry you got rained on! What a yucky way to start your trip! The Christmas decorations are beautiful. The gingerbread decorations are so neat to see. It's amazing the things the bakery's can make!

[MiaBella05]

popcorn::

[Sarilas]

That reminds me: Buy ponchos!

Have fun in Nashville for Christmas- it's FREEZING here this morning! (9 degrees?! What up with that?!)

[disneymom1980]

I love the Christmas decorations, especially the carousel. DD #1 would have loved that. She keeps saying that next year we need to go for her birthday, which is December 13, so maybe we'll get to see the Christmas decorations. We keep warning her that it might not be next year though ;) .

So sorry to hear that you got rained on. It was the Epcot day during our trip that we kept getting rained on too. I was looking forward to pictures of the Kitchen Sink, but I definitely know what you mean about plans getting changed. I'm still waiting for the finalized list of restaurants for the dining plan in 2009 to come out to see if we're going to be able to do all the reservations that I made for our January trip.

[troobabiee7]

UGH I hate the rain! :headache: I hope it let up soon and you guys got to enjoy your day at Epcot. Sorry about missing Beaches and Cream! We went in 2005 and 2006, but we went on non-park days because of the wait. We went at an off-time in 2005 and got right in, but in 2006 we waited almost an hour :rolleyes: I don't think we'll be back anytime soon because of that - I'd rather have an ADR somewhere that you have a good chance of getting into on time!

I hope you and Ray have a very Merry Christmas and lots of fun in TN! Will you be there through the New Year or just for Christmas??

[heatherlizz602]

I've been lurking in your trip reports for a while...but I don't remember ever posting.? So I am now!!!! I was hoping to see how far you guys got with the kitchen sink!!! But like you said you can't let things like that ruin your trip. I can understand not wanting to wait that long. The Boardwalk looks absolutely beautiful...even in the rain...I hope that lets up for your day at Epcot. I can't wait!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas:santa:

[aldisneygrl]

Ok, so I am kind of late to the party, but I'm here now.

I loved that condo you stayed in. Like everyone else said, I can't believe it had a Christmas tree.

Can't believe all that rain! Y'all look great in your ponchos. ;) Great idea to tie up Luke's. :idea:

Can't wait to hear who got the bloody nose? :surfweb:

Safe travels to NashVegas! One of my high school friends was shopping with her girls yesterday and ran into Taylor Swift. Luckily, she was sweet enough to get pictures with all of them. Have a Merry Christmas! :santa:

[KatGarcia]

Ok I can vouch for how comphy the couches are at Boardwalk because KC and I are guilty of falling asleep in the lobby the day we left last January! Full on passed out on the couches!

[winkers]

Never trust the weather forcast!!!:rotfl2:

I love the pictures of the decorations in the resorts!

[xoktenox]

Booooo to the rain and the stupid forecaster! :headache: Glad to see you guys didn't let it ruin your Disney spirit though ;)

All those birds!!:scared1: How did you do it?! idk if I would have been able to. And that close up..as soon as I saw it I was thinking, "how did Dawn take that?!" or more like "WHY ON EARTH DID DAWN TAKE THAT?!" Then I read the caption and it made more sense :laughing:

Luke looked adorable in his too big for him poncho:cutie: Can't wait to hear about your Epcot day!

[Hedy]

I love the Tink!

[punkin413]

It is....I love this resort too!! If I had my choice of DVC places I really don't know what I would choose. You know I love the Wilderness Lodge!! But I really like the Boardwalk too! And now they are building the new ones at the Contemporary they look REALLY nice. I would :love: to stay there with a view of the castle :cloud9:. Even as much as I like these other resorts that just keeps creeping into my mind....it would be wonderful!!

i know - they're so hard to choose from! i've stayed at SSR and i loved it - it's very peaceful. but i think VWL would be my first choice and then probably BWV would be next. honestly just plop me down anywhere at WDW and i'm happy! :laughing:

I also need to go back and look at my horses from last year and see if they made different ones :rotfl:

i bet they're different!

Great update! I'm so excited I'll get to see you in a few days!!!

thanks! i know! :cool1:

Check out the girl behind him totally posing for your photo too!! Maybe she was playing on the DIS boards on her laptop right at that very moment...

Fun start to your trip report, even if it was a bit rainy! :yay:

i know - i think i remember her laughing that she was in the picture! i actually think anna wanted a picture in front of it but she had sort of set up camp there with her laptop so we couldn't get one.

I keep feeling like I need to grab a towel to read this report. Rain, rain, rain! I'm sorry you had to start out like that. We had none on our Thanksgiving trip. The ponchos were ready, but unused, so they're on call for the next trip -whether that ends up being in March (keep those fingers crossed!) or in July.

tell me about it! i saw scattered thunderstorms and i'm thinking....okay, occasional ponchos. no big deal. WRONG! it was a monsoon! i think we got all the rain in those few hours that we've been spared on our trips before! ray and i have had incredible luck with rain until that day!

The decorations are neat. We didn't make it over to either of those resorts this trip, so it's nice to get to see the ones we missed.

i loved the decorations at the boardwalk!

That's a cute picture of Luke strolling along under the umbrella.

he really didn't mind the rain at all. he was a good sport!

All that rain! What a bummer!!! Sorry that you missed the kitchen sink, but I would have been the same way -- I hate waiting, especially when I know I need to be heading to a park.

Out of curiosity, how long a walk do you think it was from the Boardwalk to the Beach Club, and then from the Beach Club to Epcot?

I love all the Christmas decorations -- especially the gingerbread carousel -- all that detailing really is just amazing!

we will do the kitchen sink someday! it just wasn't meant to be that day.

the picture of us walking on the boardwalk under the awning (where we had just begun walking) was taken at 11:31 and the picture of me handing out towels was taken at 11:39. so i would say about 10 minutes. but remember we were walking fairly fast because it was raining. we weren't running but we definitely didn't take our time! as far as going from the beach club to epcot, i'd say from our pictures that it took less than 10 minutes. it's literally right around the corner.

Awww, what a wet start!!! The boardwalk looks gorgeous!! I would really like to go and visit there sometime!
I love the ship with Capt. Jack!! They really do go all out with the gingerbread houses!!!

it's just a really neat place. it's especially pretty at night!

Hurrah! You started! Can't believe you're already on page 4! :scared1: Where have I been?? Oh yeah, I was at Disney too ;) but unfortunately I didn't see you guys. I did think about you guys often, though.

Especially with the birds. Is it just me or is the bird problem out of control? They were dive-bombing people in Epcot. It was scary!

So the condo looks great. Like CP/Jackie said, even better than the pictures in your PTR. Love the Mickey Paint Chip poster! There's an art project for us DIS'ers!

Love Anna, Chris and Luke's Christmas card! Looks like Luke liked the Jungle parade!

The rain. :headache: Was that Thursday the 11th? That's the day I arrived and I think it was a monsoon. Scattered my you-know-what! Sorry you didn't get to try Beaches 'n Cream but you know you'll be back and it's always fun to have new things to try!

Gotta love Beach Club w/ the towels out for people coming in from the rain. Ahh... the deluxe life! :)

I think you're off on your holiday travels tomorrow. Have a safe trip. We'll be looking forward to hearing more about Disney and your holiday when you get back. Merry Christmas!!! :santa: :goodvibes

hope you guys had fun at WDW!!!!!

the birds were horrible in canada later that day! we were trying to make it to our dinner ADR and i grabbed hold of ray's arm and just closed my eyes and walked through them. it was horrifying!!!!

yes, that was the 11th. it was awful that morning! what a way to start, huh?

Wow, a wet start to Disney. You hate to be disappointed because after all...it's Disney, but it is a shame. Sorry you didn't get to have your Kitchen Sink. It's a good reminder that you can't possibly do it all so relax and have fun!



yes, very wet! i was disappointed about the kitchen sink but we'll do it in the future i'm sure! i'm glad i don't get to do everything i want at disney - it would get boring after awhile! :laughing:

[Spartangirl]

Oooohhhhh....I LOVE the decorations at Christmastime! Isn't the carousel cool? Sorry you had such a wet start...I do hope it gets better. You know, it sucks having rain on vacation, but at least you were in DW!!! :banana:

[punkin413]

:headache: Aw man, rain rain go away! Wow, those Christmas decorations look beautiful! I remember watching one of Samanta Brown's Disney Christmas shows and she showed the recipe for the carousel so it was cool so see a picture of it! I was waiting to see how long the wait would be to eat...I figured everyone was flocking there because of the weather! 45 minutes-an hour kinda puts a damper on plans so it was probably a good idea you skipped it! Did you guys walk all the way to Epcot or catch the ferry?

i think i blame those samantha brown disney christmas specials for the crowds we saw....the secret's out! :rotfl: we walked to epcot but it only took less than 10 minutes - not bad at all!

Sorry you got rained on! What a yucky way to start your trip! The Christmas decorations are beautiful. The gingerbread decorations are so neat to see. It's amazing the things the bakery's can make!

they were really cool and they smelled SO GOOD!

popcorn::

:wave2:

That reminds me: Buy ponchos!

Have fun in Nashville for Christmas- it's FREEZING here this morning! (9 degrees?! What up with that?!)

definitely buy ponchos! they are a life saver.

i cannot handle 9 degrees! that's just insane.

I love the Christmas decorations, especially the carousel. DD #1 would have loved that. She keeps saying that next year we need to go for her birthday, which is December 13, so maybe we'll get to see the Christmas decorations. We keep warning her that it might not be next year though ;) .

So sorry to hear that you got rained on. It was the Epcot day during our trip that we kept getting rained on too. I was looking forward to pictures of the Kitchen Sink, but I definitely know what you mean about plans getting changed. I'm still waiting for the finalized list of restaurants for the dining plan in 2009 to come out to see if we're going to be able to do all the reservations that I made for our January trip.

i hope you guys get to go - you'd love it! i've heard about the DDP restaurants not being finalized yet - that's so annoying!

UGH I hate the rain! :headache: I hope it let up soon and you guys got to enjoy your day at Epcot. Sorry about missing Beaches and Cream! We went in 2005 and 2006, but we went on non-park days because of the wait. We went at an off-time in 2005 and got right in, but in 2006 we waited almost an hour :rolleyes: I don't think we'll be back anytime soon because of that - I'd rather have an ADR somewhere that you have a good chance of getting into on time!

I hope you and Ray have a very Merry Christmas and lots of fun in TN! Will you be there through the New Year or just for Christmas??

i'm sure we'll make it to beaches and cream some day! i don't like that they don't take ADRs. i like having a plan!

i'm just going to nashville for christmas and coming home on saturday.

I've been lurking in your trip reports for a while...but I don't remember ever posting.? So I am now!!!! I was hoping to see how far you guys got with the kitchen sink!!! But like you said you can't let things like that ruin your trip. I can understand not wanting to wait that long. The Boardwalk looks absolutely beautiful...even in the rain...I hope that lets up for your day at Epcot. I can't wait!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas:santa:

glad you came out of lurkdom! thanks so much for reading! :goodvibes

Ok, so I am kind of late to the party, but I'm here now.

I loved that condo you stayed in. Like everyone else said, I can't believe it had a Christmas tree.

Can't believe all that rain! Y'all look great in your ponchos. ;) Great idea to tie up Luke's. :idea:

Can't wait to hear who got the bloody nose? :surfweb:

Safe travels to NashVegas! One of my high school friends was shopping with her girls yesterday and ran into Taylor Swift. Luckily, she was sweet enough to get pictures with all of them. Have a Merry Christmas! :santa:

you're not late - i just started! ;) glad to see you here though. you'll have to wait to see about the bloody nose. it will be much later in the report! :rolleyes1

Ok I can vouch for how comphy the couches are at Boardwalk because KC and I are guilty of falling asleep in the lobby the day we left last January! Full on passed out on the couches!

well, now i know why that guy was snoozing so soundly! :laughing:

Never trust the weather forcast!!!:rotfl2:

I love the pictures of the decorations in the resorts!

seriously! scattered to me means random or not solid ran or....SCATTERED! not monsoon-like downpours!

Booooo to the rain and the stupid forecaster! :headache: Glad to see you guys didn't let it ruin your Disney spirit though ;)

All those birds!!:scared1: How did you do it?! idk if I would have been able to. And that close up..as soon as I saw it I was thinking, "how did Dawn take that?!" or more like "WHY ON EARTH DID DAWN TAKE THAT?!" Then I read the caption and it made more sense :laughing:

Luke looked adorable in his too big for him poncho:cutie: Can't wait to hear about your Epcot day!

i didn't even notice the birds because i was trying to get inside from the rain! anna took those pics. if you see a pic with a bird know that she took it - not me! :laughing:

I love the Tink!

me too! ;)

[punkin413]

Oooohhhhh....I LOVE the decorations at Christmastime! Isn't the carousel cool? Sorry you had such a wet start...I do hope it gets better. You know, it sucks having rain on vacation, but at least you were in DW!!! :banana:

yes, it was so neat! and it smelled good too.

we looked like a bunch of wet rats by the time we got to epcot!

[IluvXU]

Dawn great pictures...but I know that you will always bring those back. Sorry about the rain I expect rain at WDW since we go summers... but you are not used to it. Have a Merry Christmas and safe travels!

[punkin413]

Dawn great pictures...but I know that you will always bring those back. Sorry about the rain I expect rain at WDW since we go summers... but you are not used to it. Have a Merry Christmas and safe travels!


awww...thanks! we have definitely been lucky with rain before. i guess we were bound to run into it sometime! you have a great christmas too!

[punkin413]

well, i have court tomorrow and then i leave for nashville for christmas! i'm staying with my mom so i may have a wireless signal. i usually can find one in her neighborhood. but just in case i don't i wanted to wish you all a......

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p255/Lace_2U/740935udvph37f1w.gif

i hope you all get to spend it with the ones you love. be safe if you're traveling and enjoy yourselves if you're staying home.

i'm a bit bummed this year because ray can't come with me to nashville. he had reserved 2 vacation days (wed. and friday) and had to use one of them back when my computer crashed in october, so he can't go. there was no way around it though - if he hadn't taken the day off my computer wouldn't have gotten fixed and i would've missed lots of work. so it had to be done. he could come but we'd have to come back thursday night and there's no way i'm doing that. this will be the first christmas we haven't been together since we've been married. :sad1: i could stay home but there's no way i can do that to my grandparents - they love getting together for the holidays and i wasn't home for thanksgiving. i'm trying not to think about it and will just enjoy the time with my family and friends. i'm coming home first thing on saturday though because i'm sure i'll be missing my boys! luckily his mom lives close by so he can go over there with them on christmas.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!! :santa:

[VandyFan10]

but just in case i don't i wanted to wish you all a......

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p255/Lace_2U/740935udvph37f1w.gif
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!! :santa:

So cute!!!

You be safe and I will see you on Friday!! :yay: I know I'm not the same as Ray but I'm glad I will be seeing you this Christmas :goodvibes

Be Careful and call me on your way! There's a possibility we might go out for drinks with another couple but I'll be happy to chat if I can. We have our office holiday lunch party tomorrow but I should be home by about 3ish.

[timandlesley]

Hi Dawn, loved the update. I have always wanted to go at christmas and already through your pictures I want to go even more. I was reading your update to my Luke and he got so excited when we were reading the ingredients in the carosel, etc. when they mentioned hidden Mickey's, we would have such fun with that. They are just amazing creations, can't wait to see them in person some day but so glad you were able to go and report back with so many awesome pics. :thumbsup2
So sorry about the rain, I hate it when it rains on Disney time, but it sure didn't stop you. Loved your pictures of Luke in the rain, my kids love the rain in Disney too, gotta love it.
Well, have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS in Nashville!!! We'll "see you" when you return:surfweb: popcorn::
Lesley

[Charleston Princess]

Merry Christmas, Dawn! Have a wonderful holiday!

[CanadianWDWfan]

:santa: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!:santa:

Have a great trip to see your family and vandyfan.


Sorry you won't be with Ray, I'm sure it must feel weird.:flower3: :hug:

Be safe on your travels. :wave2:

[Camster0307]

EEK - I can't believe I'm so late to the party! I just found your report!

The condo looks pretty - and it so nice that it was decorated for xmas. I totally agree with your thoughts on staying on or off property. Plus, if you've stayed on property before, it's REALLY hard to stay off. You get so spoiled!

Aaaah - The Boardwalk! My happy place!:cloud9:

Smart investment in those Disney ponchos -- you will never have to buy another poncho again! I still have the bright yellow ones from years ago!:laughing: And, yes I still bring them back and forth on every trip; but if one rips, Disney replaces them for free! (and personally, I think they keep you drier than the cheaper ones from WalMart!)

[Camster0307]

Almost forgot......................

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas2/22.gif

[Happy Elf]

Merry Christmas!!! :santa:

[AussieAngel]

Merry Christmas Dawn!!! :yay:

Hope you have a lovely, relaxing time with your Mom and family!!

By the time you get back home, I will have left for the USA for our big adventure! Woohoo!!! :woohoo:

Hopefully when I return in late January, there'll be lots more of your trip report for me to read!! :thumbsup2

[troobabiee7]

Merry Christmas Dawn! I hope you have a magical holiday, and that both you and Ray have a great time despite being apart. :goodvibes Talk to you when you get back!

[VandyFan10]

Smart investment in those Disney ponchos -- you will never have to buy another poncho again! I still have the bright yellow ones from years ago!:laughing: And, yes I still bring them back and forth on every trip; but if one rips, Disney replaces them for free! (and personally, I think they keep you drier than the cheaper ones from WalMart!)

They are better than the cheap ones. You have the yellow one with the mickey head on the back? They will replace those if they rip?? That's awesome I might get mine replaced next time! I have a piece of tape on the neck of mine where it ripped and that worked just fine too :laughing:

BTW...just wanted to let everyone know Dawn made it to Nashville. I talked to her for about the last hour of her drive. I can't wait to see her on Friday! :woohoo:

[jwwi]

Merry Christmas, loved all the pictures of the decorations at BW and BC. It is so magical at WDW at Christmas.:santa:

[rentayenta]

Love the update Dawn. The pictures are fabulous! pixiedust:

[KatGarcia]

Merry Christmas !!!

[tinkgurl]

MerryChristmas!!

[Camster0307]

They are better than the cheap ones. You have the yellow one with the mickey head on the back? They will replace those if they rip?? That's awesome I might get mine replaced next time! I have a piece of tape on the neck of mine where it ripped and that worked just fine too :laughing:


Yep - those are the ones! I have one left; we just replaced one this past trip because it had ripped around the neck also. A lovely CM in the Norwegian perfume store in Epcot gave us a new, clear one - no charge!:thumbsup2

[KristinAnne]

I finally found your TR! The decorations look awesome at the resorts. I loved the Christmas tree in your condo too! Looking forward to hearing more. Have a very Merry Christmas!

[Timon]

Fabulous start!!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read the rest :goodvibes I just love your trippies ::yes::

[winkers]

A christmas bird just for you!!

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/deb039_bucket/Christmas.jpg

[punkin413]

watching the christmas parade right now! i love it all (except the lip singing!) ;) i just LOVED the mary poppins part! the heavyset guy from the confectionery was the same guy that was in hoop dee doo when erica and i saw it in september!

merry christmas, everyone!!!!

[punkin413]

i forgot to mention above....i was really down last night about being away from ray for christmas, but then he started texting me lines from "a christmas story" (which is my favorite holiday movie, along with "christmas vacation") and had me cracking up! we always watch that movie over and over again - they play it on TBS non-stop in our area from 7:00 p.m. christmas eve to 7:00 p.m. christmas day. anyway, it really picked up my spirits. i'm a lucky girl! :love:

mundane noodle......nottafinga!!!!! :rotfl2: (in case you don't know that's a line the dad says when he's cussing out the furnace!)

Hi Dawn, loved the update. I have always wanted to go at christmas and already through your pictures I want to go even more. I was reading your update to my Luke and he got so excited when we were reading the ingredients in the carosel, etc. when they mentioned hidden Mickey's, we would have such fun with that. They are just amazing creations, can't wait to see them in person some day but so glad you were able to go and report back with so many awesome pics. :thumbsup2
So sorry about the rain, I hate it when it rains on Disney time, but it sure didn't stop you. Loved your pictures of Luke in the rain, my kids love the rain in Disney too, gotta love it.
Well, have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS in Nashville!!! We'll "see you" when you return:surfweb: popcorn::
Lesley

awwww...i'm glad you guys enjoyed it!

Merry Christmas, Dawn! Have a wonderful holiday!

you too!!!

:santa: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!:santa:

Have a great trip to see your family and vandyfan.


Sorry you won't be with Ray, I'm sure it must feel weird.:flower3: :hug:

Be safe on your travels. :wave2:

you too! it does feel weird but it's okay. we will have many more christmases together!

EEK - I can't believe I'm so late to the party! I just found your report!

The condo looks pretty - and it so nice that it was decorated for xmas. I totally agree with your thoughts on staying on or off property. Plus, if you've stayed on property before, it's REALLY hard to stay off. You get so spoiled!

Aaaah - The Boardwalk! My happy place!:cloud9:

Smart investment in those Disney ponchos -- you will never have to buy another poncho again! I still have the bright yellow ones from years ago!:laughing: And, yes I still bring them back and forth on every trip; but if one rips, Disney replaces them for free! (and personally, I think they keep you drier than the cheaper ones from WalMart!)

you're fine - i've only posted 2 updates! i had the cheapo walmart ponchos but ray really wanted a disney world one. i'm glad they replace them - good to know!

Almost forgot......................

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas2/22.gif

you too!!!!

Merry Christmas!!! :santa:

you too!

[punkin413]

Merry Christmas Dawn!!! :yay:

Hope you have a lovely, relaxing time with your Mom and family!!

By the time you get back home, I will have left for the USA for our big adventure! Woohoo!!! :woohoo:

Hopefully when I return in late January, there'll be lots more of your trip report for me to read!! :thumbsup2

you too! oh, i'm so excited for you! be sure to do a TR when you get back! i can't wait to read all about it. and i'm so jealous! ;)

Merry Christmas Dawn! I hope you have a magical holiday, and that both you and Ray have a great time despite being apart. :goodvibes Talk to you when you get back!

you too!

Merry Christmas, loved all the pictures of the decorations at BW and BC. It is so magical at WDW at Christmas.:santa:

thanks, you too!

Love the update Dawn. The pictures are fabulous! pixiedust:

thanks!

Merry Christmas !!!

you too!

MerryChristmas!!

you too!

I finally found your TR! The decorations look awesome at the resorts. I loved the Christmas tree in your condo too! Looking forward to hearing more. Have a very Merry Christmas!

you too! and thanks. it was so nice to have a christmas tree there!

Fabulous start!!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Can't wait to read the rest :goodvibes I just love your trippies ::yes::

thanks! so sweet for you to say that!

A christmas bird just for you!!

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/deb039_bucket/Christmas.jpg

um....thanks??? i knew birds were evil. :rolleyes:

[aldisneygrl]

i forgot to mention above....i was really down last night about being away from ray for christmas, but then he started texting me lines from "a christmas story" (which is my favorite holiday movie, along with "christmas vacation") and had me cracking up! we always watch that movie over and over again - they play it on TBS non-stop in our area from 7:00 p.m. christmas eve to 7:00 p.m. christmas day. anyway, it really picked up my spirits. i'm a lucky girl! :love:

mundane noodle......nottafinga!!!!! :rotfl2: (in case you don't know that's a line the dad says when he's cussing out the furnace!)



Merry Christmas Dawn and Ray!!! Sorry you have to be apart this Christmas. :sad2: Funny thing, I posted my status on FB about watching A Christmas Story, and it was amazing how many people commented that they were too. We were watching our DVD, and I forgot about the TBS marathon. I just thought that everyone had the same tradition as us. :lmao: :headache: :rotfl:

Hope you have safe travels back to GA. :drive:

[CanadianWDWfan]

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS TODAY!

I just knew you would be watching the parade too! I enjoyed the Mary Poppins part aswell. Just think you could have been there....the crowds did look rather large :lmao:

Glad to hear you and Ray are making the best of it. You are very lucky to be married to a comedian. ;) I watched Christmas vacation the other day, too funny. :rotfl2:

Be safe coming home, your boys are waiting.

[hlrababy]

i forgot to mention above....i was really down last night about being away from ray for christmas, but then he started texting me lines from "a christmas story" (which is my favorite holiday movie, along with "christmas vacation") and had me cracking up! we always watch that movie over and over again - they play it on TBS non-stop in our area from 7:00 p.m. christmas eve to 7:00 p.m. christmas day. anyway, it really picked up my spirits. i'm a lucky girl! :love:

mundane noodle......nottafinga!!!!! :rotfl2: (in case you don't know that's a line the dad says when he's cussing out the furnace!)

We love that movie!!!! I was actually proud of ourselves!! We watched it a total of 5 times!!!!! We watched it last night while waiting for Hollie to go to sleep and then watched it today with my parents and then once we got home! lol!!!


You platypus snot! You snort tongau laymongous caca!

[DisneyLaura]

Dawn Merry belated Chrismas to you and Ray. I would have had a hard time being away from my hubby too, kind of torn - family or hubby.

watching the christmas parade right now! i love it all (except the lip singing!) ;) i just LOVED the mary poppins part! the heavyset guy from the confectionery was the same guy that was in hoop dee doo when erica and i saw it in september!

merry christmas, everyone!!!!

I loved the Mary Poppings part too.

[lmillercrew]

"OHHHHHH FUUUUGGGGEEEE! Except I didn't say fudge!" :lmao: :lmao:
We only watched it once this year. The movie of choice this Christmas was How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey. We did watch the Santa Clause a couple of times too.
I'm sorry that you had to be away from your spouse for the holiday. I know it was hard for you. The only thing good that could come from that would be that you can appreciate his company more, right? ;)
I hope that you had a good time with your family though.
I can't believe I didn't start reading this report until page 7. THe rain looks like poopoo! That is one thing that concerns me about going in Dec. At least when it rains in the summer it's warm.
Can't wait to hear about the bloody nose!!

[punkin413]

i'm home!!!! i'm tired and i have to unpack, but that will have to wait until tomorrow because right now i'm just relaxing with a glass of vanilla vodka and cranapple juice (sounds odd but it's good!). i think i may upload some pics and post a mini TR of christmas. hope you all had a great holiday!

Merry Christmas Dawn and Ray!!! Sorry you have to be apart this Christmas. :sad2: Funny thing, I posted my status on FB about watching A Christmas Story, and it was amazing how many people commented that they were too. We were watching our DVD, and I forgot about the TBS marathon. I just thought that everyone had the same tradition as us. :lmao: :headache: :rotfl:

Hope you have safe travels back to GA. :drive:

i just love that movie! i have it on DVD too. :laughing: we always watch that and "christmas vacation" during the holidays.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS TODAY!

I just knew you would be watching the parade too! I enjoyed the Mary Poppins part aswell. Just think you could have been there....the crowds did look rather large :lmao:

Glad to hear you and Ray are making the best of it. You are very lucky to be married to a comedian. ;) I watched Christmas vacation the other day, too funny. :rotfl2:

Be safe coming home, your boys are waiting.

the mary poppins part was so cute! we are going to NYC in may and we're gonna see a broadway show and that's playing. we're trying to decide between that, the little mermaid and wicked. and yes, i am a lucky girl! ;)

We love that movie!!!! I was actually proud of ourselves!! We watched it a total of 5 times!!!!! We watched it last night while waiting for Hollie to go to sleep and then watched it today with my parents and then once we got home! lol!!!


You platypus snot! You snort tongau laymongous caca!

ray said he watched it 7 times! that's about average for us if we're at home for christmas. i only watched it twice because i was so busy.

Dawn Merry belated Chrismas to you and Ray. I would have had a hard time being away from my hubby too, kind of torn - family or hubby.

I loved the Mary Poppings part too.

thanks! you too! wasn't the mary poppins part so good?

"OHHHHHH FUUUUGGGGEEEE! Except I didn't say fudge!" :lmao: :lmao:
We only watched it once this year. The movie of choice this Christmas was How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey. We did watch the Santa Clause a couple of times too.
I'm sorry that you had to be away from your spouse for the holiday. I know it was hard for you. The only thing good that could come from that would be that you can appreciate his company more, right? ;)
I hope that you had a good time with your family though.
I can't believe I didn't start reading this report until page 7. THe rain looks like poopoo! That is one thing that concerns me about going in Dec. At least when it rains in the summer it's warm.
Can't wait to hear about the bloody nose!!

i said THE word, the big one, the queen mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word! :lmao:

thanks for joining in, by the way! luckily it wasn't too terribly cold that day. the rain itself was horrible - i can't imagine it being cold too!

[CanadianWDWfan]

Good to have you safely home. Enjoy the evening with your Vanilla Vodka & Cran juice. ;) and Ray...:rotfl:

[punkin413]

so here's my little (a relative term) mini TR for christmas!

i left on tuesday after work and headed for nashville. we had a dinner reservation that night at 8:00 at PF chang's on west end with my dad, his girlfriend, my sister (who had just arrived from connecticut), my brother and his girlfriend. i love PF chang's - sooooooo good!

this is my sister (being goofy), my dad and his girlfriend, jennifer.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture127.jpg

my brother and his girlfriend, jordan. she's due in april with what will be my dad's first grandchild! it's a girl - margot raine.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture133.jpg

brooke (my sister) and i both ordered a wine flight. it was so cool! it came in this big decorative stand. i was afraid i'd knock it over. brooke ordered all red wines....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture130.jpg

i ordered all white. i believe one is a reisling, one is a pinot grigio and the third is not classified as anything really. i can't remember the name of it. anyway, the reisling was my favorite. the pinot was too sweet, which seemed weird to me because i thought reislings were usually sweeter than pinots!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture131.jpg

after dinner i headed to my mom's and hit the hay. the next day was christmas eve and my mom cooked breakfast for my stepdad's side of the family (he has 2 sons from a previous marriage). this is my nephew and two nieces, noah, madison and cayla.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture138.jpg

noah provided some entertainment before we opened presents. he's so cute! i love how cayla and madison get up to sing with him too. watch at the end when he bows and then says, "thank you, thank you." :rotfl: (by the way, sorry for the sideways video. i held my digital camera vertically and forgot you can't rotate a video!)

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/th_Picture349.jpg (http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/?action=view&current=Picture349.flv)

time to open presents! the kids model what aunt dawn and uncle ray got them! we can always be counted on to buy disney stuff. ;) i also got the girls a princess duffle bag and noah a big box of matchbox cars.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture173.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture182.jpg

my mom opening her present from me....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture175.jpg

the kids were helping to clean up all the wrapping paper and my stepdad almost accidentally threw noah in the trash!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture179.jpg

then cayla voluntarily dove in.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture180.jpg

then there was some silly fun to be had. this is my stepdad on top of my older stepbrother, kris (madison & noah's dad), then the kids piled on top!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture188.jpg

grandma dishing out the sweets.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture191.jpg

after that i met my best friend from high school, melanie, and her family at chili's for lunch. i always buy her kids presents and they get my dogs presents! :laughing: so we exchanged gifts there. this is maddox, her 2-year-old. he's such a cutie!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture195.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture203.jpg

and this is megan, her 8-year-old. megan was the flower girl in my wedding and she was only 18 months old at the time.....THAT MAKES ME FEEL SO OLD!!!!! :rolleyes:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture197.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture200.jpg

i keep telling mel that she and her hubby are gonna have trouble on their hands in about 6 years - i think megan's gonna be a knockout!

after lunch i headed over to my granny's house to spend the rest of christmas eve there. she always cooks a ton of food and then of course we open presents. this is she and my pa. they are so sweet......:love:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture216.jpg

this is my uncles (who are twins), terry and jerry. we draw names for gift-giving at my granny's and i got jerry and ray got terry. so i bought them each a jacket (along with a couple of other small things) and they were modeling for me.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture228.jpg

my cousin susan drew my name and bought me wall-e! :thumbsup2

continued in next post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29338403&postcount=109

[punkin413]

i stayed over at granny's until around 10:00 watching "a christmas story" and then headed over to my mom's to go to bed. the next day was christmas and i woke up and watched the disney christmas parade, then headed over to my brother's apartment to spend christmas with him, his girlfriend, my dad and my sister. brett's (my brother) girlfriend was cooking christmas dinner.

i bought margot a one-sie at disney world with minnie on it dressed as a princess and it says, "princess in training."

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture247.jpg

i also got her a minnie rattle that's soft and a bunch of other little things.

here's my sister opening my gift....she's so silly!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture249.jpg

my dad wrapped one of my gifts in a townhouse cracker box! :lmao:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture258.jpg

my brother got me a tink coffee mug. i think it's my 5th one!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture260.jpg

my dad admiring the vanderbilt pullover i got him.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture265.jpg

after that we ate dinner and then watched "the dark knight" (which my sister got for me! :woohoo: ), then headed to my uncle's house to give them their gifts. he lives out in the COUNTRY!!!!! look what we saw when we pulled up.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture270.jpg

he had the cutest bassett hound named jezebel. she was so sweet!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture277.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture276.jpg

on the way home we passed by this house near I-40 that charges $8 per carload to drive down their driveway and get out and walk around. crazy! we didn't pay the money, just drove by. i remember this house from when i was younger and i don't think they used to charge, but i can see why they do now - to pay the electric bill!!!! but i think $8 is a little steep. anyway, it's pretty. but now that i've seen the osborne lights i'm not that impressed. :rotfl2:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture290.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture291.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture299.jpg

on the way back to my mom's house i called erica and made plans to go by her house. i stopped at jack in the box because it was the only thing open and got us some food and it took like 45 minutes! they were slammed. i felt bad for the people that worked there. anyway, i went to erica's and stayed for about an hour. i gave her the very small gift i got her.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture302.jpg

and we just sat and talked and looked at pictures with her neighbor and then i headed home. the next day my mom and i took breakfast to my granny and pa and then we met erica at calhoun's (one of my favorite restaurants) for lunch.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture269.jpg

then we went shopping for about an hour and it was CRAZY busy! i think we went to like 4 stores and that was it. i hate crowds!

later that day i stopped by melanie's house because i hadn't seen their new house yet. the kids showed me what santa brought them. maddox got a harley.....:moped:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture304.jpg

mel said he knocked over the christmas tree with that thing on christmas morning. :lmao:

megan's grandpa made a balance beam for her. she's in gymnastics (has won the state championship in uneven bars) and she tumbles around constantly. here she is showing me some of her moves.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture311.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture315.jpg

santa brought her an american girl doll.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture310.jpg

that thing cost santa $90 and it looks like a regular walmart doll!!!!! :scared1:

what a ladies man! this is maddox with megan and her best friend, abby....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture319.jpg

continued in next post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29338410&postcount=110

[punkin413]

such cuties!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture321.jpg

this is melanie and her husband, lamont. they've been dating/together 1 month longer than ray and i.....since november 1993! :eek:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture322.jpg

after that i went and hung out with my granny and her family some more then with my mom.

that brings us to today. my sister was flying back to connecticut today and i was coming back to georgia. we decided to have a very early breakfast since brooke's flight was at 10:40. we met at the pancake pantry (they have AWESOME pancakes) in nashville at 8:00. jordan brought maddie, her 5 year old, this morning. this was the first time i'd met her and she was so cute! here are my dad, brett, maddie and jordan waiting for a table. jordan is really showing and she's got 4 months left!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture323.jpg

maddie had chocolate pancakes.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture326.jpg

.....which led to this once we got to the airport and the sugar kicked in......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture330.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture328.jpg

down the escalator, then back up the stairs she went....over and over and over again! i wish i had her energy!

brooke's flight was delayed for 40 minutes so we hung out with her for awhile near security. we entertained ourselves by taking pictures....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture329.jpg

notice how my dad's trying to steal brooke's cookies in this one! and brett is showing off his very faint, half-mustache he's trying to grow.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture336.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture337.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture334.jpg

brooke and brett did their best rascal flatts impression....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture333.jpg

then brett modeled for us for awhile.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture338.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture339.jpg

maddie was cold!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture340.jpg

finally we said our goodbyes and brooke got in the security line....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture341.jpg

(do i take pictures of everything or what????)

oh, and see this really big guy???

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture342.jpg

he plays football for the alabama crimson tide. he had a shirt on that said alabama and my dad asked him. when i heard him say yes i said, "oh, you guys beat georgia. roll tide!" and he started laughing. :rotfl: i thought allie would get a kick outta that! sorry - i don't know his name.

on the way back to the car maddie and dad decided they would take a break on the escalator......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture344.jpg

after that i said my goodbyes and hit the road. traffic was horrible today! there was no stopped traffic but it was just really congested the whole way. but i got home to see this so i was a happy girl!!!! :cloud9:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture348.jpg

[disneymom1980]

Sounds like you had a good, but very busy Christmas. Ours is still on going because my cousin didn't get home until yesterday evening. Tomorrow we're having DD #1's birthday party, and then we'll be officially done! I gotta tell you, chasing after two little ones at a bunch of different family events wears me out. I did manage to get some really good pictures at my in law's though, which was nice because they usually all run from my camera like the plague :rotfl: .

[winkers]

Looks like you had a fun christmas!

Is your brother really tall or is everyonelse really short?

[kschafer]

My goodness Dawn.

Reading about your trip made me tired and you had the energy to come home and write about it? Sounds like a fun (and exhausting) trip. Hope you and Ray have had some quiet time together.

[MeMom]

Thanks for sharing all of your family Christmas fun. We had the same little HoHoHo plates at our house. Could you put a brownie and some of those white chocolate pretzels on one and send it my way? :)

Everyone is looking good and seems happy. You got to see lots of people in a short time! I know your dad enjoyed seeing all of his kids together for a short while.

All the little kids are cute, and the video is so sweet. I tell Jill they need to video more, because I regret that I didn't way back then, and I know she will, too. She did video Christmas morning, so that's good.

I wasn't sure what time you guys were meeting in Rivergate. I ended up being here, and thought about calling to see, but my plans were alittle uncertain for the day, so I didn't want to commit. Just gives us a heads up next time, and we'll give it another shot. I know it was so crowded down that way!

We looked at the Princess in Training onesie a dozen times, and I'm pretty sure Jill ended up buying it. I bought the dress that's the same color that had the Mickey ice cream bar on it. Gotta bring these little ones up right!

I'm glad you had a good time and that you made it back home safe and safe, albeit a little exhausted! Have a restful Sunday!

[timandlesley]

Wow Dawn, no wonder you are EXHAUSTED, you were super super busy. Looked like you had an awesome Christmas with all of your family and friensd though, thanks as always for sharing it with us.
So, you and Ray don't spend Christmas together? What was he up to?
Lesley

[KristinAnne]

That's one busy Christmas! Hope you had fun though!

[Happy Elf]

Sounds like you had a good Christmas, but a busy one! I bet it was nice to see your family, but I'm sure you missed Ray. I think that last pictures is sweet. :)

[IcePrincess467]

Dawn..I forgot how much I missed reading your TR's!! I am glad that I found you again!! Yippie :cool1: So, no DW for you in 2009? I am still trying to convince hubby that we should go, but we are going to start trying for a family soon and need to save money...blah..blah..blah...:goodvibes I just miss the world so much!! Looking foward to reading more!

[nateryan]

Thanks for sharing your great Christmas! I can't believe how much you did! Do you do that every year?
Did I see your new ticker? A trip staying at Wilderness Lodge? How great!

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow! You were busy!! Thanks for sharing. :santa:

[xoktenox]

What a fun but very busy Christmas! I'm sure you were exhausted when you got home yesterday and reeeeeally enjoyed that vanilla vodka and cranapple drink :laughing:

Your nephew was just adorable in that video! And Melanie's kids are too cute, Megan is gonna be beautiful when she grows up and Maddox is gonna be breaking hearts with that smile! :cutie:

Glad to hear that your Christmas was everything that it should be.

[MadiMouse]

Okay, so I'm late! :rolleyes1

I have been off the boards for a while due to surgery and life! But, I'm back. Okay, I have to go and catch up!:surfweb:

[sueh]

Great trip report so far!
I am planning a surprise trip for December and the holiday pictures are awesome!


Yep - those are the ones! I have one left; we just replaced one this past trip because it had ripped around the neck also. A lovely CM in the Norwegian perfume store in Epcot gave us a new, clear one - no charge!:thumbsup2

Is this just for the yellow ones? Or will they give you a new one if the newer clearer ones rip?

Thanks

[punkin413]

for all of you who commented on how busy i was, yes, it's ALWAYS like that for me on the holidays when i go home. actually, it's like that every time i go home. my parents are divorced and so i have 2 sets of families i have to see. well, actually 4 if you count my stepdad's family and then seeing my ex-stepmom (she was my stepmom for 20+ years and brooke and brett's mom so i'm still close to her). plus i have to see melanie and the kids when i'm there too. but i figure i'm the one that moved away and so it's my responsibility to make sure i see all of them! it's always crazy though. i'm used to it but ray's not and he hates running around like that!

Good to have you safely home. Enjoy the evening with your Vanilla Vodka & Cran juice. ;) and Ray...:rotfl:

thanks!

Sounds like you had a good, but very busy Christmas. Ours is still on going because my cousin didn't get home until yesterday evening. Tomorrow we're having DD #1's birthday party, and then we'll be officially done! I gotta tell you, chasing after two little ones at a bunch of different family events wears me out. I did manage to get some really good pictures at my in law's though, which was nice because they usually all run from my camera like the plague :rotfl: .

i hope DD1 has a great birthday! and glad you got some good pics.

Looks like you had a fun christmas!

Is your brother really tall or is everyonelse really short?

we did - thanks! brett is 6'5", so he's really tall. i've told him a dozen times i think he should move to orlando and apply for a job at disney playing goofy. i take after my mom's side of the family - they're all short! i'm 5'3". my dad is 6'2" and my sister is 5'9". go figure!

My goodness Dawn.

Reading about your trip made me tired and you had the energy to come home and write about it? Sounds like a fun (and exhausting) trip. Hope you and Ray have had some quiet time together.

i'm just putting off doing actual work! :lmao: we did have some quiet time together. it's so funny - our life is so opposite of my family's life! we are so quiet and such home bodies and they're just not at all!

Thanks for sharing all of your family Christmas fun. We had the same little HoHoHo plates at our house. Could you put a brownie and some of those white chocolate pretzels on one and send it my way? :)

Everyone is looking good and seems happy. You got to see lots of people in a short time! I know your dad enjoyed seeing all of his kids together for a short while.

All the little kids are cute, and the video is so sweet. I tell Jill they need to video more, because I regret that I didn't way back then, and I know she will, too. She did video Christmas morning, so that's good.

I wasn't sure what time you guys were meeting in Rivergate. I ended up being here, and thought about calling to see, but my plans were alittle uncertain for the day, so I didn't want to commit. Just gives us a heads up next time, and we'll give it another shot. I know it was so crowded down that way!

We looked at the Princess in Training onesie a dozen times, and I'm pretty sure Jill ended up buying it. I bought the dress that's the same color that had the Mickey ice cream bar on it. Gotta bring these little ones up right!

I'm glad you had a good time and that you made it back home safe and safe, albeit a little exhausted! Have a restful Sunday!

no biggie about meeting us! we will try for it next time. i'm sure i'll be back up there in the next few months. oh, and i'll tell my mom to send some sweets your way. ;)

Wow Dawn, no wonder you are EXHAUSTED, you were super super busy. Looked like you had an awesome Christmas with all of your family and friensd though, thanks as always for sharing it with us.
So, you and Ray don't spend Christmas together? What was he up to?
Lesley

thanks - i did! ray and i usually spend christmas together. this is the first time we haven't since we've been married. see, he had allotted 2 vacation days so he could go wtih me to nashville (wednesday and friday). but back in october my computer crashed (hard) and he had to take off a day-and-a-half to fix it, but we didn't have a choice because i can't work AT ALL without my computer because of the software i have on it. it took forever getting everything back up and running. but if he hadn't have taken those days off i wouldn't have been able to work the rest of that week and we need to eat! :laughing: so he had to use up 1 vacation day to take care of that. if he would've came with me we would've had to leave on christmas night so he could work on friday and that wasn't happening! and i can't not go up there for either christmas or thanksgiving. my grandparents are getting old and i want to spend time with them when i can. i was bummed but we were on the phone all the time and he was texting me lines from "a christmas story" to make me laugh! :goodvibes

That's one busy Christmas! Hope you had fun though!

yes, it was! i did. :)

Sounds like you had a good Christmas, but a busy one! I bet it was nice to see your family, but I'm sure you missed Ray. I think that last pictures is sweet. :)

yep, i missed him. i'm glad to be home!

Dawn..I forgot how much I missed reading your TR's!! I am glad that I found you again!! Yippie :cool1: So, no DW for you in 2009? I am still trying to convince hubby that we should go, but we are going to start trying for a family soon and need to save money...blah..blah..blah...:goodvibes I just miss the world so much!! Looking foward to reading more!

thanks so much! we are not going to disney next year for exactly the same reason! plus ray just needed a break. so of course i'm willing to give it to him. i don't want him to turn into one of those guys who don't smile in any of the pictures because they don't want to be there! :laughing:

Thanks for sharing your great Christmas! I can't believe how much you did! Do you do that every year?
Did I see your new ticker? A trip staying at Wilderness Lodge? How great!

yep, every year! (see above.) yeah, that trip is a possibility, not a certainty! it just depends on what happens over the next couple of years. ray wants to go back for christmas again in 2010, so we have quite awhile to wait!

Wow! You were busy!! Thanks for sharing. :santa:

you're welcome!

What a fun but very busy Christmas! I'm sure you were exhausted when you got home yesterday and reeeeeally enjoyed that vanilla vodka and cranapple drink :laughing:

Your nephew was just adorable in that video! And Melanie's kids are too cute, Megan is gonna be beautiful when she grows up and Maddox is gonna be breaking hearts with that smile! :cutie:

Glad to hear that your Christmas was everything that it should be.

maddox is a HAM!!!! he's so funny.

Okay, so I'm late! :rolleyes1

I have been off the boards for a while due to surgery and life! But, I'm back. Okay, I have to go and catch up!:surfweb:

cass!!!!!!! glad you're here! i've been missin you. hope you're doing well!

Great trip report so far!
I am planning a surprise trip for December and the holiday pictures are awesome!


thanks so much! i have many more pics to come!

[MadiMouse]

Hey!!! I missed you, too!!! So a baby hunh? ;)
Well, we want to start trying AFTER our trip to the British Virgin Islands. Sorry, this is my present for getting my Masters and I want to partake in some adult beverages. LOL.

Sending maternity pixie dust your way.

[troobabiee7]

Welcome home! Wow, what a busy few days you had! It sounds (and looks) like it was a ton of fun though! I'm glad you had a good time, your family's so cute!

[lmillercrew]

Glad you had a good time, even though it was busy. I've come to realize that that's what the holidays are all about. Being busy! I'm glad that you were able see your family and spend time together. Looks like Ray and your fur baby were happy to see you!!

[aldisneygrl]

WHEW! I'm exhausted, and all did was read it! :rotfl2:

Thanks for the shout out to the AL Tide player. I'll have to show DS, and ask him if he knows who that was. I'm sure he will. ;)

Sounds like you had a wonderful family Christmas though.


I have to ask, what is that tatoo on your brother's arm? It looks like somebody's arm pulling somebody else's arm out of the water. :confused3

[tinkgurl]

Geeze, what a busy Christmas you had! Thanks for sharing all the pics with us!

[Hillary12.8.07]

I can't remember if I've commented yet or not, but great TR so far!

We got there at the end of your week, the 13th. I love reading TRs of people who have never been during Christmas before and how much they love it! It is my favorite time of year to go, the crowds and weather can't be beat. I think we will be taking a break for a few years too. maybe. lol.

Your trip home sounds great too! Busy but I know how it is, when you dont see people often you do as much as you can! I'm sure you're glad to be back home though.

Can't wait to read more!

[punkin413]

Hey!!! I missed you, too!!! So a baby hunh? ;)
Well, we want to start trying AFTER our trip to the British Virgin Islands. Sorry, this is my present for getting my Masters and I want to partake in some adult beverages. LOL.

Sending maternity pixie dust your way.

woohoo....that sounds like fun! congrats on getting your masters! :woohoo: it will be awhile before we actually start trying - gotta get the finances in order. i don't have maternity coverage on my insurance and it's outrageously expensive, so we're getting all that straightened out first!

Welcome home! Wow, what a busy few days you had! It sounds (and looks) like it was a ton of fun though! I'm glad you had a good time, your family's so cute!

thanks!

Glad you had a good time, even though it was busy. I've come to realize that that's what the holidays are all about. Being busy! I'm glad that you were able see your family and spend time together. Looks like Ray and your fur baby were happy to see you!!

exactly! i love it when we just stay home for the holidays. it's just so nice!

WHEW! I'm exhausted, and all did was read it! :rotfl2:

Thanks for the shout out to the AL Tide player. I'll have to show DS, and ask him if he knows who that was. I'm sure he will. ;)

Sounds like you had a wonderful family Christmas though.


I have to ask, what is that tatoo on your brother's arm? It looks like somebody's arm pulling somebody else's arm out of the water. :confused3

let me know if your DS knows who that guy is!

it is someone pulling someone else out of the water. it's actually artwork from a mars volta album, "de-loused in the comatorium." brett's a musician (drummer) and that's one of his favorite bands. i just so happen to have that CD in my CD rack near my desk so i took a picture for you....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/Picture1254.jpg

the quote on the picture is spanish for, "i will die and no one will remember me." yeah....not exactly the jonas brothers! :lmao: but it's actually really, really good music. they're kind of a cross between led zepplin, queen and pink floyd.

Geeze, what a busy Christmas you had! Thanks for sharing all the pics with us!

you're welcome! yes, it was crazy!

[punkin413]

I can't remember if I've commented yet or not, but great TR so far!

We got there at the end of your week, the 13th. I love reading TRs of people who have never been during Christmas before and how much they love it! It is my favorite time of year to go, the crowds and weather can't be beat. I think we will be taking a break for a few years too. maybe. lol.

Your trip home sounds great too! Busy but I know how it is, when you dont see people often you do as much as you can! I'm sure you're glad to be back home though.

Can't wait to read more!

thanks! yeah, we loved the decorations and shows, but we thought the crowds were horrible. at least on friday and saturday. i've never been when it's been so crowded. i hope it dies down again by the time we return in 2010!

[disneybound2010]

I usually just lurk on these TR's, but I am definitely subbing to this one! I read some of the preTR and was so excited to see this up now.

I love the condo you stayed in. I actually found their website not too long ago and am considering booking with them...haven't quite made up my mind yet,but they seem like really great people and I LOVE all the detail.

I may start picking your brain in the future as you seem to be the master planner and this will be our first ever Disney trip!;)

[jackdis]

You're report is great - once again! I'm so glad I found it. I've followed you on a few others. You look great, by the way! We are on our way to CBR tomorrow. I still cannot believe it!

[hlrababy]

Awww, thanks for sharing your Christmas pics!! Your brother is soooooo tall!!! He and Jordan look so cute together!

That is funny about the Alabama player! My sis is a huge Georgia fan...so I told her I am going to cheer for Tennessee next year just to go against the grain. I refuse to cheer for Tech!!!:rotfl2:

[CanadianWDWfan]

It was fun to see what you were upto over Xmas, wow you were a busy girl!

I really miss the big family get togethers we used to have. So nice that you could all come together for the holidays. I know what you mean about your grandparents. My gramma is visiting us right now, she's 90 and every year I hope its not the last. I have no other living grandparents. ;)

What's up with that huge pig? He's either a pet or a years worth of bacon...:rotfl:

I am pleased to know your gifts were Disney related. You can never have too many Tink mugs. :cloud9:

Glad to see you could meet up with your friends too, especially vandyfan. Your BFF has cute kids.

Thanks for sharing.:thumbsup2

[Blueyed Girl]

Joining in! I was reading your PTR for this trip and I got behind so now I'm picking up on the TR instead. :thumbsup2 Glad to read your review of the condo you guys stayed in. Sounds like a nice place to save money! I bookmarked their web site for future use.

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for sharing all the pictures. Sorry you had to be away from DH, though.

[scottny]

ok too much to comment on but all caught up.

great updates and pics.

I loved the decorations at the resorts.

looks like you had a nice Christmas.

[VandyFan10]

such cuties!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture321.jpg

VERY CUTE!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture329.jpg

She is adorable!! I'm sure this baby girl will be just as beautiful!!

but i got home to see this so i was a happy girl!!!! :cloud9:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/christmas/Picture348.jpg

How sweet!!! :goodvibes

I wasn't sure what time you guys were meeting in Rivergate. I ended up being here, and thought about calling to see

Oh you should have!! We will all definitely have to get together next time!! :upsidedow




Wow Dawn you were very busy on your trip :eek:, and I am SO thankful that I got to see you TWO TIMES!!!! :goodvibes I had a great time and I'm so glad we got to visit while you were here! And THANK YOU for my eeyore shirt! :tigger: (using Eeyore's friend since there isn't one)

[shannon47142]

I love your trip reports and this mini Chistmas one was evne better as you showed us more of your family!!! It appears you had alot of fun with your extended family and that surely is what the holidays are all about--thanks for sharing!:thumbsup2

[LISAMWDW]

popcorn:: Just follow you over from your PTR! I'll have to come back and catch up! I can't wait!

[punkin413]

I usually just lurk on these TR's, but I am definitely subbing to this one! I read some of the preTR and was so excited to see this up now.

I love the condo you stayed in. I actually found their website not too long ago and am considering booking with them...haven't quite made up my mind yet,but they seem like really great people and I LOVE all the detail.

I may start picking your brain in the future as you seem to be the master planner and this will be our first ever Disney trip!;)

thanks for reading!!! i love when lurkers come out and say hi. :laughing: the owners of that condo are wonderful and i'd highly recommend them for staying off property. and pick away - i'm happy to answer any questions!

You're report is great - once again! I'm so glad I found it. I've followed you on a few others. You look great, by the way! We are on our way to CBR tomorrow. I still cannot believe it!

thanks so much! you're so sweet to say that. i've gained back like maybe 7 pounds but nothing i can't undo once the holidays are over. hope you're having fun on your trip!!!! :yay:

Awww, thanks for sharing your Christmas pics!! Your brother is soooooo tall!!! He and Jordan look so cute together!

That is funny about the Alabama player! My sis is a huge Georgia fan...so I told her I am going to cheer for Tennessee next year just to go against the grain. I refuse to cheer for Tech!!!:rotfl2:

yeah, brett is 6'5". a giant! now if he would only gain about 40 pounds he'd look good. :rotfl: i cheer for anyone but georgia. i can't help myself. there's something about moving into a state where black and red are shoved down your throat and it's UNHEARD OF not to cheer for a certain team - i just can't do it! it's kinda like living in nashville and cheering for tennessee - i couldn't do it then either!

It was fun to see what you were upto over Xmas, wow you were a busy girl!

I really miss the big family get togethers we used to have. So nice that you could all come together for the holidays. I know what you mean about your grandparents. My gramma is visiting us right now, she's 90 and every year I hope its not the last. I have no other living grandparents. ;)

What's up with that huge pig? He's either a pet or a years worth of bacon...:rotfl:

I am pleased to know your gifts were Disney related. You can never have too many Tink mugs. :cloud9:

Glad to see you could meet up with your friends too, especially vandyfan. Your BFF has cute kids.

Thanks for sharing.:thumbsup2

i don't know what was up with that pig - i'm just glad he had some food to keep him preoccupied. my uncle's wife said if she's not eating she would've been right on our heels all the way to the front door. not that i'm scared of a pig, but it may have freaked me out a little!

Joining in! I was reading your PTR for this trip and I got behind so now I'm picking up on the TR instead. :thumbsup2 Glad to read your review of the condo you guys stayed in. Sounds like a nice place to save money! I bookmarked their web site for future use.

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for sharing all the pictures. Sorry you had to be away from DH, though.

thanks so much for reading! i've seen you over on winkers TR.

ok too much to comment on but all caught up.

great updates and pics.

I loved the decorations at the resorts.

looks like you had a nice Christmas.

thanks! i did have a nice christmas but i'm glad to be home.



VERY CUTE!!

She is adorable!! I'm sure this baby girl will be just as beautiful!!

How sweet!!! :goodvibes

Oh you should have!! We will all definitely have to get together next time!! :upsidedow

Wow Dawn you were very busy on your trip :eek:, and I am SO thankful that I got to see you TWO TIMES!!!! :goodvibes I had a great time and I'm so glad we got to visit while you were here! And THANK YOU for my eeyore shirt! :tigger: (using Eeyore's friend since there isn't one)

yeah, consider yourself lucky. :rotfl2: i'm totally kidding. and you're welcome. i couldn't resist getting that shirt for you!

I love your trip reports and this mini Chistmas one was evne better as you showed us more of your family!!! It appears you had alot of fun with your extended family and that surely is what the holidays are all about--thanks for sharing!:thumbsup2

thanks so much!

popcorn:: Just follow you over from your PTR! I'll have to come back and catch up! I can't wait!

thanks for reading, lisa!

[punkin413]

scott's making me look bad so i figured i should do an update! this will be the last one until i get my photopass CD because the next installment will include photopass pictures. but i don't expect to have to wait too long. the last person on our share is uploading her pics right now and i'll order the CD in a couple of days and they're usually pretty fast about getting them out.

oh, and two more things....

one, my boss told me she's taking her family to disney world next december for christmas. so i get to help her plan the trip! :woohoo: i'm such a dork.

and, two, ray and i are thinking of renting a pop-up camper and taking a trip up to tallulah gorge state park in march. we've been considering buying a pop-up for awhile now and decided we wanted to rent one first to see if we liked it. so that's another thing that will preoccupy me with not having a disney trip of my own to plan! :rotfl:

on to the TR!

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

last i left you were were trudging out in the rain, leaving the beach club and heading for epcot to get something to eat. i have never in my life seen such rain. the raindrops were HUGE and unmerciful!!!! by the time we got to the international gateway, we were all soaked. ray and i, who were ahead of anna, chris and luke, stopped under a covered area before we got to the ticket turnstyles. we waited for the rest of the gang to catch up and as anna was walking up to me she and i just starting laughing.....ISN'T THIS FUN?????? you can't help but laugh. what else can you do?

i told ray that we'd had such good luck with rain before -- on our 2007 trip it rained on us about 20 minutes on our MGM day and in 2008 it rained while were having dinner at mama melrose and that was it -- that it was all catching up with us now! we seriously got more rain in that one hour than our fair share from all 3 trips put together!

after going through the international gateway, we made our way through england and canada and over to the land. it was so wet that ray and i actually stopped under the monorail at one point just to get a break from the rain. i was so glad i had my crocs on instead of sneakers and socks!!!

once we made it into the land, everyone took off their ponchos and assessed the damage.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/02.jpg

wet rats!

the first place we went was the bathroom to dry off. i literally took off my shoes and poured the water down the drain in the bathroom floor! ray said he put paper towels in his sneakers to dry out his socks - he kept them in there all day!

after drying off we headed towards sunshine seasons. anna snapped this shot on the way....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/01.jpg

can you see all the people down in the sunshine seasons area? yeah....it was madness!!!! it was around 12:30 at this point. and because it was raining, i think everyone had the same idea we did! stay dry and eat lunch!

so i went to get a table while everyone else got in line to get food. i told ray to just pick something out for me, but that i was hungry so get me something good.

i wandered around the seating area aimlessly for about 10 minutes before realizing i was going to have to just stand there and watch for someone to finish up their meal. i saw a family of 4 who looked like they were packing up to leave. i went over and told the mom that i didn't mean to hover, but i was gonna snag their table when they got up. she said it was fine, that she had to do the same thing too, so don't worry about it. i hate being rude! i'm glad she was nice.

so i got the table and started watching for the rest of my group. anna and chris saw me first then ray followed not too far behind. as soon as they got there, i got everyone's ticket and went and got fastpasses for soarin before i started eating. our return time wasn't until 3:48!

i returned back to find this in front of me....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/03.jpg

ray had gotten me the rotisserie pork chop, carrots and rice. it actually was REALLY good! it was huge though - i didn't finish it, but chris did!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/04.jpg

i didn't take pics of anyone else's food. i know that ray got a kids sandwich meal and so did luke. anna got the pork chop too and chris got some sort of roasted chicken. everyone said their food was really good!

after that we checked outside and the rain had died down a lot. it was still sprinkling but nothing bad like it was. so we headed over to ride nemo!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/05.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/06.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/07.jpg

i love this shot!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/08.jpg

this was anna, etc.'s first time riding and luke loved it! if you read my very first TR, you know that ray and i had a HORRIBLE experience on nemo the first time because we sat next to a woman who was BEATING her child the whole time. so this time was definitely better!

continued in next post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29373038&postcount=144

[punkin413]

when we got off we started to go towards turtle talk but there was a long line, so we decided to go see some fishies instead.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/09.jpg

we found him!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/10.jpg

we looked at the dolphins too but they were being very elusive that day. we only saw them once.

turtle talk was still crazy so we left the seas and headed towards spaceship earth. luke had been talking about it all morning - he was really excited about seeing it! he kept saying he was gonna go up in a rocket ship when he went inside. :confused3 :laughing:

on the way we passed club cool and decided to make a pit stop there.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/11.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/12.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/13.jpg

ray being silly while sampling sodas....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/14.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/15.jpg

luke jumped right in with us and started trying different sodas, stating whether he liked this one or that one. it was cute!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/16.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/17.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/18.jpg

we kept waiting for chris to try the beverly and finally he got to it. i tried to get his reaction but you can't really see it here. he made the traditional beverly, "what the heck did i just drink???" face!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/19.jpg

anna had to try it too!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/20.jpg

right as we were about to leave, luke put his cup up to the beverly and tried it. none of us told him to - he just did it. as soon as he tasted it he made a face and poured the rest out, but didn't say a word about it! :rotfl: i think he's pouring it out here.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/21.jpg

we left club cool and headed towards SE. you can see the skies are still very yucky, but at least it had stopped raining!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/22.jpg

the park wasn't too terribly crowded that day, i think because of the rain. it's just that everyone was at sunshine seasons getting lunch while we were there!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/23.jpg

luke was amazed at spaceship earth!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/24.jpg

we hopped on with no wait. :thumbsup2 i love this part!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/25.jpg

ray and i never rode this in our prior trips together. i think it's been closed both times we've been there. i rode it with erica in september so i let him fill out the "your future" part at the end. when he was done, we waited and waited....and waited...AND WAITED for our future to come up but the screen that said, "building your future" just stayed on the screen the whole time. we got jipped!!!!!! :headache: i hated that too because that's my favorite part and i had made a crazy face! i think ray's face was just a stunned look. i really wish we could've seen our future!

here's anna, chris and luke's!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/26.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/28.jpg

that's all for now. i have to stop here because my next installment involves photopass pics!

next up....mission space, our first encounter with brazilian tour groups and will luke go soarin?????

[disneymom1980]

I love the pictures from Spaceship earth! I'm going to have to try to get pictures of ours when we're there in January. I didn't get any on the last trip because I didn't know when they were on.

Gotta love the Beverly faces.......DH knew there was one that I was waiting for him to try, but he didn't know which one it was. When he finally tried it, I kept waiting for him to react, but all he said was, "That's not to bad." :confused3

We were at Sunshine Season right at lunch time too, and it was nuts. I had to hover for a table too, but I was holding DD #2, and a family offered me theirs and the husband even pulled up a chair for me to sit in while I waited. I agree that it's definitely a lot easier when people are nice about it.

[Spartangirl]

Glad you had a better experience on Nemo this time! :hug:

I LOVE when people try Beverly for the 1st time......the expressions are priceless! :goodvibes Although, seeing peoples' expressions makes me think of that horrible, all-too-familiar taste. :eek:

That stinks that your "future" didn't come up on SE. I can't wait to see that portion of the ride when we eventually make it back to WDW.

As always, can't wait for more!!!

[Happy Elf]

What a crowd at Sunshine seasons. Your pork chop looks amazing! Great pics of the fish. I'm looking forward to riding Nemo.

[hlrababy]

Sooo glad that a lady wasn't beating her kids this time on Nemo!! :lmao:

Wish I could have seen Luke's face when he tried the Beverly. That stuff is nassssssstayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I have 2 installments ready to go. :rolleyes1 :lmao:

I am not waiting for my photopass. I will do a special photopass segment when it arrives. I think I missed 30 or so pics already. :rotfl2:

looking forward to more. Nemo I say I will not go on but always do. :lmao:

[DisneyLaura]

[QUOTE=punkin413;29335712]now i'm just relaxing with a glass of vanilla vodka and cranapple juice (sounds odd but it's good!).

Welcome back home, I had vanilla vodka and cranberry juice, yummy. Long story, short. I was at a party for my aunt and my cousin rented a bartender. I'm not a drinker so to speak so if I can taste the liquior I don't want it so she made me a cheesecake martini minus the martini and that's what it was - cranberry juice and vanilla vodka. It was like drinking juice.

I saw your ticker that your going to NYC, cool I'm in CT. I wanna see Mary Poppins on Broadway as well. Me and DH went to the city for our anniversary in October and it was awesome, just the two of us. Make sure you go to the WOD store, awesome! They have meet and greets upstairs around 12 I believe. I saw Minnie and Goofy in their halloween costumes. I can't wait to go back hopefully in the spring.

You did have a busy holiday back home. Glad you had a great time and thanks for the mini TR.

Loved your Spaceship Earth pictures, I cannot get enough of that "ball". I think it photographs great.

[Ally192]

Great update!! I can't believe how wet y'all were! That's insane.

Beverly faces are so great! My family has been to Disney probably a dozen or more times so we've all tried Beverly and know it's horrible but drink it every trip...I don't know why! Actually, I went to World of Coke a few months ago with my sister and her boyfriend and got a really great picture of her. :laughing:

[TigerKat]

Once again I'm late to the party, but I did catch up! The condo looks really nice but I think you nailed it, only worth it if it's a long stay.

Thanks for all the Boardwalk & Beach Club pics. We love the EPCOT resorts and are super excited to be staying at the Beach Club for the first time Oct '09!:goodvibes

I'm a PF Changs junkie too! I had no idea they offered wine flights, can't wait to go back now.:love:

Dawn, I'm really enjoying your reviews. You are very good at this!!!!:thumbsup2

Happy New Year!!!

[Philadisney]

Yay I found your TR!! Looking forward to catching up on your Christmassy adventures this weekend :surfweb:

[MeMom]

In her very quickly developing southern brogue, Brooklynn would say you guys are wey-yut!
Very wey-yut!

Glad that didn't deter you, though! Just gotta be happy you are in Disney World and know that it will get better!

The pork chop looks good. I'll have to try that someday, but I can't get past that chicken whenever I go there. That chicken is delicious!

I love Luke's face as he is quickly and quietly disposing of his Beverly!

[FauntleroyFAN07]

great update, glad to hear the photopass is coming soon, i cant wait to get them

[KristinAnne]

Oh my, you were wet!! Looks like you made the best of it though! I hope Luke goes Soarin!

[tinkgurl]

Geeze you guys did get soaked! But, it is one of those things you just have to laugh about otherwise it'll be a damper on your whole day! As you know, I love Sunshine Seasons so I'm glad you ate there. :laughing: That's the one part I hate about Counter Service, trying to find a table and if there aren't any, then you have to stand around and wait for one to open up and run to it before someone else gets to it! :rolleyes: I love the picture of Luke and Chris looking up at Spaceship Earth!

[xoktenox]

First, I noticed your ticker says you're heading to NYC...thats so cool, I'm right out on Long Island about an hr or so away. Take in as much as you can, idk if you've ever been there before but its amazing! Theres soooo much to see and do.

That picture of Luke and Chris in their future is so cute, Luke is cheesin' it up big time! :laughing: And wow, Sunshine Seasons was PACKED. I guess that could be expected because of the weather. I'm glad you guys didn't let it ruin your time though. I'm nervous to hear your account of the Brazilian tour groups in your next post!

[starlight_003]

I can't wait to have my DH try the Beverly. You guys did get wet. This happen to us at Seaworld in 07 and DS and I had fun splashing in the puddles.

[ArielSRL]

he plays football for the alabama crimson tide. he had a shirt on that said alabama and my dad asked him. when i heard him say yes i said, "oh, you guys beat georgia. roll tide!" and he started laughing. :rotfl: i thought allie would get a kick outta that! sorry - i don't know his name.

Man, I really wish you would quit with this GA stuff!! I'm a nice GA fan and I am reading your TRs...take it easy on me! ;)

[ArielSRL]

Well, I am finally all caught up on Vandy Girls TR, your PTR for this trip, and this TR! Just took me a few days...lol. Great PTR and TR thus far. As far as a pop up camper, my dad and i want to get one, too. In 2002 i took a 7 week road trip out west. my dad flew out to Seattle and met me for the ride back. But i feel like i missed so much; dad too. so we want to get one so we can do more cross country travelling. I definitely mentioned taking it to Disney too. my parents have 3 dogs, so it would be good for that too.

Anyway, can't wait for more!

[MadiMouse]

Great update! I hated the Beverly; however, it's the aftertaste that really gets ya!

[Blueyed Girl]

:sad2: ACK!! BEVERLY!!! YUUUUCKY!!! But so fun to watch others try it. :lmao:

Your pictures are great. Sunshine Season's looks pretty good. We've still never tried it.

Sorry you got stuck in the rain! I hate that, and then you have that damp feeling for the rest of the day.

[Lynn5700]

AWESOME TR!!!!! I'm so glad I found it! You have a beautiful family :)

Happy New Year!

[IggyLans]

That exact same rainy Thursday we did MK in the morning, and even with the ponchos we were wet. But the lines for the rides were very short, so that was a plus. And I'd take a rainy day at WDW anytime!
Can't wait to read how the rest of your trip went!:)

[disneywifey]

Hi! I'm in too! Love the posts so far!

One quick question:Were you wearing the Alice crocs? One the SE pic it looks like that's what you have on. If so are, they as comfy as the "regular" style or flops? I'm going Jan 17th and I really want to buy some but I didn't know if they're as comfy as the "regular" ones since the Alice style is different. I wont wear the "regular" ones cause I think they look strange but they are so comfy! I have the flops but I can't really wear those in january even at WDW!

Can't wait to hear more!

[aldisneygrl]

OK Dawn, I asked DS and he thinks it was Terrence Cody.

I'm not so sure because in all the pics I see of him he has dread locks. So, unless he cut them all off, I'm not sure that was him.

We'll be watching tomorrow night though! I've been trash talkin' with Wendy over on FB about the game. Kinda funny considerin' she isn't a sports gal at ALL! ;) :rotfl2:

Happy 2009 to you and Ray!!

[winkers]

the next best thing to planning your own trip is helping someone else plan there's!
I love seeing someone try beverly for the first time!;)

[MAGICFOR2]

Dawn! Don't know where I've been - great start so far - I'll be back to catch up - I need some sleep!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

[timandlesley]

Love the update, at least the rain stopped. Loved the photo's from Spaceship earth, isn't that such fun!!! Also loved your Club Kool pics, did Luke have to pee a ton after that, that's what happened with our kids:rotfl: .
Hope you guys had a happy new year, can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Have fun planning your boss' trip, my parents go in February and I already made all of their dining reservations. Such fun!
Lesley

[hobbester]

We were at MK that same day that it rained. You are not kidding - I've never seen so much rain. We bought ponchos and did the best we could. The good thing about the rain, is that there was NOBODY at MK that morning. We walked on everything. I'm glad you dried out, I hope the afternoon gets better, your TR is great.

[punkin413]

i hope you all had a very....

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp282/daniel11171995/happy-new-year.jpg

we went and had mexican food and margaritas and then came home and had a quiet night with the doggies. we watched the fireworks on dave's live stream from the poly that memom told me about. it was really pretty - i can't wait to see it live one day!

now that it's 2009 i can say that i'm going to disney world next year. :dance3:

:lmao:

i crack me up sometimes.

I love the pictures from Spaceship earth! I'm going to have to try to get pictures of ours when we're there in January. I didn't get any on the last trip because I didn't know when they were on.

Gotta love the Beverly faces.......DH knew there was one that I was waiting for him to try, but he didn't know which one it was. When he finally tried it, I kept waiting for him to react, but all he said was, "That's not to bad." :confused3

We were at Sunshine Season right at lunch time too, and it was nuts. I had to hover for a table too, but I was holding DD #2, and a family offered me theirs and the husband even pulled up a chair for me to sit in while I waited. I agree that it's definitely a lot easier when people are nice about it.

your DH didn't mind the beverly? wow......more power to him! :rotfl: sunshine seasons was definitely crazy. when erica and i ate there in september it wasn't bad. and when DH and i had breakfast there in 2007 it was fine too. i guess you gotta hit it at a certain time!

Glad you had a better experience on Nemo this time! :hug:

I LOVE when people try Beverly for the 1st time......the expressions are priceless! :goodvibes Although, seeing peoples' expressions makes me think of that horrible, all-too-familiar taste. :eek:

That stinks that your "future" didn't come up on SE. I can't wait to see that portion of the ride when we eventually make it back to WDW.

As always, can't wait for more!!!

thanks! yeah, the beverly is just so gross. i actually didn't drink it this time. usually i have to torture myself and get a taste!

What a crowd at Sunshine seasons. Your pork chop looks amazing! Great pics of the fish. I'm looking forward to riding Nemo.

thanks! the pork chop was really good! i'm usually more of a sandwich or salad girl but it was really yummy!

Sooo glad that a lady wasn't beating her kids this time on Nemo!! :lmao:

Wish I could have seen Luke's face when he tried the Beverly. That stuff is nassssssstayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

seriously! (on both comments!)

great update and pics.

I have 2 installments ready to go. :rolleyes1 :lmao:

I am not waiting for my photopass. I will do a special photopass segment when it arrives. I think I missed 30 or so pics already. :rotfl2:

looking forward to more. Nemo I say I will not go on but always do. :lmao:

well, i wasn't gonna wait for the photopass but since i ordered it yesterday and my next installment will include our first photopass pics, i figured i'd be okay to just wait. you are mr. speed writer - i can't keep up! :laughing:

Welcome back home, I had vanilla vodka and cranberry juice, yummy. Long story, short. I was at a party for my aunt and my cousin rented a bartender. I'm not a drinker so to speak so if I can taste the liquior I don't want it so she made me a cheesecake martini minus the martini and that's what it was - cranberry juice and vanilla vodka. It was like drinking juice.

I saw your ticker that your going to NYC, cool I'm in CT. I wanna see Mary Poppins on Broadway as well. Me and DH went to the city for our anniversary in October and it was awesome, just the two of us. Make sure you go to the WOD store, awesome! They have meet and greets upstairs around 12 I believe. I saw Minnie and Goofy in their halloween costumes. I can't wait to go back hopefully in the spring.

You did have a busy holiday back home. Glad you had a great time and thanks for the mini TR.

Loved your Spaceship Earth pictures, I cannot get enough of that "ball". I think it photographs great.

i didn't know it was called a cheesecake martini but that's a good description of it!

i can't wait to go to NYC. i've never been! we're leaving on a thursday and staying through monday morning i think. and yes, i will definitely go to world of disney! i hope there are some characters there that day. i'll need a dose of disney by then!

[CanadianWDWfan]

HAPPY NEW YEAR PUNKIN!

I wish you a year of all your dreams coming true, even baby ones! :thumbsup2

[punkin413]

Great update!! I can't believe how wet y'all were! That's insane.

Beverly faces are so great! My family has been to Disney probably a dozen or more times so we've all tried Beverly and know it's horrible but drink it every trip...I don't know why! Actually, I went to World of Coke a few months ago with my sister and her boyfriend and got a really great picture of her. :laughing:

yes, we were WET! good thing we had all day to dry off! this was the first time i didn't drink the beverly. i don't know why we torture ourselves!

Once again I'm late to the party, but I did catch up! The condo looks really nice but I think you nailed it, only worth it if it's a long stay.

Thanks for all the Boardwalk & Beach Club pics. We love the EPCOT resorts and are super excited to be staying at the Beach Club for the first time Oct '09!:goodvibes

I'm a PF Changs junkie too! I had no idea they offered wine flights, can't wait to go back now.:love:

Dawn, I'm really enjoying your reviews. You are very good at this!!!!:thumbsup2

Happy New Year!!!

oh, the beach club is so nice! i love their pool. we LOVE PF chang's. that's why i'm scared to try yak & yeti - i'm afraid it wouldn't live up! thanks for your complements - you're so sweet!

Yay I found your TR!! Looking forward to catching up on your Christmassy adventures this weekend :surfweb:

thanks for joining in, kelly! i'm glad you're here. :goodvibes

In her very quickly developing southern brogue, Brooklynn would say you guys are wey-yut!
Very wey-yut!

Glad that didn't deter you, though! Just gotta be happy you are in Disney World and know that it will get better!

The pork chop looks good. I'll have to try that someday, but I can't get past that chicken whenever I go there. That chicken is delicious!

I love Luke's face as he is quickly and quietly disposing of his Beverly!

yes, we were very WEY-YUT!!! so cute! :rotfl: the pork chop was yummy. very good! i can't eat the chicken because chicken on a bone grosses me out. i know - i'm weird. but it smelled good! luke was so funny drinking that. he just sort of did it on his own and then just made a horrible face and quietly poured it out.

great update, glad to hear the photopass is coming soon, i cant wait to get them

thanks! yep, should be here in a couple days!

Oh my, you were wet!! Looks like you made the best of it though! I hope Luke goes Soarin!

yeah, it was crazy! you will see in the next installment if luke goes soarin or not!

Geeze you guys did get soaked! But, it is one of those things you just have to laugh about otherwise it'll be a damper on your whole day! As you know, I love Sunshine Seasons so I'm glad you ate there. :laughing: That's the one part I hate about Counter Service, trying to find a table and if there aren't any, then you have to stand around and wait for one to open up and run to it before someone else gets to it! :rolleyes: I love the picture of Luke and Chris looking up at Spaceship Earth!

yeah, we had to laugh. chris said, "if i find out that we could've taken the monorail from the boardwalk and didn't have to walk through that rain, i'm gonna kill you." :rolleyes: amateurs! :laughing: i think it's so funny how some people think the monorail goes ALL OVER disney world! i wish! luke was amazed at spaceship earth. it was so cute!

First, I noticed your ticker says you're heading to NYC...thats so cool, I'm right out on Long Island about an hr or so away. Take in as much as you can, idk if you've ever been there before but its amazing! Theres soooo much to see and do.

That picture of Luke and Chris in their future is so cute, Luke is cheesin' it up big time! :laughing: And wow, Sunshine Seasons was PACKED. I guess that could be expected because of the weather. I'm glad you guys didn't let it ruin your time though. I'm nervous to hear your account of the Brazilian tour groups in your next post!

yes, me and anna are gonna meet my sister up there. this will be my first time there! i can't wait! my list of stuff to do is a mile long. we're gonna have to figure out our priorities because we'll only be there for 4 full days. i'm sure i will have more details later to share with you guys!

yes, sunshine seasons was PACKED. i've never seen it like that. stay tuned for the tour groups - they were an recurring anamoly throughout our trip!

I can't wait to have my DH try the Beverly. You guys did get wet. This happen to us at Seaworld in 07 and DS and I had fun splashing in the puddles.

get your camera ready for the beverly! it's so gross. we probably would have had more fun with the rain if we weren't so hungry!

Man, I really wish you would quit with this GA stuff!! I'm a nice GA fan and I am reading your TRs...take it easy on me! ;)

i'm sorry! but honestly you are the exception to the rule. most georgia fans are NOT nice when it come to football. they are actually offended and get MAD when they find out i'm not a georgia fan. it's ridiculous.

Well, I am finally all caught up on Vandy Girls TR, your PTR for this trip, and this TR! Just took me a few days...lol. Great PTR and TR thus far. As far as a pop up camper, my dad and i want to get one, too. In 2002 i took a 7 week road trip out west. my dad flew out to Seattle and met me for the ride back. But i feel like i missed so much; dad too. so we want to get one so we can do more cross country travelling. I definitely mentioned taking it to Disney too. my parents have 3 dogs, so it would be good for that too.

Anyway, can't wait for more!

whew.....glad you're caught up! that's a lot of reading! we have a third car that we don't use - a 1997 volkswagon cabrio convertible. it's a fun car to have in nice weather, but we really don't use it like we thought we would when we decied to keep it. so i'm thinking we're gonna sell that and get a pop-up. they're really not that expensive. you can get a nice one for under $5,000.

Great update! I hated the Beverly; however, it's the aftertaste that really gets ya!

thanks! yeah, that beverly is just so gross. i can't believe people actually buy it in italy!

:sad2: ACK!! BEVERLY!!! YUUUUCKY!!! But so fun to watch others try it. :lmao:

Your pictures are great. Sunshine Season's looks pretty good. We've still never tried it.

Sorry you got stuck in the rain! I hate that, and then you have that damp feeling for the rest of the day.

sunshine seasons is really good. i've never had a bad meal there! just avoid it if it's raining outside! :laughing: it took us awhile to dry off but i think by dinner we were good!:thumbsup2

AWESOME TR!!!!! I'm so glad I found it! You have a beautiful family :)

Happy New Year!

thanks so much! and thanks for reading. ;)

That exact same rainy Thursday we did MK in the morning, and even with the ponchos we were wet. But the lines for the rides were very short, so that was a plus. And I'd take a rainy day at WDW anytime!
Can't wait to read how the rest of your trip went!:)

i'd take rain at WDW over a sunny day anywhere else, too. i just wish the rain would've waited until we were done with our walk from the boardwalk/beach club to epcot! :rotfl:

[punkin413]

Hi! I'm in too! Love the posts so far!

One quick question:Were you wearing the Alice crocs? One the SE pic it looks like that's what you have on. If so are, they as comfy as the "regular" style or flops? I'm going Jan 17th and I really want to buy some but I didn't know if they're as comfy as the "regular" ones since the Alice style is different. I wont wear the "regular" ones cause I think they look strange but they are so comfy! I have the flops but I can't really wear those in january even at WDW!

Can't wait to hear more!

thanks for reading! yes, those are alice crocs and i love them. now i do have to say that when i first bought them and wore them to disney (september of 2007), i got a blister on the outside of one heel after the first day. it was weird though - i didn't even feel the blister until it popped. but i think blisters are a possibility at WDW no matter what. i always keep band aids on hand for those. anyway, after that they've been no problem. i wear them all the time! i did get a small blister on my heel this past trip because i was walking in the rain in them and i guess the wetness made it rub a blister on me. but i quickly put a band aid on it before it got too bad and it never bothered me again. alice crocs are a little bit narrower than normal crocs so be aware of that. but that's why i like them - they're not as bulky.

OK Dawn, I asked DS and he thinks it was Terrence Cody.

I'm not so sure because in all the pics I see of him he has dread locks. So, unless he cut them all off, I'm not sure that was him.

We'll be watching tomorrow night though! I've been trash talkin' with Wendy over on FB about the game. Kinda funny considerin' she isn't a sports gal at ALL! ;) :rotfl2:

Happy 2009 to you and Ray!!

we did see a guy with dreadlocks too but we didn't talk to him. but dad thought he played for alabama too. wendy as in utahmama wendy? that's hilarious!

the next best thing to planning your own trip is helping someone else plan there's!
I love seeing someone try beverly for the first time!;)

i know - i told her she was allowing me to live vicariously through her next year!

Dawn! Don't know where I've been - great start so far - I'll be back to catch up - I need some sleep!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

no problem - glad you're here! thanks for joining in.

Love the update, at least the rain stopped. Loved the photo's from Spaceship earth, isn't that such fun!!! Also loved your Club Kool pics, did Luke have to pee a ton after that, that's what happened with our kids:rotfl: .
Hope you guys had a happy new year, can't wait to hear more about your trip.
Have fun planning your boss' trip, my parents go in February and I already made all of their dining reservations. Such fun!
Lesley

i'm still mad our spaceship earth future didn't come up! :mad: that's my favorite part! i don't remember if luke had to pee or not. i'm trying to think if we had to stop by the bathroom after that and i don't remember. isn't it so fun planning someone else's trip? i told michele (my boss) that i loved doing it so let me go crazy!

We were at MK that same day that it rained. You are not kidding - I've never seen so much rain. We bought ponchos and did the best we could. The good thing about the rain, is that there was NOBODY at MK that morning. We walked on everything. I'm glad you dried out, I hope the afternoon gets better, your TR is great.

thanks so much! yeah, it was crazy with rain that morning. my definition of scattered thunderstorms isn't a downpour for 3 straight hours!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR PUNKIN!

I wish you a year of all your dreams coming true, even baby ones! :thumbsup2

thanks, you too! we will have to see about the baby news. it won't be for awhile, so you guys will have to be patient. ;) it's funny - my parents don't even know we've decided to have one yet. i'm afraid to tell them because once i do they'll start bugging us TO DEATH about it!

[2xcited2sleep]

Great updates. I am cracking up thinking of you in the ladies room pouring water out of your crocs down the drain. But laughing with you not at you... I agree, it was AWFUL. Good for you guys for getting out in it and still having fun. I cowered in the hotel. :laughing:

Luke's face in the Nemo ride is just precious. I love seeing it through his eyes. And what good manners he has re: Beverly... just quietly pouring it out. Anna and Chris have done well!

Too bad about your "future" in Spaceship Earth. :headache:

[MeMom]

Isn't the live feed awesome? I loved seeing the fireworks, and Jill and all of her church friends were also watching it down in Huntsville at their get-together. She told them it was going to be cool, and they made fun of her, as they always do about Disney, but she said they were all very impressed. And that was just on the computer. Imagine how impressed they'll be if they try it in person some time!

What makes you think your parents would pressure you about a baby?
Just because we (in the Grandparent Club) sit around with our stopwatches waiting for the word that a baby is on the way...you call that pressure?

Just because the house is decorated in blue and pink ribbons every time you are coming to visit, that's not bugging you.

Just because you went to put your coat in the hall closet and discovered ten packs of diapers stored away, think nothing of it.
Newborn diapers, that is.
Not Depends. :rotfl:

Just because an empty Grandma's Brag Book is placed strategically on the coffee table, don't feel like you have to be in a hurry.

Hmmm. Maybe you're right. Maybe you shouldn't say anything just yet.
Your loyal friends on the Dis will probably bug you enough without you letting your folks in on it right now.

I'm so excited! I have to go find my blue and pink ribbons! When are you coming up next? :cutie:

[winkers]

Just because the house is decorated in blue and pink ribbons every time you are coming to visit, that's not bugging you.

Just because you went to put your coat in the hall closet and discovered ten packs of diapers stored away, think nothing of it.
Newborn diapers, that is.
Not Depends. :rotfl:

Just because an empty Grandma's Brag Book is placed strategically on the coffee table, don't feel like you have to be in a hurry.

Hmmm. Maybe you're right. Maybe you shouldn't say anything just yet.
Your loyal friends on the Dis will probably bug you enough without you letting your folks in on it right now.

I'm so excited! I have to go find my blue and pink ribbons! When are you coming up next? :cutie:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Did I miss something????? Are you or about to become pregnant?:confused:

[troobabiee7]

What a fun update! Sorry about the rain, I can't believe how soaked you guys were! I hope it cleared up for the rest of the trip. Spaceship Earth looks like so much fun! It's one of my favorite rides in all of Disney but it was closed on our last trip so we haven't gotten to see the new additions yet. I can't wait! I also can't wait for your next update :thumbsup2

[MeMom]

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Did I miss something????? Are you or about to become pregnant?:confused:

They're just in the planning stages for the next year or so. I'm just already getting excited for them!

I'm sending myself to time-out now, and I will speak nothing of babies until I am allowed to.

Does anyone have some really, really strong duct tape????

[winkers]

Does anyone have some really, really strong duct tape????

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Mutts_76/ATT255292.jpg

[MeMom]

It wuuks puffeckly.
Schanks!

(I wonder if it's gonna hurt when I yank it off! :scared1: )

[aldisneygrl]

we did see a guy with dreadlocks too but we didn't talk to him. but dad thought he played for alabama too. wendy as in utahmama wendy? that's hilarious!




Whether it was him or not, my son was impressed! :cool2: Wished he had been there. :rolleyes1

Yes, as in UtahMama (i'm not a sports gal ;) Wendy), but boy she can bring on the trash talk. :rotfl2: Our TIDE is gonna squash those Utah boys tonight! (Put that in there in case she was a lurkin') :rotfl2:

[winkers]

It wuuks puffeckly.
Schanks!

(I wonder if it's gonna hurt when I yank it off! :scared1: )

it'll hurt just a touch!..............and if you need your lip waxed, it should take of that!:rotfl:

[DisneyLaura]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"][SIZE="4"]i hope you all had a very....

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq91/eduard1_photo/happy_new_year.gif

now that it's 2009 i can say that i'm going to disney world next year.

Now that it is 2009 I can finally say "I'm going to WDW this year"

[punkin413]

Great updates. I am cracking up thinking of you in the ladies room pouring water out of your crocs down the drain. But laughing with you not at you... I agree, it was AWFUL. Good for you guys for getting out in it and still having fun. I cowered in the hotel. :laughing:

Luke's face in the Nemo ride is just precious. I love seeing it through his eyes. And what good manners he has re: Beverly... just quietly pouring it out. Anna and Chris have done well!

Too bad about your "future" in Spaceship Earth. :headache:

oh, and anna was squeezing the water out of her jeans down the drain, too. we were a sight! but i saw other women doing the same thing. i wish we could've cowered in a hotel! but we were hungry and had to get to epcot, so we didn't have a choice! i will tell them you said that about luke!

Isn't the live feed awesome? I loved seeing the fireworks, and Jill and all of her church friends were also watching it down in Huntsville at their get-together. She told them it was going to be cool, and they made fun of her, as they always do about Disney, but she said they were all very impressed. And that was just on the computer. Imagine how impressed they'll be if they try it in person some time!

What makes you think your parents would pressure you about a baby?
Just because we (in the Grandparent Club) sit around with our stopwatches waiting for the word that a baby is on the way...you call that pressure?

Just because the house is decorated in blue and pink ribbons every time you are coming to visit, that's not bugging you.

Just because you went to put your coat in the hall closet and discovered ten packs of diapers stored away, think nothing of it.
Newborn diapers, that is.
Not Depends. :rotfl:

Just because an empty Grandma's Brag Book is placed strategically on the coffee table, don't feel like you have to be in a hurry.

Hmmm. Maybe you're right. Maybe you shouldn't say anything just yet.
Your loyal friends on the Dis will probably bug you enough without you letting your folks in on it right now.

I'm so excited! I have to go find my blue and pink ribbons! When are you coming up next? :cutie:

isn't it so funny how people think we're weird until they SEE what we're all excited about???? everyone at work things i'm psycho when it comes to disney but now that my boss is going and i'm sending her stuff through e-mail, she's like, "YOU'RE AWESOME!!!" :laughing:

yeah, you proved my point there, memom. :rolleyes: don't get ahead of yourself - i'm still on the pill! :rotfl2:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Did I miss something????? Are you or about to become pregnant?:confused:

i think memom cleared it up but yes, ray and i are thinking of starting a family in the next 12-18 months. just depends on money, my job, insurance, that kinda stuff. that's why we don't have plans to go back to disney until december 2010.

What a fun update! Sorry about the rain, I can't believe how soaked you guys were! I hope it cleared up for the rest of the trip. Spaceship Earth looks like so much fun! It's one of my favorite rides in all of Disney but it was closed on our last trip so we haven't gotten to see the new additions yet. I can't wait! I also can't wait for your next update :thumbsup2

yes, we were a bunch of wet rats! i can't wait for you to see the new additions! it's really cool.

I'm sending myself to time-out now, and I will speak nothing of babies until I am allowed to.

Does anyone have some really, really strong duct tape????

:lmao:

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Mutts_76/ATT255292.jpg

It wuuks puffeckly.
Schanks!

(I wonder if it's gonna hurt when I yank it off! :scared1: )

it'll hurt just a touch!..............and if you need your lip waxed, it should take of that!:rotfl:

you guys are crazy! :rotfl: i actually carry duct tape in my case for work because i have to tape down all my cords when i put out microphones (i've been around lawyers too long and i know i'll get sued if someone trips over one of my cords!). one time i was setting up in juvenile court and a man and his son, probably about 10 years old, were sitting there waiting for court to start. this kid was in for something minor, like maybe bringing a pocketknife to school or something. anyway, you see he was scared to death to be there anyway. well, his dad saw me get out the tape and before i started taping the cords down he turned to his son and said, "she brings that tape in case you get out of hand." :eek: the little boy's eyes got huge and i thought he was gonna fall out of his chair! poor thing!!!

Whether it was him or not, my son was impressed! :cool2: Wished he had been there. :rolleyes1

Yes, as in UtahMama (i'm not a sports gal ;) Wendy), but boy she can bring on the trash talk. :rotfl2: Our TIDE is gonna squash those Utah boys tonight! (Put that in there in case she was a lurkin') :rotfl2:

well, i'll be cheering for alabama too! so throw in some trash talkin from me too. by the way, tell the peeps i said hey. i haven't been over there at ALL lately and i may be returning soon since i've gained a little bit over the holidays. it's nothing i can't undo but i might need some motivation!

Now that it is 2009 I can finally say "I'm going to WDW this year"

oh, yes you can!!!!! :woohoo:

[aldisneygrl]

well, i'll be cheering for alabama too! so throw in some trash talkin from me too. by the way, tell the peeps i said hey. i haven't been over there at ALL lately and i may be returning soon since i've gained a little bit over the holidays. it's nothing i can't undo but i might need some motivation!





Well, I would say HI, but I haven't been on that thread in about a year! :guilty: I need to go back in with my head hanging low. :sad2: I know they are a welcoming bunch, but I have SO not been eating the way I should, and need to get back on track.

Thanks for the cheering, we'll take all we can get! Roll Tide!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Oh, and MeMom, you have relatives in Huntsville? That's not too far from me! :goodvibes

[xoktenox]

Happy New Year Dawn!

I hope you, Ray and the doggies had a wonderful night and a great day today! And I just read some posts and saw that you are thinking of starting a family this year! How exciting, I hope it all works out so well for you in 2009! :goodvibes

[winkers]

i think memom cleared it up but yes, ray and i are thinking of starting a family in the next 12-18 months. just depends on money, my job, insurance, that kinda stuff. that's why we don't have plans to go back to disney until december 2010.

:

So you could be bringing a mini Dawn or Ray with you?????:banana: :cutie: :lovestruc
Ok, I'll join memom in the corner now!!! And I promise not to ask for "progress reports";)

[punkin413]

Well, I would say HI, but I haven't been on that thread in about a year! :guilty: I need to go back in with my head hanging low. :sad2: I know they are a welcoming bunch, but I have SO not been eating the way I should, and need to get back on track.

Thanks for the cheering, we'll take all we can get! Roll Tide!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:

Oh, and MeMom, you have relatives in Huntsville? That's not too far from me! :goodvibes

yeah, i need to get back over there. they are always welcoming!

Happy New Year Dawn!

I hope you, Ray and the doggies had a wonderful night and a great day today! And I just read some posts and saw that you are thinking of starting a family this year! How exciting, I hope it all works out so well for you in 2009! :goodvibes

you too! we shall see. ;)

So you could be bringing a mini Dawn or Ray with you?????:banana: :cutie: :lovestruc
Ok, I'll join memom in the corner now!!! And I promise not to ask for "progress reports";)

yep. although ray and i don't agree about bringing a baby to disney. he thinks it would be a hassle and i don't. i mean, they don't even have an opinion on what to do yet and THEY'RE FREE!!! don't worry - i will let you know when the time is right. :)

[MA pigletfan]

GREAT updates!!!
LOVED your christmas mini trip pics...your family is too cute..and they look like so much fun. I can't believe how much your brother looks like Adam Samberg from SNL ( but not as goofy)..his girlfriend is adorable too, as is her kiddo..your niece is going to be TOO CUTE! :)
LOVE the Disney trip updates..luke pouring out the drink silently is too funny..he was stunned by the horrible-ness i am sure!
Keep up the great reporting Miss Dawn! :thumbsup2 :cool1:

[scottny]

Happy New Year.

I had margaritas last night too. they were the best I ever had.

[jordanyosh]

it was smooth sailing through florida, although my directions this time were very odd - taking us on some highway and it wasn't 429 like we usually take. anyway, we arrived at our condo around 12:30. it was BEAUTIFUL! i'm so glad we got a decent place to stay at. this was the first time we'd staying off property (to save money) and i have to say it was really nice for the money ($109/night).

the living room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07990.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07991.jpg

dining area......

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07992.jpg

kitchen.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07993.jpg

luke's room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07994.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07997.jpg

he was very excited about sleeping the top bunk bed!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07998.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1005.jpg

chris and anna's room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07995.jpg

our room....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/DSC07996.jpg

oh, and we had a christmas tree!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1016.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1019.jpg

the only complaint i had was that the cable didn't work but who cares when you're in disney world? nobody really has time to watch TV anyway! we got local stations and some random other stuff. ray was missing his ESPN!

we unpacked and i was ready to hit the hay by around 1:30. this is the last thing i saw before i went to bed....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/December10-112008DisneyDay1020.jpg

anna said they stayed up really late playing on the internet. BOYS! :confused3

up next.....our first park....EPCOT!!!!

Nice digs...

Never come between a man and his laptop.

[jordanyosh]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/File0049.jpg




Tongue

[jordanyosh]

notice the guy snoozing in the chair! :rotfl:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/december%20TR/December10-112008DisneyDay1030.jpg



Classic

[jordanyosh]

I


am


caught


up

[punkin413]

GREAT updates!!!
LOVED your christmas mini trip pics...your family is too cute..and they look like so much fun. I can't believe how much your brother looks like Adam Samberg from SNL ( but not as goofy)..his girlfriend is adorable too, as is her kiddo..your niece is going to be TOO CUTE! :)
LOVE the Disney trip updates..luke pouring out the drink silently is too funny..he was stunned by the horrible-ness i am sure!
Keep up the great reporting Miss Dawn! :thumbsup2 :cool1:

gina! i'm glad you're still here. something happened to me at MVMCP that made me think of you - but you'll have to wait and see what it is! and that's the last thing we did so you'll have to wait awhile!

i never thought about it but brett does favor that dude from SNL. he's so excited about being a daddy - it's cute.

Happy New Year.

I had margaritas last night too. they were the best I ever had.

oh, really? may i ask where? i am coming to NYC in may and i'd like to know where i can find said margaritas. as long as it's within a 10-mile radius of manhattan because i doubt we'll be going very far from there!

Nice digs...

Never come between a man and his laptop.

:rotfl: seriously! i'm married to ray so i learned that a long time ago.

Tongue

.....on a christmas card. :rotfl2:

Classic

:thumbsup2

I


am


caught


up

i


am


glad.

;)

[jordanyosh]

Oh Dawn..how i've missed you....:thumbsup2

[punkin413]

so 2008 has come and gone. another manning brother won the super bowl, the economy crashed, the united states elected its first black president, vandy had a winning season and britney made her comeback. but as i was sitting here, reflecting on the past year, i decided that i wanted to do our year in pictures. not really so much for you guys (although i'm glad you're reading this ;) ) but i thought it would be nice for me to have, to be able to look back at this awhile from now and see it. well, as long as this link is active anyway.

be prepared -you know how i am with pictures - so there's a lot. i could only narrow it down so much. some of these were taken by me and some by other people, but some way or another they came into my possession.

of course this isn't EVERYTHING that happened to me last year. i had some bad times, too. but i tend not to take pictures of those.

we start out in january, when i went home to tennessee to see my family.....and froze my toosh off!!!! i think it was like 4 degrees while i was there.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture013.jpg

sometime in january or february ray bought guitar hero and then eventually rock band, so i've entitled 2008, "the year we became psuedo-rock stars." we had numerous get-togethers with friends to play and it's really fun. if you are thinking about purchasing one of these i highly recommend it - and i'm not a video game kinda girl!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/509731426208_0_BG.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/729819476208_0_BG.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/712039476208_0_BG.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture096.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture097.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/420741426208_0_BG.jpg

guitar hero and rock band kept us busy last winter. as spring rolled in, it was time for a dose of disney when we went to see the lion king. it was SO GOOD!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/006A.jpg

then in late april/early may it was time for some REAL disney, when ray and i went to disney world for our 6th anniversary. a few of my favorite shots....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC03719.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC03855.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04002.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04404.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04409.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04421.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04452.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04594.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04608.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04611.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04722.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04775.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04865.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04872.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04884.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC04898.jpg

continued in next post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29419436&postcount=200

[punkin413]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC05010.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC05013hh.jpg

my favorite souvenir from that trip, my tink bird bath that sits outside my office window.....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture080.jpg

sherman and eli enjoyed their souvenirs, as well.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture048.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture0551.jpg

as spring rolled on anna, chris and i enjoyed some live music at the paramore show in atlanta....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/l_a9ed2180e40d10178b4a59a5140f6f2d.jpg

i made another trip home to see family and friends.

playing frisbee golf!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture021.jpg

at a bachelorette party of a high school friend....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/631741447306_0_BG.jpg

and i met erica, memom, jill and brooklynn this trip! i had already met erica the year before. i was so happy to make even more dis friends! of course memom wouldn't get in the picture with us.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture110.jpg

back home and a couple weeks later we went out to celebrate anna's birthday!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/836473518208_0_BG.jpg

into summer we go. not much going on other than some random pics i love!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture090.jpg

i love luke's face in this one!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/124118048208_0_BG.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/805446778208_0_BG.jpg

ray attempting to murder me. maybe he should wait until we can afford a bigger life insurance policy!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture174.jpg

my sister and her boyfriend made a trip to disney world in july and i followed them (some of you joined me) in my mind on their trip!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/P1000278.jpg

at bonefish grill on my birthday! yum.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/131880709208_0_BG.jpg

my next trip to nashville was in july to see my brother and sister. i made a pit stop with erica for lunch!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/IMG_0010.jpg

nice bunny ears, dad.....thanks.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture012.jpg

then i went back a couple weeks later to say happy birthday to my brother and farewell to my sister, who was moving to connecticut in late august....

this is my dad and sister on a slide at nashville shores - i love this one!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture003.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture015.jpg

of course we ate at PF chang's!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture016.jpg

oh, and i learned i was gonna be an aunt around this time. this is little margot raine!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/l_f22676bd5e7b4656ae7aae087b4a4fe4.jpg

september was here and it was time to go back to disney world with erica!!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0149.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0156.jpg

if you don't know the story behind the picture below, you must go read our TR (linked below)!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0280.jpg

continued in next post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29419448&postcount=201

[punkin413]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0295.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/P1030403.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0427.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0116.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0126.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/P1040299.jpg

there are many more pictures i want to include but we are not finished with our TR and i don't want to ruin it, so i will wait and add those later.

fall was now here and it was time for the weather to cool off....finally! and time for fall festivals! i think we went to 3 this year.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/724696270308_0_BG.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/563286270308_0_ALB.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture007.jpg

i have more pictures of those but none that i love enough to look at again. :laughing:

in october it was time for another dose of disney! disney on ice!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/893474511308_0_ALB.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/431973511308_0_BG.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture141.jpg

then it was time for some trick-or-treating!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/785998901308_0_BG.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture025.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/616349901308_0_ALB.jpg

we also made a new friend in october who's name is zolo and he's just the sweetest little dog ever! i'm glad we can still see him and that his cousin sherman and cousin eli get to play with him from time to time.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture022.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture025-1.jpg

in november we went out to dinner with some friends in atlanta. southern girls have the best table manners....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/424031431308_0_BG.jpg

(i know that was gross but it's too funny not to post.)

and then we went to see elvis for a friend's birthday!!!!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture071.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture074.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture126.jpg

that brings us up to december, when we left for disney world and then came home for the holidays. you've either seen or will see all those pics, so they aren't posted here.

so that was my 2008 in a nutshell. i think it will be neat to come back here in a year and look at this!

i hope you all had a great holiday and new year and i wish you much happiness, laughter and magic in 2009!!!! :goodvibes

for now i will leave you to ponder......just what species of animal is this????

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture1253.jpg

:lmao:

[hlrababy]

Thanks for sharing your 2008 in pics! That was really cool Dawn!!!!!!

:lmao: Love the pic of you sticking your tongue out with food on it!!!

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Oh my gosh!







I can not believe you posted that picture of my father in law sleeping in that chair! :scared1:































Okay. I'm just kidding. I saw your link on Scott's report and noticed you were there at the same time as us. Which means I'm going to be checking out your pics to see if we're in the background of them. :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[winkers]

Dawn, that was alot of fun! Great idea!
But you missed one important picture.............................


http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q240/winkers_photos/disneyworld08/100_4841.jpg

[jordanyosh]

Dawn, that was alot of fun! Great idea!
But you missed one important picture.............................


http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q240/winkers_photos/disneyworld08/100_4841.jpg

Holy Cow!!!!!!

[jordanyosh]

Some great 2008 tongue memories.....;)

[jordanyosh]

I love how you and Erica have connected so well :hug:

[scottny]

what a great look back at the year that was 2008

ok can I come down and find out where that PF Changs is, I want that waiter to serve me.

Ok gay moment over. Sorry I have them every once in a while.

That water slide pic is hysterical, it looked like it was straight down.

[Happy Elf]

Great recap of 2008! I had to :rotfl: at this:



http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture1253.jpg




To me it says "pet my belly NOW!!!" :rotfl2:

I know that look!

[Sarilas]

Mmmm... PF Changs!

Great year in review- I've no doubt 2009 will be even more spectacular for you!

[xoktenox]

What a great wrap up of 2008! I looove the picture of Ray "trying to kill you" and then your life insurance policy caption :lmao: And of course the Disney pictures were great too, you and Ray make the perfect couple! :goodvibes


That last picture of Eli/Sherman (idk which one it is!) is tooooo funny! My dog does the same thing, like shes a person just casually laying on her back and her ears fly up like that :laughing:

[2xcited2sleep]

Love your year in review! You've had a lot of fun this year. And it's been fun following along with you via your TR! :goodvibes

:rotfl: I'd almost forgotten about Elvis! :rotfl:

Here's hoping your 2009 is equally or more magical than 2008! :goodvibes

[disneymom1980]

I love the year in review pictures! I think I took about 3 photo albums worth of pictures this year (if not more). Of course, the majority of them are the girls.....that's what happens when you have kids, you go picture crazy ;) . DD #1 gets it, so she just poses and looks at me like, "Let's get this over with." DD #2 hasn't quite figured it out yet, and she tends to run, but she doesn't realize that I'm just going to chase her until I get the picture I want :rotfl: .

[CanadianWDWfan]

So fun to look back at the last year, many fun times. It will be very cool to see all those memories in the future. ;)

[PlutoGirl1117]

I've been lurking and enjoying your reports. Love the recap of 2008! I was down there the same time as you, and I think I saw you a few times! Funny!

[TigerKat]

Great '08 in review! Love the beagles & PF Chang's.;)

[Nyla]

You've got me hooked!

Great report so far! :thumbsup2

[Spartangirl]

GREAT year in review!!! What a fantastic idea! :goodvibes I hope 2009 is just as good to you! :hug:

[tinkgurl]

Dawn! What a freakin great idea! I loved looking at your 2008 in review. There are some great pictures and some that even made me laugh out loud! (Especially ones with Luke's faces)

[troobabiee7]

I love that Year in Review! What a fun idea... I might have to steal it for my report ;) It looks like 2008 was a good year or you and I hope 2009 is just as fun!

[kschafer]

Your year in pictures was fun to read. Thanks for sharing with us!

[aldisneygrl]

Oh Dawn we (my DS and I) think we have figured out who that was. We think it was Andre Smith, and he won't be playing tonight because he got suspended. Something about talking with Pro recruiters or something like that. It's a shame cause he is so BIG!

Here's hoping we win! ROLL TIDE!!!!

[MA pigletfan]

wheeee..i can't wait to see what made you think of me at the mvmcp...i think i MIGHT have an idea..but we shall see ;)
LOVE your year of pictures...that was so cute!!! :) You are one well traveled girl..i love i--thanks so much for always thinking of us and sharing your fun times!

[punkin413]

Oh Dawn..how i've missed you....:thumbsup2

you too, sweetie!!! :goodvibes

Thanks for sharing your 2008 in pics! That was really cool Dawn!!!!!!

:lmao: Love the pic of you sticking your tongue out with food on it!!!

you're welcome! thanks. i tend to forget my manners when a photo op presents itself.

Oh my gosh!

I can not believe you posted that picture of my father in law sleeping in that chair! :scared1:

Okay. I'm just kidding. I saw your link on Scott's report and noticed you were there at the same time as us. Which means I'm going to be checking out your pics to see if we're in the background of them. :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

:rotfl2: that's too funny! cool! i hope you see yourself in some of my pics. i will head over to your TR (i think i saw that you have one) and do the same! :thumbsup2

Dawn, that was alot of fun! Great idea!
But you missed one important picture.............................


http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q240/winkers_photos/disneyworld08/100_4841.jpg

you are so right......i'm such a moron!!!! :headache: how could i have forgotten that?????? my meeting with winkers and family! i'm so glad i met you guys on that trip. you are true-life friends now!!!! :grouphug:

Holy Cow!!!!!!

who WAS that guy?????

Some great 2008 tongue memories.....;)

i went back and counted exactly 5 purposeful tongues (you can't count the unpurposeful ones because sometimes your tongue just gets in a picture unintentionally), 4 of which were mine and 1 of which was a 4-year-old's. maybe that should tell me something. :rolleyes:

I love how you and Erica have connected so well :hug:

she's my fwiend and i wub her! :goodvibes

what a great look back at the year that was 2008

ok can I come down and find out where that PF Changs is, I want that waiter to serve me.

Ok gay moment over. Sorry I have them every once in a while.

That water slide pic is hysterical, it looked like it was straight down.

OMG, scott.....i literally laughed out loud at that!!!!! :lmao: that was too funny. actually, both my brother and sister used to work at that PF chang's and know that guy. the restaurant is on west end in downtown nashville. hopefully you won't go stalk him now. biff may find me and torture me!

that was the only slide i didn't go on because dawn with a broken back = no income. not a good thing!

Great recap of 2008! I had to :rotfl: at this:

To me it says "pet my belly NOW!!!" :rotfl2:

I know that look!

thanks! yeah, he loves to have his belly rubbed. but he doesn't even look like a dog. more like a mix between a dog, a bat and a pot-bellied pig!

Mmmm... PF Changs!

Great year in review- I've no doubt 2009 will be even more spectacular for you!

thanks!!! i love me some PF chang's, too. so good!

[punkin413]

What a great wrap up of 2008! I looove the picture of Ray "trying to kill you" and then your life insurance policy caption :lmao: And of course the Disney pictures were great too, you and Ray make the perfect couple!

That last picture of Eli/Sherman (idk which one it is!) is tooooo funny! My dog does the same thing, like shes a person just casually laying on her back and her ears fly up like that :laughing:

thanks! you are so sweet! we get along pretty good but of course we aren't perfect. ;) we've been together since i was 17 - that's 15 years. holy crap - i'm old! :laughing:

that's eli. i think he looks like a bat! :rotfl:

Love your year in review! You've had a lot of fun this year. And it's been fun following along with you via your TR! :goodvibes

:rotfl: I'd almost forgotten about Elvis! :rotfl:

Here's hoping your 2009 is equally or more magical than 2008! :goodvibes

thanks! who can forget about elvis! :laughing: i hope you have a great 2009 too!!!! :thumbsup2

I love the year in review pictures! I think I took about 3 photo albums worth of pictures this year (if not more). Of course, the majority of them are the girls.....that's what happens when you have kids, you go picture crazy ;) . DD #1 gets it, so she just poses and looks at me like, "Let's get this over with." DD #2 hasn't quite figured it out yet, and she tends to run, but she doesn't realize that I'm just going to chase her until I get the picture I want :rotfl: .

thanks! yeah, anna's like that with luke. he HATES taking pictures - she's ruined him! :laughing: they had a problem getting him to pose for photopass pics - but some of them turned out pretty funny!

So fun to look back at the last year, many fun times. It will be very cool to see all those memories in the future. ;)

thanks - that's exactly why i did it!

I've been lurking and enjoying your reports. Love the recap of 2008! I was down there the same time as you, and I think I saw you a few times! Funny!

thanks so much for saying hello! very cool! where/when did you see me?

Great '08 in review! Love the beagles & PF Chang's.;)

thanks! beagles and PF chang's - these are some of my favorite things!

You've got me hooked!

Great report so far! :thumbsup2

thanks so much for reading!

GREAT year in review!!! What a fantastic idea! :goodvibes I hope 2009 is just as good to you! :hug:

thanks! i hope you guys have a great year, too! :goodvibes

Dawn! What a freakin great idea! I loved looking at your 2008 in review. There are some great pictures and some that even made me laugh out loud! (Especially ones with Luke's faces)

thanks! glad i made you smile. and some of luke's pictures are so funny!

I love that Year in Review! What a fun idea... I might have to steal it for my report ;) It looks like 2008 was a good year or you and I hope 2009 is just as fun!

thanks! go ahead - steal away! i hope you have a great 2009 too!

Your year in pictures was fun to read. Thanks for sharing with us!

thanks! and thanks for reading!!!

Oh Dawn we (my DS and I) think we have figured out who that was. We think it was Andre Smith, and he won't be playing tonight because he got suspended. Something about talking with Pro recruiters or something like that. It's a shame cause he is so BIG!

Here's hoping we win! ROLL TIDE!!!!

oh, bummer! i was hoping i'd see him, even though i really wouldn't know who i was looking for! we're watching the game right now. i started screaming when alabama scored a little while ago and eli (my dog) ran and hid. he's back now so i hope i can control myself in the second half! they need to step it up!!!!!! :cheer2: they can still win!!!!!!!!!!

hey, by the way, if your son has followed alabama for awhile, ask him if he remembers calvin hall? i think he played from 1994 - 1998. i graduated with him from gallatin high school in tennessee in 1994. he was a great football player - our school won the state championship in 1992 and he was a big part of that. anyway, i know he played offense for alabama but i'm not sure exactly what position. a tackle maybe?

wheeee..i can't wait to see what made you think of me at the mvmcp...i think i MIGHT have an idea..but we shall see ;)
LOVE your year of pictures...that was so cute!!! :) You are one well traveled girl..i love i--thanks so much for always thinking of us and sharing your fun times!

i don't think you'd guess this - it's totally random! but you'll have to wait and see. ;) you're welcome! i'm glad to share with you guys - it's neat to have to look back on, too.

[xoktenox]

thanks! you are so sweet! we get along pretty good but of course we aren't perfect. ;) we've been together since i was 17 - that's 15 years. holy crap - i'm old! :laughing:

that's eli. i think he looks like a bat! :rotfl:

awww thats so cute! not many people can say they've been with the same person for 15 years these days, sad as that is.

eli is freakin adorable. he really thinks hes a person and he has that belly just like my dog...except shes like a ft and a half long and wayyy to fat for her size :laughing:

[aldisneygrl]

oh, bummer! i was hoping i'd see him, even though i really wouldn't know who i was looking for! we're watching the game right now. i started screaming when alabama scored a little while ago and eli (my dog) ran and hid. he's back now so i hope i can control myself in the second half! they need to step it up!!!!!! :cheer2: they can still win!!!!!!!!!!

hey, by the way, if your son has followed alabama for awhile, ask him if he remembers calvin hall? i think he played from 1994 - 1998. i graduated with him from gallatin high school in tennessee in 1994. he was a great football player - our school won the state championship in 1992 and he was a big part of that. anyway, i know he played offense for alabama but i'm not sure exactly what position. a tackle maybe?





Let's just say it isn't a happy day at the Allie house. :rolleyes1

I can't even ask him because when the score was 21 - 0, he left and went upstairs to his room and shut the door. :eek:

He has come out since, but is pretty much staying in his room. I quit watching for a while because when I watch, they tend to play bad. :sad2: Plus, I'm not feeling so good. I have a bad headache, and not to sure about my stomach. Sure hope I'm not coming down with something. :sick:

I'll ask him about that player when I see him again. :rolleyes1 ;)

[punkin413]

awww thats so cute! not many people can say they've been with the same person for 15 years these days, sad as that is.

eli is freakin adorable. he really thinks hes a person and he has that belly just like my dog...except shes like a ft and a half long and wayyy to fat for her size :laughing:

i'm a very lucky girl. :lovestruc

oh, eli is overweight too. we're having to portion his food and when the weather starts getting decent again we have to walk him more. i don't want him to be in poor health as he gets older. it's weird though - he's not lazy. i don't know why he's so fat!

Let's just say it isn't a happy day at the Allie house. :rolleyes1

I can't even ask him because when the score was 21 - 0, he left and went upstairs to his room and shut the door. :eek:

He has come out since, but is pretty much staying in his room. I quit watching for a while because when I watch, they tend to play bad. :sad2: Plus, I'm not feeling so good. I have a bad headache, and not to sure about my stomach. Sure hope I'm not coming down with something. :sick:

I'll ask him about that player when I see him again. :rolleyes1 ;)

yeah, don't ask him until the game is over. and then if alabama loses don't ask him for awhile! they can still win - they're only behind by 2 touchdowns and there's an entire quarter left. it can be done! but don't say that to him - most guys don't like to have a positive attitude when their team is losing!

[TigerKat]

Pulling for Bama here, SEC is such a dominant conference. We still love Coach Saban in my household.:thumbsup2

[punkin413]

Pulling for Bama here, SEC is such a dominant conference. We still love Coach Saban in my household.:thumbsup2

me too. doesn't look good though. i feel bad for wilson (the QB). he looks beat.

[punkin413]

oh, and what exactly is a ute? this is the only thing i can think of....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1V-4boT_ts

[MAGICFOR2]

They're just in the planning stages for the next year or so. I'm just already getting excited for them!

I'm sending myself to time-out now, and I will speak nothing of babies until I am allowed to.

Does anyone have some really, really strong duct tape????

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Mutts_76/ATT255292.jpg

It wuuks puffeckly.
Schanks!

(I wonder if it's gonna hurt when I yank it off! :scared1: )


:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: You girls are too funny! I was just planning on making comments about what a fun year Dawn and Ray will have while they "think" about having that baby- guess I won't.:bitelip:

Now that it is 2009 I can finally say "I'm going to WDW this year"

Me too! I'm going to Disneyworld THIS year!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

oh, and anna was squeezing the water out of her jeans down the drain, too. we were a sight! but i saw other women doing the same thing. i wish we could've cowered in a hotel! but we were hungry and had to get to epcot, so we didn't have a choice! i will tell them you said that about luke!



isn't it so funny how people think we're weird until they SEE what we're all excited about???? everyone at work things i'm psycho when it comes to disney but now that my boss is going and i'm sending her stuff through e-mail, she's like, "YOU'RE AWESOME!!!" :laughing:

yeah, you proved my point there, memom. :rolleyes: don't get ahead of yourself - i'm still on the pill! :rotfl2:



i think memom cleared it up but yes, ray and i are thinking of starting a family in the next 12-18 months. just depends on money, my job, insurance, that kinda stuff. that's why we don't have plans to go back to disney until december 2010.



yes, we were a bunch of wet rats! i can't wait for you to see the new additions! it's really cool.



:lmao:







you guys are crazy! :rotfl: i actually carry duct tape in my case for work because i have to tape down all my cords when i put out microphones (i've been around lawyers too long and i know i'll get sued if someone trips over one of my cords!). one time i was setting up in juvenile court and a man and his son, probably about 10 years old, were sitting there waiting for court to start. this kid was in for something minor, like maybe bringing a pocketknife to school or something. anyway, you see he was scared to death to be there anyway. well, his dad saw me get out the tape and before i started taping the cords down he turned to his son and said, "she brings that tape in case you get out of hand." :eek: the little boy's eyes got huge and i thought he was gonna fall out of his chair! poor thing!!!



well, i'll be cheering for alabama too! so throw in some trash talkin from me too. by the way, tell the peeps i said hey. i haven't been over there at ALL lately and i may be returning soon since i've gained a little bit over the holidays. it's nothing i can't undo but i might need some motivation!



oh, yes you can!!!!! :woohoo:

I love the way you just laughed in the rain - what else can you do when it rains that hard? We were up to our knees one day in Epcot - everyone ran ahead and left me - I was falling out of my crocs! :lmao:

So you could be bringing a mini Dawn or Ray with you?????:banana: :cutie: :lovestruc
Ok, I'll join memom in the corner now!!! And I promise not to ask for "progress reports";)

Like Pooh says, "Think, Think, Think!"

[MAGICFOR2]

Okay - I'm all caught up! Loved the house pics - really nice!:thumbsup2

Too bad about the rain - made it hard to find lunch! It's so fun to see Epcot through Luke's eyes! I love his reaction to Beverly - what a little gentleman!

You do have alot of family to see on Christmas! We can relate - DH's parents are divorced, too. Most of our sibs live out of town, though, so we don't see everyone every year.

Thanks for the "year in review.'" It was really fun re-living all those special days with you! I loved the bonfire pics, and the rock band pics - those were the craziest moments that you shared with us!

Here's to a great 2009 for you and Ray and Eli!

[MAGICFOR2]

oh, and what exactly is a ute? this is the only thing i can think of....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1V-4boT_ts

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[aldisneygrl]

Dawn - I had to google it, but I figured it had something to do with Indians due to their emblem on their helmets. They are an Indian Tribe that resides in UT and CO.


Oh, and upon further review of your post, I realized he wouldn't know that player because he was born in 93. :laughing: (didn't ya' love my sports talk? :goodvibes ) Actually, he is a relatively new AL fan. We moved here from GA in 2000, and he became a fan after that sometime. You have to choose AL or AU because they make such a big deal out of it at school (due to the Iron Bowl). You have to be for one or the other, and he chose AL.

I think Saban will be humbled by this loss. Hopefully, he'll go back to the drawing board, and make AL an even better team next year. We won't have to worry about Auburn though, with whathisname? as coach. :rotfl2:

[Megablocks]

I came over from MeMom's report--I've been lurking for a little while and finally decided to say hi. :goodvibes I started reading yours and Erica's report, too, and I love it!

The year in review was awesome. I think I might do one, too, because I think it would be cool to look back. I don't have AS many pictures, but I think I have enough uploaded to make one. I loved your pictures, especially the one of Ray trying to kill you and the one of you guys at the table, sticking your tongue out. :lmao: That's totally something I would do. There's a severe lack of "normal" pictures of me.

Your dogs are absolutely adorable--I almost adopted a beagle a couple of years ago, but he had already been adopted by the time that we went. I love seeing pics of other people's dogs.

Looking forward to more :)

[YoungChuck72]

loves the report :thumbsup2

[scottny]

OMG, scott.....i literally laughed out loud at that!!!!! :lmao: that was too funny. actually, both my brother and sister used to work at that PF chang's and know that guy. the restaurant is on west end in downtown nashville. hopefully you won't go stalk him now. biff may find me and torture me!

that was the only slide i didn't go on because dawn with a broken back = no income. not a good thing!


HMM, well I will be in WV in March, might make a detour. :rotfl2:

do not blame you for not going on it

[jwwi]

Dawn,
I have seen the year in review on the local news, national news, ET and the morning shows. I can say that I enjoyed your the most.:yay: Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Have a great 2009 too!

[Philadisney]

Just had a chance to get started and I've only read the first page as I've got to rush off to a dr's appointment now, but just wanted to say WOW your condo was really gorgeous. I love all the plants, you must have felt like you were sleeping on a tropical island. And did the owners really frame a bunch of Disney Mickey Head paint chips? That's kind of awesome, I might have to steal that idea. Looking forward to reading more! :surfweb:

[xoktenox]

oh, eli is overweight too. we're having to portion his food and when the weather starts getting decent again we have to walk him more. i don't want him to be in poor health as he gets older. it's weird though - he's not lazy. i don't know why he's so fat!

Awww poor Eli...how old is he? My dog is 9 and shes on diet food...but shes lazy. Maybe Eli has slow metabolism? :laughing: :confused3 At least he has good owners who want the best for him.

[DisneyLaura]

in october it was time for another dose of disney! disney on ice!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/893474511308_0_ALB.jpg

I'm going to Disney on Ice with DD tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait. She's going to love it, she's 3.



for now i will leave you to ponder......just what species of animal is this????

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture1253.jpg



You posted somewhere that he looks like a bat, pot belly pig and a dog, that's what I was thinking about. That belly I just want to do raspberries on it.

oh, and what exactly is a ute? this is the only thing i can think of....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1V-4boT_ts

That movie rocks.

[winkers]

So, should I tell you how excited my family is about the outcome of the game?;)

[CanadianWDWfan]

:rotfl2: Still laughing about that movie clip. "youts" too funny. You have the best memory for stuff.

I still can't get the 'cow bells' out of my head....:rotfl: and now this. :lmao:

[katiebug86]

fall was now here and it was time for the weather to cool off....finally! and time for fall festivals! i think we went to 3 this year.


What I want to know is why that wonderful singer you posted the video of didn't make it to your year's best moments? :confused3 :rotfl2:

[timandlesley]

LOVED your year in review. What an awesome year you had, thanks for sharing it with us. You inspired me to do one on my blog today, thanks! Can't wait to see what 09' has in store for you and Ray ; )
Lesley

[hlrababy]

Awwww, little Eli looks so cute!!!! I just want to rub his belly!

[VandyFan10]

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture096.jpg

Did Vander Built you???? :rotfl:


then in late april/early may it was time for some REAL disney, when ray and i went to disney world for our 6th anniversary. a few of my favorite shots....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/DSC03719.jpg

And your NEW hair cut!!! :woohoo:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0295.jpg

This was for Matt :upsidedow

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/P1030403.jpg

See comment # 1 :lmao:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/image0126.jpg

Eeyore :love:

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll79/punkin1803/2008/Picture074.jpg
Note Ryan Hamilton on the TV!!! pirate: GO DORES!!! pirate:

I REALLY enjoyed that thanks!! :goodvibes

[punkin413]

just thought i would share this with you guys. my sister's boyfriend send it to me. it's a documentary that was recently entered into the national film registry about a family's trip to disneyland in 1956. it's about 34 minutes long and the disneyland part starts around 20 minutes in. it's really just heart-warming and you can see how that magical feeling we all get when we go there now was the same back then!

http://www.archive.org/details/barstow_disneyland_dream_1956

[punkin413]

well, peyton and the colts are out. ray is NOT happy. he was hoping for a manning/manning superbowl. and the colts lost that game due to defensive penalties in overtime. so ugly. :sad2:

atlanta also lost today. so that's another one of my teams that's out.

and alabama lost yesterday. WHAT IS UP WITH FOOTBALL THIS WEEK????? (other than the vandy win on wednesday, of course! ;) )

so now my only hopes are the titans, the giants and the dolphins. other than i don't care about any of the other teams. congrats to anyone whose teams actually played WELL today!