Grumpy and his wife and possibly the DIS Food Porn Queen are going to Disney

[KatMark]

Hello to all of my old friends and welcome to any new friends who come along for the journey.
Let me introduce the cast of characters:

Grumpy – DH (Mark, aged 57 – we no longer hide our ages)

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2884.jpg

Mark is the sweetest kid at heart you’ll ever want to meet. He first went to Disney with friends a year or two after Disney opened. He loves everything Disney (watching Disney movies, reading Disney history and trivia, etc.). Mark works in sales and also umps baseball games in the summer (he started to ump games after he stopped coaching our two boys when they went into high school).

Grumpy’s wife – Me (Kathy, aged 52 – told you we no longer hide our ages)

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2888.jpg

I first went to Disney in 1976 with a girlfriend after we graduated from business school. At the time I thought…okay did that, won’t have to do it again. Then I went with Mark the year we got engaged (1982) and I fell in love with everything Disney – the magic, the rides, the themes, the restaurants, watching young kids the first time they see Mickey, etc. Mark and I have made over 20 trips to Disney now…some just the two of us, some with the kids, some with the kids and my parents, and once with our best friends (to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary). I have worked for for the same attorney at a law firm for 34+ years; I love to read, to DIS and to watch my kids with their sports teams (they both no longer participate themselves, but they both coach; Andy is 24 and Mark will soon be 22).

Here is a picture of the boys, even though they are not members of our Cast this trip. But they are Mark's and mine pride and joy (they've turned into really great young men!). The picture is the last picture I have the boys with their grandfather before he passed away August 2008 (Andy is on the left and Mark on the right of my dad).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip351.jpg





DIS Food Porn Queen – Nicki (okay, not giving Nicki’s age because I don’t have her permission to do so ;) )

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2819-2.jpg
(Mark and Nicki outside of Starbucks on Marco Island

I met Nicki here on the DIS about 18 months ago. When she found out we were going to Marco Island she told me she lived in Naples but worked on Marco Island and that we must have dinner together. We had it all planned, but then she had to go home to Boston for a family funeral. So instead, we met at Starbucks before Mark and I were going to dinner. You would have thought we had known each other forever. We spent 90 minutes together and never stopped talking. Poor Mark couldn’t get a word in…sorry, honey ). We now talk every day either on FB, email or by phone. We have become super friends and we love her dearly. I’ve not yet had a chance to meet her husband, Todd, but Mark was in Florida last week on business and had dinner with Nic and Todd and they had a great time. If Nicki can get off of work, she will join us for a couple of days at Disney (Todd just got a new job so he won’t be able to join us). We are hoping she can because we know we will have an absolute blast.

This will be our fourth year in a row (we didn't go in 2006). We went in 2007 to celebrate my 50th birthday and my successful breast cancer surgery; 2008 we celebrated our 25th anniversary with our best friends, Tom and Shelley (this was a week after my dad passed away and we almost cancelled...but Dad made me promise him one the last times he was able to speak in the hospital that we would go and celebrate this monumental milestone and in 2009 we just celebrated life in general.

To be continued…when are we going and where are we staying (like anyone has any doubts about the where).

[KatMark]

We fly into Ft. Myers on Friday, September 17, with scheduled arrival at 5:17 p.m. Now, you may be asking WHY are you flying to Ft. Myers when you are going to Disney World? Why not fly to Orlando? Well, when we were looking up airfares we weren't still 100% we were going to Disney or just to Marco Island. Then when we pulled up air fare of $398 for the two of us round trip, it was Ft. Myers all the way. We couldn't beat that fare (the cheapest we were finding round trip to Orlando was over $300 a person. And, as Mark said, it's only a 3-1/2 hour drive to Orlando and we'll be there b y 10:00 on Friday night and get a good rest and then start our fun at Disney on Saturday morning (last year we didn't get to the resort until 12:00 and it was 1:00 before we got to bed and we were dragging on Saturday).

The where to stay dilemna? This was such a hard choice. lol

Actually, we thought of staying at the AKL this trip, but we really couldn't afford the savannah view and a man my best friend works with said we really didn't want to do standard view; so we decided to wait on the AKL for another trip. So where should we stay? Well, after much thought...okay about five seconds, we decided to "go home."

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2399.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2348.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/jlcd3-1.jpg

As many of you know, we have stayed at the CSR eight times and we just love everything about it...always have, always will. With the added queen beds, we see no reason to stay at a deluxe.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/S7300285-1-1.jpg

Up next: Day One Plans

[KatMark]

Well, after a restful night in the great new beds at the CSR, we plan on getting up early Saturday a.m. for a 7:30 breakfast at Boma. We went here this past September and fell in love with it...the juice is out of this world.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2923-1.jpg

And we found the selections in the buffet to be very, very good (here are a few pics from last year):

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2926-1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2927-1.jpg

From breakfast at Boma, we will drive to Epcot and start our park touring there.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2397.jpg

We'll probably head over to Soarin' first to get Fast Passes.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2359.jpg

If the line is not too long, we'll ride Soarin' and then do The Land and watch The Circle of Life (as we get older, we find that we appreciate these shows more and more, especially the ones that teach us or make us think about our actions). From there, it's over to:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2366.jpg

Yes, my darling Mark loves these darn birds and will stand outside the sign for 10 minutes just so he can say: Mine. Mine. Mine Mine (I told you he is a kid at heart). :)

Depending on what time our fast passes are for Soarin', the next stop will probably be one of my favorites -- Imagination. I love Figment. And although not as good as the first production of this ride, it is certainly better the second production, and I do still enjoy it (and it is a good place to cool off).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/DSC04025.jpg

We'll go back to Soarin' I'm sure by this time, and then head over to the other side of Future World. I don't know if we'll do Universe of Energy; it depends on our mood that day...sometimes we do it, sometimes we don't. Mark will have to miss Mission: Space and Test Track this trip because he will be having back surgery on July 14 and will have to avoid any rides that whip his neck around. So that means no Mission, no Test, no coasters, no Tower of Terror. Hopefully, Nicki will be with us and we can do these rides together (ALTHOUGH I DON'T DO MISSION: SPACE AT ALL--NOPE, NOT ME. DID IT ONCE; NOT AGAIN). We usually save Spaceship Earth (or as my kids always called it -- Grandpa's Ball) on the way out of the park.

Up next...World Showcase...and where will we lunch and snack this year?

[DisneyCrafter]

Joining in! :)

[deslynnpatterson]

im joining in too:) i can't wait to hear more!!

[mickeystoontown]

Hey Kathy, I'm here! I sure hope that Nicki gets to join you guys even if it's just for a few days.

Looking forward to reading all of your details.

[tinacaplan]

I'm here! So excited for you! And keep your fingers crossed...by the end of the week we might be getting some news that would make our next trip to Disney come much sooner than I had previously dared hope.

[MaryAz]

Jumping in-how long will you be there for???

[KatMark]

Joining in! :)

Thank you for joining. :cool1:

im joining in too:) i can't wait to hear more!!

I'm glad you came over. :)

Hey Kathy, I'm here! I sure hope that Nicki gets to join you guys even if it's just for a few days.

Looking forward to reading all of your details.

Lisa, thanks for joining. I hope Nic can come too.

I'm here! So excited for you! And keep your fingers crossed...by the end of the week we might be getting some news that would make our next trip to Disney come much sooner than I had previously dared hope.

Tina, thanks for joining. And you know that my fingers (and toes are crossed). :thumbsup2

Jumping in-how long will you be there for???

Hi, Mary. We'll be there four nights (we arrive Friday, the 17th, and leave late afternoon on Tuesday, the 21st to go to Marco Island for eight days).

[skipperkim]

I'm finally here had to get some popcorn:: since I know this is going to be good. :D

[that's nice]

HEY KATHY!!!

Glad you started your PTR.... now I have to go back and read everything! :surfweb:

[All7OfUs]

Beat ya, Tim, I READ everything first. :lmao::lmao:

Kathy, I'm so, so sad we're going to miss you by a mere 4 days!!! Poop!

So glad you started a PTR!
:yay:

[KatMark]

I'm finally here had to get some popcorn:: since I know this is going to be good. :D

Thanks for joining Kim. Keep the popcorn handy and I hope to update tomorrow (if the office doesn't interfere :rotfl: ).

HEY KATHY!!!

Glad you started your PTR.... now I have to go back and read everything! :surfweb:

Hi, Tim. Glad you came over. Just checked...still no update from you. :scared1:
Beat ya, Tim, I READ everything first. :lmao::lmao:

Kathy, I'm so, so sad we're going to miss you by a mere 4 days!!! Poop!

So glad you started a PTR!
:yay:

Liesa, I'm glad you came over to join in my report. Tim, you just can't get away from Liesa and I, can you? Leisa read the start of the report and then posted. You seem to be a little backwards. ;) I know, it is because you are trying to update yours while reading others and can't manage two things at once. :lmao:

[All7OfUs]

Actually, I am usually the one who posts then reads. I don't know why I read first this time. :confused3

[that's nice]

Beat ya, Tim, I READ everything first. :lmao::lmao:
I know.. I just wanted to make sure I was on the first page.. :)



Hi, Tim. Glad you came over. Just checked...still no update from you. :scared1:
Update has been posted!!!


Tim, you just can't get away from Liesa and I, can you? Leisa read the start of the report and then posted. You seem to be a little backwards. ;) I know, it is because you are trying to update yours while reading others and can't manage two things at once. :lmao:
I love you ladies! I'd follow you anywhere! (maybe not to Blank-istan though) :lmao: :goodvibes



Actually, I am usually the one who posts then reads. I don't know why I read first this time. :confused3
Because you were trying to show me up! :rotfl2:


Kathy- Your plans sound great so far!!! So are you going to put in a building request at CSR???

[All7OfUs]

I know.. I just wanted to make sure I was on the first page.. :)


Because you were trying to show me up! :rotfl2:





NO, I"m like you; my competitive streak wants me on the first page too. :lmao:

[that's nice]

NO, I"m like you; my competitive streak wants me on the first page too. :lmao:
:lmao::lmao::lmao:

Time for bed.. we'll take this up tomorrow. Or today in 'your' time. LOL

[All7OfUs]

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

Time for bed.. we'll take this up tomorrow. Or today in 'your' time. LOL

sounds good. nite all. time to get some work done now.

[KatMark]

Beat ya, Tim, I READ everything first. :lmao::lmao:

Kathy, I'm so, so sad we're going to miss you by a mere 4 days!!! Poop!

So glad you started a PTR!
:yay:

Liesa, I can't believe we are missing by four days. That makes me :mad: and :sad2:

I know.. I just wanted to make sure I was on the first page.. :)


Update has been posted!!!


I love you ladies! I'd follow you anywhere! (maybe not to Blank-istan though) :lmao: :goodvibes


Kathy- Your plans sound great so far!!! So are you going to put in a building request at CSR???

Tim, I'm on my way over to read your update as soon as I go get my coffee and donut.

I hope Mel is not reading this about you "loving us and following us anywhere!" :rotfl2:

Actually, we thought we would request the Ranchos this time. It is the only section that we've not stayed in after our eight stays and I'd like to have tried them all once.

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, I can't believe we are missing by four days. That makes me :mad: and :sad2:



Yeah, we'll have to make it happen sometime soon! You sound like you'd be fun company in The Ditch.

[KatMark]

Yeah, we'll have to make it happen sometime soon! You sound like you'd be fun company in The Ditch.

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[KatMark]

We will head over to World Showcase. We usually start on the Mexico side, but I think this time we'll try the reverse only because we'll probably only get half way through the countries...if that...before our 3:00 ADR for lunch/early dinner.

This would have us starting in Canada this time around. Mark loves to walk through the stores and try on the hats (if you read my last trip report you will see that this is something my darling husband does at EVERY SINGLE STORE we walk into...he tries on at least one hat):

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2377.jpg

We will stop and go see the short film in Canada -- O Canada...we really enjoy this one.

Next up is the United Kingdom. We enjoy watching the street actors if they are out as we pass by. And we always make a stop at the bookstore here because I MUST HAVE this picture taken every year:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/PhotopassPictures024.jpg

Okay...gotta stop for a bit...the boss needs something. Be back soon (I hope)

[MickeyNicki]

Ok so I missed the first page but I am here and ready to party!

I so hope I can meet you guys up there!!

[KatMark]

Ok so I missed the first page but I am here and ready to party!

I so hope I can meet you guys up there!!

About time you got here!!! How was Desperate Housewives? And did Todd do anyting else I should know about? ;)

The trip won't be the same if you can't join us...so we are keeping fingers tightly crossed...as well as arms, legs, toes, eyes, etc. :lmao:

[MHTeacher]

I'm here for all the fun trip planning. :thumbsup2

First off, it seems as if you have a wonderful family. I know you must be proud of your sons. :)

I look forward to the days when Kevin and I will wander off to Disney World to explore by ourselves, and then take our children and their spouses, and our grandchildren on other trips.

[SoonerGirl]

Hi Kathy :wave2: Just joining in, all your plans look great so far!

[that's nice]

I love the pic of Mark with the moose hat on!!!!!

I didn't realize you can see Tigger & Pooh in the UK. Cool! :cool1:

[KatMark]

I'm here for all the fun trip planning. :thumbsup2

First off, it seems as if you have a wonderful family. I know you must be proud of your sons. :)

I look forward to the days when Kevin and I will wander off to Disney World to explore by ourselves, and then take our children and their spouses, and our grandchildren on other trips.

Thank you for joining, and thanks for the comments on our boys. As much as they aggravate us at times (as all of our kids do), they have done us very proud. Both were heavily involved in sports from the time they were four, and they are now giving back (Andy to baseball and Markie to wrestling).

Hi Kathy :wave2: Just joining in, all your plans look great so far!

Thank you for coming over. More plans later tonight or tomorrow (I have to finish some office work that I didn't get done at the office).

I love the pic of Mark with the moose hat on!!!!!

I didn't realize you can see Tigger & Pooh in the UK. Cool! :cool1:

Thanks, Tim. You will see Mark in MANY hats.

Yes, Tigger, Pooh and Eeyore appear in the book shop in the UK. Even though we go to CP every year, I like going here because you can get a picture with all three. :love:

[deslynnpatterson]

i love that your DH tries on all the different hats:) thats great!!! Your plans for the first day sound great!! I have never stopped and watched the o canada short film-- maybe i will this year:)

[that's nice]

Thanks, Tim. You will see Mark in MANY hats.
I remember some pics of him from your TR. I like 'em! :thumbsup2 :lmao:

Yes, Tigger, Pooh and Eeyore appear in the book shop in the UK. Even though we go to CP every year, I like going here because you can get a picture with all three. :love:I honestly think this is the first time I've ever hear of this. Thanks!!!

[KatMark]

i love that your DH tries on all the different hats:) thats great!!! Your plans for the first day sound great!! I have never stopped and watched the o canada short film-- maybe i will this year:)

Yeah, he cracks me up with his hats. Last year he had me trying them on too. :rotfl: We usually do all the films (although Norway could use an update). They updated the Canada one about two years ago and Martin Short is now the narrator. I like it.

I remember some pics of him from your TR. I like 'em! :thumbsup2 :lmao:

I honestly think this is the first time I've ever hear of this. Thanks!!!

Any time I can help my friend Tim out, I am happy to do so.

[KatMark]

I think I ended with being in United Kingdom and my "must do" pic with Pooh and friends. Up next is France. We usually walk through the shops quickly here. First, I can't stand the smell of perfume and 99% of it makes me have sneezing fits so we skip this shop; we don't drink wine so we usally skip this one as well. But we will walk through quickly if time permits (I just hold my nose in the perfume store). We usually stop for a picture in front of the "Eiffel Tower."

A hat photo:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2495.jpg

And while in France, we will have to stop for one of these for Mark:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2496-1.jpg

Next is Morocco and browsing the shops and hoping to see Aladdin and the Genie.

Up next would be Japan. We must watch the drummers...they are truly amazing--very talented:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2490.jpg


Up next...where will we have late lunch/early dinner?

[All7OfUs]

You've been busy while I've been sleeping... I'm doing a hat theme this time around too- you've given me some good ideas :)

[KatMark]

You've been busy while I've been sleeping... I'm doing a hat theme this time around too- you've given me some good ideas :)

Hi, Liesa. I love watching him try on the hats...he just has such a good time and we laugh and laugh...wondering which one will the silliest. I was busy at work today so no update, but here's a hat picture just for you:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2406-1.jpg

[All7OfUs]

I love trying them on and getting pix of them on my kids, but honestly, does anyone really BUY them?? And if so, do they actually EVER wear them again??

:confused3 Seems like a lot of dough to plop down for wearing it for a few hours. :rolleyes1

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh my goodness, what kind of friend am I to arrive on the THIRD page?? My plan was to be the first to post, but doggone it, life got in the way and must admit, then I forgot.:upsidedow But here now, all caught and you've already given me enough smiles to last a week - this PTR is going help get through the time until our December trip...well, until September and then your TR will get me through the rest of the time! :thumbsup2

I just love your PTR's and TR's - the pics are the best, especially Mark in his many hats. ::yes:: Thanks for inviting me!! :goodvibes

(and everything is crossed in hopes Nicki will be able to join you for a couple of days..even my eyes. :rotfl: )

[tinacaplan]

I love trying them on and getting pix of them on my kids, but honestly, does anyone really BUY them?? And if so, do they actually EVER wear them again??

:confused3 Seems like a lot of dough to plop down for wearing it for a few hours. :rolleyes1

I wondered that about so many of the things I saw in the stores at Disney! Particularly some of the silly, expensive stuff at the EPCOT World Showcase shops. :rotfl: But its all so fun to look at!

[TigerKat]

Hi y'all!:wave2:

[All7OfUs]

Oh my goodness

HI there!!! It's been a while since I've seen you!

I wondered that about so many of the things I saw in the stores at Disney! Particularly some of the silly, expensive stuff at the EPCOT World Showcase shops. :rotfl: But its all so fun to look at!

You are right. Despite being outrageous and outrageously expensive, I do enjoy looking too!!

[mickeystoontown]

Somehow I got unsubscribed to your thread. I was looking for it to ask if you heard the rumor that free dining is coming out on Monday! Watch for it!


Now, I'm going back to see what I missed out on.

[TigerKat]

Somehow I got unsubscribed to your thread. I was looking for it to ask if you heard the rumor that free dining is coming out on Monday! Watch for it!


Now, I'm going back to see what I missed out on.


I may be wrong but I could swear I saw someone post this morning that they were on hold for free dining.:confused3

[mickeystoontown]

I may be wrong but I could swear I saw someone post this morning that they were on hold for free dining.:confused3

Yep, it's already out for Disney Visa holders and is supposed to be available to the general public on Monday.

[mickeystoontown]

Whew! Went back and read your updates and am glad that I didn't miss too terribly much. Mark is too funny with all those hats!

[that's nice]

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2406-1.jpg

Just checking in to see if I missed anything.

Looks like this Donald hat comes with its own eye patch!!!! So has Mark purchased any hats or is he still waiting for the 'right' one??? :scratchin ;)

[Minnie&Nana]

HI there!!! It's been a while since I've seen you!

:wave: :goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

So, help me out here...

Is that last hat Mark has on supposed to be Donald's Butt hanging out the back? So like the person behind the person wearing it is getting a Duck Mooning?? :confused3

[MHTeacher]

So like the person behind the person wearing it is getting a Duck Mooning?? :confused3
:lmao:

[dizneeat]

Will I be ever forgiven for missing the start of your pre trip report? :sad2:

Definitely signing on .......... now going back to read! :laughing:

[dizneeat]

:thumbsup2 All caught up again! Thank god!

I LOVE all the photos of Mark with his hats! It's like "deja vu" for me .....

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/tom%20birthday/IMG_0071.jpg

Here's one of MANY photos I have of MY hat model! ;)

I cannot believe I am going to miss you by 6 days! :scared1: Wish I could stay a little longer, but then on the other hand I will at least have something to read about when I am back home!

[Minnie&Nana]

Kathy, hope all is well - we miss you!! :hug: (and it's getting boring aorund here chatting with one another. ;) )

[KatMark]

Sorry...I've been missing in action. Work has been unbearable the last two weeks and I'd fallen way behind and had to try to catch up. Tomorrow we are off to Dubuque for Markie's last ever Wrestling Awards Banquet--should be an emotional day--he has to give a speech. I'll try to get an update up on Monday.

I love trying them on and getting pix of them on my kids, but honestly, does anyone really BUY them?? And if so, do they actually EVER wear them again??

:confused3 Seems like a lot of dough to plop down for wearing it for a few hours.

We've not bought them since the kids were little. The two of them, and my dad, had the goofy hat with the long ears (such fond memories of my dad in that hat...he would have been 84 this coming Thursday) and the kids had these silly hats with the propellers on top and of course the Mickey Ears. Mark does wear his Eeyore ears every year at least one day...usually the day we have breakfast at the Crystal Palace.

Oh my goodness, what kind of friend am I to arrive on the THIRD page?? My plan was to be the first to post, but doggone it, life got in the way and must admit, then I forgot.:upsidedow But here now, all caught and you've already given me enough smiles to last a week - this PTR is going help get through the time until our December trip...well, until September and then your TR will get me through the rest of the time!

I just love your PTR's and TR's - the pics are the best, especially Mark in his many hats. Thanks for inviting me!! :goodvibes

(and everything is crossed in hopes Nicki will be able to join you for a couple of days..even my eyes. :rotfl: )

Hi, Christine. Glad you could join in. I'm so glad you enjoy my reports...I'm not the best writer, but I try my best.

I wondered that about so many of the things I saw in the stores at Disney! Particularly some of the silly, expensive stuff at the EPCOT World Showcase shops. :rotfl: But its all so fun to look at!

Yes, they are fun to look at.

Hi y'all!:wave2:

Hi, Kathy...I was hoping you'd find me. :)

Somehow I got unsubscribed to your thread. I was looking for it to ask if you heard the rumor that free dining is coming out on Monday! Watch for it!

Now, I'm going back to see what I missed out on.

Yes, I wanted to book it when the Disney visa announced it but I've been too busy. I'm calling first thing on Monday morning...please keep your fingers crossed we get it.

Whew! Went back and read your updates and am glad that I didn't miss too terribly much. Mark is too funny with all those hats!

My husband "keeps me young" at Disney with his silliness.

Just checking in to see if I missed anything.

Looks like this Donald hat comes with its own eye patch!!!! So has Mark purchased any hats or is he still waiting for the 'right' one??? :scratchin ;)

Yes, it does look like an eye patch. No, he is still waiting for the right one. Or he is waiting for me to give in and buy him a sword. I think I'll surprise him this trip and buy him one.

So, help me out here...

Is that last hat Mark has on supposed to be Donald's Butt hanging out the back? So like the person behind the person wearing it is getting a Duck Mooning?? :confused3

:rotfl::rotfl::lmao: I never looked at it that way. I love that hat...you can find it when you leave Mickey's Philharmagic.

:lmao:

I agree with you. :lmao:

Will I be ever forgiven for missing the start of your pre trip report? :sad2:

Definitely signing on .......... now going back to read! :laughing:

:thumbsup2 All caught up again! Thank god!

I LOVE all the photos of Mark with his hats! It's like "deja vu" for me .....

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/tom%20birthday/IMG_0071.jpg

Here's one of MANY photos I have of MY hat model! ;)

I cannot believe I am going to miss you by 6 days! :scared1: Wish I could stay a little longer, but then on the other hand I will at least have something to read about when I am back home!

Of course, you are forgiven Karin. I'm just glad you found us. I love Tom's hat picture. It's great. I'm sorry we will miss you too. I actually wanted to go a week earlier, but Mark has a trade show at work and he cannot miss it. (:

Kathy, hope all is well - we miss you!! :hug: (and it's getting boring aorund here chatting with one another. ;) )

Sorry, Christine. As I said earlier, it's been a rough two weeks at work. I hope to have something up Monday during the day or evening.

[KatMark]

I know this has nothing to do with my "pre-trip" report (which I promise to get back to tomorrow or Tuesday), but we just got back from our very last Wrestling Awards Banquet. Here a couple of pictures from today. Mark received the "Jim Fox Award" (the first wrestler to wrestle at the University of Dubuque) for his dedication, leadership and perseverance despite setbacks and obstacles that would have perhaps stopped another person. It is hard to believe that 13 years of his devotion to this sport and many injuries is at an end. (:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/AwardsBanquet009.jpg

Mark with Mr. Jim Fox and his teammate, Ryan

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/AwardsBanquet010.jpg

This year's seven seniors who are now done wrestling

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/AwardsBanquet014.jpg

Mark and I with our handsome son

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/AwardsBanquet017.jpg

Mark and his teammate and roommate, Josh

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/AwardsBanquet018.jpg

Me with Josh (I love this kid...he has been a great influence on Mark; he was there for him when his grandpa died...Mark had to be back at school for the start of the semester when his grandpa died in 2008 and Josh took good care of him and Josh has helped him with his studies, etc.)

[dizneeat]

Thanks for the photos! I love to see your "real life"! :goodvibes

You have some HANDSOME sons - but I guess I know where they got their good looks from - look at the parents! ;)

Thanks for sharing! :hug:

[All7OfUs]

Awesome, Awesome, AWESOME!!!

THey are both very dashing, and fine young men!

Congrats!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Subbing..... Just found your thread and need to go back and catch up.

We will be there at the same time in September. :goodvibes

[KatMark]

Thanks for the photos! I love to see your "real life"! :goodvibes

You have some HANDSOME sons - but I guess I know where they got their good looks from - look at the parents! ;)

Thanks for sharing! :hug:

Thank you, Karin. Mark looks like me; Andy (who is not pictured looks like his grandpa).

Awesome, Awesome, AWESOME!!!

THey are both very dashing, and fine young men!

Congrats!

Thank you; I am proud of both my boys...they've done good so far. ;)

Subbing..... Just found your thread and need to go back and catch up.

We will be there at the same time in September. :goodvibes

I am so glad you found me and I am thrilled thatyou are here. Maybe we can hook up this trip if for nothing else but a quick hello. :)

[MHTeacher]

Congratulations to Mark for the award. It sounds as if you raised a very, fine young man. I know you must be very proud. :goodvibes

[mickeystoontown]

I love looking at pictures of my Dis friends' families. I know that you are a proud Mama and I don't blame you one bit!

Don't forget to let us know if you called and got free dining!

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, Kahty, I am so happy to see new pics of Markie! He looks fabulous as always - both of your boys are so handsome.

Congratulations to Markie - I know how proud you are and he's given you every reason to be very proud. I can only imagine how sad it was to know it is the end of a special time in your lives - no doubt there will be many more to come. :goodvibes

[KatMark]

Congratulations to Mark for the award. It sounds as if you raised a very, fine young man. I know you must be very proud. :goodvibes

Thanks; we are very proud of him!

I love looking at pictures of my Dis friends' families. I know that you are a proud Mama and I don't blame you one bit!

Don't forget to let us know if you called and got free dining!

Hi, Lisa. Thanks...I love seeing pics of Lacey and Hunter too. YES, WE GOT FREE DINING! :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Oh, Kahty, I am so happy to see new pics of Markie! He looks fabulous as always - both of your boys are so handsome.

Congratulations to Markie - I know how proud you are and he's given you every reason to be very proud. I can only imagine how sad it was to know it is the end of a special time in your lives - no doubt there will be many more to come. :goodvibes

Thanks, Christine. It was very sad. My smartie pants husband tried to snap a picture of me crying during my son's speech, but I wouldn't let him! But I know that Markie is going to make a GREAT coach and I am sure we will go and watch him in this next phase of his life.

[Minnie&Nana]

I will be looking forward to hearing all about his coaching - I miss hearing about his wrestling events and was never a fan of the sport before I knew you! :goodvibes

[tinacaplan]

Congratulations to you and your family, Kathy. What beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing them. It is always interesting to hear about people's lives off of the Dis!

[dizneeat]

Kathy, did you get FD today for your trip? If so, any ADRs I need to know about! :lmao: You know me and food ...... my favourite subject! :rotfl2:

[KatMark]

Kathy, did you get FD today for your trip? If so, any ADRs I need to know about! :lmao: You know me and food ...... my favourite subject! :rotfl2:

I caught Karin skimming! I posted a few above you that we got FREE DINING this morning. We have ADR's at Crystal Palace, Kona and Boma for breakfast and we have Plaza and Coral Reef for late lunch/early dinner. Now, will I change any? Who knows...we will have to wait and see. :laughing:

[dizneeat]

I caught Karin skimming! I posted a few above you that we got FREE DINING this morning. We have ADR's at Crystal Palace, Kona and Boma for breakfast and we have Plaza and Coral Reef for late lunch/early dinner. Now, will I change any? Who knows...we will have to wait and see. :laughing:

Okay, I will now go back and "search" :rotfl2: Sorry, I completely missed your post :scared1: ....... how could I ..... guess I blame it on the "age" thing! :rotfl:

May I tell you that you missed my pre-trippie too? :rolleyes1

I am trying to "maybe" find a spot to fit in Crystal Palace again, but we have Kona, Boma and Plaza as well. Wasn't too keen on Coral Reef the last few times we went .... the server kind of put me off!

Oh, and by the way - where does Fulton's get squeezed in? :confused3

[Minnie&Nana]

I caught Karin skimming! I posted a few above you that we got FREE DINING this morning. We have ADR's at Crystal Palace, Kona and Boma for breakfast and we have Plaza and Coral Reef for late lunch/early dinner. Now, will I change any? Who knows...we will have to wait and see. :laughing:

Skimming..who would do such a thing?? :confused3

:rotfl:Yep, also missed the post saying you now have free dining.:cheer2:

[dizneeat]

Skimming..who would do such a thing?? :confused3

:rotfl:Yep, also missed the post saying you now have free dining.:cheer2:

I am relieved now! I am not alone! :hug:

[KatMark]

Okay, I will now go back and "search" :rotfl2: Sorry, I completely missed your post :scared1: ....... how could I ..... guess I blame it on the "age" thing! :rotfl:

May I tell you that you missed my pre-trippie too? :rolleyes1

I am trying to "maybe" find a spot to fit in Crystal Palace again, but we have Kona, Boma and Plaza as well. Wasn't too keen on Coral Reef the last few times we went .... the server kind of put me off!

Oh, and by the way - where does Fulton's get squeezed in? :confused3

Honey, I blame EVERYTHING on my old age.

Coral Reef was Mark's request. We've not been there in about 12 years (and that's a guess...it could be longer). He wants to eat with the fish. What can I say? This is the man who wears Eeyore ears around the park. :rotfl2:

As for Fulton's, we're skipping it this trip only because we'll be going out to dinner on Marco Island with Nicki and Todd a couple of times and we don't want to spend too much with Disney dining so we can buy a "few" souvenirs.

We've requested the Ranchos at CSR this trip as it's the only seciton we've not tried.

Skimming..who would do such a thing?? :confused3

:rotfl:Yep, also missed the post saying you now have free dining.:cheer2:

I've never skimmed in my life. :rolleyes:

With all the threads we all follow, I don't know how any of us keep it straight.

I am relieved now! I am not alone! :hug:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[KatMark]

May I tell you that you missed my pre-trippie too? :rolleyes1



Okay...now I feel really bad. I'm heading over there now to subscribe and will read tonight...I promise. :)

[Minnie&Nana]

I've never skimmed in my life. :rolleyes:

With all the threads we all follow, I don't know how any of us keep it straight.



:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

At least you didn't say she's in good company with Christine!!

Hey, I'd like to read dizneeat's PTR too...:thumbsup2

[dizneeat]

Honey, I blame EVERYTHING on my old age.

Coral Reef was Mark's request. We've not been there in about 12 years (and that's a guess...it could be longer). He wants to eat with the fish. What can I say? This is the man who wears Eeyore ears around the park. :rotfl2:

As for Fulton's, we're skipping it this trip only because we'll be going out to dinner on Marco Island with Nicki and Todd a couple of times and we don't want to spend too much with Disney dining so we can buy a "few" souvenirs.

We've requested the Ranchos at CSR this trip as it's the only seciton we've not tried.


Okay...now I feel really bad. I'm heading over there now to subscribe and will read tonight...I promise. :)

Did I miss the photo with Mark's Eeyore ears too? Or can I just not remember it ........ old age again!

If Coral Reef was Mark's request, it is a must! :thumbsup2

And I do understand about Fulton's! Even though we wanted to go back we changed our mind again, as I would not have been able to use all our Deluxe DDP credits. I must have been mad when I booked it! :rotfl2:

Can you believe it, but we have NEVER requested any special section at any of the resorts so far! :scared1: All I ask for when we check in is a higher floor, but I guess I might put in a request when we go back to CSR! I loved the Ranchos and the Cabanas! Can you tell we fell in love with the place?? :rotfl:
Oh, and I still have a few photos Tom put together and he wants you to see them too!

Don't feel bad about missing my pre-trippie! :goodvibes I guess it is easy to miss in all the things I have in my signature! :rotfl2:

[dizneeat]

Hey, I'd like to read dizneeat's PTR too...:thumbsup2

If you haven't found it yet ........ the link is in my signature. It's the Pixie dust again one.

Sorry to hijack your thread, Kathy! pirate:

[KatMark]

For Karin:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/MarkasEeyore.jpg

[mickeystoontown]

I think it's good that you're going to Coral Reef again after so many years. John absolutely loves the blackened catfish they serve there. I ordered the steak and Lacey's ordered the fish of the day or whatever they called it. I have pictures of the food somewhere on my Stop Making Me Laugh report. It may be easier for me to just find them on photobucket. So, if you want to see those pics, just let me know.

We have never done breakfast at Crystal Palace but like the dinner there.

It's been several years since we have eaten at the Plaza but I have an ADR for dinner there this coming trip.

[dizneeat]

For Karin:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/MarkasEeyore.jpg

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!! I love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:love: :love: :love: :love: :love:

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!

Here's one for ya in return!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/Pixie%20dust%20again/klein_019.jpg

........... or maybe two! :rotfl:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/Pixie%20dust%20again/klein_070.jpg

[that's nice]

Kathy-
Great pictures of Mark at his banquet. It is amazing how fast life goes. I remember getting awards in HS (I know these are Mark's college awards- I never got any of those.. I didn't make it through :sad1:) and it seems like it was yesterday.

So FD for you!!!!! :woohoo::woohoo:
How exciting!!!

I WANNA BE IN WDW FOR FD!!!!!! :charac2::upsidedow

[KatMark]

Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!! I love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:love: :love: :love: :love: :love:

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!

Here's one for ya in return!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/Pixie%20dust%20again/klein_019.jpg

........... or maybe two! :rotfl:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/Pixie%20dust%20again/klein_070.jpg

Love the photos. Tom and Mark would be a hoot together...I'm so sorry we're missing you by just a few days.


I think it's good that you're going to Coral Reef again after so many years. John absolutely loves the blackened catfish they serve there. I ordered the steak and Lacey's ordered the fish of the day or whatever they called it. I have pictures of the food somewhere on my Stop Making Me Laugh report. It may be easier for me to just find them on photobucket. So, if you want to see those pics, just let me know.

We have never done breakfast at Crystal Palace but like the dinner there.

It's been several years since we have eaten at the Plaza but I have an ADR for dinner there this coming trip.

Lisa, if I can't find the pics in your report, I'll let you know. Mark loves fish; I looked at the menu and not sure anything really screams out at me, so I may just go with the steak. But they could change the menu before I even get there. ;)

Kathy-
Great pictures of Mark at his banquet. It is amazing how fast life goes. I remember getting awards in HS (I know these are Mark's college awards- I never got any of those.. I didn't make it through :sad1:) and it seems like it was yesterday.

So FD for you!!!!! :woohoo::woohoo:
How exciting!!!

I WANNA BE IN WDW FOR FD!!!!!! :charac2::upsidedow

Life goes way too fast! Hold on to that precious Ana as long as you can. Because, before you know it, you'll be in my shoes.

I wouldn't be "whining" that you want to be at Disney for free dining. How many times did you go in the last three years???? ;)

Update coming soon...I promise.

[Minnie&Nana]

For Karin:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/MarkasEeyore.jpg

This is my all time favorite picture of Mark! I actually had it on my desktop for awhile last yr when I was going through a tough time and needed a smile - every time I logged on this pic made me smile! :goodvibes

[that's nice]

Life goes way too fast! Hold on to that precious Ana as long as you can. Because, before you know it, you'll be in my shoes.

I wouldn't be "whining" that you want to be at Disney for free dining. How many times did you go in the last three years???? ;)

I hear you.. time & life goes by way too quickly. :rolleyes:

I know I am whining BUT can't I want to get some FD and get to meet you? :)
That would be really cool! :yay:

[KatMark]

I hear you.. time & life goes by way too quickly. :rolleyes:

I know I am whining BUT can't I want to get some FD and get to meet you? :)
That would be really cool! :yay:

That would be really neat. I would love to meet you and your beautiful family. So after your next trip, you ought to wait and go in September BEFORE Juliana starts "REAL" school and then we can meet. :)

Now, have you done an update? I've not gotten over to your report today, but am heading over after I work on my update (while I'm watching our Blackhawks).

[that's nice]

That would be really neat. I would love to meet you and your beautiful family. So after your next trip, you ought to wait and go in September BEFORE Juliana starts "REAL" school and then we can meet. :)

Now, have you done an update? I've not gotten over to your report today, but am heading over after I work on my update (while I'm watching our Blackhawks).

No update yet... I'm about to head out to play cards with the guys.

I just posted over there that Juliana has her 3 month scans tomorrow. She doesn't have to goto the clinic though- so no blood work. I hope to have an update tomorrow night. (I hope)

[KatMark]

Okay...where did I leave off? Yes, we are still on Day One, and we've just finished visiting Japan and wondering where we were going to have a late lunch/early dinner.

Well, Mark decided that he wanted to take a "break" from LeCellier as we've done it the last four trips in a row. He suggested we go to Coral Reef as we've not been there in about 12 years (if not longer...the kids were still youngish...I'm thinking around 10 and 12 or maybe even younger). I think the REAL reason he wants to eat at Coral Reef is so that he can see these guys AGAIN. :rotfl::rotfl:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2366.jpg

So, we have a 3:00 ADR at Coral Reef. I looked at the menu and nothing really "shouts out to me", but I know I'll find something (I am eyeing a very chocolaty dessert though :worship:); Mark loves all kinds of fish so I know he won't have any problem finding something he wants to eat.

After Coral Reef, I'm not sure if we'll do more stuff in Future World or if we'll head back to World Showcase and finish the other side. I think we'll probably stick with Future World and do what we want there (and, of course, spend quite some time in MouseEars "window" shopping).

After we do that, we'll head back to the CSR and go swimming (weather permitting) in the quiet pool or we'll go miniature golfing and then head to the CSR for a dip in the pool.

Up next...pool at the CSR in the evening and Day 2. What park will they be at and what will they do? And are there more hats in Mark's future?

[KatMark]

No update yet... I'm about to head out to play cards with the guys.

I just posted over there that Juliana has her 3 month scans tomorrow. She doesn't have to goto the clinic though- so no blood work. I hope to have an update tomorrow night. (I hope)

Have fun. And, as you know, fingers and toes are crossed for a good report on the scans tomorrow. Kisses to Ana.

[All7OfUs]

I'd choose Coral Reef over Le Cel just because I LOVE fish much more than steak. But, I don't hear of too many raving reviews of it though. :sad2: I hope you get great food and amazing service both!

[tinacaplan]

Nice picture of Mark in front of the Living Seas. My Mark and I both LOVED the birds and Mark made the mine joke a lot during our trip.

[Stefy]

Just joining in too :wave:

Your plans sound great so far and I love all Marks hat pics, is a great idea to do every trip, must make for some great pictures :goodvibes

[WDisneyMom]

Yay!! So happy I found your PTR! Love your writing style and I'm so happy you and Mark are able to make it to Disney and Marco Island this year!
What a perfect place to spend your 4 days there...CSR, your home away from home! It's a beautiful resort!
Couple of things...I can't wait to hear about your special balloon giveaway in memory of your Dad...made me cry when I read about it in your last report...so very sweet! Lastly...I LOVE the picture of Mark with the birds...pointing to himself!! Haha...Mine!!
Off to finish reading! :hug:

[KatMark]

I'd choose Coral Reef over Le Cel just because I LOVE fish much more than steak. But, I don't hear of too many raving reviews of it though. :sad2: I hope you get great food and amazing service both!

Thanks; we won't know if we don't try it again. I can't even remember what I had 12 years ago. :confused:

Nice picture of Mark in front of the Living Seas. My Mark and I both LOVED the birds and Mark made the mine joke a lot during our trip.

It must be a Mark thing. ;)

Just joining in too :wave:

Your plans sound great so far and I love all Marks hat pics, is a great idea to do every trip, must make for some great pictures :goodvibes

Welcome. I know I've seen you on several threads I follow closely. Thank you for joining mine.

Yay!! So happy I found your PTR! Love your writing style and I'm so happy you and Mark are able to make it to Disney and Marco Island this year!
What a perfect place to spend your 4 days there...CSR, your home away from home! It's a beautiful resort!
Couple of things...I can't wait to hear about your special balloon giveaway in memory of your Dad...made me cry when I read about it in your last report...so very sweet! Lastly...I LOVE the picture of Mark with the birds...pointing to himself!! Haha...Mine!!
Off to finish reading! :hug:

Thank you for coming over. As much as I want to try AKL, I'm just very happy at CSR and I really can't push myself to go elsewhere. I will be sure to do the balloon story in my PTR as well as my TR. My dad's birthday would have been this week so it's been an up and down week emotionally for me.

[MHTeacher]

So, I'm guessing that Mark really wants to see these guys so he can stand there and say, "Mine, Mine, Mine." ??? :rotfl:

YAY ! for free dining! :woohoo:

[KatMark]

So, I'm guessing that Mark really wants to see these guys so he can stand there and say, "Mine, Mine, Mine." ??? :rotfl:

YAY ! for free dining! :woohoo:

Do you think??? :rotfl2::rotfl2::lmao: Gotta love my husband...just a "pooh-sized" kid at heart.

Going to try to get up a quick update before I get back to work.

[dizneeat]

Do you think??? :rotfl2::rotfl2::lmao: Gotta love my husband...just a "pooh-sized" kid at heart.

Going to try to get up a quick update before I get back to work.

Update ........... yeah! Sounds great! Hope you get it done in time I need to go to bed ....... remember, I am six hours ahead of you, or is it seven? :lmao:

[KatMark]

Okay, before I do an update, I thought I'd post this picture. This was me and my wonderful boys on our very first stay at the CSR:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/FirststayatCSR.jpg

Boy, all I can say is they were such silly little boys and now are silly young men and I sure as heck was skinny (and didn't have to color my hair every six weeks). Okay...on with the trip.

I'm not sure if Mark and I both will swim in the quiet pool...it depends on the water. I am a big sissy and if I feel cold, I'm not going in. He will...as it relaxes him. I will either join him in the pool or I'll sit on a chair while he's swimming, or I'll take a walk around the lake or I'll jot down notes in my notebook for the trip report when I get home.

Some of the night time pics of CSR -- it truly is a beautiful resort:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2333.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2335.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2339.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2338.jpg

Day 2:

Rise and Shine. I'll be up and showered and walking to the PM to get Mark his coffee and me my cappucino so that we will be at the Studios by 8:15 a.m. and at the gate by 8:30 a.m. Mark will eat some cereal in the room (he must eat his some of his medications); this is the only day that we don't have any ADR's and will be doing counter service or if luck holds out we will head over to Beaches & Cream as we have never been tehre.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2327-1.jpg

We won't be able to do TOT or Rock & Roll this year with Mark's back surgery (unless Nicki joins us and she does TOT with me; I don't do Rock & Roll anymore--too darn old).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2307-1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2308.jpg

The first thing we will do, is dash for a Fast Pass to Toy Story Mania:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2309.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2310.jpg


Okay...gotta stop (the boss is calling from out of town). More late this afternoon or tonight.

[that's nice]

Okay, before I do an update, I thought I'd post this picture. This was me and my wonderful boys on our very first stay at the CSR:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/FirststayatCSR.jpg
Awww look at you and your boys! Great pic!!!!!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2339.jpg

This looks like your special hammock! I hope you plan on using it this time!!!! :cutie:


So you are you going to FP TSM and ride right away? Or are you going to ride then FP? Or just FP? If you are one of the firsts, I'd FP then ride! :thumbsup2

[KatMark]

Awww look at you and your boys! Great pic!!!!!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2339.jpg

This looks like your special hammock! I hope you plan on using it this time!!!! :cutie:


So you are you going to FP TSM and ride right away? Or are you going to ride then FP? Or just FP? If you are one of the firsts, I'd FP then ride! :thumbsup2

The plan, since Mark will be limited with rides this trip, is get a Fast Pass, ride it and then come back later with the FP. There are a few things that we've not done at the Studios ever that I definitely want to try this time which you will hear about in the next update. And I already wrote on your thread, but to sweet Juliana: :woohoo::woohoo: awesome news on the scans. :hug:

[dizneeat]

Thanks! LOVE your update!

That photo of you and the boys is just lovely! I love getting to see photos of peoples families!
I need to get Tom to scan in some of our photos from our first few trips to the US with my mom. She loved it and we owe our love for Disney to her! ;)

I miss CSR! Those photos make me homesick! :laughing: Love your DHS day so far, all my favourite rides are there, ToT, TSM and we still ride Rock'n'Roller, but I am not sure for how much longer! ;)

Looking forward to more! :goodvibes

[MickeyNicki]

I love that pic of you and the boys! Now to be fair you need to post one of Romeo

[dizneeat]

I love that pic of you and the boys! Now to be fair you need to post one of Romeo

:thumbsup2 I definitely second that! :lmao:

[KatMark]

I love that pic of you and the boys! Now to be fair you need to post one of Romeo


Okay...here is one of Romeo with the boys when he was YOUNGER! :rotfl2:

Oh...and for those of you wondering why Nicki is calling my husband Romeo and what might be going on there. Romeo stands for: Retired Old Men Eating Out (it is a Marco Island thing). :lmao::lmao:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneyPictures002.jpg

[LuvvsMickey]

Well, hellooooooo Kat. Greetings from my igloo! I still crack up every time I see Mark in the Eeyore ears. Gets me every single time. Too darn funny! Can't wait to hear more. Seems like it takes FOREVER to get here, doesn't it?

[KatMark]

Well, hellooooooo Kat. Greetings from my igloo! I still crack up every time I see Mark in the Eeyore ears. Gets me every single time. Too darn funny! Can't wait to hear more. Seems like it takes FOREVER to get here, doesn't it?

Hi, Tracy. I'm so glad you came to join the fun. It wouldn't be the same without you. There will be another picture I will be posting soon...that I think you will love. :)

[tinacaplan]

Thanks for posting the pictures, Kathy! Love them. They are very sweet. Makes me think about how quickly time passes and to try and savor every minute with my Mickey Mouse-loving boy.

Great update. We absolutely fell in love with Toy Story Mania on the last trip. I think it might have been my favorite ride! And Rock and Roller coaster was over so fast, I barely noticed it! :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear more!

[that's nice]

I love that pic of you and the boys! Now to be fair you need to post one of Romeo

I was wondering why you had a pet name for Mark. LOLOLOL :rotfl::rotfl:

[KatMark]

Thanks! LOVE your update!

That photo of you and the boys is just lovely! I love getting to see photos of peoples families!
I need to get Tom to scan in some of our photos from our first few trips to the US with my mom. She loved it and we owe our love for Disney to her! ;)

I miss CSR! Those photos make me homesick! :laughing: Love your DHS day so far, all my favourite rides are there, ToT, TSM and we still ride Rock'n'Roller, but I am not sure for how much longer! ;)

Looking forward to more! :goodvibes

Thanks, Karin. It is nice to see pics of the families...I think it connects the correspondence with people a little better.

I didn't mean to make you homesick. You can always go back to CSR on a future trip. We've asked for the Ranchos for this trip.

I love TOT...it is my favorite ride in all of Disney.

Thanks for posting the pictures, Kathy! Love them. They are very sweet. Makes me think about how quickly time passes and to try and savor every minute with my Mickey Mouse-loving boy.

Great update. We absolutely fell in love with Toy Story Mania on the last trip. I think it might have been my favorite ride! And Rock and Roller coaster was over so fast, I barely noticed it! :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear more!

We did Toy Story Mania for the first time last year and it was awesome (we had missed in the year before...we had gotten there like 3 in the afternoon and all the FP's were already gone. At my age, RRC goes TOO fast. :lmao:

They do grow up way too fast. I can't believe that Andy (our oldest) starts student teaching in September and Markie will graduate in a year from college. (:

I was wondering why you had a pet name for Mark. LOLOLOL :rotfl::rotfl:

Yes, my husband read about the ROMEO'S in the Marco Island paper and he and Nicki correspond by email all the time and that has become her adopted name for him.

[KatMark]

Okay, so we've got our FP's for Toy Story and we will ride it right away. Then we will head over to The Great Movie Ride.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2316.jpg

Then we will head over to One Man's Dream showing if it is open by this time. Depending on when our FP is for Toy Story, we'll head over to Star Tours and ride that (if it is open--I read somewhere that it was going to close for a rehab).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2315.jpg

We'll get back to Toy Story and then do Muppets for Mark.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2314.jpg

We'll eat a very early lunch since I won't have had breakfast. We're going to try Starring Rolls Cafe for the first time -- it is the only place close that gets good reviews every time I read about it. I want to be sure this year to do the Magic of Disney Animation; we have never done this and every time I read a trip report of someone doing it, it sounds like great fun. The last thing we have to do is to see Beauty and the Beast--my favorite live show in all of Disney.

A few Studio pics:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2326.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2328.jpg

After our morning/early afternoon, we will head back to the CSR to lounge by the pool and have a drink or two and just relax before heading to the Magic Kingdom for evening extra magic hours.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2442.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2440-1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2444-1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Francisco.jpg

Franciso mixing up my Pina Colada so I can go lay in my hammock:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip012-1.jpg

[All7OfUs]

Is it just me, Kathy, or does anyone else find it incredibly funny that HANES is the sponsor of RnRC?? So like, when you "have an unfortunate bowel issue" on the ride, are they at the end with free samples??

[that's nice]

Is it just me, Kathy, or does anyone else find it incredibly funny that HANES is the sponsor of RnRC?? So like, when you "have an unfortunate bowel issue" on the ride, are they at the end with free samples??
:lmao::lmao::lmao:

I never knew that Hanes was the sponsor. I swear I learn something new everyday! :rotfl2:

[Stefy]

Great update, loving the pics of you and your family :) You look like you are having so much fun :goodvibes

Loving the Romeo reference to DH :laughing:

[KatMark]

Is it just me, Kathy, or does anyone else find it incredibly funny that HANES is the sponsor of RnRC?? So like, when you "have an unfortunate bowel issue" on the ride, are they at the end with free samples??

I never knew that. And I almost needed a free sample after my LAST ride on it. ;)

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

I never knew that Hanes was the sponsor. I swear I learn something new everyday! :rotfl2:

I learn something new too. As many times as we've been to Disney and we think we know just about everything there is to know, something pops up we never heard of. Thanks, Liesa for helping Tim and I learn something new. :)

Great update, loving the pics of you and your family :) You look like you are having so much fun :goodvibes

Loving the Romeo reference to DH :laughing:

Thanks, Stefy. Although he's not "retired" yet, he wants to. He also has a shirt that says "Old Guys Rock" .

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2877.jpg

[MHTeacher]

I He also has a shirt that says "Old Guys Rock" .

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2877.jpg

Now, that's funny! :lmao: :thumbsup2

[longing2Batdisney]

Kathy
I did not know you started your PTR! but, I'm here now...
I'll be back to catch up later tonight getting ready to run some errands
but I will be back!
:wave2: Connie

[KatMark]

Now, that's funny! :lmao: :thumbsup2

He's one in a million that husband of mine. ;)

Kathy
I did not know you started your PTR! but, I'm here now...
I'll be back to catch up later tonight getting ready to run some errands
but I will be back!
:wave2: Connie

No problem, Connie. You've just returned from DISNEY! I enjoyed following your quick reports on FB and I'm headed over to your trip report now.

Thanks for joining.

[longing2Batdisney]

Ok! so I made it through page four...
I hope Nikki can join you guys...it will be so much fun
Next, I wanted to say that I am so happy for you guys that you are able to take your WDW and Marco Island trip this year; I remember when you were not so sure not long ago :yay:

your plans sound great so far...I'm up to Morrocco

I don't blame you for flying into Ft. Myers saving that kind of money is always fun to use somewhere else on the trip.

be back later...Ashton is finally ready to hit the road with me...
:wave2: Connie

[KatMark]

Ok! so I made it through page four...
I hope Nikki can join you guys...it will be so much fun
Next, I wanted to say that I am so happy for you guys that you are able to take your WDW and Marco Island trip this year; I remember when you were not so sure not long ago :yay:

your plans sound great so far...I'm up to Morrocco

I don't blame you for flying into Ft. Myers saving that kind of money is always fun to use somewhere else on the trip.

be back later...Ashton is finally ready to hit the road with me...
:wave2: Connie

Boy...that was fast.

We were pretty sure we were going to do Marco Island, but not Disney. But then when we didn't have to pay taxes, we figured we could do a short stay like last time. And with Mark having back surgery, four days will be more t han enough time for this trip for the parks.

Hugs to Ashton.

[KatMark]

Okay...where did I leave off. Oh yes, Francisco was mixing me a pina colada and I was laying here:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip012.jpg

Well, now that I've had probably too much sun and my cocktail, it is probably time for me to eat something. The plan (subject to change ;) ) is to drive over to Beaches & Cream; we have never been there and I've been reading for years how great it is, so I really want to give it a try.

After we have this lunch/early dinner, we will head over to the MK for it is Extra Magic Hours on this evening (park will be open until midnight--:dance3:).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip001.jpg

I love this sign!

Normally, our very first ride ALWAYS at the MK is:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/MarkonDumbo.jpg

(okay, I forewarned all you guys that he is a BIG kid at heart).

But being that we are going mid/late afternoon, I don't think that will work out this trip. We'll either try to get on Dumbo during the EMH's or we will wait until our last day here when we will spend the day at MK and be there in plenty of time for rope drop.

So I think the plan will be to head to Tomorrowland first so that I can see what time the FP's are to come back for Space Mountain (again, Mark will have to miss this because of his surgery) for me (and hopefully Nicki). If the "return" time is too late, I will save this for our final day as well.

So that should put us in venturing over to Buzz.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2297.jpg

Then after Buzz, I am sure Mark will want to do the Carousel of Progress (okay, I just don't get this attraction and I just sleep through it every time we do it...but I guess after my :drinking1:drinking1 at the pool, I will need a nap anyway. :lmao:

I told Mark I really wanted to skip the Laugh Comedy this year. It was okay the first and second time, but after awhile it just really isn't funny anymore to me.

So we will stroll past the race cars and stop and ride the Mad Tea Party (Mark can do this as I don't like spinning it, so it shouldn't jerk his neck).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/DSC04338.jpg

To be continued....

[KatMark]

Well, the last I wrote, we were riding the Mad Tea Party. We will take a stroll over and see how long the line is for Winnie-the-Pooh; if it isn't too long, we will wait it out (I love this ride...yeah, I know...I am as bad as my husband).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2267.jpg

If it is too long, we will keep walking and head over to Adventureland.

The first order of business before hitting the first attraction here will be to stop for one of these for DH:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2563-1.jpg

I'll have a box of popcorn:: (I have at least one a day...and I cannot believe I don't have a single picture of popcorn box or bucket...have to rectify that this trip for sure).

***Photo added thanks to my good DIS friend, Karin

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Disneypopcorn.jpg

We will hit Aladdin's Magic Carpet, and then go check out the Jungle Cruise or get a FP for it. Next up would be one of our favorites:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip326.jpg

You will notice that some pictures I have of inside the attraction and some I have of the outside of the attraction. I'm just one of those when they ask that there not be any "flash photograhy" that I don't take the picture (I guess my dad was a good influence on me).

After POTC, we will walk over to Splash Mountain and then Big Thunder Mountain.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip327.jpg

Okay...have to wrap something up at the office before I head to the train. I will continue later.

[dizneeat]

Here ya go, Kathy, enjoy!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/Hakuna/Day%208/DSC_0058.jpg

Love your update! Starting out with a Mickey bar and some popcorn is the right way to start exploring the MK!

Need to get back to prepare worksheets for my pupils! :sad2: So, no fun to hammer the tenses into their heads! :rotfl:

[tinacaplan]

You will notice that some pictures I have of inside the attraction and some I have of the outside of the attraction. I'm just one of those when they ask that there not be any "flash photograhy" that I don't take the picture (I guess my dad was a good influence on me).

Okay...have to wrap something up at the office before I head to the train. I will continue later.

Kathy, I have to say that I really appreciate people who don't use the flash! There was someone near us on the Living Seas, flashing away, and it really took away from the whole experience. A huge part of those rides includes a suspension of all disbelief and when someone is flashing where they shouldn't be, it just wrecks it for me!

When did it become OK for people to completely disregard posted rules and regulations? :lmao:

Great updates! Appreciate it so much! And if a crazy number of stars align, we just might be bringing our son down to meet Mickey the last week of June! :banana:

[KatMark]

Here ya go, Kathy, enjoy!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/Hakuna/Day%208/DSC_0058.jpg

Love your update! Starting out with a Mickey bar and some popcorn is the right way to start exploring the MK!

Need to get back to prepare worksheets for my pupils! :sad2: So, no fun to hammer the tenses into their heads! :rotfl:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :worship:

Hope you were able to complete your worksheets.

Kathy, I have to say that I really appreciate people who don't use the flash! There was someone near us on the Living Seas, flashing away, and it really took away from the whole experience. A huge part of those rides includes a suspension of all disbelief and when someone is flashing where they shouldn't be, it just wrecks it for me!

When did it become OK for people to completely disregard posted rules and regulations? :lmao:

Great updates! Appreciate it so much! And if a crazy number of stars align, we just might be bringing our son down to meet Mickey the last week of June! :banana:

It became okay when we became a very selfish society with a "me" attitude.

Please keep us posted on those "crazy numer of stars" and if they align. Will you be staying at the CSR again? Or somewhere else?

[tinacaplan]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :worship:

Hope you were able to complete your worksheets.



It became okay when we became a very selfish society with a "me" attitude.

Please keep us posted on those "crazy numer of stars" and if they align. Will you be staying at the CSR again? Or somewhere else?

It would definitely be CSR! I can't imagine staying anywhere else. :goodvibes

[longing2Batdisney]

I'm all caught up! :goodvibes
I'm so excited that you guys were able to get the free dining! :yay:
So, far I love all your plans sounds like a great way to visit the parks! I love your pics of CSR! you make it look so inviting...
I did not get a chance to get a mickey bar this go round--Mark's bar looks sooooo good! we did the popcorn at Fantasmic (it was so stale,yuk!--ruined us for the entire trip)...
:wave2:Connie

[MaryAz]

I got behind. Love all the hat pics-could Mark be any cuter-really :cutie: Congrats to your son. CSR does look relaxing. We are trying out Starring Rolls in May-those cupcakes are calling my name!

[that's nice]

I love your step by step PTR!!! :)


I remember that pic of Mark on Dumbo! (well I think it was that pic:confused3)

[Stefy]

Thanks, Stefy. Although he's not "retired" yet, he wants to. He also has a shirt that says "Old Guys Rock" .

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2877.jpg

I love it :teeth:

Plans sounding good. We never did try out the hammocks in CSR, but they sure did look inviting :)

You guys will love Beaches and Cream, the food is your typical diner type food, but still good. Its the dessert that really make this place, that Kitchen Sink looks like a monster!

Loving the Pooh Bear ride is cool IMO, one of my favourite rides at MK and I just love the Pooh's Thotful Shop :cutie:

Looking forward to more, loving the way you are posting your planning with photos popcorn::

[All7OfUs]

I didn't know that Hanes sponsored RnRC either until I saw the picture here. Seriously, is that not just a little disturbing?? :confused3:lmao:

I am so diggin' your drink in a hammock action there, Kathy!! A swim, a nap, all that jazzy good stuff!

LOVE the shirt too. I'll need to find one for DH pretty soon- we're getting on to old fart age too, 43 just sounds old-ish to me. And Mike is almost..... 50! :scared1: Ah well, nothing Mickey Bars can't fix. :laughing:

[aprilisis]

I'm very late to this party, but I love your PTR so far! I love the photos of CSR & all of the "hat" photos.

[dizneeat]

There's something I forgot to add yesterday, Kathy!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip012.jpg

Mine! Mine! Mine!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.magicaldisneytrips.com/february2010/Day5/IMG_4309.JPG

Well, come to think of it ............ I might share ............ with YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

[WDisneyMom]

Thank you for coming over. As much as I want to try AKL, I'm just very happy at CSR and I really can't push myself to go elsewhere. I will be sure to do the balloon story in my PTR as well as my TR. My dad's birthday would have been this week so it's been an up and down week emotionally for me.

:hug:

[KatMark]

It would definitely be CSR! I can't imagine staying anywhere else.

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2 Keep us posted.

I'm all caught up!
I'm so excited that you guys were able to get the free dining! :yay:
So, far I love all your plans sounds like a great way to visit the parks! I love your pics of CSR! you make it look so inviting...
I did not get a chance to get a mickey bar this go round--Mark's bar looks sooooo good! we did the popcorn at Fantasmic (it was so stale,yuk!--ruined us for the entire trip)...
:wave2:Connie

Yuk...I hate stale popcorn. I wonder if they make it by oodles there because of the show and then you end up with the leftovers. I would be very disappointed with stale popcorn. I'm glad for the free dining also. :)

I got behind. Love all the hat pics-could Mark be any cuter-really :cutie: Congrats to your son. CSR does look relaxing. We are trying out Starring Rolls in May-those cupcakes are calling my name!

He looked at me the other night like I was nuts for posting the "hat" pictures. Like, where have you been? I posted them in the trip report in September. :rotfl:

I love your step by step PTR!!! :)


I remember that pic of Mark on Dumbo! (well I think it was that pic:confused3)

Now, let's see if we stick with those plans. :rolleyes1

I have so many of him on Dumbo I don't know which one I use each time.

I love it :teeth:

Plans sounding good. We never did try out the hammocks in CSR, but they sure did look inviting

You guys will love Beaches and Cream, the food is your typical diner type food, but still good. Its the dessert that really make this place, that Kitchen Sink looks like a monster!

Loving the Pooh Bear ride is cool IMO, one of my favourite rides at MK and I just love the Pooh's Thotful Shop

Looking forward to more, loving the way you are posting your planning with photos popcorn::

I LOVE my hammock. It is just so relaxing; although the older I get the harder it is to get out of it. :eek:

Mark and I want to share the Kitchen Sink but I'm not sure we could even put a dent in it. Wait, I'm talking about the all time dessert lover...I'm sure Mark can do some damage to it.


I am so diggin' your drink in a hammock action there, Kathy!! A swim, a nap, all that jazzy good stuff!

LOVE the shirt too. I'll need to find one for DH pretty soon- we're getting on to old fart age too, 43 just sounds old-ish to me. And Mike is almost..... 50! :scared1: Ah well, nothing Mickey Bars can't fix. :laughing:

43 is still a baby. :lmao: Yes, the hammock is the best place to lie back and dream and wish and wish and dream and drink and wish and drink and....well you get the picture.

I'm very late to this party, but I love your PTR so far! I love the photos of CSR & all of the "hat" photos.

Never too late to join my party. I'm glad you came over. Thank you.

There's something I forgot to add yesterday, Kathy!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip012.jpg

Mine! Mine! Mine!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.magicaldisneytrips.com/february2010/Day5/IMG_4309.JPG

Well, come to think of it ............ I might share ............ with YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
:lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

I love it, Karin. Thank you for sharing! :rotfl:

:hug:

Thank you. I've just not had the energy to do an update today. Today my sweet, wonderful and loving Dad would have been 84. I can't believe in August he will be gone two years. Everyone keeps telling me it will get easier, but so far that isn't happening. I miss him so much.

[Charlefours]

Hi Kathy :wave2:

Popped over from the CSR thread. Your DH is so funny with his hats and I had to smile at the Old Guys Rock shirt. :goodvibes I am looking forward to trying my first Disney popcorn and DD wants a mickey bar as I have been told a number of times already. :rotfl:

[that's nice]

I've just not had the energy to do an update today. Today my sweet, wonderful and loving Dad would have been 84. I can't believe in August he will be gone two years. Everyone keeps telling me it will get easier, but so far that isn't happening. I miss him so much.

Awwww KAT. :hug: :hug:

I read through your responses earlier but I missed this.

[tinacaplan]

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2 Keep us posted.



Thank you. I've just not had the energy to do an update today. Today my sweet, wonderful and loving Dad would have been 84. I can't believe in August he will be gone two years. Everyone keeps telling me it will get easier, but so far that isn't happening. I miss him so much.

:hug: So sorry, Kathy.

[KatMark]

Hi Kathy :wave2:

Popped over from the CSR thread. Your DH is so funny with his hats and I had to smile at the Old Guys Rock shirt. :goodvibes I am looking forward to trying my first Disney popcorn and DD wants a mickey bar as I have been told a number of times already. :rotfl:

Hey, glad to see you. He loves that t-shirt (we got it on Marco Island). I love my Disney popcorn...there is no popcorn better anywhere.

Awwww KAT. :hug: :hug:

I read through your responses earlier but I missed this.

Thank you, friend. :hug:

[MaryAz]

Kat I am thinking about you today and sending :hug: Today is the anniversary of my dad's death 34 years ago. He died a day before my Mom's bday which obviously is tomorrow. SHe has been gone a little over 10 months :sad2: Glad we have eachother :)

[All7OfUs]

HI Kathy!!

It is SO hard losing those dear to us. It for me, has been a year filled with a bit of pain as well losing both grandparents whom I adored. I hope you can enjoy some good time reflecting on happy memories this week!

:hug:

[Stefy]

I LOVE my hammock. It is just so relaxing; although the older I get the harder it is to get out of it. :eek:

Mark and I want to share the Kitchen Sink but I'm not sure we could even put a dent in it. Wait, I'm talking about the all time dessert lover...I'm sure Mark can do some damage to it.

I am with you on the getting off part and the getting on too. We had a portrait session at the Poly last trip and we had a right laugh trying to get me on the hammock, don't know why but I just couldn't get on it properly, kept swinging all over the place, suppose it didn't help that I was laughing my head off at the same time :laughing:

Lol, I am sure you guys will make a good sized dent in the sink, can't resist a good dessert dish at Disney :thumbsup2

[WDisneyMom]

Thank you. I've just not had the energy to do an update today. Today my sweet, wonderful and loving Dad would have been 84. I can't believe in August he will be gone two years. Everyone keeps telling me it will get easier, but so far that isn't happening. I miss him so much.

Awwwww...Kat, I am so sorry :sad1: Sounds like you had a wonderful father. I do believe it will get easier with time...but that may mean many, many, many years down the road. The closest person I have ever lost was my Grandmother who raised me the first 9 years of my life...she passed away when I was 12 and I hurt for many, many years. These days I just like to think of all my memories with her....that and the pictures I have of her that I hold close to my heart. It's okay to be sad...your Dad sounds like an amazing man and he did a wonderful job raising you, a very kind and genuine person. :hug:

[mickeystoontown]

Gracious Kathy,

I got behind and missed all the "memories" pictures you posted. I have to comment on the fanny pack. I used to wear one every day while in Disney and I loved it. I often say I wish they were still in style because they were so convenient (yet ugly).

Your boys sure have grown up. Notice, I said boys and not husband. He's just as silly as ever and I hope that he never outgrows it.:thumbsup2

I think we may go by Coronado Springs on one of our down days. We like to see other resorts and I have AKL on the list already.

[KatMark]

:hug: So sorry, Kathy.

Thank you.

Kat I am thinking about you today and sending :hug: Today is the anniversary of my dad's death 34 years ago. He died a day before my Mom's bday which obviously is tomorrow. SHe has been gone a little over 10 months :sad2: Glad we have eachother :)

Thanks, Mary. I'm glad we have each other too.

HI Kathy!!

It is SO hard losing those dear to us. It for me, has been a year filled with a bit of pain as well losing both grandparents whom I adored. I hope you can enjoy some good time reflecting on happy memories this week!

:hug:

Thank you, Liesa. :hug:

I am with you on the getting off part and the getting on too. We had a portrait session at the Poly last trip and we had a right laugh trying to get me on the hammock, don't know why but I just couldn't get on it properly, kept swinging all over the place, suppose it didn't help that I was laughing my head off at the same time :laughing:

Lol, I am sure you guys will make a good sized dent in the sink, can't resist a good dessert dish at Disney :thumbsup2

Maybe that was my problem???? I was laughing so hard I couldn't get out this time and it had me in stitches.

You are right...Disney has some awesome desserts (my favorite is the Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey Cake at LeCellier).

Awwwww...Kat, I am so sorry :sad1: Sounds like you had a wonderful father. I do believe it will get easier with time...but that may mean many, many, many years down the road. The closest person I have ever lost was my Grandmother who raised me the first 9 years of my life...she passed away when I was 12 and I hurt for many, many years. These days I just like to think of all my memories with her....that and the pictures I have of her that I hold close to my heart. It's okay to be sad...your Dad sounds like an amazing man and he did a wonderful job raising you, a very kind and genuine person. :hug:

Thank you for the very sweet words. :hug:

Gracious Kathy,

I got behind and missed all the "memories" pictures you posted. I have to comment on the fanny pack. I used to wear one every day while in Disney and I loved it. I often say I wish they were still in style because they were so convenient (yet ugly).

Your boys sure have grown up. Notice, I said boys and not husband. He's just as silly as ever and I hope that he never outgrows it.:thumbsup2

I think we may go by Coronado Springs on one of our down days. We like to see other resorts and I have AKL on the list already.

Hi, Lisa. Yes, they have grown up. I can't believe my baby will be 22 soon. I still have a fanny pack; I still use it, but I just put the strap up on my shoulder...it has Winnie the Pooh on it...how can I not use it. :)

You should stop by and at least look around. Although I think that you, like me, have found "your home."

I'm sorry for the PM this morning...but didn't know how else to reach you and I knew you would want to know right away. I have a PM into the moderator of the Completed Trip Reports to see if we can get Ginny's open again so we can let every one know who followed her report.

For those of you who will wonder what I am talking about, Ginny was one of our "Dis" sisters here on the DIS. Ginny was the sweetest, warmest and most loving woman I've met in a long time. Ginny lost her battle with leukemia last night and we are all very heartbroken. The first thing I thought when I heard the news was that she is now upstairs having a good time with my dad. We love you Ginny, and we will miss you. :hug:

[mickeystoontown]

Kathy, Don't feel sorry about the p.m., I appreciated you sending it. My boss is driving me nuts today because he's leaving to take his mother to MD Anderson. His mother just found out she may have colon cancer. I normally check Caring Bridge very first thing every morning and today was the one day that I hadn't done it yet.

I will miss Ginny dearly. She was a beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful woman.

[longing2Batdisney]

sending :hug: to you Kathy
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day!
:wave2: Connie

[dizneeat]

Kathy,

I am SO sorry to hear that this is such a sad time for you! 2 years seems like a long time, but yet it is still such a short time.
My mum has been gone for nearly 10 years now (in July) and there are the odd days when I still pick up the phone, to call her until I realize there is no way to call her where she is now.
The missing will stay, but thankfully the hurting will go away with time. Remember that you have a wonderful family and many friends here on the board. :hug:
Sorry about your friend who passed away! It is a sad time - I went to the funeral of a friend today too! :sad1:

[KatMark]

Kathy, Don't feel sorry about the p.m., I appreciated you sending it. My boss is driving me nuts today because he's leaving to take his mother to MD Anderson. His mother just found out she may have colon cancer. I normally check Caring Bridge very first thing every morning and today was the one day that I hadn't done it yet.

I will miss Ginny dearly. She was a beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful woman.

Thanks; I hate sending PM messages like that...but I had no other way to reach you and I thought it would be better coming fro me.

I hope your bosses mother is okay...I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

I too will miss Ginny. :littleangel:

sending :hug: to you Kathy
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day!
:wave2: Connie

And to you too, dear Connie.

Kathy,

I am SO sorry to hear that this is such a sad time for you! 2 years seems like a long time, but yet it is still such a short time.
My mum has been gone for nearly 10 years now (in July) and there are the odd days when I still pick up the phone, to call her until I realize there is no way to call her where she is now.
The missing will stay, but thankfully the hurting will go away with time. Remember that you have a wonderful family and many friends here on the board. :hug:
Sorry about your friend who passed away! It is a sad time - I went to the funeral of a friend today too! :sad1:

Thanks, Karin. I thought by now it might be a little easier, but I do have very fond memories.

Ginny was a lovely woman. I never met her in person as I have some of my other DIS friends, but we corresponded over a year and she sent Mark and I a Christmas gift and she sent gifts to others here on the DIS as well; she and I would talk about her grandson's wrestling and Markie's wrestling. We thought she was getting better from her last message to us DIS sisters but I guess God had a better plan for her (she can keep my dad some company).

[pinkxray]

:wave2:
Joining in.
I can't believe it has taken me so long to see your report. I love your CSR thread and all your other posts.

I am crossing my fingers MickeyNicki gets to join you on your trip for a few days. That will be a fun dining report.

[tinacaplan]

So sorry for your loss, Kathy.

Sending you....:goodvibes

[Cafeen]

Just dropping an official note to say I'm here (although, I've been here for awhile :p). I was anxiously awaiting your actual CSR dates when you first announced the trip, sad that I miss you by just a couple of days :(. Next time I'll have to plan better so I can hang with the DIS folks.

:hug:

ETA:
Speaking of planning better, CSR is becoming more and more popular, I better book bounceback when I go to be sure I can get it for 2011 :p.

[KatMark]

:wave2:
Joining in.
I can't believe it has taken me so long to see your report. I love your CSR thread and all your other posts.

I am crossing my fingers MickeyNicki gets to join you on your trip for a few days. That will be a fun dining report.

Thanks, pinkxray...great to have you here. I can't even imagine the fun and the food and drinks we will partake in if Nicki (MickeyNicki) joins us. I wish there was a smilie for "fingers crossed."

So sorry for your loss, Kathy.

Sending you....:goodvibes

Thank you, Tina.

Just dropping an official note to say I'm here (although, I've been here for awhile :p). I was anxiously awaiting your actual CSR dates when you first announced the trip, sad that I miss you by just a couple of days :(. Next time I'll have to plan better so I can hang with the DIS folks.

:hug:

ETA:
Speaking of planning better, CSR is becoming more and more popular, I better book bounceback when I go to be sure I can get it for 2011 :p.

Allan, I'm so glad you came over to my PTR. I know you've been lurking. ;) I am so upset that we will miss you by just a few days. We will plan around the same time next year as we will book the bounceback too. And you are right; CSR seems to be getting more popular with the new rooms, etc., so you better book it while you are there. :)

If my family follows through on their promise of "cleaning the house" tomorrow, I'll get up the next installment.

[racefanof88]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, KATHY, I HOPE IT IS A GREAT ONE :lovestruc.

[longing2Batdisney]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! KATHY
HOPE YOUR DAY IS A RELAXING ONE!:flower3:

[that's nice]

Happy Mother's day Kathy!!! I hope you have a wonderful day! :goodvibes:goodvibes

[tinacaplan]

Happy Mother's Day, Kathy! Hope you have a fantastic day. :goodvibes

[OhioDisneyLover]

Happy Mother's Day! :wizard:

[KatMark]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, KATHY, I HOPE IT IS A GREAT ONE :lovestruc.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! KATHY
HOPE YOUR DAY IS A RELAXING ONE!:flower3:

Happy Mother's day Kathy!!! I hope you have a wonderful day! :goodvibes:goodvibes

Happy Mother's Day, Kathy! Hope you have a fantastic day. :goodvibes

Happy Mother's Day! :wizard:

Thank you all. I hope you all had a great Mother's Day yourselves (well, Tim, in your case, I hope Mel and your mom had a great Mother's Day ;) ).

[KatMark]

When I last reported, we were having ice cream and popcorn, riding Pirates, Splash and Big Thunder Mountain (although I'll be the only one on Big Thunder unless Nicki is with us).

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2589.jpg

From there, we'll head over to Haunted Mansion:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2283.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2284.jpg

We will then see if we can hit a show just about to start at the Hall of Presidents (we were able to see this when it reopened last year after adding our current President, Barack Obama; this was a very special occasion for me becaude I have known the President personally for over 20 years so it was a very proud moment).

Depending on what time it is, we might walk to Mickeystoontown (is this still open with the rehab to Fantasyland?) to see Mickey in his tent for our annual picture.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2583.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/PhotopassPictures041.jpg

I'm thinking about now it is probably around 6:30 or 7 p.m. and we'll try to do a Buzz again and then slowly make our way over to Mickey's Philharmagic. Then we will look for a seat for Wishes. This is my absolute favorite show and I don't know what it is about it, I ALWAYS cry. My DH has gotten used to it and always has kleenix handy for me.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2409.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2411.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2412.jpg

I just love how the castle changes colors and how beautiful it is at night:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2419.jpg

Up next...will Grumpy and his wife last until midnight for EMH?

[dizneeat]

Up next...will Grumpy and his wife last until midnight for EMH?

My bet is on YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love your update, Kathy! I hope Nicki will be able to join you for all the rides Mark won't be able to do!
Your "in depth" planning is just wonderful!!!!!!!!

[All7OfUs]

Maybe I'm not too late to wish you the BEST Mother's Day EVER, Kathy!!!

May you be ever blessed by your motherhood!

Love you, my friend.

[Stefy]

Maybe that was my problem???? I was laughing so hard I couldn't get out this time and it had me in stitches.

You are right...Disney has some awesome desserts (my favorite is the Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey Cake at LeCellier).

Lol it is funny, how something like that can have you in hysterics :laughing:

The rest of your plans for that evening sound good, hope you get do Splash with Nicki :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

Up next...will Grumpy and his wife last until midnight for EMH?

I sure hope so! :thumbsup2

I'm a little late, but hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday! :)

[tinacaplan]

Great update, Kathy! Loving all the pictures. My Mark and I had a particularly wonderful moment at the Hall of Presidents in February. Wishes makes me cry, too...I think it might be because of the wonderful memories I have of my dad taking me to see all the Disney movies when they had runs in the theaters. It kind of makes me wish Disney still did that...I saw most of the classics for the first time in a real theater and I think there's a lot to be said for that experience. Oh, well...technology!

Of course, Illuminations makes me cry...the Hall of Presidents makes me tear up...well, you get the idea! :lmao:

[deslynnpatterson]

i love your hauted manison pics they are great:) I totally know what you mean when crying during wishes-- i also get so chocked up too its so emotional!! Only a disers would understand:) It truely is the most magical disney feeling:) can't wait to hear more:)

[that's nice]

Hi Kat....


I really like the picture of SM. It looks like the log is going right into those thorns!

As you know from my TRs, I always get choked up during Wishes. I can totally understand the feeling of seeing those fireworks with my 2 favorite girls.

I think you will stay for EMHs!!!!! :yay::cheer2::yay:

[KatMark]

My bet is on YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love your update, Kathy! I hope Nicki will be able to join you for all the rides Mark won't be able to do!
Your "in depth" planning is just wonderful!!!!!!!!

We will try; last year we made it until an hour before it ended. This year I want to make it to the end especially since we won't be doing AK EMH in the morning the next day (we're skipping AK this year).

Maybe I'm not too late to wish you the BEST Mother's Day EVER, Kathy!!!

May you be ever blessed by your motherhood!

Love you, my friend.

Thank you, Liesa. :hug:

Lol it is funny, how something like that can have you in hysterics :laughing:

The rest of your plans for that evening sound good, hope you get do Splash with Nicki :goodvibes

I like the idea that the "laughter" is what is causing me problems getting out the hammock and not my older age.

I sure hope so! :thumbsup2

I'm a little late, but hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday! :)

Thanks, me too. It was a nice Mother's Day--got Starbucks gift card and a gift certificate for a massage. :)

Great update, Kathy! Loving all the pictures. My Mark and I had a particularly wonderful moment at the Hall of Presidents in February. Wishes makes me cry, too...I think it might be because of the wonderful memories I have of my dad taking me to see all the Disney movies when they had runs in the theaters. It kind of makes me wish Disney still did that...I saw most of the classics for the first time in a real theater and I think there's a lot to be said for that experience. Oh, well...technology!

Of course, Illuminations makes me cry...the Hall of Presidents makes me tear up...well, you get the idea! :lmao:

Yes, I get the idea...a lot of things at Disney make us tear up...but mostly happy tears.

i love your hauted manison pics they are great:) I totally know what you mean when crying during wishes-- i also get so chocked up too its so emotional!! Only a disers would understand:) It truely is the most magical disney feeling:) can't wait to hear more:)

I agree; normal "vacationers" would not understand like our DIS Family.

Hi Kat....


I really like the picture of SM. It looks like the log is going right into those thorns!

As you know from my TRs, I always get choked up during Wishes. I can totally understand the feeling of seeing those fireworks with my 2 favorite girls.

I think you will stay for EMHs!!!!! :yay::cheer2::yay:

:wave2: Tim; I've missed you. Yes, it does look like the log is going into the thorns.

Yes, I know you choke up too...that's because you are with your two beautiful girls.

I'll try to get an update up tomorrow or Friday; work has been nuts and my brother had a procedure at the hospital today so I was glued to my desk and cleaning up stuff I'm behind on waiting for the phone to ring.

[All7OfUs]

I love how the castle changes colors at night too. I could sit and watch it from Casey's for a long time.

LOVE the Splash pic! It's a great perspective pic! :thumbsup2

[longing2Batdisney]

sounds like great plans...love the photo updates to go with your plans!
did you see the notice (I can't remember now from which disney site) on FB today about where to find characters with them closing toon town...if not I'll have to go back and look for you...

[OhioDisneyLover]

Awesome plans! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear more!

[KatMark]

I love how the castle changes colors at night too. I could sit and watch it from Casey's for a long time.

LOVE the Splash pic! It's a great perspective pic! :thumbsup2

I like to sit and watch it over by The Plaza Restaurant where they have this huge area with little round tables and chairs.

sounds like great plans...love the photo updates to go with your plans!

did you see the notice (I can't remember now from which disney site) on FB today about where to find characters with them closing toon town...if not I'll have to go back and look for you...

No, I don't remember seeing it. But I don't remember when they are cloing Toonstown either. We can always do Mickey at Epcot, but to me that line (where they have the five sets of characters) always seems longer than it is in his tent.

Awesome plans! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks; waiting for you to an update too.

[All7OfUs]

I like to sit and watch it over by The Plaza Restaurant where they have this huge area with little round tables and chairs.


Ooooooooohhhhhhhh.... you're from THAT side of Main Street. :lmao::lmao::lmao:

[KatMark]

Ooooooooohhhhhhhh.... you're from THAT side of Main Street. :lmao::lmao::lmao:

You were supposed to keep it a secret. ;)
:rotfl::rotfl:

[Minnie&Nana]

Originally Posted by KatMark
I like to sit and watch it over by The Plaza Restaurant where they have this huge area with little round tables and chairs.

Perfection!!!

[Minnie&Nana]

Okay, all caught up!

Kathy, that pic of you amd Mark with Mickey and Minnie is another of my all time favorites. :love:

[All7OfUs]

Perfection!!!

Casey's is cooler.

[KatMark]

Casey's is cooler.

But The Plaza is prettier! And living with three baseball fanatics (one who played up until high school and the other who played into college and now coaches a high school team and two travel teams and gives private lessons), I need a break from anything that reminds me of baseball (plus their hot dogs give me heartburn). :)

[Stefy]

I like the idea that the "laughter" is what is causing me problems getting out the hammock and not my older age.

It can be the only logical explanation as age is not even a factor/thought when you are in Disney. Its like you are stuck in a time bubble and the real world stops when you are there :teeth:

[Minnie&Nana]

Casey's is cooler.

This cannot be denied.

You know, in all our years of visit, we've never eaten at Casey's! We are never there at the right time..and if are, then we have a PS/ADR at The Plaza...which is very pretty. If you haven't tried, Kathy and I highly recommend it!! :love:

[Disney Dancin']

Hope you don't mind a newbie subbing! Just love all you have to share on your adventures :)

[KatMark]

It can be the only logical explanation as age is not even a factor/thought when you are in Disney. Its like you are stuck in a time bubble and the real world stops when you are there :teeth:

I'm beginning to like you more and more each day. I like your reasoning. :) I'm going to make comments on your PTR tonight after I've had time to read it all. :thumbsup2

This cannot be denied.

You know, in all our years of visit, we've never eaten at Casey's! We are never there at the right time..and if are, then we have a PS/ADR at The Plaza...which is very pretty. If you haven't tried, Kathy and I highly recommend it!! :love:

Absolutely. The Plaza is a hidden treasure in my book.

Hope you don't mind a newbie subbing! Just love all you have to share on your adventures :)

Delighted to have you with us (we have a crazy bunch here at times).

[SoonerGirl]

And living with three baseball fanatics (one who played up until high school and the other who played into college and now coaches a high school team and two travel teams and gives private lessons), I need a break from anything that reminds me of baseball

Oh my, I can totally relate to this! It's only May and I'm already ready for baseball season to be over - I've got a good two months left, of course then we start off season pitching and hitting lessons.......


I'm all caught up on your plans - everything looks great!

[tinacaplan]

Hi, Kathy! Just had to tell you that I ran all the numbers today and while a trip this summer is out (oh well) it looks like we'll be back at Coronado Springs in February! :banana: My husband loves it there...and so do I!

I can follow your PTR all summer and then when I'm starting to really gear up the plans for my trip, you'll be back with a new trip report! :thumbsup2

[KatMark]

Oh my, I can totally relate to this! It's only May and I'm already ready for baseball season to be over - I've got a good two months left, of course then we start off season pitching and hitting lessons.......


I'm all caught up on your plans - everything looks great!

Yes, I remember the off season stuff too (my youngest was always off to this wrestling camp or that, then it was on to this city and that city for a baseball tournament all of June and July).

Hi, Kathy! Just had to tell you that I ran all the numbers today and while a trip this summer is out (oh well) it looks like we'll be back at Coronado Springs in February! :banana: My husband loves it there...and so do I!

I can follow your PTR all summer and then when I'm starting to really gear up the plans for my trip, you'll be back with a new trip report! :thumbsup2

Great news that you will be able to go back in February (but sorry that a summer trip is out).

I'm so aggravated right now and that is the reason no update. I just found out 3 attractions will be closed during our time there. I'm beginning to think we may not even go and just do Marco Island. :sad1:

[that's nice]

I'm so aggravated right now and that is the reason no update. I just found out 3 attractions will be closed during our time there. I'm beginning to think we may not even go and just do Marco Island. :sad1:

WHAT!!!! :scared1::scared1::scared1:


Now I have to go see what they are.... :surfweb:

[dizneeat]

I just found out 3 attractions will be closed during our time there. I'm beginning to think we may not even go and just do Marco Island. :sad1:

:scared1:NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1:

You would miss the Plaza fries, Kathy! :sad1: :sad2:

[Stefy]

I'm beginning to like you more and more each day. I like your reasoning. :) I'm going to make comments on your PTR tonight after I've had time to read it all. :thumbsup2

:teeth:

Take your time on the PTR, is on a bit of a hiatus at the mo, but will be starting back up again soon :)

I'm so aggravated right now and that is the reason no update. I just found out 3 attractions will be closed during our time there. I'm beginning to think we may not even go and just do Marco Island. :sad1:

Oh no, you can't do that, nah uh :sad2: What rides attractions are going to be closed?

[dizneeat]

Oh no, you can't do that, nah uh :sad2: What rides attractions are going to be closed?

It's a Small World, Star Tours and :scared1: :scared1: Toy Story Mania :scared1: :scared1:

[Stefy]

It's a Small World, Star Tours and :scared1: :scared1: Toy Story Mania :scared1: :scared1:

Oh gosh, how long is TSM closed for? Thanx BTW :goodvibes

[tinacaplan]

:scared1: That stinks! No Toy Story Mania???

[Cafeen]

Hm, IASW kinda stinks (that it's closed :() would have been a nice one to try out my possible new camera on...

According to Stitch Kingdom, TSM will be closed between 8/15 and 9/04, so hopefully it should be up and running by the time you're there (and me too :p). Strangely, closures are missing from the HS portion of the Disney website (although, I can't consider myself shocked...)

Star Tours kinda stinks too (again, the closure, not the ride :p). I went on that the first few years MGM was open and loved it, was hoping to get on it again before it switched over :( (though, I did know about it a little while ago, makes me wish I had been able to go on it last year).

BTW, since I have the page open, it looks like IASW is closed between 1 Aug and 22 Oct, if anyone else was wondering (Refurb)

[Charlefours]

I really hope that TSM opens for our trips down--should be since we are after that date. Or so I keep telling myself. :eek: I really want it to be open--never rode it before!! I am really sad about IASW too. :sad2: I think DD would have liked that ride. Star Tours, as bad as it sounds, not high on my list.

Good to know about the popcorn! popcorn:: We love popcorn and it is hard to believe, but I don't think we tried it on our first trip either! :scared1:

[Minnie&Nana]

Originally Posted by KatMark
I'm so aggravated right now and that is the reason no update. I just found out 3 attractions will be closed during our time there. I'm beginning to think we may not even go and just do Marco Island.

Give up a few days of Magic because of 3 closed attractions? Don't even consider such a thought!! Oh me oh my...Kathy, what would we do without new pics of Grumpy in hats??? :faint:

You'll feel better about it soon. :goodvibes

[MHTeacher]

It can be the only logical explanation as age is not even a factor/thought when you are in Disney. Its like you are stuck in a time bubble and the real world stops when you are there :teeth:

:rotfl: That is so true!

I'm almost ashamed to admit that I am clueless about what's going on in the "real world" while I'm at Disney. I never read the newspaper, and hardly ever watch the news while I'm there ! (Wait, does the weather for the day count? ;) )

[All7OfUs]

:scared1::scared1::scared1:

Just saw that IaSW will close THE DAY BEFORE I GET THERE, too!!!


I'm soooooooooooooooooo sad!!!!

:sad1::sad1::sad1:

[Minnie&Nana]

oops - deleted!

[DisneyCrafter]

I am really bummed about IASW being closed during my trip. I don't know why but it is definitely a must do for me every trip. :sad2: Maybe I'll get lucky and it will reopen a couple weeks early. However, I do have to say that on our Disneymoon, Space Mountain was closed and I defintely prefer IASW to be closed over that!

[KatMark]

WHAT!!!!
Now I have to go see what they are.... :surfweb:

I was furious when I first read it.

:scared1:NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :scared1:

You would miss the Plaza fries, Kathy! :sad1:

Ture, and I DON'T want to miss my favorite fries in the universe.


Take your time on the PTR, is on a bit of a hiatus at the mo, but will be starting back up again soon



Oh no, you can't do that, nah uh :sad2: What rides attractions are going to be closed?

I am getting to that PTR today for sure.

It's a Small World, Star Tours and :scared1: Toy Story Mania

Oh gosh, how long is TSM closed for? Thanx BTW :goodvibes

:scared1: That stinks! No Toy Story Mania???

Hm, IASW kinda stinks (that it's closed :() would have been a nice one to try out my possible new camera on...

According to Stitch Kingdom, TSM will be closed between 8/15 and 9/04, so hopefully it should be up and running by the time you're there (and me too :p). Strangely, closures are missing from the HS portion of the Disney website (although, I can't consider myself shocked...)

Star Tours kinda stinks too (again, the closure, not the ride :p). I went on that the first few years MGM was open and loved it, was hoping to get on it again before it switched over :( (though, I did know about it a little while ago, makes me wish I had been able to go on it last year).

BTW, since I have the page open, it looks like IASW is closed between 1 Aug and 22 Oct, if anyone else was wondering (Refurb)

Well, everyone, as you can see, Allan came to the rescue, and TSM is scheduled to open September 4 in time for our trip. :worship:

I really hope that TSM opens for our trips down--should be since we are after that date. Or so I keep telling myself. :eek: I really want it to be open--never rode it before!! I am really sad about IASW too. :sad2: I think DD would have liked that ride. Star Tours, as bad as it sounds, not high on my list.

Good to know about the popcorn! popcorn:: We love popcorn and it is hard to believe, but I don't think we tried it on our first trip either! :scared1:

You MUST have popcorn:: And once you have that first one, you'll have to have another.

Give up a few days of Magic because of 3 closed attractions? Don't even consider such a thought!! Oh me oh my...Kathy, what would we do without new pics of Grumpy in hats??? :faint:

You'll feel better about it soon.

I know; it was just a bad week and this just ticked me off especially since Mark is going to be limited with his rides because of his back surgery to begin with.

:rotfl: That is so true!

I'm almost ashamed to admit that I am clueless about what's going on in the "real world" while I'm at Disney. I never read the newspaper, and hardly ever watch the news while I'm there ! (Wait, does the weather for the day count? ;) )

I never read a paper either or watch the news. The weather doesn't count...that's part of our vacations.

:scared1::

Just saw that IaSW will close THE DAY BEFORE I GET THERE, too!!!


I'm soooooooooooooooooo sad!!!!

:sad1:

I know...I was so bummed. It was closed a couple of years ago on our trip to when they did a refurb. :sad1:

I am really bummed about IASW being closed during my trip. I don't know why but it is definitely a must do for me every trip. :sad2: Maybe I'll get lucky and it will reopen a couple weeks early. However, I do have to say that on our Disneymoon, Space Mountain was closed and I defintely prefer IASW to be closed over that!

See, unless I ride SM myself this year (unless Nicki is coming), I won't ride because Mark won't be able to.

Okay, I've wallowed enough. I'm running to Starbucks for a coffee, then putting in another load of laundry (I'm on my 4th load since 7:30 this morning) and then I am doing an update to my PTR.

[KatMark]

Okay, we ended off with Mark and I watching Wishes somewhere between Fantasyland and Liberty Square (last year, we stood right outside of Philharmagic and had a great view--although we didn't see Tink fly). We will probably start out right where we are at -- Fantasyland (and you will note our plans will NOT include It's A Small World because it will be closed :sad2:). I think I'll grab fastpasses for Peter Pan; I absolutely refuse to stand in the line for this ride. The ride is okay, but the line is absolutely ridiculous and I don't think it is worth waiting in the line for 90 minutes.

After Peter Pan, we have to go see "Grumpy's" family over at Snow White and then, of course, I'll have to see Pooh Bear again and the Mad Tea Party.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2276.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2264.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2553.jpg

From there, we'll wander back to Liberty Square and hit the stores along the way (my favorite is the Christmas store) and stop to see those Country Bears.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2555.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_1847.jpg

After strolling the stores through Liberty Square, we'll make the cut through by the restrooms and go over to see Aladdin and his flying carpets and check out one of Mark's other favorites (although he definitely prefers the original over this one):

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2291.jpg

And then, of course, we'll have to go see Jack Sparrow again:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2290.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2417.jpg

And maybe Mark will find someone to challenge him again this year:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip213.jpg

We will stop at all of the stores along the way (I swear my darling hubby is worse than me...he has to stop at EVERY SINGLE STORE and look...even though 90% of them carry the same thing) and I'm sure we'll try a few more of these on:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Kathys50thBirthdayTrip091.jpg

To be continued....

[KatMark]

Well, we just finished riding with some pirates and will take a slow stroll (and maybe get some more of thishttp://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Disneypopcorn.jpg (all that walking makes me hungry) and we will see what the line is like for Splash Mountain. Depending on what time it is, we might try another ride or two. If not, we'll head toward Main Street and stroll through the shops and see these -- is there anything more beautiful than the MK at night?

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2421.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2422.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2424.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2428.jpg

Up next: Day 3...where are we going to have your BIG breakfast, Grumpy, and what park are you spending the day at?

[dizneeat]

And here's another fun update from Kathy!

Oh, by the way I just LOVE that hat photo of yours! :thumbsup2

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2417.jpg

Hm, now where could breakfast be???????????

[KatMark]

And here's another fun update from Kathy!

Oh, by the way I just LOVE that hat photo of yours! :thumbsup2

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2417.jpg

Hm, now where could breakfast be???????????

Thank you; I may buy it this trip...I really liked it too.

Breakfast will have to wait until I'm ready to put up my next update. And I will continue it with the way it is planned now. But now I'm having second thoughts. We've never done Mickey's Halloween Party and it is on Saturday night, the 18th, while we are there, and now, of course, I'm wondering if we should spend the money and get the tickets and give it a try. I'm so :confused::confused::confused:

[dizneeat]

Thank you; I may buy it this trip...I really liked it too.

Breakfast will have to wait until I'm ready to put up my next update. And I will continue it with the way it is planned now. But now I'm having second thoughts. We've never done Mickey's Halloween Party and it is on Saturday night, the 18th, while we are there, and now, of course, I'm wondering if we should spend the money and get the tickets and give it a try. I'm so :confused::confused::confused:

We went twice last year and had a blast! We did ALL the fun stuff - watch the fireworks, which were out of this world - Disneytastic!!! ;)
The parade, led by the headless horseman (or as we call him him the horseless headman! :rotfl2: was so amazing we watched it twice on evening! We collected TONS of candy and since we were both "in costume" a lot of CM commented and we got to talk with SO many people.
All the rides are open and the characters are in costume too.
I need to go find our photopass pix to let you have a look!

If it was us, we WOULD go, no questions asked! :thumbsup2

[dizneeat]

Found one!!!!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/tagrel/halloween.jpg

[KatMark]

Found one!!!!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/tagrel/halloween.jpg

I LOVE it. I'm thinking about it; it's a lot of money and it will take away time from Epcot (or I'll just have to rearrange a few things, including ADR's). Maybe if I buy a couple of scratch tickets and win $100 we will do it. It gives me something to think about (and then I have to think about costumes and Mark hates dressing up...yes, this the man who tries on every single hat he sees :rotfl: ).

[dizneeat]

I LOVE it. I'm thinking about it; it's a lot of money and it will take away time from Epcot (or I'll just have to rearrange a few things, including ADR's). Maybe if I buy a couple of scratch tickets and win $100 we will do it. It gives me something to think about (and then I have to think about costumes and Mark hates dressing up...yes, this the man who tries on every single hat he sees :rotfl: ).

I know what you mean about it being quite pricey! Just yesterday I handed over nearly 200$ for a three hour tour! :rotfl2:
But if you have never been, do it once and don't miss the fireworks and the parade - they ARE out of this world!

As for dressing up - Tom told me he would NOT dress up in any way! Then we found a 10$ bat hat (giant wings and Mickey ears) and he agreed to wear it. WE chose his black shorts and a pirate T-shirt to go with it and the bat theme.
You have NO idea HOW many CMs commented on his hat! It was hilarious - they even "shovelled" the candy in his trick or treat bag, because they had such a laugh with his hat!
I think I took home about 5 pounds of that candy - my pupils loved it! :rotfl2:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/pixie%20dust/UO%20and%20WDW/day%2028/IMG_3734.jpg

Here's Mickey with some of that candy!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/pixie%20dust/UO%20and%20WDW/day%2028/IMG_3736.jpg

And a close-up! We don't have trick or treating here in Austria, so that was an extra bonus! ;)

[SoonerGirl]

Oh Kathy, if you can swing the cost you MUST do MNSSHP! The parade and fireworks are amazing, we had a blast at the one we went to!

[KatMark]

I've been catching up on all my threads today and I so enjoy reading them all, but especially those who have young kids and it got me reflecting on our two boys and how fast they grow up. I guess it doesn't help that I'm home alone all weekend while Mark works, Andy is coaching his 13-year old travel team and Mark is coaching the youth Greco Wrestling State championships (and my baby turns 22 in two weeks (: )

So for those of you folllowing my PTR with young ones, grab and hold tight to your kids and ejjoy these very special times with them...they grow up too way too fast. Here's a few pictures of Andy and Mark through the years (I'm going to try scanning old family Disney pictures later, but here are Mark's and my pride and joy:

Andy's First Trip to Disney World:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/andysfirsttrip.jpg

Mark and Andy on an early trip to Disney:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/carousel.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Figment.jpg

Andy playing baseball:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/andyplayingbaseball.jpg

Andy coaching baseball:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Andycoachingbaseball.jpg

Mark wrestling in middle school (he's the one on top squeezing the poor other boy's head):

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Markwrestling-1.jpg

Mark with one of the young boys he coaches:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/Markwithoneofhisyoungwrestlers.jpg

Continued in next post

[KatMark]

After Mark graduated from high school:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/MarkandMeHSGraduation.jpg

The two brothers after Mark's high school graduation:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/AndyandMark.jpg

After Andy graduated from college (and he is now back in school getting his teaching certificate and Masters):

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/AndyandMeCollegeGraduation.jpg

[MHTeacher]

-- is there anything more beautiful than the MK at night?

I don't think so. :goodvibes

[racefanof88]

I don't think so. :goodvibes

I have to agree with Michelle:thumbsup2.

[Minnie&Nana]

Kathy, what a wonderful walk down memory lane. :love: I'm all teary eyed now. I sure miss having little ones along for WDW trips - already looking forward to our first trip with Sophia. We are hoping to go when she is 3 or 4 - more likely 4. She is so shy we'll need to be sure she will enjoy the characters. The poor kid - her birthday is the day after age deadline for school, so she will always be a yr older. I feel so bad - one darn day!! I digress...sorry! :goodvibes

Back to your PTR!! YES YES YES, win on that scratch tkt and do the MNSSHP! I am not even a big fan of Halloween, but had so much fun! You've got to see the Headless Horseman - be sure to stand in Liberty Sq when he comes through. The fireworks are better than the MVMCP - these fireworks are with the price of admission - okay slight exaggeration, but the fireworks are fabulous.

Then there's the Trick or Treating - you guys will have so much fun. Never did I think I'd hear myself walking away saying, "Oh,look what I got!". We went around twice to some stands. Some CM's will drop one maybe 2 pieces of candy into your bad (supplied by Disney), but others drop in a handful - it is so much fun! pirate:

I just love your PTR - you are so organized, in a good way - wish I could take you both along with me sometime and you could do all the planning! :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

[Minnie&Nana]

LOVE this photo!!

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k429/tinkerbellat/tagrel/halloween.jpg

[tinacaplan]

Nice photos, Kathy. Thanks for sharing them. Making me look forward to my own trip with my son all the more.

[KatMark]

I don't think so. :goodvibes

I have to agree with Michelle:thumbsup2.

Great minds think alike. :)

Kathy, what a wonderful walk down memory lane. :love: I'm all teary eyed now. I sure miss having little ones along for WDW trips - already looking forward to our first trip with Sophia. We are hoping to go when she is 3 or 4 - more likely 4. She is so shy we'll need to be sure she will enjoy the characters. The poor kid - her birthday is the day after age deadline for school, so she will always be a yr older. I feel so bad - one darn day!! I digress...sorry! :goodvibes

Back to your PTR!! YES YES YES, win on that scratch tkt and do the MNSSHP! I am not even a big fan of Halloween, but had so much fun! You've got to see the Headless Horseman - be sure to stand in Liberty Sq when he comes through. The fireworks are better than the MVMCP - these fireworks are with the price of admission - okay slight exaggeration, but the fireworks are fabulous.

Then there's the Trick or Treating - you guys will have so much fun. Never did I think I'd hear myself walking away saying, "Oh,look what I got!". We went around twice to some stands. Some CM's will drop one maybe 2 pieces of candy into your bad (supplied by Disney), but others drop in a handful - it is so much fun! pirate:

I just love your PTR - you are so organized, in a good way - wish I could take you both along with me sometime and you could do all the planning! :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

Mark said if we can afford it that we should definitely do MVMCP so we're keeping it in mind for the 18th of September.

Nice photos, Kathy. Thanks for sharing them. Making me look forward to my own trip with my son all the more.

I'm about to post some "old Disney pictures". I don't know why I'm in this "missing my boys going to Disney with me" mood. The last set of pictures that I'm about to post are from 2000--the last time both kids traveled with us -- 10 years ago. :sad1:

[KatMark]

More going back in time when the boys traveled with us.

These are from 1992:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures002-1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures003-1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures004-1.jpg

And big Mark still rides Dumbo!

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures005.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures007.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures008.jpg


http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures006.jpg

Our last trip together as a family in the next post (2000 -- 10 years ago...my time flies by).

[dizneeat]

I LOVE all those photos! Keep them coming, keep them coming!!!!!!

[KatMark]

The reason we were at Disney this year was that Andy's travel baseball team decided to play in the Disney's Salute to Baseball Tournament. We did a lot of fundraising to take the team and the familiy's came as well. To show you how life goes on, nine years later, Andy took the 13-year old team he coaches to the same tournament. This is Andy on the main field at the Disney Sports Complex.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures016.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures009.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures010.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures011.jpg
He is DEFINITELY his father's son. :lmao::lmao:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2461.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures012.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures013.jpg
Oh....to be that young (and slim) again.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/OldDisneypictures014.jpg
This was a running joke every year we went to Disney--no matter how hard Markie tried, he ended up wearing more of the Mickey Bar than got in his mouth.

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh, Kathy, I LOVE this photos too! Wish I had a scanner - would add of few of ours. ;)

Sweet memories. :love:

[KatMark]

I LOVE all those photos! Keep them coming, keep them coming!!!!!!

Oh, Kathy, I LOVE this photos too! Wish I had a scanner - would add of few of ours. ;)

Sweet memories. :love:

Thanks, Karin and Christine. It is fun to look back (and a little sad too) and relive the memories.

Christine, you will be interested to know (Karin I'm not sure if you and I had connected last July or not), but Andy is dating Nicole again. You'll remember they dated for about a year and then they broke up last August. Well, Andy came home last night around 6 and I asked what was on the agenda for the day. He said he was going to dinner with Nicole. I said, "wait a minute; this is the fourth time in the last five weeks you've gone out with Nicole. What is going on; are you dating again?" He said, "yes." I asked him what brought that on and he said he missed her. Who knows what will happen from here. :confused:

[SoonerGirl]

Great pictures Kathy! :goodvibes

[Minnie&Nana]

Christine, you will be interested to know (Karin I'm not sure if you and I had connected last July or not), but Andy is dating Nicole again. You'll remember they dated for about a year and then they broke up last August. Well, Andy came home last night around 6 and I asked what was on the agenda for the day. He said he was going to dinner with Nicole. I said, "wait a minute; this is the fourth time in the last five weeks you've gone out with Nicole. What is going on; are you dating again?" He said, "yes." I asked him what brought that on and he said he missed her. Who knows what will happen from here. :confused:

Very interesting, Kathy. Maybe he needed a break to clarify his thoughts/feelings about her - do I remember correctly that she was heartbroken about the break-up? I hope things go well for them.:lovestruc

[Amy&Dan]

Kathy, how did I not find this sooner? Oh well, better late than never!

Love all the pics, esp the ones of your family trips in 1992 and in 2000.

I am going to live through your thread because its not looking all that good for us to be back in WDW until October of 2011!

And too funny, I meant to ask you when we pm'd a couple of weeks ago if Any and Nicole were still broken up. You just never know, a little time apart may have made them inseparable from here on out!

ETA: Okay, I am all caught up (read each page, love all the pics!) and you guys need to go to MNSSHP. We have done that one several times now and some years we even did it twice. Halloween isn't my favorite but I do love that party!

I am such a bad friend, when is/was Mark's back surgery? Ever since Dan got laid off I am just zoned out and not paying enough attention to the more important stuff in life!

[KatMark]

Great pictures Kathy! :goodvibes

Thank you, Michelle. :)

Very interesting, Kathy. Maybe he needed a break to clarify his thoughts/feelings about her - do I remember correctly that she was heartbroken about the break-up? I hope things go well for them.:lovestruc

We shall see what happens. He just took a shower for them to go out again tonight. ?????

Kathy, how did I not find this sooner? Oh well, better late than never!

Love all the pics, esp the ones of your family trips in 1992 and in 2000.

I am going to live through your thread because its not looking all that good for us to be back in WDW until October of 2011!

And too funny, I meant to ask you when we pm'd a couple of weeks ago if Any and Nicole were still broken up. You just never know, a little time apart may have made them inseparable from here on out!

ETA: Okay, I am all caught up (read each page, love all the pics!) and you guys need to go to MNSSHP. We have done that one several times now and some years we even did it twice. Halloween isn't my favorite but I do love that party!

I am such a bad friend, when is/was Mark's back surgery? Ever since Dan got laid off I am just zoned out and not paying enough attention to the more important stuff in life!

I wondered when you were going to show up...I've missed you.

Mark's back surgery is in July (the 14th to be exact); I took a week off to stay home with him and take care of him.

If we can swing it we are definitely going to do the party.

I hope Dan finds something soon.

[OhioDisneyLover]

Great pics! I love flashbacks!! :thumbsup2

[KatMark]

Great pics! I love flashbacks!! :thumbsup2

Thank you. And for those of you that are new and are now reading about Andy and his girlfriend being back together, here is a pic when they were at Disney last year. When he broke up with her, I was heartbroken along with Nicole. I became very attached to her (she was here 6 days out of the week). This time...I'm keeping my distance; I can't handle the heartbreak again if something goes wrong.

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/101_0875.jpg

[tinacaplan]

[QUOTE=KatMark;36670586]Thank you. And for those of you that are new and are now reading about Andy and his girlfriend being back together, here is a pic when they were at Disney last year. When he broke up with her, I was heartbroken along with Nicole. I became very attached to her (she was here 6 days out of the week). This time...I'm keeping my distance; I can't handle the heartbreak again if something goes wrong.

[QUOTE]

Oh, Kathy, you're giving me so much to look forward to! :goodvibes Have to say, though, they make a very attractive couple.

[that's nice]

Kathy-
Loved all the retro pics! I totally understand how time goes by so quickly. I cannot believe my baby is 4!




We've never done Mickey's Halloween Party and it is on Saturday night, the 18th, while we are there, and now, of course, I'm wondering if we should spend the money and get the tickets and give it a try. I'm so :confused::confused::confused:
OK You need to do this!!! The party is such great fun! The parade is awesome! Watch out though, the parade music is so catchy, you won't be able to get it out of your head! :goodvibes:goodvibes

[All7OfUs]

Kathy! I am here to testify that you are not the only one with the "time marches on way too fast" thoughts going on! My first one graduates in a couple weeks, and as I laid in bed the other night thinking about what I was going to wear to graduation, I sorta had a mini-panic attack!!! :scared1::scared1::scared1: I was like, "What the H...?" There is NO WAY I'm that old, or my kids are that old- NO WAY!

Ah well.... I may have saggy and worn out parts, but I can still skip like a 3 year old down Main Street. :lmao:

I also understand about the girlfriend thing. Andrew will likely let this current relationship die off, as he just doesn't want to put in the effort to sustain it after he moves back to the US. WHat can you do?? It's their call, right??

[Amy&Dan]

Thank you, Michelle. :)



We shall see what happens. He just took a shower for them to go out again tonight. ?????



I wondered when you were going to show up...I've missed you.

Mark's back surgery is in July (the 14th to be exact); I took a week off to stay home with him and take care of him.

If we can swing it we are definitely going to do the party.

I hope Dan finds something soon.

Kathy I have missed you too! Honestly, ever since Dan's dad passed away, its been one thing after another with his job (he couldn't even take a day off when his dad died, nice huh?) and we got the call he was more or less done as we were pulling out of the driveway to go to WDW. Talk about timing.:sad2: But we still had a ball and now with no firm plans for a trip until this job thing gets settled, I need a couple of good trip reports to keep me satisfied!;)

I am glad that Mark will finally get some resolution to his back pain, I know its been a rough ride for you both.:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Thank you. And for those of you that are new and are now reading about Andy and his girlfriend being back together, here is a pic when they were at Disney last year. When he broke up with her, I was heartbroken along with Nicole. I became very attached to her (she was here 6 days out of the week). This time...I'm keeping my distance; I can't handle the heartbreak again if something goes wrong.


Well, I for one am keeping my fingers crossed because they look like such a cute couple! But I hear you, my nephew and his girlfriend broke up before Christmas and I was crazy about her. They tried to reconcile a couple of times and I heard from my sister recently they were talking again but I am staying out of it!

[KatMark]

Oh, Kathy, you're giving me so much to look forward to! :goodvibes Have to say, though, they make a very attractive couple.

If you only knew....sometimes I wish they would both PERMANENTLY move out of the house so I didn't have to deal with all the nonsense (or I could just move to Florida and not give them my address. ;)

Kathy-
Loved all the retro pics! I totally understand how time goes by so quickly. I cannot believe my baby is 4!

OK You need to do this!!! The party is such great fun! The parade is awesome! Watch out though, the parade music is so catchy, you won't be able to get it out of your head! :goodvibes:goodvibes

Yes, it is hard to believe that Ana is already 4; I remember your first trip report to Disney and she was only 2. She is still a beautiful princess though...and by now you should just be about picking her up from the airport.

Mark and I really want to do the party and we're going to see how funding goes and I'm good at last minute "changing of the plans" if need be.

Kathy! I am here to testify that you are not the only one with the "time marches on way too fast" thoughts going on! My first one graduates in a couple weeks, and as I laid in bed the other night thinking about what I was going to wear to graduation, I sorta had a mini-panic attack!!! :scared1::scared1::scared1: I was like, "What the H...?" There is NO WAY I'm that old, or my kids are that old- NO WAY!

Ah well.... I may have saggy and worn out parts, but I can still skip like a 3 year old down Main Street. :lmao:

I love it...I think when we are there in September, I will SKIP to remind myself that even though I'm 52, I'm still "young at heart".

I also understand about the girlfriend thing. Andrew will likely let this current relationship die off, as he just doesn't want to put in the effort to sustain it after he moves back to the US. WHat can you do?? It's their call, right??

I just wish they'd make up their minds.

Kathy I have missed you too! Honestly, ever since Dan's dad passed away, its been one thing after another with his job (he couldn't even take a day off when his dad died, nice huh?) and we got the call he was more or less done as we were pulling out of the driveway to go to WDW. Talk about timing.:sad2: But we still had a ball and now with no firm plans for a trip until this job thing gets settled, I need a couple of good trip reports to keep me satisfied!;)

I am glad that Mark will finally get some resolution to his back pain, I know its been a rough ride for you both.:hug:

I hope Mark gets relief because he is killing me at night with not being able to sleep because of the pain and he tosses and turns all night long.

Well, I for one am keeping my fingers crossed because they look like such a cute couple! But I hear you, my nephew and his girlfriend broke up before Christmas and I was crazy about her. They tried to reconcile a couple of times and I heard from my sister recently they were talking again but I am staying out of it!

I'm not getting involved this time. Nicole was over for the third period of the Hawks game and I said hi, asked about her job and that was it. I'm not getting close again...I don't want my heart to break yet again.

[mickeystoontown]

I was behind again but you've read my pretrip report so you know I have a valid excuse with all the crap I did last week.

I am still loving all the flashback pictures. I looked at some of our's this weekend. My how our kids (and us too) grow up.

Add me to the list of people who say go to the party if you have the extra bucks. I've always wanted to go to one of the Disney parties.

[MHTeacher]

Oh....to be that young (and slim) again.



I've said the same thing countless times.....................only I want to keep my present hair-style! :lmao:


Love your old pictures.

[racefanof88]

I just love all the old pictures. It is always fun to look back at those special times and relive them.

[KatMark]

I was behind again but you've read my pretrip report so you know I have a value excuse with all the crap I've did last week.

I am still loving all the flashback pictures. I looked at some of our's this weekend. My how our kids (and us too) grow up.

Add me to the list of people who say go to the party if you have the extra bucks. I've always wanted to go to one of the Disney parties.

Lisa, I certainly understand why you've not been around...you've had Lacey and Jesse visiting, cleaning your office and preparing for your trip.

I've said the same thing countless times.....................only I want to keep my present hair-style! :lmao:


Love your old pictures.

Actually, I prefer my hair now (I used to wear it short and curly--I like it long so I can pull it back. Thanks, glad you enjoyed the pictures.

I just love all the old pictures. It is always fun to look back at those special times and relive them.

Dana, it sure does make it sweet to relive those moments. I do miss them at times. Your trip is coming up (you'll be in Disney on our 27th anniversary on Friday :woohoo::woohoo: )

[Charlefours]

Love the photo of you in your pirate princess ears!! I am looking forward to seeing MK all aglow! :goodvibes: I know my DD is growing up so quickly--I look back at pictures from last year and the difference is amazing.

Thank you for posting all the great pictures of your children growing up! I would love to have all of these great family memories at Disney! :love:

[Stefy]

:rotfl: That is so true!

I'm almost ashamed to admit that I am clueless about what's going on in the "real world" while I'm at Disney. I never read the newspaper, and hardly ever watch the news while I'm there ! (Wait, does the weather for the day count? ;) )

The weather can count as you are watching the news waiting for it to come on right :thumbsup2 But I like being in the Disney bubble, means you can forget the world and embrace the magic :goodvibes

Thank you; I may buy it this trip...I really liked it too.

Breakfast will have to wait until I'm ready to put up my next update. And I will continue it with the way it is planned now. But now I'm having second thoughts. We've never done Mickey's Halloween Party and it is on Saturday night, the 18th, while we are there, and now, of course, I'm wondering if we should spend the money and get the tickets and give it a try. I'm so :confused::confused::confused:

I am soo behind! Loving all the memory lane pics and congrats to your son for getting back together with his girlfriend :goodvibes

So glad about TSM reopening early Sept, I would have been so sad if we didn't get to ride it as we haven't even been on it yet!

You should so do MNSSHP, its so much fun and whilst I agree that it is pricey it is totally worth the money :thumbsup2

[KatMark]

Love the photo of you in your pirate princess ears!! I am looking forward to seeing MK all aglow! :goodvibes: I know my DD is growing up so quickly--I look back at pictures from last year and the difference is amazing.

Thank you for posting all the great pictures of your children growing up! I would love to have all of these great family memories at Disney! :love:

Thanks...I think I will buy those ears this year. :) I'm sure you will have plenty of those great memories with your family at Disney.

The weather can count as you are watching the news waiting for it to come on right :thumbsup2 But I like being in the Disney bubble, means you can forget the world and embrace the magic :goodvibes



I am soo behind! Loving all the memory lane pics and congrats to your son for getting back together with his girlfriend :goodvibes

So glad about TSM reopening early Sept, I would have been so sad if we didn't get to ride it as we haven't even been on it yet!

You should so do MNSSHP, its so much fun and whilst I agree that it is pricey it is totally worth the money :thumbsup2

We're seriously considering the party this trip...we'll see how things pan out.

As it turns out they are "NOT" officially back together, but working on it. Long story and I don't want to go into it now.

Sorry I've not updated my own PTR. I've been busy catching up on everyone else's PTR (several people have left or are leaving this week and I had to catch up with them all).

I hope to do an update or two over the weekend.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a goofy picture of my Mark. He bought these because it reminded him of Marco Island:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb136/Luvwrestling/IMG_2940.jpg

[that's nice]

HAHA!!!! :rotfl2::rotfl2:

What a great pic!

My DIS time is about to be cut significantly.. Time for me to make some money for the next 5 weeks. I am still going to work up finishing up my TR... I don't want to leave you all hanging.

I hope to have my next update up Sunday night. :rolleyes1:rolleyes1

[KatMark]

HAHA!!!! :rotfl2::rotfl2:

What a great pic!

My DIS time is about to be cut significantly.. Time for me to make some money for the next 5 weeks. I am still going to work up finishing up my TR... I don't want to leave you all hanging.

I hope to have my next update up Sunday night. :rolleyes1:rolleyes1

I knew you'd get a kick out of those. My husband is such a DORK! But so lovable too.

We will miss you, but work has to come first. You better keep us updated when you can on Ana.

I'll be looking Sunday night to see if that update has shown up. ;)

[tinacaplan]

Great picture, Kathy! Mark looks like he really knows how to have a good time.

I thinkwe've figured out our next trip...you can check out my PTR for details when you have a chance. No CSR this time. Oh well... There will be many, many trips in the future.

[Stefy]

We're seriously considering the party this trip...we'll see how things pan out.

As it turns out they are "NOT" officially back together, but working on it. Long story and I don't want to go into it now.

Sorry I've not updated my own PTR. I've been busy catching up on everyone else's PTR (several people have left or are leaving this week and I had to catch up with them all).

I hope to do an update or two over the weekend.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a goofy picture of my Mark. He bought these because it reminded him of Marco Island

:laughing: Love the picture, so goofy.

Take your time :goodvibes I know what its like when you are trying to catch up. Every morning I have tons of emails from replies and updates, is hard work keeping up isn't it.

[KatMark]

Great picture, Kathy! Mark looks like he really knows how to have a good time.

I thinkwe've figured out our next trip...you can check out my PTR for details when you have a chance. No CSR this time. Oh well... There will be many, many trips in the future.

I found your PTR, as you know, and I'm there.

You can always go back to CSR. Your plans for BLT with your family are sounding great.

:laughing: Love the picture, so goofy.

Take your time :goodvibes I know what its like when you are trying to catch up. Every morning I have tons of emails from replies and updates, is hard work keeping up isn't it.

Thanks, honey. I know you understand with all the wedding plans, etc.

[All7OfUs]

Those glasses ARE TOO FUNNY!! I think I'd never buy them myself, but I can see myself putting them on and taking a picture. Love the Peep pose. (aka, Jordan's trademark)

We'll miss you, Tim!! Hope you have LOTS of work lined up, but try to keep August 29th free, OK!!??

[that's nice]

We'll miss you, Tim!! Hope you have LOTS of work lined up, but try to keep August 29th free, OK!!??
I just posted the same thing on your report.. LOL I wish I came here first. :goodvibes

[SoonerGirl]

:lmao: What a great picture Kathy! Your Mark sure looks like he would be loads of fun!

[KatMark]

Those glasses ARE TOO FUNNY!! I think I'd never buy them myself, but I can see myself putting them on and taking a picture. Love the Peep pose. (aka, Jordan's trademark)

We'll miss you, Tim!! Hope you have LOTS of work lined up, but try to keep August 29th free, OK!!??

Okay...my darling DH corrected me. He did NOT buy the glasses. It was one of hte items they received that they sold to the dollar store (that's what my DH does--he sells JUNK :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:). Anyway, he took the pair because it reminded him of the palm trees in Marco. Yes dear, whatever you say, dear.

I just posted the same thing on your report.. LOL I wish I came here first. :goodvibes

You two are hooking up on August 29? What did I miss? That would be so cool.

:lmao: What a great picture Kathy! Your Mark sure looks like he would be loads of fun!

He is a laugh a minute most days. Today is not one of them. I left for work at 6:30 this morning and he was sick in bed with a fever and sore throat. He has a doubleheader baseball game tonight that he is supposed to be umpping which I don't see happening with the rain we are getting. So, instead, I thought we'd go out to dinner as today is our 27th wedding anniversary. But it looks like we'll both be plopped on the couch watching the Hawks game.

[mickeystoontown]

I hate to hear that Mark isn't feeling well. It was storming here yesterday afternoon but it only stopped the ballgames for just long enough for it to stop raining (the ballpark is just through the woods from us and we can hear them playing). I don't like it when they play in weather like that.

[All7OfUs]

Kathy!! Didn't you know??!!! :scared1::scared1:

A whole bunch of us are planning a big Meet in DC on that Sunday, August 29th!!! THink you and Mark could make it??

[KatMark]

Kathy!! Didn't you know??!!! :scared1::scared1:

A whole bunch of us are planning a big Meet in DC on that Sunday, August 29th!!! THink you and Mark could make it??

No, nobody told me and I must have skimmedthat somewhere along the line. Hmmm....I have to look at the calendar and see how long of a drive it is to DC. I have a feeling that might be the weekend Markie goes back to school. I'll have to do some research.

[SoonerGirl]

I'm so sorry Mark isn't feeling well, that's not a fun way to celebrate your anniversary at all!

Regardless, Happy Anniversary - 27 years is quite an accomplishment!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/SoonerGirl69/Smilies/8064.gif

[KatMark]

I'm so sorry Mark isn't feeling well, that's not a fun way to celebrate your anniversary at all!

Regardless, Happy Anniversary - 27 years is quite an accomplishment!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/SoonerGirl69/Smilies/8064.gif

Thanks, Michelle. I love the Mickey/Minnie -- you are too sweet. :hug:

Mark and I talked earlier this week and we are going to take a Disney Cruise for our 30th anniversary (it will be the same year he turns 60). :woohoo:

[All7OfUs]

No, nobody told me and I must have skimmedthat somewhere along the line. Hmmm....I have to look at the calendar and see how long of a drive it is to DC. I have a feeling that might be the weekend Markie goes back to school. I'll have to do some research.

SKIMMER!!!



:lmao::lmao::lmao:

HA!! You know we'd LOVE to have you and Mark show up!! That be so seriously cool!!!

Is it your anniversary?? if so, Happy Anniversary!!! We're not too far behind you!!

[KatMark]

SKIMMER!!!



:lmao::lmao::lmao:

HA!! You know we'd LOVE to have you and Mark show up!! That be so seriously cool!!!

Is it your anniversary?? if so, Happy Anniversary!!! We're not too far behind you!!

Yes, I admit I skimmed. I am a bad, bad person.

Yes, today is our 27th. And we are both :sick: I would really like to leave work early but don't know if that is going to happen...so much to do. I really hope it rains so Mark doesn't have to ump tonight.

[All7OfUs]

Yes, I admit I skimmed. I am a bad, bad person.

Yes, today is our 27th. And we are both :sick: I would really like to leave work early but don't know if that is going to happen...so much to do. I really hope it rains so Mark doesn't have to ump tonight.

Ohhh, Kathy! I"m so sorry. That's awful to be sick AT WORK, ON YOUR ANNIVERSARY!! Not fair!! Shall I play Rainmaker for you??