Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 12/24 - All our bags are packed

[shebaxric]

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

 

[brookelizabeth]

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

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

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

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

YAY for three weeks!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heather

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

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

 

[brookelizabeth]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hooray for 3 weeks!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[brookelizabeth]

You are in the teens!

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

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

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

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

Your trip is getting sososo close!

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

I received Disney mail today for my Sept. trip.

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

In so many, many wonderful ways!!!

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

And I got some for our December trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tower of Terror!


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

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

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

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

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

 

[brookelizabeth]

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

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

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

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

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

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

I believe the height requirement for Barnstormer is 35 inches, Henry was 34 at 20 months, so I'm thinking he should be just over 35 by now. We put him up to a stick at the Mall of America for 36 inches and he was close to that...so hopefully!

Oh, the Indy Speedway! Did I forget that on my "Must Ride" list? JOE has been eager to take Henry on that, so I don't think we can avoid it...! I'll just take pictures. Hopefully we can hit it early in the AM so we don't have such a long wait.

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

Are you feeling better?

TWO weeks now!

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

I can't wait either! And I really do look forward to writing the TR-and devoting research time to the December trip. But, I hope this trip creeeeeeps by slowly. (Right, like it ever does when you are in Disney! )

 

[SoonerGirl]

We bought him size 7 shoes the other day and my heart nearly broke! I'm such a sap!

Wait until you start buying him adult size shoes! Even my baby is almost there (he has huge feet!) he's in a youth 6 right now, I'm sure I've only got about another year/year & a half before he's in men's sizes like his brother. Oh how I miss those little baby feet!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I apologize about my week long disappearance!

We were gone Friday night - Sunday night, in a town about 3 hours away for a wedding of two close friends.

Our first hotel had a jacuzzi tub - Henry thought it was pretty neat!

He was SO noisy during the wedding. Thankfully it was a pretty relaxed atmosphere. And they were happy noises!

The beautiful, happy couple!

Their ceremony was right along the river-just beautiful...

Stealin' a kiss

The first time on a swing by himself! He liked it for about a minute, then decided he wanted Da Da on the swing with him.

My boys!

We switched hotels that night - and took advantage of their pool. In the past Henry has been a bit slow to warm up to the pool - this time he got RIGHT into it.

Outside the hotel

Henry was distracted by a motorcycle (or "ba mo")

It was a fun little getaway weekend - good times with old friends that I don't see very often and spending quality time with my boys.

On the Disney Front:
Our Netflix queue lately has been some Classic Disney movies. The other night we watched Swiss Family Robinson. Neither one of us had ever seen it (at least from what we could remember). We loved it! Such a great movie!! We will most likely be taking in the Tree House in September.


Onto packing...we have decided to attempt to pack all of our clothing and gear into 3 carry-ons and 3 personal bags. We are going to try not to check anything. Should be a good challenge, huh?

The suitcase is upstairs and open. All of Henry's Dollar Store Plane Distraction Gifts have been wrapped and are in a bag. But, that's as far as I've gotten. Gotta write up the list yet...so much to do!

Oh-I also have to buy ponchos and a clip on fan. Must-NOT-Forget these!!

Two weeks from today, we'll be... (i can't believe I can say TWO WEEKS!)
Animal Kingdom closed 45 minutes ago, so we are off to AKV for exploring! I am very excited to see Kidani-not only because it's our home resort, but also for planning purposes. This night we might eat at The Mara, or head over to MK for Spectro/Wishes. Perhaps Corn Dog Nuggets will be on the menu.

 

[Flossbolna]

Two weeks! That's really nearly like you would leave tomorrow!! Lovely pictures of the wedding. Bride and groom look very happy! And I love your dress, great colours!

Henry really looks like a two year old, so grown up with his hat and polo shirt! But still incredibly cute.

And I guess for the Indy Speedway those touringplans might come in handy...

 

[jordanyosh]

Let me know how the packing goes. I may try one carry on suitcase and a small backpack myself...

On FB just had a mini reunion of sorts with some old co-workers! Fun to catch up with old friends.

I can't believe you're leaving soon!

 

[MeMom]

Very cute pictures - all of them!

I think you'll like the Treehouse. It's interesting. Lots of steps, so sometime little ones get stepped over or around, if it's crowded. Just be a little aware of that, but usually not crowded, at least when we've been there.

Hope you can get your packing done in three bags like you want.

The Kidani waterplay area is so cool. We saw it in March.

Aah, The Mara, home of zebra domes!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Lovely pics! I can't believe it's getting so close for you!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Less than 2 weeks now!!! YAHOO!!!

I wish you much luck and success getting everything into the personal items and carry-on's! I hope it works for you guys! Keep us posted

Hang in there, you guys are almost there!

Heather

 

[jenjolt]

TWO WEEKS only TWO WEEKS!! How exciting for you Brook!! I can't wait to hear and see all about your happy adventures at Disney!!

Once again Henry is just the cutest little guy ever!! I love that he is enjoying the pool that should make for some fun times at Disney!!!

Hmmm...corn dog nuggets...oh yes you must get some of those!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I love the picture of you stealing a kiss for cutie little Henry!!!

2 weeks!? You guys must be so excited! Good luck with the packing!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Only two weeks??? Wow!

Great pictures from the wedding!!!

I need to watch Swiss Family Robinson -- I think Connor would really like it!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Love all the get away pic, Brook! Too cute, the only of your boys and the one of Henry in his hat are the cutest!!! Oh and the one of you and Henry down by the water is great, too, love your dress, very chic!!

I can't believe you're down to 2 weeks...WOW....that means two weeks later I'll be there!! That's some Disney math for you....heehee! Time is flying....

 

[thewesterberg]

You guys look great at the wedding! (love your dress by the way!!! Way cute!)

Swiss Family Robinson is a favorite movie... we used to watch it all the time as kids. My favorite part was all the traps they set for the pirates. Oh, and the animal races!! And seeing all the cool things in their house! Okay, I just love the movie all around!!

It's fun to think you'll be where we're at in a short amount of time. But unfortunately we'll be gone by then. So close, so close!!

Gotta run... there's some zebra domes waiting in the fridge, calling my name!!

 

[onelilspark]

Look how adorable!!!

 

[IluvXU]

So soon! So exciting! Can't wait to see what unfolds for you all this trip!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Two weeks! That's really nearly like you would leave tomorrow!! Lovely pictures of the wedding. Bride and groom look very happy! And I love your dress, great colours!

Henry really looks like a two year old, so grown up with his hat and polo shirt! But still incredibly cute.

And I guess for the Indy Speedway those touringplans might come in handy...

Thank you! I bought that dress on my birthday weekend with Joe-we got a gift card for a store with our room, so the dress was almost completely free! It's that nice material that doesn't wrinkle too, so light and airy, and comfy.

I really have to get back to touringplans.com and print my plans! I've ran them a few times and reviewed, but haven't printed them yet. They changed a few of the "best/worst days" I noticed due to EMH's changing again.

Let me know how the packing goes. I may try one carry on suitcase and a small backpack myself...

On FB just had a mini reunion of sorts with some old co-workers! Fun to catch up with old friends.

I can't believe you're leaving soon!

I will post how the packing goes - perhaps a whole update about the challenge! I hope it works...

I love Facebook for meeting up with old friends-I've reconnected with some from high school even.

Very cute pictures - all of them!

I think you'll like the Treehouse. It's interesting. Lots of steps, so sometime little ones get stepped over or around, if it's crowded. Just be a little aware of that, but usually not crowded, at least when we've been there.

Hope you can get your packing done in three bags like you want.

The Kidani waterplay area is so cool. We saw it in March.

Aah, The Mara, home of zebra domes!

Good advice on the Treehouse, thank you! I will keep that in mind, if the park seems busy, to avoid it during peak hours.

I am super excited to see the water area at Kidani! I think H is gonna really enjoy it - and so will we! Are you guys going to to a split stay again in October or December?

And YES, Zebra Domes...yum. I've only ever had one. Even if we don't eat at The Mara, I'm thinkin' we might be picking up a box to go!

Lovely pics! I can't believe it's getting so close for you!

Thanks! YES, it's getting very close! Before I know it we'll be single-digit dancing!

Less than 2 weeks now!!! YAHOO!!!

I wish you much luck and success getting everything into the personal items and carry-on's! I hope it works for you guys! Keep us posted

Hang in there, you guys are almost there!

Heather

Thanks! I will post an update on how the packing goes. I have to figure out exactly what bags we are going to be using, and from there I think I can make a good plan.

TWO WEEKS only TWO WEEKS!! How exciting for you Brook!! I can't wait to hear and see all about your happy adventures at Disney!!

Once again Henry is just the cutest little guy ever!! I love that he is enjoying the pool that should make for some fun times at Disney!!!

Hmmm...corn dog nuggets...oh yes you must get some of those!!

I'm looking forward to taking Henry in the pool at CSR! I think he'll like the spitting fountains and the waterfall on the pyramid too.

Thank you for such sweet words about my little guy!! I'm SO looking forward to those corn dog nuggets!!!

I love the picture of you stealing a kiss for cutie little Henry!!!

2 weeks!? You guys must be so excited! Good luck with the packing!!

Thanks!! It's one of my favorites from the trip too. I love his little grin in that shot.

We are VERY excited. It seems a bit unreal yet - but I can feel the panic mode starting to creep up when I let myself think about it all.

Only two weeks??? Wow!

Great pictures from the wedding!!!

I need to watch Swiss Family Robinson -- I think Connor would really like it!

And your trip is coming up quickly too!

I think Connor would enjoy Swiss Family Robinson, there are some really funny moments, and also lots of "boy stuff" when they are planning their attack against the pirates and then when they are setting off all the traps.

Love all the get away pic, Brook! Too cute, the only of your boys and the one of Henry in his hat are the cutest!!! Oh and the one of you and Henry down by the water is great, too, love your dress, very chic!!

I can't believe you're down to 2 weeks...WOW....that means two weeks later I'll be there!! That's some Disney math for you....heehee! Time is flying....

Thank you! I like your Disney Math!

You guys look great at the wedding! (love your dress by the way!!! Way cute!)

Swiss Family Robinson is a favorite movie... we used to watch it all the time as kids. My favorite part was all the traps they set for the pirates. Oh, and the animal races!! And seeing all the cool things in their house! Okay, I just love the movie all around!!

It's fun to think you'll be where we're at in a short amount of time. But unfortunately we'll be gone by then. So close, so close!!

Gotta run... there's some zebra domes waiting in the fridge, calling my name!!

HEY! You are DISing while in WDW! Any 'live updates'? Zebra Domes waiting in the fridge....oooh!!!! I loved the animal races part too the riding the ostrich is just hilarious!

Look how adorable!!!

Thank you!!!