How Do You Think We Stay So Happy?*Final Thoughts & Farewells* 10/7 p100

[MEK]

I hope when Melissa updates she (or someone) has pictures of the super crafty cups she gave us.....mine is in my OL I suppose I could always go and get it



Tracy

Yeah - you should just run down there and get yours. Why not? I actually took pictures of all the "loot" when I got home. I thought you guys gave out your gifts the next day. Was I wrong? Yup - you know what - I think I was. Somehow I thought the gifts came out when the blender came out.

I will post them with the next update!!!!!

Since Melissa is still hurting from falling in the pipe, she may not be updating this weekend.

 

[MEK]

Okay, obviously we are not Chinese. Jim is a Tiger, and I am a Pig by dates, but our personalities are almost exact opposites!

Another Pig!!!! Welcome to the club. However, I am a much older "pig" then you are!!!!!!

I just finished reading the Blue Zoo accounts. May I just say WOW! I may have seen a couple of mentions, but none were memorable. That place looks amazing, and such a respite from the chaos of the parks! I am going to try to remember that one for a future signature dinner, too!

It really was amazing. And, you're right, it was a respite. It was really nice in that we had our own corner of the room. I felt like we had tons of room, yet we were still connected with the rest of the restaurant. It really is a must do for any Disney traveler.

Love the Bikini statement!

That Christine! Her one liners are the best!

I'm enjoying this report from so many perspectives! Looking forward to more!

I hope to get more up sometime this weekend. I have a grad party tomorrow and a soccer party saturday. Hopefully Sunday! Glad you are enjoying!!!!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm finally caught back up again.

Loved all the park pictures from MK and Epcot.. I've never done the Liberty Belle but someday...

The afternoon at the pool sounded so relaxing and fun. Dinner sounded like a blast. Good Food, Drinks and Friends! I've never been in the Dolphin or Swan but I would love to take a peek.

 

[KatMark]

Girls, your updates are great (I'm too far behind to comment on each one individually). I will say that Christine, I agree with you. The Plaza is so good for some plain old "comfort" food after all the heavy meals you eat at Disney (probably why it is always our last meal of the trip).

The pictures continue to be gorgeous.

And you all look great at your dinner at Blue Zoo (and the food looks really good).

 

[eandesmom]

Bluezoo was definitely a winner and I suspect that it has made it's way into the top contenders for future trips for all of us.

I am a sucker for tequila. So I tried the burnt orange cocktail. I can't find the description... sorry! The picture below doesn't do it justice. The drink gets its name because it is delivered to you WITH THE ORANGE ON FIRE! It burns out quickly and other than the rim of the glass being pretty darn hot at first (hello, fire!) it is yummy.

Miss Tracy had the serenity cocktail, which she raved about (and I think may dream about )

I am looking forward to returning here in October!

I had planned on trying that orange one and it looks SO cool but Tracy was very persuasive! I agree, I think it's high on everyone's list now.

I LOVED our dinner at Blue Zoo. Can't wait to eat there again
C and I stayed in the pool until the last possible minute and I will confirm that no, we did not take much time getting ready. If at all We had heard such good things about the cocktails (Happydog ) that we were anxious to get a seat at the bar!

Upon sitting down after the rest of the ladies arrived I ordered the zooberry....It was okay...too sweet for me though
For starters Melissa and I thought we both ordered the low country shrimp and grits but our waiter....I guess Cynthia was right about him being a bit interesting only ordered one so we split it. Delicious! For the main I had the simply fish....can't remember exactly what kind of fish I chose...their were about 3 choices. I also added on another sauce with a lobster claw. So glad I did as this turned into one of my favorite meals of the trip. After some more wine I think we had Cakebread but am not sure....Melissa C and I decided to share some absinthe. If you want a detailed and amusing description including the history check out wikipedia I was happy to have finally tried it although I am not a licorice fan AT ALL.

Tracy

I forgot he only brought one shrimp, he did warm up but was a bit of a nob at the start (I thought). I can't recall what we had what night. Seems like we had a Matanzas Sauv Blanc somewhere..and Conundrum somewhere...but maybe that was just by the glass? I know we did Reds at Jiko but maybe diff stuff by the glass at Tutto???? and I might recall if I looked at the list...

Too much wine.

Nah.

I hope when Melissa updates she (or someone) has pictures of the super crafty cups she gave us.....mine is in my OL I suppose I could always go and get it

Tracy

I love my crafty cup and other goodies! I know you gave yours out at the pool, I need to take a picture of it (and my crafty cup). I've actually used the cup quite a bit at home. Since I don't have an OL.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

This is so much fun! What I wouldn't do for some of those Blue Zoo grits right now!

I have seen that look on a server's face before when I've gone out to eat with a bunch of ladies. Oh man, it doesn't make me happy....

 

[I Believe In Magic]

BlueZoo looks like you guys had quite the memorable evening! I have never heard of anyone mentioning that place before, so it's always nice to hear of new places to go. Cant wait to read more!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I am so, so, so far behind on my own trip report! I'm an awful diser, I admit it! I swear I'm going to lock myself in a room for an hour a day just to dis undisturbed!!! I promise I'll be back in the next few days to catch up! I'm reading now!

 

[feyrerm]

Thought I'd quit lurking and say Hi! I am really enjoying your TR. The BlueZoo looks like is has awesome drinks. I can't wait to check it out!!

 

[MEK]

I'm finally caught back up again.

Well, why you were catching up, I was getting behind. I don't think I have been on the DIS since thursday, and only then for a few brief minutes.

Loved all the park pictures from MK and Epcot.. I've never done the Liberty Belle but someday...

Oh - you MUST ride old Belle. Reason - it provides such a different perspective of some really cool areas of the park like BTMRR.

The afternoon at the pool sounded so relaxing and fun. Dinner sounded like a blast. Good Food, Drinks and Friends! I've never been in the Dolphin or Swan but I would love to take a peek.

It was a really great afternoon and evening. Light on the parks, but heavy on the relaxation and the amazing eating!

Girls, your updates are great (I'm too far behind to comment on each one individually). I will say that Christine, I agree with you. The Plaza is so good for some plain old "comfort" food after all the heavy meals you eat at Disney (probably why it is always our last meal of the trip).

The pictures continue to be gorgeous.

Love the Plaza. No worries about catching up. Just read when You can. I am trying to keep the links up to date, but I think I have fallen behind.

And you all look great at your dinner at Blue Zoo (and the food looks really good).

Blue Zoo was a fun and amazing meal. I am so glad we decided to give it a try. It was so convenient and the food was really delish!

This is so much fun! What I wouldn't do for some of those Blue Zoo grits right now!

Yum! What I wouldn't do for my lovely scallop ravioli dish!

I have seen that look on a server's face before when I've gone out to eat with a bunch of ladies. Oh man, it doesn't make me happy....

I have to admit, I really didn't notice it, but they may have been because my Serenity cocktail was already working.

BlueZoo looks like you guys had quite the memorable evening! I have never heard of anyone mentioning that place before, so it's always nice to hear of new places to go. Cant wait to read more!!

It's really a nice alternative to all the Epcot/Boardwalk places and the other siggie restaurants. And they take the TIW card so we saved about $100 on that meal. I would definitely go back and I know that restaurant.com often has gift certificates for there.

I am so, so, so far behind on my own trip report! I'm an awful diser, I admit it! I swear I'm going to lock myself in a room for an hour a day just to dis undisturbed!!! I promise I'll be back in the next few days to catch up! I'm reading now!

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah! Seriously, I completely understand. Your kids are getting your undivided attention and I saw how they stalked you while you were at Disney. I am sure they NEVER leave you alone at home.

How is your leg? I hope its better!

Thought I'd quit lurking and say Hi! I am really enjoying your TR. The BlueZoo looks like is has awesome drinks. I can't wait to check it out!!

feyrerm! and Welcome to the DIS. It's a great community, especially on the TR boards. People are really very nice over here.

I am glad you are enjoying are TR and that you decided to stop lurking and join the fun!

BlueZoo is definitely work checking out!

 

[MEK]

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Edited for double post. Stupid computer!
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[MEK]

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I hope everyone had a fun 4th of July! I had a super busy weekend including a couple parties and a soccer tournament.

Here is our end of the year Vipers party. And - yes - I always do bring my Disney mug when out and about. It's last years model, so I won't mind if I lose it.

Our plum trees are making lots of plums this year. I hope Denny doesn't try making plum wine again.

I got this cute mug at Tj Maxx. Couldn't resist...

I found this cool mandevila (is that how you spell it) at Home Depot. It's actually in a hanging basket. I am curious to see what it wraps itself around.

I love hydrangeas. I don't have any pink or white ones. Boo!

I love this picture of Kismet. She has been trying to live outside since summer started.

This picture was taken at the Chesapeake Inn, Chesapeake City, Md. Girls night out!

A picture of the very cool custom made glass that Melissa gave to all of us. I have since taken the paper out of it, but its much too cool to actually drink out of it. Maybe I should break it in, though! It has cute little mickeys all over it. sorry - I thought I had a better picture. I promise to take another one. Melissa gave these to us on BlueZoo night.

She also gave us this cute little beauty, which has a home on my Disney display shelf.

Tracy also gave us a really cool gift. She gave each of us a cute little Vera wristlet.

Tracy remembers me once saying that I really wasn't all that crazy about Veras, but she totally won me over with this one. I absolutely LOVE it and I take it everywhere. It is the best. I think I may have even taken it without a backpack on our last night. So Tracy pretty much rocks for giving me my very first VB.


Nick is in West Virginia with one of his friends. On thursday he and his friend are going to soccer camp at West Virginia University. He is having a blast. He is staying at a tricked out cabin with his friend. Today they visited the former WV penitentiary.

Denny and I went to Lancaster Pa this weekend to watch Brian's team play in the Region 1 state cup. They made it to the semi-finals. Not bad for a wild card team.

Strasburg Pa

But the best part of Lancaster was hitting the outlets and finding a few cute shirts.

So, I promise an update tonight, but I have to switch over to my computer because Denny's computer STINKS! In fact, I think I may have double posted.

Oh yeah - we are going to Morgantown WV this weekend to pick Nick up. I am pretty excited because I have never visited there.

All above pictures were taken with my iphone. Love that thing!


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[MAGICFOR2]

Looks like a great weekend! I have those Mickey Mugs too. You looks fabulous, BTW.

 

[glennbo123]

Great pictures of Amish country MEK! Just drove through it this afternoon.

Strasburg Pa

Judy and I used to be members of the church with the steeple you can see in your picture....Wesley United Methodist, back before we moved to NC for 3 years and then back here to PA, but closer to DE.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I see a trip to TJ maxi in my future! Did you get that mug recently? I'm converting to all Disney mugs!

I love hydrangeas too. I'm going to put in some more this year. Vie got one called blushing bride and it's a gorgeous pale pink/white. Not blooming yet!

I've been eyeing the Vera wristlets do you have the all in one? I want one the iPhone will fit in.

Cute cups from Melissa too!

 

[tinacaplan]

Love the real-life pics. The pictures of Amish country are cool, too. I have family in Maryland and we took a tour of Lancaster Co. at one point, many years ago. Really fascinating. Looks like you're enjoying your summer, which is certainly as it should be.

 

[MEK]

Looks like a great weekend! I have those Mickey Mugs too. You looks fabulous, BTW.

It was a fun and very hectic weekend. It was hard getting up for work today.

Did you buy the TJMaxx mugs? I want six of them, but I just don't have enough room right now, so I settled for one. I love it.

Great pictures of Amish country MEK! Just drove through it this afternoon.

Really? Cool. It was really crowded on Saturday afternoon. We couldn't even find a parking space in one of the outlets. It was THAT crowded. I love it up there. It's such a pretty ride from Delaware once you get north of U of D.

Judy and I used to be members of the church with the steeple you can see in your picture....Wesley United Methodist, back before we moved to NC for 3 years and then back here to PA, but closer to DE.

See - it IS a small world. I bet you loved living there. I still always think of those kids that were murdered and injured in that school house when I go past the road to the town where it happened (the name escapes me now, but I know exactly where it was).

I see a trip to TJ maxi in my future! Did you get that mug recently? I'm converting to all Disney mugs!

I just bought it last Thursday. I found them in the check-out line and I gave in and bought one. $4. How could I not buy one?

I love hydrangeas too. I'm going to put in some more this year. Vie got one called blushing bride and it's a gorgeous pale pink/white. Not blooming yet!

I bet its beautiful. I don't think our soil will support a pink one and I never see the white ones, although I absolutely love them and always want to cut them down out of other people's yards. I haven't yet, but I fight the urge every summer.

I've been eyeing the Vera wristlets do you have the all in one? I want one the iPhone will fit in.

Yes - the iphone fits in one side and credit cards/ID/ annual pass fit nicely on the other side. Love it!

Cute cups from Melissa too!

Melissa and Cynthia are both so talented!

 

[MEK]

Love the real-life pics. The pictures of Amish country are cool, too. I have family in Maryland and we took a tour of Lancaster Co. at one point, many years ago. Really fascinating. Looks like you're enjoying your summer, which is certainly as it should be.

I enjoy taking real life pics and I love taking them on my phone because of the automatic uploads to photobucket. I mean, I am lazy and I still have pictures from Disney I haven't downloaded yet, let alone uploaded.

Lancaster is really cool. I think I would love a "behind the scenes" type tour of it. Not the touristy things, but the cool things.

 

[nilla]

And - yes - I always do bring my Disney mug when out and about.

I use mine at my in-laws' lake house and get ribbed over it all summer by just about everyone there. I don't care - no one ever grabs my beer by accident!

I got lost there for a while, but I'm finally caught up. Well, at least I WAS caught up until this latest update

 

[MEK]

Monday May 2, 2011

Hard to believe it was the start of my fourth day in Disney (3rd full day) and I had yet to do a ride. How was that possible????? I am all about firsts when it comes to Disney trips and THIS was certainly a first!

Originally 5 of us had plans for the spa, but Tracy, Jen, and I canceled. I was looking forward to the spa, but since I had missed my MK day I knew I needed to make it up. I was worried if I didn't go to the MK today, I would not be going at all.

And guess what???? I was right. It ended up being my only time to visit MK.

I decided to get up and go for a short run before I left for the parks. I had always wanted to run around the boardwalk region. I took my phone so I could take a few pictures.

First I ran past the Swan. Well, actually I think I ran behind the Swan to the front of the building where the buses came in.

There was plenty more path there, but I decided I wanted to go over to the Boardwalk and check out that area.



Hello Boardwalk.....

I ran in the direction of HS, but I decided not to go to the end of the path. I still didn't feel like I had my normal running energy and, even that early in the morning, I was dripping with sweat.

I wasn't totally enjoying myself because I felt like I needed to rush and get back to the room to get ready to leave for the MK. When I did get back I just sat for a good 5 or 10 minutes. I felt whopped. It was easy to see that my recent poor health had affected my endurance and recovery.

Oh Well. While I was out running, Cynthia was at the health club. I got back before her. I showered, changed, and headed over to the gift shop to pick up a breakfast pastry. Then it was off to wait for the bus.

My rather plain, and not so nutritious, breakfast.

Hello bus stop

Hello cute little girl playing with the bean bags at the bus stop

It didn't take long for the bus to arrive, but for the life of me I can't remember which resorts we stopped at next. I do know for a fact that we stopped at the Boardwalk, which seemed way out of the way. Whatever. One thing about POP. Say what you will about those values. One Stop. One stop only!

Not complaining. Seriously, I am not. But there is a certain luxury that comes with getting on the bus and not having to stop again until the final destination.

I missed rope drop, but not by much. I was actually pretty pleased at how early I had arrived and how smoothly the morning was going. I was also thrilled to be free and clear of a headache, although I was nervous it might come pounding back if I took a ride on my favorite, Space Mountain.

When my kids were younger and we came here for family vacations the rule was always the same- First Park - MK. First Ride - Space Mountain. That was just the way it was. No deviations allowed.

But I didn't hang that first right over to tomorrowland. Instead, I gazed at the wonder of this beauty.

Nothing chokes me up quite like the castle. So, with a lump in my throat, I took another picture.

Then, still being in slow mode, I took pictures of these familiar statues.

I decided that it was probably a good time to head straight through the castle and get some pictures of the mosaics.

So up the stairs I went

I thought I might be able to get some uninterrupted photo time, but there will still enough people milling around that I felt rushed.

I used to know the story behind the mosaics - who did them, when they were done, how long it took, ect., but I forget all that now. They go over it during the KTTK tour.

And when I came out on the other side of the castle I decided to take of picture of my very own shadow.

And, with that I am going to call it a night. I know I cut this short, but Up Next.......The New, Improved, Haunted Mansion Queue!