SOOZE's Grand Gathering... it's so good, I have to bevel! Update! 2/3

[shannon47142]

How cool for you!! I dont know you, but I felt so proud of you as I watched your video

 

[disneylovin24]

WOW, not a pretty sight to wake up too Happy it wasn't on disney property.

So cool that you got to try out for AIE. Watched your video, you are amazing! I always wished that I had the ability to sing, you are so lucky that you do!

 

[mermaid764]

Wow how awesome that you've made it to the stage twice now, your performance was amazing!

Hopefully Shae's rash was nothing serious, and yikes about that building burning down.

Can't wait for more

 

[Sooze]

That's so cool you got to do the AIE!! Thing2 wanted to do it, but she wasn't quite old enough. Maybe next time...can't wait to see the Photopass pictures of it! Did you get a copy of the video montage they made of you?

It is so much fun! You have to be 14 to audition. Sure hope Thing2 makes it happen in a few years! Unfortunately, due to copyright garbage, there is NO video documentation of my AIE other than the bootleg cell phone video my husband took (which, I'm pretty sure, is illegal!) I forgot to tell him to video record that beginning part too... bummer, because it was TOTALLY fun!

Yay, I am so glad you got to do American Idol. Sure wish we had been in the park that day. Would have loved to seen it!

I can't believe we missed Donald and Daisy dressed that way. I love Daisy and would have jumped in that picture!

The whole American Idol thing just worked out perfectly. Getting into the first show meant we could do that, then head home for lunch... it was perfect timing and my family was so proud of me for getting on stage!

I loved their outfits too! I've never seen them dressed that way!

How cool for you!! I dont know you, but I felt so proud of you as I watched your video

Aw, thanks! It's crazy what the DISboards can do!

WOW, not a pretty sight to wake up too Happy it wasn't on disney property.

So cool that you got to try out for AIE. Watched your video, you are amazing! I always wished that I had the ability to sing, you are so lucky that you do!

Thank you so much! I am thankful every day for the gifts I've been blessed with!! It took me a long time to be comfortable enough with myself to share those gifts with others!

Wow how awesome that you've made it to the stage twice now, your performance was amazing!

Hopefully Shae's rash was nothing serious, and yikes about that building burning down.

Can't wait for more

Maybe the THIRD time I get on stage, I'll actually make it to the finals. Not that I minded NOT winning in any way.. I just think it would be cool to see how that final show is different!

You'll just have to stay tuned to find out about that annoying rash...

 

[micandminforever]

I loved the video, I know your family was proud.

How was the new Star Wars?

I hate people that break in line. Even when I do not say anything I have been know to give them what my husband calls my teacher look. It has been know to stop a middle schooler from breaking in line in the lunch room.

 

[MNTwinsMom]

Popping in again to say I'm enjoying your report.

The pictures in front of the castle turned out great - you can't even tell you're in pain I love photopass because you can get EVERYONE in the photo. (even the trip report writer who is usually behind the camera)

I enjoyed your American Idol report. What a great experience to have done it twice and to have a fan club along this time! Which trip report would have your first time in it? I may have to go back and check it out.

One more question, if I can push my luck . . . are you DVC owners? Just curious if you used your own points to get your villa, rented points or paid directly through Disney. (not that it's any of my business)

 

[heaven2dc]

How awesome that you are gifted with such a beautiful voice and got to audition for American Idol twice! Would love to see a fellow Diser onstage sometime plus a celebrity such as yourself!

How cool that you got to see Diane and family! It's funny how so many Diser's on here are celebrities

 

[Sooze]

I loved the video, I know your family was proud.

They were... especially the in-laws because they rarely get to see me perform. It was awesome to share that with them!

How was the new Star Wars?

Ya know, I was barely able to pay attention because I was so worried about Cindy. I do remember that the 3D was AWESOME and that the new scenes were so updated and cool. I' can't wait to ride it again when I can enjoy myself and not spend the whole ride feeling guilty!

I hate people that break in line. Even when I do not say anything I have been know to give them what my husband calls my teacher look. It has been know to stop a middle schooler from breaking in line in the lunch room.

Oh my.. you teach middle school? You must have an AMAZING teacher look!!

Popping in again to say I'm enjoying your report.

The pictures in front of the castle turned out great - you can't even tell you're in pain I love photopass because you can get EVERYONE in the photo. (even the trip report writer who is usually behind the camera)

One of the benefits of doing theater... I can fake my pain-free belly for Photopass Pictures! I always realize when I start putting my TRs together how I'm hardly ever in any pictures. Seems unfair, doesn't it?

I enjoyed your American Idol report. What a great experience to have done it twice and to have a fan club along this time! Which trip report would have your first time in it? I may have to go back and check it out.

Here's a link to the report. Just click on the "American Idol Experience" link once you get there! Enjoy! Just be warned, there aren't a lot of pictures at all, but a pretty detailed explanation of my experience..including a run in with a REAL LIFE celebrity!

Sooze's 1st American Idol Experience TR

One more question, if I can push my luck . . . are you DVC owners? Just curious if you used your own points to get your villa, rented points or paid directly through Disney. (not that it's any of my business)

It's totally fine you asked! We are, indeed, DVC members. We own at SSR and AKL but prefer to stay at BWV and BCV because they let us walk into our favorite park!

How awesome that you are gifted with such a beautiful voice and got to audition for American Idol twice! Would love to see a fellow Diser onstage sometime plus a celebrity such as yourself!

Aw... thank you so much! I appreciate that a lot!

How cool that you got to see Diane and family! It's funny how so many Diser's on here are celebrities

My husband thinks it's just bizarre that I will go up to random Disers and be all friendly with them like I've known them forever. He just doesn't get our happy little community!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Hey Sooze!

Enjoyed reading your TR this afternoon.

Great start.

I'm looking forward to more!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I'm joining in a little late but I just finished reading the whole report so far. I love the fact that you are there with family. We've been on two Grand Gathering trips with 15 of us. So many memories to be had.

I love all your pictures and you did such a great job singing on American Idol.

 

[micandminforever]

Oh my.. you teach middle school? You must have an AMAZING teacher look!!

I should have phrased the lunchroom comment in the past tense. I am a retired middle school teacher. I did spend 29 years in middle school so I do have a good don't even think about it look.

 

[Sooze]

Hey Sooze!

Enjoyed reading your TR this afternoon.

Great start.

I'm looking forward to more!

GB!!! So glad you're here!! Thanks for checking in!

I'm joining in a little late but I just finished reading the whole report so far. I love the fact that you are there with family. We've been on two Grand Gathering trips with 15 of us. So many memories to be had.

I love all your pictures and you did such a great job singing on American Idol.

Welcome! I'm happy to have you along. This was our first time traveling with family and we are hooked. We have already talked about making it an every-two-or-three year thing!

Thanks for your kind words about American Idol!

I should have phrased the lunchroom comment in the past tense. I am a retired middle school teacher. I did spend 29 years in middle school so I do have a good don't even think about it look.

Even still... it takes a special soul to teach that age!! I can only imagine what that look is like!! It must be MUCH more intense than mine. 3rd graders are much easier to intimidate!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Another great update My dad called me at work the morning that place was on fire because he thought it was AKL and that we would have to find somewhere else to stay in August!

Your performance on AI was so good! I couldn't carry a tune if it was in my pocket so I always appreciate when people can sing....for years I thought I could but everyone kept telling me different

Great picture with Dianne and her family....she's one of my favorite people!

 

[teachermommy78]

EEEEEEE!!!!!! how awesome!!!! What date was this? I can't wait to get home and watch the video!

 

[Silly Girl]

Great report! We were there the same week. Unfortunately we did not go to DHS on the same day. Wish we had, so enjoyed your AIE performance you posted. You have an amazing voice. Interested to hear about your daughters rash. My DD had an awful rash just like that when we were there about 5 years ago. She was 10 then and never actually found out what it was but think it was due to the heat.

 

[Sooze]

Another great update My dad called me at work the morning that place was on fire because he thought it was AKL and that we would have to find somewhere else to stay in August!

Now THAT would've stunk!

Your performance on AI was so good! I couldn't carry a tune if it was in my pocket so I always appreciate when people can sing....for years I thought I could but everyone kept telling me different

Aw, thanks so much! So YOU would've been one of those people that audition for the REAL American Idol who really think they're good but they're not? Hilarious!

Great picture with Dianne and her family....she's one of my favorite people!

That whole family is just awesome! I was so glad I got to see them for even a few moments!

EEEEEEE!!!!!! how awesome!!!! What date was this? I can't wait to get home and watch the video!

This was Monday, June 27. Hope you enjoy the video!!

Great report! We were there the same week. Unfortunately we did not go to DHS on the same day. Wish we had, so enjoyed your AIE performance you posted. You have an amazing voice. Interested to hear about your daughters rash. My DD had an awful rash just like that when we were there about 5 years ago. She was 10 then and never actually found out what it was but think it was due to the heat.

That would've been fun if you were able to see my performance! Maybe next time. You shall hear about the rash soon. Did your DD's rash itch or hurt? If not, it may have been the same thing!

 

[Sooze]

After an amazing morning, we were all tired and hungry. We had a lovely walk back to the villa, where we made lunch and enjoyed the AC.

Since this was the first time we were all in the villa together, awake, and not trying to run off somewhere, I decided it would be a perfect time to present the family with the shirts I had made for them. Now, I didn’t take any pictures of the presentations, but you’ll have to keep reading my TR to see them when we actually wear them! As soon as I presented the shirts, the gifts started flying. Ben and Cindy gave Tyson a $25 gift card for his birthday along with some other Disney goods. They also gave Shaelyn some ADORABLE outfits, which just so happened to match some of Avabelle’s things! There were lots of other gifts flying around… it was lots of fun! H
Tyson taking time away from the gifts to eat a bite.

The girls playing with some new princess dolls.

After a calm lunch and some rest time at the resort, we were on our way back to DHS. We still had much to share, including the long-awaited viewing of Beauty and the Beast. I have to say, Tyson has probably not seen this show since Shae was born. I always take her while he and Matt are off doing big-kid stuff. I also have to say, he was NOT happy to have to sit through it again! Once I pointed out, however, that he needed to keep an eye on Avabelle, since she was about to see it all for the first time, he perked up. And, honestly, I think he enjoyed it… just a bit!
The girls kept themselves entertained with their new princess dolls, as they had quite a wait before showtime.

I had plenty of time to sit and scope out the extent of Shaelyn’s rash. Look at this nasty thing:

I made the decision that I was going to HAVE to take her to immediate care the next day. It just was NOT getting any better… it was getting worse!

As you can see, we had some great seats way up front. We were right on the edge of a row, too, so the girls would have an unobstructed view of the stage.

Soon, we were enjoying this wonderful show.

She couldn’t pull her eyes off the stage.

When Beast emerged on stage, Avabelle’s gasp was quite loud!

We had an AWESOME Gaston. (He is my favorite in this stage show!)

And then, the moment we’ve been waiting for. Belle coming out in her beautiful yellow gown!!

Couldn’t you just die with the sweetness of that expression! She was thrilled beyond words!!

So here it comes… are you ready? The moment I got the title for this trip report…. We were emerging from the show and gathering our group of 9 in front of the amphitheatre. As we are congregating, Cindy announces, “That was so good, I just have to bevel!!” Ah… a phrase that only an experienced dancer would ever conjure up! “What is it?” you ask? Well, if you’ve seen the Beauty and the Beast musical at DHS, you’ve actually seen plenty of beveling! It’s when a dancer pulls one foot next to the other and pops up the heel. Wait… you’d like to see what it looks like? Well, you’re in luck because just as Cindy was announcing her need to bevel, we were taking an adorable picture of the girls:

And Avabelle hears her mommy mention the bevel… at which she immediately pops her foot into the most perfect bevel ever! I died! I said, “Avabelle… can you teach Shae how to bevel?” Oh.. of course!! She jumped right on that! Here is there little lesson taking place:

And the final product:

And from then on, whenever we were happy about something, we all just had to pop our feet into a bevel!! I know… I know… some of you are probably like, “What in the heck? That just isn’t funny?” But you know how things are just hilarious sometimes, but no one else gets it? Just go with it, my friends!!

Somehow we convinced Mahna and Pahta to hang on to the girls while the big kids jumped on Tower of Terror. Oh, yes. I know how! We gave them money and told them to let the girls go buy a toy! Perfect! I was nervous about Cindy.. she had never ridden TOT and after the Star Wars experience, I wasn’t sure about it. But, oh my goodness, am I ever glad she got on the ride! Imagine the first time YOU experienced TOT… you know, back in the day when you didn’t KNOW when the drops were going to happen, so every little thing that happened had you freak out a bit?! That’s what we got to experience with Cindy. She was screaming every 5 seconds and we were all dying! Tyson, the TOT expert, was having an especially great time laughing at his auntie! I was able to snap a few pictures, but soon realized that my iPhone protective skin was overlapping my flash just a teensy bit, so I kept getting this annoying flash refection. So my apologies in advance! Here is Cindy before the ride started. I think she was trying to convince herself that she was having fun!

Tyson in all of his glory.

See if you can make out Cindy’s screams! At least they look like screams of enjoyment and not pain!

Cindy’s verdict? She absolutely LOVED ToT!! YAY!!!

So remember those TSM fast passes that Matt ran to get first thing in the morning? Well, I forgot to mention this earlier, but the ride time was for when I was performing at AIE. So we thought they might not let us use them since our ‘time’ had passed. So we headed over to TSM with a plan. If they let us ride with our old FP, then we’d hop on and save my AIE fast passes for later that day. If they DIDN’T let us ride with our old FP, then we’d use my AIE fast passes to get on. Didjya follow that? So what happened?

Turns out you can use a FP for ANY time, as long as it’s after the first time listed on your FP. YIPPEEE! And, even better, when we got over to TSM, it was JUST reopening after having to shut down for some reason… so it was COMPLETELY empty! We got RIGHT on!

These two were like giddy little college kids the entire trip. Could they be any cuter?

And Shaelyn was in heaven with the new toy she got while we were riding TOT.

Matt and Ty rode together, with Shae and me behind them. When we sat down, we found ourselves face to face with this silliness.

Can you believe it? I actually beat Shaelyn?!

Up next… what else can we do at DHS? LOTS!!

 

[ZFamily5]

Great update! Love Avabelle's face when she saw Belle on stage! And I love the way your TR title came about! The picture of Avabelle and Shae beveling is adorable! Can't wait to read more!

 

[glennbo123]

Great chapter Sooze! That picture of Avabelle is priceless.

 

[JolllyHoliday]

Love the pic of your little girls face when she saw Belle's dress. Jusst priceless!