Where Pixie-Dusted Birthday Dreams Come True! A July Trip Report! PTR Link! Pg. 116

[MegansMom]

Hey sweet Jackie!!!! Sending you holiday wishes for glad tidings and WDW TRIPS!!!!

We are actually looking at possibly taking a trip down to the Mouse's House next year around the exact same time you were there this year. Knowing that we have been down there before the same week in June before, can you give me some idea about what we should expect in crowd levels and heat in comparison to what we have experienced in June? I know I should expect heat and crowds, but just wanted an honest evaluation of how much worse it really is. We are looking to travel down there with our friends from Kansas City, who want to stay offsite using Hilton Points, but I am concerned we could be closed out of the parks if it gets too crowded. Is that a legitimate concern? Tom and I still DESPERATELY want to stay on-site...he actually said he wanted to stay at the Contemporary or Polynesian so we could be close to everything. ME TOO!!!! I am going to have to figure out a way to convince them to NOT use those points. Help me out please!!!!

[Charleston Princess]

Originally Posted by Disneymoon09

I love the update! For some reason 50PT have never appealed to me. I guess I dont want to be fussed at while I eat lol. But I am glad you all enjoyed it and I hope everyone behaves...or at least tries

Thanks! Yes, that Charles' thing, too -- he didn't want to be fussed at, but our waiter was really good about keeping it relatively low-key as far as the fussing was concerned.

Originally Posted by DisMomAmy

Sorry you didn't love Prime Time! We eat there almost every trip. We'll be skipping it this year & eating at Sci Fi instead - a new one for us. We love the food at Prime Time - it's different than most of the other places we eat. Though Alex isn't big on the sarcasm!

You have a nice collection of FPs for your return visit!

Oh, we enjoyed our meal there! It was good filling food, but it didn't wow us like some of the other places we have eaten. The atmosphere was a lot of fun, though. You will love Sci-Fi -- it is so neat to sit and watch the movie clips in cars while you eat.

Originally Posted by MeMom

Isn't it interesting what small things can cause drama in teenage girls?

Oh, yes. Things that wouldn't bother me can ruin Chelsea's entire mood.

Originally Posted by MeMom

The first time I ate at PrimeTime, I was scared to death. I wanted no one to chastise me publicly, so I ate every bite on my plate and was stuffed sick.

The next time I ate there, I went in a little braver. I didn't eat everything, and I was able to put a crumpled napkin over what was left.
I made it out without being fussed at.

There was no way we could have cleaned our plates without being sick the rest of the day.

Originally Posted by MeMom

I have never had the PBJ shake, but everyone raves about them.

I had a few sips of Charles' shake, and it was very tasty!

Originally Posted by MeMom

The TV tables are fun. That is what my house looked like when I was little. I enjoyed seeing the old clips from the shows I knew so very well.

We were cracking up over some of the clips they showed!

Originally Posted by MeMom

Thanks for the fun pictures. I'm headed out in my new old car to get some groceries. This thing sits up so much higher than my Camry, so I feel like I'm driving a school bus!

What kind of car did you get? I am sure you mentioned it on your TR, but I missed it.

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

A monster at DtD? Oh boy. I'm glad you tried 50's. It looks like Chelsea really enjoyed her cupcake! I loved my viewmaster as a kid. I guess we are old. Those onion rings sure look good. Sorry the rest of it was just ok.

Oh, just wait until you hear about the monster. It was a doozy!

I loved my Viewmaster as a kid, too! LOL!

Originally Posted by jenjolt

LOL...I laughed so hard I almost cried Jackie!!! I so carried at least 3 elactic bands with me in school in order to avoid disaster and rescue others who it happened to. Now a days I cut it short blow dry and call it a day LOL!!!! The things we focus on as a teenager LOL!!!!

I was the same way!

Originally Posted by jenjolt

Glad you guys had a good meal there!! I love 50s and will be eating there in January (solo) should be interesting LOL!!!!!!

Don't forget to get a shake!

Originally Posted by jenjolt

Hmmm...Monster attacks DTD...can't wait to hear that story!!

Coming up this morning!

Originally Posted by jenjolt

So I'm pretty sure we have the same countdown...so I wish much speed for the next 10 days of school ( I have 7 whole days and 3 half days!!!) I'm thinking of all us teachers WE CAN MAKE IT!!!!!

Only five more days for us now! I am giving final exams tomorrow, and then, the mad grading rush begins!

Originally Posted by MEK

I never had long hair when I was a teenager (yup - I was a real trendsetter , but was sometimes mistaken for a boy), but I know now I panic when I can't find a hair clip!

I almost always wear my hair in a ponytail these days -- I should just cut it short again.

Originally Posted by jenjolt

Sounds like the perfect lunch experience complete with primo table. I'm surprised your uncle didn't look for a 13 year old boy with braces and ask them to kiss. That's what happened to Brian when he was 13! Our uncle called him "sparkey" and then made a general announcement until he could find a compatible brace-mate of the opposite sex. So funny!

That must have been hilarious!

Originally Posted by Native NYer

Jackie, I love your teenage drama-filled updates.

You will really like the next one, then.

Originally Posted by Native NYer

Poor Chelsea! There's nothing worse for a teenage girl to have some kind of hair or fashion mishap. Next year, remind her to bring extra hair elastics, as well as any other necessary make-up, in her park bag.

Oh, yes, nowadays she carries about six with her at all times. Her bag is a bit like Mary Poppins'. LOL!

Originally Posted by Native NYer

OMG, that Viewmaster comment makes me feel old too
We're making inventions in science and I decided to show my class old infomercials. We watched the one for the Clapper. My students wanted to know why the television in the commerical looked funny

Charles and I love telling the kids about things when we were their age. Their expressions are priceless!

Originally Posted by Native NYer

DTD sounds fun, but how did Chelsea turn into a monster?? Can't wait for the next update!

Coming up this morning!

Originally Posted by 999ghostslover

Those onion rings look so good. We just made ADRS this week nad up until last minute I had this place on my list and then changed it. I think I have been to a dozen TRs where kids of all ages have a meltdown there. I wonder what it is about that place?

The onion rings were very good.

It's probably because they are stressed about behaving so the waiters don't fuss at them, and they just can't hold it together. LOL!

Originally Posted by jillyb

Ahhhhhh..teenage drama! We had a bit of teenage angst on our trip. Heck...I've even got a picture of Hannah with "the look" and she's only 8!

I guess it is inevitable that there will be teenage drama. That day there was even a bit from Connor -- that's coming later on.

Originally Posted by jillyb

We liked 50's PT when we went on our 1st trip but opted for someplace different this time. I like the themeing in there and get a kick out of watching the old shows.

I am so glad we tried it once. I feel complete now that we have tried all the restaurants in DHS. LOL!

Originally Posted by jillyb

Monster at DtD????!!!

Oh, yes, in a big way!

Originally Posted by Dancegrl624

We really enjoyed our dinner at 50's PTC in Sept. Our waitress was excellent and the food was SUPER yummy! The dining room sang happy birthday to Madison too and she just loved it. We didn't get a viewmaster though for dessert...bummer. However, Madison knows what a viewmaster is. She has one!

I should have bought one for the kids when they were little. I don't know how I missed doing that.

[Charleston Princess]

Originally Posted by klacey1

Fun lunch! I remember being 13 and definitely would have reacted as she had! Oh, teenage drama! Wow-- kids these days don't know about Viewmasters!! I feel so old!

Oh, yes, I think I had some moments just like that when I was Chelsea's age. My hair was so important to me back then.

Originally Posted by wigdoutdismom

Jackie! I can't believe you didn't buy your poor deprived children a view master! There are all kinds of Disney disks to be had for those things! Tisk tisk!

I can so relate to the hair disaster. Bad hair=bad mood for Miss Anita Wigd!

LOL! Maybe I should get the kids a viewmaster for Christmas.

Same here -- and notice, I didn't offer up my own rubberband for Chelsea. LOL!

Originally Posted by pooh'smate

I really wanted to eat at 50's in Feb but dh wanted to try Sci-Fi so we are going there instead. I really wanted to try the PB&J shake. I love PB&J!!! However I don't feel so bad now that you said the food was just okay.

The food was good, but didn't wow us! The PB and J shake was very tasty -- I had a few sips of Charles' to see what all the fuss was about.

Originally Posted by pooh'smate

Fred MacMurry's suit in One Man's Dream is from Bon Voyage. I used to love that movie when I was a kid but it has been so long that I don't really remember to much of the movie. I looked it up because I really wanted to see Mary Poppin"s dress.

I don't think I have ever even heard of that movie.

Originally Posted by manntra

What a fun lunch I was wondering if anyone was going to really get into trouble I have only eaten there once but had a riot... the food was good...I had the fried chicken and remember the mashed potatoes being out of this world

I almost had the fried chicken but opted for something a bit lighter since it was lunch. Chelsea did say hers was good.

Originally Posted by manntra

Oh how I loved my Viewmaster....I specifically remember having some disks of the Disney parks and can clearly see Space Mountain in the little screen

I remember having disks from a Disney movie called The Black Hole. I think it was pretty much a box office flop -- it was done in those years before Michael Eisner took over.

Originally Posted by manntra

Ooooh a Chelsea monster? Do tell Epcot is usually the best location for meltdowns.....don't hear of them too often in DTD

Tracy

Chelsea opted to have her melt-down at DTD -- Epcot is always my melt-down park of choice though. LOL!

Originally Posted by IheartDDuck

Ha ha, that's very funny that Chelsea asked how to use the viewfinder! That totally would have made me wonder if I was getting old too. You know, considering that we seemed to have sticks and rocks as toys....

So true according to our kids.

Originally Posted by Spartangirl

Love the teenage drama stories! Makes me laugh now, but I'm sure I was the same way at her age!

Me too!

Originally Posted by Spartangirl

Sounds like it was an interesting meal...we've never eaten there before but I'm always tempted to try it.

It was a fun meal -- you should try it at least once.

Originally Posted by Spartangirl

Monster at DTD...can't wait to hear about that!!!

It is chockful of teenage drama, let me tell ya!

Originally Posted by Poolrat

Poor Chelsea. Why do I have a feeling the drama is not over yet?

Those onion rings look good!

The drama was far from over!

Originally Posted by brookelizabeth

All caught up--again! I have never noticed the Roger Rabbit bits at DHS! Goodness, so many details - love it!!

And uh-oh, a monster at DTD??? I hope it's short lived at least....

I love all the movie details around DHS!

It is short-lived because I made it short lived.

Originally Posted by Cat0727

I can relate to Chelsea, poor girl I'm glad she found another hair tie! I bet she is always gonna carry a back-up to the back-up from now on!

Did the guys like their milkshakes? I've always wanted to try the PB&J one.

Chelsea carries an entire army of hair elastics these days. LOL!

The PB&J shake was very good -- I tried Charles' so I could report back on it.

Originally Posted by mousescrapper

Hi Jackie
Sorry it has taken me forever to get caught up on your TR as always some great stories and laughs
I love how Connor had fun w/ the Toy Story Solider we saw them out finishing up w/ a group of kids when we were there Nathan wanted to meet them but it didn't work out
Love that you enjoyed PTC for the most part we have never been w/ our kids did in once back in 95 but Matt didn't care for it and I think the sarcasim would be rough for Nathan it just looks so fun in there
I love OMD too and looking forward to walking through again next month
Totally forgot to look for Bo and we stopped right there too...duh
So some crazies occur at DTD?
Looking forward to more
Julie

Hi, Julie! We were worried about how Connor would react to the sarcasm of the waiter so we made sure to warn him and tell him it would all be in fun.

Some crazies is one way to put it. LOL!

[Charleston Princess]

Originally Posted by Roxychica7

I think I still have my viewmaster...so the fact that you feel old, really makes me feel old...kids these days

50's looks fun...we may or not have it scheduled for this trip, still trying to decide since we've never done it before

I wish I still had my viewmaster. LOL!

You should try 50's -- the atmosphere is great and I bet they decorate for Christmas in there all retro-style!

Originally Posted by Tink-erin-belle

Ah, yes, the broken hair elastic. That was enough to send me into a tizzy when I was a teenager too. Also, as an adult sometimes That is what I like about your TR. You don’t sugar coat it when someone has a meltdown – such as with Connor not wanting to share with Chelsea. How many times have I heard that same complaint from my kids? I asked my kids about the Viewmaster and my son knew what it was, so I feel slightly better but I still feel old that all of these other kids don’t know what it is!

I am big on not sugar-coating -- after all, sometimes the drama-filled bits are the best parts. LOL! My children hate sharing -- it drives me nuts when I know they won't finish it all in the first place.

Originally Posted by wigdoutdismom

I'm guessing our Chelsea-monster wanted somthing.....
Could it have been from TrenD?

You are good, Wigd!!! It must be your own experience with your girls.

Originally Posted by xoktenox

50's Prime Time, we love it there! I just made our reservations for our May/June trip and it's on our list again.

I'm 23 and would have reacted the sameeeee way as Chelsea if my hair elastic snapped! Some things take a little longer to outgrow

The PB&J shake is great, did you try some?

I did try some -- it was very tasty!

I would not have been happy if my hair elastic snapped at Disney -- after all, having my hair up is the only way I can survive that heat!

Originally Posted by MaryAz

I am not looking forward to having teenagers I'm glad it worked out in the end. Oh no, drama at DTD!!

I think Cayley is going to be filled with drama during her teenage years! I'll start the hugs now!

Originally Posted by disneyfan61

We love Prime Time especially the atmosphere. I always say I should have been brought up in the 50's. Happy Days was my favorite show.

That is too funny that Chelsea did not know how to use the View Master

Oh NO-a monster????

I loved Happy Days, too! I even had a record of the theme song! LOL!

Originally Posted by disneydreamingdebby

Wait! Just teenagers have meltdowns about rubberbands? I keep a new package of them in my car and typically wear one on my wrist... She sure did look happy about the cupcake though! I can't wait to hear about the meltdown at DTD...as we know, DTD is the place where my family (esp DH) has their meltdowns.

A DTD meltdown was a first for us.

Originally Posted by disneydreamingdebby

Connor got mad at you? Wow, you were having a doozy of a day. DH and I reminisce about toys in Toy Story Mania. We love the Old Maid set that we both had as kids, etc. I had to buy paint by number for my kids bc I felt that they should have that experience!They had Monster Inc viewmasters with Nemo slides. =)

Yes, Connor has his own moment later in the day. I think we were all exhausted at that point in the trip from the heat and crowds.

I had that Old Maid set of cards, too!

Originally Posted by TarzansKat

I always feel a little bit of trepidation when I can see the family unraveling and you know it's going to get worse. Every Disney vacation has one of those moments, without fail. I hope you're wasn't too bad!

This trip everyone chose a different moment to meltdown -- mine was at Epcot on our second day, Chelsea's was at DTD, Connor's was at DHS that night. Only Charles managed to behave, but, then, we all know, he has had his own moments on previous trips. LOL!

Originally Posted by TarzansKat

Thanks for telling me where those crates are. I'm definitely going to look for them.

You are welcome!

Originally Posted by Lovemy3babes

I had to laugh at the hair elastic story. Morghan has the same type of hair as Chelsea and is the same way about those elastics. They are everywhere at our house, in our car, in her backpack, in my purse...everywhere! Girls and their hair.

I find them everywhere, too! LOL!

Originally Posted by Lovemy3babes

I agree about 50's PTC; okay food but fun atmosphere. We went during our 2006 trip and hope to go back next trip just for the fun.

It is a fun place!

Originally Posted by Lovemy3babes

Great update! I love collecting Fastpasses!

Me too! It makes the evenings so enjoyable to just scoot onto a bunch of rides.

Originally Posted by floridascgirl

Jackie, I also get a chuckle from your posts!

Yeay! I love making people laugh!

[Charleston Princess]

Originally Posted by vamassey1

A broken pony tail holder would have been a major problem in my group too, especially with 2 girls. Danielle would not have wanted to share with her big sister either. I do love the total change in Chelsea from her hair meltdown to the presentation of her cupcake. Such is the day in the life of a teen. . .

So true! The start of the meal she was all frumped up, but she turned on all the charm when that birthday cupcake came out!

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

Here I am again - trying to stay on top of everyone's TRs. Looks like a great day at DHS overall. I was going to comment on how funny it was that Chelsea went from hair drama to big Birthday Girl smile, too! So funny!

That's so Chelsea!

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

I don't know why they serve such large shakes everywhere, unless it is to teach your kids to share!

Too bad they never want to share with each other.

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

I was thinking the same thing as Anita about monster Chelsea

Monster Chelsea has a problem with her mouth sometimes.

Originally Posted by Happydog

Oh I loved that update! I think 50s is worth it for the atmosphere, mostly, too. I loved their onion rings and PB and J shake, but it isn't food memorable, I agree. HOWEVER, it sounds like you had fun

We did have fun -- Cousin Tom kept us laughing with his comments. At one point, he said he had been working there for 20 years -- that means he has been there since it opened!

Originally Posted by Happydog

Oh boy, teenage girls and DTD.... Hmmmmm....

Just wait for the details...

Originally Posted by luvfigment

All caught up....again. Sorry! I never noticed the Scarlet O'Hara crate...love her and that movie. Plus i never saw the Roger Rabbit either...I will have to search for them my next trip.

Interested to see how Chelsea turns into a monster.

I love all the little nods to movies throughout DHS! Gone with the Wind is one of my favorite movies. Scarlett is such a brat, but she has such gorgeous clothes!

Speaking of brats, maybe Chelsea was channeling her inner Scarlett O'Hara...

Originally Posted by MegansMom

Hey sweet Jackie!!!! Sending you holiday wishes for glad tidings and WDW TRIPS!!!!

We are actually looking at possibly taking a trip down to the Mouse's House next year around the exact same time you were there this year. Knowing that we have been down there before the same week in June before, can you give me some idea about what we should expect in crowd levels and heat in comparison to what we have experienced in June? I know I should expect heat and crowds, but just wanted an honest evaluation of how much worse it really is. We are looking to travel down there with our friends from Kansas City, who want to stay offsite using Hilton Points, but I am concerned we could be closed out of the parks if it gets too crowded. Is that a legitimate concern? Tom and I still DESPERATELY want to stay on-site...he actually said he wanted to stay at the Contemporary or Polynesian so we could be close to everything. ME TOO!!!! I am going to have to figure out a way to convince them to NOT use those points. Help me out please!!!!

Hi, Jen!!! Merry Christmas to you, too! Are you down to one more week of school as well?

Compared to June, July was a good bit hotter. Those mid-day breaks were imperative for us -- I don't think we would have survived as well as we did without them so being on-site for us was a must!

The crowds were not nearly as bad as I had feared they would be. With Tom being the Ace Fast Pass Collector that he is, I think you would do okay with that.

I do so hope you are able to plan another trip soon!

[Charleston Princess]

July 22, 2010: Part Five

Once back at the resort, Charles opted for a nap, and the kids and I decided this was our last chance to head to DTD to shop. We took the car and drove, finding a parking space with relative ease.

Our first stop was the World of Disney. Chelsea saw a hoodie for 50% that she liked, but I told her to wait until we went to TrenD to make sure there wasn’t something else that she wanted. In the meantime, we made a few purchases: measuring spoons for my MIL, Mickey sprinkles, and a Mickey Ice Cream Bar antenna topper.



Our next stop was the Lego store. Connor had not spent any of his souvenir money yet (as far as I can remember), so he had his heart set on stocking up on some of his favorite things.

Silly me suggested he fill one of the $8 buckets and create three of the mini-figures for $10.

Why silly?

Because I should know how long it takes Connor to make decisions.

We waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited for Connor to do those things.

Do you know how hot the florescent bulbs are in that store?

I felt like I was sitting on a bit of the sun.

And still Connor puttered around trying to decide exactly what he wanted to put in his tub.

Who knew choosing Legos could be such a lengthy process?

Forty-five minutes later, we checked out. Connor had decided to go with a pirate theme.





Onward to our third (and what would become our final) stop: TrenD. Chelsea and I love this store. Well, I loved that store until Chelsea had her moment.

She found a really cute strapless top that she wanted to try on. Well, at the risk of sounding tacky, Chelsea is not well-endowed. If genetics play a part, she may never be.

She tried the shirt on and came out to show me. Despite there being elastic, it was just too loose at the top, and I told her I would not be buying it. Chelsea countered with, “But if I had a strapless bra, it would fit okay.” I calmly said, “I am not buying you a strapless bra because even with one, the top will still be too loose.”

Chelsea didn’t like that answer.

She didn’t like it so much, that she lost all sense of right and wrong, and right there in the middle of a packed TrenD, screamed at the top of her lungs at me, “YOU JUST DON’T WANT ME TO GROW UP!”

I am pretty sure about twenty heads spun in our direction, but since my entire field of vision was bathed in the red glow of fury, I can’t be completely sure.

Suffice it to say, my own voice dropped about ten notches becoming all throaty and low as I said, “Go take it off right now. We are leaving.”

We left DTD. I was so furious (and sad about having to skip the Christmas store, Basin, the Pin Traders, and Goofy‘s), and Chelsea cried all the way to the car. She knew as soon as those words left her mouth that she was in hot water.

When we got back to the room, Chelsea collapsed into the bed and eventually fell asleep. I think that says a lot about the fact that she was probably exhausted. Later on, she did apologize for her monster attack. Connor played Legos, and I went for a walk to the gift shop.

They happened to have the same hoodie that had been 50% off at the World of Disney, so I went ahead and got it for Chelsea for later. $25 for a hoodie was just too good a deal to pass up.



Oh, and here is the bracelet I picked up for my niece earlier in the day from DHS.



After Charles woke up, we headed back to DHS for our last night in Disney.

UP NEXT: Connor follows with his own snit.

[reelmom]

I think you handled the melt down quite well. Glad you were able to get the hoodie at the gift shop.

[jenjolt]

I waited for this update! I so love to read about your trips Jackie!!

Sounds like it was an eventful trip to DTD!!! Never have been inside the lego store so I will take your word on it. Glad he did finally find something he would like and Pirate themed...that is just cool!!!

Oh...what a moment at TrenD!!

YAY for getting Chelsea the hoodie!!! It is so cute!! Is she wearing it now that it's getting cooler?

OOOH can't wait for your DHS night?? Any park at night is a lot of fun!!!!

[MeMom]

Originally Posted by Charleston Princess

July 22, 2010: Part Five


Silly me suggested he fill one of the $8 buckets and create three of the mini-figures for $10.

Why silly?

Because I should know how long it takes Connor to make decisions.

We waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited for Connor to do those things.

And still Connor puttered around trying to decide exactly what he wanted to put in his tub.

Who knew choosing Legos could be such a lengthy process?

Forty-five minutes later, we checked out. Connor had decided to go with a pirate theme.

Oh, no.....

Oh, dear!

I dread.

I fear!

He's going to be

an


engineer!!!

Chelsea didn’t like that answer.

She didn’t like it so much, that she lost all sense of right and wrong, and right there in the middle of a packed TrenD, screamed at the top of her lungs at me, “YOU JUST DON’T WANT ME TO GROW UP!”

I am pretty sure about twenty heads spun in our direction, but since my entire field of vision was bathed in the red glow of fury, I can’t be completely sure.

Suffice it to say, my own voice dropped about ten notches becoming all throaty and low as I said, “Go take it off right now. We are leaving.”

We left DTD. I was so furious (and sad about having to skip the Christmas store, Basin, the Pin Traders, and Goofy‘s), and Chelsea cried all the way to the car. She knew as soon as those words left her mouth that she was in hot water.

At least twenty.
To date, I have read twenty-three trips reports entitled 'The Wild Child and the Red-faced Woman in Downtown Disney'.

Didn't you know that for the next few years much of your mission in life will be to make her days miserable? To go against anything and everything she desires at all costs. You'll be pulling double duty. You'll be nice mild-mannered wife/mom/teacher/friend in the eyes of the world, but underneath, you will be secretly lurking around every corner and doing much research on how to say 'stupid things' and do things that make life unbearable for your sweet, perfect teenager.

In all honesty, I was lucky with Jill, and it will be the same way with Chelsea. We stayed so busy with school activities, especially basketball, when we came home, we were too tired for drama. Plus, she was a good girl, like Chelsea is, so to give you hope, these moments will probably be few and far between. Like you said, she was tired, so that added to the event. I know you can look around at any given time, see other dramatic girls and moms, and be more than grateful you get to take your own home. There will be a few days along the way that you will want to 'ring her neck', but when you look back on it, you'll realize you both made it through very well.

Enjoy your ice skating or cookie baking today.
Or both.
Whatever you choose.
Since I'm doing neither, I'd be more than happy to see your pictures later, if you want to share.

Cute. So sweet for you to get it for her. I know she loves it, and it is probably special to her because of how she got it.

[Native NYer]

That's a long time in the lego sore, but I know the feeling. There's a lego store at the mall and one near Rockefellar Center and my nephew takes just as long!

Awww poor Chelsea. When you're 13, you just don't realize your mom knows what she's talking about when it comes to fashion, make-up, and boys! I'm glad you were still able to get the hoodie for her.

[jillyb]

Originally Posted by MeMom

Oh, no.....

Oh, dear!

I dread.

I fear!

He's going to be

an


engineer!!!





Alison is the same way when it comes to making decisions. I can't see her becoming an engineer though!


At least twenty.
To date, I have read twenty-three trips reports entitled 'The Wild Child and the Red-faced Woman in Downtown Disney'.

Didn't you know that for the next few years much of your mission in life will be to make her days miserable? To go against anything and everything she desires at all costs. You'll be pulling double duty. You'll be nice mild-mannered wife/mom/teacher/friend in the eyes of the world, but underneath, you will be secretly lurking around every corner and doing much research on how to say 'stupid things' and do things that make life unbearable for your sweet, perfect teenager.

In all honesty, I was lucky with Jill, and it will be the same way with Chelsea. We stayed so busy with school activities, especially basketball, when we came home, we were too tired for drama. Plus, she was a good girl, like Chelsea is, so to give you hope, these moments will probably be few and far between. Like you said, she was tired, so that added to the event. I know you can look around at any given time, see other dramatic girls and moms, and be more than grateful you get to take your own home. There will be a few days along the way that you will want to 'ring her neck', but when you look back on it, you'll realize you both made it through very well.

Enjoy your ice skating or cookie baking today.
Or both.
Whatever you choose.
Since I'm doing neither, I'd be more than happy to see your pictures later, if you want to share.

As always, MeMom has put it better than I could. I'm not looking forward to those days but I know this too shall pass.


Cute. So sweet for you to get it for her. I know she loves it, and it is probably special to her because of how she got it.

Agree! The hoodie is very cute!

[klacey1]

Love those measuring spoons-- too cute! Aww, poor Chelsea-- we all remember too well treating our mothers like that! From what you said, definitely seems like tiredness let a monster invade her body-- glad you were able to pick up that hoodie for her. It's really nice and $25 is a GREAT deal!

[disney<333]

Wow, our kids have a lot of a lot in common! That would do be Amy deciding on her purchases for an hour. I can't wait until she is older and I can leave her in the mall to shop by myself.
I'm sorry, but I was cracking up at the melt down. I know I wouldn't be if I was there, though. I have had a couple moments like that with Emily, though. Don't you just love teenagers?!
I must get more Mickey sprinkles!!
That sweatshirt is cute!

[IheartDDuck]

I think you handled Chelsea turning into a monster very well. It does seem like it definitely came from the fact that she was tired. Oh to be 13 again! (Um, no thanks!)

Connor's indecisiveness reminds me sooo much of my brother. I swear, it has always taken him hours just to figure out what he wants to buy. He used to save all of his souvenir money and not spend it. Little did we know (until later) this was all a tactic of his. My mom would take pity on him, and then would buy him stuff, without him spending a dime of his souvenir money! Crafty little bugger!

[SwansLoveDisney]

I haven't seen that Mickey Bar antenna topper. I love it!

And the measuring spoons are great. I have aspirations of slowly turning my kitchen into a Disney kitchen. If I do it slowly enough, my husband will never know it's happening.

My sweet Claire is 8 months old now and I can't even imagine her as a 13 year old. I know it will happen and I know we will have moments like Chelsea's. And I hope to handle it with as much grace as you did!