20 years later we still said "I do!" Our TR for our VR on 4-13-2011 (updated 5/17/11)

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Ok, so it's about time I got around to this trip report of mine.

Dates: April 10 - 17 2011 at WDW

Cast of Characters: Me (Michelle) & Hubby (Steve)

Why: Vow Renewal for our 20th wedding anniversary on 4/13/11

The Vow Renewal Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Type of DFTW: Escape

Time: Ceremony at Noon followed by Cake Celebration; Dinner at 5:30 PM

Location:
Ceremony: Wedding Pavilion, Cake: Commander’s Terrace at Grand Floridian, "Reception": Whispering Canyon Café at Wilderness Lodge

Number of guests: 6 (including us)

Wedding Planner: Tanis Armstrong

Floral: Rosie/Disney Floral

Photography: Stephanie/Disney Photographer

Hair/makeup: Jackie/Beaute Speciale

Officiator: Rev. Jack Day

Resort: Boardwalk Villas

I have been working on a trip report since we got back from Disney almost 3 weeks ago and it's gotten a bit long so I won't bore you to tears in one swift swoop, I'll just bore you a little bit at a time.

A little background info:
This vacation is our first in nearly two years. Since 2008 hubby has had surgery after surgery due to vascular issues; well last summer (July 2010) he had a couple of blood clots in his left leg and after four days of being in the hospital and the doctors working on getting rid of the clots and saving the leg, they ended up having to amputate (above the knee). So all our vacation plans for last year were cancelled (I had been scheduled to go WDW in August 2010 for the Bridal Showcase thing and then he & I were scheduled to go in October 2010).

He was determined that he would be able to do this trip, so we went ahead and signed all the paperwork for our Escape Vow Renewal to celebrate our 20th anniversary.

He had a couple of falls while he was home recuperating which somewhat delayed him getting a prosthetic leg, but in November 2010 he got a leg and he's been learning (re-learning that is) how to walk. He's come a long way and I am very proud of him (and so are the doctors). He's got a great attitude about this whole thing!

So while he was busy relearning how to walk, I was busy planning our "re-wedding"! Now, in all honestly DH had more imput into this wedding than he did our original wedding back on April 13, 1991, which I was totally fine with since we agree on virtually everything. We do - really - I'm not kidding! I think the only thing we really disagree on is he likes Pepsi and I like Coke. Even my dad used to say "you two don't fight - what's wrong with you?"

So back to planning...we decided that we wanted to get re-married at the Wedding Pavilion, but we wanted a Hawaiian theme.
So we sent out "Save the Dates" to all our friends and family. With the Escape Collection we could only have 18 guests so we had to illiminate some folks, which upset me, but we wanted DH's family to be there (since his Dad and uncle missed our original wedding). Everyone who received the "Save the Date" cards accepted! We were very excited!

Work calls - more to come!

 

[Sccrmnky2005]

Can't wait to hear more about your wonderful VR!!

 

[pixie921]

Michelle, I've been waiting for this! I'm anxious to hear all about it!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Can't wait to hear more about your wonderful VR!!

Thanks - I'll be adding more shortly!

Michelle, I've been waiting for this! I'm anxious to hear all about it!

Hi Amy! it's taking me a bit but I'm working on it.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hey Michelle!!
Just got back from my own magical trip and I am very depressed
Glad to see you've started your TR. I guess I must make a start too, but it's so difficult when you haven't yet got any pictures to share!!!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Hi Joanne!

I've been thinking about you! Can't wait to hear how your day went! I know what you mean about the pictures!!! We still haven't gotten the website yet. I am NOT happy about that! I was told by my planner and the photographer that the website would be available by the time we got home; three weeks later - still nothing! After sending a few emails and not getting any reply - I finally got a response saying that they have a backlog and it'll take a while. Definitely NOT happy about that but I am trying to be patient.

Congrats again on your VR!!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

our "Save the Date"

So we chose a Hawaiian theme and Steve wanted us to wear Hawaiian shirts – he wanted the whole thing to be casual. But I was going to wear a dress! I was getting re-married I wanted a dress! I toyed with the idea of buying one of those “destination/beach wedding dresses” and found several I really liked, but they were way more than I wanted to spend. So I went back to Steve’s idea about “Hawaiian shirts” – so on to the internet I went and found matching outfits! A shirt for Steve and a matching dress for me! I found a couple that I liked and then let Steve “pick”. I would have been happy with any that he picked (because I picked them out first). Steve decided he liked the off white with red floral that went down the front and back. I ordered them and they arrived in just over one week! They came from Hawaii and with shipping the shirt and dress cost about $125.

and

and the shoes:

And our invitations:

We had our planning session (via the phone) with our wedding planner Tanis Armstrong and our floral planning session with Rosie and we were very happy with all that we decided on. I thought about the Island bouquet but Steve wanted the cascading bouquet (which is what I had at our original wedding) and he wanted it with red & white roses (my original had all red roses). As soon as I envisioned that – that is what I wanted!

Our toughest decision was music. We knew we wanted “There is Love/The Wedding Song” by Paul Stookey to be played during our event, but the song for Steve to walk in to – we didn’t have a clue. We thought it might be funny to have “Walk like a Man” or “Walk this Way” but we opted for “A World of Our Own” by the Seekers. I knew I wanted “When I wish upon a Star” for when I walked down the aisle.

Within a month of our VR day – everything was paid for and planned. All that was standing in the way – was waiting for the day!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Day 1:

After taking our dog (Muffy) and cat (Kaht) to the vets to be boarded, I finished packing the car, and we finally left home (we live about 35 miles South of Washington, DC) on Saturday the 9th of April around 10:00 AM. We stopped several times along I-95 and finally around 8:00 PM or so we decided to spend the night in Brunswick, GA. Found a great hotel (Courtyard by Marriott) and we’ll definitely stop there on our next trip. We definitely made good timing!

Day 2:

We loved the Marriott in Brunswick because they served breakfast – so after breakfast – we head on down the road and finally get to Disney; this time we are staying at the Boardwalk Villas. Usually our “home away from home” is Saratoga Springs, but this time they didn’t have a one-bedroom for the dates we were planning to be at Disney.

Now, like I mentioned earlier Steve has been an above-the-knee amputee since July 2010. When I called to make the reservation I requested a one-bedroom and wanted a handicapped accessible room but not on the first floor; I was told that they could get me a one-bedroom on the top floor NEAR the elevators and I could request a transfer bench for the shower instead of getting the handicap accessible room. The DVC person I spoke with said she herself is wheelchair bound and never gets a handicap room because a one-bedroom is just as roomy. Ok – I thought that sounded like a great plan. Until we got there!

We were in room 5095. Yes, we were on the top floor and had a great view of the quiet pool and Tower of Terror. However, our room was THE FURTHEST room from the elevator! I mean we were the very LAST door on the hallway (and there are two very long hallways from the elevator); the first door is 5068! Thank God Steve had a wheelchair when we arrived because he would not have made it that far – heck even with the wheelchair I ended up pushing it because his arms got tired! Now mind you when we got our room keys the Cast Member at check-in told us our room is “right by the elevator”!!! We joked that we must be near the elevators at the Swan (they were right next door across the waterway!)

We thought of complaining but we were both just so tired from the trip already (not to mention the walk from the elevator) and it was hot and humid outside we just wanted to stay put. So we made the best of it.

Oh and the ice maker is on the WAY OPPOSITE side of the elevators. We were the farthest on the right of the elevators and the ice machine was the farthest to the left of them. I definitely got my walking exercises in on this trip!

I’ve told Steve that no way will that happen again. Next time if we’ve been told one thing and get the opposite I’m going to complain, and, we’ll just get a handicap-accessible room from now on.

So we arrived Sunday and after getting the luggage and re-wedding stuff into the room – I promptly got sick! And was sick for about one day – so it must have been a combination of something I ate and the heat getting to me. Thank God it didn’t last long!

The view from our balcony:

More to come! Thanks for reading so far!

 

[pixie921]

Michelle, so glad you've started! I'm so sorry to hear of your room assignment ... I've heard those BWV hallways really do feel endless!! And then for you to get sick! Not a good way to start the trip! Here's hoping it gets better for you .... FAST!!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Michelle, so glad you've started! I'm so sorry to hear of your room assignment ... I've heard those BWV hallways really do feel endless!! And then for you to get sick! Not a good way to start the trip! Here's hoping it gets better for you .... FAST!!

I wish I had known about the hallways - wow are they long! At least I wasn't sick for too long.

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Day 3:

Monday we decided to go to Epcot and activate the annual passes we received from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. We took the boat to Epcot which was a very nice ride. Steve had a scooter and I walked.

SIDE NOTE: I know everyone is on vacation and we’re not the king and queen or anything, but doesn’t anyone have manners anymore? I mean when you see a person in a scooter (or wheelchair) why would you 1) jump in front of them and stop to discuss what to do next (shouldn't you stop to the side?); and 2) if the handicapped person lets you go first why can’t you say “thank you”? I have seen more rude people at Disney it isn’t even funny (not just on this trip)! For example: Steve said he was in the men’s room and was heading for the handicapped stall. There were 2 people in the men’s room – Steve & this other guy – the guy looked at Steve then looked at the handicapped stall back to Steve and ran straight for the handicapped stall (he wasn’t handicapped by the way). Steve was in his scooter and did not have his prosthetic leg. So he had to wait. This happened several times during our trip.

Back to the report:

When we got to Epcot and activated our annual passes we told the Cast Member we were renewing our vows on this trip and she gave us “Just Married” buttons!!! (We were wearing our “Anniversary” buttons). She told us the “Just Married” buttons are getting to be rare because they aren’t making them any more. I was very happy to get these buttons!

We spent most of the day at Epcot and then back to the hotel to cool off.
One of the things I loved at Epcot was the Tangled display. The little window near the top would open periodically and you could hear her singing.

We had dinner reservations at Chef Mickey for 5:00 PM. I was a bit apprehensive making them because I’ve heard good and bad things about them. And the one and only time I ate there I wasn’t all that impressed, but I figured it was because it was a late reservation (8:45 pm). So I decided to go for it and I wish I hadn’t. But it was hubby’s first time eating there (and probably his last).

Usually we are on the dining plan when we visit WDW, but this time we decided not to mostly because we thought we would visit Sea World and Universal this trip (but we ended up not visiting those places this trip). So anyway, our dinner at Chef Mickey came to a whopping $77 (including tip) and I told Steve that no way would I make reservations here again (unless it was for breakfast). The food was horrible – unless you like ravioli – that was the only thing edible (in our opinion); the roast beef was too red for us, the ham looked raw, and I don’t know what the other thing was they had on the carving station and I wasn’t going to try it. And they were not equipped to deal with an amputee! They acted like they were panicking about where to put us – it bordered on the ridiculousness. But we made the best of it. The characters were great and they got everyone to sing “Happy Anniversary” (to the tune of Happy Birthday) to us. They also gave us two cupcakes with a candle in each.
Some pics from Chef Mickey:

Food (my plate and DH's in the background):

Our Anniversary cupcake:

Loved these desserts!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Also, I don’t know when this started but they now take a picture of your party with a Chef Mickey statute. Then the package is delivered to your table and if you want the package the cost is $30. We got the package (of course) but it wasn’t expected that’s for sure.

Day 4:

We had breakfast reservations at O’Hana’s at the Poly. This was our first time eating here. I was excited because I’ve heard lots of good things about this place. Plus they serve real (not Nescafe) coffee! Steve was excited about the Kona coffee too. After our photo, we were escorted to our table and then our “cousin” brought the fruit and pineapple bread and I was in heaven! OMG how good is that bread? Real coffee, pineapple bread, and delicious fruit…I was happy! The characters were fabulous – we are huge Stitch & Lilo fans – so we had a marvelous time. Breakfast was awesome (sausage, bacon, eggs, and potatoes). Definitely will be back for this place!!! Oh! And they brought us a chocolate cupcake in honor of us celebrating our anniversary.

The lobby at the Poly:

Yummy Pineapple Bread!

Our Anniversary Cupcake:

Lilo was all over DH:

After breakfast we walked around the Poly for a bit so I could take pictures. It is really a pretty place! I had to remind myself we were at a resort and NOT Hawaii!

We then decided to take the Monorail to MK and hang out there for a bit.

When we exited the Monorail this is what we saw:

(short shorts and heels - to a theme park?)

We walked around for awhile but it was getting way too hot so we opted to go to back to the Boardwalk and chill out. I had some errands to run outside of Disney (I love having a car for this reason) so I did that while hubby took a nap. When I returned we went to Epcot for a bit. We tried to see Tinker Bell but just missed her but we got to see the new Disney character – Duffy the Bear and my favorite - Donald Duck so all was not lost.

We had dinner reservations for Trail’s End at Ft. Wilderness to meet our friends who were coming for our re-wedding, so we got on the Monorail to MK, and then caught the boat over to Ft. Wilderness. We just love the boats!

We were early for our dinner reservations and our friends had not arrived yet either. They were staying at the Wilderness Lodge so I knew they would be taking the boat. We sat in the rockers on the porch of Trail’s End and chatted with the hostesses until our friends arrived. We were then escorted to our table and told to help ourselves to the buffet. Food was really good! There was the salad bar, mashed taters, green beans, corn, fried chicken, ribs, cornbread, and the list goes on. We sampled a bit of everything! Then, our waitress brought us their special strawberry shortcake. Oh how yummy! They did this because they knew we were celebrating our anniversary.

The weather was extremely hot and humid Monday & Tuesday, then a cool front came through (yeah!) and the weather on Wednesday (the day of our vow renewal) was absolutely perfect! We could not have asked for a better day!!! The sun was shining, the sky was blue (only a few clouds), and the temperature mid-70s/low 80s and no humidity. Who could ask for more?

Day 5:

I’ve done a Vendor Review (for more details on the vendors we used) that will follow this report.

Our Re-Wedding Day was finally here! We got up early and went to Cat Cora’s Kouzzina for breakfast (since I had made a reservation). Unfortunately, I was too excited to eat and of course I forgot my camera. I ordered the French Toast with Bacon (awesome!) and Steve had the American (and said it was good). The wait staff was wonderful and brought us mimosas – that was really good!!! I highly recommend the place!

I had to rush back to the room because Jackie from Beaute Speciale was scheduled to be there at 8:30. We got back to our room just before Jackie knocked on the door.

Steve got ready while Jackie was busy with me. Jackie did a great job on my hair and make-up! I couldn’t believe I had curly hair! I had bought a couple of different things to be used in my hair and we ended up using the little flower doodads that really were just what was needed.

After Jackie left I got dressed and then Steve & I had coffee on our balcony and waited for our friends to arrive.

When our friends arrived we went down and met them with all the stuff. My friends were going to decorate a bit at the Wedding Pavilion (so I had a tote full of stuff – bows, candles & my pumpkin carriage). I met up with Victor (our Limo driver) and told him there would be a slight delay as the maintenance guys were trying to fix Steve’s wheelchair. I thought I had the wrench that came with the wheelchair (so you can adjust the leg parts but as luck would have it I didn’t bring it!) Lucky for us though, we got help from the maintenance folks (in the middle of the Boardwalk lobby) – they adjusted the leg part of the chair so Steve wouldn’t have to have the prosthetic leg stick up and he could actually be comfortable in the chair. We brought the chair with us because we figured it would have been way too much on Steve to walk from our room to the lobby to the limo and then more walking at the Wedding Pavilion. He’s only had the prosthetic since November 2010.

Victor placed our stuff (decorating stuff and Steve’s wheelchair) in the Limo and then helped us all into the limo. I was going to have them all go first and then have the limo all to myself – but I thought – why? It wasn’t like I needed all the room because of a fancy wedding gown or anything like that. So, all six of us piled into the limo and off we went to the Wedding Pavilion. It was awesome! Everyone at the Boardwalk was watching us – it made the day that more magical!

Our colors were red & white and inside the limo were bottles of water, glasses, and red & white napkins! That was cool! Before we knew it...we had arrived at the Wedding Pavilion!!!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Frank's:

The Wedding Pavilion

When we arrived at the Wedding Pavilion our wedding Planner – Tanis – was there waiting for us. Inside the Pavilion were Rev. Jack Day and the musicians of course. Shortly after we walked into the Pavilion, our Disney Photographer – Stephanie – arrived. This was the first time I had been inside the Wedding Pavilion and I was in awe! I walked in and just stood there – it was a good thing this was our “re-wedding” – if it had been our actual wedding day and I was in the long white gown and all – I would have been balling instead of just a bit misty-eyed!

Inside:

My friends (Nancy & Carol) started decorating the Wedding Pavilion. That place is beautiful by itself! Each pew had a bow and we had a few candles on the altar. Plus the mini-carriage (like Cinderella’s) that I put white & red roses and a few battery-operated mini-lights – stood on the altar between the two (flameless) candles. The carriage was a hit with everyone there! My friend Nancy’s daughter is getting married in December and she’s asked to use it.

My carriage:

While Nancy & Carol were decorating, I gave our video camera to Carol’s hubby Larry and Nancy’s hubby Dan had my camera. He sort of followed Stephanie and took some pictures of us too. Stephanie took us and did some pre-(re)-wedding photos.

and us w/Stephanie (our photographer) and Tanis (our planner)

And then it was time for the ceremony to begin!

We had a combination of taped (on CD) music and the Disney musicians – an organist and a violinist. They had Steve start coming down the aisle about ½ way. He walked down to “A World of Our Own” by The Seekers. Then, since we didn’t have a bridal party but we had found “Hawaiian Wedding Song” by Andy Williams we had them play that (which was perfect since Steve & I were wearing Hawaiian wedding wear and our guests were wearing Hawaiian shirts). Then it was my time to walk down the aisle! I wanted “When You Wish upon a Star” to be played and as soon as I heard it being played by the Disney musicians – I started to water up! The doors opened and I walked down the aisle by myself and I managed to come down the aisle (and go up the steps to the altar) without tripping. I wore my glasses (because I can’t really see without them) and after seeing some of the photos I wish I hadn’t, but hey – it’s what I look like.

Stay tuned for more!

 

[pixie921]

Michelle! What a great update! You looked SO pretty on your re-wedding day!! Your dress, your hair ... you were absolutely lovely! Your flowers were wonderful; I love how they almost sort of "extend" into the red flowers on your dress in a couple of photos. You and Steve look so happy -- I'm anxious to see more! I'm especially interested in your vendor reviews, as I see you had Tanis as your planner, and we've just been assigned to her.

As an aside, I cannot believe the appalling behavior that you encountered from other guests! We've had a few "incidents" ourselves over the years and it always just baffles me that people think it's okay to behave that way! I really hope it didn't have an overall negative effect on your trip.

 

[Torrance]

Hi Michelle, it looks like you guys had a wonderful vow renewal! Congratulations on 20 years together!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Michelle! What a great update! You looked SO pretty on your re-wedding day!! Your dress, your hair ... you were absolutely lovely! Your flowers were wonderful; I love how they almost sort of "extend" into the red flowers on your dress in a couple of photos. You and Steve look so happy -- I'm anxious to see more! I'm especially interested in your vendor reviews, as I see you had Tanis as your planner, and we've just been assigned to her.

As an aside, I cannot believe the appalling behavior that you encountered from other guests! We've had a few "incidents" ourselves over the years and it always just baffles me that people think it's okay to behave that way! I really hope it didn't have an overall negative effect on your trip.

Amy - I didn't know you have Tanis as your planner? As for the "appalling behavior" - it would never turn us off from Disney. We love Disney - but as for the guests...I'm sad to say we expect it only because it has happened so often.

Hi Michelle, it looks like you guys had a wonderful vow renewal! Congratulations on 20 years together!

Thanks Torrance!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

When I got up the few steps and was standing next to Steve, Rev. Day had us hold hands, he said a few words about love and then we had them play (from our CD) “There is Love/The Wedding Song” by Paul Stookey. It brought tears (of happiness) to our eyes and our guests’ eyes – it was the perfect song for our vow renewal.

As we stood there holding hands and me holding the bouquet – it felt surreal. I wished more of our family and friends could have been there – especially after all the health scares we’ve had over the past two years – but I know my mom, dad, mother-in-law, and my godparents (and more) were watching from above.

When it came time to exchange rings, Rev. Day had me place my bouquet on the altar. I loved my bouquet – I had the cascading bouquet with red and white roses – it was perfect with my dress. It even had a hidden Mickey too! Even Steve’s boutonniere (a red rose) had a hidden Mickey! But I have to say that was one heavy bouquet! My arm was killing me! But it was definitely worth it!

Steve and I exchanged rings and said our vows (after each of us messing up a bit – which had everyone giggling including Rev. Day). He then gave us a blessing and pronounced us (again) as husband and wife. When we turned to walk back up the aisle, the Disney musicians began to play “Fantasmic”. Since we didn’t have a wedding party and not too many guests we weren’t going to do the “staged” throwing of the rose petals, so Stephanie took us to take some more pictures while my friends undecorated the Wedding Pavilion.

“Re-Wedding Crashers”

As we were all standing after the ceremony, a group of people had gathered at the Wedding Pavilion doors to “look around”. Tanis was right there to tell them they had to leave but they would be able to look around after our event. We thought it was hilarious!

We took a bunch more photos and then everyone walked to the end of the walkway and Steve & I walked through last as everyone threw rose petals at us. I can’t wait to see the photos of that!

Then we all got into the limo and were driven to the Grand Floridian for our Cake Celebration. The Commander’s Terrace was beautifully decorated – the cake with the table cloth “clouding” and some flowers for decoration was just beautiful! The view was breathtaking! The white sand, deep blue water, palm trees, and light blue sky was amazing – it was as if we were in Hawaii!

The view from the Commander's Terrace:

My bouquet was placed near the cake and I noticed that the Mickey & Minnie cake topper wasn’t there. I asked Tanis about it and she said it was in the box (we had brought our own cake topper). I asked if the Mickey & Minnie one could stand near the cake and, as if by magic, they appeared and were placed next to the cake. We were going to use our original cake topper but...it seems after 20 years hidden in our china cabinet it has become fragile and dusty. So we opted to buy a new topper - two silver hearts entwined - we thought it was perfect.

We had the Elegant Scrolls cake with marbled cake and butter crème frosting. YUMMY!!! So moist and delicious! But there was a ton of cake for only six people!

We took some more photos on the terrace, fed each other cake, and had the toast. Our friend Dan did a great job with the toast! We even went down to the staircase and took a few photos.

They let us linger while they boxed up the cake and cleaned up. Then we were back in the limo and going back to the Boardwalk. We all went back to our room and chilled for a bit. It was still early, so our friends went back to their hotel, Steve & I got into comfier clothes and went for a walk on the Boardwalk. Well, I walked and he rode his scooter. We realized we were starving and decided to get something on the Boardwalk. So we stopped here:

And had burgers & fries. We also met a very friendly (and sneaky) squirrel. He actually climbed up onto our bench and stole a french fry and ate it in front of us!

We had planned on going back up to the room and dress again in our “re-wedding” outfits, but when I looked at the time – we didn’t have time to do that so we caught a bus to MK then a bus to Wilderness Lodge. We were a few minutes late but all was ok.

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Our “Reception”

I made reservations at Whispering Canyon Café at Wilderness Lodge for all of us for 5:30 pm. The place was packed and very lively! We had a great waiter – Jose – he was hilarious!

We had never had dinner at WCC – so this was an interesting experience for us. It really is entertaining that is for sure! Three of us had the meatloaf, one had beef brisket, and one had the pot roast. Everyone LOVED their choices and everything was delicious! Then our waiter, Jose, gave us each a glass of champagne, gave a toast, had everyone sing to us, and then made us kiss (while everyone watched). Steve said “at least it wasn’t another cupcake!”

We didn't get many pictures - too busy chatting with our guests, doing the Hokey Pokey and having the waiter make us kiss. (I didn't really mind the last one).

Day 6:

The day after our VR I made reservations (for anyone who wanted to attend) for breakfast at O’Hana. All six of us arrived basically on time and were seated by our “cousin”. Again the delicious pineapple bread and plates of fruit arrived along with Stitch’s favorite juice (mango something or another). We had the greatest “cousin” as our server – she was such a delight! She even gave us a card signed by Stitch, Lilo, Mickey, and Pluto in honor of our anniversary!

After breakfast we all went our separate ways. Steve & I decided to cruise back to the Boardwalk for a bit, and then take the boat over to Hollywood Studios because I wanted to see the parade. As we disenbark from the boat, who do we run into? Our friends Nancy & Dan! Seems they wanted to visit one more park before heading home.

We got a great place for viewing the parade. It’s definitely a cute parade!
While we were waiting for the parade to begin, the street performers came out and we got "interviewed" (because we told them we were celebrating our anniversary) by these two lovely ladies:

It was funny because the announcer's name was "Jack Diamond" and here in the DC area we have a great radio station named Mix107.3-FM; and there happens to be a radio personality named "Jack Diamond". Our Jack has been around for awhile and I listen to him every morning so I knew the DHS "Jack Diamond" was not Mix107's Jack. So I mentioned to the two ladies that we have a DJ with the same name. Well it gets broadcasted and the announcer makes a crack that he actually stole the name from "this guy in DC". We were cracking up and after the parade this couple came up to us and said they were also from the DC area and listen to Mix107 and loved our "bit". we were cracking up!

Here are some shots I took of the parade:

More to come...thanks for following along!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Michelle sweetie - I am so sorry I am late commenting on your beautiful day!!! Since returning from our trip, I have been busy - straight back to work and unpacking etc, whilst trying to come to terms with it all being over
What a beautiful (VR) bride you were!!! You looked stunning!!! Your hair was so pretty!! I adore your flowers!! I am so sorry you had a few issues with accomodation etc and other selfish guests. It doesn't seem to have tainted your day, however, as you bothe look radiently happy!!! Congratulations to you both, and I am so glad you had a magical, well deserved special day!! Much love to you both!!

 

[manning]

[here:

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Wonder if that is the same little guy we ran into several years ago in EPCOT? My wife was sitting on a bench eating and one came up and sat down on the bench right next to her, inches away. It looked up at her and started to chatter.