Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!

[amandaw]

LOVE the quilts! That Vader helmet looks awesome and I love the hidden Mickey quilt! How can I order one?

Looks like y'all had a terrific Christmas....especially Maddie. Love all the princess stuff! I saw those Animator dolls on the disney store's website....they are so cute! I really wanted to buy one for my sister's little girl but I held off since she's only 7 months old.

I think that's great that Maddie got her own sewing machine. What wonderful memories she will have of having you teach her.

Hope y'all are having a Happy New Year!!!

 

[katt789]

Katt, I love that your friends know not to accidentally spoil the magic for the little ones. That's awesome.

The characters were great! That Eric really stole her heart (again).

The photo op is just outside the Christmas Shoppe! You should check it out.

Thanks Katt, I hope that your holidays were great too. What is Boxing Day BTW?

Hhahah! It's gotten to the point that I think I had just corrected them a few too many times, bahah, and Paige just gets it, lol.

Haha, Boxing Day is just the day after christmas? Lol, there's usually insane sales at a ton of stores, some of them last the whole week, but the best ones are on the 26th. I know there were a bunch of people (boyfriend included....) who were at the mall around 5 or 6 am. No thank you. I still got what I wanted by getting there at like 2, haha.

And in terms of your Christmas update; YAY! Looks like an awesome haul for Maddie! That's so great that you guys had a great holiday! Yay

 

[Cinderella909]

It was nearly time for our lunch reservation, so we decided to slowly make our way toward the front of the park. For those keeping score that's 2 rides between rope drop and lunchtime, but I guess that’s how we roll .

Wow! You really scored in meet and greets! Glad that the magic was restored! And, hope you and everyone had a magical christmas!

Karen

 

[Cinderella909]

Hey guys! Since I was such a DIS slacker for most of December, I though I'd share some of what I was up to!

And then, Bryan had a great idea for the actual quilting. It's not perfect, but this is my attempt at sewing Darth Vader's helmet

[/CENTER]

And finally what would a Christmas update be without some pics of Maddie? She loved all of her gifts, but her fave by far was the American Girl doll that MiL gave her on Christmas Eve. I am actually kind of excited to try to make some clothes for the doll-I already have plans for several doll sized Disney princess dresses. Maddie's birthday is in early February so we'll pay a visit to the American Girl store for her birthday.

Uncle Cory was taking the photos. She's showing me the doll

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Love the Star War quilt and Bryan's great idea for the quilting! Brillant!

Maddie and my DGD have the same wish list! My DGD got her American Girl doll and Brave too! I can see maddie sewing~! You're such an inspiration in all the lovely outfits that Maddie wears, I'm sure she wants to follow your footsteps! Looks like Maddie made the 'nice list'!!

Karen​

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

All caught up!

Sorry Maddie had to deal with the kid in line. I guess it's true of both adults and kids...some people are just jerks. Seriously, what do you have to gain by telling a little kid it's not real?

So I'm very glad the character interactions were terrific the rest of the day. Glad to see the magic restored. And that Maddie conquered Pirates!

Looks like she had a great Christmas. I must say that Star Wars fabrics and hidden Mickeys make any quilt infinitely cooler.

 

[hstrickland]

All caught up! Can't believe it's y'alls last day Don't ya hate those?! However, you know you'll be back soon enough...that always eases the pain a bit

You're so right about seeing the excitement in your child's eyes when they meet the characters! Sometimes it makes me want to cry. Even though Stephen has reached middle school, he still enjoys the magic of character meet n' greets.

And by the way....your quilts are very impressive!! I can sew a button on a shirt, but that's as far as it goes. I can't even imagine how much work you put into those things!!

Ok...is Maddie super excited about her American Girl Doll?! How fun! Faith still loves hers! In fact, she takes it every where...restaurants, church, Disney...you name it, Sophia has been Maddie will really enjoy visiting the AG store....sensory overload, I tell ya!

Hope yall have a nice weekend!
Heather

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I know you said you were a slacker during December, but I for one am glad for that since I was, too (as evidenced by the six TR updates I did last night just speed it along!)! I had four updates to catch up on on your TR alone, and it could have been more if you hadn't been occupied making those amazing quilts!!

First of all, I am so happy you did the Ohana breakfast. The girls just found out about its existance last night, so it was perfect timing to read it! They really, really, REALLY want to go there because they are huge Lilo and Stitch fans. HUGE. Do you know what the earliest seating is? I want to try for very early so I can make it to the welcome show like you!

I just about cried when I read about the RofI. I am terrified about the day that happens about all things magical (princesses, Santa, etc.). Sometimes I think Julia questions it, but doesn't say anything. And I hope to dear goodness that when she does figure it out, that she won't say anything to her brother and sister and ruin their magic. I doubt she would, though...I hope she wouldn't...so sad to even think of such a day! I am glad you were able to reaffirm the magic and that the wonderful characters helped restore her faith!

Looks like a great Christmas! Funny, Santa seems to have hit that same Disney sale when he was working on our house!!

 

[RGirl]

Hi Shannon! I’ve been away forever, but thankfully, it looks like you have too!

So sorry that the little girl in line put a crack in the magic, but what a wonderful MK morning y’all had bringing the magic back! We still have never met the White Rabbit - maybe in August!

I also love that family pic in Liberty Square with the castle behind you. You are going to have to direct me to that spot in August - I totally want to try to get one of us there!

Wow! The quilts are amazing!!! So jealous of your crafty/artistic skills. And it looks like Maddie had a VERY merry Christmas.

 

[shan23877]

Disclaimer** This may be the worst dining review ever as I was sick, fading fast, and couldn't taste much, and Bryan has a terrible memory. I did take notes though!

Our lunch reservation that day was at yet another new restaurant for us-Tony's Town Square. We were excited for this meal as we are all great fans of both Italian food and Lady and the Tramp. We checked in a few minutes early and were directed to wait. Even though the waiting area is out in the open (if you've ever gone to meet the Princesses or Mickey and Minnie at Town Square Theatre you've walked right past it), there were plenty of couches, and a TV and coloring area to entertain the little ones. As we waited, I contemplated taking a nap in the comfy chair in the air conditioned room, but we were called in to eat before I could.

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Appetizers

Flavors of Italy (Serves two) - selection of Italian Favorites featuring Olives, Sliced Deli Meats, Roasted Garlic, and Artichokes $13.99
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad - Tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and a Balsamic Dressing $7.49
Zucchini Fries - Breaded seasoned Zucchini with Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Dressing for dipping $7.99
Seasonal Fruit - with prosciutto $6.99
Calamari - topped with Olive Relish and served with a side of Marinara Sauce $9.99
Mixed Greens - tossed in our House Dressing topped with Feta and Croutons $5.49
Toasted Cheese and Garlic Bread - topped with fresh Tomatoes and Basil $6.99

Seasonal Soup $5.49
Minestrone - with Orzo Pasta $5.49


Sandwiches, Flatbreads, and Salads

Chicken Florentine Calzone - Chicken, Spinach, Caramelized Onions, and
Mozzarella $15.99

Tony's Flatbread - Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Caramelized Onions, Mozzarella, and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce $12.99

Chopped Salad - Romaine, arugula, oven-roasted tomatoes, olives with gorgonzola and red peppers with a buttermilk-cucumber garlic dressing: with steak $14.99; with grilled chicken breast $12.99; with sauted shrimp $15.99

Tony's Fish of the Day - market price

Panini of the Day $13.49

Caesar Salad with Chicken - Romaine Lettuce with Grilled Chicken tossed with Caesar Dressing $13.49
Available with Shrimp $15.99

Bianca Flatbread - with fresh Mozzarella, Garlic, and Basil 11.99

Meatball Sliders - Meatballs cooked in Marinara Sauce topped with provolone and arugula on Focaccia rolls $12.49


Pasta

Crostini served with all Pasta Dishes

Spaghetti - with choice of Meatballs or Sweet Italian Sausage with Marinara Sauce $16.99

Shrimp Scampi - Linguini with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Asparagus tossed in a Garlic Sauce $17.99

Eggplant Catasta (Stack) - Layers of Eggplant, Caramelized Onions, fresh Mozzarella, and Parmesan with Marinara Sauce over Penne Pasta $15.99

Chicken Parmigiana - Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast with Marinara Sauce topped with Melted Mozzarella over Spaghetti $17.99

Multigrain Pasta Primavera - Seasonal Vegetables tossed in Garlic and Olive Oil with Balsamic Glaze and Feta $15.99

Baked Ziti - with Ground Beef, Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Marinara Sauce $13.99


Dolce (Dessert)

Pistachio Creme Brulee $5.99

Ice Cream Bomb - chocolate and vanilla ice cream covered in rich chocolate sauce $5.99

Tiramisu - espresso soaked lady fingers, whipped mascarpone and dark chocolate shavings $6.49

Lemon Walnut Layer Cake - layered vanilla cake filled with lemon curd $5.49

Spumoni - layers of ice cream with pistachio nuts and cherries $4.99

Assorted Gelato - Italian style ice cream chocolate or vanilla $4.99

Chef's Signature Cheesecake - $5.49

Seasonal No-Sugar Added Sorbet with fruit $4.99


Beverages

Glowing Character Punch - Minute Maid Light Lemonade Punch served in a souvenir cup with a glowing Disney Character Light $6.49
Soda or Iced Tea $2.99
1% Milk $2.39
Hot Tea $2.39
Cappuccino $4.19
Espresso $3.69
Coffee $2.39
Evian 330 mL or Perrier 330 mL $4.75
​

We were seated in a booth in the middle of the main dining room. Our first impression of the restaurant is that its very cute. It looks exactly what you;d imagine it to look like- an old school quaint Italian joint. We were very near the Lady and the Tramp fountain which delighted the littlest member of our group. The dining room wasn't too crowded, but the sun room area was full.

We were seated near a multi-generation group of women who were the "Disney is trying to gouge us with these prices, I paid a lot of money for this vacation, and you'll enjoy it whether you like it or not" types of tourists. They were super unpleasant, but luckily they were almost finished when we got there. If they'd been there the whole time we were I may have lost my mind.

Our server arrived quickly and took our drink and appetizer orders. Bryan and I both chose sodas and the Toasted Cheese and Garlic Bread with Tomato and Basil. Maddie shocked us by ordering the fruit.

The bread was fantastic (must be really good because even in my altered state I loved it), and it arrived really quickly.

We'd asked for the servers advice on entrees since we were both torn. He highly recommended the Chicken Parmesan, so that's what Bryan ordered. I went with the Baked Ziti, and Maddie selected "plain noodles wit no sauce or meatballs please".

Our entrees took a little bit to get to the table, and I was fading fast. There was much discussion at our table about what we should do with our afternoon. Bryan was pushing for me to go back to the resort and rest, but I was adamant that I didn't want to miss any of our last day.

When our entrees arrived, Maddie was aghast to find her noodles had been served with one plain meatball atop the pile. We quickly explained that it was so she could nose it as Tramp had done and that not only appeased her, it made her giggle. Bryan was happy to take the meatball off her hand once the photo was taken.

Theres a good chance that the ziti at Tonys Town Square is delicious, but at the time I tried it I was feeling so poorly that it tasted like flavorless mush to me.

Maddie enjoyed her noodles, and ate a pretty big portion of them. Bryan found the chicken parm to be average.

While we ate we continued to discuss what wed do with our day. Bryan took charge and asked Maddie if she'd like some pool time with dad. She very much liked that idea, so despite my objections we'd be taking the afternoon off.

Maddie was the only one who'd saved room for dessert (a shame since I'd been looking forward to the pistachio creme brulee), so once she'd finished we settled up and left quickly.

Over all the meal was fine. Tony's won't be a place that we return to trip after trip, but we aren't opposed to going back someday. The atmosphere was very cute, and the service very pleasant, but the food was sort of 'meh'. Don't expect fine Italian food (go to Via Napoli for that), but if you're a big fan of Lady and the Tramp Tony's is worth a stop.

We made our way back to CBR where Maddie and Bryan took a dip in the pool and then spent some time playing on the iPad in the room. I laid down on the bed "for a few minutes" and woke up 3 hours later.

Once I woke up I was feeling much more human than I had after lunch, so we cleaned ourselves up and headed out determined to enjoy the last night of our vacation.

 

[shan23877]

Looks like you guys had a wonderful Christmas!!! I love the quilts you made - the hidden Mickeys are so cute and subtle!

Can I just say how happy I was to see that Maddie got an American Girl doll? I used to LOVE mine when I was little, and I love that they're still around!!

Thank you! It was a nice Christmas. Thank you - I liked the way they turned out, and MiL loves it!

She is soooo into her American Girl doll right now. Since Christmas she's taken her everywhere. I didn't have one when I was a kid, but I'm glad that Maddie's into it. We're taking her to the store in Chicago next month-I'll share pics! (I could have a PTR going by then!)

She was probably just having a bad hair day.



Somewhere out there, there's a thread that goes something like this.

"So after months of Little Joanie being both totally conflicted about whether the Characters were real or not and being completely terrified that they might be, I finally convince her that they're not real. She couldn't reconcile the real Queen of England was 'real' but the Evil Queen was not. Finally, FINALLY! I convinced her that they were all normal people playing roles. Well, we get to MK and she decides she wants to see for herself. Her psychiatrist suggested that this might happen and to allow her to do it. So we get in line, and poor Joanie is having a minor panic attack trying to convince herself that the characters aren't real. She's repeating over and over, "They're not real! They're just people!". All of a sudden, this crazy woman starts going on and on in a really loud voice that the Princesses are real!!! OMG! So now we've had to commit poor little Joanie to an asylum for the perpetually incurable and our psychiatrist says she may never, ever get better."

:

OMG you're probably right.

Thanks for sharing! I remember when my DDs got their American Girl Dolls... I refinanced the house mortgage and sold a kidney and was able to supply dresses and props for them. Eventually they each got a second doll and I built two sets of bunk beds for them (I think AG wanted $3,847 for their bunk beds... and I was out of spare kidneys.)

That sounds about right! I am shocked at some of the prices. I've made her some clothes already, but it's the furniture that is really steep. I saw a closet for $350 the other night! A closet!!!! I could re do my closet for that!

You're such a sweet dad to make beds for them. I think we'll ask one of Maddie's uncles to handle that for us. She's already hinting that her doll might need a friend too.

This picture cracks me up:

The little tree has taken a tumble during the gift opening frenzy!!

I hadn't noticed that, but you're right! It was a frenzy on that side of the room

I'm quite impressed with your quilting skills. Love the hidden Mickeys, very subtle... Kind of like an inside joke, you won't know they're there unless someone points them out or you're looking for them. And the Darth quilting is particularly impressive.

Thanks Ponz! I did hidden Mickeys in fabric on a Christmas quilt for her last year, so she wanted them again. I liked how it turned out!

The Vader was so hard for me. Not being a super fan myself, I just kept a google image search open in front of me and hoped for the best.

It look like Maddie had an awesome princess filled Christmas! A late Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year to your family!

By the way, great job on the quilts. The Vader helmet sewn into it looks awesome! You must do quite a bit of sewing, so I'm sure that Maddie will love her new sewing machine and the mother/daughter time learning how to use it! As long as you don't hurt each other first.

Belated happy holidays to you and yours as well.

Thanks! I do sew a lot, and now Maddie's really excited to get in the game. So far she's mad a little bag for her doll.

No bloodshed yet!

Love the updates--you are definitely terrific at sewing! That is so neat that Maddie will be able to learn that from you and you can spend time together doing that.

My DS (who is 4, and thinks Maddie is his "princess friend in the computer" after he watched the trip surprise video) was so excited that Santa wrapped her presents in princess paper. Why? Because Santa wrapped HIS in Mater paper, and seeing Maddie's proves that Santa is SO smart, he knows everyone's favorites!

Looks like y'all had a wonderful Christmas! So much fun!!

Thank you! I enjoy sewing, and so far Maddie is excited to learn.

I think that's the cutest thing I've ever heard! I love that she's his princess friend from the computer! Yay! So glad that Santa does that for your son too! Santa is one smart dude...

 

[smidgy]

so glad to hear Bryan took charge.. a good hubby knows what you need. you wouldn't have enjoyed ANY of the rest of the day without a nap.

we have also softimes debated this issue.. say, we ahve an unexpected late night.. we try, like heck, to "make it through" our "planned" day.. then think, hey, let's just skip this and tha, go aback and nap, and be rested and enjoy the evening! (like the time we took our "doggy bags" back from Les Chefs de France to our room at BCV, and took a nap. not planned at all! smart move!)

however, I really DID want some info on Tony's!!!! (just teasing you).. but we have had reservations there SO many tmes and cancelled. the closest we came was the fall trip where my daddy passed away.. and weren't in the mood.

I thought I would get the shrimp scampi ,and nebo thought he would get the chicken parm.. but the baked ziti was a maybe for both of us.

well, gee! what kind of help are you!!!??? how dare you get sick during your trip???

 

[shan23877]

Apparently this was the year of the American Girl doll. My MIL spoiled Kadence by giving one AG doll and the Bitty Twins. And more accessories than my some house can handle. Plus she makes AG clothes, ( she does craft shows and home sales, if you'd like to see what she has let me know.) so Kadence's dolls are always best dressed.

Santa is amazing! Our house is starting to look like the WOD came home with us.

Beautiful quilts!!! I love the HM's and Darth is the coolest thing ever! They are very lucky to have you!

Happy New Year!

Yay for an American Girl Christmas! I'm having fun making some clothes for her now, but Maddie's a bit of a slave driver. As I type this she's standing in hallway making a list of the things I still need to make her (supposed to be sleeping of course).

Santa is awesome! He must have recreated the WoD's merch for our homes.

Thanks Carey-and happy new year to you too.

Wow....Maddie made out really good at Christmas; Santa must have thought she was a very good girl this year.

I can't wait to hear how it goes with teaching Maddie how to sew.

Great job on the quilts.

In case I don't get back again before tomorrow (so many TR's to catch up on yet again), Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family.

Thanks Kathy! I've been remiss in getting back here, but I hope that you had a happy new year as well.

So far the sewing lessons are going well, but she's more inclined to let me do the majority of the work.

I'm glad you enjoyed the welcome show! It really is perfect.

Oh my gosh... what a little BUTT. Maddie was being super sweet and RoI STILL had to be the RoI? What is that about? Thank goodness for Ariel and Eric, they always save the day. I had faith that they would. I'm glad all the character interactions that morning ended up being amazing!

Hahaha, I still photograph the fake Liberty Bell, too! I mean, the real one is cool, but the fake one is at Disney, so...

What an awesome Christmas! You're a very talented quilter!

The Welcome Show is just that- a perfect way to start a WDW day.

That little girl had me so upset! Luckily Ariel and Eric were amazing, and faith was restored.

Thanks Marissa!

Great Christmas photos, I love how happy your daughter always is!

Thank you!

She's happy a lot, but trust me she has her moments. I just don't usually take pictures when she's being a jerk.

Your quilts are beautiful! It looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. There are always lots of Disney themed gifts around here too lol Happy New Year to you and your family as well!!

Thank you so much! The holidays were really nice, they just go by so quickly!

Thanks.

I will keep you posted on the Prince Eric front! 3 days til we're back, I can't believe it! And Dbf's sister and husband are coming with their DD2 who I have converted into a little mermaid addict and walks around saying mermaid 23 hours of the day. I'm excited about it. Her parents are less excited than I.

Aw American Girl dolls are precious! I'm pretty sure the ones my sisters and I had are retired now I had Josephina, my sisters had Kit and Kirsten? and my cousin had Samantha. Guess that's a sign of how old I'm getting!

I still have the clothes my grandmother made for our dolls! They even had their own wardrobe that she made. I hope Maddie loves hers as much as I loved mine. She came everywhere with me for a period of time and had dresses for every occasion. If she really gets into it, I foresee a trip to the American Girl Place in your future!

Please do! I've heard that Eric is no longer meeting, that's going to break Maddie's heart!

I think they still have all of those dolls! Maddie just got one of the 'my American Girl' dolls. They're meant to look like their owners. That's so cool that your grandma made clothes for all of you! I am working on it now, but haven't gotten far enough for my little slave driver. She's been out of bed twice tonight to remind me of what she wants me to make next.

We're taking her to the American Girl store in Chicago as a birthday surprise! I'll share pics!

aw I love the Christmas pics

Thank you!

I am loving the quilts! I am sure that they will be treasured forever. It was a tradition that, when you married or had a child, my grandmother would make a quilt for you. The small quilt that she made for Hunter was the last that she made before she passed away. Having something made especially for you makes it extra special.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Thank you so much Lisa! I enjoy making them, and so far the recipients seem to enjoy them. MiL called me last week to tell me again how much she loves hers (you know how demonstrative she is, so that's a big deal). I still have several things that my grandma made for me, I will never part with them.

I love your quilts !! I have made several of them and I am working on one now. It has an applique border that is taking me forever. It looks great, but I have decided that applique isn't my thing. I prefer the piecing.

I have a BUNCH of patterns for American Girl clothes and I have made several dresses for my daughter's doll. Fun stuff !! We haven't made a princess dress yet, but I will get around to it.

Thanks! Another quilter!

I have only done one with any applique (MiL's quilt last year) and it was rough. I'm with you-the piecing is much better.

I got a ton of McCalls patterns when they were on sale for $1 last week, and from them I can adapt most things. I did do a Cinderella dress this week out of scraps from the last one I made Maddie, but I'll make another once I've bought fabric specifically for it. I am enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would, and Maddie is getting a kick out of it. Share pics if you'd like! I'm always glad to find another sewer!

 

[shan23877]

LOVE the quilts! That Vader helmet looks awesome and I love the hidden Mickey quilt! How can I order one?

Thanks Amanda! Just say the word, you know I'd make one for you!

Looks like y'all had a terrific Christmas....especially Maddie. Love all the princess stuff! I saw those Animator dolls on the disney store's website....they are so cute! I really wanted to buy one for my sister's little girl but I held off since she's only 7 months old.

I can't get enough of the Animator dolls. I think they're adorable. Maddie may or may not have all but one of them now...

I think that's great that Maddie got her own sewing machine. What wonderful memories she will have of having you teach her.

Hope y'all are having a Happy New Year!!!

So far she's made a little bag for her doll, she seems to be just as happy to have me make the stuff.

Hhahah! It's gotten to the point that I think I had just corrected them a few too many times, bahah, and Paige just gets it, lol.

Haha, Boxing Day is just the day after christmas? Lol, there's usually insane sales at a ton of stores, some of them last the whole week, but the best ones are on the 26th. I know there were a bunch of people (boyfriend included....) who were at the mall around 5 or 6 am. No thank you. I still got what I wanted by getting there at like 2, haha.

Ok, gotcha. There are pretty good sales here too. I avoid them myself.

And in terms of your Christmas update; YAY! Looks like an awesome haul for Maddie! That's so great that you guys had a great holiday! Yay

Thanks Katt, I hope that your holidays were great.

Wow! You really scored in meet and greets! Glad that the magic was restored! And, hope you and everyone had a magical christmas!

Karen

Thanks Karen! You too!

We did have a successful character morning!

Love the Star War quilt and Bryan's great idea for the quilting! Brillant!

Maddie and my DGD have the same wish list! My DGD got her American Girl doll and Brave too! I can see maddie sewing~! You're such an inspiration in all the lovely outfits that Maddie wears, I'm sure she wants to follow your footsteps! Looks like Maddie made the 'nice list'!!

Karen

Thanks Karen!

You'll be doing American Girl too then! I have started making clothes for her and so far it's lots of fun.

You are so sweet, thank you so much.

All caught up!

Sorry Maddie had to deal with the kid in line. I guess it's true of both adults and kids...some people are just jerks. Seriously, what do you have to gain by telling a little kid it's not real?

It was so sad. I'm hoping that the little kid learned a lesson and didn't try to spoil the magic for anyone else.

So I'm very glad the character interactions were terrific the rest of the day. Glad to see the magic restored. And that Maddie conquered Pirates!

We had some perfect M&Gs, and Maddie was soooo proud to have ridden Pirates!

Looks like she had a great Christmas. I must say that Star Wars fabrics and hidden Mickeys make any quilt infinitely cooler.

Thanks! I suppose they would up the cool quotient of a quilt.

All caught up! Can't believe it's y'alls last day Don't ya hate those?! However, you know you'll be back soon enough...that always eases the pain a bit

Always spurs me to plan the next trip. Can't handle the Disney Depression.

You're so right about seeing the excitement in your child's eyes when they meet the characters! Sometimes it makes me want to cry. Even though Stephen has reached middle school, he still enjoys the magic of character meet n' greets.

It's worth every minute that you have to wait in line isn't it? I'll never get tired of seeing that magic.

And by the way....your quilts are very impressive!! I can sew a button on a shirt, but that's as far as it goes. I can't even imagine how much work you put into those things!!

Thanks Heather

Ok...is Maddie super excited about her American Girl Doll?! How fun! Faith still loves hers! In fact, she takes it every where...restaurants, church, Disney...you name it, Sophia has been Maddie will really enjoy visiting the AG store....sensory overload, I tell ya!

Hope yall have a nice weekend!
Heather

She's taken that doll everywhere we've gone since Christmas Eve. I've been hard at work making a new wardrobe for Carissa. Maddie's birthday is next month, so we're surprising her with lunch and a shopping spree at American Girl. She's going to loose her mind!

I know you said you were a slacker during December, but I for one am glad for that since I was, too (as evidenced by the six TR updates I did last night just speed it along!)! I had four updates to catch up on on your TR alone, and it could have been more if you hadn't been occupied making those amazing quilts!!

Thanks! I was also relieved that most people seemed to take most of December off. I read your mega update-did I remember to comment?

First of all, I am so happy you did the Ohana breakfast. The girls just found out about its existance last night, so it was perfect timing to read it! They really, really, REALLY want to go there because they are huge Lilo and Stitch fans. HUGE. Do you know what the earliest seating is? I want to try for very early so I can make it to the welcome show like you!

It was great! You have to try it out. Maddie thought it was great, and I loved Mickey and Pluto in their Hawaiian gear.

I just about cried when I read about the RofI. I am terrified about the day that happens about all things magical (princesses, Santa, etc.). Sometimes I think Julia questions it, but doesn't say anything. And I hope to dear goodness that when she does figure it out, that she won't say anything to her brother and sister and ruin their magic. I doubt she would, though...I hope she wouldn't...so sad to even think of such a day! I am glad you were able to reaffirm the magic and that the wonderful characters helped restore her faith!

Looks like a great Christmas! Funny, Santa seems to have hit that same Disney sale when he was working on our house!!

It was so sad. I swear I was ready to cry. Those characters really saved the day.

Hi Shannon! I’ve been away forever, but thankfully, it looks like you have too!

no worries Roni, I wasn't here either.

So sorry that the little girl in line put a crack in the magic, but what a wonderful MK morning y’all had bringing the magic back! We still have never met the White Rabbit - maybe in August!

On Disney's site they now list Alice and 'other characters' as an official M&G, so be on the lookout! It was really fun meet.

I also love that family pic in Liberty Square with the castle behind you. You are going to have to direct me to that spot in August - I totally want to try to get one of us there!

I promise I will closer to the trip! I think I'll probably start a PTR after I'm done here. Between that, your PTR and Amanda's TR we'll have plenty of places to chat if we ever find the time.

Wow! The quilts are amazing!!! So jealous of your crafty/artistic skills. And it looks like Maddie had a VERY merry Christmas.

Thanks Roni! If we lived closer, I'd totally be your craft helper. Heck, if you give me enough time I can make you stuff from here!

 

[katt789]

That sucks that you guys didn't enjoy Tony's too much, but I have to admit, neither did I, it was probably the most disappointing meal of my trips....just not good enough on any parts haha.

Good cover on the meatball! Bahah, too cute!

I'm glad you were feeling better after a little lie down. I can't believe the trip's almost coming to a close! I hope there's a surprise of a return trip coming up sooon! heehee

 

[amandaw]

Sorry to hear you really weren't feeling well and that lunch was ok.

I am glad that Brian took charge and made y'all go back to the resort so that you could rest. I should have done that towards the end of our trip.

Glad to hear you were feeling better when you woke up!

 

[merbobear]

I'm sorry you weren't feeling well on your last day! I had a similar dining experience at 'Ohana last year. I had gotten up at the crack of dawn 180 days beforehand to secure our reservation and I was absolutely determined to enjoy the food and atmosphere, but I was SO SICK. I was coming down with a bad cold that would end up lasting a couple weeks, and it was that first day where you just feel like the world is crashing down on your head. I still enjoyed the meal, but not to the extent that I had hoped, as I was somewhat delirious during parts of it!

Glad that M & B enjoyed their pool time and let you get in a nap!

 

[Caretames1]

We've not eaten at Tony's yet, but it's on my to do list for the future. I'm enjoying the decor and think it would be a nice quaint meal.
Too bad you weren't feeling well, being sick hampers even the best meals.


DH got the gold star for taking care of you! If 3 hours of sleep and you felt better is what you needed to enjoy the rest of the night, it was worth it.

I'm not ready to hear its over though.

 

[afwdwfan]

Thanks for the review of Tony's. I'm sorry that you weren't feeling very well, but I've never been there, partly because the place seems to be put down by most people. I love Italian food. I mean really, I don't care if it is fine dining Italian, or cheap sauce in a can Italian, it's all good... some great. I've just never been able to convince myself to try Tony's though with some other good options on property. I definitely want to eat there sometime though.

It is tragic that they messed up and put a meatball on Maddie's plain noodles. That was a nice save though with the Tramp story!

It is definitely a shame that you missed out on a few hours on your last afternoon, but it was obviously much needed. You were better off sleeping for a few hours than being miserable in the parks and risking an epic meltdown.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Disclaimer** This may be the worst dining review ever as I was sick, fading fast, and couldn't taste much, and Bryan has a terrible memory. I did take notes though!

Well, that stinks. Being sick at Disney World should be against the law.

We were seated near a multi-generation group of women who were the "Disney is trying to gouge us with these prices, I paid a lot of money for this vacation, and you'll enjoy it whether you like it or not" types of tourists. They were super unpleasant, but luckily they were almost finished when we got there. If they'd been there the whole time we were I may have lost my mind.

Sometimes I think there also should be a law against complaining. But then here I go, complaining about complaining.

When our entrees arrived, Maddie was aghast to find her noodles had been served with one plain meatball atop the pile. We quickly explained that it was so she could nose it as Tramp had done and that not only appeased her, it made her giggle. Bryan was happy to take the meatball off her hand once the photo was taken.

Nice save! Impressively quick-thinking there.

Bryan took charge and asked Maddie if she'd like some pool time with dad. She very much liked that idea, so despite my objections we'd be taking the afternoon off.

Sounds like he knew what he was doing.

Over all the meal was fine. Tony's won't be a place that we return to trip after trip, but we aren't opposed to going back someday. The atmosphere was very cute, and the service very pleasant, but the food was sort of 'meh'. Don't expect fine Italian food (go to Via Napoli for that), but if you're a big fan of Lady and the Tramp Tony's is worth a stop.

I'd agree with that. Via Napoli is fantastic, but I've never understood the hate for Tony's. I was perfectly happy there. Then again, I don't think I've ever had a bad meal at Disney.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I'm sorry that you weren't feeling well on your last day. It was good of your husband to take charge and let you get some rest. We ate at Tony's in 2010 and while we liked it, it didn't wow us either.