Our First Trip as Parents! December 2012 TR - 8/6 OMG a TR link!

[Lisa29]

The pearl jewellery looks lovely, really pretty.

So pleased Calvin liked his first taste of food. We are the same here, start them on plain baby cereal and let them get used to that then start on the pureed veggies and fruit.

He looks unbelievably cute in his 6 month photo, that was a really good idea of yours, wish I had thought of doing that.

 

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

I'm finally caught up! I've been away from the boards awhile, PDTD (Post Disney Trip Depression)! I love reading your TRs. I'm so glad you guys did the "Pick-a-Pearl". When we were there in February, the women was equally enthusiastic!!!

 

[Leshaface]

Subscribing! Your family is adorable! <3

Thank you!

I thought for certain I had replied to this update. I feel like I'm losing it some days...

Count me in as someone else who hasn't seen the candy lady. I looked for her this past trip but must have been looking in the wrong place.

The pearl CM looks like she's having a lot of fun very pretty settings for the pearls.

As for the September trip, only you and Alison are in the plans. I'll work around the both of your schedules. I'll be flying in at noon on the 3rd and the trip is a complete blank slate. Im going to get a 5 day pass so I'll have one day I won't do the parks but we can get together in or out of the parks, whatever works best.

No worries Pam. I feel like i'm losing it everyday!

Wow, I'd actually think you and Alison would have seen her before. She's quite amazing!

It's whatever you feel like doing. If you'd rather meet up in DTD or in a park, it's completely up to you. Just let me know so I can get a ticket if we're meeting in a park. I let our AP's expire since they're so expensive to renew. But really, either way is fine with me

Looks like you all had a fun time with the pick-a-pearl! I guess I'm one of the lucky few who actually has seen the candy lady!

Okay so I guess just you and me have seen the candy lady here!

The pearl jewellery looks lovely, really pretty.

So pleased Calvin liked his first taste of food. We are the same here, start them on plain baby cereal and let them get used to that then start on the pureed veggies and fruit.

He looks unbelievably cute in his 6 month photo, that was a really good idea of yours, wish I had thought of doing that.

He's doing so good right now with Sweet Potatoes. In fact, today is his last day for sweet potatoes - his doctor wants me to introduce new foods every 4 days so next up will be peas or green beans. Haven't decided what to make yet.

Thank you! I had actually seen the idea on Pinterest and thought it was such a cute idea.

I'm finally caught up! I've been away from the boards awhile, PDTD (Post Disney Trip Depression)! I love reading your TRs. I'm so glad you guys did the "Pick-a-Pearl". When we were there in February, the women was equally enthusiastic!!!

Hi there good to see you again! Isn't it awful coming back from a trip? It's definitely depressing, but I hope you have another trip planned soon!

 

[Leshaface]

So just a quick recap of today (since this day has been drawn out over a few weeks):
-Had lunch at Via Napoli
-Did a wine tasting at Tutto Gusto
-Sake Tasting at Mitsubishi
-Pick a pearl in Japan

After leaving Japan, we went to Morocco. I just love the look and feel of the marketplace in Morocco

We went into the shops and DM had DH pick out a small entryway rug for us and one for my DB and DSIL. We chose this one

After we were done browsing, we headed outside and there was a small crowd. It was Mo rockin! Why I didnt get a picture is beyond me, but I did take a picture of the crowd, which is apparently more important that the performer

What I did notice was the large amount of men in this crowd, with their full attention on the bellydancer. Hmm, maybe that's what I need to do to get DH to pay attention when I talk

Next we went to Italy to grab one of these from the small wine shop located in the back

This, my friends, is called Toad Hollow Risque French Sparkling Wine. It is DELICIOUS! I first tasted it back here at home at a restaurant having a wine pairing with dinner. I wanted to buy 4 bottles but they only had one left so I gave it to DM who still hasnt opened it yet. Its been over a year and Im always bugging her to open it. Well, when we looked at the wine menu here, it was on there and I was so excited! Its not too sweet, not dry, its perfect! Please give it a try when you visit!

DM and DH were browsing around inside the perfume shop while I sat outside drinking my wine. Heres a picture of my view

DH came back out and wanted to get a snack from the bakery so I went in search of DM. I found her sitting in one of the makeup chairs getting some mascara put on by one of the CMs. Aye! Well somehow, I ended up in the chair too and completely forgot about poor DH who was in line getting something to eat! DM ended up buying 2 Givenchy Eyeliners and 2 Givenchy Mascaras. One of each for me and one for her. Woot woot! We come back outside and DH is eating a crème brulee angrily  crème brulee and anger should never be in the same sentence. He said he was waiting in line for me to come back and all of a sudden a flood of people came and stood behind him and there was no where to turn the stroller around inside so he was forced to order something I just told him Id buy him some wine and hed be happy again. So I went back to the wine shop and ordered 2 more Toad Hollows. One for DM and one for an angry DH.

Around this time, I desperately needed to go back to the room to pump (sorry for the TMI). Luckily we were on the right end of the World Showcase, so I took the baby with me while DM and DH hung out. I saw these pictures later on the Photopass card

From what DH said, after they finished their THs (its so good that it needs to belong on the Abbreviations list here on the DIS!) they went in search of some more wine in Italy and found a PP. After Italy they went to Germany and grabbed a beer, which is when I met back up with them. When I found them, each had a beer in hand and souvies in the other. I could see the familiar alcohol-induced glaze in their eyes. Oh gosh not more alcohol, I thought. It's bad when even DH is shopping, since he hates it so much. That's when you know he's 'happy'. DM bought DB a very nice looking Stein and a few other things I cant remember. DH had some shoes (for me!) in his hand so that I can try them on. They were really slick looking Adidas running shoes but they were too small and had no other sizes available. Bummer, but sweet that he thought of me!

Then we headed back towards the UK where another beer was purchased but we didnt stop. We wanted to check out Canada!

We went into their one and only shop where DM bought things to fill up our stockings with like Beaver Butt & Dog Team Drool soap and Beaver Butt lip balm. Only the good stuff for our bodies!

On our way out we took a few pictures

Since he cant reach the top rotflhe took a picture on the bottom

Yes! My beer made the picture!

As we were leaving Canada we ran into this pretty lady

Lets just do an alcohol total, shall we? Wine tasting, Sake Tasting, 2 each of Toad Hollow, Wine, Beer, Beer&..Are we gonna make it to Yachtsman for dinner?!

 

[jedijill]

I used to drink Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonney...super yummy! I will have to look for the sparking wine!

Jill in CO

 

[tinkgurl]

Seems like you and DH would be a fun couple to tour WS with! We really enjoy trying different beer/wine and food at each of the countries. My only suggestion: never do that on a hot summer day! I regretted that one trip!

Are you going to make it to dinner?! Is it going to be a loopy dinner? Sometimes, those are the best.

 

[disneybarbie]

Great update, I will have to make a note of that sparkling wine to try in the Italy pavilion!

"eating creme brulee angrily" poor guy!

Uh oh.. I hope you make it to Yachtsman Steakhouse this time


Emma x

 

[MEK]

It's nice to see that your plan to buy DH another glass of wine totally improved his mood. Success!

I am going to say that you guys had a very successful F&W (heavy on the W) evening!

 

[wiigirl]

Wonderful update!

 

[Leshaface]

I used to drink Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonney...super yummy! I will have to look for the sparking wine!

Jill in CO

Ooh that sounds great too! I'm going to have to find that somewhere then. I've looked at Bevmo for the sparkling wine, but to no avail. Where have you bought the Chardonnay at Jill?

Seems like you and DH would be a fun couple to tour WS with! We really enjoy trying different beer/wine and food at each of the countries. My only suggestion: never do that on a hot summer day! I regretted that one trip!

Are you going to make it to dinner?! Is it going to be a loopy dinner? Sometimes, those are the best.

Seriously! We went to the World in June of 2008...never again if I can help it. As much as we love Epcot, we hated the WS during the Summer afternoons. We could barely drink anything but water. Drinking is much easier in the Winter..and funner!

Great update, I will have to make a note of that sparkling wine to try in the Italy pavilion!

"eating creme brulee angrily" poor guy!

Uh oh.. I hope you make it to Yachtsman Steakhouse this time


Emma x

Yes Emma! I think you would really like it because I know you like sweeter types of wine. This one isn't overly sweet, but it's so refreshing and delicious.

It's nice to see that your plan to buy DH another glass of wine totally improved his mood. Success!

I am going to say that you guys had a very successful F&W (heavy on the W) evening!

Wine improves the worst of moods Which is why we have like 50 bottles here at the house

Wonderful update!

Thank you!

 

[jedijill]

Ooh that sounds great too! I'm going to have to find that somewhere then. I've looked at Bevmo for the sparkling wine, but to no avail. Where have you bought the Chardonnay at Jill?

I got it at my Costco liquor store and a large, local liquor store here in Denver.

Jill in CO

 

[Leshaface]

I got it at my Costco liquor store and a large, local liquor store here in Denver.

Jill in CO

Whenever i'm at Costco, we always look through the wines and have found some pretty good ones. Still haven't come across any type of Toad Hollow yet.

 

[monica23535]

Whenever i'm at Costco, we always look through the wines and have found some pretty good ones. Still haven't come across any type of Toad Hollow yet.

That wine sounds pretty good

Lol at eating creme brûlée angrily!

I remember that feeling of needing to pump all too well!

In answer to your previous question, we get some hot days in England maybe around 28/29 degrees. But these days are very rare lol

 

[franandaj]

That's a lot of drinks! I hope that you still made it to Yachtsman!

 

[afwdwfan]

What I did notice was the large amount of men in this crowd, with their full attention on the bellydancer.

Forget the crowd, forget Mo Rockin. Where is that picture???

This, my friends, is called Toad Hollow Risque French Sparkling Wine. It is DELICIOUS!

Never heard of it. Might have to try it.

It's bad when even DH is shopping, since he hates it so much. That's when you know he's 'happy'

DH had some shoes (for me!) in his hand so that I can try them on. They were really slick looking Adidas running shoes but they were too small and had no other sizes available. Bummer, but sweet that he thought of me!

He shopped for you. Now you can't be angry, no matter how much he drinks. That's how it works.

Lets just do an alcohol total, shall we? Wine tasting, Sake Tasting, 2 each of Toad Hollow, Wine, Beer, Beer&

That is a successful afternoon of drinking around the world.

..Are we gonna make it to Yachtsman for dinner?!

Uh oh, history is trying to repeat itself...

 

[Pinkocto]

It's whatever you feel like doing. If you'd rather meet up in DTD or in a park, it's completely up to you. Just let me know so I can get a ticket if we're meeting in a park. I let our AP's expire since they're so expensive to renew. But really, either way is fine with me

We'll figure out something. Let's see what Alison is thinking and see if that narrows it down, because I'm also totally fine with anything

 

[Pinkocto]

Great update I hope you were able to make it to dinner!

 

[Leshaface]

That wine sounds pretty good

Lol at eating creme brûlée angrily!

I remember that feeling of needing to pump all too well!

In answer to your previous question, we get some hot days in England maybe around 28/29 degrees. But these days are very rare lol

There's no such thing as eating a creme brulee angrily right?!

Wow really?! That's as hot as it gets? I bet you love coming to WDW when it's sunny and warm then.

That's a lot of drinks! I hope that you still made it to Yachtsman!

Forget the crowd, forget Mo Rockin. Where is that picture???


Never heard of it. Might have to try it.

He shopped for you. Now you can't be angry, no matter how much he drinks. That's how it works.


That is a successful afternoon of drinking around the world.


Uh oh, history is trying to repeat itself...

I know! I don't know why I didn't get a picture of her. Next time I'll get one just for you

I could never be angry at someone that shops for me. That's love right there.

We'll figure out something. Let's see what Alison is thinking and see if that narrows it down, because I'm also totally fine with anything

Okay sounds good to me.

Great update I hope you were able to make it to dinner!

 

[Leshaface]

It was 6:26pm when we took the picture with Alice and our dinner reservation was at 6:45pm. We needed to book it if we were going to be there on time. Our original plan was to go back to the room to freshen up, but there was no time for that. Wed have to go over there a little buzzed and disheveled. At least we looked better this time around than last time

We walked into the Yacht club at 6:44pm. I had time to take a few pictures!

Look at their gorgeous Christmas town setup!



There was a nice little group singing some old Christmas favorites and they attracted quite a crowd



DH went to the restroom and checked us in, while I continued taking pictures of the Christmas town. I love Christmas villages and am hoping to have a big collection of Disney houses one day. Im slowly but surely getting there.



DM, DS and I went to the waiting area of the restaurant where DH was and I took these shots. I love how the meats are on display.




I wasn't going to get excited about being at Yachtsman until we were officially in our seats. We were seated shortly after these pictures were taken and were given our menus. YES! WE MADE IT!!!!







I knew what I was ordering thanks to the boards. We put in our orders and our bread and waters came promptly after that.



For appetizers, I ordered the Cheese Plate






The accompaniments couldnt have been more perfect! All of them were spectacular, but if I had to choose just one, it would have been the second one. DM kept grabbing the blue cheese (her fav!) and DH kept taking bites of the second one mad: THATS MINE HANDS OFF!) and the 4th one. If Remy was here, he would have starved because not one crumble of cheese was left on this plate.

DM ordered the Pappardelle



And DH ordered the Charcuterie Board



They both really enjoyed their appetizers. DHs appetizer was pretty interesting. Not sure if I would have ordered it by just reading the menu, but it was really good. Some of the meats were extremely flavorful!

For entrees, I knew I had to have the 12 oz Prime New York Steak medium please! And the boards raved about the creamed spinach so I subbed the potato gratin for the spinach. Super duper good choice!



Look at those juices running out. Ugh delicious. And the creamed spinach. Oh my. First off, how can a vegetable thats supposed to be good for you contain 1,000 calories!? It was amazing. At one point I even stopped eating my steak after I said I was done, and kept sticking my fork in the spinach. It kept drawing me in. If you get a chance, order this! Couldnt have been more happy with my choices. And the steak was ridiculous tender. Didnt even need the peppercorn sauce, but it was nice.

DH also ordered the 12 oz Prime New York Steak and instead of the potatoes he subbed for the Truffle Mac and Cheese. REALLY GOOD!



And I was so obsessed with my food that I didnt even get a picture of DMs but I know that she ordered the Rib eye because her two favorite meats are Flank steak and Rib eye. She was very happy with her choice.

So my rule is, no matter how stuffed I am, I will always order dessert. There's really no question about it.



I ordered the Peanut Butter and Pretzel Gianduja Cake with Salted Caramel Gelato and a Latte that didnt make the picture



DH and DM both ordered the Crème Brulee with Lattes



Everything was delicious! It was nice to hang out, eat our desserts and sip our lattes with no need to rush anywhere. We all agreed that Yachtsman was a great choice. Even though DH didnt want to come here, he was so happy with my choice. This guy needs to trust my choices! He said the same thing with Via Napoli and loved it. Honestly folks, we deserve a round of applause for making it to our reservation this time. It was tough, but we did it! lol

We settled the bill and rolled out of there with no real plan. I thought we were going to go back to the room, but DM wanted to go back to Germany and buy a bag she had seen there for DH.

I snapped a quick picture of the Yacht Club before leaving



Yay! Back to Epcot we went and she got a red Adidas bag for DH for a few reasons. 1) It was one of his Christmas gifts and he was going to use if for work and 2) we were probably going to need an extra bag for all the stuff we bought. Sure enough, we ended up needing that bag, so we were glad that we had it!


While they were shopping, I bought a beer (Guess I wasnt that full since I wanted a beer!) at the Germany stand and Illuminations started! Wow. I forgot how dark and loud it got there. I gave the stroller to DH while he was inside browsing and I stood outside watching. They came out of the store with their purchases a few minutes later and we made our way in the dark back towards the International Gateway. It was so loud at one point, I stopped to check on DS and of course, he was out cold. Noise does not bother this child and I hope it stays like this.

We spotted a PP and took a few shots on the bridge. Again, my beer made its way into the picture. My drinks are never camera shy.





Back at home we were and DS was fully awake. NOOOOO!







It wasnt too late, around 9:30, which was nice. We all took our showers and went to bed. Tomorrow was another day full of reservations and rides. What I didnt expect was a lot of changes!

 

[afwdwfan]

DM, DS and I went to the waiting area of the restaurant where DH was and I took this shots. I love how the meats are on display.

I had to re-read this part. After the afternoon at EPCOT, this wasn't the type of "shots" I was expecting.

YES! WE MADE IT!!!!

And nobody passed out face down on the table.

So my rule is, no matter how stuffed I am, I will always order dessert. Theres really no question about it.

Good rule. Can I steal it?

While they were shopping, I bought a beer (Guess I wasnt that full since I wanted a beer!) at the Germany stand and Illuminations started!

Sounds like a great way to end the evening.

What I didnt expect was a lot of changes!

Uh oh...


I'm glad that you finally got to go to Yachtsman, and more importantly, I'm glad you all enjoyed your meals.