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

[MEK]

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

I am drinking coffee out of the very same mug this morning. . YUM. The mug definitely makes it taste better. plus there's a cute little surprise at the bottom of the mug.

I honestly love that surprise at the bottom of my mug! Plus, Denny and Brian never choose to drink out of it because they think its "too big". What????

[SoonerGirl]

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

I am drinking coffee out of the very same mug this morning. . YUM. The mug definitely makes it taste better. plus there's a cute little surprise at the bottom of the mug.

This made me laugh, just because Don's dad brought him back a mug from Alaska that has a moose on the front of it - it has a little surprise in the bottom too - a couple of moose turds I'm assuming the Mickey mug has a nicer surprise than that

[Mndisneygirl]

Thanks ME!! And thanks for not spoiling the surprise! I hope my SIL can get one for me next week! I'm sending her the picture so she knows exactly what I want!

[wigdoutdismom]

Originally Posted by SoonerGirl

This made me laugh, just because Don's dad brought him back a mug from Alaska that has a moose on the front of it - it has a little surprise in the bottom too - a couple of moose turds I'm assuming the Mickey mug has a nicer surprise than that

Hahahaha! Moose turds!!!
That's funny!

Now I have to tell a story. Baylor has a tortoise that lives in the backyard in the summer/basement in the winter. Harper can't quite get what it is turtle/tortoise? So it's turdis.... It's name is Scales but now we call it Curtis the Turdis.

Comments on the TR.
Seething about the limo...$2,000 What the heck were they doing, sitting on the charge button? Grrrrr. the nerve of not getting back with you straight away. How can they do business like that? Unbelievable!!!

Melissa I love your pictures! Small world! Alice topiaries! Just lovely!
About the quiet pool, we have been in the hot tub if that redeems me in some way. LOL! Maybe Marc and Baylor have been down there to swim, just not me.

[sunny_stace]

Originally Posted by MEK

Hey - I am noticing your ticker. I almost decided to go with a GF those dates, but I can't justify a third trip in 4 months. Bummer. Bad timing.

Boo! You should have gone! I know what you mean though....unfortunately my trip in september will likely be the last for awhile.

[MEK]

Originally Posted by SoonerGirl

This made me laugh, just because Don's dad brought him back a mug from Alaska that has a moose on the front of it - it has a little surprise in the bottom too - a couple of moose turds I'm assuming the Mickey mug has a nicer surprise than that

Now that's funny! moose turds! Yes - the mickey mug has a much nicer surprise than turds.

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

Thanks ME!! And thanks for not spoiling the surprise! I hope my SIL can get one for me next week! I'm sending her the picture so she knows exactly what I want!

Your welcome! In May I found the mug in the shop right near the safari entrance. Last September I found it in the shop across from ITTBAB. I'm sure she'll find it unless it gets so popular that it completely sells out.

Originally Posted by wigdoutdismom

Hahahaha! Moose turds!!!
That's funny!

Now I have to tell a story. Baylor has a tortoise that lives in the backyard in the summer/basement in the winter. Harper can't quite get what it is turtle/tortoise? So it's turdis.... It's name is Scales but now we call it Curtis the Turdis.

Turdis! That is so cute. I think that might be a new species and Harper has discovered it.

Originally Posted by wigdoutdismom

Comments on the TR.
Seething about the limo...$2,000 What the heck were they doing, sitting on the charge button? Grrrrr. the nerve of not getting back with you straight away. How can they do business like that? Unbelievable!!!

I agree. I think that's a really poor business practice. Who does that? That guy should have been kissing her feet.

Originally Posted by wigdoutdismom

Melissa I love your pictures! Small world! Alice topiaries! Just lovely!

Melissa's pictures were truly stellar on this trip. I hope she has more.

Originally Posted by wigdoutdismom

About the quiet pool, we have been in the hot tub if that redeems me in some way. LOL! Maybe Marc and Baylor have been down there to swim, just not me.

I think that redeems you. I am actually looking forward to December so I can be there when its not too hot to get in the hot tub. I bet chilling in the BCV hot tub is awesome.

Originally Posted by sunny_stace

Boo! You should have gone! I know what you mean though....unfortunately my trip in september will likely be the last for awhile.

OMG - my GF called me today. She was really hoping I would go because she will be there for a few days without her DH and she had 3 kids. When I told her why I wasn't going she completely understood.

Well - her dad lives in Florida (maybe two hours from Orlando), so she asks him to go for a couple days and go to the park with her and the kids for one day. He says - "I'm not really into that kind of thing. I'll have to think about it". He hasn't seen his grandchildren in a year. How terrible. And now I feel terrible for not going. So I'm gonna rethink it. Seriously, my whole purpose for going would be to help her with the kids and be her tour guide.

[MEK]

So Before I get to my regular update, I have a bit of a dilemma.

As you can see from my ticker I have two upcoming trips - one to Hilton Head in October and one to Disney in December. Well, one of my long time girl friends / work friends is planning her first trip to Disney the last week of September. She is staying at the Sheraton vistana because I guess its an RCI resort or trade. Her sister got the place for her rent free. Well, her DH is a teacher and he can't take more than a day or two off. So he won't get there until Wednesday night. She is going on Monday with her three kids and she asked me to go with her. I can stay as long as I want. Free lodging and she already paid for the rental car. I think she just wants some help, but she told me no pressure.

I thought about it for awhile and decided that it was really not very responsible of me to go away three times in four months. I know its not an ever day occurrence, but I think I am getting a little nervous about the whole college expense thing. I feel like I should tighten my belt a bit, so to speak. I feel fortunate that I get to travel as much as I do. So, I told her I wasn't going to go.

Anyway - Her dad lives in Florida and she asked him to drive up and meet her and go to the parks for one day. Well, her dad is giving her the run around. He doesn't seem at all interested in coming and seeing his grand kids. And - he hasn't seen them in a year. I feel so bad. I feel like I should go. What should I do?????

I know what you guys will say, so I don't even know why I am asking. I guess I should look at flights again and see what's up. I could renew my AP when it expires Sept 12th. That wasn't my original plan. Or I could just get a universal ticket and help her take the kids to Universal.

I really want to go with her, its just that the timing feels so wrong.

Well, I am going to do a little straightening up before we leave for Morgantown WV tomorrow. We are going to pick Nick up at soccer camp there. He had a fab week in WV. He got to spend the beginning of the week with his soccer team friend and his family. They all loved him and told me how great and well behaved he was. Hopefully, he will get another trip next summer. I think its so good for kids to get back to basics and that's exactly what he did. His summer is spent sleeping late, playing video games, and goofing off because he's a little to young to work and a little to old for summer camp.

Hopefully be back soon with an update!

[mickeysmyboy]

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

Yay!!! Melissa is back! That limo company drama was crazy. I assume you will not be using them for upcoming trips?

We did have a lovely afternoon at the pool and Bluezoo is definitely a winner. Already thinking about what to order in Oct!

Our pj party to watch the breaking Osama bin Laden news was fun. Great story to tell when the "where were you when" question comes up. Thank goodness you texted us to inform us. Tracy and I watch Stacy exclusively so we otherwise would never have known!!

No, I assure you I will never, ever use that company again!!! Grrr!!!

I really enjoyed all that pool time on our trip! It was soooo relaxing!!!

Our PJ party was fun!

Originally Posted by MEK

I know I shouldn't laugh, but I remember what it was like to finally go to the bathroom and not have someone pushing the door to open it. Or running in there hoping for just 30 seconds of peace before someone calls your name.

You will love having Ryan in preschool and he will love it, too. Well, maybe not at first, but eventually.



That's so terrible. I hope it starts improving really soon. I am sure the MRI is just a precaution. It's just going to take time for an injury like that to improve.

I forgot all about the credit card debacle. I am so glad you eventually got that straightened out. That was a crazy, crazy mistake. I think they owe you a free trip to the airport.

Love your pictures!

Lunch looks so yummy!

I assure you, in a few years I'll be laughing! I laugh at all of SIL's complaints with the little one! Sometimes I feel like telling her she's preaching to the choir! I did it 3 times!

Ugh! I am so sick of my knee hurting at this point! UGH! I still haven't gotten the authorization for the MRI! I swear it's getting worse every day! Boo! Ok, pity party done!

I still can't believe that happened with the limo company! I really still wonder if it was truly just a mix up! I'm just glad it finally got worked out! I was going to drive to their office the day after I got home if it didn't!

Originally Posted by Mndisneygirl

Melissa - I am so sorry about the limo money stress and you kids pestering you! I would have Been mad at my DH for not telling them to leave me alone!

Such lovely castle pictures! Makes me just sigh...

That's the same piano player that we saw in 2004 when my DD was three and danced to the music!

Thanks! It was truly a nightmare!

Looking at all the pictures makes me want to be there now!!!

That piano player was amazing! His hands were moving so fast!!!

Originally Posted by KatMark

Melissa, I am so sorry about all the limo drama. That is just wrong that the owner did not contact you immediately. I can certainly see it putting a damper on your trip.

Your MK photos are great!

Thanks! It was a nightmare!

Originally Posted by nilla

Wow, what an awful limo story! They should've driven you to the parks every day after that one! Heck, forget that - you should've been in the MK afternoon parade, hanging out of the sun roof of one of their limos! I think that sounds fair, doesn't it??

That does indeed sound fair!! It was not fun at all!

Originally Posted by TanzUnited99

Great MK pics Melissa! Wow at all the limo drama - def not something you want to happen whilst on vacation.

It was really not something I wanted to deal with! But I'm glad it got resolved!

Originally Posted by sunny_stace

I would have lost my mind on that limo company! That owner would have gotten a big piece of my mind for not having personally returned my phone call with an apology! That is so rude! They should have given you some sort of discount or voucher or something! Service is obviously not their strong suit!

I'm glad you got to have a nice time at MK though! Your pictures are gorgeous!

It was terrible! Actually in my next update about the situation you'll read that the guy in the fraud department at the bank, who talked to the owner of the company, said that she "wasn't very intelligent and doesn't understand customer service!" Umm, yeah! I was hoping they would give me back the cost of the trip the airport. But they didn't. I should have fought for it but I was really done with dealing with them!

Originally Posted by MEK

For Sheree

I still regret not buying that mug after our dinner at Jiko!

Originally Posted by MEK

So Before I get to my regular update, I have a bit of a dilemma.

As you can see from my ticker I have two upcoming trips - one to Hilton Head in October and one to Disney in December. Well, one of my long time girl friends / work friends is planning her first trip to Disney the last week of September. She is staying at the Sheraton vistana because I guess its an RCI resort or trade. Her sister got the place for her rent free. Well, her DH is a teacher and he can't take more than a day or two off. So he won't get there until Wednesday night. She is going on Monday with her three kids and she asked me to go with her. I can stay as long as I want. Free lodging and she already paid for the rental car. I think she just wants some help, but she told me no pressure.

I thought about it for awhile and decided that it was really not very responsible of me to go away three times in four months. I know its not an ever day occurrence, but I think I am getting a little nervous about the whole college expense thing. I feel like I should tighten my belt a bit, so to speak. I feel fortunate that I get to travel as much as I do. So, I told her I wasn't going to go.

Anyway - Her dad lives in Florida and she asked him to drive up and meet her and go to the parks for one day. Well, her dad is giving her the run around. He doesn't seem at all interested in coming and seeing his grand kids. And - he hasn't seen them in a year. I feel so bad. I feel like I should go. What should I do?????

I know what you guys will say, so I don't even know why I am asking. I guess I should look at flights again and see what's up. I could renew my AP when it expires Sept 12th. That wasn't my original plan. Or I could just get a universal ticket and help her take the kids to Universal.

I really want to go with her, its just that the timing feels so wrong.

Well, I am going to do a little straightening up before we leave for Morgantown WV tomorrow. We are going to pick Nick up at soccer camp there. He had a fab week in WV. He got to spend the beginning of the week with his soccer team friend and his family. They all loved him and told me how great and well behaved he was. Hopefully, he will get another trip next summer. I think its so good for kids to get back to basics and that's exactly what he did. His summer is spent sleeping late, playing video games, and goofing off because he's a little to young to work and a little to old for summer camp.

Hopefully be back soon with an update!

Well, you know I'm not the right person to ask this question to! Afterall, I went 3 times in 4 months this year! And I'll be back twice before the end of the year! In the span of a month and a half!

But, I think you really, really need to follow your gut. Don't feel guilted into anything!

I'm glad Nick had such a good time in WV. It sounds like it was good for him!!

[KatMark]

MaryEllen, I say you go...especially if it covers any of the dates Mark and I are there.

[MEK]

Originally Posted by KatMark

MaryEllen, I say you go...especially if it covers any of the dates Mark and I are there.

Actually, I think it might! But it would be a weird trip because we would be staying off site and that makes it feel like it would be really hard to get around. If the timing was better I would so be there. I would combine it with a onsite stay.

Or if I could get dirt cheap airfare, but I think those days are off.

[jenjolt]

Oh I will always have some very very fond memories of Blue Zoo and I so look forward to eating there again!!!

Well I too am not the right person to ask, I went down twice within 4 weeks of each other am going back in October and maybe again in Dec LOL!!! So I'm not a bias judge!!

Glad Nick had such a great time!! That is fantastic for him!!!

[vamassey1]

I thought I responded yesterday to the updates.

Mary Ellen thanks for sharing your weekend pictures. Sounds like another really busy weekend. Loved the shots of the MK especially the castle. I'm so glad you had a good morning.

Melissa enjoyed your catch up. Of course the more I read about the limo charges the madder I got. I would have been freaking out. I think they should have refunded you the whole amount too. It's on thing to make a mistake but to not go above and beyond to fix it is even worse.

Mary Ellen you have truly asked the wrong people. Whenever possible I say go to Disney. Showing someone around for the first time is the best. I love sharing the Magic.

[MEK]

One of the things I was really hoping fo during this trip was a chance to ride HM with Jen, the HM guru. Unfortunately, that was not going to happen since I had been under the weather the day everyone went to MK. But just because I missed my chance ride HM with Jen did not mean I was going to miss seeing the new queue.

I always enjoy seeing this building, a memory of times gone by.





The anticipation is building now, especially since this was my first official ride and my 4th day on Disney soil.





I'm not crazy about my HM pictures because the sun was in a position where I kept getting shadows.











The queue wasn't very crowded, but even the few people wandering through made it hard to take all the pictures I wanted. I started to feel a little rushed.

This was fun. I am such a child sometimes, so I love touching anything that makes a sound.





Now THIS is cool.....









Ugghhhhh - This sun glare is so disappointing!



What in the world does that women have on?



This was another cool feature. I enjoyed watching the little compartments open up all on their own.



More sun issues:



I'd like to go up this staircase:













Continued......

[Wicket's Mom]

Mary Ellen, you have quite the quandry, to go or not. I would love to make all of those trips, but life does intervene at times to mess with our good times.

Do what your gut tells you & you won't go wrong. Your friend will understand if you decide not to go. Paying for college is a big obligation, I know we paid for 4. It was worth every penny.

I know whatever you decide it will be right for you.

I'm enjoying your TR & pictures as usual.

[MEK]

Continued.......

Once inside I took a couple of weak pictures. I had my camera put away, but decided to pull it out at the last minute.







But after taking those crappy pictures I hit pay dirt:



WOOT! I love that picture and I hereby dedicate it to Jen Jolt. May we get a chance to ride HM together in the future!

I had to try for the bride, cause ya never know what you're gonna get.



And, of course, the hitch hikers!



Once outside I took a few more pix.















And, last but not least, the pet cemetery



Ah, what to do next?



I considered a ride on the Liberty Belle, but she was already out and about.









As much as I would have liked to ride Old Belle, there was something else I really wanted to do. Something I hadn't done in awhile.

But first, I needed to grab a BTMMR FP. I briefly considered Splash, but just like in September, I saw some pretty wet people coming off that ride. And I don't care if Nilla thinks I'm a wimp or not, I need protective gear before I will venture onto Splash these days. I am just not into the drowned rat look.

So what was my next stop?

Look familiar?



I let Carlos take me over to the island (that really was his name - for some reason I remember his name tag)







I was hoping for some good photo-ops and TSI did not disappoint.





Continued in Next Post.......