Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed [Archive] - Page 4 - The DIS Discussion Forums

brookelizabeth

07-27-2009, 07:13 AM

hey Brooke, I'm loving your PTR as much as your TR. I'm so inspired by how you guys just take it easy, and go with the flow. I'm determined to do just that on our upcoming trip in Oct. It will be the first "going on rides" trip for our toddler. In fact i'm so gald you posted a must do list, I've gotten a lot of ideas for park touring from it.

You asked for opinions on Flights of Wonder in AK. It is a must do for my husband every trip. The show is really cute, and they bring out lots of cool birds that do tricks or little conditioned behaviors they've worked into the script. If Henry likes birds and/or animal shows I think he'll like it. I'm pretty sure mine will like it, if not his dad will be crushed. :eek:

~bree~

Hi there!!!! Glad to hear you are enjoying the PTR. I really like doing one, it helps me dump my thoughts into one place and get invaluable advice! :thumbsup2

I am very glad my list helps you! I'll report back on how Henry reacts on the iffy things - at 16 months he cried on MANY rides, so hopefully that has changed. Touring at a more relaxed pace and just going with the flow is very helpful with a toddler-just having that mindset alone makes your day more magical in case they decide to meltdown, or don't like any of the rides, etc. The only day I worry about is our MK day - there is SO much for a little one to do, and I want to get to it all - I have to remember, it truly only matters to ME, not to Henry! There will be a time when hitting certain rides matters to him, but at this point - not so much! :laughing: Plus, we are going back to MK on our last morning and possibly on one other night to hit up rides....so hopefully between all the time, we will get most of that list accomplished and still be at a relaxed pace.

That is great to hear about Flights of Wonder! I think Henry would like this, he loves animals and points out the birds in the sky. I hope your little one will like it!!

What a list! At least you know that you will return soon to get to the things you missed!!

The Flights of Wonders is really a neat show. It is amazing to see all these different birds. The show is a bit cheesy, but I found it highly amusing. It's definitely something I would love to do again, so worth a visit! It is an open air theater, I don't know how much shadow there is. But don't sit in the back, the birds fly very close over the heads of those sitting all the way to the back!!

If you never did the animal trails at AK, you really must try to do them, they are beautiful! I think they are one of the reasons why I love AK so much. They are actually nothing different from a zoo, but they are themed so cleverly that you think you are actually in a nature park in Africa or Asia. Incredible!!

Thank you for this advice on Flights of Wonder! I didn't think about it being open air - if the sun is shining straight in, Joe will be miserable due to his eye condition and being so sensitive to light. Something I will keep in mind. Also, great advice on the back rows!

We have never done the animal trails-I've seen so many beautiful pictures from them on TRs I REALLY want to do them! The themeing looks amazing and I can only imagine how intensified it is when you are actually there. The bats from everyone's reports have kinda caught me...they are really cute and interesting!! :rolleyes1

We really enjoyed Flights of Wonder on our last trip. It's not a must do every trip for us, but we definitely enjoy seeing it every few years!

Another thumbs up for Flights of Wonder! Thank you! I think I'll still aim for the FOTLK show since we haven't seen it, but if we have time for a 2nd show, we'll go for Flights of Wonder since we have seen Nemo.

A great list Brook for the rides! It's funny how when a trip is coming up soon how everything you think about is Disney! I am the same way with the lists and writing down on anything I can. I can't believe your trip is coming up so soon! It is too cute that Henry knows the train and Riverboat are at Mickey's House. How is your foot doing?

Oh yes, he knows that riverboat is t Mickey's! :laughing: He points it out and says "Mahee!"...he also points at the cruise boat! :goodvibes

My foot is doing alright....not as great as I was hoping, but certainly better than it was! It's still swollen, but the other day the swelling was down quite a bit and I could actually see my ankle bone again! :yay:

37 days!

Can I make a suggestion for 3d shows? I don't know it'll work with your plans but I'll offer my 2 cents.

I hate 3d shows. At 24 I refuse to do It's Tough to be a Bug & Honey I Shrunk the Audience. I love Philharmagic & Muppets though, they're a lot more friendly. I'd definitely start with Philharmagic or Muppets (Philharmagic is a little more friendly IMO.)

This is very good advice! I cannot recall what our first 3D show was last year...we skipped It's Tough to Be a Bug because I screamed during it on our first trip! :rotfl2: I think starting with Philharmagic-characters he recognizes would be the best bet...

Oh yes, a little boy's paradise!

Definitely a must-see for me!!

Henry will adore this!

We've seen it twice... nice, "B-list" show, IMHO. Afterwards the CMs let you come to the stage and meet some of the birds, so you may like that.

Of course!

We're really, really looking forward to this, too!

Billy doesn't "do" fire, either, so we sit in the upper back section. I think the overall view is actually better from here, plus, they show close-up video on a big screen just like at concerts.

He doesn't have to wear the glasses if he doesn't want to...

Gotta see Dut-Dut... and maybe you will meet him outside!! :yay:

:laughing: I hear ya!!

You and Billy both!! I'm sure we'll be seeing it multiple times! :rolleyes:

It's such a relaxing ride... perfect for mid-afternoon!

Yay Pooh-Bear!! pooh:

Gotta do the choo-choo!

**Just be warned... there is a dark, loud, potentially scary part when the Tiki gods get angry... thunder and lightning and yelling...

I can, too! :goodvibes

Great list! It's so much fun to dream about the trip, isn't it? :cloud9:

Kathy

More great advice! That is a very good idea about sitting in the back sections for LMA. We usually go straight to the front because otherwise Joe can't see it very well due to his eye condition, but he already told me that he would sit in the back, because he has seen it and knows what to expect and will just catch what he can. Plus...it may be shaded back there, right? Oh, I am excited about this idea! I think Henry is going to be WIDE-EYED at all the cars racing! He'll be reenacting it in his bed that night with this car toys. :laughing:

And VERY GOOD to know about the Tiki Room. If Henry is seeming skittish this trip still, we'll skip this.

I laughed at your comment on the Hall of Presidents. :goodvibes :hug: I'm glad Billy is still excited about it despite the changes! I know I'm going to be a complete basket case during the whole thing, just the preview clips you had on your TR made me cry!

I'd think Henry would like the Backlot tour. It has boats, planes, cars and a truck in catastrophe canyon. :thumbsup2

Your lists look great!

Oooooh, you are soooooo right! I forgot about the props! He will really like this!

Love the rides list! I know what you mean about making lists of everything -- I always seem to be doing that!

It's so fun to dream, isn't it? And really, as I tell Joe, the more I refine the list, the better-because little problems with The Plan do pop up, so if I didn't make all the lists and doodles, we would run into so many snags! See, it's a trip planning requirement! ::yes::

Great list!! It looks like you have a very do able plan :thumbsup2!

Thanks!! I sure hope so. The MK day makes me a bit nervous, but even if we miss some things, it will be alright - we'll just be sure to get those in December!

Flights of Wonder is an interesting show. I like to see it once during each vacation if only to get a glimpse of the Bald Eagle--so majestic and beautiful.

Ooooh, I bet seeing the Bald Eagle up close is beautiful! We have a LOT of them in Minnesota (especially down by my Mom's), but you never see them up close, only up in trees or flying around - which is still beautiful, but it would be amazing to see one closely.

When traveling with a toddler/preschooler, I think these lists are invaluable. When you are working with a short list of must dos it really helps you prioritize before the next meltdown comes. Plus, you know you accomplished everything you wanted and there is always another trip to hit the rest!

Exactly! Henry is a pretty chill kid, BUT, as 2 creeps closer and closer, his opinion is becoming more and more well known. ;)

Whew! All caught up again. I think you plans sound great. With Goofy's Barnstomer though, there is a height restrcition, which I think is 36 inches. Claire was just about there when we went when she was two. Some CM's let her ride it and some didn't. Good thing she had the nice CM who measure her at 36 the first night and she rode it 3 times in a row. The next day the CM that measured her said she was just under and wouldn't let her.

I went to the Mall of America last summer. It was so cool. I loved it. I swear there is like 3 Victoria's Secrets there. LOL! I actually met up with a girl I know from another board (parenting) and we had a nice visit and spent several hours together shopping. It was like we knew each other for ever. Claire did Libby Lu and just thought she was a Princess. I hope to go again some day. It is huge though. But by the end of the day, I was pretty sure how to navigate most of it and I never lost my way to my car. LOL!

I think Barnstormer is 35 inches...I think I read that on AllEars...gotta check.

Yep, 35! :yay: I am pretty sure Henry is at 35 inches right now, or VERY close and will hopefully squeak up a bit before September. He's been growing like a weed lately! I'll make sure he wears "tall shoes" that day. :lmao:

That's right! I remember now about you mentioning your Mall of America trip and Claire doing Libby Lu! Did they have the big American Girl store/restaurant at that time too? I can only imagine how excited little girls are to experience all that.

I OFTEN forget where I parked my car there, you are better than I am! Thankfully Joe is like a compass. I totally don't pay attention to those things anymore and just follow him...:rolleyes1 :laughing:

You have to take that sweet boy on the Donald Boatride at EPCOT--- that is my fondest memory of Emily last summer at 2, saying where is donald hands out the entire time-- so sweet!

So many fun things on your list....

Oh my goodness!!! I can just picture her doing that. So stinkin' cute. Yes, this is a MUST DO with his love for the duck!!

jessily

07-27-2009, 07:26 AM

Another thumbs up for Flights of Wonder! Thank you! I think I'll still aim for the FOTLK show since we haven't seen it, but if we have time for a 2nd show, we'll go for Flights of Wonder since we have seen Nemo.

You've got the right priorities there:thumbsup2 FOTLK is far and away my favorite show in Disney World. You will LOVE it.

pooksma

07-27-2009, 07:31 AM

Love your comment re "as 2 creeps in his opinions are becoming more known..." How true that is! DS was almost 3 our first trip and we didn't do any 3Ds. He did love Barnstormer though.

Lists are a mother's survival guide aren't they? Has Henry voiced any favs he wants to do?

ClaireW

07-27-2009, 08:44 AM

As a fellow mum to a nearly 2 year old I know exactly what you mean about voicing their opinions. But I think your healthy attitude towards prioritising what you'd all like to do and then just going with the flow should help you avoid some of those toddler meltdowns. We're off the Disneyland Paris in a couple of months time and I think we'll be taking the same approach. I like how you've got ideas in mind, without having too many fixed plans - I think this will work for us too.:)

TyRy

07-27-2009, 09:45 AM

Brook - you're not missing much on the Studios Backlot Tour. It used to be really great (or so we thought) but it seems like they have really shortened it over the years. It's now on our "we can skip" list.

Love the haunted mansion and I HATE haunted houses. DH wanted to go to Universal Fright Nights and I told him I hope he has a good time...I'll be at MNSSHP :rotfl:

And I know you've probably made up your mind, but if Henry's hair doesn't grow to long, my vote is too wait until the MK as well. :goodvibes

Normangirls

07-27-2009, 12:09 PM

Whew. 51 pages in one weekend. I'm exhausted.

Love the trip report, though. Henry is a real cutie-patootie!

If you don't mind, I have one thing for you to look at. You mentioned possibly hitting DHS for EMH -- they have a dance party at Playhouse Disney (but only during EMH). We have never been, but it is number one on our list this year. We are very excited!

Thanks for letting me weigh in and join in your TR!

jenjolt

07-27-2009, 05:46 PM

How did I miss all your lists Brook!!!! Shame on me!!!

Okay I love your must dos...what a fantastic list!! I'm sure Henry is going to love a lot of the old and some of the new!! Boy is that cute little guy growing up!!!

And I promise you, the Haunted Mansion will be worth it...I so wish I could ride it with you...only the beginning is a bit freaky the rest of it...great fun and you will love it!!!!

I think Henry will love the boat ride in Mexico...there is a lot of Donald and he would have fun finding Donald throughout!!!

princess&her4princes

07-27-2009, 06:30 PM

WOW Brook! You're an updating fool!!! LOL!!;) Love the list....don't have time to comment on all of it, but noticed that Henry didn't like Figment last time...Cole LOVED it at 17 mos. so maybe he'll like it this time now that he's that much older? He just sat there in awww, it was cute. You are on countown lady...it's really sneaking up on you! Can't wait to see your countdown!!!!:cool1: And I love the idea of letting Henry's hair grow for the haircut on Main Street, I would definately be doing that too if I were taking the boys!!!:lovestruc

mickeysmyboy

07-27-2009, 06:35 PM

IBelieveInTheMagic

07-27-2009, 07:26 PM

Good gravy is that a list!! :rotfl2: Seriously, it's great to have all this stuff written down because sometimes there are so many things to keep up with and even if you're rolling with the punches, it's easy to overlook a must do - especially with a toddler.

I seriously just learned something from reading your TR! I never knew about the Gran Fiesta ride! I'm embarrassed to say when we walked around World Showcase last year, we strolled around the exterior and never really went inside too many of the places - this is now on my to do list!! :cool1:

I can't believe you are in the 30's!! YAHOO!! We're both getting close now! :banana:

Heather

pmama

07-28-2009, 09:48 AM

Hopping over to hear all about your upcoming trips. Sounds so exciting!:banana: September and December.:woohoo: Can't wait really to hear how your December trip goes with the heavy crowds. I'm sure going with the right expectations you will have a terrific time. I would love to see the NYE fireworks too. Plus, if you all have just been there in September you won't probably feel the need to see and do "everything". We are stopping back by the MK on the Sunday before Christmas after our cruise and I'm a little nervous about the crowds but want to see the Christmas fireworks and parade.:santa: I've read some of the same TRs as you but somehow always missed yours. Your name always stuck out to me as we share the same first name!:thumbsup2

shebaxric

07-28-2009, 01:39 PM

Love the ride lists. I'm going to be working on mine this week with my sister and her BF, both have never been! It's going to be so exciting!

I really enjoy the Flights of Wonder show, but I love all animals! If you're not an animal fan, some of them get kinda close. Also, you should definitely try to get on the animal trails, there is so much to see and do!

Hurray for the 30's!:banana::banana::dance3: It'll be here before you know it!!

SoonerGirl

07-28-2009, 05:20 PM

Wow, I had a lot to catch up on - that will teach me to miss a few days of DISing!!

I LOVE that you make lists, I'm a big list maker too and DH always gives me grief about it, so it's good to see that I'm not alone! I've got one going right now for dining options and I've been trying to get DH to look at menu's and give me some input but he's totally not interested - he doesn't understand that I only have about a month & a half before I need to make our ADRs! :lmao:

wdwgirl03

07-28-2009, 05:35 PM

Your list of rides looks great! Hopefully you can get to most of them! :thumbsup2

lazydoxy66

07-28-2009, 10:18 PM

Hi there, Brook!

I will not argue with you about the Baggallini. It is an awesome bag. I loved having mine with me last year. However, I have found that I don't need that much stuff this time around. (DH won't be with me.) So I am looking at alternatives to take with me this year. I haven't decided on one yet. I'll post a pic when I do.

Henry is so cute in his Disney clothes with your bag! I love the hat. I need to get one of those.

You must have used a lot of scraps of paper to make that list!!! It is fantastic! Whenever I get bored at work, I think Disney too! I think we all need some serious help!

So we can do a 30 day dance with you soon, right? Can't wait!

mickeysmyboy

07-30-2009, 03:28 PM

DreaGirl

07-30-2009, 07:01 PM

Donald is #1

07-30-2009, 08:00 PM

Hey Brook! I have a stupid, completely off topic question for you!!!

I wanted to post a table of contents in the first post of my PTR but can't figure how to get just the single post like you have in yours! How do you do that?!

TIA!!!

I'm not Brook, but I can answer.

1) Click on the post # of the post that you want. This will open up the post only in a separate window.

2) Now copy the URL at the top of that page

3) Paste the URL using the normal link method (i.e. use the world icon)

mickeysmyboy

07-31-2009, 05:02 PM

I'm not Brook, but I can answer.

1) Click on the post # of the post that you want. This will open up the post only in a separate window.

2) Now copy the URL at the top of that page

3) Paste the URL using the normal link method (i.e. use the world icon)

OMG! I knew it was going to be something so plainly simple that I'd want to smack myself for not getting it! I was right! It never occured to me to click the number!!!

Thanks!

Camster0307

07-31-2009, 05:18 PM

I know I am shamelessly behind but I'm cracking up how the last I remembered you had just ONE trip planned - for the same time in early Dec. as me.

And now................you have TWO trips; and you've managed to secure rooms for the oh-so-popular Christmas week! So happy for you all though I am disappointed that we won't have our little DISmeet! But Christmas week at WDW is something I aspire to do one day!

Good score!:thumbsup2

Camster0307

07-31-2009, 07:25 PM

Okay want to chime in on your snack ideas.................

at Aloha Isle - forgo the Dole Whip and try the Root beer float there. Sooooo good! :lovestruc

Any you MUST try the pretzels in Germany! Oh my lord!

rustysfr56

07-31-2009, 11:28 PM

brook.....you never cease to make me chuckle ( which is not always a great thing bc then people start to wonder why your laughing and nnooo onnee is around you lol):laughing:
I just FINALLY caught up on your trip report. Im pretty sure the last time i was on here there were only about 5 pages..now you have over 50!! (which means that i have been like:surfweb: for the past hr..:rolleyes1errr maybe 2;) )
We are going to Disney in October for my birthday and are using the 40% off code i got for our room. As I was reading your pre-trip and floating around the disboards site i saw Disney extended the free dining. You "inspired" me to call to see which one was cheaper..and now we are dining for free and paying almost $400 less!!!!!!:banana: nothin like savin $$
I also started making a snack list to get the most out of the free dining plan..its funny how many tips you get and would never think of just by reading the disboards!:woohoo:

****THANKS BROOK**** :hug: from me to you!

btw-hope the booted foot gets better before Disney..i feel for ya, im accident prone and have had to wear one of those a time or two :rotfl2:

ps...Henry is getting soooooo big and cute! and i noticed he is leaving hats on huh?!:)

PracPerfPatricia

08-01-2009, 12:08 PM

Brook-

your list looks very good-not so many have to dos and lots of flexibility...(flexibility is good when you travel with a little person...:goodvibes)

I think its funny that you mind the theming at ToT but don't mind the drop-I love the theming concept but am totally terrified of being dropped like that...DS is the opposite-he's probably do the ride without the theming...(he also think Haunted Mansion is a little creepy but loves any coaster his height will allow him on-which will be just about everything at this point...

I like that you pointed out the stores that have boys clothing...there is a dearth of boy's clothing at WDW-its all about the princess...I'm curious to see what you procure...

brookelizabeth

08-01-2009, 03:43 PM

This past week was a busy one for me.

Joe was at training for work, so I was alone with Henry each evening and morning....hence my lack of update and responses here! I did mange to DIS most every night for a bit before I went to bed, and during my morning coffee - but I am so far behind on everything! For those of you who have PM'ed me, I apologize for my slow response-I will get there! :goodvibes

Single Mom's and Dad's, or one's with spouses who travel for work often. Wow. You are amazing!! :worship:

While this week was exhausting, it also held surprises of Mickey Mail almost every single day!

The first couple days our mail box held these:
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607894158_tfxub-M.jpg

First, a DCL Planning CD, and then our ME tags!!!

Next up was:
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893922_Q8Vax-M.jpg

A postcard to Henry, straight from Mickey Mouse! ;) (thanks MeMom!)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893940_nfumZ-M.jpg
"Woo-hoo! Look what I got!" (Check out that very dirty shirt! :rolleyes:)

And just today we got:
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893137_JuQMb-M.jpg

Our package coupons and tags! I did NOT expect to get these - we are booked room only with the QSDP. I thought it was only if you had the whole package deal with tickets that you got this. :confused3 But, hey, NOT COMPLAININ'! :goodvibes And I'm also now wondering if we should squeeze in a Planet Hollywood meal somewhere because we have a voucher...:scratchin

I really love their cover photography on these 2 pieces. That little boy is adorable!!

This week I also got crafty.
Scary thought actually....but this is thrifty-crafty! :laughing:

I have purchased a PassPorter for the last three trips we have taken; however, since we have already been in 2009, and plan to go again in December - that adds up to quite a few bucks spent on PassPorters. When I brought it up to Joe that I would like one, he kinda did this face: :sad2: "Really?"

I explained I liked the envelopes in the back for all our stuff and for taking notes for the TR.

Then it hit me...:idea:

Introducing my FauxPorter Envelopes!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893929_CUQi5-M.jpg

A very cheap, very lame, not nearly as durable version - but hey - they were the right price. ;)

I do want to purchase the Deluxe PassPorter and therefore I can simply purchase the inner pages instead of the book each trip - that will save us money from year to year and I still get all the good stuff! I will probably do that for the December trip since that's the "biggee" trip.

I will be doing replies here shortly - gotta put away the groceries and clean up the kitchen a bit! :goodvibes

And one last thing to share before I go....

WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH!!

SoonerGirl

08-01-2009, 04:24 PM

brookelizabeth

08-01-2009, 04:30 PM

You've got the right priorities there:thumbsup2 FOTLK is far and away my favorite show in Disney World. You will LOVE it.

I've heard so many great things about it and the pictures look incredible! I'm very much looking forward to it.

Love your comment re "as 2 creeps in his opinions are becoming more known..." How true that is! DS was almost 3 our first trip and we didn't do any 3Ds. He did love Barnstormer though.

Lists are a mother's survival guide aren't they? Has Henry voiced any favs he wants to do?

Lists are a complete lifesaver for me! While we are there, roaming around and I'm pulled in a few directions juggling a stroller, making sure Henry is hydrated, happy, etc. already having figured out our "plan of attack" is one less thing I have to deal with on the fly. :thumbsup2

Henry is VERY into "choo choo's" and is aware there is one at Mickey's House. He also knows there is a big river boat, though he doesn't seem quite as into that one. The other thing I know he will want to do is meet Tow Mater and Lightening McQueen at DHS - he asks to watch that movie every single day!

As a fellow mum to a nearly 2 year old I know exactly what you mean about voicing their opinions. But I think your healthy attitude towards prioritising what you'd all like to do and then just going with the flow should help you avoid some of those toddler meltdowns. We're off the Disneyland Paris in a couple of months time and I think we'll be taking the same approach. I like how you've got ideas in mind, without having too many fixed plans - I think this will work for us too.:)

Oh DLP - someday!!!! :cloud9:
This sort of planning attack has gone well with us the past two trips. In November it was our first time with Henry at 14 months old and things just ended up this way and I had to deal with being flexible while on the trip - then I expected it in January and it truly made for a wonderful vacation! Both husband and baby were happy! :thumbsup2

Brook - you're not missing much on the Studios Backlot Tour. It used to be really great (or so we thought) but it seems like they have really shortened it over the years. It's now on our "we can skip" list.

Love the haunted mansion and I HATE haunted houses. DH wanted to go to Universal Fright Nights and I told him I hope he has a good time...I'll be at MNSSHP :rotfl:

And I know you've probably made up your mind, but if Henry's hair doesn't grow to long, my vote is too wait until the MK as well. :goodvibes

I've heard that about the Backlot Tour a few times...it's a shame they don't liven it up some again!

That is very good to hear about HM! I hate haunted houses too and there is NO STINKIN' WAY I would ever do Universal Fright Nights! :sad2: :scared1: Is your DH really going to do it?? Eep!

I think we are going to try to get Henry's hair cut there - he'll be a shaggy little boy by then, but all well! :goodvibes

Whew. 51 pages in one weekend. I'm exhausted.

Love the trip report, though. Henry is a real cutie-patootie!

If you don't mind, I have one thing for you to look at. You mentioned possibly hitting DHS for EMH -- they have a dance party at Playhouse Disney (but only during EMH). We have never been, but it is number one on our list this year. We are very excited!

Thanks for letting me weigh in and join in your TR!

WELCOME! Thanks for reading! I find it hard to believe it has hit 51 pages! :eek: :goodvibes But, very glad you enjoyed it-and thank you for the compliment on Henry!

And thank you for the reminder about the dance party!!! I remember reading that on another TR once, but I COMPLETELY forgot about it! Henry would have a ball! Are the characters out dancing too, or do they just pump up the Playhouse Disney music?

How did I miss all your lists Brook!!!! Shame on me!!!

Okay I love your must dos...what a fantastic list!! I'm sure Henry is going to love a lot of the old and some of the new!! Boy is that cute little guy growing up!!!

And I promise you, the Haunted Mansion will be worth it...I so wish I could ride it with you...only the beginning is a bit freaky the rest of it...great fun and you will love it!!!!

I think Henry will love the boat ride in Mexico...there is a lot of Donald and he would have fun finding Donald throughout!!!

I kind of want to watch HM on YouTube, but I don't want to "ruin" any surprises either. I am thinking I'll do it. I think I can, I think I can. :laughing:

Henry is going to be shouting "Dut! Dut!" from the boat in Mexico I bet!! LOL

WOW Brook! You're an updating fool!!! LOL!!;) Love the list....don't have time to comment on all of it, but noticed that Henry didn't like Figment last time...Cole LOVED it at 17 mos. so maybe he'll like it this time now that he's that much older? He just sat there in awww, it was cute. You are on countown lady...it's really sneaking up on you! Can't wait to see your countdown!!!!:cool1: And I love the idea of letting Henry's hair grow for the haircut on Main Street, I would definately be doing that too if I were taking the boys!!!:lovestruc

Ooooh, I hope Henry likes Figment this time! It really is a cute ride. He was scared by the sudden loud sounds and then the blast of air - it all just sent him into a bit of a meltdown.

brookelizabeth

08-01-2009, 04:42 PM

Definitely take Henry on Gran Fiesta! He will love, love, love all the Dut dut!! We've been on it a bunch of times and it's always a walk on!

Your also definitely have to go on HM! It's one of my favorite rides! Probably 2nd on my list! I can see being a little freaked by it but it's just fantastic! View through the side of you that is in awe of all the things disney imagineering does! It's absolutely amazing! I get all geeked out thinking about it really! :lmao: I remember riding it as a kid when my took my sisters and I (although I think I forgot to mention that in my PTR) and wondering how the heck they got the ghost in the car with you at the end~

Great list! I'm also a big list writer! I just started my lists for Jan!

We noticed Gran Fiesta was a walk-on during a previous trip too and I so wanted to go-but Henry was fast asleep...I'm glad to hear that it usually is!

I've heard that the HM is incredible - if anything I'll ignore the scary stuff and just get into the technology! ;) I am VERY much wondering about that ghost at the end...whenever I read about it, I can even imagine it in my head, so that makes me want to experience it even more!

Good gravy is that a list!! :rotfl2: Seriously, it's great to have all this stuff written down because sometimes there are so many things to keep up with and even if you're rolling with the punches, it's easy to overlook a must do - especially with a toddler.

I seriously just learned something from reading your TR! I never knew about the Gran Fiesta ride! I'm embarrassed to say when we walked around World Showcase last year, we strolled around the exterior and never really went inside too many of the places - this is now on my to do list!! :cool1:

I can't believe you are in the 30's!! YAHOO!! We're both getting close now! :banana:

Heather

Exactly the reason why I like the lists! There is so much happening at one time with a toddler and MYSELF being so excited and stimulated at WDW, this is one less thing I have to think about! :laughing:

Oh, don't be embarrassed! Our first stroll through the WS with a stroller we didn't want to deal with taking the stroller up the stairs, and then we saw all the strollers outside, so we thought they weren't allowed in - so we skipped it. Then later I thought about it and realized there HAD to be a handicap entrance....so next trip, we finally went in! Of course strollers are allowed in-why wouldn't they be? :headache: :rotfl:

Mexico really is a BEAUTIFUL pavilion inside. You will enjoy it!

Hopping over to hear all about your upcoming trips. Sounds so exciting!:banana: September and December.:woohoo: Can't wait really to hear how your December trip goes with the heavy crowds. I'm sure going with the right expectations you will have a terrific time. I would love to see the NYE fireworks too. Plus, if you all have just been there in September you won't probably feel the need to see and do "everything". We are stopping back by the MK on the Sunday before Christmas after our cruise and I'm a little nervous about the crowds but want to see the Christmas fireworks and parade.:santa: I've read some of the same TRs as you but somehow always missed yours. Your name always stuck out to me as we share the same first name!:thumbsup2

Hey BROOK(E?)!
Not too often we run into another person with our name, is it? :goodvibes Welcome! I'm a bit nervous about December, but also very excited. Things are starting to come together for that trip as well, I just haven't updated anything on it recently. My biggest concern is my family not enjoying themselves, but I need to let that go and just let the beauty of Disney happen!

You are doing a land/sea right before Christmas? Oh, that sounds HEAVENLY! Are you going to write a TR?

Love the ride lists. I'm going to be working on mine this week with my sister and her BF, both have never been! It's going to be so exciting!

I really enjoy the Flights of Wonder show, but I love all animals! If you're not an animal fan, some of them get kinda close. Also, you should definitely try to get on the animal trails, there is so much to see and do!

Hurray for the 30's!:banana::banana::dance3: It'll be here before you know it!!

I bet I'll really like the Flights of Wonder show. I'm not the biggest animal fan you'll ever find, but I do love learning about them! I think it will be neat to be up close to some I normally would not get the chance to be, and I know Henry would be fascinated.

Have fun doing the ride lists! :goodvibes I just made a big 'ol document on the 4 parks for our December trip for my family...I don't really know what kind of rides they will like, so it will be very interesting to see what they come back with.

Wow, I had a lot to catch up on - that will teach me to miss a few days of DISing!!

I LOVE that you make lists, I'm a big list maker too and DH always gives me grief about it, so it's good to see that I'm not alone! I've got one going right now for dining options and I've been trying to get DH to look at menu's and give me some input but he's totally not interested - he doesn't understand that I only have about a month & a half before I need to make our ADRs! :lmao:

Oh, I understand about being behind! I have so much to catch up on! :goodvibes

You are so not alone with the lists! If your DH ever browsed the DIS boards I bet he'd be shocked how many people are just like you with their planning....or perhaps even "worse"! :rotfl2:

I'm getting a bit nervous about the December ADRs....we are doing most meals in room, but I know there are a couple I want input from the family on. I gotta get cracking with all those decisions too! A month and a half isn't much time for the obsessive planners! ;)

brookelizabeth

08-01-2009, 05:00 PM

Your list of rides looks great! Hopefully you can get to most of them!

I hope to...especially at MK! But, I have to remind myself, we'll be back, we'll be back...:goodvibes

Hi there, Brook!

I will not argue with you about the Baggallini. It is an awesome bag. I loved having mine with me last year. However, I have found that I don't need that much stuff this time around. (DH won't be with me.) So I am looking at alternatives to take with me this year. I haven't decided on one yet. I'll post a pic when I do.

Henry is so cute in his Disney clothes with your bag! I love the hat. I need to get one of those.

You must have used a lot of scraps of paper to make that list!!! It is fantastic! Whenever I get bored at work, I think Disney too! I think we all need some serious help!

So we can do a 30 day dance with you soon, right? Can't wait!

I look forward to your future bag purchase! There are so many nice ones out there, I would love to try a Vera Bradley because I think their prints are really cute, but that Baggalini has served me well so far...! If I ever do a solo trip, I would probably get the VB hipster - good excuse to buy a new bag! :laughing:

I can't even tell you how many scraps of paper I have doodled Disney planning on! It's a sickness - but I like it! ;)

Yes, 30 days is right around the corner!!! :woohoo:

Hey Brook! I have a stupid, completely off topic question for you!!!

I wanted to post a table of contents in the first post of my PTR but can't figure how to get just the single post like you have in yours! How do you do that?!

TIA!!!

I can't figure it out either...tutorial please? :goodvibes

I'm not Brook, but I can answer.

1) Click on the post # of the post that you want. This will open up the post only in a separate window.

2) Now copy the URL at the top of that page

3) Paste the URL using the normal link method (i.e. use the world icon)

OMG! I knew it was going to be something so plainly simple that I'd want to smack myself for not getting it! I was right! It never occured to me to click the number!!!

Thanks!

THANKS for helping there!!! :thumbsup2
Does that make sense/work for you both? I can create a diagram with pretty pictures and arrows if necessary. :goodvibes

It took me a bit to figure out to click on the post # in the upper right of the post too!

I know I am shamelessly behind but I'm cracking up how the last I remembered you had just ONE trip planned - for the same time in early Dec. as me.

And now................you have TWO trips; and you've managed to secure rooms for the oh-so-popular Christmas week! So happy for you all though I am disappointed that we won't have our little DISmeet! But Christmas week at WDW is something I aspire to do one day!

Good score!:thumbsup2

Joe and I have gone back and forth SEVERAL times with our dates and almost moved them back to early December just a couple weeks ago - but NOTHING and I mean nothing is available for DVC. A few sporadic days at SSR, that's it! :eek: Thankfully flight costs have gone way down over the past week, so the NYE trip is looking more realistic again.

I am very bummed I am going to be missing you again. There is also "DIS-a-palooza" happening (Podcast event) that sounds beyond cool from the few details they have leaked - so MANY DISers are going to be invading during early December! I know we'll have a great time on NYE, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing it all!

Okay want to chime in on your snack ideas.................

at Aloha Isle - forgo the Dole Whip and try the Root beer float there. Sooooo good! :lovestruc

Any you MUST try the pretzels in Germany! Oh my lord!

I LOVE me some root beer floats, and since I've already done the Dole Whip, I just might have to take your advice here!

Those pretzels in Germany are different than everywhere else, aren't they? I hope to get one...I'll be thinking of Lauren during it all I'm sure!

brook.....you never cease to make me chuckle ( which is not always a great thing bc then people start to wonder why your laughing and nnooo onnee is around you lol):laughing:
I just FINALLY caught up on your trip report. Im pretty sure the last time i was on here there were only about 5 pages..now you have over 50!! (which means that i have been like:surfweb: for the past hr..:rolleyes1errr maybe 2;) )
We are going to Disney in October for my birthday and are using the 40% off code i got for our room. As I was reading your pre-trip and floating around the disboards site i saw Disney extended the free dining. You "inspired" me to call to see which one was cheaper..and now we are dining for free and paying almost $400 less!!!!!!:banana: nothin like savin $$
I also started making a snack list to get the most out of the free dining plan..its funny how many tips you get and would never think of just by reading the disboards!:woohoo:

****THANKS BROOK**** :hug: from me to you!

btw-hope the booted foot gets better before Disney..i feel for ya, im accident prone and have had to wear one of those a time or two :rotfl2:

ps...Henry is getting soooooo big and cute! and i noticed he is leaving hats on huh?!:)

:rotfl: I do the same thing - laughing out loud when its just me and my computer. Joe knows by now why I'm laughing though, so I don't look too crazy (at least when I'm at home!)

CONGRATULATIONS on saving so much money, and that is a LOT!!!!!!!! :dance3: Glad I inspired you to call and find out the price differences! Now you have a ton more money to spend at WDW. ;) Where are you staying?

Yes, Henry is finally leaving on hats and even insists on wearing them sometimes. Of course, it's usually one of the plastic hard hats that he insists on wearing...:rolleyes: last week to church it was the yellow hard hat, all the nursery workers just chuckled. :goodvibes

I'm so sorry you've had to deal with The Boot. It's a pain, isn't it? Right now I don't have much hope I'll be out of it in 5 days. Sigh. But, I'm going to ask if the doc can switch me to the smaller one that you wear with tennis shoes...

Brook-

your list looks very good-not so many have to dos and lots of flexibility...(flexibility is good when you travel with a little person...:goodvibes)

I think its funny that you mind the theming at ToT but don't mind the drop-I love the theming concept but am totally terrified of being dropped like that...DS is the opposite-he's probably do the ride without the theming...(he also think Haunted Mansion is a little creepy but loves any coaster his height will allow him on-which will be just about everything at this point...

I like that you pointed out the stores that have boys clothing...there is a dearth of boy's clothing at WDW-its all about the princess...I'm curious to see what you procure...

I'm just like your DS! I love any coaster, I love the free-fall part(s) the best, that big first hill. The themeing of ToT is amazing though-it's so well done, I get creeped out every time!

In January when Henry had the oh-so-lovely blow out while riding Cinderella's Carousel we had to search for the boys clothing - we hit many shops with a no-pants baby before we found one (dump shop of Mickey's Philharmagic) with a couple things. It's a real bummer they don't offer more boy, or even gender neutral, little kids/baby stuff! I'll try to make some notes of any shops I see boy gear in!

brookelizabeth

08-01-2009, 05:04 PM

Woo Hoo! I love Mickey mail!!! :cool1:

And dirty or not, that shirt that Henry has on is adorable!

I know just what you mean about being a single parent for a few days. DH travels alot for his job, which is the main reason why I stopped working in the first place - it was just too much to have a job plus handle everything at home. It does get easier though after you've done it for a few years - HA!

Henry insisted on wearing a car shirt that day, and thankfully there was one clean....well....it was clean in the morning! :laughing:

:hug: to you for doing the single parent job while DH is travelling! I can very much understand leaving your job due to that! The ONLY reason our house wasn't a complete sty when Joe got back after this week was because I worked from home on Thursday, had several work meetings, and was able to do a lot of multi-tasking! Henry was at daycare that day, so it was unique cleaning and the toys staying in the toy box for more then 22 seconds. ;) How do those single Mom's and Dad's do it, day in and day out???!

IluvXU

08-01-2009, 05:16 PM

Mickey Mail is the best. I am waiting somewhat impatiently for our DVC book for 2010 or any DVC mail!

The Mickey postcard was a hit here too!

jenjolt

08-01-2009, 06:35 PM

YAY for Mickey Mail!! I just love when I get mail from Disney or get mail in relation to Disney projects!!!

I have the Deluxe passporter and I just love it!!!! It is absolutely wonderful!!!

Hope you have a more relaxing week coming up!!!!

KathyRN137

08-01-2009, 07:33 PM

:lovestruc Love the PassPorter knock-off....

Now with the $$ you saved on that, you can buy Henry another cute Disney shirt!!

Yay for being able to say "next month!" :yay:

Kathy

DreaGirl

08-01-2009, 07:56 PM

Oh I love Mickey Mail!!

That is so cool that Henry got a postcard from Mickey. :)

I like your Passporter "pockets". That is the main reason why I bought mine this year, really wish I would have gotten the Deluxe though.

mrsksomeday

08-01-2009, 08:21 PM

Mickey mail is the best mail EVER!!

This is one of the most adorable pictures I have ever seen!!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893922_Q8Vax-M.jpg

He looks so into it :goodvibes.

GreatBiscuit

08-01-2009, 09:06 PM

Love the Bubba-Porters! (In Texas, homemade versions of items are referred to as having been Bubba-fied). Congrats on the 1 month mark! Can't wait to see how trip 1 goes down. And I see you are almost bootless! WOOHOO! You may now do a happy dance!

mickeysmyboy

08-01-2009, 09:20 PM

I love mickey mail!!!! It's so exciting when those packages start coming!!

I love the look on Henry's face with the postcard in his hand!! Too darn cute!!

Did you watch the cruise DVD yet?! I'm telling you that podcast cruise is calling my name! I've be so tempted to check it out! But, DH is so ain't cruise!!!

Were planning on a trip in Dec 10 I have this idea in my head that I could tack the podcast cruise onto the end of the trip and if DH doesn't wanna go I'll go all alone!

Charleston Princess

08-01-2009, 10:19 PM

Oh, a week of Mickey Mail -- how wonderful!!! :goodvibes

Did you request the Cruise line DVD or did they just send it to you since you had booked the trip?

I love your handmade Passporter envelopes! :thumbsup2

Wow! I can't believe your next trip is so close!!! party:

A.Mickey

08-02-2009, 02:04 AM

I first have to apologize to everyone...this PTR is jumping around all over the place between trip plans and Wisconsin Dells...and, I have a very good feeling, it's just going to get worse.

So, if you are getting lost or confused, my apologies. :hug:

So, you might want to know "Why does Brook think this PTR is going to get even MORE confusing?"

Well...

I have a secret.

And I can't keep it any longer!!!!!!

:dance3:

I have an Annual Pass burning a hole in my back pocket.

:rolleyes1

And apparently my husband does too! :laughing:

Back in January, knowing were coming back to to WDW in December, plus having the very nice DVC AP discount, we thought it best to buy the APs.

Being that it's June, and it's been 6 months since our trip and another 6 more to go...I have to admit, that AP is burning a hole in my back pocket!

Between the two of us, I cannot tell you how many trips we have "secrectly" priced. These discounts Disney keeps throwing at us are irresitable, aren't they???

Joe admits to me about his faux-trips...I haven't admitted to all of mine...:rolleyes1

I don't know how it came up AGAIN, but it did. Someone threw the noodle at the wall to see if it would stick, and it's been hanging on...

At first it was me saying,

"We can eat Pop Tarts the entire week at Pop Century!"

then it was,

"Pop Tarts at All Star Music!"

or,

"Pop Tarts at any Value, or ANYWHERE!!"

We were even considering...<dum dum dum> off-site! :scared1:

ANYWHERE, ANYHOW JUST GET ME TO DISNEY WORLD!

And a recent trip was priced...with free dining, in September for 4 nights, 5 days.

Joe's Response:
"Dang."
<pause>
"That's cheap."
<pause>
"Crap."

:rotfl2:

I priced out airfare and found it cheap.

We continued discussing it, I promise you, he brought it up as often as I did!

Then, enter Fuzzy Disney Math:

Joe: "How much is our 4th of July to Mount Rushmore gonna cost?"
Me: "Not sure...at least a few hundred bucks with gas/food/camp site, etc."
Joe: "So, if we took that money and upgraded to that New Orleans resort....You have to drive 9 hours to South Dakota. And 9 hours back. In a weekend. And, we have Annual Passes..."

:teacher:

Nice, huh? :lovestruc

After much more discussion and browsing every Moderate Resort's pictures online, we put in a price quote for CSR!

And if you have noticed my ticker...................

WE ARE GOING BACK IN SEPTEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is now a 2 for 1 PTR! I can't believe it! :yay:

I get to have Casey's Corn Dog Nuggets in just 2 1/2 months!

I love me some Fuzzy Disney Math. :rotfl:

Hi Brook!! I know I have a TON of reading to do! But oh my gosh! This post was just hilarious! :rotfl2: Could Henry eat nothing but Pop Tarts for a week too? You two sound exactly like Jason and I! I love it!

brookelizabeth

08-02-2009, 08:18 AM

Mickey Mail is the best. I am waiting somewhat impatiently for our DVC book for 2010 or any DVC mail!

The Mickey postcard was a hit here too!

Oh no! You still haven't gotten the 2010 planner??? They can be so slow with the mail. :sad2: It was a thrill to get here, even though we have looked at the charts online. Just all the pretty pictures and stuff! I hope it comes soon...

YAY for Mickey Mail!! I just love when I get mail from Disney or get mail in relation to Disney projects!!!

I have the Deluxe passporter and I just love it!!!! It is absolutely wonderful!!!

Hope you have a more relaxing week coming up!!!!

That is great to hear about the Deluxe Passporter! The leather binder has little slots for stuff, right? I really have to look into it more, and take the plunge!

:lovestruc Love the PassPorter knock-off....

Now with the $$ you saved on that, you can buy Henry another cute Disney shirt!!

Yay for being able to say "next month!" :yay:

Kathy

:teacher: I am likin' your Fuzzy Disney Math! ::yes::

Oh I love Mickey Mail!!

That is so cool that Henry got a postcard from Mickey. :)

I like your Passporter "pockets". That is the main reason why I bought mine this year, really wish I would have gotten the Deluxe though.

I wasn't even aware of the Deluxe until fairly recently - it seems like a much more efficient - and cheaper - style. I really want to explore all the other things they sell on their site too, I know they have a ton of eBooks and other gear. I wonder if they JUST sell the pockets...

Mickey mail is the best mail EVER!!

This is one of the most adorable pictures I have ever seen!!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893922_Q8Vax-M.jpg

He looks so into it :goodvibes.

Aw, thanks! :goodvibes When he first got it he was pointing out "Mahee" and "dog" (Pluto) and then starting waving it around and shrieking/laughing. When I pointed out the words on the back he suddenly stopped and "read" them. :lmao: "Hmmm...what does Mickey have to say to me?" ;)

Love the Bubba-Porters! (In Texas, homemade versions of items are referred to as having been Bubba-fied). Congrats on the 1 month mark! Can't wait to see how trip 1 goes down. And I see you are almost bootless! WOOHOO! You may now do a happy dance!

Okay - I am SO adopting that term! That RULES. :rotfl2: I even told Joe and he cracked up too! "Bubba Porters" Oh yes.

I love mickey mail!!!! It's so exciting when those packages start coming!!

I love the look on Henry's face with the postcard in his hand!! Too darn cute!!

Did you watch the cruise DVD yet?! I'm telling you that podcast cruise is calling my name! I've be so tempted to check it out! But, DH is so ain't cruise!!!

Were planning on a trip in Dec 10 I have this idea in my head that I could tack the podcast cruise onto the end of the trip and if DH doesn't wanna go I'll go all alone!

I love when the Mickey Mail starts coming, it means the trip is really close! I didn't expect it all until less than 30 days, so it was really a nice surprise!

We did watch the cruise DVD, I watched it the first night I got it and Joe watched it last night. We both drooled all over it.

I LIKE your plans of your land/sea. There are 550 people booked on the cruise, LOTS of them going solo, you could even find a roommate to cut the costs on the Podcast Cruise board! I think it would be a perfect Mommy getaway....!

A.Mickey (see her post above) was on Podcast Cruise 1.0 and is writing a TR...so is tiggerbell (Jaime)...both are making me VERY excited about it all!

Oh, a week of Mickey Mail -- how wonderful!!! :goodvibes

Did you request the Cruise line DVD or did they just send it to you since you had booked the trip?

I love your handmade Passporter envelopes! :thumbsup2

Wow! I can't believe your next trip is so close!!! party:

I requested the DCL DVD off the website. I don't know very much at all about DCL or cruising, so I figured it would be a good place to start!

Tomorrow we start the actual countdown, I can't believe it! :yay:

Hi Brook!! I know I have a TON of reading to do! But oh my gosh! This post was just hilarious! :rotfl2: Could Henry eat nothing but Pop Tarts for a week too? You two sound exactly like Jason and I! I love it!

Hi Shanan! Thanks for reading! Ya....for Henry we'd have to bring some Gerber Puffs, Goldfish Crackers, and some chocolate and he'd be set. ;) :lmao: Can you even imagine how sick we'd all be by the end of that vacation??? Is your DS coming on PCC 2.0, or will it be another Mommy & Daddy Getaway?

Lady Lallie

08-02-2009, 09:04 AM

You have just gotta love Mickey Mail!! You got tons of it this week, so very exciting! :goodvibes

PNO4TE

08-02-2009, 10:29 AM

Hi, Brook. I am a little late jumping on board, but here I am, nonetheless! Sounds like you all have a great year of Disney travel planned. :goodvibes.

As for the PassPorter: I bought the spiral bound one the first year it came out. Second year I bought the Deluxe and have loved it. I have never had to replace the binder so it really is a huge money saver. Plus, you can remove pages you don't need for a particular trip and have a much lighter version.

Did you know that you can buy additional pockets? I have often done that if I am taking a few trips a year. Works like a charm. When we did our last DL trip I bought the refill for the Deluxe version only and saved money there too. Now I only save the pockets from our trips. Much easier and space-friendly than the whole book!

wdwgirl03

08-02-2009, 10:35 AM

WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD NEXT MONTH!!

YAY!!!! Soon you will be able to say you are going to Disney World THIS month!

And how fun to get all that Disney mail. :thumbsup2 I wish we would get those luggage tags with DVC. You get those when you book some sort of package, right?

PracPerfPatricia

08-02-2009, 11:39 AM

Hey Brook,

Mickey Mail is the best!

And it is really hard to be a parent by yourself...:confused3...(DH traveled for 6 months when DS was about 6 mos-he had to for work-and it was rough) my hat goes off to anyone who does it either because of a work situation or other family situation...)

I am a huge Passporter fan as well but they do get $$...did you know that sometimes towards the end of the year in the fall when the next one for next year comes out (which is usually Oct-Nov.) they have a $1 sale where they sell off the last year's? So when 2010 comes out say end of October-they'll have a $1 sale of all the old 2009 ones...:rolleyes1

Btw-I've though Henry is adorable since I've seen him-but his hair color is amazing...I really noticed it in that postcard photo-gorgeous color-lucky little ginger...:)

PNO4TE

08-02-2009, 02:25 PM

I am a huge Passporter fan as well but they do get $$...did you know that sometimes towards the end of the year in the fall when the next one for next year comes out (which is usually Oct-Nov.) they have a $1 sale where they sell off the last year's? So when 2010 comes out say end of October-they'll have a $1 sale of all the old 2009 ones...:rolleyes1

I love when they do that! I usually order a few and put them away. When a friend or one of my students starts to plan a trip to WDW and comes to ask my advice, I have that to give along with my "words of wisdom." It is a very inexpensive gift and I find that many are returned to me to give to another family or they will pass them along to someone else they know who is going. :goodvibes

IBelieveInTheMagic

08-02-2009, 03:25 PM

princess&her4princes

08-02-2009, 07:38 PM

Hi Brook!!!

Lovin' all the Mickey mail!!!:lovestruc Love the pic of Henry with the postcard, he was really studying that!!! Too cute!!:cutie:

And glad to hear that you survived the week with Joe training, it's a lot of work! Todd use to travel cross country once a month for 4-5 days and it killed me so thankfully it only happens every other month or so now just overnight on the East coast but having him home every night, even if though it's only 1 1/2 hours each night before bedtime, still helps!!!

Yay that next month is your trip (that means mine is too!!!!:cheer2:)!!:dance3:

TyRy

08-02-2009, 10:27 PM

:cheer2: for Mickey Mail. I love opening the mailbox and seeing something from WDW!!!

robinm1215

08-02-2009, 11:02 PM

Hi Brook! It's been a while since I've posted but I have been reading and trying to keep up with your PTR. Lot's going on with you! Great to hear about your trip in Sept -- you must be so excited, it will be here very soon! I will miss you by a couple of weeks as we'll be there until Aug 21 -- and then I'll be back again in Oct. Hopefully our paths will cross on another trip:goodvibes

Love the latest picture of Henry reading his postcard -- he is such a cutie!

Sorry to hear about your foot and hope that it is all healed up before your trip:hug:

A.Mickey

08-03-2009, 01:24 AM

Hi Shanan! Thanks for reading! Ya....for Henry we'd have to bring some Gerber Puffs, Goldfish Crackers, and some chocolate and he'd be set. ;) :lmao: Can you even imagine how sick we'd all be by the end of that vacation??? Is your DS coming on PCC 2.0, or will it be another Mommy & Daddy Getaway?

It was going to be 3 of us for 16 hours, before we decided against Aaron going with us. We just wouldn't have had enough time to meet more fellow DISers with Aaron in tow. I don't really know if he would be liking the Kids Club by then.... :confused3 Better not to risk it....Plus it is always nice to have some Mommy & Daddy time...but on a happier note, Nana will be taking Aaron to WDW while we are on PCC 2.0.

I finally finished reading all your green updates! :woohoo:
I just have to say, Nemo the Musical is a must you have done this before right? I also think you should most definitely try to see Country Bear Jamboree it is a classic! Circle of Life movie in Epcot can be missed, you really aren't missing anything, same thing with the movies in World Showcase. But if you were to do one of the movies in World Showcase I would do the circle vision in China even though Canada was just updated, China's has some very breathtaking shots! Especially after watching the last season of Amazing Race I recognized a lot of the areas they showed in the movie. Then again...you do have to stand up during the circle vision shows and Henry probably wouldn't get much out of them.

As for places to eat...I would try Sunshine Seasons over Tangerine Cafe. I have had both and there is a wider selection of food at Sunshine Seasons. Also, the combination plate I had at Tangerine Cafe pretty much tasted like lamb gyro meat and chicken gyro meat, nothing special. Although, you definitely get the most bang for your buck at Tangerine Cafe, I believe the combination plate is something like $14!! :scared1:

Did Henry turn 2 yet? He has sooo much in common with my son it's great! :cheer2:

How is your foot feeling?!?

brookelizabeth

08-03-2009, 09:07 AM

You have just gotta love Mickey Mail!! You got tons of it this week, so very exciting! :goodvibes

It was a very exciting week! But, kinda sad because I think that will be ALL my Mickey Mail for a while. :guilty:

All well - at least we have the countdown starting tomorrow, right? :woohoo:

Hi, Brook. I am a little late jumping on board, but here I am, nonetheless! Sounds like you all have a great year of Disney travel planned. :goodvibes.

As for the PassPorter: I bought the spiral bound one the first year it came out. Second year I bought the Deluxe and have loved it. I have never had to replace the binder so it really is a huge money saver. Plus, you can remove pages you don't need for a particular trip and have a much lighter version.

Did you know that you can buy additional pockets? I have often done that if I am taking a few trips a year. Works like a charm. When we did our last DL trip I bought the refill for the Deluxe version only and saved money there too. Now I only save the pockets from our trips. Much easier and space-friendly than the whole book!

Hey there Elin! Thanks for joining in!
I did not realize you could just purchase the pockets! That is a great tip! Is the Deluxe Binder about the same size as the regular spiral bound book? The reason I ask is because we do like it for the maps and little tips on the rides/restaurants, and it fits perfectly in my Baggalini and we leave it open on the park map on the top of our stroller! :laughing:

I do want to only save the envelopes and maybe a notes page or two from each trip - the Deluxe is looking like the way to go more and more for me.

YAY!!!! Soon you will be able to say you are going to Disney World THIS month!

And how fun to get all that Disney mail. :thumbsup2 I wish we would get those luggage tags with DVC. You get those when you book some sort of package, right?

Yep, you only get the tags with a package. I wish DVCers would get them too! I like how they change each year to match the theme. I guess we'll just have to do our DVC trip and a regular hotel room package trip each year. ;)

Hey Brook,

Mickey Mail is the best!

And it is really hard to be a parent by yourself...:confused3...(DH traveled for 6 months when DS was about 6 mos-he had to for work-and it was rough) my hat goes off to anyone who does it either because of a work situation or other family situation...)

I am a huge Passporter fan as well but they do get $$...did you know that sometimes towards the end of the year in the fall when the next one for next year comes out (which is usually Oct-Nov.) they have a $1 sale where they sell off the last year's? So when 2010 comes out say end of October-they'll have a $1 sale of all the old 2009 ones...:rolleyes1

Btw-I've though Henry is adorable since I've seen him-but his hair color is amazing...I really noticed it in that postcard photo-gorgeous color-lucky little ginger...:)

Oh wow! For 6 months! :eek: That had to be really, really difficult. :hug:

Another great PassPorter tip! I am going to watch for that for our December trip if I don't purchase the Deluxe first. Perhaps they will also discount the 2009 Deluxe filler pages? I can't imagine they would discount the actual binder part....hmmm...

Thank you for the compliment on Henry! He was actually born with red hair and all the nurses were GUSHING over it since it is pretty rare at birth. It's gotten a bit lighter, but we agree-it's just beautiful! He gets quite a few comments/double takes and we ALWAYS get asked "Where is the red from?" when they look at Joe and I. :goodvibes (and the answer is always: "both sides!" His Dad has some red hair, and my Grandma on my Dad's side had fire engine red) I hope Henry keeps it and likes it when he gets older. The only thing we have to be VERY careful of is his fair, fair skin....

I love when they do that! I usually order a few and put them away. When a friend or one of my students starts to plan a trip to WDW and comes to ask my advice, I have that to give along with my "words of wisdom." It is a very inexpensive gift and I find that many are returned to me to give to another family or they will pass them along to someone else they know who is going. :goodvibes

That is such a great idea! What a perfect gift. :thumbsup2

I have to get going to work, more replies later tonight!

PNO4TE

08-03-2009, 09:27 AM

SoonerGirl

08-03-2009, 10:41 AM

Thank you for the compliment on Henry! He was actually born with red hair and all the nurses were GUSHING over it since it is pretty rare at birth. It's gotten a bit lighter, but we agree-it's just beautiful! He gets quite a few comments/double takes and we ALWAYS get asked "Where is the red from?" when they look at Joe and I. :goodvibes (and the answer is always: "both sides!" His Dad has some red hair, and my Grandma on my Dad's side had fire engine red) I hope Henry keeps it and likes it when he gets older. The only thing we have to be VERY careful of is his fair, fair skin....

I had to comment on this - I love Henry's red hair too! Mine was very red like his when I was little and both of my brown headed parents got the same question as you 'where does it come from?'. :laughing: (mine was from both my paternal grandparents) Unfortunately, it didn't stay red, as I got older it got more and more auburn and now with the blond highlights I put in it, you can hardly tell it's red at all. I do have a cousin with beautiful red hair though, she is now in her 30s and it's as red as ever - so there is hope that Henry's will stay that way! As for the fair skin, I've got that too and I am covered in head to toe freckles from too many bad sunburns when I was a kid - so keep that sunscreen on him! :thumbsup2

Now, on another note - I think I'm going to have to buy a deluxe passporter thanks to all of you on this thread.........

Lovemy3babes

08-03-2009, 04:27 PM

What cool mail you got! I love any Mickey mail, even requests for payments. ;) Fun stuff Brook!

brookelizabeth

08-03-2009, 10:12 PM

YAHOO for Mickey Mail!!! :cool1: I just love that picture of Henry reading his post card!!! :lovestruc I agree, it looks like he is so into it! Too stinkin' adorable I tell ya! ;)

Isn't it awesome to say you're going next month? I can say it now too which is amazing since we booked in January! Granted we don't go til the end of the month, but still! Funny story - so of course I have lists, wants, ideas, numbers, etc all written down and I also have countdown calendars both at work and home. Well, AAA agent calls yesterday to remind me of the final payment due Aug 7th and it just felt so soon to me. I'm not complaining and I have the money saved and all, but it was like, really? Sure, take it now! :banana: I can't wait til we get our luggage tags and I'm glad they're different from last years!

Thanks for the tips on the Gran Fiesta and we will check it out this time!

I can't wait for your trip so I can hear all about it and SEE all the fall decorations in your reports! :worship:

Heather

He was pretty excited to see his Mickey and Dog on that postcard! He kept pointing at Dale too - I'm pretty sure he had no idea who he was! :laughing:

Yes! It's wonderful being able to say "next month"! That is so great about having your trip paid in full - it really does make it seem all that much closer. :thumbsup2

I love the fall decorations at MK - all the orange and yellow is so pretty!

Hi Brook!!!

Lovin' all the Mickey mail!!!:lovestruc Love the pic of Henry with the postcard, he was really studying that!!! Too cute!!:cutie:

And glad to hear that you survived the week with Joe training, it's a lot of work! Todd use to travel cross country once a month for 4-5 days and it killed me so thankfully it only happens every other month or so now just overnight on the East coast but having him home every night, even if though it's only 1 1/2 hours each night before bedtime, still helps!!!

Yay that next month is your trip (that means mine is too!!!!:cheer2:)!!:dance3:

Oh goodness! I'm glad to hear it has improved that your husband is only gone just an overnight now, 4-5 days every month would be so hard! Henry is so thrilled that Joe is here this week, almost every morning he asks for me, and then INSTANTLY asks for Da Da. :goodvibes

:cheer2: for Mickey Mail. I love opening the mailbox and seeing something from WDW!!!

Me too! :cloud9: Except when it's a bill. ;)

Hi Brook! It's been a while since I've posted but I have been reading and trying to keep up with your PTR. Lot's going on with you! Great to hear about your trip in Sept -- you must be so excited, it will be here very soon! I will miss you by a couple of weeks as we'll be there until Aug 21 -- and then I'll be back again in Oct. Hopefully our paths will cross on another trip:goodvibes

Love the latest picture of Henry reading his postcard -- he is such a cutie!

Sorry to hear about your foot and hope that it is all healed up before your trip:hug:

Hi there! I am missing so many other DISers by just a few days or weeks! :sad2: It's such a bummer. I hope our trips cross at some point too!

What day do you leave?

It was going to be 3 of us for 16 hours, before we decided against Aaron going with us. We just wouldn't have had enough time to meet more fellow DISers with Aaron in tow. I don't really know if he would be liking the Kids Club by then.... :confused3 Better not to risk it....Plus it is always nice to have some Mommy & Daddy time...but on a happier note, Nana will be taking Aaron to WDW while we are on PCC 2.0.

I finally finished reading all your green updates! :woohoo:
I just have to say, Nemo the Musical is a must you have done this before right? I also think you should most definitely try to see Country Bear Jamboree it is a classic! Circle of Life movie in Epcot can be missed, you really aren't missing anything, same thing with the movies in World Showcase. But if you were to do one of the movies in World Showcase I would do the circle vision in China even though Canada was just updated, China's has some very breathtaking shots! Especially after watching the last season of Amazing Race I recognized a lot of the areas they showed in the movie. Then again...you do have to stand up during the circle vision shows and Henry probably wouldn't get much out of them.

As for places to eat...I would try Sunshine Seasons over Tangerine Cafe. I have had both and there is a wider selection of food at Sunshine Seasons. Also, the combination plate I had at Tangerine Cafe pretty much tasted like lamb gyro meat and chicken gyro meat, nothing special. Although, you definitely get the most bang for your buck at Tangerine Cafe, I believe the combination plate is something like $14!! :scared1:

Did Henry turn 2 yet? He has sooo much in common with my son it's great! :cheer2:

How is your foot feeling?!?

I hope Henry is potty trained and likes the Kids Clubs on the ship...it won't be all that bad if he doesn't, we love having him around, and he's very well behaved, but Mommy and Daddy time is much needed! :goodvibes I think the cruise is a perfect little vacation away for the two of you, and even better than Aaron will be right there at WDW when you get off the ship! Are you going to be staying for a few days after again?

We have done Nemo, just once. Henry screamed the ENTIRE time. But, we were in the front row, and it was very loud and "larger than life". So, this time, if we make it, we'll sit back further and hopefully between his older age and the different seat he will like it a bit better! He knows who Nemo is, so I am thinkin' he might love it.

Thanks for the great advice on the Epcot films! The China one would be my first pick. We are in Minnesota, so it's practically Canada. ;):laughing:

Henry hasn't turned 2 yet - his birthday is the day before we fly out! September 1. I can't believe he's going to be 2....! Has Aaron turned 2, when is his birthday?

brookelizabeth

08-03-2009, 10:21 PM

Brook - the Deluxe PassPorter would actually hold the spiral bound one, size-wise. Think a DayTimer binder with holes punched in the spiral bound version as opposed to the spirals. Does that make any sense at all??

Yep! Makes sense. :thumbsup2 Sounds like should fit just fine in my Baggalini and makes it even more tempting to buy!

I had to comment on this - I love Henry's red hair too! Mine was very red like his when I was little and both of my brown headed parents got the same question as you 'where does it come from?'. :laughing: (mine was from both my paternal grandparents) Unfortunately, it didn't stay red, as I got older it got more and more auburn and now with the blond highlights I put in it, you can hardly tell it's red at all. I do have a cousin with beautiful red hair though, she is now in her 30s and it's as red as ever - so there is hope that Henry's will stay that way! As for the fair skin, I've got that too and I am covered in head to toe freckles from too many bad sunburns when I was a kid - so keep that sunscreen on him! :thumbsup2

Now, on another note - I think I'm going to have to buy a deluxe passporter thanks to all of you on this thread.........

We just bought more sunscreen tonight at Target (travel items purchase update coming in the near future :laughing:)....it just scares me a bit to not have some on hands at all times. We lost a big bottle we had and I've been freaking for the past couple weeks every time we are outside for more than 10 minutes. I can finally rest easy a bit with the bucket hat and the sunscreen! :goodvibes

We are good enablers, eh? Shoes, bags, PassPorters...what else do we have to cover? ;)

What cool mail you got! I love any Mickey mail, even requests for payments. ;) Fun stuff Brook!

I can't say I love a bill....but, I do love that even those are usually themed to some extent! It was a great week of Mickey Mail!

brookelizabeth

08-03-2009, 10:28 PM

I wanted to post a quick 'The Boot' update since some people have asked over the past few days....

Well, last week I was hopeless that I would be ditching the boot by this Thursday. I was in serious pain and it looked like there was a small baseball attached to my ankle.

However, having Joe back allows me to rest a LOT more and this weekend things have started to improve. Tonight I can almost see my ankle bone. The swelling is down much more than it ever has been!

I don't think I'll be home-free on Thursday; however, I do think I have a very good case of getting switched into the lighter boot where I can wear normal shoes on BOTH feet along with the boot. I might have to wear tennis shoes....but that is a great reason to go shopping, right? ;)

princess&her4princes

08-03-2009, 10:32 PM

Charleston Princess

08-03-2009, 10:39 PM

I am glad your foot has gotten better since Joe got back! I will send pixie dust your way that you are down to the lighter boot on Thursday! :wizard:

brookelizabeth

08-03-2009, 10:50 PM

Yay Brook for almost being able to see your ankle bone!! It's the little things in life, right?! Keep staying positive, get some rest, when you can and hopefully it will work itself out!!

And I'm always in for a good excuse to go shopping....shoe shopping myself online right now!!!:thumbsup2

It really is those little things! I exclaimed to Joe earlier "LOOK HONEY!" and pointed at my ankle. He said he could barely tell it was swollen at all. :yay:

I am glad your foot has gotten better since Joe got back! I will send pixie dust your way that you are down to the lighter boot on Thursday! :wizard:

Thank you CP! I'll definitely check-in on Thursday with the news (and an update of course. ;))

A.Mickey

08-03-2009, 11:20 PM

I hope Henry is potty trained and likes the Kids Clubs on the ship...it won't be all that bad if he doesn't, we love having him around, and he's very well behaved, but Mommy and Daddy time is much needed! :goodvibes I think the cruise is a perfect little vacation away for the two of you, and even better than Aaron will be right there at WDW when you get off the ship! Are you going to be staying for a few days after again?

We have done Nemo, just once. Henry screamed the ENTIRE time. But, we were in the front row, and it was very loud and "larger than life". So, this time, if we make it, we'll sit back further and hopefully between his older age and the different seat he will like it a bit better! He knows who Nemo is, so I am thinkin' he might love it.

Thanks for the great advice on the Epcot films! The China one would be my first pick. We are in Minnesota, so it's practically Canada. ;):laughing:

Henry hasn't turned 2 yet - his birthday is the day before we fly out! September 1. I can't believe he's going to be 2....! Has Aaron turned 2, when is his birthday?

I am sure glad to hear that the swelling has gone down in your ankle!

Aaron is really well behaved also, but if Aaron came with us on the cruise I don't know how we would be able to have fun in Wavebands. I am going to make Jason's mom come on PCC 3.0! That is a good solution.

Well, I am hoping to stay a few days either before or after the cruise, depending on when others plan on staying. Most of the DISers on PCC 1.0 stayed for a few days (2-4 days) after the cruise, and came in a 1-2 days before the cruise. Lots of time to think about this! But I love thinking about it already!

About Nemo, Aaron did the same thing the last time he was there! But when we took him when he was 17 months, he really liked it! I think if we were to take him again he would like it too!

Yeah, Canada is just eh...I never have done Impressions de France, but I never heard anything good about it, other than that there are chairs in that theater and A/C...so a good place to rest and beat the heat!

Oh that is awesome that his Bday is the day before you leave!! Aaron turned 2 on April 2nd ;).

lazydoxy66

08-04-2009, 02:12 AM

Yay! Disney mail. When you see that you know that everything is 'good to go'.:cool1:

I wish you luck with your recently acquired accessory this Thursday. I am hoping you will not have any pain while you are at WDW. :flower3:

brookelizabeth

08-04-2009, 06:54 AM

I am sure glad to hear that the swelling has gone down in your ankle!

Aaron is really well behaved also, but if Aaron came with us on the cruise I don't know how we would be able to have fun in Wavebands. I am going to make Jason's mom come on PCC 3.0! That is a good solution.

Well, I am hoping to stay a few days either before or after the cruise, depending on when others plan on staying. Most of the DISers on PCC 1.0 stayed for a few days (2-4 days) after the cruise, and came in a 1-2 days before the cruise. Lots of time to think about this! But I love thinking about it already!

About Nemo, Aaron did the same thing the last time he was there! But when we took him when he was 17 months, he really liked it! I think if we were to take him again he would like it too!

Yeah, Canada is just eh...I never have done Impressions de France, but I never heard anything good about it, other than that there are chairs in that theater and A/C...so a good place to rest and beat the heat!

Oh that is awesome that his Bday is the day before you leave!! Aaron turned 2 on April 2nd ;).

Completely makes sense about having just a Adults trip on the cruise! I know I was thinking the other day that if Henry does not like the Kids Clubs, we'll be missing out on a lot of the "adult fun" - we'll be having "kiddy pool fun" with the other families, which is okay....but I'd like a good mix of the two! Regardless, I don't think there is any possible way we'll have a BAD time! :thumbsup2 Sounds like a very good plan to bring Grandma on 3.0! :laughing:

We are thinking of staying a few days before (value season, hello!) and then a few days after. Joe is very into the after - so the majority of our stay will probably be after. He doesn't want to step off the ship and be like "Ugh, we have to go home now!" Which I understand! Yesterday we were discussing our DVC Points and he kept mentioning buying another 200. I have no idea where he's going to come up with that money. :rolleyes: ;) We'll probably take advantage of the deal that Dreams cuts with the Swolphin for at least a few nights depending on our additional vacation plans in 2010.

Was it very weird at first to think your baby was two? I can't believe how much Henry has grown up in the past few months, but I still can't grasp that he's going to be two!!

Yay! Disney mail. When you see that you know that everything is 'good to go'.:cool1:

I wish you luck with your recently acquired accessory this Thursday. I am hoping you will not have any pain while you are at WDW. :flower3:

I LOVE how you called it my "recently acquired accessory"! :lmao: I recall just before I was getting x-rays done at the foot doctor 3 weeks ago, I was gazing at the various colors of casts they have and wondering which would best match the majority of my clothing. :rolleyes:

Thank you for your kind words! I so better be done with this foot ordeal (or very close to!) by September. I reallyyyyyy don't want to rent a scooter...

kschafer

08-04-2009, 08:10 AM

tiggrbaby

08-04-2009, 09:29 AM

Glad to hear your ankle is doing better! Hope you can get the smaller boot on Thursday.

MeMom

08-04-2009, 09:43 AM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893922_Q8Vax-M.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/607893940_nfumZ-M.jpg

That happiness was certainly worth the 75 cents plus a stamp...and maybe even a little more!

I'm going to try to catch up with all my DIS reports today as I detox from Disney World to real world. Your comments on single parenting are interesting, as I raised three alone starting from when Drew was a year old. When I hear people talk about having the kids alone for a week or whatever, I just smile. You are very blessed to have your good husband around, and I know you know that. You have a precious family!

I hope the ankle makes much progress between now and trip time.

ClaireW

08-04-2009, 09:56 AM

Fingers crossed for the smaller boot - then you'll be able to chase your cute little red-headed man just a bit faster!

luvfigment

08-04-2009, 12:47 PM

YAY for Disney mail! The picture of Henry with postcard from MeMom is too cute! I like Fauxporter envelopes that you made...I am also addicted to the PassPorter and buy one for every trip.

I hope you get a smaller boot on Thurs and they you don't have to rent a scooter for your trip.

LaurenMic

08-04-2009, 04:12 PM

Hello! I just stumbled upon your PTR and I love it!! Still need to get caught up on everything. AKL is gorgeous, you are so lucky that you got in! You'll be there when the decorations are up which is my absolute favorite time to go!!

Hope you get the lighter boot! The picture of your son reading the Disney Mail is absolutely adorable! Looking forward to more fun planning adventures :goodvibes

onelilspark

08-04-2009, 06:19 PM

Coffee?
I posted this over on the CSR thread, but noticed you haven't been over there. I want to be sure you see it, so I thought I'd post it here too!

Coffee in the room:
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu213/onelilspark/Disney%20August%2009/DisneyAug09016.jpg

Coffee at Rix Cafe (self serve):
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu213/onelilspark/Disney%20August%2009/DisneyAug09093.jpg

According to my brother it is better than NesCrape! At the Pepper Market and at Rix Cafe they also offer Lattes, Mochas, Espressos, and Cappuccinos.

robinm1215

08-04-2009, 09:54 PM

Hi there! I am missing so many other DISers by just a few days or weeks! :sad2: It's such a bummer. I hope our trips cross at some point too!

What day do you leave?

Since we both are DVC owners and take multiple trips per year, I'd be surprised if our trips don't cross at some point. Have you ever gone during the Food & Wine Festival? That's one of my favorite times to go -- great weather and you can't beat the F&W festival! This will be my second year in a row so I'm wondering if that's going to become a regular thing:rolleyes1

We leave next Wednesday, so only 5 more days of work, not that I'm counting or anything... So much to get done before then though. I know the trip will be here before I know it. I'm so excited to be staying at both the Treehouse Villas and Kidani in one trip:cool1:

I wanted to post a quick 'The Boot' update since some people have asked over the past few days....

Well, last week I was hopeless that I would be ditching the boot by this Thursday. I was in serious pain and it looked like there was a small baseball attached to my ankle.

However, having Joe back allows me to rest a LOT more and this weekend things have started to improve. Tonight I can almost see my ankle bone. The swelling is down much more than it ever has been!

I don't think I'll be home-free on Thursday; however, I do think I have a very good case of getting switched into the lighter boot where I can wear normal shoes on BOTH feet along with the boot. I might have to wear tennis shoes....but that is a great reason to go shopping, right? ;)

Glad your foot is feeling better and hope your doctor's appointment goes well tomorrow:hug: Oh, and you never really need an excuse to go shopping, do you?:rotfl:

A.Mickey

08-05-2009, 12:46 AM

Completely makes sense about having just a Adults trip on the cruise! I know I was thinking the other day that if Henry does not like the Kids Clubs, we'll be missing out on a lot of the "adult fun" - we'll be having "kiddy pool fun" with the other families, which is okay....but I'd like a good mix of the two! Regardless, I don't think there is any possible way we'll have a BAD time! :thumbsup2 Sounds like a very good plan to bring Grandma on 3.0! :laughing:

We are thinking of staying a few days before (value season, hello!) and then a few days after. Joe is very into the after - so the majority of our stay will probably be after. He doesn't want to step off the ship and be like "Ugh, we have to go home now!" Which I understand! Yesterday we were discussing our DVC Points and he kept mentioning buying another 200. I have no idea where he's going to come up with that money. :rolleyes: ;) We'll probably take advantage of the deal that Dreams cuts with the Swolphin for at least a few nights depending on our additional vacation plans in 2010.

Was it very weird at first to think your baby was two? I can't believe how much Henry has grown up in the past few months, but I still can't grasp that he's going to be two!!

I will try to help you have a good mix of the two (adult time and Henry time)! I think we will get along great! ;) Yeah you most definitely will not have a bad time! There is no possible way!

LOL! I like the way Joe thinks! Yeah, staying before the cruise you really just anticipate the cruise! I don't know how people can do the cruise on the last leg of the trip! More points! That is awesome! Where are is your "home" resort? How many points do you have? I would love to buy DVC one day..but first I am working out of my credit card debt!:eek: Have you stayed at the Swolphin before?

Oh my yes! I cannot believe how much he has learned even since he turned 2! I think he is already starting to read! If not read, he definitely is able to see a word and remember what it looks like! Just this morning I was watching old videos of Aaron, and I just can't believe how much he looks like a little boy now! They sure grow up fast!! I never thought it would be true, but wow do they ever! Pretty soon they will be off to college at this rate!

Hope your doctor's visit goes well and you are out of that boot by your trip!!

GreatBiscuit

08-05-2009, 06:21 PM

Excellent news on the Boot! I hope you are able to shed the excess footware in time for your departure. Not long now! Soon you'll be regaling us with tales of gucks and corndogs! Can't wait to see what Heny thinks of life sized Lightning & Mater!

DreaGirl

08-05-2009, 07:40 PM

Excellent news on the boot. I hope you get downgraded (or would it be upgraded) to a smaller ankle support.

mickeysmyboy

08-05-2009, 08:15 PM

I'm glad your ankle is feeling a little better! I hope you the lighter boot tomorrow!

mickeysmyboy

08-05-2009, 08:31 PM

Yesterday we were discussing our DVC Points and he kept mentioning buying another 200.

I didn't see this before and when I saw it I had to comment!

Can you have Joe call my DH?!

Really, earlier tonight I actually had a brief discussion with DH about adding on points!

We haven't even taken our first trip home and I already want more :rotfl:

Seriously, though I think we'd be much better served to have 300 points instead of the 200 we have!:rotfl: our January trip is 272 points! So, we used our 200 2009 points and borrowed 72 from 2010! When we go in December 2010 use the 128 points we have for 2010 and probably borrow the rest from 2011! But if I want to go in Oct 2010 with the 2 big kiddos for MNSSHP I need points for that too! :headache:If I had 300 points to play with it would be a lot easier!! The resale prices on timeshare store are really good!! $81 a point! UGH! If I could only convince DH he never, ever had to buy me another b-day gift, christmas gift etc, etc

MeMom

08-06-2009, 07:29 AM

There's a message from some little 'friends' of yours over on our TR. Check it out, because I definitely had you in mind when taking the picture. :)

Hope the foot is feeling better each day. My swelling is subsiding, and I was happy to be able get my foot into a sandal yesterday!

ClaireW

08-06-2009, 07:57 AM

Brook and MeMom- like so many other moms I have tonnes of sympathy for your swollen ankles/feet - just a few weeks ago before I had Daisy my feet, legs and ankles were swollen, hot, and painful. Even my midwives looked shocked! I only managed to put up with it because I had an end in sight. Hope both of you will return to your usual selves soon :flower3:

jenseib

08-06-2009, 09:54 AM

Goodluck with your foot today!

brookelizabeth

08-06-2009, 03:35 PM

Hey Brook,

Just popping in to say hi from the dells. We did decide at the last minute to take the trip. I appreciate your advice and recommendations! We arrived last night and will be staying for the next 2 full days. We are looking forward to some good times! Thanks for your help!

Hey Katie!
I'm so glad to hear you were able to take the trip! :thumbsup2 Where did you guys end up choosing to stay? I hope it's a wonderful, relaxing and fun trip for you and your family--enjoy! :goodvibes

Glad to hear your ankle is doing better! Hope you can get the smaller boot on Thursday.

Thank you! I do have a boot update---posting it at the end here...:yay:

That happiness was certainly worth the 75 cents plus a stamp...and maybe even a little more!

I'm going to try to catch up with all my DIS reports today as I detox from Disney World to real world. Your comments on single parenting are interesting, as I raised three alone starting from when Drew was a year old. When I hear people talk about having the kids alone for a week or whatever, I just smile. You are very blessed to have your good husband around, and I know you know that. You have a precious family!

I hope the ankle makes much progress between now and trip time.

I am so very, very thankful for my incredible husband. He is ever helpful, thoughtful, forgiving, understanding...and Disney loving. ;) Whenever I get in a mood, or an attitude, it never fails that God gently reminds me of how good I have it. This prompts me to go and give my dear husband squeeze and thank him for how wonderful of a husband, and Daddy, he is. I truly am blessed!

My Mom and Dad were married until I was a Senior in high school; however, my Dad was a truck driver almost since I can remember, and when he was home he was....really, less than helpful (to put it mildly). He thankfully has learned from his mistakes in his marriage; however, looking back I realize how much my Mom did and how strong she was--and still is! She, like you, raised 3 kids (basically on her own) and worked full time. At the time, growing up, I didn't realize all what she did, and now I look at her in such a new respect and light. It takes a very strong person to raise children with help, and it takes an AMAZING one to do it well alone! All of your children are incredible people-just from the bit I know of them. I can see why you are proud of them MeMom, and why you enjoy being with them so much. You are an amazing lady - and I know they would all agree with me (and so would the entire DIS community!) :hug:

Fingers crossed for the smaller boot - then you'll be able to chase your cute little red-headed man just a bit faster!

Instead of hobbling behind him and him laughing at me since I can't catch him! :rotfl:

YAY for Disney mail! The picture of Henry with postcard from MeMom is too cute! I like Fauxporter envelopes that you made...I am also addicted to the PassPorter and buy one for every trip.

I hope you get a smaller boot on Thurs and they you don't have to rent a scooter for your trip.

No scooter! See below. :goodvibes

The PassPorter is just great, isn't it? I really keep meaning to dive into their website a bit more, but haven't found the time yet.

Hello! I just stumbled upon your PTR and I love it!! Still need to get caught up on everything. AKL is gorgeous, you are so lucky that you got in! You'll be there when the decorations are up which is my absolute favorite time to go!!

Hope you get the lighter boot! The picture of your son reading the Disney Mail is absolutely adorable! Looking forward to more fun planning adventures :goodvibes

Hi Lauren! Thanks for joining in!
I am THRILLED about our upcoming stay at Kidani! I was really happy to see all the waitlists come through. AKL is so beautiful, I really look forward to seeing it all decked out. The pictures I have seen are stunning, so I imagine it's even better in person.

Coffee?
I posted this over on the CSR thread, but noticed you haven't been over there. I want to be sure you see it, so I thought I'd post it here too!

Coffee in the room:
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu213/onelilspark/Disney%20August%2009/DisneyAug09016.jpg

Coffee at Rix Cafe (self serve):
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu213/onelilspark/Disney%20August%2009/DisneyAug09093.jpg

According to my brother it is better than NesCrape! At the Pepper Market and at Rix Cafe they also offer Lattes, Mochas, Espressos, and Cappuccinos.

I can't even tell you how big my grin is each time I think about this! I am a coffee FIEND. I even told Joe, he just kinda rolled his eyes at me. He likes his coffee, but isn't quite as dependent as I am. :rolleyes:

THANK YOU again and again for this information! :yay:

Since we both are DVC owners and take multiple trips per year, I'd be surprised if our trips don't cross at some point. Have you ever gone during the Food & Wine Festival? That's one of my favorite times to go -- great weather and you can't beat the F&W festival! This will be my second year in a row so I'm wondering if that's going to become a regular thing:rolleyes1

We leave next Wednesday, so only 5 more days of work, not that I'm counting or anything... So much to get done before then though. I know the trip will be here before I know it. I'm so excited to be staying at both the Treehouse Villas and Kidani in one trip:cool1:

Glad your foot is feeling better and hope your doctor's appointment goes well tomorrow:hug: Oh, and you never really need an excuse to go shopping, do you?:rotfl:

Oh your trip is so soon! And THV and Kidani all in one! :yay: That really sounds like an awesome trip - are you writing a TR? (Have I asked you that already? :laughing:)

We have gone twice during the F&W Festival. Last year we partook in some of the booths, not quite as much as we were hoping as we don't didn't feel good that day, but it was still a good time! And back in 06 on our Disneymoon when I hadn't a clue what it was all about. We hope to go at some point (soon, hopefully!) during the F&G Festival. I know I would love it with all the beautiful flowers.

Our anniversary is in October-so I wouldn't doubt us ending up around that time again in a future year!

I will try to help you have a good mix of the two (adult time and Henry time)! I think we will get along great! ;) Yeah you most definitely will not have a bad time! There is no possible way!

LOL! I like the way Joe thinks! Yeah, staying before the cruise you really just anticipate the cruise! I don't know how people can do the cruise on the last leg of the trip! More points! That is awesome! Where are is your "home" resort? How many points do you have? I would love to buy DVC one day..but first I am working out of my credit card debt!:eek: Have you stayed at the Swolphin before?

Oh my yes! I cannot believe how much he has learned even since he turned 2! I think he is already starting to read! If not read, he definitely is able to see a word and remember what it looks like! Just this morning I was watching old videos of Aaron, and I just can't believe how much he looks like a little boy now! They sure grow up fast!! I never thought it would be true, but wow do they ever! Pretty soon they will be off to college at this rate!

Hope your doctor's visit goes well and you are out of that boot by your trip!!

Our Home resort is AKV and we have 200 points. I hear ya about the CC debt. We had over $20K! I'm not even kidding. It was eating us alive. We barely could afford to eat. This is pre-Henry, thankfully. We worked VERY hard on it for a long time and now only owe on my student loan, the house, and the DVC! NO CREDIT CARD DEBT, NO CAR PAYMENT! It is complete freedom to be able to say that. I want to add onto DVC, and so does Joe, but we really need to resist until we can pay cash for any add-ons.

We haven't ever stayed at the Swolphin, I just walked through during our January trip to rent a car-it looks beautiful! I would love to stay there a few nights. I am so excited about the cruise-reading your report, and Jaime's, just makes me even more excited about it all. The ship looks amazing, and getting to meet everyone will be a total blast!

Oh gosh, I can't even imagine Henry being able to recognize words! It's amazing how quickly they learn. I'm sure in a few months I'll look back to these months before he's 2 and be amazed at how much he's learn and grown too. I don't like it that they start to loose their baby look though! :sad2:

Excellent news on the Boot! I hope you are able to shed the excess footware in time for your departure. Not long now! Soon you'll be regaling us with tales of gucks and corndogs! Can't wait to see what Heny thinks of life sized Lightning & Mater!

Henry is gonna just flip over Lightning and Mater! He wants to watch that movie every-single-day from the moment he wakes up, to the moment he goes to bed.

Excellent news on the boot. I hope you get downgraded (or would it be upgraded) to a smaller ankle support.

Upgraded! :laughing:

I'm glad your ankle is feeling a little better! I hope you the lighter boot tomorrow!

Thank you!

brookelizabeth

08-06-2009, 03:36 PM

I didn't see this before and when I saw it I had to comment!

Can you have Joe call my DH?!

Really, earlier tonight I actually had a brief discussion with DH about adding on points!

We haven't even taken our first trip home and I already want more :rotfl:

Seriously, though I think we'd be much better served to have 300 points instead of the 200 we have!:rotfl: our January trip is 272 points! So, we used our 200 2009 points and borrowed 72 from 2010! When we go in December 2010 use the 128 points we have for 2010 and probably borrow the rest from 2011! But if I want to go in Oct 2010 with the 2 big kiddos for MNSSHP I need points for that too! :headache:If I had 300 points to play with it would be a lot easier!! The resale prices on timeshare store are really good!! $81 a point! UGH! If I could only convince DH he never, ever had to buy me another b-day gift, christmas gift etc, etc

:lmao: I am blessed to have a Disney lovin' man. The other day he said "I can see us going 4 times a year...." LOVE IT HONEY!!

I am with ya on the 300 points. We can truly only afford 200 at this point, and I am pretty set on any odd-ons will have to be cash so we don't add to our debt. So, we'll probably end up borrowing for now until eternity until we can add on. We also have discussed doing a Studio at OKW to save on points in a year or two to make up for the Holiday 2 bedroom we have coming up in December. We'll see. Hopefully we will get it paid off and added on though! ;)

There's a message from some little 'friends' of yours over on our TR. Check it out, because I definitely had you in mind when taking the picture. :)

Hope the foot is feeling better each day. My swelling is subsiding, and I was happy to be able get my foot into a sandal yesterday!

Ooh, ooh! That makes me excited...and curious! I do plan to get over to your TR today!

I am happy to hear your leg is doing a bit better...have you gone to the doctor?

Brook and MeMom- like so many other moms I have tonnes of sympathy for your swollen ankles/feet - just a few weeks ago before I had Daisy my feet, legs and ankles were swollen, hot, and painful. Even my midwives looked shocked! I only managed to put up with it because I had an end in sight. Hope both of you will return to your usual selves soon :flower3:

Oh, thank you! :hug: I had big swollen ankles while pregnant too, it's just awful, isn't it?

Goodluck with your foot today!

Thank you!

Boot update!
Today was my doctor appointment and it went just how I was hoping. :thumbsup2 The doctor looked and could still see it was swollen, but not nearly as bad as it was. Since I have seen a lot of progress, much less swelling and pain, he suggested I keep with the boot a while longer and if I have no progress in 2-3 weeks, to come back and see him. Otherwise, as I see fit, I can slowly wean myself from the boot.

I also asked him about a smaller boot. He was all for it. He said it would be a great option when running around the house and running errands. He has kids, he truly "gets it".

So, I'm sitting here in a smaller boot that just wraps around my ankle, foot propped up. I'm certain I will see more progress over the next couple weeks and will NOT need a scooter for our trip! I will most likely bring the small brace along-just to be safe-but things are looking very good!

Thank you everyone for your prayers, thoughts, concern and encouragement!

I hope to have a PTR update for you today (possibly later tonight). Work is a bit nutty, we have a nasty bug in our software, and one of our big Clients happened to stumble across it. So, not only is it handling them and getting them back into a good spot, but also fixing the software, and managing the other Clients who have the same version of software. It all adds up to a lot of meetings! :goodvibes

ClaireW

08-06-2009, 04:28 PM

:yay: for the smaller boot!

Flossbolna

08-06-2009, 04:48 PM

Hi Brook, I am just having trouble to keep up with all my subscriptions...

I just wanted to say thanks for ordering the DVD, I will be looking forward to finding it in my mailbox! :goodvibes

And it's great to hear that your foot is improving! I hope it will keep on improving!! :thumbsup2

princess&her4princes

08-06-2009, 05:46 PM

Yay Brook for a smaller boot! You're on your way!!!!:thumbsup2

DreaGirl

08-06-2009, 07:07 PM

That's great news about the upgrade to a smaller cast!!! I hope it is 100% by your trip. I do agree that taking the walking cast with you is a good idea.

Charleston Princess

08-06-2009, 09:01 PM

Hurray for the smaller boot!!! :woohoo: Hope work slows down for you soon! :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

08-06-2009, 09:48 PM

:yay: for the smaller boot!

Hi Brook, I am just having trouble to keep up with all my subscriptions...

I just wanted to say thanks for ordering the DVD, I will be looking forward to finding it in my mailbox! :goodvibes

And it's great to hear that your foot is improving! I hope it will keep on improving!! :thumbsup2

Yay Brook for a smaller boot! You're on your way!!!!:thumbsup2

That's great news about the upgrade to a smaller cast!!! I hope it is 100% by your trip. I do agree that taking the walking cast with you is a good idea.

Hurray for the smaller boot!!! :woohoo: Hope work slows down for you soon! :goodvibes

Thanks everyone! :goodvibes I've been wearing the small boot since I got it, so far things are good with it. Tomorrow I'll wear it in the morning while running around getting everyone out the door, but then strap on the big guy for work. Gotta be a good patient. ;)

brookelizabeth

08-06-2009, 10:14 PM

Tuesday was a very special day in this household.

We broke out this:
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/586511807_B9bai-M.jpg

The Countdown!!
(like my fancy coloring job? :rotfl:)

A while ago someone here (was it you SoonerGirl? I cannot recall who! :headache:) directed me to a site full of DIScreations for countdowns, the Cars one was a good choice with Henry's love of all things with wheels. It is even more appropriate now since he is going through a MASSIVE Cars phase and all he wants to do is watch the movie or YouTube clips. He also loves the song "Life is a Highway" because it's in the movie. He will "sing" it and rock back and forth and dance. It's absurdly cute.

Whoa, off topic. ;)

Okay-countdown.

Monday night I had it hung on the fridge (with a Disney World magnet of course!), so Tuesday morning I led Henry over and then pulled out the stickers.

-squeal of delight-

This boy looooooves stickers!

I explained he could choose one for the countdown
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/613090230_xW67w-M.jpg

He chose Mr. Incredible, which was a big surprise to me being he doesn't know who that is.

I showed him what square to put it on, and he followed my directions! Again, a big surprise. :laughing: I thought for sure it would go straight onto his shirt! He did pretty good with getting the sticker on the right square, I had to help him just a bit. He's getting so big! :sad1:
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/613090246_ELRti-M.jpg

And then, I allowed him to select one for himself, he chose Nemo
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/613090223_seEMf-M.jpg
Look at him checkin' out Lightning McQueen!

He really, really, really likes the countdown. He walks over to it several times a day and points to the cars, "Car!" or "Truck!" :goodvibes

While Tuesday morning was an exciting morning, Monday evening also was.

Lookee here!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/613091136_LRG2W-M.jpg

My Target Travel Aisle stash! Unlike Jordan, I managed to not collapse in the aisle with glee. Though, I did kill an electric scooter in the aisle and Joe had to go get the other one...:rolleyes1

And, a few of the small bottles in the upper right are from Joe. He came home from his week of training and said, "I have something for you." and proceeded to dump a moisturizer (with spf 15 :thumbsup2), a shampoo, a conditioner, a lotion, and a face wash, from his hotel room, into my lap! :lovestruc

The Tide to Go stick is a full size. The Travel Size was the SAME PRICE. Just silly.

I had a coupon too. Woot!

IluvXU

08-06-2009, 10:58 PM

KathyRN137

08-07-2009, 01:05 AM

So, I'm sitting here in a smaller boot that just wraps around my ankle, foot propped up. I'm certain I will see more progress over the next couple weeks and will NOT need a scooter for our trip! I will most likely bring the small brace along-just to be safe-but things are looking very good!

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Yay!! :yay: So happy for you!

Kathy

DreaGirl

08-07-2009, 08:34 AM

That's a cool countdown chart! I always love putting it up because that means the trip is really close!!

Lady Lallie

08-07-2009, 08:58 AM

So glad that you are able to use a small boot now! :thumbsup2

I love your countdown, it looks adorable. What a fun thing for you and Henry to do every morning!

PracPerfPatricia

08-07-2009, 09:47 AM

Brook-Congrats on both the countdown and the lighter boot...:cool1:!

You are well on your way to recovery-but you must try not to overdo it-easy to say right-I'm very good at giving advice (that I don't always follow...:lmao:)...but better to take it as easy at you can for a little bit...

you do need to give your body the time to heal itself...-I know easy with a toddler running around...:confused3

But you have Joe and you have to love a man who brings you travel size toiletries-I thought that was very cute...

Would love to be able to see Henry doing his "Life is a Highway Dance"-little boys can have a surpisingly good sense of rythmn...:dancer::goodvibes

jenjolt

08-07-2009, 10:17 AM

wdwgirl03

08-07-2009, 10:37 AM

Cute countdown calendar! My cousin's son (who turned 4 in April) also LOVES Cars. He had a Cars birthday party and pretty much everyone got him Cars presents. We got him a big coloring book which we heard he ended up sleeping with one night. haha!

MRYPPNS

08-07-2009, 12:22 PM

Yay for your count down calendar! I wish I could put one up but with going solo I don't think that would be a very nice thing for me to do to DH.

Did you know that the Disney website has the Mater Tall Tales shorts on it? It's under the character section for Cars....Liam and I discovered that yesterday.

ptcrn

08-07-2009, 12:23 PM

LaurenMic

08-07-2009, 03:04 PM

Hooray for the smaller boot!! Things are coming along for you, that is great :goodvibes Sorry to hear about the problems at work though that doesn't sound good at all!

Woo hoo Target travel aisle, I'm obsessed with it! Looks like you got some great stuff.

The countdown is adorable! I applaud your coloring job ;)

onelilspark

08-07-2009, 03:13 PM

Who doesn't love the travel sized asile at Target??

SoonerGirl

08-07-2009, 03:58 PM

A while ago someone here (was it you SoonerGirl? I cannot recall who! :headache:) directed me to a site full of DIScreations for countdowns, the Cars one was a good choice with Henry's love of all things with wheels.

It was me - and I love the Cars one!! They are all so cute though aren't they? I'm going to use the Christmas one if I ever get to 30 days - it's taking forever to get here!

I'm so glad Henry likes the countown calendar. :goodvibes

2xcited2sleep

08-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Hurrah for a smaller boot and all systems go for WDW. Bringing out the countdown really makes it real! :cool1: H did so well with the stickers - too cute! I can't wait for your trip!! :yay:

Hope you are able to resolve those pesky software bugs soon. Don't they know how much DIS'ing there is to be done in these final 30 days? :confused3

IBelieveInTheMagic

08-07-2009, 09:32 PM

Yeah for the smaller boot and progress!!! :cool1:

YAHOO on the countdown calendar.. I can't wait for you guys and you're setting so close! The pictures of Henry doing the calendar are adorable, of course! :lovestruc

TARGET RULES!! :rotfl2: I love the $1 travel aisle too and just picked up a few things tonight as well! I picked up another $1 sunscreen, two tooth brush holders, travel Suave for kids and I also got me two Tide sticks on clearance not that long ago. I swear, I'm going to have to start packing soon! :rotfl:

Enjoy your weekend!
Heather

MeMom

08-07-2009, 10:10 PM

And then, I allowed him to select one for himself, he chose Nemo
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/613090223_seEMf-M.jpg
Look at him checkin' out Lightning McQueen!

Too cute! You go ahead with that sticker, Mom, but I'm keepin' my eyes on the cars!

A.Mickey

08-07-2009, 10:27 PM

I cannot believe how much older Henry looks, just from your vacation at the Dells! But maybe that was a long time ago?!?! :confused:

Too cute that he could care less about the Nemo sticker!

disneydusted

08-08-2009, 11:47 AM

Hi Brook! I'm in and out this whole summer but I've been following along, catching up from your first page links... anyway, I wanted to say LESS THAN A MONTH!!!!! :yay: Wow! You must be in super excited mode right now!
And Henry... I LOVE the photo of him looking at the Disney postcard! What a riot! And then him really studying the countdown calendar, adorable! Having a boy I do understand the boy fixations! He is such a cute little guy!

brookelizabeth

08-09-2009, 08:48 AM

I love the countdown calendar! You are so close, I cannot wait to see how Henry is this trip!

Good for you to accept being Point Poor... I am sure I will feel it soon! I am curbing the desire to get a trip before June to use some of the points.....and I know no add on until I go back to work full time, and I am not in a hurry to do that!

It's so hard to resist, isn't it? I've even browsed resales a couple times... :sad2: But, I even told myself as I was doing it, "I'm just window shopping, I'm just window shopping..." :laughing:

Yay!! :yay: So happy for you!
Kathy

Thanks Kathy! :goodvibes

That's a cool countdown chart! I always love putting it up because that means the trip is really close!!

Me too! It's so much fun to see the days go by.

So glad that you are able to use a small boot now! :thumbsup2

I love your countdown, it looks adorable. What a fun thing for you and Henry to do every morning!

Thanks! It is WONDERFUL to be in the small boot.

Henry gets excited when I pull out the stickers for the countdown and he always wants to put on more than one. So do I though...wishing the trip was even closer! ;)

Brook-Congrats on both the countdown and the lighter boot...:cool1:!

You are well on your way to recovery-but you must try not to overdo it-easy to say right-I'm very good at giving advice (that I don't always follow...:lmao:)...but better to take it as easy at you can for a little bit...

you do need to give your body the time to heal itself...-I know easy with a toddler running around...:confused3

But you have Joe and you have to love a man who brings you travel size toiletries-I thought that was very cute...

Would love to be able to see Henry doing his "Life is a Highway Dance"-little boys can have a surpisingly good sense of rythmn...:dancer::goodvibes

I am trying to take it easy...like you said, easier to say than do! :rolleyes: But, each night I try to put my feet up for a while and that seems to help a lot, and I try to put my foot up while I'm at work too since I'm sitting for so long. It's gotten better and better each day, so the other day we went grocery shopping and I tried it without the scooter-and all went well! :thumbsup2 Then we got home and I sat and put my feet up while Joe put the groceries away. :laughing:

I'll see if I can snag some video of Henry boppin' to some music. He basically bounces like Tigger! Its cute!

brookelizabeth

08-09-2009, 08:59 AM

Awww Brook!! I adore your countdown calendar its just so perfectly Henry!! And look at the little man as he was able to put on his own sticker on the countdown!!!

Oh...I just adore travel size stuff makes me want to buy some now...so I might have to visit Target soon...I just love their travel aisle LOL!!!!

Thanks Jen! :goodvibes It's fun to do every morning with Henry, and he enjoys it with the stickers and pointing out the cars to me!

I love the travel size stuff too - when I'm browsing and buying, it means a trip is around the corner! :banana: I'm thinkin' you might be visiting it very soon too with your trip coming up!!

Cute countdown calendar! My cousin's son (who turned 4 in April) also LOVES Cars. He had a Cars birthday party and pretty much everyone got him Cars presents. We got him a big coloring book which we heard he ended up sleeping with one night. haha!

That is so cute! I love it! Henry sleeps with his toy Lightning McQueen and Mack almost every night so his first few words of the day are, "Mommy, Da Da, Mack!" :laughing:

Yay for your count down calendar! I wish I could put one up but with going solo I don't think that would be a very nice thing for me to do to DH.

Did you know that the Disney website has the Mater Tall Tales shorts on it? It's under the character section for Cars....Liam and I discovered that yesterday.

Are those Mater shorts the same as the ones they have on YouTube? There are 3 on YouTube, one is called something like Mater the Greater, another might be about him bullfighting? I've seen them all 87922 times I think, but I tune out after a while! :rolleyes: We usually hit up YouTube for videos (and variety so we don't go nutsy!) I'll have to check out the Disney Website and see if they have some new stuff! :thumbsup2

Is your DH bummed about your solo trip? :guilty: You could do a private countdown...;)

Little boy just woke up...more replies later!

robinm1215

08-09-2009, 02:49 PM

Oh your trip is so soon! And THV and Kidani all in one! :yay: That really sounds like an awesome trip - are you writing a TR? (Have I asked you that already? :laughing:)

We have gone twice during the F&W Festival. Last year we partook in some of the booths, not quite as much as we were hoping as we don't didn't feel good that day, but it was still a good time! And back in 06 on our Disneymoon when I hadn't a clue what it was all about. We hope to go at some point (soon, hopefully!) during the F&G Festival. I know I would love it with all the beautiful flowers.

Our anniversary is in October-so I wouldn't doubt us ending up around that time again in a future year!

Yes, our trip is really soon, I can hardly believe it. We've been planning for almost a year so it doesn't seem real that it is finally almost here. I guess I'll believe it when I'm on the plane on Wednesday!

I don't think I'm going to do a trip report. Going with my 2 best friends and their kids and not sure how comfortable they would be with me posting pics of their kids, you know what I mean? I'd love to do one just to have a memory of our trip, but I think I may do a scrapbook (maybe even the Disney Photopass book -- depends on how lazy I'm feeling :lmao:) instead.

I just looked back at your trip report from last fall and we just missed each other then too -- I was there Halloween week last year. Hopefully you can get to the F&W festival soon when you're all feeling a little bit better:goodvibes

The Flower & Garden Festival is also a great time to go -- I have been in April the past 2 years and the weather has been great and Epcot is just beautiful. I think October and April are my 2 favorite times to be at the world. Of course I have yet to be down there in December to see the holiday decorations.

So glad to hear you got the smaller boot! Hopefully your foot is feeling a lot better soon.

And I love your countdown calendar. Looks like a fun thing to do with Henry each morning!

brookelizabeth

08-10-2009, 07:46 AM

Ok, I have to de-lurk now because Henry is soooo stinkin' cute! I have just been reading your last TR and laughed out loud through the whole thing! :rotfl2: My little boy is the same age and they do such similar things! I love that picture of Henry looking at the calendar. And the one of him holding the Mickey postcard is too sweet!

Yay for less than 30 days! I can't wait to see all your pictures from this new trip- you take such great pics.

I hope all goes well with the boot and that you will be able to be scooter free at Disney! :goodvibes

Hi there! :welcome:
Thanks for reading and de-lurking! :goodvibes

Isn't this age so much fun? Joe and I are loving watching Henry learn and grow! Everyday something new happens, I can't keep up on the calendar anymore!

Hooray for the smaller boot!! Things are coming along for you, that is great :goodvibes Sorry to hear about the problems at work though that doesn't sound good at all!

Woo hoo Target travel aisle, I'm obsessed with it! Looks like you got some great stuff.

The countdown is adorable! I applaud your coloring job ;)

Eh, it happens at work! It makes for a stressful couple of weeks, but it happens. Thankfully this time around has not been nearly as painful last time we found a major bug in the application. This one has been quicker, and affected WAY fewer Clients! Whew!

:rotfl: Thanks for the kudos on the coloring job! I was pretty pleased we had colored pencils in the house versus half broken crayons...;)

Who doesn't love the travel sized asile at Target??

:laughing: So true!

It was me - and I love the Cars one!! They are all so cute though aren't they? I'm going to use the Christmas one if I ever get to 30 days - it's taking forever to get here!

I'm so glad Henry likes the countown calendar. :goodvibes

They really are all adorable! I will probably use a Christmas one too-even though we are going after Christmas. I agree with you, the days slowlyyyyy creep by on that countdown, but before we know it our ADR window will be here, then it starts to fly a bit more!

Hurrah for a smaller boot and all systems go for WDW. Bringing out the countdown really makes it real! :cool1: H did so well with the stickers - too cute! I can't wait for your trip!! :yay:

Hope you are able to resolve those pesky software bugs soon. Don't they know how much DIS'ing there is to be done in these final 30 days? :confused3

I know it! I should tell everyone at work I need some PTO pre-trip to get all caught up here. I wonder how that would fly with my boss? :laughing:

I found a few more sets of stickers I had stashed away and Henry is LOVING them all. Everyday one goes on the calendar, and one on his shirt. He gets so excited!

Yeah for the smaller boot and progress!!! :cool1:

YAHOO on the countdown calendar.. I can't wait for you guys and you're setting so close! The pictures of Henry doing the calendar are adorable, of course! :lovestruc

TARGET RULES!! :rotfl2: I love the $1 travel aisle too and just picked up a few things tonight as well! I picked up another $1 sunscreen, two tooth brush holders, travel Suave for kids and I also got me two Tide sticks on clearance not that long ago. I swear, I'm going to have to start packing soon! :rotfl:

Enjoy your weekend!
Heather

Our trip is getting really close! I can start playing the "In 3 weeks..." game this week! :woohoo:

We have the suitcase out already...he he! I just drop random stuff into it as I think about it/we purchase it. Right now it just has a couple big bags that fold down smaller in it, the travel aisle purchases and the Dollar Store gear I bought earlier. Pretty soon we'll start packing seriously though!

Too cute! You go ahead with that sticker, Mom, but I'm keepin' my eyes on the cars!

:rotfl2: Exactly! :goodvibes

I cannot believe how much older Henry looks, just from your vacation at the Dells! But maybe that was a long time ago?!?! :confused:

Too cute that he could care less about the Nemo sticker!

Nope! The Dells was in MAY! 3 months ago, that's it! He has grown SO much this summer. For his birthday I am going to grab pictures from each month dating back to his birth, then I'll really see the difference just a month makes!

Hi Brook! I'm in and out this whole summer but I've been following along, catching up from your first page links... anyway, I wanted to say LESS THAN A MONTH!!!!! :yay: Wow! You must be in super excited mode right now!
And Henry... I LOVE the photo of him looking at the Disney postcard! What a riot! And then him really studying the countdown calendar, adorable! Having a boy I do understand the boy fixations! He is such a cute little guy!

I am really excited! The days seem to be going by slowly though--which is good, because the mark of our trip also means Henry's 2nd birthday, and the beginning of the end of summer in Minnesota! So, I'm kinda okay with it creeping by in a way.

Thank you for all the sweet words about Henry! He's so much fun, and it's a blast to see his personality and interests develop. Everything in this house is cars, trucks, or choo-choos. Followed by Mickey. Cars has been trumping Mickey lately though...at least Cars is Disney, right??? ;)

This summer has been busy for us too - I am lamely trying to keep up on over 40 trip reports and always find myself behind on someone's. It's alright though, it happens! ENJOY the summer while it's here! :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

08-10-2009, 07:50 AM

Yes, our trip is really soon, I can hardly believe it. We've been planning for almost a year so it doesn't seem real that it is finally almost here. I guess I'll believe it when I'm on the plane on Wednesday!

I don't think I'm going to do a trip report. Going with my 2 best friends and their kids and not sure how comfortable they would be with me posting pics of their kids, you know what I mean? I'd love to do one just to have a memory of our trip, but I think I may do a scrapbook (maybe even the Disney Photopass book -- depends on how lazy I'm feeling :lmao:) instead.

I just looked back at your trip report from last fall and we just missed each other then too -- I was there Halloween week last year. Hopefully you can get to the F&W festival soon when you're all feeling a little bit better:goodvibes

The Flower & Garden Festival is also a great time to go -- I have been in April the past 2 years and the weather has been great and Epcot is just beautiful. I think October and April are my 2 favorite times to be at the world. Of course I have yet to be down there in December to see the holiday decorations.

So glad to hear you got the smaller boot! Hopefully your foot is feeling a lot better soon.

And I love your countdown calendar. Looks like a fun thing to do with Henry each morning!

When you get back-feel free to post any highlights here of pictures you do want to share! :goodvibes I hope it's a WONDERFUL trip...I'm sure it will be! Wednesday will be here before you know it. :yay:

April sounds like a perfect month for Disney. Up here it still cold and snowy, so escaping somewhere it's beautiful, warm, and flowers are everywhere would be a perfect time for us. I'm going to keep that in mind-thank you for the tip!

My foot has been feeling really good this past weekend, I didn't wear the large boot at all! I'm still a bit sore, but nothing even close to what I was two weeks ago. :thumbsup2

thewesterberg

08-10-2009, 09:06 AM

mickeysmyboy

08-10-2009, 09:18 PM

Hey Brook! Just back from PA and catching up! Yippee for the smaller boot! You must be so happy!

Also yippee for the very cool countdown!! Henry looks like he's loving it! too cute!

Another yippee for travel sizes! I love the travel size section of target!!

brookelizabeth

08-10-2009, 10:38 PM

So happy that you're in to a smaller boot these days - a good sign that things are getting better!

Isn't the last few weeks such a mixed bag... it drags by yet it flies by. We've had the "pile" sitting in the dining room for a couple of weeks now and last night as I folded laundry I pulled out all of Junior's stuff... that means it's getting awfully close!!! :cool1:

Things are getting really good with my foot - literally no pain! :yay: I've been wearing the small boot all day, it's been really great.

Our "pile" is in the suitcase - that is the "packing" I mentioned on Facebook. :laughing: It's IN the suitcase, so it counts, right?

HAPPY SINGLE DIGITS!

Hey Brook! Just back from PA and catching up! Yippee for the smaller boot! You must be so happy!

Also yippee for the very cool countdown!! Henry looks like he's loving it! too cute!

Another yippee for travel sizes! I love the travel size section of target!!

I am so happy about the smaller boot! For the past two days, I have looked at the big boot with a smile, knowing I don't have to wear it. ;)

I love the travel size section too-it's so much fun shopping in there and knowing a trip is coming soon!

thewesterberg

08-10-2009, 11:12 PM

Things are getting really good with my foot - literally no pain! :yay: I've been wearing the small boot all day, it's been really great.

Our "pile" is in the suitcase - that is the "packing" I mentioned on Facebook. :laughing: It's IN the suitcase, so it counts, right?

HAPPY SINGLE DIGITS!

Small boot = :)

Your pile is IN the suitcase? I'm so far behind then! I just have a pile!! Guess I better get moving!

I'm off to post pictures of our Single Digit Disney Party we had tonight - I didn't dare post the pictures of the pizza on Facebook. Some of my friends are already considering committing me due to my love of Disney. Those pictures would seal the deal. :)

luvfigment

08-11-2009, 12:27 PM

YAY for being put in the smaller boot! I hope things continue to progress so you can walk without problems at Disney. As for the Target travel aisle..that thing is addictive plus I can never walk out of Target with what I went in to get. I also end up getting 50 million other things also! LOL.

The countdown calendar is great! They are so much fun to do. I just wish I had my own. Although 2 months from today I leave to go visit DH so I guess I have one going.

Lovemy3babes

08-12-2009, 03:25 PM

Brook, cute pictures! Do you happen to have the link to the countdown calendars? :) Thanks much!!

SoonerGirl

08-12-2009, 04:32 PM

Brook, cute pictures! Do you happen to have the link to the countdown calendars? :) Thanks much!!

Not Brook, but here ya go!

http://disign.mickeysmailbox.com/cc

brookelizabeth

08-13-2009, 09:11 AM

Small boot = :)

Your pile is IN the suitcase? I'm so far behind then! I just have a pile!! Guess I better get moving!

I'm off to post pictures of our Single Digit Disney Party we had tonight - I didn't dare post the pictures of the pizza on Facebook. Some of my friends are already considering committing me due to my love of Disney. Those pictures would seal the deal. :)

:lmao: I totally understand! Since I am finally active on Facebook again (I have had an account for a long time, but never logged in), all these people are commenting about things on my profile. I had two people at church come up to me and ask about Disney World last night! One family is going in April and they haven't gone since the parents were little, so I get to help plan their trip!!!!!!!!!!! :banana: But, I have to remind myself to be careful how liberal I am with my small addiction here...otherwise I might end up in the padded cell next to yours! ;)

YAY for being put in the smaller boot! I hope things continue to progress so you can walk without problems at Disney. As for the Target travel aisle..that thing is addictive plus I can never walk out of Target with what I went in to get. I also end up getting 50 million other things also! LOL.

The countdown calendar is great! They are so much fun to do. I just wish I had my own. Although 2 months from today I leave to go visit DH so I guess I have one going.

I have that problem with Target too. :laughing: Those big box type of stores just suck ya in!

That is SO great about getting to see your DH in 2 months! It must be so hard to be apart from him. :guilty:

Brook, cute pictures! Do you happen to have the link to the countdown calendars? :) Thanks much!!

Thanks!

Not Brook, but here ya go!

http://disign.mickeysmailbox.com/cc

And thank you for posting that! :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

08-13-2009, 10:01 AM

Today marks 20 days until our trip. We are THISCLOSE to the teens!

:yay:

And it is time for....

THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY, WE'LL BE.....

This is our first full day. We flew in late last night. In Florida it's currently 9:13. AK opened 13 minutes ago.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/618785476_XDaxa-M.jpg
As you all know, I've never seen this-or any opening show-I snagged this pic from a site via Google Image Search. I puffy heart Google.

We plan to just have a relaxed morning this day because we got to bed so late. Henry most likely woke up 1-2 hours ago,

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/561036653_32UXi-M.jpg
This picture is when Henry was 5 months old.

and we should be all ready for the day and at least on our way to breakfast, if not eating at this moment, which will be at CSR's Pepper Market.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/589064963_Y6fv3-M.jpg

Then we might explore CSR a bit and eventually head to AK!

Earlier this week was a near-by small town's yearly festival...the Corn Carnival. A celebration of CORN! :laughing: I have no idea how it came about, but it really is a great time each year - and free corn on the cob is served, ya can't beat that.

Henry LOVED every ride we went on, a very good sign for next month. :thumbsup2

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/617797851_e4j7U-M.jpg
The carousel was probably his least favorite - he liked it but...

He LOVED the cars oh so much more!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/617797995_BWDnF-M.jpg
His cousin is riding along with him. Both red heads! :goodvibes

But his ABSOLUTE FAVORITE was the slide
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/617798061_rF3tC-M.jpg

He was nervous the first ride down...
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/617798146_iDnwq-M.jpg

But immediately asked for "more, more"

So, up I went - and down we came!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/617798207_cupus-M.jpg

"More, more!"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/617798239_SLQb8-M.jpg

"More, more!"

But we were out of tickets. :sad1: Mental note for next year: Buy a whole book of tickets for Henry!

Joe and I were happy that he liked the most thrilling ride the best. Goofy's Barnstormer just might be happening in our near future...:yay: Though Barnstormer is a tad bit more thrilling than the slide...:laughing:

And I have to say, it's now 8:58 am. It did not take me that long to write this - work interrupted DIS time...again! ;)

princess&her4princes

08-13-2009, 10:16 AM

tiggrbaby

08-13-2009, 10:23 AM

Love the countdown! Wow, look at the change in Henry!!! I remember reading your first TR from your honeymoon, and to see how big Henry has grown- just WOW!!!

brookelizabeth

08-13-2009, 10:25 AM

WOOHOO!!! You are on seroius countdown!! 3 weeks!!! :worship: Sooo jealous!!!!

Thanks for sharing all the fun pics, they are too cute, as usual!!:goodvibes I love the pic of Henry at 5 mos., he's getting too big too fast!! :(

Have a great day at work today Brook!!:cutie:

I know! It's hard to believe! We have a busy couple weeks coming up too, so hopefully that will make time go by even faster. :thumbsup2

It's really fun looking back at old pictures of Henry. He seems so teeny--but he really wasn't, he's always been big! I can't believe he's going to be TWO in 19 days. :frown:

Work is better today than it was a couple days ago. Now another Client has a big issue, we got one resolved, and onto the next! :surfweb: :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

08-13-2009, 10:27 AM

Love the countdown! Wow, look at the change in Henry!!! I remember reading your first TR from your honeymoon, and to see how big Henry has grown- just WOW!!!

I was just thinking about that TR this morning - thinking I should finish it by posting our last day (DHS) here! :laughing: It's so strange to think that was just three years ago-it has gone by so quickly, yet seems like it was AGES ago. My, how having a child changes things! :goodvibes

wdwgirl03

08-13-2009, 10:32 AM

Yay for only 3 weeks. You're getting close now!

You've never seen any of the opening shows?! They're all so fun! :)

That picture of Henry at 5 mos. old is sooo cute! :goodvibes

TyRy

08-13-2009, 10:44 AM

:woohoo: YAY for three weeks!! :woohoo:

I'm also so glad your foot is feeling better. Sounds like you will be in great shape for Disney. I do hope you make a couple of rope drops so I can live vicariously through you....we've never made a single one either :eek:

MRYPPNS

08-13-2009, 10:52 AM

:woohoo::woohoo: I know I'm going to want all the scoop as soon as you get back!

jenjolt

08-13-2009, 11:21 AM

YAY for 3 weeks!!! Henry is such a cute little guy!!! I am glad to hear he enjoyed those rides that should make for a very fun trip and some new rides for Henry to try!!!!

Lovemy3babes

08-13-2009, 01:40 PM

I love the weekly countdowns! The corn carnival looks like so much fun! I love small town stuff like that. We have one called the Harvest Festival close to us.

ClaireW

08-13-2009, 03:27 PM

Henry is so cute - love the difference between the pics of him at 5 months and now!

GreatBiscuit

08-13-2009, 04:22 PM

Happy 20 day Mark! :cool1: The Corn Carnival pics were great! One thing Tracy doesn't like about the fairs and such around here is that they don't have grilled corn. I had never tried it until we were first married and living in Oklahoma City. We went to Disney On Ice at the OK State Fair and found a booth selling the stuff. I gotta say it was MONDO nifty good. Can't wait for you guys to get back! Have an AWESOME trip!

blessedby3

08-13-2009, 07:07 PM

What a great birthday present for Henry--A trip to Disney!! Be sure and get him a birthday button while you are there- maybe more free giant cookies are in your future!!
The corn festival pictures are so cute! I would love to have a festival like that near us. Corn on the cob is my FAVORITE!!
Im off to NYC tomorrow to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway with my girls, my sis, niece and mom. I guess thats the closest Ill get to Disney for a while :sad1:
Hoping to hit the Disney store while we are there for a quick Disney fix. Last time we went they actually had characters there to take photos with. Maybe we will get lucky and see that again!

Keep counting down and you will be at Disney before you know it:thumbsup2

IBelieveInTheMagic

08-13-2009, 07:40 PM

20 days!!!! :cheer2: I can't believe it, and yet it feels so long away, doesn't it? We're down to 46 days! YAHOO!

That picture of Henry at 5 mos does make him look so tiny!! How freakin' adorable. Jacob starts Kindergarten soon - they do grow up fast!!

I can't wait for you guys to go!! :)

Heather

mickeysmyboy

08-13-2009, 08:54 PM

Love the countdown and love the picture of Henry! I miss the teeny tiny days!! They grow up too fast!

PracPerfPatricia

08-13-2009, 09:51 PM

Babies and little children (and bigger children...:lmao:) are awesome! Henry was so cute at 5 months and he's so cute now...it's amazing you feed them & dress them and love them-and poof look what happens...I know its corny but I kind of think its magical...pixiedust:

A corn festival sounds like fun...love corn-but very picky about it-can't be too starchy....the slide actually looks like a lot of fun......:goodvibes...we get a lot of Autumny festival like apples and pumpkins...love some good pumpkin festivals...and apples festival with the pie and cider...;)

Congrats on your countdown...are you packed?...I'm not and I need to do wash tomorrow...:confused3...I better get moving...:cool1:

Charleston Princess

08-13-2009, 10:01 PM

Wow! All of these fall trips are sneaking up very quickly! I can't believe you are down to three weeks already!

Henry is so cute trying out all the fun things at the Corn Carnival! :goodvibes

A.Mickey

08-13-2009, 10:08 PM

Hooray for 3 weeks!!

Free Corn on the Cob! :scared1: I want to go!! Where exactly is this corn festival? I am going to have to go next year! :woohoo:

Henry is soo brave on all those rides! That is great that you guys went on that HUGE slide with him and he liked it! :yay: Hopefully he will like Barnstormer too, but at least it is over before kids even realize what hit them, at least it was like that when we took Aaron on it. He didn't react til it was over.

IluvXU

08-14-2009, 12:58 AM

Henry is getting so big, he looks like a little boy now ... they grow too fast. Less than three weeks, so excited for you!

DreaGirl

08-14-2009, 08:19 AM

thewesterberg

08-14-2009, 09:09 AM

Looks like you guys had a great time! Love those small town festivals! Those cars that Henry loved so much - I remember those being my favorite ride when I was little. I can hear those buzzing horns like it was just yesterday. And the giant slide - another favorite!! It wasn't the county fair until my dad took us on that and the ferris wheel!

Your trip is getting sososo close!

micandminforever

08-14-2009, 02:05 PM

I received Disney mail today for my Sept. trip.

MeMom

08-14-2009, 06:01 PM

My, how having a child changes things! :goodvibes

In so many, many wonderful ways!!! :love:

PNO4TE

08-14-2009, 07:36 PM

I received Disney mail today for my Sept. trip.

And I got some for our December trip! :goodvibes

MEK

08-14-2009, 09:22 PM

Congrats on three weeks until your next trip! That will fly by!

disney*mom*82

08-14-2009, 09:37 PM

We leave in 3 weeks too and recieved our packet in the mail today!!:banana:

Camster0307

08-14-2009, 11:13 PM

Oh gosh Brook. I can't believe you're into the "three weeks from now, we'll be at WDW doing.............." . So, so jealous!

Those baby pictures of Henry are so cute. I can't believe how much he has grown! What a new experience it will be for him this year. This trip - Goofy's Barnstormer; December trip - ???

ptcrn

08-15-2009, 09:21 PM

The corn festival sounds like fun! I love hearing about all the other small town festivals in different states. We have one for clams and lobsters, and lots of blueberry festivals!

That picture of Henry as a baby is so sweet! Those chubby cheeks! And I love the last one coming down the slide. Just pure joy on his face! :goodvibes

lazydoxy66

08-15-2009, 11:36 PM

Flossbolna

08-17-2009, 10:01 AM

Free corn on the cob!! :love: Looks like you had a lot of fun at the festival! Does Henry meet the height requirement for the Barnstormer? I think it sounds like he would really love that!

You will need to hide the Indy Speedway from him at the MK until the very end, otherwise you will spend a whole day standing in line for that one ride! :lmao: I guess that will be your family's Dumbo! :goodvibes

jordanyosh

08-18-2009, 02:00 AM

I'm back.....3 weeks? Less than that now!!!!!

shebaxric

08-20-2009, 02:31 PM

So now your are in the teens and under two weeks!!! I can imagine how pumped you, Joe, and adorable Henry are! The rest of us who aren't going for three months:rolleyes1 are eagerly anticipating your trip and the return filled with trip report goodness! I cannot wait!:banana:

brookelizabeth

08-20-2009, 05:22 PM

Yay for only 3 weeks. You're getting close now!

You've never seen any of the opening shows?! They're all so fun! :)

That picture of Henry at 5 mos. old is sooo cute! :goodvibes

Nope-never done an opening show! I know, shame, shame! ;) We've always slept in/had lazy mornings since they don't happen too often in normal world. But, I think this trip will be different - all the parks open at 9:00 am and usually we are up and going by then.

:woohoo: YAY for three weeks!! :woohoo:

I'm also so glad your foot is feeling better. Sounds like you will be in great shape for Disney. I do hope you make a couple of rope drops so I can live vicariously through you....we've never made a single one either :eek:

I've had a few foot set backs this week, the big boot came back out. :sad2: But, hopefully it will be gone again soon!

If we make the RD's, I'll be sure to take lots of pics!

:woohoo::woohoo: I know I'm going to want all the scoop as soon as you get back!

:yay: I can't believe I'll be starting a TR in 3 weeks! :eek:

YAY for 3 weeks!!! Henry is such a cute little guy!!! I am glad to hear he enjoyed those rides that should make for a very fun trip and some new rides for Henry to try!!!!

Thanks Jen! It is SUCH a fun age - everything is new and fresh to him, it's neat to see him be "daring" and want to ride something and then just love it and want more and more! Back in January he was still frightened by quite a few things, I think this trip will be much different!

I love the weekly countdowns! The corn carnival looks like so much fun! I love small town stuff like that. We have one called the Harvest Festival close to us.

I love small town festivals too-when the whole town comes out to enjoy, little carnival rides, random booths, you run into half your friends and relatives walking around-ahhh! So fun!

Henry is so cute - love the difference between the pics of him at 5 months and now!

Thank you! :goodvibes It's really fun to look back at "old" pictures of him and see him grow up. We have taken a picture of him sitting on our love seat every month, I am going to put those pics together at some point-I'll probably share it here too!

Happy 20 day Mark! :cool1: The Corn Carnival pics were great! One thing Tracy doesn't like about the fairs and such around here is that they don't have grilled corn. I had never tried it until we were first married and living in Oklahoma City. We went to Disney On Ice at the OK State Fair and found a booth selling the stuff. I gotta say it was MONDO nifty good. Can't wait for you guys to get back! Have an AWESOME trip!

Thanks GB!! Grilled corn is fab, isn't it?? Our State Fair sells it too. Yummmmmm, it's a MUST HAVE for me each year. Now, the deep friend chocolate covered bacon I can probably do without. :rolleyes:

What a great birthday present for Henry--A trip to Disney!! Be sure and get him a birthday button while you are there- maybe more free giant cookies are in your future!!
The corn festival pictures are so cute! I would love to have a festival like that near us. Corn on the cob is my FAVORITE!!
Im off to NYC tomorrow to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway with my girls, my sis, niece and mom. I guess thats the closest Ill get to Disney for a while :sad1:
Hoping to hit the Disney store while we are there for a quick Disney fix. Last time we went they actually had characters there to take photos with. Maybe we will get lucky and see that again!

Keep counting down and you will be at Disney before you know it:thumbsup2

The timing works out wonderfully with Henry's birthday-I wish he would remember all the details of his birthday celebration at WDW - but I'm guessing we'll end up doing it more than just this year! :goodvibes And, another free giant cookies? Yes please! ;) We'll see if Henry will make it 3/3!

I hope your trip to NYC was GREAT! Ah, I miss NYC so much. Out of the entire time I lived there I never went to see a Disney Broadway show or even went to the Disney store! I very rarely went to that part of the City (where the store is). I guess my Disney World love didn't truly start (or re-start, I was a HUGE Mickey fan when I was young) until our Disneymoon though---then the sickness took over. :laughing:

20 days!!!! :cheer2: I can't believe it, and yet it feels so long away, doesn't it? We're down to 46 days! YAHOO!

That picture of Henry at 5 mos does make him look so tiny!! How freakin' adorable. Jacob starts Kindergarten soon - they do grow up fast!!

I can't wait for you guys to go!! :)

Heather

Before I know it I bet H will be starting kindergarten...:sad2: Ugh-I can't even imagine. We bought him size 7 shoes the other day and my heart nearly broke! I'm such a sap! :laughing:

We are down to TWO WEEKS now, 14 days - I'm almost hitting that panic mode.... I told Joe this morning that 16 days seemed like an eternity, but 14 seems REALLY close!

brookelizabeth

08-20-2009, 05:23 PM

Love the countdown and love the picture of Henry! I miss the teeny tiny days!! They grow up too fast!

Yes, they do! In ways I love him growing up, but in other ways I miss the wee little baby!

Babies and little children (and bigger children...:lmao:) are awesome! Henry was so cute at 5 months and he's so cute now...it's amazing you feed them & dress them and love them-and poof look what happens...I know its corny but I kind of think its magical...pixiedust:

A corn festival sounds like fun...love corn-but very picky about it-can't be too starchy....the slide actually looks like a lot of fun......:goodvibes...we get a lot of Autumny festival like apples and pumpkins...love some good pumpkin festivals...and apples festival with the pie and cider...;)

Congrats on your countdown...are you packed?...I'm not and I need to do wash tomorrow...:confused3...I better get moving...:cool1:

It is magical! They go from helpless to independent overnight it seems! Children really are miracles. :lovestruc

Oooh, I love me some pumpkin/apple festivals as well. Pumpkin pie, hot apple cider - yumm! I am looking forward to that this fall, but am very much not ready to say good-bye to summer yet.

Packed. Hmmm...no! :rotfl2: I have a few bags pulled out - and today I wrapped all of Henry's Dollar Store Plane Distraction Toys. They are in a bag with the glow sticks and other various items. I need to work on the packing list. And ya, the wash...:rolleyes1

Wow! All of these fall trips are sneaking up very quickly! I can't believe you are down to three weeks already!

Henry is so cute trying out all the fun things at the Corn Carnival! :goodvibes

Yes, they are sneaking up! I love it! :laughing:
It was a blast doing all the rides with Henry-I'm so proud of my little guy doing the cars on his own!

Hooray for 3 weeks!!

Free Corn on the Cob! :scared1: I want to go!! Where exactly is this corn festival? I am going to have to go next year! :woohoo:

Henry is soo brave on all those rides! That is great that you guys went on that HUGE slide with him and he liked it! :yay: Hopefully he will like Barnstormer too, but at least it is over before kids even realize what hit them, at least it was like that when we took Aaron on it. He didn't react til it was over.

:rotfl2: That would ROCK if you came to the Corn Carnival! Really, MN isn't that far from you! :laughing: It's in Cokato, MN. There is 1 stop light in the town!

Oooh-you already took Aaron on it! Are you by any chance going to get to that part in your TR before Sept 2nd? :rolleyes: Did he cry? :sad1: I showed H it on YouTube and he nodded at it the entire time-he seemed to like it...when he was safe in Mommy's arms at home in the living room! :laughing:

Henry is getting so big, he looks like a little boy now ... they grow too fast. Less than three weeks, so excited for you!

He is really starting to look like a little boy, more and more each day.

brookelizabeth

08-20-2009, 05:25 PM

You are in the teens! :woohoo:

Love the corn festival pix! He looks so big!!

Where I grew up we have an apple festival in the next town over. So fun and everything under the sun made from apples. I love small town festivals.

I LOVE being in the teens! :yay: The apple festival sounds so great. In my Mom's small town they have "Johnny Appleseed Days" and everything there is made from apples too. You can't go wrong with apple pie and apple cider!

Looks like you guys had a great time! Love those small town festivals! Those cars that Henry loved so much - I remember those being my favorite ride when I was little. I can hear those buzzing horns like it was just yesterday. And the giant slide - another favorite!! It wasn't the county fair until my dad took us on that and the ferris wheel!

Your trip is getting sososo close!

I loved those car rides too when I was little. My favorite was the motorcycles that went up the ramps and "flew" through the air. Man, my imagination was going when I was riding those! :rotfl:

I received Disney mail today for my Sept. trip.

:woohoo: Don't you just love Mickey Mail!!! YAY!

In so many, many wonderful ways!!! :love:

I agree!! There are some major life changes-but it is all for the GOOD!

And I got some for our December trip! :goodvibes

You already got some for December?! I jealous...:laughing:

Congrats on three weeks until your next trip! That will fly by!

This past week did-that's for sure! I have so many little things to do in the next two weeks, so hopefully the speed will just keep right up. :thumbsup2

We leave in 3 weeks too and recieved our packet in the mail today!!:banana:

:woohoo: Mickey Mail all over the place! I should go check my mail box just for kicks.

Oh gosh Brook. I can't believe you're into the "three weeks from now, we'll be at WDW doing.............." . So, so jealous!

Those baby pictures of Henry are so cute. I can't believe how much he has grown! What a new experience it will be for him this year. This trip - Goofy's Barnstormer; December trip - ???

Tower of Terror!
:rotfl2:

Just kidding! Hmmmm...perhaps no screaming during 3D movies in December? :confused3:goodvibes

The corn festival sounds like fun! I love hearing about all the other small town festivals in different states. We have one for clams and lobsters, and lots of blueberry festivals!

That picture of Henry as a baby is so sweet! Those chubby cheeks! And I love the last one coming down the slide. Just pure joy on his face! :goodvibes

Wow-clams, lobsters and blueberries - that is so different than the midwest! I love hearing about other town's festivals/traditions too. It's amazing how different things are depending on where you live. Here it's corn, apples and pumpkins. The closest we get to anything fish are the Friday Night Fish Fry's at all the local restaurants. :laughing:

He was LOVING that slide - he practically bounded off our laps asking for more! It was so fun!

brookelizabeth

08-20-2009, 05:26 PM

Brook I am so glad to hear that your foot is doing so much better now!!! I'm sending you a little pixie dust for the trip and doing a 'no pain' dance.

The corn festival looked like an absolute blast. I just love all the small town festivals that start up in the fall.

Thank you for the pixie dust! I really do need it - this week was rough. I'm doing pretty good today though. I bought some Icy Hot, will be bringing the small boot-and perhaps even the big boot - I haven't decided...

The Corn Carnival was a great time. I look forward to it every year!

Free corn on the cob!! :love: Looks like you had a lot of fun at the festival! Does Henry meet the height requirement for the Barnstormer? I think it sounds like he would really love that!

You will need to hide the Indy Speedway from him at the MK until the very end, otherwise you will spend a whole day standing in line for that one ride! :lmao: I guess that will be your family's Dumbo! :goodvibes

I believe the height requirement for Barnstormer is 35 inches, Henry was 34 at 20 months, so I'm thinking he should be just over 35 by now. We put him up to a stick at the Mall of America for 36 inches and he was close to that...so hopefully!

Oh, the Indy Speedway! Did I forget that on my "Must Ride" list? JOE has been eager to take Henry on that, so I don't think we can avoid it...! I'll just take pictures. :laughing: Hopefully we can hit it early in the AM so we don't have such a long wait.

I'm back.....3 weeks? Less than that now!!!!!

Are you feeling better?

TWO weeks now! :yay:

So now your are in the teens and under two weeks!!! I can imagine how pumped you, Joe, and adorable Henry are! The rest of us who aren't going for three months:rolleyes1 are eagerly anticipating your trip and the return filled with trip report goodness! I cannot wait!:banana:

I can't wait either! And I really do look forward to writing the TR-and devoting research time to the December trip. But, I hope this trip creeeeeeps by slowly. (Right, like it ever does when you are in Disney! ;))

SoonerGirl

08-20-2009, 05:48 PM

We bought him size 7 shoes the other day and my heart nearly broke! I'm such a sap! :laughing:

Wait until you start buying him adult size shoes! Even my baby is almost there (he has huge feet!) he's in a youth 6 right now, I'm sure I've only got about another year/year & a half before he's in men's sizes like his brother. Oh how I miss those little baby feet! :lovestruc

brookelizabeth

08-20-2009, 05:50 PM

I apologize about my week long disappearance!

We were gone Friday night - Sunday night, in a town about 3 hours away for a wedding of two close friends.

Our first hotel had a jacuzzi tub - Henry thought it was pretty neat!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236091_g9Knw-M.jpg

He was SO noisy during the wedding. Thankfully it was a pretty relaxed atmosphere. And they were happy noises!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236118_8RXs8-M.jpg

The beautiful, happy couple!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236146_Ru78r-M.jpg

Their ceremony was right along the river-just beautiful...
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236149_4ZTuT-M.jpg

Stealin' a kiss
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236151_usuNo-M.jpg

The first time on a swing by himself! :scared1: He liked it for about a minute, then decided he wanted Da Da on the swing with him.
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236153_79SRR-M.jpg

My boys!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236197_KZuxt-M.jpg

We switched hotels that night - and took advantage of their pool. In the past Henry has been a bit slow to warm up to the pool - this time he got RIGHT into it.
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236268_z6QJD-M.jpg

Outside the hotel
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236345_pGmp3-M.jpg

Henry was distracted by a motorcycle (or "ba mo") :laughing:

It was a fun little getaway weekend - good times with old friends that I don't see very often and spending quality time with my boys.

On the Disney Front:
Our Netflix queue lately has been some Classic Disney movies. The other night we watched Swiss Family Robinson. Neither one of us had ever seen it (at least from what we could remember). We loved it! Such a great movie!! We will most likely be taking in the Tree House in September. :thumbsup2

Onto packing...we have decided to attempt to pack all of our clothing and gear into 3 carry-ons and 3 personal bags. We are going to try not to check anything. Should be a good challenge, huh?

The suitcase is upstairs and open. All of Henry's Dollar Store Plane Distraction Gifts have been wrapped and are in a bag. But, that's as far as I've gotten. Gotta write up the list yet...so much to do!

Oh-I also have to buy ponchos and a clip on fan. Must-NOT-Forget these!!

Two weeks from today, we'll be... (i can't believe I can say TWO WEEKS!)
Animal Kingdom closed 45 minutes ago, so we are off to AKV for exploring! I am very excited to see Kidani-not only because it's our home resort, but also for planning purposes. ::yes:: This night we might eat at The Mara, or head over to MK for Spectro/Wishes. Perhaps Corn Dog Nuggets will be on the menu. :rolleyes1 :yay:

Flossbolna

08-20-2009, 06:06 PM

jordanyosh

08-20-2009, 06:12 PM

Let me know how the packing goes. I may try one carry on suitcase and a small backpack myself...

On FB just had a mini reunion of sorts with some old co-workers! Fun to catch up with old friends.

I can't believe you're leaving soon!

MeMom

08-20-2009, 06:16 PM

Very cute pictures - all of them!

I think you'll like the Treehouse. It's interesting. Lots of steps, so sometime little ones get stepped over or around, if it's crowded. Just be a little aware of that, but usually not crowded, at least when we've been there.

Hope you can get your packing done in three bags like you want. :thumbsup2

The Kidani waterplay area is so cool. We saw it in March.

Aah, The Mara, home of zebra domes! :love:

tiggrbaby

08-20-2009, 06:48 PM

Lovely pics! I can't believe it's getting so close for you!

IBelieveInTheMagic

08-20-2009, 07:24 PM

Less than 2 weeks now!!! :cool1: YAHOO!!!

I wish you much luck and success getting everything into the personal items and carry-on's! I hope it works for you guys! Keep us posted :rotfl:

Hang in there, you guys are almost there!

Heather

jenjolt

08-20-2009, 07:41 PM

TWO WEEKS only TWO WEEKS!! How exciting for you Brook!! I can't wait to hear and see all about your happy adventures at Disney!!

Once again Henry is just the cutest little guy ever!! I love that he is enjoying the pool that should make for some fun times at Disney!!!

Hmmm...corn dog nuggets...oh yes you must get some of those!!

mickeysmyboy

08-20-2009, 07:46 PM

I love the picture of you stealing a kiss for cutie little Henry!!!

2 weeks!? You guys must be so excited! Good luck with the packing!!

Charleston Princess

08-20-2009, 08:38 PM

Only two weeks??? :eek: Wow!

Great pictures from the wedding!!!

I need to watch Swiss Family Robinson -- I think Connor would really like it!

princess&her4princes

08-20-2009, 08:58 PM

Love all the get away pic, Brook! Too cute, the only of your boys and the one of Henry in his hat are the cutest!!!:cutie: Oh and the one of you and Henry down by the water is great, too, love your dress, very chic!!:goodvibes

I can't believe you're down to 2 weeks...WOW....that means two weeks later I'll be there!! That's some Disney math for you....heehee!:lmao: Time is flying....

thewesterberg

08-20-2009, 09:07 PM

You guys look great at the wedding! (love your dress by the way!!! Way cute!)

Swiss Family Robinson is a favorite movie... we used to watch it all the time as kids. My favorite part was all the traps they set for the pirates. Oh, and the animal races!! And seeing all the cool things in their house! Okay, I just love the movie all around!!

It's fun to think you'll be where we're at in a short amount of time. But unfortunately we'll be gone by then. :( So close, so close!!

Gotta run... there's some zebra domes waiting in the fridge, calling my name!!

onelilspark

08-20-2009, 09:51 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236118_8RXs8-M.jpg

Look how adorable!!!

IluvXU

08-20-2009, 10:27 PM

So soon! So exciting! Can't wait to see what unfolds for you all this trip!

brookelizabeth

08-20-2009, 10:48 PM

Two weeks! That's really nearly like you would leave tomorrow!! Lovely pictures of the wedding. Bride and groom look very happy! And I love your dress, great colours! :thumbsup2

Henry really looks like a two year old, so grown up with his hat and polo shirt! But still incredibly cute. :goodvibes

And I guess for the Indy Speedway those touringplans might come in handy...

Thank you! I bought that dress on my birthday weekend with Joe-we got a gift card for a store with our room, so the dress was almost completely free! It's that nice material that doesn't wrinkle too, so light and airy, and comfy.

I really have to get back to touringplans.com and print my plans! I've ran them a few times and reviewed, but haven't printed them yet. They changed a few of the "best/worst days" I noticed due to EMH's changing again.

Let me know how the packing goes. I may try one carry on suitcase and a small backpack myself...

On FB just had a mini reunion of sorts with some old co-workers! Fun to catch up with old friends.

I can't believe you're leaving soon!

I will post how the packing goes - perhaps a whole update about the challenge! I hope it works...

I love Facebook for meeting up with old friends-I've reconnected with some from high school even.

Very cute pictures - all of them!

I think you'll like the Treehouse. It's interesting. Lots of steps, so sometime little ones get stepped over or around, if it's crowded. Just be a little aware of that, but usually not crowded, at least when we've been there.

Hope you can get your packing done in three bags like you want. :thumbsup2

The Kidani waterplay area is so cool. We saw it in March.

Aah, The Mara, home of zebra domes! :love:

Good advice on the Treehouse, thank you! I will keep that in mind, if the park seems busy, to avoid it during peak hours.

I am super excited to see the water area at Kidani! I think H is gonna really enjoy it - and so will we! ;) Are you guys going to to a split stay again in October or December?

And YES, Zebra Domes...yum. I've only ever had one. Even if we don't eat at The Mara, I'm thinkin' we might be picking up a box to go!

Lovely pics! I can't believe it's getting so close for you!

Thanks! YES, it's getting very close! Before I know it we'll be single-digit dancing!

Less than 2 weeks now!!! :cool1: YAHOO!!!

I wish you much luck and success getting everything into the personal items and carry-on's! I hope it works for you guys! Keep us posted :rotfl:

Hang in there, you guys are almost there!

Heather

Thanks! I will post an update on how the packing goes. I have to figure out exactly what bags we are going to be using, and from there I think I can make a good plan.

TWO WEEKS only TWO WEEKS!! How exciting for you Brook!! I can't wait to hear and see all about your happy adventures at Disney!!

Once again Henry is just the cutest little guy ever!! I love that he is enjoying the pool that should make for some fun times at Disney!!!

Hmmm...corn dog nuggets...oh yes you must get some of those!!

I'm looking forward to taking Henry in the pool at CSR! I think he'll like the spitting fountains and the waterfall on the pyramid too.

Thank you for such sweet words about my little guy!! :goodvibes I'm SO looking forward to those corn dog nuggets!!!

I love the picture of you stealing a kiss for cutie little Henry!!!

2 weeks!? You guys must be so excited! Good luck with the packing!!

Thanks!! It's one of my favorites from the trip too. I love his little grin in that shot.

We are VERY excited. It seems a bit unreal yet - but I can feel the panic mode starting to creep up when I let myself think about it all.

Only two weeks??? :eek: Wow!

Great pictures from the wedding!!!

I need to watch Swiss Family Robinson -- I think Connor would really like it!

And your trip is coming up quickly too! :yay:

I think Connor would enjoy Swiss Family Robinson, there are some really funny moments, and also lots of "boy stuff" when they are planning their attack against the pirates and then when they are setting off all the traps.

Love all the get away pic, Brook! Too cute, the only of your boys and the one of Henry in his hat are the cutest!!!:cutie: Oh and the one of you and Henry down by the water is great, too, love your dress, very chic!!:goodvibes

I can't believe you're down to 2 weeks...WOW....that means two weeks later I'll be there!! That's some Disney math for you....heehee!:lmao: Time is flying....

Thank you! I like your Disney Math! ::yes:: :thumbsup2

You guys look great at the wedding! (love your dress by the way!!! Way cute!)

Swiss Family Robinson is a favorite movie... we used to watch it all the time as kids. My favorite part was all the traps they set for the pirates. Oh, and the animal races!! And seeing all the cool things in their house! Okay, I just love the movie all around!!

It's fun to think you'll be where we're at in a short amount of time. But unfortunately we'll be gone by then. :( So close, so close!!

Gotta run... there's some zebra domes waiting in the fridge, calling my name!!

HEY! You are DISing while in WDW! :woohoo: Any 'live updates'? Zebra Domes waiting in the fridge....oooh!!!! :hyper: I loved the animal races part too :lmao: the riding the ostrich is just hilarious!

Look how adorable!!!

Thank you!!! :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

08-20-2009, 11:04 PM

I wanted to post this earlier, but didn't have the pictures downloaded...

A peek at the countdown:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/625752640_mDquK-M.jpg

Henry wants to pick a car sticker every single day. I literally have to hide the sheets with the cars so he will pick a different one! :rotfl:

He's getting quite proficient at knowing exactly where the sticker should go each day and aiming the sticker onto the correct box. Getting the sticker right side up is another story. ;) :goodvibes

I love this countdown. The sticker choices are very evident of his likes. Everyday he points at the various characters and says their names...he started saying "Remy" the other day!

Here he is pointing out "Car" to me. He has started to call him "McQueen" (or his version of it...) and once or twice I've even heard "Lightning" (again, his version of it! ;))

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/625813144_t5LCP-M.jpg

I plan to save the countdown in Henry's memory box, it will remind me of this fun time with my little guy for years to come.

KathyRN137

08-20-2009, 11:27 PM

Two weeks from today, we'll be... (i can't believe I can say TWO WEEKS!)
Animal Kingdom closed 45 minutes ago, so we are off to AKV for exploring! I am very excited to see Kidani-not only because it's our home resort, but also for planning purposes. ::yes::

Hi Brook! I was away for a week, too and I'm trying so hard to catch up!!

Wow! So close now!
I love playing the "______ from today we'll be_____" game!! :banana:

Kathy

jordanyosh

08-21-2009, 01:45 AM

I plan to save the countdown in Henry's memory box, it will remind me of this fun time with my little guy for years to come.

I love that idea!

shebaxric

08-21-2009, 08:54 AM

Here he is pointing out "Car" to me. He has started to call him "McQueen" (or his version of it...) and once or twice I've even heard "Lightning" (again, his version of it! ;))

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/625813144_t5LCP-M.jpg

I plan to save the countdown in Henry's memory box, it will remind me of this fun time with my little guy for years to come.

How fantastic is this idea!! I'd think about doing this if my husband wouldn't look at me like I've got two heads~:rotfl: If I had children, I'd definitely do that. I love this picture with Henry's hand. You really have made some wonderful memories for his box!:goodvibes

princess&her4princes

08-21-2009, 09:27 AM

lazydoxy66

08-21-2009, 11:14 PM

Your comment on the countdown was so sweet!

Hey that dress you had for the wedding had 'Brook' written all over it! Very cute.

2 weeks!!!!:scared1: That is when panic mode sets in for me. I don't know why. I have everything pretty much bought and done now at 5 weeks.
I wish you luck on getting all your things in 3 carry-ons!!!!

Lady Lallie

08-22-2009, 08:02 AM

Love the weekend getaway pictures. More importantly I love your dress! Super cute. :cutie:

TWO WEEKS! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

mickeysmyboy

08-22-2009, 08:26 AM

Awww! I love the countdown calendar and I love the picture of Henry's little baby hand on it :lovestruc too cute!

Your getting so close! I know what mean about the panic starting to creep in. I always try my very best to keep it away but it seems to creep in! Then I end up going back and forth between panic and overwhelming excitement!

Camster0307

08-22-2009, 09:27 AM

Stealin' a kiss
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/624236151_usuNo-M.jpg

Such a cute picture!

And btw - LOVE the dress! LOVE the bracelet!

Less than two weeks!:cool1:

disneyfan61

08-22-2009, 02:40 PM

I haven't posted lately!! Henry is so darn cute!! I love the pic of you stealing a kiss. So cute!! Love your dress. And 2 weeks...Cannot wait to hear all about it. Also love the countdown & the pick of Henry's hand. You take some great pics!!:thumbsup2

Mom2apirate&princess

08-22-2009, 05:15 PM

I forgot all about Swiss Family Robinson. I found it on itunes and we are renting it tomorrow and gonna cuddle on the couches with our kids :goodvibes Thanks for reminding me. Love the new pics, Henry is so adorable!

moparop

08-22-2009, 09:44 PM

Sorry I've been MIA for so long. I've been doing a lot of reading and not so much posting. I love the countdown calendar! So perfect for a guy of Henry's age. Looking forward to hearing about the trip.

Can't believe it's only 11 days away! :banana:

MeMom

08-23-2009, 06:36 AM

I plan to save the countdown in Henry's memory box, it will remind me of this fun time with my little guy for years to come.

Yes, you will have sweet memories as you recall his little fingers putting the stickers on and proudly smiling at his work! :love:

IBelieveInTheMagic

08-23-2009, 11:14 AM

Getting closer and closer!!!! :cool1:

I hope you've enjoyed your weekend!

Heather

praisehisname

08-23-2009, 12:59 PM

Hi Brook! I spent the last few days catching up on your pre-trip. You're so close to the September trip now!

Henry is so adorable! He reminds me of my son when he was that age. Soak it all up and treasure those cuddle times. My 6'1" 15-year-old doesn't let me cuddle him anymore...:confused3

Denise

Charleston Princess

08-23-2009, 10:15 PM

Oh, how I adore chubby little toddler hands!!! :lovestruc Henry has done an excellent job on the countdown calendar!!! :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

08-24-2009, 07:56 AM

Lamping3

08-24-2009, 08:24 AM

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

I will dance with you.....I am starting the double digit dance today!

brookelizabeth

08-24-2009, 08:57 AM

So soon! So exciting! Can't wait to see what unfolds for you all this trip!

These past few weeks have really flown by. I'm in that anxious stage now-wondering what will happen...will Henry get sick? Will my plans guide us well? Did I make some major bloopers?

Hi Brook! I was away for a week, too and I'm trying so hard to catch up!!

Wow! So close now!
I love playing the "______ from today we'll be_____" game!! :banana:

Kathy

I love that game too! It's so fun. Pretty soon I'll be saying ONE WEEK!

I love that idea!

Thanks Jordan! Now, if I can only get all those little things I've been saving organized...:rolleyes1

How fantastic is this idea!! I'd think about doing this if my husband wouldn't look at me like I've got two heads~:rotfl: If I had children, I'd definitely do that. I love this picture with Henry's hand. You really have made some wonderful memories for his box!:goodvibes

I don't even tell Joe what I save. He he. Random coloring pages, scribbles, etc. It's all so precious. He knows I write things down on the calendar-all his "firsts" and I have saved the calendars so far-he actually likes this and writes things down with me. So - who knows, maybe your DH would be all for it! :goodvibes

Aww, what a great idea Brook, to save this countdown..I would totally do that, too!!:lovestruc It's so cute that he's saying the names of the characters, too!! What a big boy!!

Less than two weeks...WOW!!!!!!!!:yay:

I am still in awe how quickly he picks up on the characters names. We've got:

Donald Duck - Dut - of course! ;) it sometimes comes out a bit more clear now though
Mickey - Mahee
Goofy - hat (and he points to his head)
Pluto - dog (and he usually barks!)
Nemo - this one is very clear
Lightning McQueen - most commonly known as "car", but sometimes "keen" or "ning"
Mater - truck
Mack - this one is very clear too
Tiger - he bounces
Piglet - he snorts :laughing:
Remy - this one is fairly clear
Pooh - he doesn't usually say anything but just smiles real big and points :cutie:

Last trip all he could say was DUT!

Your comment on the countdown was so sweet!

Hey that dress you had for the wedding had 'Brook' written all over it! Very cute.

2 weeks!!!!:scared1: That is when panic mode sets in for me. I don't know why. I have everything pretty much bought and done now at 5 weeks.
I wish you luck on getting all your things in 3 carry-ons!!!!

Thank you! That dress is uber comfy. I had my lime green Baggalini with me that day and had several "You can't miss you coming!" comments. :rotfl:

I'm with ya on the 2 weeks thing-if we weren't so busy with end of summer stuff, I'd be freaking more than I am. I start to second guess everything and write a ZILLION lists. I still have a few things to buy...

Gotta chug my coffee and get going to work - more replies later tonight!

thewesterberg

08-24-2009, 10:08 AM

:cool1: Yay for the Single Digit Dance!!!!!

princess&her4princes

08-24-2009, 10:36 AM

Aww, thanks for sharing Henry's names for the characters, how cute is that? He's talking so well!!!!! Cole isn't talking as much, but I think having two big brothers to interupt doesn't help with that!!;)

WOW...single digits!!!!!!! WOOHOO!! :banana:

tiggrbaby

08-24-2009, 10:42 AM

I only have a minute before I have to start getting ready for work...but, I wanted to say:

WE ARE DOING THE SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!
:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

Replies and an update later!

Whoo hoo!! :banana: I feel almost as if I were going, too!

DreaGirl

08-24-2009, 12:17 PM

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

This is usually when the anxiety sets in for me since I am the one who packs for the family. Both exciting and stressful at the same time. :laughing:

shebaxric

08-24-2009, 01:03 PM

SINGLE DIGITS, SINGLE DIGITS!!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

mickeysmyboy

08-24-2009, 07:03 PM

I only have a minute before I have to start getting ready for work...but, I wanted to say:

WE ARE DOING THE SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!
:yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay::yay:

Replies and an update later!

OMG! You must me super excited at this point! I hope everything is falling into place and your not freaking out!

BTW, hows the foot?!

TyRy

08-24-2009, 07:51 PM

:banana::banana::banana: For single digits! :banana::banana::banana:

Hope the foot is getting better!

IBelieveInTheMagic

08-24-2009, 07:53 PM

shoes99

08-24-2009, 07:58 PM

I booked my land/sea vacation while on the Magic in September, 2008. We had a long wait.
Yahoo. Single digits for us too.

MaryAz

08-24-2009, 08:12 PM

You are getting so close! Yay for the smaller boot-hope you are boot free for Disney!

Charleston Princess

08-24-2009, 09:11 PM

party: Single Digit dancing is so much fun!!! party:

MeMom

08-24-2009, 09:35 PM

Even with my bad knee, look what I can do when it comes to single digit Disney dancing!
:cool1::banana::dance3:
:cheer2::yay:

Impressive, huh?

Congratulations!

GreatBiscuit

08-24-2009, 10:01 PM

Doing the single digit happy dance right along with you!

jordanyosh

08-24-2009, 10:14 PM

:banana::woohoo: single digits :woohoo::banana:

mrsksomeday

08-24-2009, 10:30 PM

:banana::banana::banana::dance3::dance3::cheer2: :cheer2:

brookelizabeth

08-24-2009, 10:51 PM

Love the weekend getaway pictures. More importantly I love your dress! Super cute. :cutie:

TWO WEEKS! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Thank you!!

Awww! I love the countdown calendar and I love the picture of Henry's little baby hand on it :lovestruc too cute!

Your getting so close! I know what mean about the panic starting to creep in. I always try my very best to keep it away but it seems to creep in! Then I end up going back and forth between panic and overwhelming excitement!

I am the same way - panic, excitement, panic, excitement. I know I have a TON to do, so when I think about that, I hit panic - but when I just think about the fun we'll have together, excitement!!!! :dance3:

Such a cute picture!

And btw - LOVE the dress! LOVE the bracelet!

Less than two weeks!:cool1:

Thanks Cammie!

I haven't posted lately!! Henry is so darn cute!! I love the pic of you stealing a kiss. So cute!! Love your dress. And 2 weeks...Cannot wait to hear all about it. Also love the countdown & the pick of Henry's hand. You take some great pics!!:thumbsup2

Thank you! We take soooooo many pictures - our camera comes with us almost anywhere we go. It's a fun way to document all our memories, but our harddrive is almost out of space! :eek: :laughing:

I forgot all about Swiss Family Robinson. I found it on itunes and we are renting it tomorrow and gonna cuddle on the couches with our kids :goodvibes Thanks for reminding me. Love the new pics, Henry is so adorable!

I hope you enjoy(ed) Swiss Family Robinson! I didn't even realize you could rent things on iTunes??? Hmmmm, I'm gonna have to explore how that works!

Sorry I've been MIA for so long. I've been doing a lot of reading and not so much posting. I love the countdown calendar! So perfect for a guy of Henry's age. Looking forward to hearing about the trip.

Can't believe it's only 11 days away! :banana:

No worries on being MIA - I've been so busy I can hardly keep up here and with normal life. I'm far behind on everyone's TRs!

I can't believe the trip has come so quickly too-once we hit 20 days it's been FLYING!

Yes, you will have sweet memories as you recall his little fingers putting the stickers on and proudly smiling at his work! :love:

This morning I asked him where the next sticker went and he pointed to the right square. He's getting so smart! :lovestruc

Getting closer and closer!!!! :cool1:

I hope you've enjoyed your weekend!

Heather

We had a busy and fun weekend....we have a potential lead on FINALLY selling our home, so some of it was spent cruising some neighborhoods that we may move to. I'll dive into the details on that if it ends up working out...:goodvibes

Hi Brook! I spent the last few days catching up on your pre-trip. You're so close to the September trip now!

Henry is so adorable! He reminds me of my son when he was that age. Soak it all up and treasure those cuddle times. My 6'1" 15-year-old doesn't let me cuddle him anymore...:confused3

Denise

:welcome: Thank you for reading!!
I always tell Henry he can sit on my lap for the rest of his life, even when he's 32 years old! :laughing:

Oh, how I adore chubby little toddler hands!!! :lovestruc Henry has done an excellent job on the countdown calendar!!! :thumbsup2

I love their little chubby feet too, so so sweet!

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

I will dance with you.....I am starting the double digit dance today!

YAHOO! Congrats!!! :dance3:

brookelizabeth

08-24-2009, 11:05 PM

:cool1: Yay for the Single Digit Dance!!!!!

:dance3: You are still dancing IN WDW, right?

Aww, thanks for sharing Henry's names for the characters, how cute is that? He's talking so well!!!!! Cole isn't talking as much, but I think having two big brothers to interupt doesn't help with that!!;)

WOW...single digits!!!!!!! WOOHOO!! :banana:

:laughing: My little nephew hardly said ANYTHING until he was 3.5 because his older brother did all the talking for him! He never had to say anything!

Whoo hoo!! :banana: I feel almost as if I were going, too!

You all are coming along with me!!! :goodvibes

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

This is usually when the anxiety sets in for me since I am the one who packs for the family. Both exciting and stressful at the same time. :laughing:

Yep-exactly! The two suitcases and bags are upstairs and I'm slowly tossing some things into the bags--but that's about it. :eek: Thursday I work from home, so I'll probably use my lunch break to get a bit more organized.

SINGLE DIGITS, SINGLE DIGITS!!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

YAY! :yay: I can hardly believe it's here!

OMG! You must me super excited at this point! I hope everything is falling into place and your not freaking out!

BTW, hows the foot?!

So far I'm mostly excited. The panic is lingering - and hits me from time to time, but I haven't lost any sleep (yet)! :rolleyes:

The foot is meh. I'm in a lot of pain still, and using the big boot a LOT in hopes things change over the next week....I might be taking it REALLY slow...but all well-I'm in Disney World! :yay:

:banana::banana::banana: For single digits!

Hope the foot is getting better!

Thanks Tracy! See above for foot...:sad2: but, I'm trying not to let it get me down or worried. I'll roll with it.

brookelizabeth

08-24-2009, 11:06 PM

YAHOO for the single digit dance!!! :cool1:

It will seriously be here before you know it! I'm ready for Fall but it doesn't feel close to me and it usually does! It's simply because we're going in the Fall! :)

In case I forget to ask you or you get too busy and you aren't on here much until you leave, can you do me a favor and check out the Halloween bags they sell? I'm told they have some cute felt type bags and I'm curious how much they are. I love pumpkins and would love to bring some Halloween/Fall stuff home from our trip! I thank you in advance and if you forget or don't have time, no worries. Do NOT go out of your way to look for them. I know this is a quicker trip than usual for YOU guys! :rotfl:

Hang in there :banana:

Heather

Yep, I can do that! I like to take shopping pics (ala MeMom) - so I'll be sure to snag some Halloween ones. :thumbsup2

I booked my land/sea vacation while on the Magic in September, 2008. We had a long wait.
Yahoo. Single digits for us too.

:faint: You've been waiting sooooooooooo long - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

You are getting so close! Yay for the smaller boot-hope you are boot free for Disney!

Oh, thank you! I would LOVE to be boot free-unfortunately, I don't think it will happen, but hopefully the BIG boot will just stay at home and I'll be okay with the small one and lots and lots of IcyHot! :goodvibes

And who knows...things CAN change before then. :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

08-24-2009, 11:07 PM

party: Single Digit dancing is so much fun!!! party:

Yes it is! Thanks for dancing with me!!! :cheer2:

Even with my bad knee, look what I can do when it comes to single digit Disney dancing!
:cool1::banana::dance3:
:cheer2::yay:

Impressive, huh?

Congratulations!

Woo! Go MeMom, go MeMom! Dance, dance, dance!

Very impressive! ;)

Doing the single digit happy dance right along with you!

:banana::woohoo: single digits :woohoo::banana:

:banana::banana::banana::dance3::dance3::cheer2: :cheer2:

Thanks for dancing with me!!!!
:cool1::cool1::cool1:

jordanyosh

08-24-2009, 11:13 PM

disneydusted

08-25-2009, 09:08 AM

Brook! Single digits!!! You must be sooo excited! I can't wait for a new TR from you... you are a wonderful writer. :) And of course, more pictures of Henry. It seems that he is growing up so quickly. It has been fun to watch him grow up on the Disboards! :goodvibes

Camster0307

08-25-2009, 11:23 AM

SINGLE DIGITS!!!! http://bestsmileys.com/excited/3.gif

I'm almost at single digits for making my ADRs! :cool1: (I need to look forward to something.)

troobabiee7

08-25-2009, 01:02 PM

I leae for two weeks and come back and you're already in single digits?? How did that happen?!! :laughing: That's so exciting, I hope you have a great trip!!!

lazydoxy66

08-25-2009, 09:51 PM

Yay! Brook!!!!
:banana::woohoo::dance3::cheer2:

robinm1215

08-25-2009, 10:25 PM

Hi Brook! I'm back from Disney :sad1: and just trying to catch up with things here. Can't believe you are in single digits already:woohoo: You must be getting excited now. I am sad to be back but at least I have my Oct trip to look forward to -- only about 7 weeks from now but who's counting :rolleyes1

Hope your foot is feeling better in time for your trip. Sending some pixiedust: your way.

You are going to LOVE Kidani! It was so nice, I was sad to leave. Do you have a savanna view? It was so cool to see the animals from our room, the kids just loved it. Even if you do not have savanna view, there are several great viewing areas. If you go to the first floor there is a viewing area out back and it has a better view (IMO) than the view out the back of the lobby from Jambo House. Nothing is obstructed and you feel really close to the animals. I'm sure you'll be seeing this all for yourself really soon -- are you going to check it out when you are there or wait until Dec?

PracPerfPatricia

08-26-2009, 07:54 AM

Hey Brook,

Congrats on single digit countdown...:rockband:...it'll be here before you know it...

YOU will love Kidani-we meanered over there from Jambo House for a lunch at Sanaa and a look at the pool- and it was fabulous...

Oh-it's so nice to have other people's trips to live through...takes away a bit of the sting of coming home...;)

brookelizabeth

08-26-2009, 09:04 AM

ONE, 1, UNO!!!!!

ONE week left.
And that means just ONE Monday left too! :thumbsup2

We are in the final, final countdown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, that calls for....
ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, I'LL BE....having a slow morning around the house, getting ready to head to Minneapolis for the day. I took the day off from work (so that means I probably slept in!), and soon we'll be on the road. Joe has a computer nerd certification test at Noon, so we'll probably grab a small bite to eat (read: coffee + snack) before. Henry and I will hang out at a playground or buzz around in the car. He might fall asleep. If he does, I'll just drive around. Pick Joe up around 1:00 and if H is still sleeping, we'll continue to just drive around and chat so H can get in a good nap.

If he's awake, we'll probably head to Ikea or a park for a fun afternoon. We'll eat dinner around 3:30 and then HEAD TO THE AIRPORT! :yay:

Foot update:
As I posted a couple times above, the foot isn't doing so well. I'm trying to be VERY good this week and I'm back in the big boot. I'm hoping if I nurse it this week, next week will be a "good foot week". Joe said we'll rent a scooter if we have to, but I reallyyyyy don't want to spend that money - BUT, I also don't want to be in pain. So, we'll see how it goes. The little boot is coming, IcyHot is coming, and perhaps the big boot as well...playin' it by ear....er...by pain? ;)

Packing update:
Not much to report here! :laughing: Mini fan and ponchos have been purchased. Still need to buy batteries. And another small tube of sunscreen. And perhaps and underwater camera...if I can find a deal on one. Suitcases are open and completely in the way in the dining room :rolleyes1, shoulder bags are inside the suitcases with random stuff thrown in. My shirt selection has been made. Toiletries are in the toiletry carry-case thingy...hanging in the bathroom (there is still a bit more to add).

To Do:
Aside from the obvious packing...

I still need to do some MORE laundry for Henry's outfits.
Joe will undoubtedly tell me the night before we leave what he wants to wear that isn't clean...:rolleyes:
One more Target run. Despite being there LAST NIGHT. :headache:
Oh-and we need to get haircuts. Except for Henry-hoping to do that one at MK! :goodvibes
And, I want to watch the forecast, and re-check all the hours, since they seem to change quite often. I might even get a chance to get on Steve Soares site (http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/) and do some serious planning!
Finish my BubbaPorter envelopes. I just have to add some details to a few.

I think that's it....but, I'm sure it's not! :laughing:

onelilspark

08-26-2009, 09:41 AM

Yay! Exciting :banana:

mrsksomeday

08-26-2009, 10:43 AM

wdwgirl03

08-26-2009, 10:45 AM

OMG one week, I am soooo jealous! Our trip just flew by so now I am going through Disney withdrawl. :sad1:

BellaSoleil

08-26-2009, 11:05 AM

:rotfl2:- About the last minute laundry comment. I hear ya, sister!

I'm so excited for you guys! Do you think Henry will really ride Goofy's Barnstormer? Belle can't wait to ride it.

Charleston Princess

08-26-2009, 11:08 AM

Hurray for one week! I cannot begin to describe how excited I am to have another one of your TRs to read this fall!!! :banana:

Computer nerd certification test! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

I do hope your foot continues to improve!!! Disney should be a pain-free zone!

SoonerGirl

08-26-2009, 12:22 PM

You've got me cracking up with your "computer nerd certification test" and "BubbaPorter envelopes" comments! :lmao:

Just one more week to go - the time is going to fly by!! :yay:

shebaxric

08-26-2009, 12:28 PM

Okay, totally exciting!!:banana:

You are sooo organized, I'll be lucky if I'm half that organized in November!:scared1:

jenjolt

08-26-2009, 12:39 PM

:cool1::cool1::banana::banana: One Week One Week!!! :banana::banana::cool1::cool1:

Love your to-do lists!!! I can imagine what it feels like in the last week making sure you have everything together!! The one saving grace I have this upcoming trip is Phillip will be out town for most of the week so I can really get my Disney packing groove on!!

Thanks you so much for the link to that site...I had no idea he listed things like the Dapper Dans and such...I so want to hear them this time around so I'm excited to find them now YAY!!!

princess&her4princes

08-26-2009, 01:30 PM

jenseib

08-26-2009, 07:26 PM

I'm so excited for you. I hope your foot heals up! It's so close now. Where di that dang summer go!

tiggrbaby

08-26-2009, 07:35 PM

Prayers and pixie dust for a good foot week!pixiedust:

lazydoxy66

08-26-2009, 07:37 PM

It looks like you have everything under control!
I do hope that the foot will not give you that much pain. My fingers are crossed!!

IluvXU

08-26-2009, 07:46 PM

So excited for you. After one day of school I am ready for a Disney trip!

IBelieveInTheMagic

08-26-2009, 08:08 PM

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

ONE WEEK!!!!

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

:) Heather

A.Mickey

08-26-2009, 10:00 PM

:rotfl2: That would ROCK if you came to the Corn Carnival! Really, MN isn't that far from you! :laughing: It's in Cokato, MN. There is 1 stop light in the town!

Oooh-you already took Aaron on it! Are you by any chance going to get to that part in your TR before Sept 2nd? :rolleyes: Did he cry? :sad1: I showed H it on YouTube and he nodded at it the entire time-he seemed to like it...when he was safe in Mommy's arms at home in the living room! :laughing:

Hi Brook!! Woo hoo!!!! One week!!!!

I love the pictures from the wedding! That kiss you stole from Henry picture is precious!!

Aww...that stinks that you are back in the bigger boot! I hope it helps and you are pain free for your trip!

That countdown calendar is too cute!!

I would Love to come to the Corn Carnival...and it is close to Minneapolis! We have been looking for an excuse to go to the Mall of America :). And it would not be winter, so the drive wouldn't be scary :). And I could meet Brook and family before 2.0, the icing on the cake....we will have to seriously consider this!

Yep we took Aaron on Barnstormer when he was 17 months old! :eek: He just barley made the height requirement. They had to break out the stick to make sure he was tall enough. Unfortunately, it isn't in this TR. He went on it on our trip Sept 1st-10th 2008. Maybe I will have to get around to doing a TR from Aaron's 1st trip. I always wanted to do it. I still have my notes and I will have alot of time waiting for PCC 2.0 :). That would be a good way to keep the Disney magic alive!

...ok back to Barnstormer.... he didn't cry, he was stunned. It was over before he knew it! At the end he just looked at Jason like what the heck, he was about to cry and then a CM handed him a card and he completely forgot about crying! He sat in the front row too.

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 12:18 AM

You have a great attitude about your foot and WDW....:thumbsup2

I think it might be a good idea to take some time to think about how your plans might change if you experience pain at WDW or how to readjust your plans to take into acct that you might be moving slower.

Just trying to help Boot Girl out!:)

Thanks Jordan! That is really good advice...I really should have a "Slow Plan" in mind...and oh, darn, I gotta do more planning-shucks. ;)

Brook! Single digits!!! You must be sooo excited! I can't wait for a new TR from you... you are a wonderful writer. :) And of course, more pictures of Henry. It seems that he is growing up so quickly. It has been fun to watch him grow up on the Disboards! :goodvibes

Thank you!! And yes! He is growing up so quickly - it amazes me nearly every day. I love watching other DISkids grow up too, it's almost like they are a part of your life in a small way!

SINGLE DIGITS!!!! http://bestsmileys.com/excited/3.gif

I'm almost at single digits for making my ADRs! :cool1: (I need to look forward to something.)

:yay: Making ADRs is frustrating-yet fun because your know your trip is getting closer. It's a milestone. For the January trip I am still up in the air for everything...!

I leae for two weeks and come back and you're already in single digits?? How did that happen?!! :laughing: That's so exciting, I hope you have a great trip!!!

Time zipped by, didn't it?!!

Yay! Brook!!!!
:banana::woohoo::dance3::cheer2:

More dancing!! :cool1:

Hi Brook! I'm back from Disney :sad1: and just trying to catch up with things here. Can't believe you are in single digits already:woohoo: You must be getting excited now. I am sad to be back but at least I have my Oct trip to look forward to -- only about 7 weeks from now but who's counting :rolleyes1

Hope your foot is feeling better in time for your trip. Sending some pixiedust: your way.

You are going to LOVE Kidani! It was so nice, I was sad to leave. Do you have a savanna view? It was so cool to see the animals from our room, the kids just loved it. Even if you do not have savanna view, there are several great viewing areas. If you go to the first floor there is a viewing area out back and it has a better view (IMO) than the view out the back of the lobby from Jambo House. Nothing is obstructed and you feel really close to the animals. I'm sure you'll be seeing this all for yourself really soon -- are you going to check it out when you are there or wait until Dec?

Welcome back!! How was your trip? It has to be so nice to know you have another trip coming up so quickly!!! Maybe the Disney Blues won't hit so hard.

We are staying in a Standard View (saving on the points) in December - thank you for the advice on the viewing! I have never really gotten to see many animals at Jambo House-nearly every time I've ever been there and looked there is maybe 1 animal wayyyy in the distance. I always seem to go at the wrong time! So, I'm happy to hear that it seems closer/better viewing at Kidani-perhaps I'll finally see some animals! :laughing: We do plan to check out Kidani while we are there (in SIX DAYS! sorry...had to! ;)). We'll head over there after our time at AK.

Hey Brook,

Congrats on single digit countdown...:rockband:...it'll be here before you know it...

YOU will love Kidani-we meanered over there from Jambo House for a lunch at Sanaa and a look at the pool- and it was fabulous...

Oh-it's so nice to have other people's trips to live through...takes away a bit of the sting of coming home...;)

WELCOME BACK!!! So many people it seems are just returning-and that means new TRs! I gotta get over to your PTR, so I can get to your TR!

Another great review of Kidani! :yay: I'm so excited to see it for myself!!!

I agree with you on the TRs - writing your own, and reading others really helps ease the blues.

Yay! Exciting :banana:

Veryyyyy!

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 12:20 AM

I hope the foot gets better before the trip. I understand not wanting to use the scooter, but I think you are right you don't want to be in pain either. Are you thining about possibly renting off site or just in the parks? I know it can be a lot cheaper renting off site.

Thank you! I have only briefly entertained the idea of renting off site - I really should look into it all here in the next few days because we'll be renting one for my FIL in December, so it serves a dual purpose. Plus, if I am in a LOT of pain, I really won't want to be walking much at all. You are very right... My only concern is if I realize I'm okay and I don't need it...hmmm...gotta look into the cancellation policies too. Thank you for this-gives me a little kick in the rear to plan ahead to take care of myself!

OMG one week, I am soooo jealous! Our trip just flew by so now I am going through Disney withdrawl. :sad1:

:hug: That Disney withdrawl is so hard to deal with! Read lots and lots of TRs, sometimes that helps!!!

:rotfl2:- About the last minute laundry comment. I hear ya, sister!

I'm so excited for you guys! Do you think Henry will really ride Goofy's Barnstormer? Belle can't wait to ride it.

Why do they do that to us?! :headache: :rotfl:

I think he will be able to, I am 99% sure he's tall enough. It will all depend on his mood...I hope he does!!

Hurray for one week! I cannot begin to describe how excited I am to have another one of your TRs to read this fall!!! :banana:

Computer nerd certification test! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

I do hope your foot continues to improve!!! Disney should be a pain-free zone!

Thanks CP! I am excited to have another one of YOUR TRs to read as well! :yay:

Ya, computer nerd certification test...there are so many, this one is some VMC or something - VM itself is even an acronym...it's a geek thing! I really hope he passes though, he said he'll be okay with shaking it off, but he's been studying almost every night-so I think failing might be a bit of a blow. I think he'll pass-he's an uber geek. :goodvibes

I agree! Only GOOD things belong in Disney. None of this pain stuff!

You've got me cracking up with your "computer nerd certification test" and "BubbaPorter envelopes" comments! :lmao:

Just one more week to go - the time is going to fly by!! :yay:

Glad I could make ya laugh! I love that "Bubba" term that GB explained. I completely adopted it into my lingo. :laughing:

Time is ZIPPING by. I have so much to do!

Okay, totally exciting!!:banana:

You are sooo organized, I'll be lucky if I'm half that organized in November!:scared1:

I just appear organized. Trust me. ;) I feel like everything is a whirlwind that I'm trying to tame!

:cool1::cool1::banana::banana: One Week One Week!!! :banana::banana::cool1::cool1:

Love your to-do lists!!! I can imagine what it feels like in the last week making sure you have everything together!! The one saving grace I have this upcoming trip is Phillip will be out town for most of the week so I can really get my Disney packing groove on!!

Thanks you so much for the link to that site...I had no idea he listed things like the Dapper Dans and such...I so want to hear them this time around so I'm excited to find them now YAY!!!

No problem! Glad to help. It's a great site for all those little things. The Dapper Dans are really fun to see! We happened upon them on a previous trip and I was in awe - really really talented guys!

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 12:20 AM

WOW Brook! I can't believe it's only one more week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!:yay: You guys are going to have SO much fun!!

I'm sorry to hear your foot isn't doing much better!:sad2: Have you talked to your Dr. anymore about it? Does taking aspirin or anything help? You poor thing!!! Sending Pixie Dust your way in hopes it can speed things along for you!!!!:hug:

Sounds like you're in good shape packing wise....wow...one more week!!!!!!!!:dance3:

I haven't spoken to the Doctor yet again since I had a good week in there - and honestly...this is horrible...but I don't want him to tell me I can't go to Disney! But, I don't think he would-even if it looked bad, he'd just tell me to rent a scooter I'm sure.

Which, I should do - even if I'm feeling okay...so I don't screw it up again/more.

Sigh. Sorry-dealing with my indecision and frustration here in my reply! :laughing: I just don't like the thought of dealing with the scooter, a 2 year old, a stroller...I know it's doable. But, I'm just so longing for a NORMAL trip. No one is sick, everyone is good, having a great time, etc.

Wait--I have a child. Nothing is normal anymore. ;)

I haven't taken much for pain relief, but Alleve does work pretty well for me. I should stock up on that too during my Target run!

I'm so excited for you. I hope your foot heals up! It's so close now. Where di that dang summer go!

Exactly! Where did it go?! It has barely arrived here in MN. I was in a sweatshirt today. :sad2:

Prayers and pixie dust for a good foot week!pixiedust:

Thank you!!!!!!!!! I appreciate them!

It looks like you have everything under control!
I do hope that the foot will not give you that much pain. My fingers are crossed!!

I like to think I have everything under control. :laughing: See my post above about feeling like I'm trying to tame a whirlwind! ;)

So excited for you. After one day of school I am ready for a Disney trip!

:rotfl: It was a rough one, eh?

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 12:21 AM

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

ONE WEEK!!!!

:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

:) Heather

Thanks for dancing with me!!!!

Hi Brook!! Woo hoo!!!! One week!!!!

I love the pictures from the wedding! That kiss you stole from Henry picture is precious!!

Aww...that stinks that you are back in the bigger boot! I hope it helps and you are pain free for your trip!

That countdown calendar is too cute!!

I would Love to come to the Corn Carnival...and it is close to Minneapolis! We have been looking for an excuse to go to the Mall of America :). And it would not be winter, so the drive wouldn't be scary :). And I could meet Brook and family before 2.0, the icing on the cake....we will have to seriously consider this!

Yep we took Aaron on Barnstormer when he was 17 months old! :eek: He just barley made the height requirement. They had to break out the stick to make sure he was tall enough. Unfortunately, it isn't in this TR. He went on it on our trip Sept 1st-10th 2008. Maybe I will have to get around to doing a TR from Aaron's 1st trip. I always wanted to do it. I still have my notes and I will have alot of time waiting for PCC 2.0 :). That would be a good way to keep the Disney magic alive!

...ok back to Barnstormer.... he didn't cry, he was stunned. It was over before he knew it! At the end he just looked at Jason like what the heck, he was about to cry and then a CM handed him a card and he completely forgot about crying! He sat in the front row too.

I like your ideas on the Corn Carnival! And yep, perfect excuse to go to the Mall of America! ::yes::

That is so funny about Aaron getting distracted right after the ride! :laughing: We used to pull that trick with Henry sometimes - we'd let him pick stuff out for a gift and then hide it and distract him. He would forget all about it! It TOTALLY backfired on us during a recent trip at the Disney store though...:headache: :rotfl: He would not forget about that car! I hope H will ride Barnstormer...I can see him saying "No", shaking his head and curling up on me as close as he can get. But, if he's in the right mood I can see him wanting to do it too...I just have to time it right!

MeMom

08-27-2009, 07:59 AM

Foot update:
As I posted a couple times above, the foot isn't doing so well. I'm trying to be VERY good this week and I'm back in the big boot. I'm hoping if I nurse it this week, next week will be a "good foot week". Joe said we'll rent a scooter if we have to, but I reallyyyyy don't want to spend that money - BUT, I also don't want to be in pain. So, we'll see how it goes. The little boot is coming, IcyHot is coming, and perhaps the big boot as well...playin' it by ear....er...by pain? ;)

I thought I responded to this already, but I don't see it, so I guess I just 'thunk' I did.

Anyway, take it easy this week in hopes that next week you can have a little less pain. If the ECV is necessary, then it is, but I feel the same way way as you do - only if I have to. The good news for me, hopefully, is after the MRI and doctor consult today and tomorrow, my knee should be able to be completely repaired. It will be so nice to walk around WDW, or anywhere else, pain-free again! I'll definitely be hoping and praying you can be almost back to normal when you go. Things like this make us appreciate being able to go when we are well and normal and not take that for granted, and it helps us to have more compassion for those who have ailments and disabilities all of the time which may not ever get better.

This will be a fun and fast week! I am very excited for you!

mickeysmyboy

08-27-2009, 07:59 AM

:cool1::woohoo:Yippee for 1 week!! :banana::cheer2:

I'm so sorry the foot isn't doing to well! I know you said you where putting icy/hot on it. Try aspercream or the Target generic of it (it's cheaper and the same darn thing) It's wonderful! It works fast and lasts long! Plus, it doesn't smell!

LOL!! I love that you said Joe has a "computer nerd certification test!" OMG! You made me laugh!

If you find a good deal on a waterproof camera let me know!!! I'm dying for one! Truely! There's this beautiful little green fuji one at target that's calling my name! Target is like 15 miles from me but I can hear it "Melissa, you know you want me realllllly bad, please come and buy me! I want to be yours forever and always!' But, it's $200 :eek: DH would have a giant heart attack if I bought it and I just can't justify spending $200 on camera when I just got a really nice camera last year for an early b-day present! I'm wondering though if this little beautiful green one might find it's way to me via christmas or my b-day. We'll see!

pooksma

08-27-2009, 09:29 AM

Less than 1 week now!!!:cool1::cool1:

Hope the foot starts to feel better. Just think of all he joy to be seen on Henry's face-boot or no boot!:cloud9:

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 02:55 PM

I thought I responded to this already, but I don't see it, so I guess I just 'thunk' I did.

Anyway, take it easy this week in hopes that next week you can have a little less pain. If the ECV is necessary, then it is, but I feel the same way way as you do - only if I have to. The good news for me, hopefully, is after the MRI and doctor consult today and tomorrow, my knee should be able to be completely repaired. It will be so nice to walk around WDW, or anywhere else, pain-free again! I'll definitely be hoping and praying you can be almost back to normal when you go. Things like this make us appreciate being able to go when we are well and normal and not take that for granted, and it helps us to have more compassion for those who have ailments and disabilities all of the time which may not ever get better.

This will be a fun and fast week! I am very excited for you!

I haven't been over to your TR in a few days - I need to get caught up! I'm very glad to hear that your knee outlook is lookin' good! It will be worth it all to be pain free again. :thumbsup2 Thank you for the prayers!!

And you are so right about it making me appreicate being able to walk!! Just thinking last night about touring with the ECV made me open my eyes a bit to realize that for many people that is a normal trip.

With Joe's eye condition, because of how Disney caters to people, it truly hardly even matters....I'm guessing it's the same for those in wheelchairs and ECV's. I know I have a couple people reading this PTR that have a loved one in a wheelchair (or uses an ECV regularly) - if it looks more that way, I'll be gleaning them for advice! :goodvibes

:cool1::woohoo:Yippee for 1 week!! :banana::cheer2:

I'm so sorry the foot isn't doing to well! I know you said you where putting icy/hot on it. Try aspercream or the Target generic of it (it's cheaper and the same darn thing) It's wonderful! It works fast and lasts long! Plus, it doesn't smell!

LOL!! I love that you said Joe has a "computer nerd certification test!" OMG! You made me laugh!

If you find a good deal on a waterproof camera let me know!!! I'm dying for one! Truely! There's this beautiful little green fuji one at target that's calling my name! Target is like 15 miles from me but I can hear it "Melissa, you know you want me realllllly bad, please come and buy me! I want to be yours forever and always!' But, it's $200 :eek: DH would have a giant heart attack if I bought it and I just can't justify spending $200 on camera when I just got a really nice camera last year for an early b-day present! I'm wondering though if this little beautiful green one might find it's way to me via christmas or my b-day. We'll see!

Oh a REAL underwater camera would be so slick! But, I'm thinking more a disposable Kodak! :lmao: And yes, I gotta get a deal on it, $6 or less! ;) The little green one sounds GREAT though. Joe and I would both love to get a little digital again to throw in the bag for quick snapshots. But, right now, we are trying to shave the budget - so it's not gonna happen...maybe someday! I hope you get yours!!! ::yes::

Less than 1 week now!!!:cool1::cool1:

Hope the foot starts to feel better. Just think of all he joy to be seen on Henry's face-boot or no boot!:cloud9:

That is a GREAT point. Focus on Henry's face - not my dilemma!

troobabiee7

08-27-2009, 03:00 PM

It's almost here!!! How exciting!! I hope your foot feels better soon and that you all have a great time!

princess&her4princes

08-27-2009, 03:09 PM

Awww Brook, I can hear your frustration in your post about your foot. I'm sorry that it's giving you that much trouble. Does it help to ice it? And I don't think taking Aleve is a bad thing, to keep the swelling down, especially since the heat down in Orlando may make it swell some more, you know? Take a deep breath....things will work out!! I know it's not ideal but guess what? You're going to WDW in less than a week with your most favorite men in the whole world!! Life is good!!!!!:hug:

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 03:16 PM

If you recall back to The Plan, we are touring MK on September 4. This is the first MNSSHP, which means the park closes early (7 pm) and there is no Wishes or Spectro. I've been hoping to squeeze it in another night.

Well, as of 10 minutes ago, we WILL be seeing it...

and we'll be seeing it on September 6 while munching on delicate little desserts during the WISHES DESSERT PARTY!

They finally extended the dates and I was on that baby like white on rice!!

:yay:

And...I'm currently looking into off-site EVC rentals.

You all are very, very right. I need to take care of myself. Even if I am having a good "foot week" - I might end up hurting myself more. I not only affect myself with this, but also my family. I need to do all I can to get healed up.

I have SO many questions about how it will all work. I gotta hit up the DISabilities board. Right now I'm looking at the DIS sponsored company "Walker Mobility".

For those of you who read this with loved ones that either use an EVC while at WDW, or are in a wheelchair (or perhaps it's even yourself and I just don't know!) - do you have any tips/recommendations for me? How does it all work with rides? How about shows? Do I need to get a GAC? Joe already gets one for his eye condition, so we usually sit right up front in shows so he can see-is the EVC/wheelchair section often in the front as well - or can I leave the EVC for a bit so I can sit with my DH?

Gotta research...:surfweb:

One good thing-I've had quite a bit of practice in driving them lately, so I hopefully won't run into anything - or ya know...run over anyone's foot! ;)

SIX DAYS!!!

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 03:25 PM

It's almost here!!! How exciting!! I hope your foot feels better soon and that you all have a great time!

Thanks!! I can't believe it's so close - everyday I think of about 3 things I still have to do before we leave!

Awww Brook, I can hear your frustration in your post about your foot. I'm sorry that it's giving you that much trouble. Does it help to ice it? And I don't think taking Aleve is a bad thing, to keep the swelling down, especially since the heat down in Orlando may make it swell some more, you know? Take a deep breath....things will work out!! I know it's not ideal but guess what? You're going to WDW in less than a week with your most favorite men in the whole world!! Life is good!!!!!:hug:

I didn't even think about the heat.

Hoo-boy. The EVC is looking like a better and better idea. I just need to kill my pride! Seriously-it's just silly how worked up I am about it! :sad2: It will be fine, it will be fine! :goodvibes

And yes, LIFE IS GOOD! It's truly GREAT! I'm going to Disney World in six stinkin' days with my wonderful husband and child! I'm going to DISNEY. I'm blessed.

Time for the Pollyanna Glad Game to get over myself: I am going to Disney. If I am crawling through Disney World its just a blessing to be there on vacation. Many people cannot go. I am extremely fortunate.

Much better. Gotta adjust my focus and mentality! :thumbsup2 And I gotta do research so I have a better idea of how it will all work. I know research will help chill me out as well.

onelilspark

08-27-2009, 03:33 PM

You could always get a regular wheelchair, plop Henry in your lap and make your husband push you around. That way you don't even need a stroller!!

Charleston Princess

08-27-2009, 03:35 PM

I can't wait to read about the dessert party AND see all the GREAT pictures I just know you will take of those yummy desserts! :goodvibes

mrsksomeday

08-27-2009, 03:38 PM

do you have any tips/recommendations for me?

Once you get the ECV, practice at the resort, practice stopping, practice backing up as well. Make sure you are very aware of things around you. People tend to either not see an ECV or wheelchair or they "think" they can walk right past you :sad2:. You can't have your little one on your lap while moving, it will be against the rules of the rental location. There are designated areas for ECV's/Wheelchairs for the busses, all of you will load from here.

How does it all work with rides?

It depends on the individual ride as to which line you will get in if you are wanting to take the ECV to the loading zone. I recommend this because sometimes you will be standing for long periods of time. At MK you will enter at the exits at some of the rides - It's a Small World, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise has an accessible entrance to name a few. The other parks are more mainstreamed when it comes to the lines. Just ask a CM at the attraction and they will inform you where to go.

How about shows?

The shows have a wheelchair/ECV section. There will be signs as to which line to enter, usually on the right. There are only so many spots for each show. I know at Honey I shrunk the Audience you will go up and get a pass from the CM for a come back time. Most of the others you just get in the accessible line.

Do I need to get a GAC? Joe already gets one for his eye condition, so we usually sit right up front in shows so he can see-is the EVC/wheelchair section often in the front as well - or can I leave the EVC for a bit so I can sit with my DH?

I wouldn't think you would need a GAC for the ECV, they can see you using it. Since Joe needs to sit up front you might ask ia CM if there are any ECV spots up front or just leave the ECV in a designated area. There are ECV/Wheelchair spots up front at Beauty and the Beast and the Indiana Jones Stunt show you have to ask the CM if you can sit down front.

I know I will come up with other things and will probably post more to you at some point. If you have any questions please ask. I have been with Bill 6 times to WDW, he is in a power wheelchair.

brookelizabeth

08-27-2009, 03:54 PM

You could always get a regular wheelchair, plop Henry in your lap and make your husband push you around. That way you don't even need a stroller!!

Henry would LOVE to ride on my lap. He always does at the stores. But, I'm sure it's probably against the rules-even with a regular chair probably...hmmm....

I can't wait to read about the dessert party AND see all the GREAT pictures I just know you will take of those yummy desserts! :goodvibes

I'm SO excited about it!!! However, our date just changed on it. :laughing: I'll post an update in a minute...

do you have any tips/recommendations for me?

Once you get the ECV, practice at the resort, practice stopping, practice backing up as well. Make sure you are very aware of things around you. People tend to either not see an ECV or wheelchair or they "think" they can walk right past you :sad2:. You can't have your little one on your lap while moving, it will be against the rules of the rental location. There are designated areas for ECV's/Wheelchairs for the busses, all of you will load from here.

How does it all work with rides?

It depends on the individual ride as to which line you will get in if you are wanting to take the ECV to the loading zone. I recommend this because sometimes you will be standing for long periods of time. At MK you will enter at the exits at some of the rides - It's a Small World, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise has an accessible entrance to name a few. The other parks are more mainstreamed when it comes to the lines. Just ask a CM at the attraction and they will inform you where to go.

How about shows?

The shows have a wheelchair/ECV section. There will be signs as to which line to enter, usually on the right. There are only so many spots for each show. I know at Honey I shrunk the Audience you will go up and get a pass from the CM for a come back time. Most of the others you just get in the accessible line.

Do I need to get a GAC? Joe already gets one for his eye condition, so we usually sit right up front in shows so he can see-is the EVC/wheelchair section often in the front as well - or can I leave the EVC for a bit so I can sit with my DH?

I wouldn't think you would need a GAC for the ECV, they can see you using it. Since Joe needs to sit up front you might ask ia CM if there are any ECV spots up front or just leave the ECV in a designated area. There are ECV/Wheelchair spots up front at Beauty and the Beast and the Indiana Jones Stunt show you have to ask the CM if you can sit down front.

I know I will come up with other things and will probably post more to you at some point. If you have any questions please ask. I have been with Bill 6 times to WDW, he is in a power wheelchair.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hug::hug::hug::hug: Oh wow-thank you so much for all this info!

I was kinda figuring it would be against the rules, safety reasons and all. I wonder if it is for regular chairs as well. But, I don't know if Joe will want to push me all over either! :laughing: We'll see how Henry does with not being able to ride on "Mommy's car". ;)

People do the same thing with a stroller-they just dart RIGHT in front of it. Makes navigating sometimes really difficult. But, I bet it's even harder with an EVC.

Or is it ECV? I see it both ways. I don't even know what it stands for...Electronic...?....Vehicle?

Thank you for all the tidbits on the ride lines. Standing for long periods of time gets to be painful on my hips due to being slightly unlevel with the giant boot; however, it is doable. I would prefer to be able to take the scooter right up to the front of the line, then get right into the ride, and leave the scooter off to the side...but it sounds like not many of the rides work that way?

That's great relief about the shows-we like to all sit together as a family. And I am willing to leave the cart for a bit and walk down to a seat if they allow it. :thumbsup2

Anything else you think of, please post away. In my free moments today I'll be reading the DISabilities board too for info.