Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[eandesmom]

I'm so glad you posted your run picture! You were very stressed about it and when the PP came I remember thinking it was super cute. And it is!

Almost makes me want to run.

Actually the cell phone pics you took on your run, make me want to run, what a lovely route!

I can only imagine how hard it would be to come to that decision, to move into assisted living. Even if in your heart you know it's the right thing, it has to be terrifying on so many levels.

I am so sorry the job thing is still up in the air, I know you've known about this for a bit but don't second guess yourself! Things happen for a reason and if you turned one down, it was the right thing even if it makes you a bit worried now I am confident it will work out. Is the one you are waiting on at the hospital that your current doc is moving to?

Your poor brother and SIL, what a lot to struggle with. I hope they can find a solution through the person they are renting from, or your brother can find some help, anxiety is such a hard hard thing to deal with and to get help for, if he is willing to. You really are getting it on all sides aren't you? Congrats to Nick, it really sounds like a wonderful choice for him and honestly, a low stress one for you to help him transition to and gosh, you deserve that at least!

I'm glad to hear your kitty is putting on weight

Looks like you had a nice morning while I was off at MK, I wish I was there right now that's all I know. I am DYING that it isn't until Dec (and totally paranoid about that falling apart but that's a whole 'nother issue).

I'm glad you have your October trip to look forward to at least, you guys really deserve a do over.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

First, congratulations on the good things (your son's college choice, the kitty, and Denny doing well) and good wishes for you on the others (your parents - that's always a tough situation, and the June trip decisions).

Your pictures were fabulous, as always. I never noticed the potato head parts before!

You looked great in the middle of your run! I wish I looked as good in the middle of my workouts!

 

[rentayenta]

MaryEllen, your tribute to your beautiful friend Tracy had me in tears. It was so lovely and I didn't know her. What an amazing group of women you all are.






Back to reading......

 

[cmaee]

I know this is blurry, but I was wondering what these kids were doing. Anyone know?



Clearly Canada was involved, but they have life vests on. Huh?

The kids are on the Albatross Treasure Cruise. My boys did it in 2009 and had a blast. They board a pirate themed boat at the Yacht Club and then go on a search for treasure. They sneak into Epcot and search for some clues in a couple countries. After they find the treasure chest, they have lunch and all the kids leave with a bag filled with pirate loot. It is a nice couple of hours for the kids. They do similar adventures at the Grand Floridian and Caribbean Beast Resort.

I have to also say how much I have enjoyed reading your adventures. I think a couple of my girlfriends and I are going to try do squeeze in a trip to WDW sans children too!

 

[dizneeat]

Cynthia, I love all the country bear photos, we usually skip it, but it brought back memories and will go on our list for the summer!

Mary Ellen, so sorry to hear about all your problems. I hope that the perfect job will be found soon.
The run photos are really nice! And I always enjoy "guest free" photos of the countries! Thanks!

 

[MeMom]

The lyrics to some of the Country Bear songs are kind of violent. It's been a while since we have been to it, but I can imagine Brooklynn really processing the words now and having a strange look on her face.

With that it was time to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom. It would be over a year till my next trip and the knowledge of that as I walked out, dampened the brightness of the sky just a little.

I hate leaving Magic Kingdom for the last time. It's the best place to go for the last day to soak up all the Disney magic you can, but it's also the hardest to leave, in my opinion. If we go to DTD on departure day, it's not as hard to leave, but walking out of Magic Kingdom is torture.

 

[MeMom]

Now just in case you don't already think my life is a soap opera, I have one final thing I am dealing with. Several months ago I found out that the program I work with is closing at the end of June. Yup - that's right. I need to find a new job. I have had several interviews and passed up one job in favor of one that is closer to my line of work. I am still waiting to hear about that job. I am starting to have second thoughts about passing the first job up. There are several reasons why I did, but I think I should have followed my gut and taken the sure thing. I am now at a point where I have to find something. It's honestly the first time in my adult life where I haven't had a job and I'm starting to get nervous. So I appreciate your positive thoughts as it applies to my job situation.

Best wishes for the perfect job situation for you! That would make a person nervous. I am seeking out a part-time job to finance my Disney addiction, which has gotten me into the doghouse with my bank account. Truth be known, I don't really need a part-time job; I need another full-time job! Wish I had a cheaper addiction.

 

[MEK]

I saw the Country Bears in '91 when I was 5 and the only thing I remember from that trip is the girl swinging from the ceiling! I've seen it again since then. Should be good for another 20 years. That song is stuck in my head now... "The Bear Band bears will play now In the good ol' key of G. Zeek and Zeb and Ted and Fred And a bear named Tennessee..."
Can't believe your time is up! Happy to hear there's a little magic left. Great PP shots with the Hallowe'en decorations!

Did you actually remember all the lyrics to that song or did you have to look them up? I am impressed! I've seen the Country Bears once and based on your theory I still have about 12 years before I need to see it again!

I loved all of your photos !!

Thank you and thank you from Cynthia!

My DH did that Segway tour in November and he LOVED it. I don't think they are doing the one at Epcot anymore, but I know they have one at Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness. I might schedule one for DH in September. He will love it. And maybe one day I will get to do it.

I would really like to try to FW segway tour but the price is a little step. I know there is one in Celebration (not Disney run) which is significantly less expensive. I have my eye on that. Definitely on my bucket list.

It would be a shame if they stopped the Epcot tour, although I heard a woman got hurt recently. It was an awesome tour!

Thinking about you and all of your life obstacles right now. Saying a prayer for you !!

You know - my life has been pretty uneventful for years, so I guess its all catching up with me at once. Thanks for the good thoughts!

Oh - and check back with my next update. I will definitely post a few HHI pics!

I'm so glad you posted your run picture! You were very stressed about it and when the PP came I remember thinking it was super cute. And it is!

It really could have gone either way. So yeah!

Almost makes me want to run.

The key word there is....almost.......

Actually the cell phone pics you took on your run, make me want to run, what a lovely route!

I went up on that road that runs along side the Swan and Dolphin. It was really pretty up there. I enjoyed exploring. I did the same thing on my final day.

I can only imagine how hard it would be to come to that decision, to move into assisted living. Even if in your heart you know it's the right thing, it has to be terrifying on so many levels.

Like I said, my mom has done an amazing job with my dad, but it just can't be sustained. He is lucky he has been able to be home so long. Most people would have been a nursing home years ago. It is sad to see what happens when people totally lose their independence.

I am so sorry the job thing is still up in the air, I know you've known about this for a bit but don't second guess yourself! Things happen for a reason and if you turned one down, it was the right thing even if it makes you a bit worried now I am confident it will work out. Is the one you are waiting on at the hospital that your current doc is moving to?

It's one that is definitely related to what I did but I am a pool with several applicants and since I don't go into the operating room that puts me at a disadvantage. It may be the deal breaker for why I don't get offered the job. If that happens, OK. I will find something. It just isn't happening exactly on my time frame.

Your poor brother and SIL, what a lot to struggle with. I hope they can find a solution through the person they are renting from, or your brother can find some help, anxiety is such a hard hard thing to deal with and to get help for, if he is willing to. You really are getting it on all sides aren't you?

It's an unfortunate situation because they are basically doing nothing with this rental. I have pretty much accepted that the trip is off and Denny and I are going to make alternative plans which may or may not involve Florida.

Congrats to Nick, it really sounds like a wonderful choice for him and honestly, a low stress one for you to help him transition to and gosh, you deserve that at least!

I was very worried about how I would (1) attend parent/student orientation (2) help with move in (3) go to Parent's weekend while transitioning to a new job which is going to involve weekends and night shifts. At least if I can't do these things I am close enough that I can drive up there and take him out to dinner. I don't think he made this decision based on my situation. I think he realized that it was an excellent option and the only thing he didn't like about the school was how close it is to home.

I'm glad to hear your kitty is putting on weight

He looks so pretty right now.

Looks like you had a nice morning while I was off at MK, I wish I was there right now that's all I know. I am DYING that it isn't until Dec (and totally paranoid about that falling apart but that's a whole 'nother issue).

OMG - please don't say that. I don't want anyone else's plans to get disturbed. Hope it all works out with minimal drama.

I'm glad you have your October trip to look forward to at least, you guys really deserve a do over.

I'm a little concerned with the length of that trip and may ultimately have to shorten it, but not yet. I'm holding to the current length and I still don't know whether my friends booked their cruise.

First, congratulations on the good things (your son's college choice, the kitty, and Denny doing well) and good wishes for you on the others (your parents - that's always a tough situation, and the June trip decisions).

Thanks! I am so happy the college thing is resolved and Denny is doing well. And, of course, I just love Max to pieces so its great to see him look so much better. As far as June, I am going to start making alternate plans. Disney in June is so hot that I'm OK with waiting until next October.

Your pictures were fabulous, as always. I never noticed the potato head parts before!

Poor old disassembled Mr Potato Head!

You looked great in the middle of your run! I wish I looked as good in the middle of my workouts!

Thanks, but it most certainly was a fluke.

 

[afwdwfan]

Before leaving on this trip I had made a list of things I really wanted to do and experience. I always think its going to be a top 10 and really what it ends up is simply a hit list by park.

I do the same thing!!! Only my top 10 list is really just basically a list of everything in every park.

It may be corny, it may be old school but oh did it take me back to being a child and my very first visit to Disneyland. I am SO glad I made the time to see the bears, it makes me smile just thinking about it now.

That sounds about right. It definitely doesn't have the new, cutting edge animatronics, but there's just something about it that I have to see it.

I swear every time Im in the MK, the parade is going. No offense to anyone but I am sick to death of this parade. I only go once a year and often with longer gaps than that...it's time for an update people!

And yet you still take pictures of it...

With that it was time to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom. It would be over a year till my next trip and the knowledge of that as I walked out, dampened the brightness of the sky just a little.

I hate that feeling more than words can say.

Nicholas decided he will be attending University of Delaware next year.

Mark will be proud.

Congratulations to Nick! It sounds like a lot of effort was put into thinking all the options through. There are a lot of factors to think about so I'm glad he found a choice that he feels will work for him.


Now as for everything else... I'm glad that your cat and Denny are both doing well. Good luck with your parents. Hopefully they'll see the need to go to assisted living themseves, but I'm sure they won't want to give up their independence.

I'm sorry your plans for the upcoming trip might be changing. Good luck working through all those difficulties.

I'm sorry to hear that your job is going away in a couple of months. I wouldn't worry about passing up an offer just yet. Who knows, the job you preferred might just work out for you. Either way, good luck!

At least I broke 100,000 but still? I need some serious shooting practice.

In the gates and really, there isn't much better than walking through the countries first thing in the morning

Kind of odd seeing the World Showcase with basically nobody around.

I know this is blurry, but I was wondering what these kids were doing. Anyone know?

Got me, but now I want to know!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I always think its going to be a top 10 and really what it ends up is simply a hit list by park.

Well, you can never do everything. So it helps to prioritize.

Corsets and Dentures huh? My kind of show

As long as it involves somebody else.

It may be corny, it may be old school but oh did it take me back to being a child and my very first visit to Disneyland. I am SO glad I made the time to see the bears, it makes me smile just thinking about it now.

Glad you enjoyed it! Can't say as it made my top 10 list...

Bye Bye Liberty Belle, maybe next time.

Sounds like the Trail of Tears is starting.

I swear every time Im in the MK, the parade is going. No offense to anyone but I am sick to death of this parade. I only go once a year and often with longer gaps than that...it's time for an update people!

I would complain too, but then I realized I never actually watch the parades. I keep hoping everyone else is distracted so I can go on the rides.

Ok I might be sick of this parade but its kind of a cute picture with the castle behind Donald

That is a good one.

With that it was time to say goodbye to the Magic Kingdom. It would be over a year till my next trip and the knowledge of that as I walked out, dampened the brightness of the sky just a little.

I HATE that feeling!

Nicholas decided he will be attending University of Delaware next year.

Honestly, for what the school offers in engineering it just makes the most sense.

It's an excellent school, and in-state tuition means a lot. That was my decision process too.

UD also has a winter session between fall and spring which would allow him to take some of his general education classes at an affordable cost.

Winter session is fantastic. I didn't discover it until my junior year. It was a chance to get rid of mandatory courses in a more laid-back time. Great time to hang out with friends, too.

But, technically, according to Mark and Glen, it didn't really happen because we didn't take any pictures. Sorry Rebecca - I guess we never met.

Gives you an excuse to meet again.

Denny is feeling good. His BP is nice and low. He's had no chest pain and he sees the cardiologist tomorrow.

Good news!

I really, really think my parents need to go into assisted living but my mom has been fighting tooth and nail against it. It's a very frustrating situation.

Been there. I know exactly what you mean.

As far as the June trip - Denny started having second thoughts about driving, so I emailed my SIL to see if her two boys would be OK with flying with us. Come to find out that my brother is having severe anxiety issues and its unlikely he will be in any shape to travel. I have suggested that my SIL call the person she is renting from and see what their options are. I don't think she is going to be able to travel without my brother because he gets very anxious when she is not near him.

Yup - that's right. I need to find a new job.

Goodness gracious. We'll pray this all works out for you. Sounds like somebody needs a Disney vacation!

Bye Studios

Still loving all the neon!

I actually stopped for a PP picture DURING my run. That's right - DURING MY RUN!

Not too shabby! I would never look that happy while running.

In the gates and really, there isn't much better than walking through the countries first thing in the morning

I love seeing the place so empty.

I know this is blurry, but I was wondering what these kids were doing. Anyone know?

Clearly Canada was involved, but they have life vests on. Huh?

Walking the plank?

Shout out to the segway tour

If you haven't done this, you should - its well worth the $ and so fun!

I think they got rid of it.

Check this out. I can't believe this is from my iPhone

 

[eandesmom]

I saw the Country Bears in '91 when I was 5 and the only thing I remember from that trip is the girl swinging from the ceiling! I've seen it again since then. Should be good for another 20 years. That song is stuck in my head now... "The Bear Band bears will play now In the good ol' key of G. Zeek and Zeb and Ted and Fred And a bear named Tennessee..."
Can't believe your time is up! Happy to hear there's a little magic left. Great PP shots with the Hallowe'en decorations!

I know I saw it as a child on my very first trip and then again in 2004. Not sure it's been more than that before this trip. It cracked me up!

Now onto the trip...great pictures! You guys are so talented with taking beautiful shots. And you look great in your mid-run pictures! I would look like a beet red, sweaty, hot mess! (Not that I exercise on vacation....or at home. )

Jill in CO

Doesn't she look fabulous in that picture? I love it!

I'm another who is enjoying the pictures. I can't believe the running photo turned out to be a darned good looking photo of you. I would like to look that good in at least one of my pictures!

It is such a cute picture of her!

UD is a 30 minute drive from our house. Delaware is not that big and we live in the northern most county where UD is located. It's very close, but Nick will be living on campus so I don't expect we will see him that much. Once he's in his dorm he's not going to think about how far he is.

I agree, my college was 20 minutes away and I didn't see my parents more than holidays. Terrible I know. And now Taylor is that same distance away and that's literally about how often we see him. Slightly more but not much.

I loved all of your photos !!

My DH did that Segway tour in November and he LOVED it. I don't think they are doing the one at Epcot anymore, but I know they have one at Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness. I might schedule one for DH in September. He will love it. And maybe one day I will get to do it.

Thinking about you and all of your life obstacles right now. Saying a prayer for you !!

I thought they'd cancelled all Segway tours period. I think it may have had to do with the Segway lawsuit, which settled but for PR reasons they may not bring it back I think. Not sure. I have to admit, Jeff and I have talked about this more than once and we just don't get it. I know Mary Ellen loved it but for some reason it has zero appeal to us.

Your pictures were fabulous, as always. I never noticed the potato head parts before!

You looked great in the middle of your run! I wish I looked as good in the middle of my workouts!

I can't imagine being brave enough to get a picture taken in the middle of one of my workouts. That's impressive right there!

The kids are on the Albatross Treasure Cruise. My boys did it in 2009 and had a blast. They board a pirate themed boat at the Yacht Club and then go on a search for treasure. They sneak into Epcot and search for some clues in a couple countries. After they find the treasure chest, they have lunch and all the kids leave with a bag filled with pirate loot. It is a nice couple of hours for the kids. They do similar adventures at the Grand Floridian and Caribbean Beast Resort.

I didn't know about that cruise, that's pretty cool. I bet mine are too old for that now but it sounds really neat.

I have to also say how much I have enjoyed reading your adventures. I think a couple of my girlfriends and I are going to try do squeeze in a trip to WDW sans children too!

Girls trips are the best!

Cynthia, I love all the country bear photos, we usually skip it, but it brought back memories and will go on our list for the summer!

It is so dated, it just cracked me up. I'm really glad I went.

The lyrics to some of the Country Bear songs are kind of violent. It's been a while since we have been to it, but I can imagine Brooklynn really processing the words now and having a strange look on her face.

They are! All kinds of things in there now that wouldn't be considered PC that I maybe wouldn't want to have to explain. There's the age where it goes over their head, and the age at which they get it but the in between is tricky.

I hate leaving Magic Kingdom for the last time. It's the best place to go for the last day to soak up all the Disney magic you can, but it's also the hardest to leave, in my opinion. If we go to DTD on departure day, it's not as hard to leave, but walking out of Magic Kingdom is torture.

Exactly. The best and the worst, all at once.

Best wishes for the perfect job situation for you! That would make a person nervous. I am seeking out a part-time job to finance my Disney addiction, which has gotten me into the doghouse with my bank account. Truth be known, I don't really need a part-time job; I need another full-time job! Wish I had a cheaper addiction.

You need a job at the Disney store for the discounts!

Like I said, my mom has done an amazing job with my dad, but it just can't be sustained. He is lucky he has been able to be home so long. Most people would have been a nursing home years ago. It is sad to see what happens when people totally lose their independence.

It is sad for everyone involved

It's one that is definitely related to what I did but I am a pool with several applicants and since I don't go into the operating room that puts me at a disadvantage. It may be the deal breaker for why I don't get offered the job. If that happens, OK. I will find something. It just isn't happening exactly on my time frame.

Things happen for a reason, I believe that. And when all else fails remember...

Breathe in the pretty colors
Breathe out the bad

It's an unfortunate situation because they are basically doing nothing with this rental. I have pretty much accepted that the trip is off and Denny and I are going to make alternative plans which may or may not involve Florida.

Come visit me in Seattle!

That is such a bummer and I imagine overwhelming a bit to your SIL.

I was very worried about how I would (1) attend parent/student orientation (2) help with move in (3) go to Parent's weekend while transitioning to a new job which is going to involve weekends and night shifts. At least if I can't do these things I am close enough that I can drive up there and take him out to dinner. I don't think he made this decision based on my situation. I think he realized that it was an excellent option and the only thing he didn't like about the school was how close it is to home.

He strikes me as immensely practical but will do what is best for him. I don't think you have a thing to worry about.

He looks so pretty right now.

YAY!

I am worried I need to take Hank in, I'm not convinced he's stopped the chewing. He is eating pretty well, doesn't seem overly thirsty and well yes, he is old. Ugh. I'll probably sit on it, it just seems a huge gap for the hyperthryoid to come back but is possible, apparently there is a 1% relapse rate for 2-5 years.

OMG - please don't say that. I don't want anyone else's plans to get disturbed. Hope it all works out with minimal drama.

there are just a lot of unknowns, which has been known.

• One sister is trying to get pregnant so obviously that might impact things.
• One sister needs to find a job, so that might impact things. While I have all the faith in the world in her (just finishing her teaching program) and she's getting amazing support/referrals from her program, it's still a new market for her with no seniority. Date wise she will likely be ok.
• Same sister has a boyfriend that seems to be getting more serious. He has 2 girls of his own. No clue how that will or will not play in to the trip. Absolutely adore them but it will present some challenges with the girls along. Some good things too.
• Brother/ex SIL can't fully commit the 5th nephew until they figure out how much it's going to cost to ship the 6th one to Austria for his year abroad. We can pick up his food but I can't really swing his flight and park ticket too.
• And my parents haven't even booked a room yet. They keep saying they are going to (and they are booking for the "trying" sister as well) but...they haven't yet.

While none of this is new, or surprising it's still a bit

I can't really bug them to think about ADR's with so much up in the air!

I'm a little concerned with the length of that trip and may ultimately have to shorten it, but not yet. I'm holding to the current length and I still don't know whether my friends booked their cruise.

Oh my goodness! They do realize the longer they wait the more the price could be, right? I hope you don't have to shorten it and can figure out something for June. You need a real vacation between now and Oct for sure.

I do the same thing!!! Only my top 10 list is really just basically a list of everything in every park.

My lists were funny this time
I had

10 items on it for MK
3 at DHS
9 at Epcot
0 at AK
5 "Other"

That sounds about right. It definitely doesn't have the new, cutting edge animatronics, but there's just something about it that I have to see it.

There really is. Now if you could only be drinking a sarsaparilla will you watch it, it'd be perfect!

And yet you still take pictures of it...

Yeah, I know.

I hate that feeling more than words can say.

it is the worst

 

[afwdwfan]

My lists were funny this time
I had

10 items on it for MK
3 at DHS
9 at Epcot
0 at AK
5 "Other"

Ok, now I'm curious. I kind of want to know what made the list. Especially the "other."

I'm surprised EPCOT didn't have more than 9 during F&W.

 

[eandesmom]

Well, you can never do everything. So it helps to prioritize.

And to remember, without the list I'd forget things I really wanted to try and do

As long as it involves somebody else.

Seriously!

Glad you enjoyed it! Can't say as it made my top 10 list...

Your loss

LOL!

Sounds like the Trail of Tears is starting.

it was

I would complain too, but then I realized I never actually watch the parades. I keep hoping everyone else is distracted so I can go on the rides.

We never watch them. We get stuck due to them (and often miss shows as a result it seems). That is the general feeling on parades by my crew, self included. We've done touring plans to try to avoid it in the past! That said I adored the Halloween one! And I did like the old Block Party bash at DHS.

 

[glennbo123]

Sorry for all of the issues you have on your plate right now MEK. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Yes, that's a pretty nice photopass picture taken during your run.

Cynthia, I enjoy the bears every couple of trips or so, for nostalgia sake too. I wonder if there'd be a way to update them though?

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

Wow MEK, you've got a lot going on! But it sounds like your kitty is on the mend and you DS has made a wise decision for his future, and I've sure that everything else will work out in time too

Love the PP run pic! Love IT!

 

[eandesmom]

Cynthia, I enjoy the bears every couple of trips or so, for nostalgia sake too. I wonder if there'd be a way to update them though?

You could but you'd also lose something. I mean those songs are "true" to the time period those bears represent and I don't know. Sanitize it and it kind of cheapens it.

then again....

MY WOMAN AIN'T PRETTY (BUT SHE DON'T SWEAR NONE)
Lyrics and music by Frankie Starr and Paul E. Miller

I got a woman, she's got me.
Whatever we do, we both agree.
She ain't pretty, but I ain't too.
The things we like are the things we do.

My woman ain't pretty, but she don't swear none.
She's kinda heavy, don't weigh a ton.
She's my woman, through and through.
I lover her only 'cause my heart is true.

MAMA, DON'T WHIP LITTLE BUFORD
Lyrics and music by Kenneth C. Burns and Henry D. Haynes

Mama don't whip little Buford.
Mama don't pound on his head.
Mama don't whip little Buford.
I think you should shoot him instead.

PRETTY LITTLE DEVILISH MARY
Lyrics and music by Bradley Kincaid

Hadn't been married but about two weeks,
She got as mean as the devil.
And every time I looked cross-eyed,
She'd hit me on the head with a "shevil."

and of course

ALL THE GUYS THAT TURN ME ON TURN ME DOWN
Lyrics and music by Plot and Powell

BLOOD ON THE SADDLE
Lyrics and music by Everett Cheetham


not sure you need the lyrics on those last two!

 

[MEK]

MaryEllen, your tribute to your beautiful friend Tracy had me in tears. It was so lovely and I didn't know her. What an amazing group of women you all are.

Thanks Jenny! Thanks for taking the time to listen. I really appreciate it!

Back to reading......

The kids are on the Albatross Treasure Cruise. My boys did it in 2009 and had a blast. They board a pirate themed boat at the Yacht Club and then go on a search for treasure. They sneak into Epcot and search for some clues in a couple countries. After they find the treasure chest, they have lunch and all the kids leave with a bag filled with pirate loot. It is a nice couple of hours for the kids. They do similar adventures at the Grand Floridian and Caribbean Beast Resort.

cmaee! Thanks so much for joining in, especially with such valuable insight!

That sounds so fun for the kids. How cool! Thanks for telling me what they were up to. I knew someone would know.

That sounds so fun I would like to do it. I might be over the height cut off.

I have to also say how much I have enjoyed reading your adventures. I think a couple of my girlfriends and I are going to try do squeeze in a trip to WDW sans children too!

Thanks. So glad you are enjoying our TR. If you are able to do a girl's trip you will actually love it. It's so fun. As you can see, we both highly recommend and endorse girls trips!

Cynthia, I love all the country bear photos, we usually skip it, but it brought back memories and will go on our list for the summer!

Isn't fun to read about an attraction in someone else's TR and know you have to put it on your list. I love that.

Mary Ellen, so sorry to hear about all your problems. I hope that the perfect job will be found soon.

Thanks Karin. It doesn't have to be the perfect job, just one that I'm comfortable with. I did have the perfect job. *sniff sniff* Well, it was almost perfect.

The run photos are really nice! And I always enjoy "guest free" photos of the countries! Thanks!

Thanks! I love guest free photos too and, as we know, they can be hard to get.

The lyrics to some of the Country Bear songs are kind of violent. It's been a while since we have been to it, but I can imagine Brooklynn really processing the words now and having a strange look on her face.

Really? Now I'm curious. I am going to have to find them on youtube now. You can tell when an attraction is old if the lyrics start sounding questionable.

I hate leaving Magic Kingdom for the last time. It's the best place to go for the last day to soak up all the Disney magic you can, but it's also the hardest to leave, in my opinion. If we go to DTD on departure day, it's not as hard to leave, but walking out of Magic Kingdom is torture.

You are so right - It IS very hard to leave. That castle chokes me up every time.

Best wishes for the perfect job situation for you! That would make a person nervous. I am seeking out a part-time job to finance my Disney addiction, which has gotten me into the doghouse with my bank account. Truth be known, I don't really need a part-time job; I need another full-time job! Wish I had a cheaper addiction.

Thanks! I hope it all works out. It does have me on edge a bit. I know what you mean about the Disney addiction. I think everyone here suffers from it. We all need deeper pockets when it comes to Disney.

I do the same thing!!! Only my top 10 list is really just basically a list of everything in every park.

Mine too!

That sounds about right. It definitely doesn't have the new, cutting edge animatronics, but there's just something about it that I have to see it.

I do love how Disney keeps the classics. The nostalgia is alive and well and really, nothing can ever top the classic rides.

And yet you still take pictures of it...

That's what we DISers do - like or hate it - it gets a picture. It's our job!

I hate that feeling more than words can say.

Leaving really is the worst. I find the first couple days at home to be the worst and then things start to brighten a bit and the next trip's planning begins.

Mark will be proud.

I knew he would.

Congratulations to Nick! It sounds like a lot of effort was put into thinking all the options through. There are a lot of factors to think about so I'm glad he found a choice that he feels will work for him.

Thanks. I do think its a good choice. You know you are underestimating a place when out of state friends say "what? isn't he going to UD?". Sometimes you want to pass over what's in your own backyard. I feel pretty confident he will love it there.

Now as for everything else... I'm glad that your cat and Denny are both doing well. Good luck with your parents. Hopefully they'll see the need to go to assisted living themseves, but I'm sure they won't want to give up their independence.

Thanks! And giving up independence is hard. It's just that now its becoming a safety issue.

I'm sorry your plans for the upcoming trip might be changing. Good luck working through all those difficulties.

Thanks. We have been talking about a back up plan that might work. It's just that I am such a planner that I can't stand to leave things hanging up in the air. I think all DISers are like that.

I'm sorry to hear that your job is going away in a couple of months. I wouldn't worry about passing up an offer just yet. Who knows, the job you preferred might just work out for you. Either way, good luck!

It could. I hope. We'll see. I wish I felt a little more positive.

Is it that obvious? I wish there was a way to practice.

Kind of odd seeing the World Showcase with basically nobody around.

I love it like that and its one of the many reasons I like staying at the Epcot resorts.

Got me, but now I want to know!

cmaee said it is the Albatross Treasure cruise. How cute are those kids? It sounds like a very cool event for kids.

 

[rentayenta]

In the infamous words of Taylor Swift: I'm never ever ever going to catch up on this thread....it moves too dang fast. Popular.

MEK, I am so sorry to read about all of your stressors and hope your hubby is feeling okay. I also hope you find some resolution to the job situation and find a job that you enjoy. I've worked on the sane psych floor for 10 years this August and this is the first time in 10 years that I have said I don't love my job. We've made some changes and lets just say there's a fine line between patients and staff. Its hard when good things come to and end whether by choice or not. I've been poking around some but my schedule is crazy flexible and that would be very hard to give up.

Cynthia, the Country Bears are my all time favorite. Love the photos. It's like pulling teeth trying to get my crew to sit through it so thank you for the trip down memory lane. It was my favorite, next to the MSEP and fireworks, as a kid. Your Photopass photos are good too. Thank you again for putting that together.

MEK, nice Epcot update. I cannot believe how empty it was! And cute tank top.

 

[teekathepony]

@ MEK -

-Nick's decision to attend University of Delaware next year sounds like a good plan based on how you explained it. I hope he enjoys it there and has a great experience.
-SO happy to hear your Maxie is putting on weight and looking good!! Give him a snuggle for me.
-Also very happy to hear that Denny is feeling good. Hope his cardiologist appt. went well today.
-I'm sorry to hear about your parents. It does sound like the assisted living would be of benefit to them. Must be such a hard thing to agree to do. I pray for the best for them.
-I hope your brother can get some help or find some way to get his anxiety to a manageable place. It can truly be a crippling condition without addressing it.
-Finally (before getting to your TR post) I'm sorry for your job situation and I hope you find something you love and soon. I'm sure you will, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for you anyway.

Onto the report update!

I love that TSM queue! I could look at pictures of it all day. I giggled at your title, Johnny has a t-shirt that says "Don't make me put on my angry eyes!" It's even funnier if you know Johnny, he has no angry eyes.
Great PP pic on your run! If I took a pic of ME after running... well you might call 911 if you saw it.

I know this is blurry, but I was wondering what these kids were doing. Anyone know?



Clearly Canada was involved, but they have life vests on. Huh?

Ahh yes, you obviously stumbled across the very secret Canadian "Darwin's Children Experiment". We toss all our children in deep water at the age of 8. The last one alive gets a medal. It's how we Canadians stay such a hardy breed, only the strong survive. They must have been doing a demo in the pavilion. Since it's not the real thing they had life vests.



Yeah, no. Obviously I'm low on sleep and getting silly.

Did you actually remember all the lyrics to that song or did you have to look them up? I am impressed! I've seen the Country Bears once and based on your theory I still have about 12 years before I need to see it again!

I have it on my Disney iPhone playlist so I actually remembered some of the lyrics. I don't remember them all though! I have a weird memory. Can't remember to buy milk at the store, but lyrics stick in my head and stay forever! (Because that's helpful!)

Whoops! Sorry for the novel!

 

[Nermel9]

Wow so much to comment on! I hope I don't forget something! First, I know I never commented on your HH post about Denny, but I did read it when you posted it, and wow, what a crazy, scary situation to deal with on vacation! I'm so glad you insisted he had extra tests and didn't just let him leave! And I'm happy to hear he's doing well now!

Congrats to your DS on making a decision about school, sounds like he made a great choice!

Glad the kitty is doing well too!

Your June trip sounds like it's pretty up in the air! I can understand you guys not wanting to drive, what are you going to do if your brother's family drops out of the whole trip?

I still can't believe you run on your Disney trips! My feet are usually killing me so much I can't even imagine adding in extra running! I wish I had that kind of dedication, though! Love the picture of you during your run, you look great!

I love all of your pictures of the Epcot resorts area, I wish I could live there!