Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!! [Archive] - Page 3 - The DIS Discussion Forums

MegansMom

08-28-2009, 11:29 PM

It is with such a fondness that I share this list with you---this is OUR place, OUR park, OUR slice of heaven, OUR piece of the trip that is cherished, loved, and adored so much that we spend the great majority of it there. YEAH, we like it THAT much!!!! This is the park where it all started....and not just for Uncle Walt! This was our first introduction to Walt Disney World for Megan, and it will forever be a memory forever etched on our hearts and minds. THIS is the place that our daughter FELL IN LOVE with "Mickey's House," provoking us to take four trips there in the past three years. I still feel the warmth spread all over me when I think of that wonderful moment when she got to see Mickey and Minnie for the first time, and it was literally within seconds of walking onto Main Street. So MANY wonderful "dreams" have come true for us here.....there seriously would be too many to count!!!! So let me share some memories with you, and then we will get to our list!!!

Here is her face from that first moment when she saw "THEM" from Sept 2006

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/megsface.jpg

"Our Minnie Mouse" from the Nov 2007 trip

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/306.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/311.jpg

One of Megan's ALL-Time favorites is IASW...and here are her TWO FAVORITE dolls from that ride...she always gets up and shakes her hips with them!!! She has done that since the 2006 trip when we rode that ride too many times to count!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/274.jpg

Megan's first taste of rollercoaster heaven was on Goofy's ("Airplane") Barnstormer! During our Sept 2006 trip, Megan made friends really quickly with one of the CMs working this ride, and she would let us stay on it as long as we wanted to....Mommy and Megan rode it like 6 times in a row one day!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/267.jpg

Another family love---Mickey's Philharmagic! I will never forget Megs' first time in it---she reached out with her arms as big as she could to try to hug Ariel right back!!! All the people around us went..."Awwwwww!!!!!" I teared up!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/glasses.jpg

Our family's FAVORITE night-time spectacle......WISHES!!!! I took this pic during our first viewing EVER on our Sept 2006 trip. It had been such a wonderful day, and I was SO happy and emotional being there with the two most important people in my life, that I spent my first viewing with tears glazing over my eyes and running down my cheeks. It was a perfect moment!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/fireworks.jpg

Could there be anything more Disney than Dumbo?!?!?! I know this is a simple ride, but it feels so magical and so special when you are seated next to your angel, whirring up and down, and all around you, the only thing you see is MAGIC KINGDOM!!!! Pretty OKAY in my book!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/281.jpg

Okay, now I know this is no ride or attraction, but to my 5yo princess, this is WHAT we come for...."MICKEY'S HOUSE!!!" Okay, now she knows it really belongs to Cinderella, but the image just epitomizes Mickey's House to her, and that is why we love to see it so!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/WALTDISNEYWORLD2007131.jpg

This is another LOVE for my gang.....Megan loves to drive Daddy around the track.....and I am so SURE that Daddy "loves" being driven back and forth, and back and forth, right into the guide track the WHOLE WAY THROUGH!!!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/WALTDISNEYWORLD2007136.jpg

One of our newest favorites----the BBB!!!!! Where a Princess can really be a PRINCESS!!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/image0836.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/image0850.jpg

Another love.....the CAROUSEL!!!! I know, it is just a carousel, but it's Cindy's, so THAT makes it SPECIAL!!! :goodvibes

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/436.jpg

How could our Favorites list be complete without BUZZ LIGHTYEAR....SPACE RANGER!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/439.jpg

And due to our PROFOUND love of all things Snow White, we must venture with her on our own Scary Adventure!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/377.jpg

And then we HAVE to stop for a cup of tea!!!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/381.jpg

Okay, so there are just a few of our family memories of MK from over the years.....but I think you want a list!!!!! Am I right?!!?!?!?

So here goes:

Megan's #1 Must: Big Thunder Moutain Railroad!!! Once she hit the "legal height" requirement, there was no changing her mind on her favorite ride of ALL!!!! AND THIS IS IT!!!

My #1 Must: Splash Mountain!!!! It has it all in my mind....sweet and sappy Disney perfection in story telling, matched with a good stomach-catching thrill in the big plunge!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!

Tom's #1 Must: Carousel of Progress!!!! He is SO fascinated by the technology and reminiscent qualities of this attraction. We all enjoy it, but I sure hope they never dismantle it.....Tom would be crushed!!!!

LOVES: (by the whole family)

Adventureland--Carpets of Aladdin, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean

Frontierland--Splash Mountain and BTMRR of course, and we every once in a while take in those old Country Bears just for fun!

Liberty Square---Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland---EVERYTHING!!!!! Every single ride, attraction, and pit stop....that's right.....EVERYTHING!!!! There's is no more perfect place for us than here!!!!!

Toontown--Mickey's and Minnie's Houses, and Goofy's Barnstormer

Tomorrowland--Buzz Lightyear, Carousel of Progress, Astro Orbiter (although this is really one of the ONLY things that gets my tummy a little upset!), Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Tomorrowland Speedway, and Monsters' Inc.

Main Street and beyond---THE RAILROAD, WISHES, and SPECTROMAGIC!!!

Things we have yet to do the three of us---Swiss Family Treehouse, Tom Sawyer's Island, Liberty Square Riverboat, Toontown's Tent (Meet and Greets), Donald's Boat, and the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade.

NOW, in a land where there is SO much love to be had by our little threesome, there is also some.....ummm.....how should I say it.......NOT so much love!!!

Our DON'TS!!!!!!

1. The Enchanted Tiki Room---Under New Management!!! Now, let me just say that growing up as a child, this was EASILY one of my favorites.....I would often be found singing that beloved song wherever and whenever. SO, I promptly marched my little threesome there on our September 2006 trip as our second ride....and was HORRIFIED!!!!!! Sure, I got a wee little taste of that beloved song, but the rest of the show was so loud and scary, that I wanted to leave!!!! Needless to say, we have yet to return. Will we try again this September........maybe. But I will forever be disappointed in this attraction until they bring the gold old version back!

2. Stitch's Great Escape.......seriously, I don't get it, didn't like it, and NEVER want to waste valuable, precious moments of my life having to sit through it! NOT......GONNA.....DO......IT!!!

And THAT about wraps it up!!!! Ooooooohhhhhh wait........I forgot our #1 MAJOR DON'T............................................. .................................................. .........LEAVING!!!!! We hate leaving this place so much.....we REALLY shouldn't DO IT!!!! ;) :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: Ahhhhhh, when reality comes calling, and we know we have to start taking our last footsteps out of this magical place towards the exit, we all look a little like this:

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/442.jpg

That is the ABSOLUTE WORST!!!!!!!!

BUT, in 23 days, I will be enjoying the ABSOLUTE BEST....my first steps onto Main Street........ahhhhhhh.....can't wait!!!!! :yay::yay::yay: (That's Tom, Megs, and me......yes, we are just a LITTLE bit excited!!!)

jenjolt

08-28-2009, 11:59 PM

Trentmom

08-29-2009, 01:08 AM

I love all your pics

Megan has best smile in all the pics....too cute :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

08-29-2009, 09:13 AM

Megan is just the cutest, and I love seeing all of her happiness at the Magic Kingdom!!! Thanks for sharing all those great pictures, Jen -- it has put a smile on my face this morning!

I am so with you on your number one Don't -- me too!!! :( I never want to leave! :goodvibes

micandminforever

08-29-2009, 02:35 PM

I loved all the older pictures, Megan has such a winning smile. I look forward to this years pictures with her 2009 smile. Our trips overlap a few days so if I see you I will be sure to say hello.

lmillercrew

08-29-2009, 05:33 PM

I love the joy on Megan's face when she sees her favorite things in MK! I'm hoping my niece and nephew get that look on their faces this fall.

TarzansKat

08-29-2009, 07:12 PM

Megs is one of the cutest little girls I've ever seen! I love her beautiful smile, and it gets me when she's wearing pigtails. Reminds me of when I was little. :goodvibes

I love your MK chapter! It gets me so excited for you all, and excited for my trip too!

Roxychica7

08-30-2009, 12:04 PM

Oh Jen you all are getting SO close! Such magical and precious pictures of your Megs!! I can't wait to see all the repeats, new memories and surprises for this trip!!:thumbsup2

MegansMom

08-31-2009, 08:19 AM

Can you believe how close we are getting Jen!!!!!

I loved seeing the pictures of all of Meg's faves!!!! Her face during Wishes is just priceless!!! I know you guys are going to have an amazing time!!

I'm glad that Haunted Mansion is a fave and I have to agree with Tom, COP is a classic I love it!!!

I also have to agree with you that I never need to do Stitch ever again, its just not my cup of tea!!!! Of course neither are the teacups but that's the whole spinning and getting dizzy thing!!

I can't wait to meet you all in the place you love the most...Mickey's House!!!!

I KNOW----20 days for me today!!! :yay: I need to get CRACKIN'!!!! She loves MK so much, that her smile is permanently fixed on her face while we are there.....just the BEST PLACE EVER!!!! That picture during Wishes was literally from our first night at the MK together ever.....we stood on this bridge between Adventureland and Liberty Square, and I spent most of the show watching them enjoy it SO much, bawling my eyes out the entire time. It was such a wonderfully sweet memory of that trip, that I will NEVER forget it! I LOVE how that picture captured her excitement and joy!

I too, LOVE so much about MK---HM and COP are definitely some of my favorites....it is so hard to say I have an absolute favorite when I have so many close runners-up!

Tom can't do the cups for that same reason, so Megs and I ride together, and she laughs and giggles so loudly and so hard the entire time--it is one of my favorite things to do with her!

I can't wait to meet you too!!! I just hope we aren't too sad for you since it will be our last night there......ugh, I can't even think about that!!!

I love all your pics

Megan has best smile in all the pics....too cute :goodvibes

Thank you so much!!!! She has a beautiful smile....it melts my heart about 100 times a day!

Megan is just the cutest, and I love seeing all of her happiness at the Magic Kingdom!!! Thanks for sharing all those great pictures, Jen -- it has put a smile on my face this morning!

I am so with you on your number one Don't -- me too!!! :( I never want to leave! :goodvibes

I am so glad you enjoyed the pictures and that I could put a smile on your face for you!!! I think everyone can see now why Tom and I are so darn happy all the time---how can you not smile when you get to look at that cutie all day long@!!!!

I really do think I will be crying on my way out this year---Tom will probably have to pull me away...I just don't want to leave.....EVER!!!!

I loved all the older pictures, Megan has such a winning smile. I look forward to this years pictures with her 2009 smile. Our trips overlap a few days so if I see you I will be sure to say hello.

She has gotten so tall and so much "older" looking....she is such a big kid now, that I think she will look so much different in our pictures.....BUT she still has that award-winning smile!!!! Please do stop me to say "hi!" That would be great! Have you compared our itineraries? Do they overlap at all?

I love the joy on Megan's face when she sees her favorite things in MK! I'm hoping my niece and nephew get that look on their faces this fall.

No matter how many times she has been there, it is like seeing it all for the first time....all over again....each time we go!!! PRICELESS!!!!

Megs is one of the cutest little girls I've ever seen! I love her beautiful smile, and it gets me when she's wearing pigtails. Reminds me of when I was little. :goodvibes

I love your MK chapter! It gets me so excited for you all, and excited for my trip too!

Thanks so much TK!!! She loves wearing her hair up, and it does remind me so much of my youth too!!! She is REALLY into wearing two braids right now.....and she looks SO DARN CUTE in them!!!! I am so excited for both of us!!!!

Oh Jen you all are getting SO close! Such magical and precious pictures of your Megs!! I can't wait to see all the repeats, new memories and surprises for this trip!!:thumbsup2

I KNOW!!!! We LITERALLY can't stand it much longer!!! We talk about the trip every day, and just last night, we were saying how much we were looking forward to seeing some new things, and making new wonderful memories!!! UGGHHHHH!!!!! HURRY UP AND GET HERE ALREADY......and then slow to a creeping crawl while we are there!!!! :goodvibes

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!! I don't know if you all will be able to believe this or not, but in 20 days, I will be at MICKEY'S HOUSE!!!!!!!

:cool1::worship::dance3::yay::woohoo::rotfl2::chee r2:

We are all so excited right now that we literally can't stand it anymore!!! (Even though we have a TON to do before we get to leave!) Oh well, these twenty days will probably zoom right by because of the busyness in our household right now....and it is only going to get busier!!! We have been crazy busy with starting school, starting dance classes, getting back into the swing of things now that all that has started back up, taking care of Max, taking care of the little kiddos I watch on Mondays through Wednesdays, taking care of the normal household things, getting prepared for the Renewal weekend I am putting on the weekend we leave for WDW........the list goes on and on!!! I have been so busy with all of that, that my DIStime has been SERIOUSLY affected!!!! NOT FAIR INDEED!!! :goodvibes And as soon as tomorrow hits, we are going to be thrown into one of our craziest months of all----September. Why is it so crazy for us every year? Well, it is one of our BIRTHDAY MONTHS!!!! We have three in our family---September, November, and March---these months are sooooooo jam-packed with family birthdays that it makes all a little crazy each time they roll around! On Friday the 4th is my birthday, then my Aunt's is the 14th, my sister's is the 18th, and our precious Megan's is the 29th!!! You want to hear something funny about that....you all know that she was born early, and we all kind of laughed when we realized that she was going to be born in September, but you want to know when she was originally due????? At the end of NOVEMBER!!!!! We just can't have any birthdays in any other month around here!!!! SO, we somehow have to figure out a way to squeeze birthday celebrations in between everything else going on!!!! AND, I have to figure out and plan something for Megan's birthday BEFORE we leave, so that everything is ready to go when we get home......crazy, right?!?!?!?!

Feeling the stress of all these "To Dos," I decided this weekend that I was going to need to really get my butt in gear and organized with the packing situation....especially since I am going to be at our church's retreat the 19th and the morning of the 20th---when we leave!!! I need to have everything packed and ready to go before I go on the 19th, because there is no way I am going to leave that up to Tom.....he can load it up in the SUV, but I need to have everything packed. AND, I have to pack in duplicate, since I will need a bag with me at the retreat. FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!! SO, look forward to my OCD packing list to be unveiled later today probably...if I can figure it all out by then!!!!

TarzansKat

08-31-2009, 09:12 AM

stacikristine

08-31-2009, 10:11 AM

Jen, that update was AMAZING!! Megan is just adorable. And it's CLEAR to see that MK is the perfect place for your little family :goodvibes You're going to have such an amazing time!

Can you believe we're both at 20 days today?!?!?! :dance3: It's coming sooo fast! Your month sounds SUPER busy...good luck getting everything done! :thumbsup2 The 20th will be here before we know it :woohoo:

MegansMom

08-31-2009, 01:12 PM

Oh my goodness, you are jam packed full of events in September! I know how you feel, it'll make the days go by all that faster, but it also makes you feel like you don't have time to do anything!

I seriously need to get started on a packing list, too, you have inspired me! :goodvibes

Jen, that update was AMAZING!! Megan is just adorable. And it's CLEAR to see that MK is the perfect place for your little family :goodvibes You're going to have such an amazing time!

Can you believe we're both at 20 days today?!?!?! :dance3: It's coming sooo fast! Your month sounds SUPER busy...good luck getting everything done! :thumbsup2 The 20th will be here before we know it :woohoo:

I seriously can't believe how close we are girlies!!!! It is going to ZOOM by!!! I just remembered too that this weekend, good friends of ours who live in Philly are coming in for their annual trip back "home!" We have our annual party to celebrate their return on Saturday night.....plus my Mom keeps asking me when we are going to celebrate my birthday......AND Tom wants to do something special the three of us.....................:scared1: HOW AM I GOING TO DO ALL OF THIS!!!!! AAAAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK!!!!! Okay, I have taken a few deep breaths.......after I pick Megs up from school, it is going to be planning central around here!!! The kids I babysit on Monday mornings just left, so I should be able to focus on planning out everything for the next 20 days once I get Megs home and settled! PHEW!!!! TOO BUSY FOR WORDS!!!!! I'll post my packing lists here for you all a little later.....maybe we can help each other focus and get organized! :goodvibes

Trentmom

08-31-2009, 05:07 PM

wow...20 days :cool1:

Your september sounds like our august... We have 6 birthdays all on my husband side :scared1:

But that will be sure to make those 20 days zoom by :woohoo:

Charleston Princess

08-31-2009, 08:32 PM

Hi, Jen! What a great feeling it must be to say, "In less than three weeks, we are going to Disney!" Woo hoo!!! :yay:

MegansMom

09-01-2009, 08:59 AM

wow...20 days :cool1:

Your september sounds like our august... We have 6 birthdays all on my husband side :scared1:

But that will be sure to make those 20 days zoom by :woohoo:

March is our worst......we have like 7 or 8!!! It is CRAZY!!!

They are zooming by so fast.....I hope the trip doesn't go this quickly!

Hi, Jen! What a great feeling it must be to say, "In less than three weeks, we are going to Disney!" Woo hoo!!! :yay:

Hi sweetie!!! It was AWESOME today being able to move the countdown to 19 days!!!!!! WOO HOO indeed!!!!

Okay gang......I worked on the packing list all night last night...it needs a little tweeking, and then I will post it in a little bit!!!!! I can't believe all that we have to pack!!!!!

Lady Lallie

09-01-2009, 10:22 AM

I'm caught up!

I can't believe how fast your trip is getting here! The time has literally flown by!

I love seeing Megs pictures. She is just a doll. :lovestruc

stacikristine

09-01-2009, 12:55 PM

I seriously can't believe how close we are girlies!!!! It is going to ZOOM by!!! I just remembered too that this weekend, good friends of ours who live in Philly are coming in for their annual trip back "home!" We have our annual party to celebrate their return on Saturday night.....plus my Mom keeps asking me when we are going to celebrate my birthday......AND Tom wants to do something special the three of us.....................:scared1: HOW AM I GOING TO DO ALL OF THIS!!!!! AAAAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK!!!!! Okay, I have taken a few deep breaths.......after I pick Megs up from school, it is going to be planning central around here!!! The kids I babysit on Monday mornings just left, so I should be able to focus on planning out everything for the next 20 days once I get Megs home and settled! PHEW!!!! TOO BUSY FOR WORDS!!!!! I'll post my packing lists here for you all a little later.....maybe we can help each other focus and get organized! :goodvibes

You have sooo much to do!! But I'm sure you'll get it done :thumbsup2 Michael and I decided this morning that we're going to pull everything out and see what we need to do before our trip. We'll make a BIG TIME list and then I think I'll be able to focus a little. YES--we all need to share our lists. I'll probably put mine on my PTR tomorrow. Our Sept is really filling up as well. We bought the rest of the things on our "buy before Disney" list last night, so that's done...unless we add more between now and then. But I just don't even know where to start. :upsidedow

lmillercrew

09-02-2009, 11:27 AM

I LOVE your packing lists!!!

cherbear

09-04-2009, 11:43 AM

oh wow...Jen, are you sick?? NO posts yesterday....that worries me!! You are SO close to Disney and have been posting EVERY DAY. Please let us know you are okay! ;)

Charleston Princess

09-04-2009, 11:46 AM

Happy Birthday, Jen!!! Hope you are having a magical day!!! party:

stacikristine

09-04-2009, 12:51 PM

:dance3: Happy Happy Birthday Jen!!! :dance3:

micandminforever

09-04-2009, 01:20 PM

:tinker:Happy Birthday Jen:cake:party:

My DH and I plans are the 20th and 21th EPCOT, 22th DHS, 23th MK and 24th head home early morning.

cherbear

09-04-2009, 02:07 PM

:bday::bday::bday::bday:
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY
WE'RE SO GLAD YOU'RE YOU
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
FROM THE "DIS" CREW!

WE'RE SO EXCITED
WE KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE
WHEN IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS
YOU'RE GOIN' TO DIS-NEEEEY!!!!
pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: pixiedust:pixiedust:

Lady Lallie

09-04-2009, 03:08 PM

Happy Birthday!!!

jenjolt

09-04-2009, 03:46 PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!! Hope you have an amazing day!!

moparop

09-04-2009, 03:57 PM

Happy birthday!!! I hope you are out having a great celebration tonight!

If U Had Wings

09-04-2009, 11:00 PM

:banana:Hope your having a wonderful birthday!:banana:

Trentmom

09-04-2009, 11:19 PM

Happy Birthday Jen. Hope it was great :dance3:

MegansMom

09-05-2009, 02:12 AM

I'm caught up!

I can't believe how fast your trip is getting here! The time has literally flown by!

I love seeing Megs pictures. She is just a doll.

I can't believe how fast it is getting here either.....I think I might need things to slow down just a bit so I can be ready....but I'm thinking there is NO chance for that!!! ;) Speaking of my "dollbaby," she had picture day at school today....she looked SO cute!!!! :lovestruc:lovestruc

You have sooo much to do!! But I'm sure you'll get it done Michael and I decided this morning that we're going to pull everything out and see what we need to do before our trip. We'll make a BIG TIME list and then I think I'll be able to focus a little. YES--we all need to share our lists. I'll probably put mine on my PTR tomorrow. Our Sept is really filling up as well. We bought the rest of the things on our "buy before Disney" list last night, so that's done...unless we add more between now and then. But I just don't even know where to start.

I have been doing all that list making BIG time....Megan even helped me out with hers!!! :goodvibes It has been so crazy...that's right...MUST be September!!!

I LOVE your packing lists!!!

It is COMING!!!! :thumbsup2

oh wow...Jen, are you sick?? NO posts yesterday....that worries me!! You are SO close to Disney and have been posting EVERY DAY. Please let us know you are okay!

Not sick....just a BAD case of Septemberitis....you know...WAY too much going on around here!!!! I will be getting back to everyday posts....but first I have to wade through this CRAZY weekend of ours! Don't worry...I'm GREAT though!

Happy Birthday, Jen!!! Hope you are having a magical day!!!

Thanks so much sweetie!!! You are the BEST!

Happy Happy Birthday Jen!!!

Thank you sweetie!

Happy Birthday Jen:cake:

My DH and I plans are the 20th and 21th EPCOT, 22th DHS, 23th MK and 24th head home early morning.

Thanks for the CAKE!!!! YUMMM!!!! I don't think our plans will overlap, but you never know when you just might bump into a DISfriend!

:bday::bday::bday::bday:
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY
WE'RE SO GLAD YOU'RE YOU
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
FROM THE "DIS" CREW!

WE'RE SO EXCITED
WE KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE
WHEN IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS
YOU'RE GOIN' TO DIS-NEEEEY!!!!
pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: pixiedust:pixiedust:

THAT was AWESOME!!!!! Thank you!

Happy Birthday!!! Thanks hon!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!! Hope you have an amazing day!!

Thanks Jen....it was amazing indeed!

Happy birthday!!! I hope you are out having a great celebration tonight!

Thank you....love the new picture!!! I have had SUCH an incredible birthday this year!

:banana:Hope your having a wonderful birthday!:banana: I am!!!! Thank you so much!

Happy Birthday Jen. Hope it was great :dance3: It was!!! THANKS!!!!

MegansMom

09-05-2009, 02:44 AM

Can you call something a tradition if it happens only twice? Well, I am declaring that you can.....Let the TRADITION continue!!!!! Here it is boys and girls (okay, maybe just girls).....My annual, ULTIMATE, "OH MY GOD, OCD PACKING LIST" for our 2009 WDW TRIP!!!!!! (Drumroll please!!!)

What I need for the car:
--Atlas (place in pocket of door)
--Directions to POFQ and home again! (place in visor storage)
--IPOD and speakers (batteries/power cord)
--Collapsible cooler w/ice pack and bottled drinks (water, and soft drinks for Tom).
--Snacks for the Car (Go to Dollar Store & Target)---Disney fruit snacks, gum, candy, snacks like crackers, Pop Tarts, Granola bars, etc.) PUT ALL SNACKS/FOOD IN MEDIUM SIZE RUBBERMAID CONTAINER
--Need plastic shoebox for Megan to use when eating in the car
************************************************** ***
--Small car sized box of tissues--place in purse storage
--Small pack of wipes--place in purse storage
--Small package of Disney napkins--place in glove compartment
--Extra plastic spoons and forks in ziploc bag--place in glove compartment
--DVD Player w/accessories and headphones--store accessories in media storage
**********************************************

--Megan's Movies and our DVDs--put in black storage box
--SUDOKU and logic puzzle books for me
--Pencils
--Magazines
--Crayons and Disney Pencils for Megan
--Disney Writing Workbooks
--Disney Sticker Puzzles and stickers w/sticker book
--Disney Color All Book w/Magic Marker
--Princess Journal/Notebook for Megan to write in
****Put these items in Megan's Ariel Backpack and hang from the back of the front passenger seat.****

What I need for the parks:

IN MY BACKSACK BAG--
--camera in pouch w/extra memory card
--cell phone
--ID case w/ KTTW, My driver's license, Meg's ID, Health Insurance card, ADR card
--First aid kit in mini blue pouch w/ BandAids, moleskin, sunscreen, small pack of Excedrin, Children's chewable tablets, Rolaids, Immodium-AD, Dramamine, Chapstick and small tube of Neosporin. (All small/travel sizes).
--Gum
--Couple packs of Fruit snacks
--Small tissue packet
--Tip envelope for each day
--Cold washcloth in ziploc bag
--Megan's autograph book and pen
--Extra set of clothes and a small brush for Megs in ziploc bag
--One set of compact, disposable ponchos for all 3 of us

Packing List for Planning Items:
--Tip envelopes w/tips included for all ressies
--Card w/all ADR & BBB ressie #s on it
--Reservation confirmation info
--Directions to POFQ
--Journal for TR and a pen
--Addresses w/stamps for postcards
--Mousekeeping envelope w/tip included

Packing List for Organizational Items:
--Shower organizer for bathroom at POFQ
--Pop up laundry hamper
--Rubbermaid container for food and snacks

Packing List for Food Items:
--24 pack of bottled water
--12 pack of bottled juices (Welch's)
--Pop tarts (2 big boxes--brown sugar cinnamon & strawberry)
--2 boxes of granola bars
--1 box of Disney fruit snacks
--snacks for in the car and in the room

Packing List for Toiletries and Clothing:
--Spray on sunscreen and face moisturizer w/SPF
--chapstick
--aloe
--Megan's toothbrush/toothpaste
--Megan's hairbrush
--baby powder
--Body glide

MEGAN's List
--2 bathing suits
--cover up
--Princess crocs--pool shoes
--Pre-arranged outfits
--4 pairs of PJ Pals
--Tinkerbell costume and accessories
--Snow White costume and accessories
--Cinderella costume and accessories
--Alice in Wonderland costume and accessories
--10 pairs of underwear
--10 pairs of socks
--Princess gym shoes
--Hats--white visor, Minnie baseball cap, Princess baseball cap and Minnie ears
--glow bracelets and necklaces
--hair bows, ponytails, and pretties to match outfits for Megan
MY LIST
--shampoo & conditioner in one
--body wash (from b&bw)
--razor
--deodorant
--contact lenses w/case (w/extra set, glasses, and solution.)
--brush and pick comb
--ponytail holders and clip
--travel size mousse and hair spray
--my toothbrush and toothpaste
--dental floss and mouthwash
--body spray and lotion (from b&bw)
--Qtips
--small make-up kit
--nail file, nail clippers, tweezers
--small sewing kit
--stain stick
--prescription meds
--2 bathing suits
--brown flip flops--pool shoes
--4 sets of PJs
--4 pairs of socks
--10 pairs of underwear/bras
--Teva terra fi sandals, NB gym shoes
--Mickey visor (Beige) and white Mickey visor
--Prearranged outfits
--belt
TOM'S LIST
--Tom's shampoo
--soap
--deodorant
--comb
--toothbrush
--razors
--2 pairs of swim trunks
--Adidas sandals--pool shoes
--10 pairs of underwear
--10 pairs of socks
--3 undershirts
--3 sleep shorts
--good gym shoes
--Prearranged outfits
--Mickey baseball cap
--Laptop and Power cord
--Chargers for cellphones
--All Disney documents

There you go gang!!!! Let me know what I am missing!!! Talk with you soon! ONLY 15 MORE DAYS!!!!:yay:

Charleston Princess

09-05-2009, 07:40 AM

Jen, your OCD packing list is absolutely fab!!! I think I may need to "borrow" it! :thumbsup2

jenjolt

09-05-2009, 07:50 AM

YAY for OCD!!!! :banana::banana:

So I kind of took out my packing list so I could compare...the similiarities (well besides the two other people you have to help pack for LOL) was uncanny!! It was very amusing to me!!!!! I'll have to post mine so you can compare too!!!

How exciting is that we are getting closer and closer and closer!!! YAY!!!!

Lady Lallie

09-05-2009, 09:24 AM

Now that is what you call a packing list! Holy Moly!! :worship:

Trentmom

09-05-2009, 01:01 PM

Your list is awesome!!!!!!:thumbsup2

Roxychica7

09-05-2009, 01:17 PM

Holy crap girl!!! Can't say you aren't prepared! :rotfl: We must all need to take note from you!

wigdoutdismom

09-05-2009, 01:36 PM

I just love other people's packing lists! Saves me time by using them!:goodvibes

TarzansKat

09-05-2009, 02:08 PM

Jen, so sorry I missed your birthday! I hope it was a good one. :hug:

Wow, thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you for putting up your packing list. It definitely gives me some great ideas, and I so appreciate it. :goodvibes

MegansMom

09-05-2009, 02:17 PM

Jen, your OCD packing list is absolutely fab!!! I think I may need to "borrow" it! :thumbsup2

Thanks my love.....gotta use those OCD tendencies for some good, you know?!?!?! ;) Feel free to "borrow" as much as you would like!

YAY for OCD!!!! :banana::banana:

So I kind of took out my packing list so I could compare...the similiarities (well besides the two other people you have to help pack for LOL) was uncanny!! It was very amusing to me!!!!! I'll have to post mine so you can compare too!!!

How exciting is that we are getting closer and closer and closer!!! YAY!!!!

SERIOUSLY NOT SURPRISED!!!!! :rotfl:That is SO funny!!!! I can't wait to compare the two!

Now that is what you call a packing list! Holy Moly!! :worship:

Now, that is truly an honor to receive the bow of approval from the Listy Queen!!!

Your list is awesome!!!!!!:thumbsup2

Thanks my dear! I try so hard to get it just right!

Holy crap girl!!! Can't say you aren't prepared! :rotfl: We must all need to take note from you!

Feel free to use and abuse my list as much as possible!

I just love other people's packing lists! Saves me time by using them!:goodvibes

I hear you!!! I love to make a list!

Not enough scoop to make an update, but thought I would just hop on and share some musings and thoughts with you all.....it helps me think!!!!

Well, our Disney drawer is chock full of STUFF!!!! I literally can't close it right now! On Wednesday, I made a trek to my local Bath and Body Works to fulfill one of my other trip traditions----picking out my Trip Scent. What is a "Trip Scent" you say?!?!?!?! Well, let me tell you........... Three years ago after our September 2006 trip I learned something...I used a certain BBW scent while on our trip, and since scent is such a great memory keeper, everytime I used that scent once we returned home, it took me back to moments and wonderful memories from that trip. AND THUS, began the "legend" of the "Trip Scent." Each trip since, I go select a different scent---they have to be different so that I can remember each trip based upon each individual scent---and use that scent specifically while we are there---the shower gel, lotion, and body spray. And then when I return home, each time I put that scent back on, I am flooded with a whirl of wonderful memories from our fabulous trips, and I get to relive them all over again!!!! It is wonderful!!! SO, on Wednesday, I went and scoured our BBW for a new scent, and after much sniffing settled on Sensual Amber. (I blush everytime I say that name...hee hee hee!) I thought it a perfect combination of what I like, what I think of for "Fall" (even though Orlando will still be in the 90s while we are there probably, there will be pumpkins out people...hence "Fall!"), and what was available in the travel size. So I happily brought my purchases home, and considered that "to do" DONE!!!! UNTIL, my darling angel Megs presented me with a birthday gift yesterday of a new bottle of BBW lotion in White Citrus. It is a new scent that she personally picked out for me, and now I am thinking I need to go take my Sensual Amber back and trade it in for travel sizes in White Citrus. What do you all think????? Give me your opinion!!!!

Okay...off to go relax!!!! Enjoy your Saturday!

jenjolt

09-05-2009, 02:31 PM

Charleston Princess

09-05-2009, 10:13 PM

What a great idea about the trip scent! It is so true, too, because everytime I smell certain scents, I think back to times/places/events, etc.

I think you should exchange the amber for the citrus -- then you will remember not only sweet Megs giving you it for your birthday, but your trip as well! :thumbsup2

IluvXU

09-05-2009, 11:09 PM

I just need a when Megan is where what costume guide... too many cute ones.

I agree to use the scent she picked too.

TarzansKat

09-05-2009, 11:10 PM

I concur with the other posters. I would definitely go with the scent Megs picked, it'll make your memories of the trip all the sweeter. :goodvibes

wigdoutdismom

09-06-2009, 12:48 AM

Me too! Go with Megan's White Citrus.:goodvibes

MeMom

09-06-2009, 07:31 AM

Now that is what you call a packing list! Holy Moly!! :worship:

My thoughts exactly.
To be so organized!!!

As for scents, I can't smell chocolate chip cookies any more without it taking me straight to Main Street, because that's what the Main Street Bakery smells like to me.

Since Megan picked it out for you by herself, there would be no doubt that that would be my scent choice for this trip....

which, by the way,

is in

two weeks!!! :cheer2::cheer2:

MegansMom

09-06-2009, 10:56 PM

Awwwww...I love that you have a trip scent! That is such a great way to remember your trips. I tend to associate music with a lot of great memories and yesterday I heard the perfect song to describe my upcoming trip...so I told P that we have a theme song...her homework is listen to it!! I just loved the song!!! I'll share it with you later!!

As far as the scent dilemna...if you really like the white citrus I say go for that one...it could be come a mom/daughter scent and it could be something you pass on to Meg and then when she smells it she can remember Disney too. I know you have mentioned a few times that you put lotion on her hands during certain rides...well then you both can have the same scent!!!!

I love the theme song too!!!! Can't WAIT to hear what it is!!!! :goodvibes I do put that on her hands several different places at WDW.....since she liked it so much to pick it out for me, I might just have to go exchange it.......:rolleyes1

What a great idea about the trip scent! It is so true, too, because everytime I smell certain scents, I think back to times/places/events, etc.

I think you should exchange the amber for the citrus -- then you will remember not only sweet Megs giving you it for your birthday, but your trip as well! :thumbsup2

And she did say that I smelled SO GOOD with it on....... :rolleyes1

I just need a when Megan is where what costume guide... too many cute ones.

I agree to use the scent she picked too.

I didn't think of that kind of list....will do!!!

Great minds often think alike....... :rolleyes1

I concur with the other posters. I would definitely go with the scent Megs picked, it'll make your memories of the trip all the sweeter. :goodvibes

The sweeter the better indeed..... :rolleyes1

Me too! Go with Megan's White Citrus.:goodvibes

Hmmmmmm....what to do? What to do?!?!?!?!! :rolleyes1

My thoughts exactly.
To be so organized!!!

As for scents, I can't smell chocolate chip cookies any more without it taking me straight to Main Street, because that's what the Main Street Bakery smells like to me.

Since Megan picked it out for you by herself, there would be no doubt that that would be my scent choice for this trip....

which, by the way,

is in

two weeks!!! :cheer2::cheer2:

And no doubt in my mind either!!!!!

Don't worry gang.......I'm going to go exchange it on Tuesday!!!!!! Now let's just hope that BBW carries the White Citrus in the travel shower gel, lotion, and body spray as well!!!!! Get those fingers crossed for me!!!!!! :goodvibes

AND, just as our lovely MeMom said......in two glorious weeks, my tooshie will be heading SOUTH.....STRAIGHT FOR MICKEY'S HOUSE!!!!!!!! :banana::yay::woohoo::dance3: OH MY GOSH......I just CAN'T believe it is getting here SO CLOSE!!!! It would be so wonderful if those two weeks could be laid back, do nothing except get ready for Disney weeks, but NO......I will be the ringleader of a three-ring circus over the next two weeks, so please wish me luck that I actually get all those lovely items listed on my OCD packing list PACKED and READY TO GO!!!!

Over the next couple of weeks, my updates will be alot of lists of "To Dos" and kudos when something actually gets completed and checked off the mulitudes of those lists!!! I think typing my thoughts out to you all, will hopefully help me stay sane and remember to do all that I need to do!!! Let's hope!!!!

Monday, September 7:

Laundry, laundry, LAUNDRY!!!!! (I am going to try to do up the all the laundry and start to pull out what I think I can to start making packing piles for the trip.)
Begin making packing piles for all three of us.
Make a list of all the toiletry and vacation items we have.
Make my shopping list for the few remaining items we still need.
****Luckily, I don't have the kids I babysit due to the holiday, and Megan has no school, so I should hopefully be able to get a LOT done!!!!****

Tuesday, September 8:

Babysit Ava from 8:30-6pm
Take Megan to school 11-2pm
Go shopping for the remaining items on my list while Megs is at school.
Continue with laundry and packing piles as possible
Begin figuring out when to schedule Megan's friend birthday party and family birthday gathering.....begin planning the what, where, when of both activities.
Follow-up on any remaining things that I need to do for CRHP (Church---Women's weekend)
Okay....I'm going to start with the To Dos for the next two days....don't want to get too ahead of myself....will post more later as I get through these days first!!!!

TWO WEEKS GANG!!!!!!! My how time is flying!!!!

jenjolt

09-06-2009, 11:29 PM

TarzansKat

09-07-2009, 07:09 AM

Keeping my fingers crossed that they have the fragrance in the items you want! :goodvibes

Is it wrong that reading your report makes me want to start packing now? I actually have some piles going, but I feel so disorganized.

And I love that you're the leader of the three ring circus. That so describes how we all feel sometimes! :rotfl2:

Charleston Princess

09-07-2009, 09:05 AM

So, Jen, I was wondering...does White Citrus smell like the oranges on Soarin'???

Lady Lallie

09-07-2009, 09:14 AM

I love the idea of mini lists for each day. I have to do that when life gets hectic too, especially before a trip! :thumbsup2

MegansMom

09-07-2009, 10:47 AM

I think I need to take a page from your book Jen and just make day by day to-do lists so I don't feel so overwhelmed with how much needs to be done in such a short period of time LOL!!!

I love your lists and I have no doubts you will get it all accomplished!!!! I keep thinking there is just one more thing I have to, just one more thing...I need to stop before I spend us out of home LOL!!!!!

Can't wait to see more of your lists!!

Well.....today is not looking good for many of my To Dos to be crossed off....Tom decided not to go into work today, so that is GREATLY impeding my productivity!!!! :headache:

Keeping my fingers crossed that they have the fragrance in the items you want! :goodvibes

Is it wrong that reading your report makes me want to start packing now? I actually have some piles going, but I feel so disorganized.

And I love that you're the leader of the three ring circus. That so describes how we all feel sometimes! :rotfl2:

The suitcases are coming out tomorrow.........and boy will there be LOTS of them this year!!!

I think we need a whip....not that we would use it....just feel a little more empowered with it! ;)

So, Jen, I was wondering...does White Citrus smell like the oranges on Soarin'???

Not quite....it has a lighter citrusy smell......I think it focuses more on the white grape type of citrusy smell. It is very nice!

I love the idea of mini lists for each day. I have to do that when life gets hectic too, especially before a trip! :thumbsup2

And life is VERY HECTIC right now!!!!! I so hope I can get this all done before I leave!

Trentmom

09-07-2009, 02:33 PM

That is a great idea doing your to do list by separating things into a couple days each time . :thumbsup2

MegansMom

09-07-2009, 11:52 PM

OKAY.......Monday update.....since my lovely hubby decided to stay home and take us out to his parents house, my Monday list is pretty much being directly transferred to my Tuesday list. UGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!! I do have a list written up about what I need to purchase, and I do plan on going Targeting tomorrow, so let's just hope that I can get much more of the laundry finished, items bought, and the OCD planning train back on track!!!! I'll keep you all posted tomorrow!!!!!!! Wish me luck!

Charleston Princess

09-08-2009, 08:53 AM

Good morning, Jen! I hope the OCD planning train is chugging along right now, and you are checking lots of things off your list! :thumbsup2

IluvXU

09-08-2009, 09:48 AM

You are so close! Hope the last minute things are going great... you are a brave woman to head straight to WDW aftr CHRP that is another exhausting yet wonderful thing!

If U Had Wings

09-08-2009, 10:17 AM

I'm so excited for you. Your getting so close now!!! Less than 2 weeks. :cool1:

cherbear

09-08-2009, 10:26 AM

YAYYY!! A packing list....and to do list...yippeee!! That means the trip is SOOOOOO close! (Which means mine is SUPER DUPER close!)

I did all my laundry yesterday and started packing. I think I can say I am about 75% packed. :thumbsup2

My flight takes off in a little less than 120 hours!!! :banana::banana:

stacikristine

09-08-2009, 11:51 AM

Your packing list is great!!! :thumbsup2 I've had mine made for quite a while, but I'm just about to post it. I can't believe our trips are SOOO close! Your to-do lists are great also! Good luck getting two days' worth done in one day!!! And good luck finding a way to fit everything in. I'm having a girls' youth weekend this weekend (sleepover Friday, shopping day Saturday) so I'm not going to have this next weekend to get anything done. But I'm sure we'll both find plenty ( :upsidedow ) of time to get all ready to go!! Oh--and I'm glad you're going to exchange for Megan's scent :goodvibes

IluvXU

09-10-2009, 02:47 PM

I am just here to dance:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::cool 1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::banan a::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: :banana::banana:

Super excited for you all...

cherbear

09-10-2009, 03:16 PM

did you get the new scent Jen?? I so hope they had it in the travel bottles!!

I wish computers had scratch and sniff so you could let us all smell. :rotfl:

MegansMom

09-11-2009, 10:20 AM

Good morning, Jen! I hope the OCD planning train is chugging along right now, and you are checking lots of things off your list!

Man have hit some nasty bumps in our path!!!! :scared1:

You are so close! Hope the last minute things are going great... you are a brave woman to head straight to WDW aftr CHRP that is another exhausting yet wonderful thing!

Hey sweetie....have you CRHP'ed too!?!?!?!? It has definitely been the best thing I have ever done for myself.....helped heal so many wounds that I was carrying around after everything that happened during Megan's birth and not being able to have any more children. It has been exhausting, but also so worthwhile.....we shall see how I hold up on Monday!!!! :lmao:

I'm so excited for you. Your getting so close now!!! Less than 2 weeks.

DOWN TO SINGLE DIGITS NOW BABY!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

YAYYY!! A packing list....and to do list...yippeee!! That means the trip is SOOOOOO close! (Which means mine is SUPER DUPER close!)

I did all my laundry yesterday and started packing. I think I can say I am about 75% packed.

My flight takes off in a little less than 120 hours!!!

ONE DAY!!!!! IF I could find a backflipping smiley, that is what I would post here for you---I'm doing backflips for you guys!!! ENJOY SWEETIE!

Your packing list is great!!! I've had mine made for quite a while, but I'm just about to post it. I can't believe our trips are SOOO close! Your to-do lists are great also! Good luck getting two days' worth done in one day!!! And good luck finding a way to fit everything in. I'm having a girls' youth weekend this weekend (sleepover Friday, shopping day Saturday) so I'm not going to have this next weekend to get anything done. But I'm sure we'll both find plenty ( ) of time to get all ready to go!! Oh--and I'm glad you're going to exchange for Megan's scent

I am planning on this weekend being MY WEEKEND to get EVERYTHING else done!!!! Let's just see if that holds out!!!!

I am just here to dance:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::cool 1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::banan a::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: :banana::banana:

Super excited for you all...

9 days....can you believe that hon?? I'm super excited too!!!!

did you get the new scent Jen?? I so hope they had it in the travel bottles!!

I wish computers had scratch and sniff so you could let us all smell. :rotfl:

That would be the best.....scratch and sniff on the computers.....I am sure we all could come up with HUNDREDS of Disney scents we would love to make scratch and sniffs for.....my #1 would be the scent of the Polynesian's lobby!!!! YUMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!

Okay you all....I have hit total PANIC mode!!!!! The past two days have been so busy---Max's vet visit, stuff for CRHP weekend, the list goes on forever....trust me, it isn't pretty---and it has SERIOUSLY hindered my Disney lists. SO, I am trying to reclaim MY time this weekend to get most of it done. Today, I am going to go exchange the scents....wish me luck.

Here is a small list of things that I have purchased so far....still have more to get:

--granola bars
--small bottle of contact solution
--container of wet wipes for the car
--small tube of children's Colgate for Megs
--small tube of toothpaste for Tom and I
--small tube of facial scrub for me
--set of Venus razors w/travel size shaving cream for me
--new eyeliner, lipgloss, and blush

I will gather my notes, and post the list for all that remains. I am off to run some errands today, get a pedicure with my Mom, and switch that BBW stuff!!!! Wish me luck!

ONLY 9 DAYS GIRLIES!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!

cherbear

09-11-2009, 10:49 AM

woohoo! Thanks for doing a backflip for me. :thumbsup2

In less than 24 hours I will be ON A PLANE to Disney! I just checked in for our southwest flight and got boarding numbers A18 and A19, so we'll be within the first 20 people to get on. :goodvibes

Enjoy your pedicure today, I just got a mani-pedi yesterday and it was SO nice!

I'm CROSSING MY FINGERS AND TOES that you can exchange those scents!

Charleston Princess

09-11-2009, 10:58 AM

Pixie dust for getting all those things checked off the to-do lists this weekend (and keeping your sanity)! :wizard:

moparop

09-11-2009, 11:03 AM

Our church has CHRP the weekend after yours and I want to attend so badly. With Aileen being 6-7 weeks old, I am thinking this is not the time, but I am hopeful to do the spring one.

I can't believe you are into single digits already. :banana: Sounds like the packing is really going great!!!

jenjolt

09-11-2009, 11:04 AM

Panic...did someone say Panic...yes I know this feeling very well LOL!! I'm with you Jen...this weekend is my time to really get on top of things and make a huge dent in my To-Do list!!

I'm wishing you luck and effectiveness!! I hope you get everything accomplished that you want!!!!!

:cool1::banana::dance3::dance3: YAY FOR SINGLE DIGITS...Dance party WOOT!!! :dance3::dance3::banana::cool1:

stacikristine

09-11-2009, 11:04 AM

Good luck!!!! :thumbsup2 I'm sure you'll get a ton done! We're pulling out the suitcases on Sunday. And hopefully we'll be able to slowly pack everything this next week. All of the youth girls (my husband is a youth pastor) are coming over to spend the night tonight, and we're going shopping tomorrow :upsidedow There's still so much to do. But I'm sure we'll both get it all done!! Hopefully you'll get some mega to-do's marked off! :goodvibes

FairyGodmotherJen

09-11-2009, 02:46 PM

Whew!!! I've been awful about keeping up with the boards since school started back up (and now I've got my master's class on top of it...:eek:), but I'm finally caught up - thanks to the fact that I had to take the day off due to no child care (darn ;))! Anyway, things look GREAT - loved the MK update (yes, I was pretty far behind) and all your lists. I actually copied and pasted your packing lists for future reference. We're driving from the Indianapolis area in June...I definitely found things to think about there.

I'm of the opinion that a little OCD would do me some good. My house is never organized (my three little ones don't help, but it wouldn't be completely organized without them, either), and my desk at school is the source of many a joke (and odd look from my parent volunteers). :rotfl: Anyway, I guess I'm trying to say that I'm impressed with your organization...ok, and more than a little jealous of you guys when I see that my ticker has so far to go! But I'm excited for you!! I'll try to keep up a little better as time gets closer. Hope you're crossing stuff off your list as we speak!

(Oh - I almost forgot - CRHP was a wonderful thing for me, as well! It took forever for our team to get to present - we were team 10, and we don't have a huge parish, so there are only so many people - but it was well worth it. I'll be thinking of you that weekend - think of it as a HELP letter in advance!)

Trentmom

09-11-2009, 07:04 PM

WOO for 9 days

:woohoo:

IluvXU

09-11-2009, 09:04 PM

(Oh - I almost forgot - CRHP was a wonderful thing for me, as well! It took forever for our team to get to present - we were team 10, and we don't have a huge parish, so there are only so many people - but it was well worth it. I'll be thinking of you that weekend - think of it as a HELP letter in advance!)

Our church has CHRP the weekend after yours and I want to attend so badly. With Aileen being 6-7 weeks old, I am thinking this is not the time, but I am hopeful to do the spring one.

I can't believe you are into single digits already. :banana: Sounds like the packing is really going great!!!

Hey sweetie....have you CRHP'ed too!?!?!?!? It has definitely been the best thing I have ever done for myself.....helped heal so many wounds that I was carrying around after everything that happened during Megan's birth and not being able to have any more children. It has been exhausting, but also so worthwhile.....we shall see how I hold up on Monday!!!! :lmao:

CRHP and DIS ... ties that bind for sure. I did CRHP two years ago, and met some fantastic friends through it. Certainly one of the best things I ever did for me.

I totally understand about not going with the baby so little, it will be there when the time is right... I truly believe you go with the women who are meant to be placed in your life... but now I am wondering what parish you go to, I think ours is then too.

TarzansKat

09-13-2009, 09:02 AM

Wow, 9 days! How time flies, especially when you're busy. Good luck with your lists and organization, I know you'll be just fine. :goodvibes

2xcited2sleep

09-13-2009, 09:24 AM

Hi Jen!

Life's been a bit of a circus for me too but now I am all caught up! Can't believe you are single digit dancing! Woo Hoo!!!!!! :woohoo::dance3::woohoo:

You seem pretty organized to me!! Good luck with all the last minute to-do's. Can't wait to see you in the World!! :goodvibes

MegansMom

09-13-2009, 01:25 PM

woohoo! Thanks for doing a backflip for me.

In less than 24 hours I will be ON A PLANE to Disney! I just checked in for our southwest flight and got boarding numbers A18 and A19, so we'll be within the first 20 people to get on.

Enjoy your pedicure today, I just got a mani-pedi yesterday and it was SO nice!

I'm CROSSING MY FINGERS AND TOES that you can exchange those scents!

You are in MICKEY'S HOUSE!!!! YAHOO!!!!!
I hope you get sprinkled with some Pixie Dust!!!!!!! :wizard:

Pixie dust for getting all those things checked off the to-do lists this weekend (and keeping your sanity)!

I definitely think my sanity is gone....yesterday at breakfast, I warned both Tom and Megs that it was going to be ONE CRAZY WEEK for me, and I was going to go ahead and apologize now for how that may or may not affect my normally cheerful behavior!!! :laughing: I just keep hoping and praying that I get through it!!!

Our church has CHRP the weekend after yours and I want to attend so badly. With Aileen being 6-7 weeks old, I am thinking this is not the time, but I am hopeful to do the spring one.

I can't believe you are into single digits already. Sounds like the packing is really going great!!!

Now is not the time to CRHP for you--stay with the babe, but I am thinking by the spring, you will definitely need some time for yourself!!! I hope you do go then...you will never regret it!

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY BABY!!!!!!!! I can't believe it is getting here!!! YEAH!!!

Panic...did someone say Panic...yes I know this feeling very well LOL!! I'm with you Jen...this weekend is my time to really get on top of things and make a huge dent in my To-Do list!!

I'm wishing you luck and effectiveness!! I hope you get everything accomplished that you want!!!!!

:cool1::banana::dance3::dance3: YAY FOR SINGLE DIGITS...Dance party WOOT!!!

Thanks for the dancing!!! I am in the midst of laundry right now....I hope to get it all done! Suitcases are coming out girlie!!!! WOO HOO!!!

Good luck!!!! :thumbsup2 I'm sure you'll get a ton done! We're pulling out the suitcases on Sunday. And hopefully we'll be able to slowly pack everything this next week. All of the youth girls (my husband is a youth pastor) are coming over to spend the night tonight, and we're going shopping tomorrow :upsidedow There's still so much to do. But I'm sure we'll both get it all done!! Hopefully you'll get some mega to-do's marked off! :goodvibes

Have fun with the overnight....sounds like a blast!!! Here's to hoping you get all your fun packing done too!!! :goodvibes

Whew!!! I've been awful about keeping up with the boards since school started back up (and now I've got my master's class on top of it...:eek:), but I'm finally caught up - thanks to the fact that I had to take the day off due to no child care (darn ;))! Anyway, things look GREAT - loved the MK update (yes, I was pretty far behind) and all your lists. I actually copied and pasted your packing lists for future reference. We're driving from the Indianapolis area in June...I definitely found things to think about there.

I'm of the opinion that a little OCD would do me some good. My house is never organized (my three little ones don't help, but it wouldn't be completely organized without them, either), and my desk at school is the source of many a joke (and odd look from my parent volunteers). :rotfl: Anyway, I guess I'm trying to say that I'm impressed with your organization...ok, and more than a little jealous of you guys when I see that my ticker has so far to go! But I'm excited for you!! I'll try to keep up a little better as time gets closer. Hope you're crossing stuff off your list as we speak!

(Oh - I almost forgot - CRHP was a wonderful thing for me, as well! It took forever for our team to get to present - we were team 10, and we don't have a huge parish, so there are only so many people - but it was well worth it. I'll be thinking of you that weekend - think of it as a HELP letter in advance!)

I can understand why you have been busy!!!! God Bless You!!! My OCD is my coping mechanism.....it has its' pros and cons!!! :rotfl:

Thanks for your wish for us for next weekend.....that was such a touching outpouring of HELP when I needed it the most!!! THANK YOU!!!! :hug:

WOO for 9 days

:woohoo:

ONE WEEK NOW BABY!!!!!!

CRHP and DIS ... ties that bind for sure. I did CRHP two years ago, and met some fantastic friends through it. Certainly one of the best things I ever did for me.

I totally understand about not going with the baby so little, it will be there when the time is right... I truly believe you go with the women who are meant to be placed in your life... but now I am wondering what parish you go to, I think ours is then too.

I know what you mean sweetie....friends for life indeed!!! I'm beginning to think you two go to the same church!!!! WHAT A SMALL WORLD!!!!

Wow, 9 days! How time flies, especially when you're busy. Good luck with your lists and organization, I know you'll be just fine. :goodvibes

I don't know....panic is creeping in!!!

Hi Jen!

Life's been a bit of a circus for me too but now I am all caught up! Can't believe you are single digit dancing! Woo Hoo!!!!!! :woohoo::dance3::woohoo:

You seem pretty organized to me!! Good luck with all the last minute to-do's. Can't wait to see you in the World!! :goodvibes

Thanks for the good luck....I need it!!!! I can't wait to see you all too!!!

Short and sweet update-----I am in the midst of Sunday Football watching and laundry....things are still crazy, but it is only one more week to AHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....VACATION!!!!! I'll be back on later to update you with more of my progress!!!! WISH ME LUCK!!!

micandminforever

09-13-2009, 03:35 PM

Good Luck and many blessings.

Charleston Princess

09-13-2009, 05:06 PM

I definitely think my sanity is gone....yesterday at breakfast, I warned both Tom and Megs that it was going to be ONE CRAZY WEEK for me, and I was going to go ahead and apologize now for how that may or may not affect my normally cheerful behavior!!! :laughing: I just keep hoping and praying that I get through it!!!

You will make it through and then you will be at Mickey's House!!! :banana: :hug:

By the way, have you seen the plans for the Fantasyland expansion???

MegansMom

09-13-2009, 05:09 PM

Good Luck and many blessings.

Thanks my dear!!!! Laundry is going well so far!!!! I can't get motivated to start thinking about my packing list, but that is coming!!!

You will make it through and then you will be at Mickey's House!!! :banana: :hug:

By the way, have you seen the plans for the Fantasyland expansion???

What?!?!?!?! Where are these plans of which you speak?!?!?!! I MUST SEE THEM!!!!!!

Charleston Princess

09-13-2009, 05:16 PM

Log on to Facebook -- I think LL has the link posted on her page, and I know Laura does! It will so make you and Megs do a happy dance!!! :goodvibes

They were announced at the D23 Expo this weekend in Anaheim.

MegansMom

09-13-2009, 11:45 PM

All I can say is that looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait until that opens up!

ampc3

09-14-2009, 07:18 AM

Hey Jen.

just wanted to let you know I posted an updated pic of the boys on Laura's page last night per her request... also I'm on FB too... PM your info and I'll look you up :) You too Jackie if you see this...

Have fun soon Jen!

MegansMom

09-17-2009, 02:07 AM

Hey gang......I typed up this HUGE update, and when I hit post, the computer totally locked up and I lost it!!!!! UGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Sorry about the lapse in updates....things have been so completely hectic around here with everything going on....but good news is that progress on ALL fronts is VERY GOOD!!!! By tomorrow night, I should have all my responsibilities completed for the preparation for our Women's weekend, and also have us all packed for our trip!!!! I have to be ready, since I will be in essence gone as of 6am on Saturday!!!!

All the shopping is done, laundry too......just have to finish packing everything up and double checking of course!!!

We are all too excited around here.....Tom keeps talking about all the meals and everything he wants to try for snacks......let's hope we do more than just eat!!!

I will update with more details and progress in the morning!

heartofdisney

09-17-2009, 03:15 AM

Hey Jenn,

I have been following along for awhile until I had to get ready for my own trip,and now that it is done and over with,I am finally trying to catch up again.So there I was,reading along,and came to this post,and it just made me so sad....

Hey Gang.....I know you must be dying waiting for the MK update....it is on its' way, but it will have to wait for a little later today! IT IS A DOOZY!!! LOTS of PICS!!!! :goodvibes Stay tuned...........can you believe I ONLY have 23 days left?!?!! Tom and I talk about how we want it to be here NOW everynight at dinner......can you tell we are excited!!!!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:[/QUOTE]

Know why? Because at the time you wrote it, I was happily on my way to Disney,and less then an hour away from arriving,that's why! And now I think how I have been home now 2 and a half weeks already and I want to go back so bad....and no future trip in sight to plan for yet...although there WILL be one for sure...LOL
By the way,we stayed at POFQ when we were there a couple weeks ago,and it was wonderful. I think the thing I love most is being able to take the boat to downtown disney..coming back at night to your resort just doesn't get any easier then that! You will love it there,I'm sure.
Anyway,I love your trip reports and although I don't take the time to post very often,)shame on me) I did want to tell you that I am a fan,and to also tell you how adorable Megan looks in her school uniform.........................
and that I want your dog...haha. He is such a cutie!
Anyway...I wish you a wonderful safe,healthy and happy pixie dust filled trip and l look forward to hearing about Megans birthday trip.Have lots of fun!!!

Charleston Princess

09-17-2009, 05:56 AM

Hi, Jen!!! I can feel your excitement all the way down here in Georgia!!! :goodvibes Good luck finishing everything up in the next couple of days!

Trentmom

09-17-2009, 06:50 PM

Glad things are moving right along

3 more days :cool1::cool1::cool1:

TarzansKat

09-17-2009, 09:05 PM

I just wanted to pop in here and say I'm really excited for you! :goodvibes

stacikristine

09-18-2009, 11:18 AM

We'll both be at Disney World in TWO DAYS!!!! :dance3::yay::woohoo:

Charleston Princess

09-18-2009, 11:35 AM

Jen, I know you are headed out tomorrow for your church weekend and then off to Disney, so I wanted to make sure I told you...

Have a wonderful, pixie-dusted, magical vacation at Mickey's House!!! party:

lmillercrew

09-19-2009, 07:56 PM

Have a GREAT time Jen and family!!! We'll be here waiting when you get back :yay:

ampc3

09-20-2009, 06:44 PM

Hey Jenn I think you might be there now.. just got back today with Emma had a Blast!!!! weather was great and waits were minimal nothing like summer... hope you have a magical time!

2xcited2sleep

09-20-2009, 07:16 PM

Did I miss you? Oh dear. Well hope to see you in the World! And definitely looking forward to a TR! :goodvibes

TarzansKat

09-21-2009, 10:27 AM

Hope you're having a great time! :goodvibes

heartofdisney

09-22-2009, 08:53 PM

I am so envious right now...according to your trip plans for right now,you are eating at Chef Mickey's right now and here I am sitting at home eating a frozen pizza for dinner and having a bad case of my trip is over and I have no set date for a future trip yet withdrawls...uggg....:sick::rotfl2:
Anyway,I hope you have lots of fun Jenn....enjoy this time with your family!:lovestruc

FairyGodmotherJen

09-22-2009, 10:04 PM

I hope that your weekend went wonderfully, and that your trip is everything you hoped it would be!! Here's to plenty of pixiedust:pixiedust: on your trip!

cherbear

09-23-2009, 11:17 AM

Jen!! Hope you are having a great time with all your BEST friends (that's Tom, Megan, Mickey, Goofy, Cinderella...I could go on and on!)

I could have missed it, but did you get to exchange the scents at BBW?? Inquiring minds must know!

jenjolt

09-23-2009, 12:30 PM

Jen!! Hope you are having a great trip!!!!! I can't wait to see you on Sunday!!!!!

IluvXU

09-24-2009, 04:17 PM

As I look at my window to a rainy yucky day... you are probably at MK! Sure hope everything is going great and that POFQ is wonderful to you all!

Enjoy!

If U Had Wings

09-24-2009, 09:35 PM

Hope your having a wonderful vacation!

stacikristine

09-29-2009, 12:35 PM

Hi Jen! I hope you and your family had a fantastic vacation! Can't wait to hear all about it. Our trip was incredible... I already want to be back! :goodvibes

heartofdisney

10-04-2009, 04:36 AM

Hi Jenn,
I was just checking in to see if you had started your trip report yet...I am anxiously waiting....or am I just missing it somewhere? Hope your trip was awesome and Megan had a wonderful birthday!

MegansMom

10-07-2009, 02:35 AM

HELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GANG!!!!!!

Long time since I have had any CHANCE to get on here.....even for a quick second.....to say "HEY!!!" I can't believe that I didn't even have a chance to get on here before I left to say my proper farewells........tsk, tsk, tsk!!!!!!

WELL........we had a FABULOUS time, we have been CELEBRATING fools, and I can't wait to share it all with you!!!!

This is not the official start to the TR.....I need to get this PTR moved over there, but stay tuned, because you are NOT going to want to miss all the fun!!!!! This trip was surely something else!!!!

OKAY.....that is all the time I have for now, but I will be back soon!!!!!! :)

Charleston Princess

10-07-2009, 05:39 AM

Hi, Jen! I have missed you! Hope you had a great months of birthday celebrations! :goodvibes Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

2xcited2sleep

10-07-2009, 06:31 AM

Hi! I'm so glad to hear you had a great time. I'm looking forward to hearing more when you have a chance! :goodvibes

micandminforever

10-07-2009, 02:53 PM

Welcome home looking forward to your report.

lmillercrew

10-07-2009, 09:06 PM

What a teaser! Glad you made it back and had a memorable time. Your readers will be here following along!popcorn::

moparop

10-07-2009, 10:03 PM

YAY!!!

I can;t wait to hear more!

Trentmom

10-07-2009, 10:59 PM

Glad you had a great time Jen. Can't wait to hear all about it :surfweb:

FairyGodmotherJen

10-08-2009, 04:56 PM

Oh, I'm glad you checked in! I know life is busy, but there was another PTR I was following...and she never came back to the boards. She was on here all the time, and I've yet to see her post. I still think about her from time to time, and hope everything is ok and they just got majorly busy. Glad to hear you had a great time, and that you're starting to adjust to life back home. ;)

minniecarousel

10-13-2009, 09:53 PM

You tease!

It's been a week since you checked in - throw us a crumb, would ya?!

lmillercrew

10-14-2009, 09:58 PM

Jen? Jeeen?? :confused3 I don't think I've ever waited this long to hear from you. I hope everything is o.k.

MegansMom

10-16-2009, 10:23 AM

I am okay gang.....I will share with you all ALL that has been going on since we have returned when I post my first TR posting LATER TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am going to go take Megs to school, and TR away when I get home! STAY TUNED MY LOVELIES! I haven't forgotten you.....I just hope you haven't hit the "unsubscribe" button!!!!!

Okay, someone help me out here......how do I get this moved over to the TR board??????? Post to let me know! Love you all!!! I can't wait to share all our magical moments with you!

Trentmom

10-16-2009, 03:15 PM

Yay, can't wait to read it

I think to get it moved over to TR board, you need to PM one of the TR moderators

:wizard:

pooh'smate

10-16-2009, 08:30 PM

I'm still here.
popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

MegansMom

10-16-2009, 09:59 PM

Okay gang....I have sent a message to the moderator, so this should be getting moved, but that is not going to keep me from getting this TR up and running.......FINALLY!!!!! I am just going to keep this going from my PTR....so no need to look for a brand new thread. I again apologize for the untimely delay in starting this puppy, but you will see as the TR progresses just how busy we have been since returning home from our trip........

So I am off to post the first official update for the TR.....STAY TUNED!!!!!

HEIGH HO, HEIGH HO, IT'S OFF TO CELEBRATE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MegansMom

10-16-2009, 11:20 PM

Where to begin, where to begin?????? I feel as if it has been months, years since we last "spoke," so I feel as if there needs to be a prelude to our first chapter in the tale of our September journey. And thus, that is where we will begin.

If you all remember, the week leading up to our trip was rather chaotic around our household. Not only were our days filled with drop-offs and pick-ups for Megan to school, and dance, and every other little activity that fills the days of a typical Kindergartner, but I was also deeply engrossed in laundry, babysitting, PACKING (YEAH), and preparing myself and lots of other little things for the women's weekend that I was helping to present at my church. Looking back on it, I don't remember eating much, sleeping even less, so the time to DIS was completely cut out of my daily, and ever-growing "TO DO" list!!! Life had seriously, but all for good, gotten in my way! If I could have split myself into several little Jens, I would have gladly done it so that I wouldn't have had to leave you all hanging in the wings, wondering what in the world was going on! I am so sorry that the PTR came to such a screeching halt on all of you. Know that even in the midst of my never-ending lists, I would also squeeze a moment out of my day to think of you all, and appreciate all the DISlove and support I have felt from you my beloved readers in preparation for this trip. I felt enormous guilt when I knew that I wouldn't even have the time to quickly hop on here and appropriately close out the PTR with a fond farewell before I left. It was in my heart, and I am so sorry that it never found its' way here to the Boards! I appreciate so much that I can come, share our story and our passion for the World with so many lovely people that "get it" and share so deeply in the magical moments that we experience while we are there. I wanted you all to know how much that means to me before we left, but alas, it has had to wait until now to be said. Nevertheless, I thought of you all so often throughout our trip, and wanted to do the best I could at taking notes and mental pictures in my mind, so that I could come back here and share what a truly magical trip we enjoyed! There are so many of you that I think of on special rides and at special places, and that has forever enriched my Disney experience---so, THANK YOU! :hug:

SO, when last we "spoke" before I left, it was Thursday, and things were rolling along very quickly but very good. That Friday was spent preparing two major things for me: the physical accomodations for the women on our weekend, and ALL of our luggage and items to be packed. Since I was actually "leaving for vacation" the next morning and would be trusting Tom to pack up the car, I lined all our suitcases up in the guest bedroom, labeled where everything went in the car (such as items that could be stored in the back of the SUV and items that Megan or I would need in the car.) I prepared a lovely little note for my hubby explaining the few little things he would need to do on Saturday---pick up our prescriptions, take the car to the car wash, etc.---made sure my bag was packed for the women's weekend, and hit the hay! I turned in early because I was supposed to get up at 6am..........SUPPOSED TO I say!!! Let's just say that my lovely hubby set our alarm for 6am, but when it went off, he hit snooze so fast that I didn't even HEAR IT!!!!!!! :scared1: SO, when I woke up on my own at 6:45 (and I was supposed to be at church by 7), I frantically jumped out of bed and quietly screamed much like the parents on Home Alone when they too discover that they had unfortunately over-slept. I don't know how, but I amazingly showered, dressed, brushed my teeth, grabbed my stuff, and was driving down my driveway by 7:02. I KNOW....don't ask me how!!!!! It was NOT the kind of start I needed to my day, but at least I was there at church by 7:15-7:20, which was plenty of time before the receiving women were to arrive. I took a deep breath and composed myself once I got there, but it was SUCH a crazy start to my "vacation!"

Obviously I am not going to go into detail about how I spent my weekend while I was at the retreat, but I will tell you that my weekend was FANTASTIC!!!! I went on this weekend in March as a recipient, and never thought I could ever experience anything better than that weekend, but it was SO much better giving the weekend than receiving it! It was a powerfully moving experience, and such a GREAT way to get me ready to enjoy my vacation!

Our plan was for Tom and Megs to pick me up from church around 1:30pm to start our venture SOUTH! When I came out to see them, they had the SUV all packed up and ready to go! Megan was actually already watching a movie while she was in the parking lot waiting for me! On our way to the expressway, we quickly stopped at our house so that I could drop off my weekend bags and change into some comfy car clothes, and away we went!!! By the time we did all that, and ran through McDonald's to grab a late lunch/early dinner, we were on the road "officially" close to 3pm. I ate my "linner," chatted it up with Tom about how their Saturday was, and eventually PASSED OUT from sheer exhaustion by 4pm. Luckily, my hubby was well prepared for his co-pilot to zonk out.....he already had a blanket and pillow ready for me in the car!!! :cloud9: Yep, that's why I LOVE HIM!!!!! :cutie: The siesta felt good......I was SO sleep deprived from the craziness of the week before, that knowing the chaos and work was all over, I slept so peacefully and SO SOUNDLY for about an hour. AND THEN I HEARD IT...........THE UNBELIEVABLE POUNDING of one of the heaviest rainstorms I have ever witnessed in my life!!!!! Tom told me that at some point past Lexington, it began to rain---softly and peacefully---and the further he went down I-75, the louder, and louder, and heavier, and heavier the rain grew to the point it was almost deafening when I woke up! We would continue to drive ALL DAY and night in this rain. We stopped only one other time down the road for gas and snacks, but just kept going. I am not sure what time we went through Atlanta, but it was at night, and it was pouring, but it made me think of all my lovely GA ladies!!! :goodvibes I knew that wherever CP was, she was probably VERY unhappy about all the rain!!!! We continued on for some time longer---and at a certain point, we decided that we should stop. It was around Midnight, and Tom was very happy with how far we had gotten---I believe we were in Perry, GA. We found a lovely hotel that advertised a complimentary hot breakfast and vacancies, so we called it a night. I know it was a big chain hotel, but for the life of me, I can't remember the name---they had pink sheets which tickled Megan to NO end!!! :goodvibes Our plan was to sleep, get up at 7am, and be back on the road by noon. And that is EXACTLY what we did!!! By 7:30, we were all ready and headed out of the room and down to the lobby for breakfast. They really did have a great breakfast for us, and as we were chowing down, the TV was reporting about the horrific flooding in Atlanta!!!! I was worried for all of you, but also very thankful that we had made it through there without any problems. We were headed back out by 8am, due South, knowing that hopefully our next stop would be the MOUSE'S HOUSE!!!!!!!!

Somewhere between 9:30 and 10, we crossed into FLORIDA, and we could all feel the excitement growing SO intense! We knew that we were nearing the end!!! We were looking forward to counting all the Disney billboards we would be seeing, but can you believe, we did not see a SINGLE ONE!!!!!!!! We were shocked!!!! BUT, as the clock neared noon, we did get to see something that made us all squeal...............

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0001.jpg

Okay....I hope you all can see that.....it is my pathetic attempt to take a picture of the Disney World exit sign!!!!! WE MADE IT!!!!! Smiles filled the faces of each of us in that vehicle, and chills ran down our arms when we could look out off to the left and see Spaceship Earth in the distance!!!!! I think Megan almost didn't believe it until this amazing sight came into view.............

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0005.jpg

And then the most unbelievable warmth and happiness filled my heart when this came into my view.........

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0003.jpg

accompanied of course with the sweetest, most delightful squeal of joy a parent could ever hear!!!! I truly wish I had video of it on top of the picture, but it is a moment I know that will be encapsulated in our minds forever!!! WE FINALLY MADE IT BACK.......JUST THE THREE OF US.......and it was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom even turned his IPOD on to his Disney files, and we all joyfully sang the beloved tunes as we followed the resort signs to Port Orleans French Quarter!!!!

For those of you who have never been on POFQ's premises, let me just say that I believe it is simply BEAUTIFUL!!! So charming, so quaint, and just so pretty! We quickly found our way into the lobby---and of course Megs ran straight to the kiddie area to watch some Disney toonies!!! She LOVES doing that while we check in....SO cute!!! Our check-in went so smoothly.....we knew that our room would not be ready yet since we were so early, but were elated to find out that we were EXACTLY where we wanted to be---in building four on the first floor!!! What a way to kick off the celebrations!!!!! :dance3: WOOHOO!!!! The lovely CM gave us our KTTW, welcome package, and then buttons for each of us---Anniversary ones for Tom and I, and a birthday button for Miss Megs! We sat down on the couch and quickly discussed what we all wanted to do............................

I'm sure you all will be real surprised to find out............................................... .................................................. ...........................

that we all could not WAIT to get to................................................ ..........

THE MAGIC KINGDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know.....real shocker, eh??????? We just can't HELP ourselves!!!! So we loaded back up into the SUV, parked it in the shade near building four, and took the lovely little short path to the bus stop!!!! I knew I had picked a great location for us when I realized how short our commute would be to the bus stop each day!!! YEAH!!!! We waited a few short minutes, and then our lovely Disney chariot showed up to whisk us away to MK!!!!!

Here we are on the bus.....Megan is showing off her lovely birthday button. Can you tell we were excited?!?!?!??!?!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0006.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0007.jpg

UP NEXT: OUR FIRST MOMENTS AT MK!!!!!!! What will we accomplish? Whom might we see???? How do we get our celebrations going right?????

I promise it won't be long until you find out!!! Come back now, 'ya hear!!!!!

Trentmom

10-16-2009, 11:50 PM

MegansMom

10-17-2009, 12:10 AM

YAY, you have started :woohoo:

I could feel the excitement as you got closer to Disney

The expression of Meg's face is priceless when she saw the sign.. She is too cute :cutie:

Can't wait to read more :surfweb:

Hey sweetie!!!!! I am so glad to have finally started!!! Thanks for sticking around!

Our excitement was palpable in that vehicle.......I wish we could have bottled it up!

I LOVE that picture of Megan......absolutely LOVED it!!!!

I PROMISE there will be more to come soon!!!!!

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR COMING BACK TO READ ALONG!!!! I THINK YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID! :lmao:

Lady Lallie

10-17-2009, 07:44 AM

I can't believe how bigger Megs looks! My goodness.

I'm so excited that you have started the TR. WOO HOO!! :banana:

Charleston Princess

10-17-2009, 08:00 AM

Hi, Jen! I am so thrilled that you have started your TR! Hurray! :woohoo:

I didn't realize that you had driven through the Atlanta rains! :eek: They were brutal and caused so much flooding. We were fortunate that our county did not receive the brunt of the rain, but other places were not near as lucky!

Don't you just love exit 267? It's my favorite exit in the whole world, I think! ;)

Of course you headed to the Magic Kingdom! I am surprised you even needed to discuss it. :laughing:

wigdoutdismom

10-17-2009, 11:19 AM

Oh my gosh, your little darling looks to grown up! I love the expression on her face upon arrival!
Can't wait to read more!

micandminforever

10-17-2009, 12:38 PM

I love the expressions on Megan's face and look forward to the rest of your report.

heartofdisney

10-17-2009, 12:43 PM

Yeah!!! You've started your trip report!!! And what a wonderful start your trip had!
I just loved Megans face when she saw the Disney World entrance signs!!! No words can sum up her love for Disney like that expression! :lovestruc
I am looking forward to reading the rest of your trip report and I am glad you had an amazing vacation!:thumbsup2

MegansMom

10-17-2009, 01:29 PM

I can't believe how bigger Megs looks! My goodness.

I'm so excited that you have started the TR. WOO HOO!! :banana:

Thanks my love!!! It is so good to be in contact with you all again!!! Life feels normal now! Sending out big HUGS!!!!

Hi, Jen! I am so thrilled that you have started your TR! Hurray! :woohoo:

I didn't realize that you had driven through the Atlanta rains! :eek: They were brutal and caused so much flooding. We were fortunate that our county did not receive the brunt of the rain, but other places were not near as lucky!

Don't you just love exit 267? It's my favorite exit in the whole world, I think! ;)

Of course you headed to the Magic Kingdom! I am surprised you even needed to discuss it. :laughing:

Hey sweet Jackie!!!! I am so glad I am back and can chit chat with you all again! We had SUCH a great time, and I can't wait to share it all with you guys!!! I have some really FUN pictures and video too!

We made it through all that rain---thanks to my lovely driver! BUT, it made me so worried for you all in that area! I have to admit that it warmed my heart as we drove through GA knowing how close I was to you all!!! Sending out hugs to you all!!!

Megan kept going back and forth between swimming and touring, but once we saw that WDW sign, I knew there was only one place she wanted to be!!! We had a great first day.....can't wait to share it with you!!!!

Oh my gosh, your little darling looks to grown up! I love the expression on her face upon arrival!
Can't wait to read more!

She has gotten so "big" this year---oiur "baby" is really growing into a beautiful little girl......I am SO biased!!! ;) I loved that picture as soon as I took it! It was so priceless and perfect, and I know for both Tom and I that it made every penny worth it!

I love the expressions on Megan's face and look forward to the rest of your report.

Thanks sweetie! Her face melted me right there in my seat!!! Thanks for letting me share that moment with you all!

Yeah!!! You've started your trip report!!! And what a wonderful start your trip had!
I just loved Megans face when she saw the Disney World entrance signs!!! No words can sum up her love for Disney like that expression! :lovestruc
I am looking forward to reading the rest of your trip report and I am glad you had an amazing vacation!:thumbsup2

Her squeal was so cute too! It was so genuine and so joyful---there are just no words for it! I know it is the reaction all parents look forward to! It was so great!

jenjolt

10-17-2009, 07:56 PM

lmillercrew

10-17-2009, 08:06 PM

WooHoo!!! I love that you can see the excitement on Megans face!!! I wish that my kids still had that reaction when they see the Mickey signs. Can't wait to hear more!popcorn::

ampc3

10-17-2009, 09:24 PM

welcome home and back Jen!!! I can't believe you had to drive through the storm in ATL... our county was hit pretty hard, the kids were off 2 days of school b/c alot of the little roads/bridges were washed out.. our neighborhood was ok, except our pool /tennis area got hit bad.. can't imagine having to drive through that at night!

I did end up taking Emma for her bday 9/18 weekend stayed at POP and LOVED it!!! thought of you b/c I knew your trip was just about to start! we had great weather and NO CROWDS sooo my new favorite time to visit compared to JUNE...

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

Annette

IluvXU

10-17-2009, 09:31 PM

I am in. You give me hope about driving next summer with the kids. Glad that your CRHP weekend went great.... it is truly better to give than receive!

FairyGodmotherJen

10-17-2009, 10:28 PM

First of all, congrats on a successful CRHP weekend. I agree- it was hard to believe, but the weekend I presented with my team was even better than the weekend I'd experienced. I'm glad it went well...and, of course, that you got on your way when you wanted to!!! We're driving next June, and we're sorta in the same general vicinity as you....:rolleyes: Could I ask how long it took you?

That picture of Megan is PRICELESS! No doubt in your mind at that point that this was money well spent!!! Glad you liked PO - my BIL and SIL love that resort. We're breaking them out of their comfort zone to head to CB this time. And so great that you got a good location! Can't wait to hear what comes next....popcorn::

MegansMom

10-18-2009, 01:29 PM

JEN JEN JEN!!! YAY YAY YAY!! I'm so excited to see you have your TR started!!

Wow I love seeing that exact same sign when I'm driving to Disney too!! Makes me get all excited inside!!! Great picture of Meg's face she was so excited to be back at Disney as were the rest of you!!!

OOOH...you stayed at POFQ....how nice I can't wait to see pictures of the resort!!!!!!

Anxiously awaiting more!!

Hey sweetie!!! So glad to be back in touch! I love that picture---it was just the best!

More will be coming soon.....probably tomorrow afternoon!!! STAY TUNED!

WooHoo!!! I love that you can see the excitement on Megans face!!! I wish that my kids still had that reaction when they see the Mickey signs. Can't wait to hear more!popcorn::

Ohhhhhh.....please don't tell me that face goes away at some point!!!! ;) More will be coming soon!

welcome home and back Jen!!! I can't believe you had to drive through the storm in ATL... our county was hit pretty hard, the kids were off 2 days of school b/c alot of the little roads/bridges were washed out.. our neighborhood was ok, except our pool /tennis area got hit bad.. can't imagine having to drive through that at night!

I did end up taking Emma for her bday 9/18 weekend stayed at POP and LOVED it!!! thought of you b/c I knew your trip was just about to start! we had great weather and NO CROWDS sooo my new favorite time to visit compared to JUNE...

Can't wait to hear about your trip!

Annette

Hey honey---so glad to hear that you are okay and that you all had a great little trip! OH how I love going in September! I was definitely thinking of you too!

More will be coming.....stay tuned!

I am in. You give me hope about driving next summer with the kids. Glad that your CRHP weekend went great.... it is truly better to give than receive!

Yes it is my dear....yes it is!!!! I think the drive down there really isn't so bad.....even if you do it all in one day! I have been thinking of you lots!!! So glad to be able to chat it up again!!!

First of all, congrats on a successful CRHP weekend. I agree- it was hard to believe, but the weekend I presented with my team was even better than the weekend I'd experienced. I'm glad it went well...and, of course, that you got on your way when you wanted to!!! We're driving next June, and we're sorta in the same general vicinity as you....:rolleyes: Could I ask how long it took you?

That picture of Megan is PRICELESS! No doubt in your mind at that point that this was money well spent!!! Glad you liked PO - my BIL and SIL love that resort. We're breaking them out of their comfort zone to head to CB this time. And so great that you got a good location! Can't wait to hear what comes next....popcorn::

Thanks for the congrats.....the weekend was so special....what a way to start a vacation!!!

Since we had to break it up do to our late Sunday start, it took us a combined total of 12.5-13 hours. We don't stop much, drive-thru for food when we stop to get gas and go to the restroom, but it really isn't too bad of a drive. To give you some idea of where we are coming from, we live in Hebron, KY which is where the Cincy airport is located---so if you fly to Cincy, you are actually in KY!!! Hope that helps!

POFQ was a first for us---we have never stayed here.....there will be more on my review of the resort later in the TR....stay tuned!!!!!

MORE COMING SOON......next update will probably be tomorrow afternoon! I am off to go snuggle with Tom, Megs, and Max---watch some football and enjoy a quiet Sunday here at home!!! I hope you are all having a great one!!! ENJOY!

we3are1

10-18-2009, 04:02 PM

lmillercrew

10-18-2009, 07:46 PM

Unfortunately, when they become "too cool" teenagers, you just don't see it as much. So, I have to make up for the lack of excitement on their faces. :laughing:

MegansMom

10-19-2009, 01:06 AM

Loving your PTR and TR. Been back from our trip since 9/17 and already planning the next tone 8/10. Waiting to hear more about your trip.

Can I ask what CRHP (I think that is the abbreviation for your women's retreat ) is? I am always interested in information on amazing women's retreats. We have pretty good ones but could keeping my eyes open for new blessing.

Thanks for following along!!! Glad to have you here!!! I hope your trip was a great one as well!!!

CRHP stands for Christ Renews His Parish.....it is a national renewal weekend program that my church participates in....I went on it in March, and just gave a CRHP weekend the weekend we left for our vacation. It has been a life-changing, wonderful experience for me personally.

Unfortunately, when they become "too cool" teenagers, you just don't see it as much. So, I have to make up for the lack of excitement on their faces. :laughing:

I SO don't look forward to that age at all!!! I used to teach High School, so I know all too well what lies ahead.........YUCK!!!! ;)

2xcited2sleep

10-19-2009, 07:06 AM

stacikristine

10-19-2009, 12:16 PM

YAY! I'm so glad you started your TR! :goodvibes

I can't believe you made it without passing out before the trip! You were SOO busy! But I'm so glad the women's retreat went so well.

Oh my goodness--Megan's expression when she saw the sign is just priceless. Probably one of the cutest Disney excitement pictures I've ever seen! :cutie:

I can't wait to hear all about your first day in the park!!!

BippityBoo

10-19-2009, 12:23 PM

Yay! Excited about your TR. I had just subscribed right at the end of your PTR. I have lots of reading to do to catch up!

Megan is soo cute! She looks about my daughter's age. I am so excited to see if you guys like going to MK right after check in. Our plans for our January trip are to have the front desk hold our bags and off to MK!! We have never done it this way before!

Looking forward to your next post popcorn::

MegansMom

10-19-2009, 05:46 PM

I'm so glad you started your TR! Whew- that sounds like a whirlwind of activity before your vacation! But as you said, all good stuff! :thumbsup2

I know some of you may think I'm crazy but I'm kind of liking the idea of driving to WDW. I know, nuts! But it just seems like a fun adventure - watching movies, anticipation building, getting closer etc. I'm sure I'd change my mind if I ever did it. :rolleyes:

Meg's face when she sees the sign is awesome! Pure joy. Disney joy. Love it!!!

Hurrah for getting the room you wanted - isn't that a great feeling?!

On your way to MK-- can't wait to hear what happens next! popcorn::

Our drive isn't too bad....luckily Megan travels well. BUT I think she is getting nearer the age when she will no longer put up with it. She keeps begging Tom to let us go on an airplane next time........we shall see!!!

The room location was PERFECT!!!! More on our room later....:goodvibes

YAY! I'm so glad you started your TR! :goodvibes

I can't believe you made it without passing out before the trip! You were SOO busy! But I'm so glad the women's retreat went so well.

Oh my goodness--Megan's expression when she saw the sign is just priceless. Probably one of the cutest Disney excitement pictures I've ever seen! :cutie:

I can't wait to hear all about your first day in the park!!!

I think I must have been on some fierce adrenaline high.....I just don't know what else could have kept me going!!!!

I think that picture is priceless too!!!! SO SWEET!!!! I just want to KISS it!

Yay! Excited about your TR. I had just subscribed right at the end of your PTR. I have lots of reading to do to catch up!

Megan is soo cute! She looks about my daughter's age. I am so excited to see if you guys like going to MK right after check in. Our plans for our January trip are to have the front desk hold our bags and off to MK!! We have never done it this way before!

Looking forward to your next post popcorn::

Thanks for coming along for the ride!!! I hope you enjoy it!!! We have so many wonderful things to share with all of you!!! I highly recommend heading to MK.....there is just nothing greater!!! :thumbsup2

MegansMom

10-19-2009, 06:35 PM

When I left off, we were on our much adored Disney Chariot heading due straight to the MAGIC KINGDOM!!! We were all so excited...it almost felt surreal to have been in the car driving one minute, and on a bus to MK the next. What a way to start a week?!??!?!?! Don't we all wish that all Mondays could be like this!!?!?!?!?! We were excited just to be back, but we really didn't have an agenda/plan about anything. Tonight was going to be our let's take it in stride night. We would go where we wanted, eat what we wanted, and just be happy with whatever we got to do.

As we unloaded and strolled up to the MK for the first time this trip, and the first time EVER WITHOUT A STROLLER (:banana:), we quickly looked at the fall decor and then headed in to get our first glimpses of Main Street!

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Okay, this is definitely NOT the best picture I took---but literally the one I took as I was walking onto Main Street. Tom and I quickly spotted a VIP as we were walking past the Emporium, and it only took one look at each other to know that we wanted to stop for our VIP Princess Megan. Who was standing there ready to greet us???????????????????

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SNOW WHITE OF COURSE!!!!!! It was almost too good to be true!!! For those of you who don't know, Snow White is by far Megan's FAVORITE princess!!!!! To say that our party and celebrating got started off on the right foot was a BIG understatement!!!! She was SO excited that literally the first thing we got to do at WDW this year was see Snow! They had a lovely visit too----chatted it up for quite some time about her birthday, about how Snow White was her favorite, why she was her favorite, and about the dwarves. It was SO cute!!!! I do have some video, but it was taped in HD, so I need to figure out a way to transfer it so you all can view it.....will work on that! Stay tuned for that later!

After our visit with Snow, we strolled down the greatest street in the world---all the way back to Fantasyland!!!

My lovely FP MASTER hubby, headed straight over to Winnie the Pooh to obtain a FP for later in the afternoon. Why WP you ask???? Well, as many of you know, WP usually gives you out a bonus FP to Philharmagic--which it did--so we were already set with two FPs right away!

It was at this point that Megan pointed out something that we were all feeling.......we were STARVING!!!!!! We had snacked a little on the way down, but had not eaten a full meal since the hotel that morning. Since we were in FL, and since Tom LOVES the cheesecakes at Pinocchio's, we headed in there for our first taste of WDW food. We each had a pizza (Tom the meat, me the veggie, Megs the cheese), salad, and the strawberry cheesecake for dessert for Tom and me and the chocolate chip cookie for Miss Megs. It was a very filling lunch/dinner for us---I think it was nearing 2pm by this point. Pizza is never that great at WDW, but we were so hungry that it all tasted so good!

Once we were fed and full, we asked Miss Megan the question I had been waiting so long to ask.....WHAT ARE WE GOING TO RIDE FIRST MY DEAR??????

My daughter did not disappoint....for Tom and I really already knew what she was going to say............................."IT'S A SMALL WORLD MOMMY!!!" And of course, away we went on the happiest cruise in the world! We waited between 5-10 mins, and then boarded our grand ship and set off! It is always so familiar and wonderful all at the same time. Megan sang her little heart out as we traveled from continent to continent! She also began a new tradition----she began to imitate all the different dances the dolls do from all around the world. Tom and I would join in the dancing too when asked!!! We just enjoy ourselves so much on that ride!!!!

As we left IASW, Tom realized that he could get another FP, so he grabbed one for Peter Pan---with a return time of 7pm!!!!

We then headed to some other favorites around Fantasyland that had very little waits.......starting with SNOW WHITE!!!

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(Megan said she wished she could blow up this picture and cover her bedroom wall with it!!!! ME TOO!!) ;)

She and Tom took the front of the vehicle, but she assured me that she could "hold my hand in case I got scared!" :goodvibes We enjoyed our "scary adventure" and waved happily as always to Dopey at the ride's end! Megan could get stuck in that ride and be VERY happy! Loves being with her "Snow!"

Since we were close, we went ahead and used our FP for Winnie the Pooh---again, Tom and Megs took the front, which allows me the opportunity to watch the joy in her eyes and the smiles on her face as we go through those rides!!! I think her new favorite part of the ride is the bouncing with Tigger----my how we all giggled this year---and my favorite is always the "Rain, rain, rain came down, down, down" scene----so we all left that ride just so happy!

My happiness only intensified when we headed towards the carousel and realized that there was only a 10 minute wait for DUMBO!!! So you know we were in that queue as fast as possible! We moved through the line very quickly---so quickly I didn't even get a good chance to take a good photo, but did manage to snap this smiling face before we boarded!!!

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And before we knew it, my pilot had us flying high above Fantasyland---enjoying all the royal sights!!!

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She looks like an experienced pilot, right??!!!??!?!? :goodvibes

After our smooth and safe landing, we swapped our elephant in for a horse of course....and walked right onto the carousel!!!

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Megan loves the music they play on the carousel so much that she hummed along with the songs that she recognized---it was so sweet!

After our ride on the carousel, we decided that we needed some A/C!!! (It was a hot one that day!) So we used our FP for Philharmagic and headed into "Donald's Show" as Megs lovingly calls it!

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Sorry about the blur---we were being rushed into the waiting area, so I didn't get a good chance to take the picture, but Megs wanted me to put this on here because she loves that picture SO MUCH!!! She has her picture taken by it every year!!!! So that one is for Megs! ;)

Here she is waiting SO EXCITEDLY to get into the theater....she LOVES this show SO MUCH, and time has not diminished that love at all!!! Still makes her so happy!!!

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And that my dear TR readers is where I am going to stop for tonight.......

Of course there is much more on the horizon....we leave FL, but where do we head next???? Liberty Square? Frontierland? Will Miss Megs be brave enough for new rides....like HAUNTED MANSION????? Will we as a family see anything new this year????? Will we make a visit to those "dilapidated" old Country Bears???? Just what does Megan get all over her face????? What will we think about our arrival to our "home" at POFQ?????

All those answers and MUCH MUCH MORE in the next update!!! STAY TUNED!!!

Trentmom

10-19-2009, 09:04 PM

Looks like your Trip was off to a great start.

Sounds like Megan was having a blast running the show, picking where to go for her Princess Birthday Celebration :laughing:

Lady Lallie

10-19-2009, 09:16 PM

What a wonderful update! Reading about your adventures just puts a huge smile on my face. :goodvibes

It just seems perfect that the first character you run into is Snow White. :lovestruc

moparop

10-19-2009, 09:51 PM

What an awesome first afternoon! There's nothing like soaking up the atmosphere of Fantasyland on your first day!

MegansMom

10-20-2009, 08:47 AM

Looks like your Trip was off to a great start.

Sounds like Megan was having a blast running the show, picking where to go for her Princess Birthday Celebration :laughing:

She had such a blast....let me tell you, she REALLY gets into the whole birthday celebrating thing!!!! More to come on that soon!

What a wonderful update! Reading about your adventures just puts a huge smile on my face. :goodvibes

It just seems perfect that the first character you run into is Snow White. :lovestruc

Awww....you are so sweet honey!!! :hug: Reading about them all over again, makes me remember just how wonderful our trip was!

We literally could not believe that we walked in, and she was just standing there!!! TOO perfect! Megan was THRILLED!!!

What an awesome first afternoon! There's nothing like soaking up the atmosphere of Fantasyland on your first day!

We had to get our FL fix right away!!! The rest of the afternoon is just as good too!!! Just wait!!!

Charleston Princess

10-20-2009, 09:03 AM

How wonderfully perfect that you saw Snow White as soon as you arrived at the Magic Kingdom! I bet that just set the tone for the whole vacation! :goodvibes

We haven't eaten at Pinocchio's since 2004 -- I always think about it, but we never seem to be in the right spot at the right time. Did you sit where you could see the IASW boats?

Love how into IASW Megs gets! Too cute! You were definitely rockin' and rollin' getting Fantasyland rides done! I am always so impressed by how many rides you manage to do in a day!

I hope Megan decided to ride Haunted Mansion this year!

MegansMom

10-21-2009, 01:17 AM

It was such a great start to our trip!

We usually sit over on the other side---near the exit to the restroom---but also where you can see out towards Dumbo. Don't ask me why, but that is where we usually end up!

Things moved so quickly that day, and my lovely FP master kept us rolling from one attraction to the next!

Ooooohhhhhhh HAUNTED MANSION.......will she ride it or not.......THAT IS THE BIG QUESTION INDEED!!!!!!

2xcited2sleep

10-21-2009, 06:16 AM

If U Had Wings

10-21-2009, 01:24 PM

Sounds like your trip is off to a wonderful start! Can't wait to hear more.:goodvibes

redsox721

10-21-2009, 01:59 PM

Wonderful start to your trip. Megan has gotten so big. I love the picture of her in the car when she saw the sign. Her smile is so wonderful in every picture. I can feel her excitement coming through. Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip.

stacikristine

10-21-2009, 02:46 PM

Oh my goodness! What a fantastic start to your first day at Walt Disney World!! I just love the joy on Megan's face! :goodvibes How special that Megan was able to see Snow White first thing, and that you were able to ride so much in Fantasy Land! :thumbsup2

lmillercrew

10-21-2009, 08:41 PM

That's it??? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every minute of it, but I wanted MORE!! (jk) :rotfl:
You guys are off to a great start! Great weather too.

MegansMom

10-22-2009, 12:53 AM

What a magical start to your vacation. Snow White was just waiting for you! Meg just looks so happy in all the photos. :cloud9: It makes me smile just to see it!

IASW... I could do without that but if it is her favorite! :thumbsup2

I'm also a big fan of the Snow White ride. Makes me sad to think it may not survive the Fantasyland refurb. My only consolation is that maybe some cool stuff will go on Mouse Surplus!

10 min wait for Dumbo?! Wow!!

Can't wait to see what happens next! popcorn::

It's like Mickey knew when we were coming in and set it all up!! Seeing SW right away just started everything off right! She was just so happy throughout the whole trip....so much fun!

I think you might just change your tone about IASW if you rode it with Megs....she can make ANYONE enjoy it!!!! ;):rotfl:

Shhhh.....we aren't talking about the possibility of Snow White closing....hopefully if we don't talk about it, it won't happen! :confused3

We were so excited about the Dumbo NO WAIT....I couldn't really believe it!

So much fun to come....stay tuned!

Sounds like your trip is off to a wonderful start! Can't wait to hear more.:goodvibes

More coming soon!!! We have so much fun to share with you all!

Wonderful start to your trip. Megan has gotten so big. I love the picture of her in the car when she saw the sign. Her smile is so wonderful in every picture. I can feel her excitement coming through. Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip.

She has gotten so tall this year! She has lost any trace of babyness and is completely a little girl now.....makes Mommy so sad sometimes!!!! Her smile is the best motivation to continue to do whatever she wanted!!!! How can you say "No" to that face?!?!?!?! ;)

Oh my goodness! What a fantastic start to your first day at Walt Disney World!! I just love the joy on Megan's face! :goodvibes How special that Megan was able to see Snow White first thing, and that you were able to ride so much in Fantasy Land! :thumbsup2

We weren't sure how much we could get done coming in during the afternoon, but we flew through those rides....I bet we did all of that within an hour to an hour and a half! FUN TIMES!!!! Everyone needs a FP Master like my hubby too!!!! I am willing to loan him out if anyone wants to pay for us to go too!!!! :rotfl:;)

That's it??? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every minute of it, but I wanted MORE!! (jk) :rotfl:
You guys are off to a great start! Great weather too.

Don't worry my dear....more will be coming soon!!!! I have to pace myself my dear!! :rotfl2: LOVE the enthusiasm though!!!

MegansMom

10-29-2009, 10:10 AM

So when we last left off on our magical adventures, we had just gorged ourselves on the magic and wonder of Fantasyland! We knew we would need to be moving on to other parts of the park, but also knew we would be heading back there also later that night to use our Peter Pan FP!!!

SO.........where do you think we headed?????? Well, since we had just walked out of Philharmagic, we decided to take a left and head towards Liberty Square!

AND the very first thing that we came walking up to was of course the magnificent HAUNTED MANSION!!!! Now, for those of you who don't know, I adore this ride, but my daughter however does not! On our first trip in September 2006, she was too young to understand where we were going when we went to ride HM, and quickly fell asleep due to the dark confines of the ride. On our Nov 2007 and June 2008 trips however, she was not interested in going ANYWHERE near it!!! So, we weren't sure what she would decide this trip. We had talked about it a great deal prior to going, but you never know how they are going to behave once you get there, you know???? When we came up to the line, my hopes were going up because I noticed there was no wait---we could just walk on. So, we quickly reminded her that she would be okay, that Mommy and Daddy would be with her, and she said.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ......................

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

:banana::cool1::banana::cool1:

We were so excited, and we quickly got in the line and made a beeline to the door before she could change her mind. To help alleviate any nerves, Tom held her for the beginning rooms, and I held her hand. She actually thought the stretching room was quite funny----note: she didn't ever notice or see the hanging from the ceiling, so give her some credit! :lmao: Then we quickly boarded our doom buggy, and away we went. We pointed as much as we could out to her, and she revelled in every detail and moment of the ride---she LOVED the appearing footsteps on the stairwells and wanted to go down and join in on their "party!" Before we knew it, we were in the cemetary and she was singing right along to the "Grim Grinning Ghosts!" (We have the music for the ride at home!) She giggled so loudly as we passed through the corridor where the ghosts hop aboard and hitchhike their way out--I wish I could have snapped a picture for you---it was too cute!!! And before I knew it, our "first" ride through the HM was over.....and a little pang of doubt sprang into my head. I began worrying that maybe she was feigning joy and interest to subdue her nerves, maybe she really was scared, and wouldn't want to ride it again. SO I thought I would test her out as we left the ride, and asked her, "So, do you want to ride that again later?" And with the biggest grin on her face and joy in her eyes, she said, "YES!!! I LOVE THAT RIDE!" And then I knew.......she really did like it! She would never want to go again on something that she didn't like---even if she pretended she did! SO, Tom and I were very excited to see that our fascination with the HM had now been passed on to our girlie too!!!! (Let me just tell you, there is more of the HM story to come---you WON'T believe it!!! BUT you will have to stay tuned later to find out what it is!)

So we then started back out into Liberty Square---hoping to ride the Riverboat, but alas, it was still closed for rehab. We wanted to do the Hall of Presidents but a show had just started so we decided to hit it on our way back to PP. At that point, Megan realized that she could see BTMRR and SM, and so with one sweet look at her Daddy, we quickly decided to head our way over to the wild Frontier!

When we got there, Tom surveyed the FP and line wait situation, and since BTMRR had no wait, he opted to get a FP for Splash, and we walked on to BTMRR!!! BOY DO WE LOVE THIS ROLLERCOASTER!!!

Megan and Daddy getting ready to take off on her "FAVORITE" ride!

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I love to sit in front of them, and then I get to hear her sweet giggle and squeals all the way through!!! She loves riding this one with Daddy so that he can "hold her tight" so she won't "fall out!"

After our crazy trip through the mountain, we decided we needed an A/C break, so we headed in to Country Bear Jamboree.

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This is not one of our favorites, but Megan sure did giggle quite a bit through it this year---she liked clapping along too! The A/C sure did feel good though!!! :rotfl:

We then headed through the walkway into Adventureland, and Megan and I found some carpets to fly---we walked right on!

My pilot

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You can see from the picture that it was getting HOT and HUMID very quickly!!!! The humidity was insane!!! You merely stepped outside, and your clothes stock to you like a magnet. SO, Tom felt like it was a good time to find a lovely WDW bench and have a cold treat! We got two Mickey bars, two frozen lemonades, and a bag of Cheetos for my Carbs Boy! While Megs and I started into our snacks, he hopped over and grabbed a FP for Jungle Cruise too!

And here are some wonderful before and afters of our snack to share with you! Megan and I of course opted for our favorite---the Mickey Mouse Ice Cream bar---even though I knew the humidity would melt it in a heartbeat! BOY did that first one taste good!!!!

Megan--BEFORE

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Megan--AFTER

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http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0027.jpg

It was hard to capture how truly messy she was, but there was my attempt...in the sprinkling rain. The funniest thing about this to us is that Megan HATES to be messy---has always been like this since she was a baby, but every year at Mickey's House, she becomes a chocolate mess after eating her ice cream, and it never bothers her!!! She just giggles right through it!! Tom and I love that! We can see her let down her over-sensitive guard long enough to enjoy her sweet treat in all its' ooey-gooey greatness!!! And again, THIS is why we come back every year!!! Those five-ten minutes are some of the best we ever have....to see our sweetie be able to be a little more like a "normal" kid! It is heaven on earth to us!

After we were finished, the sprinkling rain looked like it was going to turn more into pouring rain, so we headed for some shelter and "some rum" at another one of my all-time favorites.....POTC!!! It had been a long time since we got to "Yo Ho" since it was closed during our entire June 2008 trip, so the three of us could not wait to board our boat! And luckily, we were able to walk right on! Megan had so much fun---singing the song all the way through! We really didn't want to get off, but we knew we could go to Splash to use our FP, so we were excited to go too!

For those of you that don't know, Splash I think has really become my favorite ride---it has a little bit of everything in it for me: cute characters, storyline, good music, thrill of the drops, etc. I really have begun to love it SO much!!! With FP in hand, we quickly worked our way through the line to our awaiting log! Again, Megan and I sang our way through this ride---probably a bit too loudly for the family sitting in front of the three of us, but we didn't care! We love it SO much! We were getting so excited about going down the big hill, and then we STOPPED, right at the bottom!!! FOR THE LONGEST TIME!!!! But hey, we got to sit there and really listen to all the audio---especially the birds! I think Megan actually liked being able to hear everything they have to say.......several times......over and over again........BUT, we of course eventually got going again!!! And the three of us squealed and giggled right into that briar patch!!! ZIP A DEE DO DAH!!!!!

After our big SPLASH was over, we headed back to Adventureland to use our Jungle Cruise FP. By the time we made it over there, it had gotten dark, and I got REALLY excited!!! Why???? Because I have NEVER ridden JC at night, and I had heard how much different it was at night---YOU ALL WERE RIGHT!!!! Now, it didn't make the jokes any less corny, but I LOVE going through there at night with the mood lights on---it made it much more enjoyable indeed!!!! IT WAS AWESOME!

Since it was getting so late, we knew we needed to finish up the rides we wanted to get in that day, so we headed back to Liberty Square and watched the new version of the HoP! I have always loved this attraction---I am just so fascinated by the complex audio-animatronics. Megan was so cute because she wanted to know so much more about all the presidents........we did the best we could! She clapped each time a president was introduced too....especially for the ones that she "knew!" We were just so excited that she really listened and paid attention during the show. It was great!

After that, we headed up to PP to use our FP. We boarded our flying pirate ship and took off to Neverland! Such joy is found in this little attraction! We love finding all the Tinkerbells and we now have a new family tradition---Megan loves the part of the movie where that music plays everytime the crocodile is near, so we now sing that "Da Da Dum Dum Dum" song everytime we spy that wily old crock! (Megan even does this little hip dance to it---too cute!)

When our ship returned us home, we decided that we needed to call it a night! We didn't want to wait until the end of the fireworks to leave, so while the parade and the fireworks were going on, we walked out---but we had to of course walk all the way around through FL and TL and down the crowded Main Street to get out. We knew there would be plenty more opportunities to see both of those shows later! We got to the bus stop and waited about 10 mins. for a POFQ bus to arrive. It filled up pretty quickly with those of us who were waiting---Tom and Megs did find one seat to share, and I stood. I was ever so much more thankful that I no longer needed to stand with a stroller in hand too!!! When we got to POFQ, we hopped off at the bus stop and went just around the corner to where our car was parked, and grabbed our luggage. Remember--we had checked in, but our room was not ready, so we were going to be heading to it for the first time. Our room was in building four which was right there, and after a quick stroll through the one courtyard that is near the parking lot and through to the next side of the building, we only had to make a right and we were just a few doors down. Our location was SUPERB!!!! We were in Room 4132! As we strolled down the walkway to our door, I realized that we looked out onto the most beautiful courtyard with this lovely little cobblestone pathway going down it. And then it happened, the most wonderful little Disney Moment that you can have as you are experiencing a new resort. We were looking out over this beautiful courtyard, and taking in all the beauty, and then to be even more perfect, a horse and carriage began coming down that lovely little cobblestone path, and the clip-clop of those horses hooves just made it all seem SO PERFECT AND WONDERFUL!!! I know I was standing there with my mouth wide open in a perfect state of awe... :cloud9: We then went into our beautiful room.........

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0029.jpg

Look what Megan found!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0028.jpg

We wheeled in all the luggage, and I quickly started my beloved unpacking process. Tom decided he was hungry, so he said he was going to go down to the Food Court to find some snacks for us. He was so happy to find out how close we were to the food court as well---he said it was like only 10 steps to it, I think that is a little bit of an understatement, but it was SERIOUSLY close!!! SCORE!!! He got his beloved refillable mug, and purchased a pizza to bring back to the room. While he was doing this, Megan and I showered and pj'ed up, and I continued to unpack. It was such a great ending to a great first day---we lounged around, ate pizza, watched some of our favorite Disney Resort channels, and unpacked into our home away from home! It didn't take any of us long to fall asleep that night!!! END OF DAY ONE AT WDW!!!!

Favorite Moments of that day (in no particular order):
--when Megan pointed out all of the different dolls at IASW and did all the different dances
--Megan, aka "MY DRIVER," on all the flying rides! She was too cute!!! (Would always ask me where I wanted to go!)
--Her face when she saw the WDW sign
--Watching her face and listening to her squeals on BTMRR
--Megan clapping for the presidents at HofP
--The ice cream eating before and afters!
--Her endless "Thank You Mommy and Daddy" for taking her back to Mickey's House! We heard it all day long!!!!

UP NEXT: Day two at ANIMAL KINGDOM!!!! Stay tuned!

stacikristine

10-29-2009, 11:57 AM

If U Had Wings

10-29-2009, 12:36 PM

Great update. I'm so glad that you had such a wonderful first day and that you loved POFQ. Can't wait to hear about AK!

jenjolt

10-29-2009, 01:29 PM

Awwwww Jen...what an amazing update!!! Those looks on Meg's face say it all...she was one very very happy little girl!!!!

Okay I have to tell you...my favorite part of all of this is that she rode and LOVED HM!! Another HM convert WOOT!!! Makes me happy and I hope you will have many more great rides on there!!!!!

I'm looking forward to hearing all about your Animal Kingdom Day!!

MegansMom

10-29-2009, 03:00 PM

Aw! What a great update! :goodvibes I had a huge smile on my face the whole time just looking at your little girl's smile! It's so exciting that your family was able to go "just the three of you" again, and that Megan got into all of the rides like she did! Woo-Hoo for her loving HM, and the ice cream pics were so cute! I just loved the whole update! :thumbsup2 And I really want to visit POR sometime now...

Thanks sweetie! It has been nice to relive this wonderful trip through the TR so far!!! Makes me remember just how many wonderful little moments we shared!

This was a very much needed trip for three---hopefully, there will be many more to come in the coming years!!! :rolleyes1

She doesn't just ride the rides, she really ENJOYS and LIVES them! So much fun to just sit back and watch!

I was so excited that she loved HM....you won't believe what is to come with that ride!!! Can't wait to share!

POFQ is VERY pretty.....it was a picture perfect introduction to that resort indeed!

Great update. I'm so glad that you had such a wonderful first day and that you loved POFQ. Can't wait to hear about AK!

Our first day was really enjoyable.....and it was only a half day too!!! WOW, we really accomplished a lot now that I think about it! WHAT FUN!!! AK is another good one!!! Can't wait to share with you!

Awwwww Jen...what an amazing update!!! Those looks on Meg's face say it all...she was one very very happy little girl!!!!

Okay I have to tell you...my favorite part of all of this is that she rode and LOVED HM!! Another HM convert WOOT!!! Makes me happy and I hope you will have many more great rides on there!!!!!

I'm looking forward to hearing all about your Animal Kingdom Day!!

Okay, so let me just say that first of all, I knew you would LOVE this update. And secondly, I can't tell you how many times I thought of you as we were walking into HM, waiting in the stretching room at HM, boarding our doom buggy at HM, going through the many wonderful rooms at HM----okay, I think you get the picture---you were thought of ALOT when we were at this ride.........and not to spoil anything, we were at this ride ALOT.........so that should just tell you how often you were thought of my dear!!! :thumbsup2 I was so excited when she enjoyed it, and I knew you would be so proud! Can't wait to share more about that with you, but I best leave that for another update!!!!!

jenjolt

10-29-2009, 03:09 PM

Thanks sweetie! It has been nice to relive this wonderful trip through the TR so far!!! Makes me remember just how many wonderful little moments we shared!

This was a very much needed trip for three---hopefully, there will be many more to come in the coming years!!! :rolleyes1

She doesn't just ride the rides, she really ENJOYS and LIVES them! So much fun to just sit back and watch!

I was so excited that she loved HM....you won't believe what is to come with that ride!!! Can't wait to share!

POFQ is VERY pretty.....it was a picture perfect introduction to that resort indeed!

Our first day was really enjoyable.....and it was only a half day too!!! WOW, we really accomplished a lot now that I think about it! WHAT FUN!!! AK is another good one!!! Can't wait to share with you!

Okay, so let me just say that first of all, I knew you would LOVE this update. And secondly, I can't tell you how many times I thought of you as we were walking into HM, waiting in the stretching room at HM, boarding our doom buggy at HM, going through the many wonderful rooms at HM----okay, I think you get the picture---you were thought of ALOT when we were at this ride.........and not to spoil anything, we were at this ride ALOT.........so that should just tell you how often you were thought of my dear!!! :thumbsup2 I was so excited when she enjoyed it, and I knew you would be so proud! Can't wait to share more about that with you, but I best leave that for another update!!!!!

OH Jen!!! You have totally just made my day!!! THANK YOU!!! You have no idea how much those words have meant to me today!!! I am so glad that your whole family shared such great and wonderful memories on that ride!! It is truly my favorite ride and brings me to a very special happy place and I'm so excited you all were able to share in that!!!! I can't wait to hear all about your HM Goodness!

FairyGodmotherJen

10-29-2009, 04:43 PM

Great update! Splash and POTC are two of my must do's this time, though the kids might not want to. But we'll have enough adults to hold on to them if not this time. It looks like you had a ball!

2xcited2sleep

10-29-2009, 05:08 PM

What a great update. Your enthusiasm is contagious through your words and pictures! :goodvibes I'm so glad M liked HM and can't wait to hear more about that! popcorn::

Lady Lallie

10-29-2009, 05:59 PM

You always give me Disney World Warm Fuzzies when I read your updates. I just get so excited for my upcoming trip, I just love it! :cloud9:

You always amaze me with how much you get done in the parks. Tom is a Fastpass Hero! :worship:

I love that you were happy with POFQ. I really can't wait to stay there. :banana:

MegansMom

10-29-2009, 08:28 PM

OH Jen!!! You have totally just made my day!!! THANK YOU!!! You have no idea how much those words have meant to me today!!! I am so glad that your whole family shared such great and wonderful memories on that ride!! It is truly my favorite ride and brings me to a very special happy place and I'm so excited you all were able to share in that!!!! I can't wait to hear all about your HM Goodness!

I am so glad I could make your day! Just wait to you hear more about our HM experiences this trip!!! :goodvibes You were thought of much my dear!

Great update! Splash and POTC are two of my must do's this time, though the kids might not want to. But we'll have enough adults to hold on to them if not this time. It looks like you had a ball!

Sounds like you are going to need some Rider Swaps!!! :thumbsup2 Enjoy every minute on them both....they are true Disney classics!!! We had a great time indeed......and this was just the beginning!

What a great update. Your enthusiasm is contagious through your words and pictures! :goodvibes I'm so glad M liked HM and can't wait to hear more about that! popcorn::

I am glad to be contagious----with DISNEY MAGIC!!!!! She really enjoyed it!!! You just can't imagine!!!

You always give me Disney World Warm Fuzzies when I read your updates. I just get so excited for my upcoming trip, I just love it! :cloud9:

You always amaze me with how much you get done in the parks. Tom is a Fastpass Hero! :worship:

I love that you were happy with POFQ. I really can't wait to stay there. :banana:

Awwww LL.....that is so sweet!!!! That was a good DWWF right there for ya! I am glad to help get you excited!!!

We do quite well I must admit....Tom is truly a FP genius....I wish I could reproduce him for you so you could have your own FP Master on your upcoming trip! I'd say I would send him, but it is the first of the year---since he is an accountant....not....going....to....happen!!!! SORRY!!! :rotfl:

That first moment in POFQ was absolutely magical.....it couldn't have been more spectacular!!!

IluvXU

10-29-2009, 08:28 PM

moparop

10-29-2009, 09:47 PM

What an awesome rest of the afternoon! Doug keeps telling us that he is afraid of HM and I keep working on him that it's not so bad. I am so hoping that we can change his mind before our next trip to Disney, whenever that may be.

I love those before and after pics! They totally made me giggle. I've read the same thing about JC at night. How was it different?

So glad you loved POFQ!!! We were in building 4 and we could actually see the FC from our room. Score!

Trentmom

10-29-2009, 10:00 PM

What a great day you all had

So glad she enjoyed HM :woohoo:

You all sounded like you were having great family time :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

11-01-2009, 08:34 AM

Jen, I am just tickled pink that Megan loved the Haunted Mansion! You had such a great night at the Magic Kingdom, and I always feel like I am right there with you when you write about it! :goodvibes

MrsSpratt

11-01-2009, 01:11 PM

I think it is wonderful that your daughter was saying thank you - I think it is the first time I have heard this on the boards...

MORE! (please?)

DisneyJen0504

11-01-2009, 01:17 PM

What great memories!
Thanks for sharing! :):)

MeMom

11-01-2009, 06:12 PM

When we got there, Tom surveyed the FP and line wait situation, and since BTMRR had no wait, he opted to get a FP for Splash, and we walked on to BTMRR!!! BOY DO WE LOVE THIS ROLLERCOASTER!!!

When we got to POFQ, we hopped off at the bus stop and went just around the corner to where our car was parked, and grabbed our luggage. Remember--we had checked in, but our room was not ready, so we were going to be heading to it for the first time. Our room was in building four which was right there, and after a quick stroll through the one courtyard that is near the parking lot and through to the next side of the building, we only had to make a right and we were just a few doors down. Our location was SUPERB!!!! We were in Room 4132! As we strolled down the walkway to our door, I realized that we looked out onto the most beautiful courtyard with this lovely little cobblestone pathway going down it. And then it happened, the most wonderful little Disney Moment that you can have as you are experiencing a new resort. We were looking out over this beautiful courtyard, and taking in all the beauty, and then to be even more perfect, a horse and carriage began coming down that lovely little cobblestone path, and the clip-clop of those horses hooves just made it all seem SO PERFECT AND WONDERFUL!!! I know I was standing there with my mouth wide open in a perfect state of awe... :cloud9: We then went into our beautiful room.........

We love Big Thunder Mountain, too!

On the trip we just returned from, we had 4135 at POFQ. We were on the corner with the double windows, right across the 'street' from the fountain. You are right - totally awesome location!!!

Just think, some other lucky family is calling POFQ home tonight and enjoying the clip clop of the horses coming by.

MegansMom

11-02-2009, 01:43 PM

Jen I loved you were happy with POFQ.... I always worry a bit upon recommending a place. I think I really loved FQ after dark.... it was just so pretty then going down the avenues!

So glad Megan liked HM..... Hannah is a huge fan too, and it is fun to see what they enjoy! Of course SPLASH is #1 here too! Loving all that you did day one!

It really was very pretty and romantic at night--I so badly wanted to take a romantic stroll down those cobblestone paths with Tom at times, but maybe some day when we go back just the two of us.....although I can't imagine going there without our girl! ;)

We were quite productive...especially considering we really didn't get there until noon!

What an awesome rest of the afternoon! Doug keeps telling us that he is afraid of HM and I keep working on him that it's not so bad. I am so hoping that we can change his mind before our next trip to Disney, whenever that may be.

I love those before and after pics! They totally made me giggle. I've read the same thing about JC at night. How was it different?

So glad you loved POFQ!!! We were in building 4 and we could actually see the FC from our room. Score!

Has he been on Scooby here at KI? Now, I know it is not EXACTLY like it, but it helped when I told her that we would ride through the ride in a car alot like that one, and that there really wasn't going to be anything that jumps out at her like Scooby too......it seemed to help! GOOD LUCK!!!

Those pics made me giggle too!!! I loved them!!!! Jungle Cruise isn't anymore funny or interestingly different, I think the night time and the special lights they use just give it a special ambiance......we enjoyed it! I would HIGHLY recommend it!

Gotta love that building 4! Tom was SO happy about our proximity to his refillable COKE station!!!

What a great day you all had

So glad she enjoyed HM :woohoo:

You all sounded like you were having great family time :goodvibes

It was a great day.....WONDERFUL family time indeed!!!! SO MUCH FUN!

Jen, I am just tickled pink that Megan loved the Haunted Mansion! You had such a great night at the Magic Kingdom, and I always feel like I am right there with you when you write about it! :goodvibes

She really did enjoy it...you would have been SO proud! I am glad you felt like you were right there with me.....would have been even better if you HAD BEEN!!!! ;):lmao: Maybe someday!!!

I think it is wonderful that your daughter was saying thank you - I think it is the first time I have heard this on the boards...

MORE! (please?)

Oh, thank you!!!! Megan is and always has been a VERY appreciative little girl! I know a lot of it goes back to the efforts we constantly make to make her realize how blessed and wonderful her life is. It is second nature to her to pull out her thank you card box as soon as she gets a gift, or special treat from someone, and we often stress to her how special it is that she gets to experience the things she has experienced so far in her life so that she can grow up appreciative and grateful and not self-centered and spoiled. We have also included her in the charity work we do throughout the year so that she knows how important it is to give back too! Even though she just now turned six, I feel like it has already been deeply embedded in her mind the importance of gratitude---even when it goes to your Mom and Dad!!! Like Tom always says, he doesn't want her to grow up and just see us as ATMs!!! :lmao:;) Thanks for noticing! More is coming soon!

What great memories!
Thanks for sharing! :):)

Such good ones, and they are only the TIP of the iceberg.....so much more to come!

We love Big Thunder Mountain, too!

On the trip we just returned from, we had 4135 at POFQ. We were on the corner with the double windows, right across the 'street' from the fountain. You are right - totally awesome location!!!

Just think, some other lucky family is calling POFQ home tonight and enjoying the clip clop of the horses coming by.

Such a great coaster!!! Never get tired of that one!

WOW MeMom.....we would have been NEIGHBORS!!!!!! I know the exact room you are talking about---I passed it every night to get to ours!

Lucky dogs indeed!!! Clip, clop, clip, clop.......:cloud9:

WELL, I hope everyone had a great Halloween!!! Ours was wonderful as usual---Megs looked like a perfect Snow White (will post pics later), and Tom enjoyed another year of terrorizing the neighborhood kids as his beloved Michael Meyers. Don't worry though, for those of you who don't know, this is his usual "gig," and the kids LOVE it! They come from two neighborhoods down just to see him and get the wits scared out of them!!! SO MUCH FUN!!!

Today is going to be spent taking down the Halloween stuff and transitioning to Turkeys!!!! YEAH!!!

Megan is so excited about the holidays approaching, but of course, can't WAIT until the Christmas decor is up! (Scary enough, we have a radio station here in Cincy that went to all Christmas music LAST Monday!!!! AAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! I love Christmas, but I want the holidays all in their own due time! Christmas BEFORE Halloween?!?!?!??! I just can't handle that!!!!

I'm off to go pick up Megs, but will be back for more later!!! Enjoy!

praisehisname

11-02-2009, 04:44 PM

Hi! I'm joining in a little late, but absolutely loving your report so far!

Denise

Charleston Princess

11-02-2009, 07:20 PM

I hope we get pictures of Snow White and Michael Myers! :lmao:

MegansMom

11-02-2009, 08:46 PM

Hi! I'm joining in a little late, but absolutely loving your report so far!

Denise

Thanks for joining in Denise! Never too late in my book! I am glad you are enjoying it......we had such a good time, so I am so glad to share it all with you!!! Love your username!

I hope we get pictures of Snow White and Michael Myers! :lmao:

Well you will definitely get the pictures of Snow my dear, but I can't remember if I took some of Michael.....I am sure I have some somewhere! He is a little too good in the role.....it is VERY SCARY!!! Even most of the adults get a little unnerved by it!! :lmao:

Charleston Princess

11-03-2009, 05:39 AM

Well you will definitely get the pictures of Snow my dear, but I can't remember if I took some of Michael.....I am sure I have some somewhere! He is a little too good in the role.....it is VERY SCARY!!! Even most of the adults get a little unnerved by it!! :lmao:

I am such a chicken at heart, that I would be one of the terrified adults! :lmao:

MeMom

11-03-2009, 06:45 AM

I hope we get pictures of Snow White and Michael Myers! :lmao:

That's just not even right, is it?!?!?:laughing:

Sweet little Snow White and then...:scared1:

MegansMom

11-03-2009, 08:38 AM

I am such a chicken at heart, that I would be one of the terrified adults! :lmao:

Yes my dear Jackie, I am quite sure you would be terrified!!!!! It is quite overwhelming still to me, but at least I know who is underneath the mask!

That's just not even right, is it?!?!?:laughing:

Sweet little Snow White and then...:scared1:

That would be my hubby......just a little "not right!" ;):rotfl: I love him anyway though!!!!

I will try to get some pics for you all!

kschafer

11-05-2009, 02:57 PM

Hi Jen!

I don't know where I have been that I have missed everything so far. Luckily, it looks like I'm not too far behind since you just finished Day 1 ;)

Sounds like a perfectly wonderful start to your trip. I must confess, I am one of the minority who love IASW! It brings back so many childhood memories and riding it with my kids for the first time was truly magical to me :goodvibes

Can't wait for more!

MegansMom

11-06-2009, 10:11 AM

Hey Katie!!! Glad to have you here!!! I hope you have enjoyed so far! Another update is in the works.....hopefully it will be on here soon!!!

MegansMom

11-16-2009, 08:52 AM

Hey gang!!! Sorry for the delay in the next update.....had some computer issues last week, but now that they are resolved, I am working on it, and hope to have it posted here later today!!! I hope you all are having great Mondays until then!!!

lmillercrew

11-16-2009, 08:13 PM

I'm glad there was a delay! I was in Mexico for a week and it's taken me a week just to get to my emails and catch up. Can't wait to see a pic of your little Snow White.

MegansMom

11-24-2009, 11:56 AM

Okay......where have I been?!?!?!?!?!?!? Sorry gang....major computer malfunctions!!! But to make up for all the time missed, I am posting as big an update as I can make today for you.....give you a little something to curl up and read while we all "suffer" through our food comas this week!!! It will be posting shortly!!! ENJOY!

MegansMom

11-24-2009, 01:01 PM

After a great night's sleep---how do you NOT sleep good at WDW right?!?!---we were up and at it early due to our early AM ressie at Tusker House. So once we were all dressed, packed up, and ready to go, we made it out to the bus stop by 7:45. Our AK bus arrived pretty quickly, and then we were off..........................to POR! Since it was the "Breakfast Bus," we had to loop through the four bus stops at POR before heading to AK, but since there was no one to pick up, we quickly circled through there and then were making a straight beeline towards Animal Kingdom!!! We were at the park and walking back to TH by 8:15!

Of course we had to stop and take some photos along our way---since there was NO ONE around!!! :goodvibes

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0031.jpg

See what I mean about there being NO ONE there!!!!! AWESOME!

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She was all "Mickey-fied" for her breakfast with the Big Cheese!

We found Tusker House, checked in, and were seated pretty quickly for our 8:35am breakfast. Our server was JW, and he was very sweet! He brought our Jungle Juice (YUM) right away and made sure we never went dry! Since there was no sight of any of the characters yet, we hurried to fill our plates and dive into our meals! My favorite was this amazing omelet and this really good quiche I had---YUMMY!!!! Right after we sat back down from filling our plates, JW brought Megan a little surprise......

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0034.jpg

It also came with a card signed by the gang and wishing Megs the best birthday!!! She was tickled pink! The only "bad" thing was that Tom missed its' arrival because he was up at the buffet! Oh well! She dug into that cupcake right away---hey, it was breakfast, but it was vacation and her birthday......so ANYTHING goes!!!! :goodvibes

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Not long after digging into her cupcake, the characters began to arrive!!! Our pal Donald:

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Then Goofy wanted to dance with the Birthday Girl!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm19/megansmom1/FILE0041.jpg

I think Tom was next to dance!!! (Ha ha ha ha!)

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Then our Gal Daisy!

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And finally Her Main Squeeze....I mean Cheese!!!

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And once the Head Mouse left, we wrapped up our breakfast and headed out---we were out of the TH just a little after 9am, so we missed beating the rope drop gang, but still made it out very early!

We went straight back to get a FP for the Safaris, but their machines were broken, so they just handed out FP manually to us. Since we were so near the entrance to the Wildlife train, we decided to wait for it to open. Then Tom realized something---they handed us FP, so we could still use our KTTW cards to get another one! So Tom told us to stay there, and he ran all the way over to EE to get FP for us for there for later on!!!! SCORE!!!!

While we were waiting for the train to open up, Megan and I began talking to the lovely CM, Dolly, who was standing at the train gates. She saw Megan's birthday button, and revealed that it was her birthday as well!!! Since I am also a September birthday, the three of us gals sat and chatted about how AWESOME September birthdays are! ;) She then gave Megan a special birthday card--it was animal themed of course! Megan was so thrilled!

Then Tom came back and it was time to board the train! By 9:30 am, we had already eaten, seen 4 of the main characters, obtained FP for both the Safari and EE, and were on our way on the train out to Rafiki's Planet Watch. We had never done either the train or the RPW, so we were excited about what we were going to get to see! We spent about a half hour out there---looking at exhibits, meeting some familiar faces.......

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and petting some sheep............

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I am glad we did this finally....glad we took the time....but we could do most of this at home at our zoo, so I am not sure how often we will actually take the time to go back there in the future! BUT, no time is wasted when you are at Disney.....every moment is FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!!

Of course, we got back on the train, and headed back to Africa!

(Continuing on next post!)

If U Had Wings

11-24-2009, 01:36 PM

I love the pics of the characters in their safari gear. Megan looks like she was having a wonderful breakfast with them. The smile on her face is priceless!

jenjolt

11-24-2009, 01:36 PM

Loving the first part of your update Jen!!! I have missed you being around and I'm so glad that you are back YAY!!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear more about your AK day!!

Love the shots of her with the characters...Meg is so cute!!

MegansMom

11-24-2009, 01:43 PM

So we came back to Africa and boarded our Safari using our FP!

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There was something in those trees that she was infatuated with, but I can't remember what!

All the hippos huddling together....

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Here's the cutest "monkey" I found.....

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We enjoyed our "two week" trek so much! We then decided that we wanted to make sure we saw FOTLK this year, so we made a trek of a different kind all the way over to see that show! BOY WAS THAT WORTH IT!!!!! I am so sorry now that we have missed it on all our past trips---never will we miss it again!!!

Tom and Megan waiting for the show to begin.....and yes, we were in our matching Mickey Gear that day!

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Me and my bugs (and my Vera) waiting for the show to start!

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We were in the Elephant section, and Megan had so much fun making that noise ALL DAY LONG!!!! :goodvibes Our favorite part was the acrobatic monkeys though---they were amazing!! I know I gasped out loud a couple times, but they were SO darn good!

After the show, we decided to make a stop at It's Tough To Be a Bug! We walked right in, but did try to find as many animals in the tree as we could as we walked through. I prepped my hands with my hand sanitizer to help her through the stink bug attack, and luckily that allowed us ALL to enjoy that show one more time!

We then decided to head to Dinoland--and of course our first stop was the Tricera Top Spin! Megan and I immediately boarded our dinos, and Tom decided that he would head back to EE to grab some more FPs!

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Megan and I rode it three times in a row---with really no wait at all! BUT after baking on that ride for three trips, we all decided that it was time for a much needed break! We got some water and frozen cokes at the nearest stand, and sat beneath the huge dinosaur for some much needed shade!!!! It REALLY helped!

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(But of course we had to take some photos too!)

Fully refreshed, we decided that we would head back to EE for my first ride on Everest with my now tall enough daughter! I was SO excited!!! Tom of course can't ride this due to his motion sickness, but he walked through the queue to try to get a picture of the two of us as we boarded.......yeah........that DIDN'T HAPPEN!!!! He kept explaining to the CMs that he was just going to take a picture of us as we boarded and would then leave, but they wouldn't let him anywhere near the boarding area. This was one of those very rare and unreal, unDisneylike moments that we all experience from time to time. Tom finally gave in, and exited without our picture. And not long afterwards, Megan and I boarded and were off to go find a Yeti!!!! I love this coaster so much, and she did too............................................... .................................................. ...........................until we started going backwards. The poor thing must have a little Daddy in her, because I think that backwards motion made her a little sick. She squealed with joy for most of the ride, but as we were exiting and I was asking her about it, she said one of our now favorite Megan lines: "I like it......BUT I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT EVER AGAIN!!!" It made me and all the other exiting riders laugh out loud! SO SWEET!!!! I was just so proud of her for trying it!

To try to cool her off and make sure she wasn't going to get sick, we decided to head back to take in the 2pm Nemo show. WE WERE THE LAST THREE PEOPLE LET INTO THE LINE!!!! We JUST made it!!! We were so thrilled, but also a little worried what that would mean about seating! Luckily, this very nice family who had one of the last rows of seating with a back on it, saw us and made eye contact, and rearranged themselves in the row so that we could share the row with them! It was SO kind! We were GREATLY appreciative of their gesture. Since we had four EE FPs left from the stash that Tom had collected, and they had four adults in their party, we gave them our remaining FPs for sharing their row with us---I was surely not going to take Megan back on it again, and didn't really want to ride it by myself either, so it was a happy moment that worked out just right!!!! They were ecstatic with the FPs! We loved that show---so sweet and endearing, and always leaves me with a little lump in my throat!!!

After the show we decided to discuss what we wanted to do.....I didn't really care since we actually had made it past our normal 2 o'clock "MUST LEAVE AK" breaking point. Our options were to stay and do AK for a little longer, or go back to POFQ for a nap or swimming. Since we were all refreshed from our A/C fix in Nemo, we decided to stay!!! I was so surprised, but SO glad we did!

Since we were staying, we decided to get a cheeseburger from Restaurantosaurus. The food and the A/C once again hit the spot! While I was ordering the food, Tom had run to get a FP for himself for Dinosaur--a ride HE thoroughly enjoys! We ate our lunch, and then it was time for him to use his FP. That ride is too intense for Megan, so we decided to just hang out by the ride until he returned. And that is when we met Leslie.......and her VERY big friend!

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Leslie was a CM who was by this Dino telling the kids all about their bone structure. She and Megan quickly became friends, and chatted it up quite a bit about Dinos!

She even convinced her to hold one of its' teeth!

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Megan couldn't believe it was as long as her arm!

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By that point, Tom made it back from the ride, and it was time for our travels to continue on........................................

(More in next posting!)

stacikristine

11-24-2009, 03:12 PM

What a great AK day!! That's so exciting that you made it longer than you ever have in there! Such fun. I love how AK feels so different from any other Disney park. It's like you're in another place altogether. Isn't FotLK SOOO great?!?! :goodvibes We just love it. And that's so sweet that the family in Nemo moved over to make room for you. Nice people are the greatest. Megan's facial expressions are priceless, and how sweet about her EE comment. She sounds like such a positive little girl. I'm glad you had a great AK morning and afternoon! :goodvibes

BippityBoo

11-24-2009, 03:28 PM

What a great day!! I was having trouble scheduiling our AK day for our upcoming January trip. After reading your TR, it helped a lot!! I loved the pics from Tusker House. I think we need to try that out, looks fab (and food looks good too!!) I am SO impressed your daughter tried EE :scared1:

How do you guys like Restaurantsaurous?? (spell?) I am trying to decide between that one and Pizzafari. I have a 6 year old girl and 2 year old boy. What do you think? Cant wait to see Nemo as well. I am so happy you posted that it was a 2. That is right about where I had it in our schedule!!

Cant wait to read your next post!!

MegansMom

11-24-2009, 05:02 PM

Since we were all wound up with Dinosaurs, we decided we need a little extra dose of them, and headed back into Dinoland to the Triceratop Spin once again..........................but this time with a new passenger:

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Although circular rides usually make him ill, he felt that he could handle a small dose of them since we were so near the end of our day anyway. Daddy did so well that we rode it two more times!!!! And no one got sick!!!! YEAH!!!!

At this point, it was after 4pm, and we knew that we did not have much time left in the park since it closed at 5pm. We conferenced for a little bit and decided we did not want to do the Kali Rapids this year because none of us wanted to get that wet. (That really surprised me, but it was still okay!) SO, we headed into the Boneyard for Megan to run off some energy and have fun on the slides! We stayed there until the park closed! On our way out, we decided to get a few shots at the entrance since we passed on that in the morning:

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And then my very humorous hubby decided that he needed his picture at the "perfect" picture spot..................................

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Um...........................yeah................. ..................I don't think he QUITE gets the idea behind the Picture Spot......................

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REALLY...................................DOESN'T.. .............................GET.................. ........IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He became quite the "fan" of the Picture Spots! This picture was his Facebook profile for the longest time............yes, the days around my house are quite entertaining!!!! :rotfl:

We boarded our bus, headed back to POFQ for some relaxation before our Chef Mickey's ressie that was later that night.

We were welcomed by a new roommate:

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Megan was so thrilled!!!

We relaxed, showered, changed, and eventually headed out a little after 7 for the bus to take us to MK. We quickly boarded and were transported to that magical place, only to have to walk by it to board the Monorail to the Contemporary. SO SAD!!!! ;) BUT I did snap a quick pic since MNSSHP was in progress:

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We checked in, and walked around the lobby a bit while we waited for our table. Soon, we were escorted into Chef Mickey's and to our table.

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It was not long before we were greeted by this fine "lady:"

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We then filled our plates and started in on our fine cuisine. It was really good this night!

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Then we got to see this Goofy guy one more time....

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And another hug from our pal Donald...

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And once again Megan was surprised by another birthday cupcake!!!

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Then our Pal Pluto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

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And finally our Chef came by to see how our meals were.......SO GOOD!!!

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We were all finished, so we left the gang at Mickey's and took some time to walk around the lobby, shops, and arcade of the Contemporary. We really enjoyed it.......and I even caught Tom snooping over at the BLT DVC desk!!!! He couldn't believe the proximity to MK....I guess he never has really paid much attention! We boarded the monorail, rode it back to the MK station, and then found our bus to POFQ. I have nothing written down about the wait for a bus, so I am assuming, we must not have had much of a wait. We returned "home," and quickly climbed in bed, ready for our next day!

Favorite Moments/Memories of Day Two:

--Megan dancing with Goofy at TH in the morning.....they were good enough to be on Dancing With the Stars!!! ;)

--Megan couldn't blow out her candle on her first cupcake....it was so much fun watching her try over and over again until she got it out!

--Watching Megan pet and talk to the sheep. She was very hesitant at first, but I think she would have sat there and pet them all day if she could!

--Riding EE with her for the first, and possibly last time!!!! I hate that it made her belly a little queasy, but we had so much fun holding on to each other and squealing through the twists and turns. It was a great thrill to finally be able to share that with her!

--Every time we rode TriceraTopSpin, she would refer to herself as my "Driver" and would ask me where we were heading to.......oh how I don't look forward to those days when she will be driving more than a flying elephant or dinosaur!

--All the SHOWS!!!! They really were so enjoyable and memorable.....we will definitely make sure we take them all in again!

--Watching her talk with Leslie about Dinosaurs. She was so excited to hold that tooth!

--Getting all dressed up with her for Chef Mickey's. I don't have a picture of all of us, but she wanted us to all look "fancy" to see Mickey, so we "dressed up" for the evening. We looked SO pretty.......it is a shame that we didn't get a picture though!

--Making it past 2 o'clock in the afternoon at AK.....never has happened before!!!!!

--Having a very nice, relaxed, enjoyable day at AK! We really had a great day!!!

Here's what to look forward to..................DAY THREE at EPCOT!!!!!! SO much to share with you on that one!!!! STAY TUNED!

MegansMom

11-24-2009, 05:11 PM

I love the pics of the characters in their safari gear. Megan looks like she was having a wonderful breakfast with them. The smile on her face is priceless!

She had so much fun with them....I just want to keep that smile forever!

Loving the first part of your update Jen!!! I have missed you being around and I'm so glad that you are back YAY!!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear more about your AK day!!

Love the shots of her with the characters...Meg is so cute!!

Thanks for the warm welcome back.....I have missed you too!!! She loves those characters......and this was definitely a character overdose day!

What a great AK day!! That's so exciting that you made it longer than you ever have in there! Such fun. I love how AK feels so different from any other Disney park. It's like you're in another place altogether. Isn't FotLK SOOO great?!?! :goodvibes We just love it. And that's so sweet that the family in Nemo moved over to make room for you. Nice people are the greatest. Megan's facial expressions are priceless, and how sweet about her EE comment. She sounds like such a positive little girl. I'm glad you had a great AK morning and afternoon! :goodvibes

It really was the best AK day we have ever had! We were so glad to be able to stay there longer! I love FOTLK SO much!!!! I can't wait to see it again! I really was so overwhelmed that those people moved over for us...you don't always see that! She is such a sweet, and yes, very positive little girl. The fact that she said what she did after EE made us laugh so hard---I could tell she wanted to show Mommy that she was a trooper because she knew how excited I was, but obviously the ride did not agree with her! SO MUCH FUN!!!

What a great day!! I was having trouble scheduiling our AK day for our upcoming January trip. After reading your TR, it helped a lot!! I loved the pics from Tusker House. I think we need to try that out, looks fab (and food looks good too!!) I am SO impressed your daughter tried EE :scared1:

How do you guys like Restaurantsaurous?? (spell?) I am trying to decide between that one and Pizzafari. I have a 6 year old girl and 2 year old boy. What do you think? Cant wait to see Nemo as well. I am so happy you posted that it was a 2. That is right about where I had it in our schedule!!

Cant wait to read your next post!!

Feel free to borrow whatever notes you need from our plans....I would highly recommend the route we took! I loved eating at TH.....I will try for an even earlier ressie next time though, but it all worked out so well for us! Our burgers were good at Restaurantsaurus----the biggest plus was the A/C. We love Flame Tree BBQ, but it does not have indoor seating. I have not tried Pizzafari, but if it is anything like the pizza around the rest of the "world," I would just go with Restaurantsaurus.....WDW pizza is definitely not the best. BUT if both have A/C, I would go with whatever is closest to you at the time you want to eat---you will do enough walking around AK without having to trek around to eat!

BippityBoo

11-24-2009, 08:03 PM

She had so much fun with them....I just want to keep that smile forever!

Thanks for the warm welcome back.....I have missed you too!!! She loves those characters......and this was definitely a character overdose day!

It really was the best AK day we have ever had! We were so glad to be able to stay there longer! I love FOTLK SO much!!!! I can't wait to see it again! I really was so overwhelmed that those people moved over for us...you don't always see that! She is such a sweet, and yes, very positive little girl. The fact that she said what she did after EE made us laugh so hard---I could tell she wanted to show Mommy that she was a trooper because she knew how excited I was, but obviously the ride did not agree with her! SO MUCH FUN!!!

Feel free to borrow whatever notes you need from our plans....I would highly recommend the route we took! I loved eating at TH.....I will try for an even earlier ressie next time though, but it all worked out so well for us! Our burgers were good at Restaurantsaurus----the biggest plus was the A/C. We love Flame Tree BBQ, but it does not have indoor seating. I have not tried Pizzafari, but if it is anything like the pizza around the rest of the "world," I would just go with Restaurantsaurus.....WDW pizza is definitely not the best. BUT if both have A/C, I would go with whatever is closest to you at the time you want to eat---you will do enough walking around AK without having to trek around to eat!

Thank you!! It is our last day in the parks when we go to AK this January. During our last trip, we were only able to see Tree of Life, Africa and some of Asia (ride EE!!). My son was very young, so we had to call it a day (hey--like you!!). SO--our plan this time is to get there kind of late, around 11. We will utilize the morning time for packing since we are leaving the next day. When we get to AK, we are going straight to Dinoland to ride the T.Spin, Fossil dig, Dinosaur (just my DH and me) then lunch @ Restaurantsaurus. We will head to Nemo musical (probably around 2 like you) then to EE for my DH and I to ride while the kids get popsicles from the cart in front of EE while we wait. We will see more of Asia that we had to rush through last time. Then, we will watch the parade (love it!!) Last, we want to take a bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have always wanted to see it and we will eat at the CS there (we have CS dining). Sorry to unload our entire day on you...just wanted to see what you think?;)

Trentmom

11-24-2009, 08:58 PM

Looks like you all had a blast at AK

I so looking forward to trying that this trip, not in that extreme heat that normally makes it so miserable there :goodvibes

yay for 2 birthday cupcakes :woohoo:

adorable pics of Megan with characters :goodvibes

redsox721

11-25-2009, 07:02 AM

What an awesome day you had. I am so proud of Megan for going on EE. That's one ride I still haven't done. I love the matching shirts.

She looks very beautiful in her "fancy" clothes for Chef Mickey's. I can't believe how grown up she is. Boy a year makes a difference. She's such a cutie.

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more.

IluvXU

11-25-2009, 07:59 AM

Great update Jen. Megan is just too sweet at the Tusker House. I love her response to riding EE!

MegansMom

11-25-2009, 10:04 AM

Thank you!! It is our last day in the parks when we go to AK this January. During our last trip, we were only able to see Tree of Life, Africa and some of Asia (ride EE!!). My son was very young, so we had to call it a day (hey--like you!!). SO--our plan this time is to get there kind of late, around 11. We will utilize the morning time for packing since we are leaving the next day. When we get to AK, we are going straight to Dinoland to ride the T.Spin, Fossil dig, Dinosaur (just my DH and me) then lunch @ Restaurantsaurus. We will head to Nemo musical (probably around 2 like you) then to EE for my DH and I to ride while the kids get popsicles from the cart in front of EE while we wait. We will see more of Asia that we had to rush through last time. Then, we will watch the parade (love it!!) Last, we want to take a bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have always wanted to see it and we will eat at the CS there (we have CS dining). Sorry to unload our entire day on you...just wanted to see what you think?;)

Feel free to share whatever and whenever you like! Your plans sound good! I think you have really planned your day well! You will love walking around AKL---it is FABULOUS!!!!

Looks like you all had a blast at AK

I so looking forward to trying that this trip, not in that extreme heat that normally makes it so miserable there :goodvibes

yay for 2 birthday cupcakes :woohoo:

adorable pics of Megan with characters :goodvibes

I know what you mean about the extreme heat there---it ALWAYS feels hotter there than anywhere else!!!

She was such a happy girl with all her cupcakes......and let me just say that they just kept coming!

She loves those guys so much!!! I love watching her excitement each time she sees them!

What an awesome day you had. I am so proud of Megan for going on EE. That's one ride I still haven't done. I love the matching shirts.

She looks very beautiful in her "fancy" clothes for Chef Mickey's. I can't believe how grown up she is. Boy a year makes a difference. She's such a cutie.

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more.

That is the best trip to AK we have ever had! I was so proud of her too, and couldn't stop laughing when she shared her opinion afterwards! ;) Now come on dearie, you can do it!!!! :thumbsup2

She is so pretty in that dress! We all looked so pretty that night...shame I didn't get a group photo of us! She has grown into such a big girl this year---baby face all gone! :sad2: Makes her Mommy so sad sometimes! I agree....a cutie indeed!

Great update Jen. Megan is just too sweet at the Tusker House. I love her response to riding EE!

Hey sweetie!!! It was so funny Laura---most of the exiting riders heard it too, and we all laughed on our way out......so much fun! A good memory nevertheless!

kschafer

11-25-2009, 10:08 AM

Wow, looks like a wonderful Ak day and a delicious dinner. Megan looks so happy :goodvibes

Lady Lallie

11-25-2009, 10:14 AM

I love mega long updates! :banana:

Sounds like a great day at AK, you got a lot done.

I love Megs dress she wore to Chef Mickeys!

stacikristine

11-25-2009, 12:36 PM

I can't believe you stayed until the park closed! How great!! Megan looks SOO pretty at Chef Mickey's! I love her little dress! :goodvibes

praisehisname

11-25-2009, 03:44 PM

That was a great update! So cool that you were able to make it the whole day at AK. Seeing FOTLK and Nemo are the things I'm most looking forward to doing at AK when we go, since we've never been able to fit them in. Megan looked so cute at Chef Mickey's! :thumbsup2

MegansMom

11-25-2009, 07:44 PM

Wow, looks like a wonderful Ak day and a delicious dinner. Megan looks so happy :goodvibes

It was our best AK day ever! She was having a blast that day---we all were!

I love mega long updates! :banana:

Sounds like a great day at AK, you got a lot done.

I love Megs dress she wore to Chef Mickeys!

I definitely owed you all a mega update!!! I really can say that we got everything we wanted to do done at AK this year---we really didn't want to go do Kali so it all worked out so well for us! I love that dress too! You should see it in person---the skirt is so sweet and has multiple layers underneath! She looks so pretty in it! You probably can't tell in the pictures, but the headband matches it too! She LOVES that ensemble!

I can't believe you stayed until the park closed! How great!! Megan looks SOO pretty at Chef Mickey's! I love her little dress! :goodvibes

It was a great day there! We LOVE that dress, and hopefully it will still fit on our next trip! It is a great dress we found at the Disney Store here.

That was a great update! So cool that you were able to make it the whole day at AK. Seeing FOTLK and Nemo are the things I'm most looking forward to doing at AK when we go, since we've never been able to fit them in. Megan looked so cute at Chef Mickey's! :thumbsup2

Those two shows were the highlight of the day! They were both SO good! She really did look so sweet! My only regret is that I didn't get a group shot of us! Oh well.....maybe next time!

pooh'smate

11-27-2009, 06:47 PM

I just love all the pictures of Megs. She is looking so grown up now and you can tell by the look on her face she is truly enjoying herself. I love the dress she wore to Chef Mickey's so cute.

2xcited2sleep

11-27-2009, 06:58 PM

Love the mega updates! What a fun day!!! :goodvibes

FairyGodmotherJen

11-27-2009, 07:29 PM

Looks like you had a great time! We never get through much at AK before we all succomb to the I'm-too-hot-grumpiness. Last trip I think we were there for three hours, which included the Nemo show. Loved the show, but couldn't wait to find a place with more A/C! We need to go during the winter some day so that we can take our time wandering around and really take it all in.

Lucky Megan - she got to start off the day with the big guy, and end it with him, too! Chef Mickey's is one of my DH's absolute must-do things. It's a ton of fun for me, too, because we went when my parents took us as kids, too. Lots of great memories!

Looking forward to reading about Epcot!

lmillercrew

11-27-2009, 08:31 PM

Wonderful update! Megan looks SO happy! I wonder if her face hurt from her constant smile? ;) Looking forward to day 3!! popcorn::

MegansMom

11-30-2009, 01:03 PM

I just love all the pictures of Megs. She is looking so grown up now and you can tell by the look on her face she is truly enjoying herself. I love the dress she wore to Chef Mickey's so cute.

She has grown up TOO Fast!!!!! I want the pause button so badly!

Love the mega updates! What a fun day!!! :goodvibes

It was our best AK day EVER!!!! I know we did alot, but we really took our time and had a relaxing day there if that makes any sense!

Looks like you had a great time! We never get through much at AK before we all succomb to the I'm-too-hot-grumpiness. Last trip I think we were there for three hours, which included the Nemo show. Loved the show, but couldn't wait to find a place with more A/C! We need to go during the winter some day so that we can take our time wandering around and really take it all in.

Lucky Megan - she got to start off the day with the big guy, and end it with him, too! Chef Mickey's is one of my DH's absolute must-do things. It's a ton of fun for me, too, because we went when my parents took us as kids, too. Lots of great memories!

Looking forward to reading about Epcot!

We had a great time, and didn't get too overwhelmed by the heat----a plus for sure!!! We made sure we tried to rotate between inside and outside attractions----and drink LOTS of water!!! It cools you off from the inside out and makes it a little more manageable! Normally, we never make it after 2pm! I was impressed!

It was our first time at Chef Mickey's and I think we all had such a good time! I am sure we will go back for more again!

Wonderful update! Megan looks SO happy! I wonder if her face hurt from her constant smile? ;) Looking forward to day 3!! popcorn::

Crazy enough, her face looks like that 90% of the time---she is a very happy child---so I guess it is just used to it!!! :goodvibes

Hang Gang!!! Happy Monday! I hope you all had marvelous Thanksgivings with the ones you love!!! Our Thanksgiving celebrations started last Sunday when we hosted my family for our Thanksgiving Dinner and celebrated our Turkey Day birthdays! (We have two of them!) Both Tom and Megan were off on Wednesday, so we started decorating the outside of the house since it was not that cold. Being the great Dad that he is, Tom let Megan direct the process this year, and even though it is NOT our "best" attempt at exterior illuminations, it is sweet to us because Megan had such a hand in it!

Thursday was spent at Tom's Mom's house for Thanksgiving with his family, and we spent the day on Friday putting up the interior decorations and Christmas tree. Again, Megan headed up the ornament arranging again this year, and did a great job! I smile every time I look at the tree because it reminds me of how proud she was with each ornament that she hung.

We have also been quite busy with "Holiday Activities!" Tom has been quite the jolly elf this year, and has planned so many holiday-themed activities for the three of us to do. We started our events on Saturday the 21st by going to see the broadway production of "White Christmas"---Megan's FAVORITE Christmas movie ever! She LOVED every minute of the show---and so did we! Then on Saturday, we continued with our festivities by visiting the Cincinnati Conservatory to view the holiday display, and then headed into Downtown Cincy to see the two big train displays in Downtown and to go to the skating rink and big tree on Fountain Square. On Sunday, we headed south to the Lexington Horse Park to drive through their "Southern Lights" Christmas display and activity centers. We have had SUCH a blast, and are getting SO into the holiday spirit!!! I have pictures of all of these events---so I will upload them and share them with you!!!

Until then---have a great Monday!!!! Jen

jenjolt

11-30-2009, 01:10 PM

Happy Monday to you to Jen!!! All of your holiday activities sound like so much fun!!!! I can't wait to see all your pics!!

Charleston Princess

11-30-2009, 09:19 PM

Hi, Jen! Happy Monday to you, too! I still need to go back and read your mega update, but I had to chime in and tell you that White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie, too! Megan has great taste!!!

pooh'smate

11-30-2009, 09:35 PM

I love White Christmas. I just bought the anniversary edition yesterday at Target because it was on sale and my vhs copy is worn out. Looking forward to seeing all the pictures of your holiday activities. You sure have been busy.

MegansMom

12-01-2009, 10:15 AM

Happy Monday to you to Jen!!! All of your holiday activities sound like so much fun!!!! I can't wait to see all your pics!!

We have had a blast....and have SO many more planned!!! I will get those pictures on here so you all can see, and will give you the details of our other outings too!

Hi, Jen! Happy Monday to you, too! I still need to go back and read your mega update, but I had to chime in and tell you that White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie, too! Megan has great taste!!!

Great Minds think alike, huh?!?!?! She LOVES that movie, and the show really did not disappoint either! It was SO much fun! She loves watching the film, and singing along with the songs, and she even tries to duplicate all the dances!!!! TOO MUCH FUN!!!!

I love White Christmas. I just bought the anniversary edition yesterday at Target because it was on sale and my vhs copy is worn out. Looking forward to seeing all the pictures of your holiday activities. You sure have been busy.

We really have been, but it has all been fun "busyness!" The cutest thing about Megs' "obsession" with White Christmas is that when she hears any Bing Crosby Christmas song now, she always goes, "Hey Mommy, that's Bob Wallace!" (His character's name from the movie!) :rotfl:She's too cute! So in our household, good ole' Bing will now forever be Bob Wallace!

pooh'smate

12-01-2009, 12:51 PM

We really have been, but it has all been fun "busyness!" The cutest thing about Megs' "obsession" with White Christmas is that when she hears any Bing Crosby Christmas song now, she always goes, "Hey Mommy, that's Bob Wallace!" (His character's name from the movie!) :rotfl:She's too cute! So in our household, good ole' Bing will now forever be Bob Wallace!

That is funny. The White Christmas show opened here in Omaha. I wanted to go so badly but I was working the week they were here and wasn't able to go.

MegansMom

12-15-2009, 01:11 PM

I know I should start out this update with apologies, but I think I will save those and more explanations for later, so I can just jump right into our day at EPCOT!!!

We got up at 7:45 (sleeping in, eh?) and were ready and fed and out to the bus by 8:35. It is a VERY short bus ride to EPCOT from POFQ, so we were there in no time---even made it for rope drop at 9am! YEAH!!!

We decided that we wanted to shake things up a bit from our traditional EPCOT plans---we were trying to see new things and do EPCOT completely differently than ever before. So, we headed left first instead of our traditional right, and made our way over to the Universe of Energy right after rope drop. (Tom ran and grabbed some TT FP for us as we made our way over there!)

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This was a nice relaxing way to start our day---who doesn't mind a 45 minute ride?!?!?!?!? Well, I should correct that statement.....MOST of us enjoyed the entire ride----the dinosaur scenes are still a little too scary for Megs, but she just quietly tucked her head into my shoulder until I gave the "all clear" sign.

After that, we ALL decided to head to the Green version of Mission Space! I was so excited that my other two were going to be able to do this this year! WE WALKED RIGHT ON!!!! (Tom also grabbed more FP for that ride for later as we left!) They both really enjoyed it---didn't make Tom sick at all!! :thumbsup2 The cutest thing was watching Megan trying to reach past her harness to hit her buttons.......didn't quite make it, but it was sure cute to watch! She really LOVED it.....giggled through most of it!

By this point, it was time to use our TT FP, so we quickly headed over there, and it was not long before we life-size Test Track dummies.....giggling, squealing, and enjoying every minute of this ride! Megan loved it when we took off and zipped around the track outside! Since it was such a huge hit, Tom grabbed another set of FP for that ride for later too!

From there, we decided to cross over Innoventions and head straight towards the Figment ride.....again, walked right on! Megan loves this ride so much---thinks Figment is too cute, but can't STAND the skunk smell, so we pulled out a wipe from my bag, and she held it over her nose through the entire ride---giggling all the way! PHEW!!! At least we had no stinky issues! The one thing that really surprised me though was that she did not want to stay and play in the lab section like she usually does. So we headed next door to the Land Pavilion!

Tom immediately headed down to pick up FP for Soarin,' and Megan and I went to grab lunch for all of us at Sunshine Seasons.......so at least one EPCOT tradition remained!!!! :goodvibes That place is so good, and the choices so different, that I seriously don't ever see us choosing to eat anywhere else!!! We all ate from the Chinese station---YUM, YUM, YUM!!!!

Once we were thoroughly stuffed, we went upstairs to watch the Circle of Life movie one more time! We still enjoy that one after all these years! Megan always giggles at the characters!

Once the film was over, we realized that we still had a lot of time until our Soarin' FP, so we headed over to the Seas to hang with our Nemo friends for a bit!

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We walked right onto the Nemo ride.....can you ever get tired of that one?!?!?! I love it!! Megan sang along to "In this BIG BLUE WORLD!" really loudly, but it was SO CUTE!

Then we headed over towards CRUSH!!!!

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We walked around a little more to see all the "fishies," and once we were finished with that pavilion, we headed back to The Land for our flight on Soarin'!

We went back through the FP line, but it still seemed to take a little bit to actually get to the ride.....it was probably only 15 minutes, but it felt like forever!!! I wasn't sure how this ride would go---Tom and Megan were both a little uneasy with it when we all rode it on our Nov 2007 trip, but this year, was different!!!! Megan LOVED it so much!!! She did pull her feet up and sit with her legs crossed, but she loved looking at all the scenes and feeling like she was flying! We all really enjoyed it!

At that point, we decided to head back to the middle and take in Spaceship Earth!!!

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Megs sat in the front with Tom, and their pictures were so funny---they both decided to make funny faces at the camera with their mouths wide open and tongues hanging out. I wish I could have gotten a good picture of it for you, but I could not. I love this ride, and I really enjoyed sitting by myself in the back--watching the two of them in the front, but also enjoying the trip through time on my own! We played around in the labs on our way out, and then decided it was time to use some more FP and then head to the World Showcase!

So with MS and TT FP in hand we went back to both!!! First the Green version of MS, and then we headed over to Megan's now beloved TT!!!! We needed to wait about 5 minutes for that ride, so Tom ran over to the Maelstrom to get FP for that ride for later, and Megan and I hung out in the shade with some snacks while we waited.

Then it was time to get in line for TT!!!! I'm not sure what she ate, but one of her snacks turned her tongue a VERY bright blue.......

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She was quite impressed!!!

After another VERY fun ride on TT, we then headed over to WS!!!

Our first stop was in Mexico to take in the boat ride for the first time since its' renovation. Don't ask me why we haven't done this since its' reno---because it literally was one of Megs' favorites the first year we went---but alas, this was our first trip through with Donald and the gang! She loved it even more!!!

We then headed to Norway next and "tried" to use our Maelstrom FP. Long story short----apparently that day they were only giving out Maelstrom FP to those who had the birthday FP card. (Now, why no one asked Tom to see that when he obtained the FP I have no idea!!!!) BUT....needless to say, since we didn't have the birthday card to accompany said FP, the CM would NOT let us through the FP line!!! At that point, the line was pretty long, so we headed on to return later.

We then leisurely walked through China, the Outpost, Germany, America, and Italy.

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Enjoying the trains in Germany

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We also stopped to have a pretzel and a coke in Germany, but the pretzel was VERY BLAH!!!! I would not recommend it.....we actually wished we hadn't stopped! :rotfl:

We stopped to take in the American Adventure for the first time ever!! We were all so glad we did! We really enjoyed it!

A little bit of the inside of the theater---yes LL, I did some tricky angle work to give you a shot of the light fixtures too! :goodvibes

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Megan decided to "model" for me while we waited for the show to start....

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Visiting his "Native Land" in Italy!

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(Sorry it is so blurry....Tom was playing with the camera and switched the settings on me....yeah, I don't let him handle the camera too much for that reason alone!)

Along our path at some point....

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After Italy, we decided to head out to the boats to ferry our way over to the Yacht Club for dinner at the Captain's Grille. We quickly boarded and made our way over, so we ended up being 45 minutes early for our ressie, but were seated right away anyway! This restaurant is very nice, and the food good.....especially the Steak they had on special that night that Tom ordered. It was VERY good. I however, opted to go with the special Gnocchi of the night......I have a thing for Gnocchi.....I wish I would have gotten what Tom had. His was SO much better. My gnocchi were in a sauce that pretty much resembled the look and texture of water....not very appealing at all. I could hardly muster the "strength" to eat only about a quarter of it. I guess I should have sent it back, but I didn't....I just helped Tom with his asparagus and some leftover steak that he didn't have the room for! All in all though, I would recommend this restaurant again! We took the boat back to EP, decided that we really only wanted to do one more thing---Maelstrom---so we walked over to that ride, waited about 20minutes to ride it, and then when we were finished, headed out to our bus early---even before Illuminatiions. We were all so tired and worn out, that we didn't really want to mess with the crowds after that show at all! With the short bus ride, we were back "home," showered, and in bed before no time at all!!! Ahhhhh......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........

Favorite Moments of this Day:

--watching Megan trying to stretch to push the buttons! She just looked so cute, so little---made me realize that she hasn't TOTALLY grown up yet! YEAH!

--Listening to the MANY squeals coming from Megan each time we rode TT!!! I wish I could have captured them on video!

--Watching Megan ENJOY Soarin'! Our last experience was not that good, so this was a welcome relief!

--The video faces that Tom and Megan made on SE---I can still see them clearly in my head!

--Listening to the Voices of Liberty and watching American Adventure.....how moving and inspiring!!!! LOVED THEM!

MegansMom

12-15-2009, 01:41 PM

Too often I have had to get on here and apologize for the length in between postings.......yet again, I am very sorry gang! Life has too often gotten in my way since our return home in October!! I can't say that it has all been bad "busyness" but "busyness" just the same. Know that even though life is pulling me away from the computer and DISing and you all, that I do often think about you, and feel such pangs of guilt when I haven't been the best TR writer in giving you all prompt updates. I can't promise that life will change any time soon---hey, it is the holidays---but thought I would share a few snippets of my life with you today!

There will be more coming---I am working in reverse order to show you all the holiday happenings we have been attending since the holiday season began!!!

Like I said....working backwards....so that means we start with the most recent....our adventure on this past Saturday!

We started our morning very early, by driving an hour north of us to Lebanon, Ohio to board the NORTH POLE EXPRESS!!!! This was a great time! We took a train ride---just like the movie---to the "North Pole" to see Santa! Along the way we listened to Christmas music, drank yummy hot chocolate, soft-baked Gingerbread Men, and were entertained by two of Santa's elves who juggled and performed magic tricks. Once we arrived at the North Pole, we got to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and were sent back on our merry way with a sleigh bell ornament in tow!

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After our train trip, we found a neat old soda fountain/restaurant to have a little lunch in old historic Downtown Lebanon. It was a great morning and afternoon!!! We then went home for a little rest, but later that night headed out to the Cincinnati Zoo's annual Festival of Lights!

I will share those pictures and more with you later.....must run to go pick up the angel!!!

If U Had Wings

12-15-2009, 01:47 PM

Love all the pics from your Epcot day. It sounds like it was so wonderful. You all look like your having such a great time!

Trentmom

12-15-2009, 02:47 PM

We totally understand. This is a very busy time of year

Looks like you had a great time at Epcot.

Never heard of not being able to get a FP because it was not your birthday. That is so strange :confused3

Ride on Polar Express looks like so much fun

Megan is such a doll :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

12-15-2009, 03:09 PM

What a great day at Epcot! I am always so amazed at how much you get done when you are in a park! No grass was growing under the three of you!!! :thumbsup2

I love Megan's green coat -- she is so adorable! Riding the North Pole Express sounds like a great time!

cherbear

12-15-2009, 05:13 PM

MegansMom

12-15-2009, 05:16 PM

Love all the pics from your Epcot day. It sounds like it was so wonderful. You all look like your having such a great time!

We had such a good time, and really enjoyed taking our time with everything......never felt rushed at all. I do think that the best part of Epcot is the fact that most everything is in air-conditioned pavilions.....even though it was MIGHTY hot that day, you never felt too bad because we were always going back and forth..in and out of the A/C! In September, that is ALWAYS a plus!

We totally understand. This is a very busy time of year

Looks like you had a great time at Epcot.

Never heard of not being able to get a FP because it was not your birthday. That is so strange :confused3

Ride on Polar Express looks like so much fun

Megan is such a doll :goodvibes

Thanks for understanding....I'm telling you, life has not let up for me since we have returned from the trip!!! We got back right into Megan's birthday, then our fall festivities, Halloween, Thanksgiving(s), and now Christmas festivities....it really hasn't let up since!

We had a lovely day....I really did not know what the fuss was about at the Maelstrom, but no love lost...we eventually rode it anyway!

The Polar Express was great!!! She loved every second of it!

What a great day at Epcot! I am always so amazed at how much you get done when you are in a park! No grass was growing under the three of you!!! :thumbsup2

I love Megan's green coat -- she is so adorable! Riding the North Pole Express sounds like a great time!

It was fun....loved trying it a whole new way!! I'm telling you, with my FP Man in hand, you would be amazed at how much you can accomplish!!! We had so much fun!!!

I love that coat too!!! It is a Rothschild coat....we LOVE those kind....and luckily, I found this one at a consignment shop for $15!!!! CHA CHING!!!! She loves her coat!!!

You would have loved the North Pole Express.....especially when they wheeled out the hot chocolate and soft gingerbread men cookies!!! SO PERFECT!

MegansMom

12-15-2009, 05:26 PM

I LOVE the first pic of Megan looking out the window on the train. She looks so grown up! (I know, I know, that's not what you want to hear!!)

I am still waiting on those Snow White and Mike Myers pics...:confused3:thumbsup2

Sorry I've been MIA...but I'm here now, and thankfully didn't have TOO TOO much to catch up on. There were several pages though!

I can't remember all the comments I was thinking as I read about your first few days! One thing I wanted to ask was--did you get your SE pics emailed to you?? I want to see their faces!!

You really have managed to get a lot done so far. And I love all the smiles from Megan...Keep 'em comin!!! :goodvibes

I know what you mean about the picture....she is growing up right before my eyes and I just want to hit the pause button SO badly!

I will make sure to go back and upload the Halloween pics too!!! I think that got knocked off the list a while back when the computer was down! I will put it back on my to do! I am working backwards from this weekend going through all our recent events, so I will make sure to add that to the list of things to post just for you!

No need to be sorry about being MIA....me too!!! ;)

You know, I totally forgot that you can do that there! UGH!!! I will see if I can get the two of them to recreate the faces at some point and take live pictures here.

We were blistering that week.....getting so much done!!! Lots of smiles still on their way!!! Stay tuned!

Charleston Princess

12-15-2009, 09:22 PM

especially when they wheeled out the hot chocolate and soft gingerbread men cookies!!! SO PERFECT!

Those two things did jump out at me! :laughing:

MegansMom

12-15-2009, 09:32 PM

Those two things did jump out at me! :laughing:

:rotfl::lmao: Do I know you or what?!?!?!?! :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

12-15-2009, 09:34 PM

:rotfl::lmao: Do I know you or what?!?!?!?! :goodvibes

Too well, my dear! Too well! ;)

IluvXU

12-15-2009, 10:37 PM

Love the EPCOT day. You accomplished so much, much that we never do!

The Polar Express ride looks fun, we have only done Thomas, but I am sure we will do that one someday!

Festival of Lights is so awesome. I thought the lights this year were amazing...

It is hard to jam all the holiday fun in, we went to the Christmas Ranch tonight, it was beautiful too!

Jessie888

12-16-2009, 03:11 AM

:santa:

MeMom

12-16-2009, 06:11 AM

So many good pictures since I have last checked in! I like the Polar Express ones, (and that little coat is awesome!) but on this cold morning, I am taking a second peek at the warm weather AK and Epcot ones to warm my Disney heart and soul.

Hope you guys have a great couple of weeks ahead with your precious girl!

MegansMom

12-16-2009, 03:21 PM

Too well, my dear! Too well! ;)

I just wished we lived closer together.....oh the fun we could have!!!!! :goodvibes

Love the EPCOT day. You accomplished so much, much that we never do!

The Polar Express ride looks fun, we have only done Thomas, but I am sure we will do that one someday!

Festival of Lights is so awesome. I thought the lights this year were amazing...

It is hard to jam all the holiday fun in, we went to the Christmas Ranch tonight, it was beautiful too!

We did accomplish quite a bit, but we never felt rushed or hurried......it felt like a very relaxing day to me.....especially looking back on it now! The only "bad" thing that day was the whole Maelstrom FP debaucle.....I really didn't get that one at all! You would have thought she would just let us go on....we already had the FP, we are only 3 people, what harm would that really have done?!?!?!

I HIGHLY recommend the North Pole one too! The only thing missing was snow at the "North Pole!" Megan asked about that as soon as we stopped, but that is as far as that conversation went....THANK GOD!!! :goodvibes

I loved the new lights at the zoo this year! Now, it was CRAZY busy on Saturday night (which we knew it would be), so we only got to about half of the things we wanted to see and do---the 4D Polar Express was already sold out! BUT, Tom has all next week off, so we are going to go back on of the weeknights to take it all in......so nice to be a member!!

Now, how have I NOT heard of the Christmas Ranch?!?!?! Where is it? What is it? I would love to know more!!!

:santa:

That is such a cute smiley!!! Happy Holidays to you and yours too!

So many good pictures since I have last checked in! I like the Polar Express ones, (and that little coat is awesome!) but on this cold morning, I am taking a second peek at the warm weather AK and Epcot ones to warm my Disney heart and soul.

Hope you guys have a great couple of weeks ahead with your precious girl!

Hello dear MeMom! I am so glad you enjoyed those pictures! That coat is so adorable.....and the find of the century!!! (ONLY $15!!!) She loves those kinds, so it makes me even happier that she will wear them!

I was looking back at those pictures the other day too, and trying to warm my very frozen toes with the memories of how unbelievably HOT it was there!!! I wish you could capture some of that heat on "film!"

I hope you and your lovely family have a very joyous Christmas, and a WONDERFUL New Year!!!

IluvXU

12-16-2009, 05:51 PM

Jen we were there Saturday. We actually went around 4, my parents had the girls downtown and we met them there with Luke. We were ahead of the masses!

Christmas Ranch is just north of us, two exits past Kings Island. It was super beautiful and the girls loved it. Look it up... it would be fun too!

MegansMom

12-17-2009, 12:19 AM

Thanks for the info Laura! I just looked it up, and may need to add that to the "to do list" for next week when Tom and Megan are off!!! Looks like one more fun thing to do!

praisehisname

12-19-2009, 11:06 AM

Awesome Epcot update! You really got a lot of rides in! :thumbsup2

I love the pictures from the train ride. Megan looks adorable!

MegansMom

12-19-2009, 01:11 PM

Awesome Epcot update! You really got a lot of rides in! :thumbsup2

I love the pictures from the train ride. Megan looks adorable!

We had a blast at Epcot this year!!!

I agree.....I think Megan looks adorable too!!! :thumbsup2;):goodvibes

Happy Saturday everyone!!!!

Well, it is certainly starting to look like a "White Christmas" around here....getting about 4" of snow by the end of the day. It is a really pretty snow too.......last night when I took Max outside before we went to bed, I just stood on our back deck (in my PJs and Crocs) and absorbed it all. It was so quiet, so peaceful, and so beautiful!!! I almost did not want to come in when he was ready to go back inside. That is a moment in time that I will savor for myself for quite sometime....the awe and majesty of the quiet simplicity of the natural world around us is so amazing that I think we often take it for granted. Now, I know I say that while many of you are being pounded as we speak by that "majesty," but in that little moment last night, it was breathtaking!

I thought I would just share with you a little update on life this morning.................

Yesterday was Megan's last day of school and her Christmas party, which I also got to go help with. It was such a blast! We all had so much fun, the kids were so sweet, and it was a great way to jump start our Christmas Vacation!!!! We also got to watch Megan and her dance class perform their mid-season Christmas "show" during her dance class yesterday afternoon----they did a little Christmas Rockette number, and it was PRICELESS!!!!! I videoed of course, but our camera videos in HD, so I can't upload any of our videos here....just imagine in your head 12 4-6 year olds donned in black leotards, pink tights, black tap shoes, and Santa hats marching and tapping like the real Rockettes! CUTE doesn't even come close!!!

Next on our agenda last night was My Annual Christmas Date Night with Tom. Now let me explain that we do go on more than one date a year, but this has become a tradition----we go out every year just the two of us to do Christmas shopping, have a nice dinner, and maybe see a movie that isn't rated G! ;) This year, our very wise daughter, informed us a week ago that we would be going out on our DATE so that we could "Go buy her a Christmas present," and so that she could "Go spend the night at Grandma Jo's house!" (Tom and I are very suspicious still of whether her motive was for us to go get her a gift, or merely spend the night with my parents!!! ;):lmao:) Well, we did oblige her---we did have some more shopping to do anyway---so after dance class, we whisked her to my parents' house where she promptly grabbed her bag, let herself out of our SUV, and informed us that we were NOT allowed to come in! (Luckily, my very excited mother was waiting for her as soon as we pulled into her driveway!) So Tom and I were off.....we quickly took care of the rest of our shopping, enjoyed a VERY nice dinner at one of our favorite local Southwestern Grill restaurants, and then headed to our local "Cheapies" movie theater to see Couples Retreat. We had wanted to see it when it was out in the regular theater, but were so excited that we could actually catch at the half-price theater still! If you haven't seen it, it is a funny movie that is easy to enjoy---nothing too intellectual, but still fun! The best part for us though, was after watching the film, Tom and I immediately looked at one another, and said at the same time that we were easily the "DONKEYS!!!!" (Word changed for as to not be censored out.) Those of you who have seen this film, know how funny that is....for those of you who haven't, try to see it soon! And for the two of us---who have been together for the past 17 years since we were both 16---we see that as a HIGH compliment! It was a great way for us to remember why it is that we love each other SO much---no matter what we go through, how we change as we age, or what friends and society want to make us think about our relationship---at the end of the day, in the midst of a party, regardless of who or what is going on, we know in our hearts that we both just totally want to be with each other. We are definitely each other's best friend, greatest fan, and strongest supporter. We went to sleep last night knowing one of the greatest gifts you can ever receive---how much we completely love one another. I am sure the makers of that film would be surprised to know how truly blessed it made me feel after watching it. We have been together a LONG time, and many people want to judge us or even instill in our minds doubts about our relationship. I think at times, they do this simply because they don't get it, or maybe even feel a little jealous of something they see in us that they don't see or feel in their own relationship. I know that Tom and I aren't unique or special, we just "get it." We realized a long time ago that marriage is not about who is RIGHT, who won the fight, or who is in control or has the power. It is about LOVING one another to the ultimate extreme. Caring completely about your spouse's feelings, needs, interests, etc. and finding a way to achieve all your lives' goals together. There is no competing in our relationship, and neither of us tries to control the other. We are honest, we are sincere, and we genuinely LIKE each other. He makes me laugh harder than anyone else I know, and I still after 17 years really enjoy his company. And I am just really thankful this beautiful snowy morning that Vince Vaughn and his croonies made me realize that all over again last night!

I'm sorry for my ramblings....I know they are EXTREMELY OT....but I just had the desire to share!

To say I am one lucky girl is a gross understatement, and I am so thankful for all my blessings! I hope you all can take a moment today---in snow or sunshine---to realize all the blessings in your life too!!! I am SO glad to be a "DONKEY!!" :rotfl:

I have a few Christmas errands to run this afternoon---need to pick up Megs, etc. Tom is going to be gone all-day and evening for a guys day/night out with his Dad and brother, so I will be back on here later to share some more holiday pictures with you!!! I am hoping to back all the way up to Megan's birthday party here at home!!!

Until then......take care, stay warm, and enjoy all the wonders around you!!!!

MegansMom

12-20-2009, 01:50 AM

Since I have some time on my hands tonight, I thought I would post some ad hoc pictures that I have been working on uploading for you all for awhile. Enjoy!!!!

We are going to dial it back a little to Halloween...........

The annual Pumpkin carving

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Our master carver

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Ohhhhhhh....so scary!

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Now we start on the tiny pumpkin

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Buds for life, Megs and Max

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The finished products.....designed by Megan

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Introducing Miss Snow White!

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Now fast-forward a month and we start into our Christmas festivities!!!

A few weeks ago we headed out on a day-long trek of different Christmas activities around downtown Cincinnati.

First stop of the day: Cincinnati's Conservatory---here's Megs in front of their very tall poinsettia tree!

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She decided to start making some silly faces:

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After the Conservatory, we headed into Downtown Cincy to see the famous Duke Energy Train display. This is a yearly favorite of ours! It is a VERY large train display that is set up in the lobby of the downtown Duke building every year. They choose a new theme for the overhead decorations each year, and it has never been the same twice....and this thing has run a VERY long time! They pass out cookies while you wait to walk past the display, and they even let the kids be junior conductors on one end of the display. It is quite the long-running downtown tradition indeed! This year's theme was based around gingerbread and a fantasy candyland! It was SO cute!

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We then took the free Downtown Holly Jolly Trolley around a few blocks to the Hyatt's lobby to see the Gingerbread display.

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MegansMom

12-20-2009, 01:51 AM

We then walked down to Fountain Square to see the large Christmas tree and watch the ice skaters on the rink. We ended that evening with a yummy dinner from one of our favorite restaurants on the square--Rock Bottom Brewery.

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The next night, we headed down to Lexington, KY for the annual Southern Lights drive-thru light display at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Megan with my FIL inside a small train trolley they had for kids

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Going for a pony ride!

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Their train display:

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The evening after our train ride that I already shared with you, we ventured up to the annual Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights. They always have a neat Santa's village set up here...complete with Santa's Mailroom with the official Postmaster himself. It has become tradition for us to have Megan write her letter to Santa here so that she can put it in Santa's Mail Box. She knows too that even though she may see several of his helpers throughout the season, this is the ONE place that Santa truly comes to see the kiddies! ;)

Megan getting ready to write her letter!

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The completed work:

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Since she is only in Kindergarten, I just had her make a list....toy violin, toy trumpet, toy saxophone, toy trombone, Princess castle, and dolls.

And into the mailbox it goes....

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And then it was off to meet the Big Guy himself......

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(Sorry about the blurriness of these pictures....I think my stability control was turned off that night. Oh well!)

And from yesterday's dance show....the future Rockettes!

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So far, this has been QUITE the fun and busy holiday season!!! We have had so much fun getting into the spirit and the fun of the season by doing these fun things together. This week, Tom is off the entire time, so we are hoping to tackle a few more holiday traditions as well!!! I will keep you updated on those happenings as well!!!!

praisehisname

12-20-2009, 10:49 AM

Trentmom

12-20-2009, 03:01 PM

Looks like you all our having so much fun doing your holiday traditions

Love Megan's Christmas list :goodvibes

MegansMom

12-28-2009, 11:01 PM

Hey gang!!! A very belated MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all!!! As you can imagine, our week last week was quite booked with holiday activities and family get-togethers.....it went so fast, that I really can't believe it is all "over" and "done with!" Megan has already begun to tell me how much she "misses Christmas," and also wants to know as always "When are we going back to Mickey's House!??!?!?!" It is hard to answer both these dilemmas.....we still have the Christmas decor up, but I think she is missing all the fun and anticipation of the great event. Her usual longing for another trip to WDW was only made worse while visiting with our best friends and Godchild before Christmas....they recently booked a trip to WDW in April with the promo code, and even suggested we join them---which Megan would have LOVED---but we had to decline because April is easily the WORST month of the year for Tom at work. She was bummed (as was I), but is also QUITE hopeful that this will spark more conversation from Mom and Dad about the next big trip. Right now, even though I have a pin code email burning a hole in my inbox, there has been no talk of such so far. We really aren't sure when we are going back or taking a vacation next year for that matter....there will be many more complicating matters that are going to get in the way.
1. Megan will be in first grade next year, and we are much more hesitant to take her out of school when she will be in for full days.
2. There is a good possibility that I will be re-entering the world of teaching since she will now be at school all day. This is going to make vacationing whenever that much harder.
3. Tom's work demands really cause us to not be able to take any time off between Jan-April....he's a corporate accountant, and it really can't happen.
4. The school issue and the work issues are now going to REALLY narrow our vacation windows down to the Summer, Christmas, and Fall Breaks (if there is one...which there wasn't this year.) That is also going to mean we will now only be able to travel at some of the highest crowd levels of the year, and with Megan's Sensory Processing Dysfunction.....I worry about how "well" we would do!

So we are both frustrated on that end. But trust me, I think about it daily! It is always a much better day in my mind when you have another Disney trip to plan for! ;)

On the holiday front, we had a WONDERFUL one! I hope you all did too!!! The BEST moment....although there were many.....was provided by my amazing daughter. Instead of diving head first into her pile of awaiting "Santa" presents, she INSISTED on Christmas morning that I open my present from her first! There would be no more Christmas until I did so, so I relented and opened up my gift! She just never ceases to amaze me! I don't know if there has ever been a child who could be distracted even for one moment from that pile of Santa gifts! In that moment, I definitely received two gifts in one! ;)

There will be more on our Christmas once I upload the photos.....up next will be another update from our trip---look for that tomorrow!! Until then, be safe....and "See Ya Real Soon!"

Charleston Princess

12-28-2009, 11:11 PM

Hi, Jen!!! I love that Megan made you open your gift first! That girl is one in a million! :goodvibes

Merry Belated Christmas! :santa:

FairyGodmotherJen

12-29-2009, 09:17 AM

It looks like you all had a wonderful holiday! I know all about being caught up with "life" and not getting to everything on your list! But it looks like you guys are enjoying yourselves, so that's all that matters!

If it helps any, I've actually taken a trip to Disney in the fall while teaching. Our first one, back in 2005, was like that. We have a generous amount of leave days each year, of course, and I am able to leave any sick kids with my in-laws, which helps as well. But it IS possible. I took four days off that year right after our state testing window, and we took advantage of one of the first free dining offers. It was great - the end of September/beginning of October was great in terms of crowds, and it was at least a LITTLE better than June temps. It isn't something I could do every year, but it is, at least, do-able.

Have a great rest of your holiday break, and a wonderful new year!

MegansMom

12-29-2009, 09:47 AM

I totally echo the sentiments you wrote about your relationship with DH. As each year passes, I love him more. Not because HE is changing, but because I am becoming more aware of how much I have been blessed! :goodvibes

I couldn't have said it any better!!! :hug:

Looks like you all our having so much fun doing your holiday traditions

Love Megan's Christmas list :goodvibes

We have had a blast!!! This has definitely been one of the BEST Christmases I have ever had! I enjoyed every minute of it! Megan's list is so "Megan!" She loves music and everything princessy! She was QUITE the happy gal on Christmas morning!

Hi, Jen!!! I love that Megan made you open your gift first! That girl is one in a million! :goodvibes

Merry Belated Christmas! :santa:

It brought tears to my eyes! I told her she could go ahead and dive right in, but she insisted! It was so sweet.....she just couldn't wait another second to see if I liked her gift! Oh how I love her! I keep thinking, how fortunate I have been with her.....I have no idea what I did, but she is turning out to be such a sweet, genuine, honest, sympathetic, and caring child. How I hope she never changes! Merry Belated Christmas to you too!

It looks like you all had a wonderful holiday! I know all about being caught up with "life" and not getting to everything on your list! But it looks like you guys are enjoying yourselves, so that's all that matters!

If it helps any, I've actually taken a trip to Disney in the fall while teaching. Our first one, back in 2005, was like that. We have a generous amount of leave days each year, of course, and I am able to leave any sick kids with my in-laws, which helps as well. But it IS possible. I took four days off that year right after our state testing window, and we took advantage of one of the first free dining offers. It was great - the end of September/beginning of October was great in terms of crowds, and it was at least a LITTLE better than June temps. It isn't something I could do every year, but it is, at least, do-able.

Have a great rest of your holiday break, and a wonderful new year!

Thanks for that tip! The districts where we are have usually all taken Fall Breaks in the past.....I haven't checked to see if that will continue next year or not yet.....but we also have Tom's tricky work schedule to work around as well!!! We have actually started thinking about flying out to CA to meet up with our good friends from Kansas City in the summer, and hit Disneyland while we are there. Now as much as I know about WDW, I know almost NOTHING about DL, so I don't know how crazy of an idea that would actually be......do you think it will be CRAZY busy during the summer???? What is the weather like out there....never been to CA yet!

MegansMom

12-29-2009, 12:22 PM

Okay gang....pictures for the next update are loaded...just need to be resized. Megs and I are heading out for a bit for a little playdate, but when we return I will give you Part one of our next day......the longest day in MK for the entire trip!!! This was ONE GOOD DAY!!! ;)

I also realized I forgot to tell you about a little thing that happened while we were in EPCOT.......

We were standing in line for Test Track (during our first trip on it that day), and the CM who was loading people into the cars noticed Megs' birthday button. So she started talking to her about her birthday and how many times Megan had ridden TT. She informed her that this was her first time, and the CM then pulled out this beautiful Tinkerbell pin---a very big one too---and proudly handed it over to Megan and told her that Tink wanted to take a ride on TT with her since it was her birthday! Megan was TOO excited!!! Another magical moment for you!!! Just wanted to share that with you all!

Chat with you later!

wigdoutdismom

12-30-2009, 12:38 AM

MegansMom

12-30-2009, 01:25 AM

Since Shocker and I both teach we are destined to the busy times for our trips. How early do you get out for summer?
We are out just prior to Memorial Day.
We head on down.
Not quite as hot early in the trip, crowds aren't too bad, especially if you go early to the parks.
We do see an increase in traffic as we head into June and by the second week the weather gets much warmer and the parks more crowded. Still if you go early you will beat the crowds and then get that afternoon break.
Maybe the older Megan gets the more she will be able to tolerate.

The district I would probably be teaching in still has not released their calendar for next year yet. They typically get out right after Memorial Day----barring any snow days they have to tack on and make up! I will definitely keep that open as an option! I am hoping too that she begins to tolerate the crowds much more as each year passes. It is going to be quite the adjustment for me to go back to work next year.....I hope I haven't forgotten how to teach!?!?!??! :rotfl:

The update will be posted tomorrow......little bugs was feeling very much under the weather this afternoon and evening......spent most of it snuggled up on the couch in my lap watching the Hannah Montana movie. So stay tuned everyone!

MegansMom

12-30-2009, 11:32 AM

That title just about says it all.....why might you ask? This was by far the longest day we spent in MK for the entire trip......and it was JAM-PACKED with fun, FUN, FUN! So much fun that I am going to have to split the details of this day up into multiple updates!!! Enjoy!

We got a very early start this day due to the fact that we were going to head to MK to make it to the AM EMH! We were up, dressed, fed, and on a bus by 7:30am. As we walked up to the main gates, the opening show started! This was a great surprise to me---I had no idea they did that for AM EMH---so my day started out on such a "warm fuzzy" note!!! I love that opening show, it is just so "Disney" to me, and I tear up every time I see it! Once the gates opened, we headed straight back to the rope to Fantasyland. We were very close to the front, so I began to think that Megs and I could run down to Tink's shop after the rope drop to join in on waking up Tink while Tom ran to get FP to something. That was my plan.............................................. ..until a moment before the rope drop when Megan looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I have to go potty!" :eek: In our hustle and bustle of our morning, she totally forgot to go to the restroom like she always does in the morning, so I KNEW that she would NOT be able to wait! So I mentally nixed the Tink plans, reconfirmed with the CM standing at the rope that the closest bathroom was indeed Pinocchio's, and made a beeline straight there once the rope officially dropped. Tom went down to grab his beloved first FP of the day---the Winnie the Pooh and Philharmagic combo you get from Pooh---while we visited the restroom.

We then met back up and walked right on to Peter Pan. OH how we love this ride.....along with just about everyone else, right?!?!?! I know it is not that long of a ride, and it hasn't really changed since I can remember, but the three of us so love flying through it! My new favorite part is whenever Megan and I spy the crocodile and we burst into a chorus of his theme song from the movie, "Da-da dum-dum-dum, Da-da dum-dum-dum!" We always count how many times we see Tink and say hello to "Ariel" as we pass the mermaids!

Once we disembarked from our beloved Pirate ship, we noticed that Dumbo still had a very short line, so Megan and I headed on over there! We met this lovely CM as we entered the queue that noticed that Megan's name had pretty much worn off her Birthday button. She asked if she could have it for a moment so she could go fix it. Megan gladly handed over her lanyard, and we started pretty quickly through the queue. By the time we were getting ready to head up the last ascent to Dumbo, that lovely CM came back with the lanyard, and quite a few surprises......................................... ...............................

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Not only did that lovely CM rewrite her name on her button, but she also brought back a lovely Cinderella sticker that Megan still greatly adores, and she added TWO new pins on to Megan's lanyard!!!

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The one pin is a pirate Chip and the other is a princess one with three of the princesses on it.....there will be better pictures of these to come in the souvie section later on!

She wished Megan the happiest of birthdays and they each gave the other the BIGGEST hug! Megan and I were both so touched! I too gave the CM a great big hug, and then we were off on our way to go ride Dumbo!

Could this day have started out ANY better?!?!?!?!?!

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My pilot is waiting for take off!

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This is by far one of my favorite pictures of the entire trip.....I caught her as she was flying around, just staring at that beloved castle! Ah, what a memory!

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So happy!!!

We then walked on to the carousel...............

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Followed of course by a walk-on trip of our beloved Snow White!

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Megan loves this well so much!! I know she would love to go up and look down it just like Snow!

We then headed over to IASW for our morning dose of happiness, and then headed over towards the Tea Cups......I was trying to get us near Toontown as the morning crept closer to its' opening.

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After spinning ourselves silly, it was time for me to stake out a spot near the entrance of Toontown. I wanted to be close to the front of the rope drop so that we could quickly make our way down to go see Tink! It was 9:30, so Tom decided to take Megan to the Speedway while I waited....the rope wouldn't be dropped until 10am, so we would have plenty of time.....right???? I waited in the shade near the front, and took pictures of the two of them and the sights around me.....................

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As I was standing there waiting for the two to catch up to me, it happened.....the rope dropped.....people ran......and Tom and Megan were no where to be seen!!!!!!! I wanted to so badly grab my bag and run, but I didn't know if people would let him join me in line. I also didn't know where they were, so I stood still, waited, and watched as so many others blew past me. My big plans were completely foiled in my mind. I had the spot, but I didn't have them!!!! I so TOTALLY should have kept them with me. But where were they?!?!?!?!!?

Apparently waiting to get one of these.........................................

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And as you can tell from the pride and joy all over her face, it no longer mattered that my plans failed and I was trampled instead of running with the heards. I knew in an instant that the magic that "license" held for her was far more important and magical to her. I immediately congratulated her on her fine achievement, and then we decided to head down to the Judges' Tent to see about our fate with the fairies........................................... .................................................. ........................

And that my dear friends, is where I am going to leave you for now!! I know.....we all love/hate cliffhangers!!! Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging for long!!!!

Will we get to see Tink?
How long will the wait be?

Oh, you will ALL have to come back to find out!!!! PLUS, SO MUCH MORE FUN!!!!!! The greatness of this day is just beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charleston Princess

12-30-2009, 11:45 PM

IluvXU

12-30-2009, 11:59 PM

I love Jen how she matched the Dumbo she was on... and that it could be your second ride without much wait---- ahh to go in the off time seasons!

Trentmom

12-31-2009, 12:47 AM

Sounds like a great start to your day

Can't wait to read more :goodvibes

MegansMom

12-31-2009, 08:16 AM

Gotta love those EMH at the Magic Kingdom -- you pretty much did all our favorites in Fantasyland! :thumbsup2

What a darling CM to give Megan a birthday surprise of pins!!! One of the many reasons I adore Disney World as much as I do!

Megan is just adorable with her Tomorrowland license! I would have to agree with you that her happiness is worth missing out on being in the front of the line for the fairies. I do hope you get to meet them without too much of a wait, though.

You know how much we love that Fantasyland!!! We love it too because you can so easily go from one ride to the next there!

She was so sweet..such a genuine "Grandmotherly" lady. She spoke so sweetly and sincerely to Megan....I really wish I would have gotten her name! Or at least a picture of the two of them!

She has that license proudly displayed in her wallet in her purse! (Now this of course is just her dress-up purse that she plays with when she is playing house and such) She pretty much thinks she is a big shot now!!! Her face was without a doubt priceless and melted away any frustration from having the "plans" foiled! ;) No diva moment necessary thanks to that smile!

I promise I won't keep you hanging to long on the status of our date with the fairies ;):rolleyes1:goodvibes

I love Jen how she matched the Dumbo she was on... and that it could be your second ride without much wait---- ahh to go in the off time seasons!

Okay, I would never mention this in an update because I don't want you all to think strange thoughts about my dear child, but with her OCD tendencies that have developed due to her Sensory Integration Dysfunction, let me just tell you that that happens ALL THE TIME!!! If you notice on the first Dumbo pics, we were in a pink one.......to match her pink outfit. And yes, she wanted a green one that day to match the green of her Tinkerbell shirt. She is very rigid about matching......somedays it is quite the struggle around here when it comes to dressing because she is so particular about what "goes with" what. Thank God for Gymboree---her favorite store---because they put all that matching stuff together for her! For the most part, I am usually able to help her achieve her matchiness---the green tea cup on the Tea Cup ride---but on the rare occasion that we can't get to the "matching" cup or car or elephant, I have to use my Super Mommy powers to distract her to another one. So funny that you noticed though!!!!

We were really lucky this trip with our Dumbo wait times.........but our "BEST" Dumbo ride is still yet to come..................................

Sounds like a great start to your day

Can't wait to read more :goodvibes

Seriously, one of the BEST starts to our days ever!!! Even with the minor foiled Fairy Plan!!!! ;) And it only gets better from here!