Well, we all looked quite spiffing that evening, despite our various degrees of illness. I must say, the TK clan cleans up real nice. Even if we are pirates. As evidenced by the shirt selection for DS. A nice brown button down shirt from Disney Shopping...with a big ole pirate skull on the back. But because of the tone on tone brown, a lot of people don't even realize that's what it is.
I love little quirks like that.
Anyhoo, we head to the Magic Kingdom to get the monorail. We arrive at the Grand Floridian...
...and I duck into the shop as a last ditch effort to find the keychains. You know, the key chains I've never mentioned until now but were actually searching for my whole trip. They were so cute, so adorable, and I was so regretting I didn't buy them for Tink and Missy the very first time I saw them. Thinking by some miracle, I would see them again later. When will I ever learn that in Disney World if you like something you buy it right then?
Anyway, I found the cute little pirate keychains, and managed to attach them to the gifts I had made for the lovely duo.
As I'm finding the keychains and giggling (silently) with glee, Tink calls. I miss the call, of course. I call her back, and discover that they are en route.
Now I'm not mentioning to her that I have no voice.
Even though it's obviously apparent when she hears me over the phone.
Fortunately, she's kind enough not to ask why I sound like someone who's been screaming at a rock concert all night long. Not that I've ever done that or anything.
Or have I?
Meanwhile, the TK clan heads over to Citrico's to check in.
Where they're having a DEVIL of a time finding our reservation.
Cue shock and horror.
Me with no voice is not helping, as I'm trying to spell our last name. I offer to get the ADR #, but they insist, no, no we'll find it. Meanwhile, I'm having an internal mini freak out. You all know how much of a fluke it was that we got this reservation? Was it one or two weeks out, I don't even remember at this point, but it was serendipitous, shall we say. And I so, so afraid that it was floating away along with my voice.
Well, finally, they found the reservation.
And fortunately all before Tink and Missy arrived, so they were none the wiser. You know, I don't think I've even told her to this day. I'll have to regale her with that at some point. DH takes DS for a little stroll while I'm sorting everything out, and letting them know our whole party is not here yet. They say to come back when we're ready.
As DH is strolling about, he runs right into Tink and Missy.
Well, not right into them. That would have been awkward.
I was so very excited to meet them. Especially Tink. To have someone you've met, and have so much in common with, and get along with so well, and to be able to truly meet for the first time in a place you both love.
Well let's just say, I was happy.
We hugged, and I avoided breathing too heavily on anyone. Tink remarked on my lack of vocal chords and I told her my sad tale of Disney illness woe, which she graciously empathized with.
Dinner was amazing.
Obviously I won't rehash the entire conversation word for word, but let's just say that it was one of the best dinners I've ever had. And DS took to Tink and Missy right away. I have a comment to make about Citrico's right now. Not only did we have a fantastic waitress that night, but I've eaten there since, and again, impeccable service. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. Not only was I treated well, but DS was, too. Both times, the server has spoken directly to him, asking him how he liked things, etc. I just love it when they treat your child like a real person. I know Disney is family friendly, but you'd be surprised how little that kind of individual attention happens, and when it does, it's a wonderful treat.
Tink and I had a lot of fun exchanging gifts. It was so kind of her to include DS, DH, and myself in her giving. I really, really appreciated the thought she put into some of the things she gave us. (Especially the Skittles.) And it was this night that I discovered just how much DS loves ring pops. Part of his gift from Tink was Wall E ring pops, and not only are they a wonderful snack, they're also a great toy. Just a little tip for you right there.
Here's some photos of the tote bags I made for Tink and Missy, and our gift giving extravaganza for those of you who love pictures.
I believe in this photo with Missy you can see the little pirate keychain hanging on the bag.
This is one of the only food porn shots I have for you all and it's only to prove a point.
See, we had a horrible time with DS eating properly on this trip. Little did I know that the key to a good meal was signature dining. He had this as an appetizer, and it was a fruit and cheese plate with grapes, fresh mozzarella, cheddar, and crackers. It was wonderful, and perfect, and he ate almost all of it.
What can I say? The boy likes deluxe.
One more bit of food porn to regale you with, since there's such a sad lack of it in this trip report.
That was my dessert, the trio of sorbet. Fantastic. Divine. NOM! Being an artist, I love the plate, too.
Now, I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with how well behaved DS was during the meal. I mean, really, really well behaved. So much so that he took it upon himself to start a little flirt with the girl seated at the table behind us. They shared crayons and talked about coloring, and he showed her his toys. She said, "Thank you, pretty boy." I just about died, it was so adorable. I asked the parents permission to take the kids picture together (didn't want to assume) and they said of course. I was nervous that he was going over there, but they were just so grateful that someone was entertaining their little one!
And may I say that Tink and Missy were so laid back. I was worried about this dinner. My expectations were so high, I was afraid of awkward silences or not knowing what to say.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
I had no reason to worry. Meeting Tink far exceeded all my expectations. It's been a pleasure to get to know her even more, and I feel a happy little twinge that I can say I "met" her in Disney for the first time.
We had such a good time that I totally missed Spectromagic.
And as much as I love that, I didn't even care. I'd had the best meal, some great conversation, and it was just fantastic. On the way out, I grabbed another keychain for myself to remember the evening. Every time I look at it, I think of that.
Tink and I insisted DH take some prime photos of us on the couch. I don't know how many of you follow her trip report, but she's right. The smiles we have in that photo are just pure happiness. Pure and simple. Good food, good friends, good times.
We took the monorail ride together, and the TK clan got off at the Magic Kingdom, wishing everyone good bye and a great trip. Even DS said good bye and thank you, and there was much talk between Tink and Missy of how precisely they were going to kidnap him.
Now Tink had told us there was some type of fireworks convention this evening, so we were aware, and as we stopped in the shop (to buy more medicine for DH despite his protests about the cost) one of the cast members told us as well. Apparently, we'd be able to see it from our room.
Once we got DS back to the room, he was out. Cold. Didn't even get to see this waiting for him.
And he slept through the most beautiful display of fireworks; it was amazing. DH and I watched from our room, and I couldn't help but thinking this was a great last night. Even though it made me sad to think it was our last night in Disney, it honestly had been fantastic.
And to think. We never even set foot in a park.
DH and I finished packing as much as possible and then headed to bed. I had trouble sleeping that night, as DS' tossing and turning was really keeping me up. It could have had something to do with tomorrow being the last day as well.
Up next - How do we bid adieu to Disney World?
but not to your trip's end. Although you will be back there soon enough!! 
