Cheese Ball Yak Attack: 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1200 miles - The Sequel

[Dugette]

Thanks for some good lunch break reading!

Glad the "runaway" golf cart was stopped quickly! Sounds like you had a good semi-relaxing first day.

The driving math is interesting. I'm crazy enough to think the drive from MN sounds like fun, but the numbers come out different with only two people going. We got our flights for our next trip (June) for $199/each. And we can usually convince some family member to watch our dog for free But, if there were more of us, I'd have to consider the drive. Plus, I hate flying.

Looking forward to more updates!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Great update Barry! I love the fishing in the pool pic. And way to go Evan, dislodging the brake and sending the cart on it's way...

Their pool is not heated, and man was that water cold - even by Wisconsin standards. Each kid did take a turn falling in during the vacation. Evan was reaching for a bucket and Madison a few days later reaching for a fish. Of course we have a "no playing by the pool without and adult" rule, so someone was there immediately to "fish" them out.

Wow. Hard to argue with those numbers! I don't know if I could bring myself to drive through the night, though. I start to malfunction after 2 a.m. Wait, that was in college. Now, it's 11 p.m.

East Coast time hit us pretty hard. Well, Bambi any way. Our "prime time" TV here in Wisconsin is from 7-10. We were watching Dateline on Friday night after we got to Lakeland. (Actually, she was watching. I was asleep on the couch.) We're used to shows ending at 10. Well, 10:00 came and went and the show was still on. It was a 2 hour special that ended at the normal East Coast time of 11. She was so tired, but was too involved in whatever they were talking about to want to shut it off.

That park looks awesome! The kids look like they're having a blast. The big kids, too.

They had these little spinner chair things that I sat in. They are angled just right that it's almost impossible NOT to keep spinning, even with very little effort. I did the figure skater thing and pulled my legs in and started spinning faster a few times. I got off and seriously could not see for like 30 seconds. I thought I was going to toss cheese balls all over the park.

I know that feeling well! They probably had tons of small parts and made all sorts of racket, too.

As part of our driving plan, the kids get a small present at every state line. Something for them to look forward to. At one state, Evan got a small police truck that had a siren. For the next 700 miles, I would hear that thing, my heart would skip a beat, and I would scan my rear view mirror for one of Fed's buddies.

great up date barry!! that sliding board looks brutal!!! what else is there but cheese and pork? besides beef, i realy cant think of anything better!!

At my work, we have our office and a warehouse. We were reconfiguring some of the computer stations in the warehouse a few years ago. At the time, they all had these declining roller ramps, similar the ones in the picture, but with larger, stainless steel rollers. I took a ride down on one (why? because I can!). My a** was tingling for an hour after that.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Thanks for some good lunch break reading!

Glad the "runaway" golf cart was stopped quickly! Sounds like you had a good semi-relaxing first day.

The driving math is interesting. I'm crazy enough to think the drive from MN sounds like fun, but the numbers come out different with only two people going. We got our flights for our next trip (June) for $199/each. And we can usually convince some family member to watch our dog for free But, if there were more of us, I'd have to consider the drive. Plus, I hate flying.

Looking forward to more updates!

Even if it was just the two of us, we're just cheap - sorry, frugal - enough to consider still driving. And just imagine how different it would be not having to keep the kids entertained. Which really only consisted of changing DVDs every couple of hours. And the occasional protein spill clean up.

 

[Dugette]

Even if it was just the two of us, we're just cheap - sorry, frugal - enough to consider still driving. And just imagine how different it would be not having to keep the kids entertained. Which really only consisted of changing DVDs every couple of hours. And the occasional protein spill clean up.

I think I've got that same "frugality" as you...only our locations make the math come out different. You've got fewer miles to drive and higher airfare than us. Gas would be more than airfare for the two of us (we don't pay for airport parking, we won't be checking bags, we don't rent a vehicle, etc.).

I will say, with the exception of the protein spill, your family makes the drive look pretty easy And I love the canine co-pilots!

 

[DisneyFed]

Oh that's right, I'm on the thin line of psychosis anyway, and now you make me wait

 

[DisneyDadC]

I was going to quote you Barry but did not want a long post and was to lazy to cut out things.I agree with you at least for my family.We are also drivers,With 7 of us airfare would be well over$1400 (and thats getting a sale price of $199 which I can never seem to get).However the last few yrs we have stopped and to get a room.We are only in the room for like 3,4 or 5 hrs,just enough for a power nap and nice breakfast.Even with our stopping we get down there in less then 24hrs.We also stopped at every welcome station from Maryland on.To me the drive is part of the trip we make it fun.

 

[itJeff]

So really, or only cost was gas and one meal. And scented baby wipes and Fabreeze, but we'll remember to pack our own next time.

...writing down "baby wipes and febreeze" on our list...

I've got too many swirling around in my head to come up with a clear, concise (and funny as hell) caption for this one, so we'll have a caption contest. Please post your caption(s). A winner will be selected and awarded absolutely nothing.

How about, "Evan tries to make a new friend" ?

... a parent or other "responsible" adult leads the pony around ...

I like the way you used quotes to call your FIL "responsible".

Not really sure what's going on here, but it's in the bathroom at Fort Wilderness.

Pictures of said beautiful view? Um...

Here ya go....

Outside, we found Mickey's Golf cart. As the kids were getting in for a picture, Evan hit the parking break, disengaged it, and the cart starting rolling down the hill. Grandpa was there quick enough to hop in and stop it, but it took some convincing for Madison to get back in for a picture.

That's a story you have to keep telling. Don't let him forget that one.

Finally, it was on to Downtown Disney for a bit of Lego playing and shopping. (Madison needed a few more accessories for her Princess Tiana dress)

Those girls and their accessories.

We spent almost $30 at Goofy's Candy Company.

And where's the proof of said candy? You did bring enough back for all of us, right?

Do I have a cliff hanger question to keep you interested? Will it pull at your heart strings or elicit some other emotional response? Are you going to be on the edge of your seat, waiting to see how any potential conflict is resolved?

No, no you don't. It won't. I'm not.
I'm really disappointed. We expect more from you Barry. Come on, you can do better man. We'll let you off this time, but there better be some suspense and thrill to end the next update.

 

[Disney Commando]

Great Pics Barry!

Waffle House guess you didn't want to run into Pizza the Hut

Would love to have that golf cart.

My son now wants a cupcake, that I don't have & want's to go to what he calls Lego station ( I got to put him to bed before looking at TR again)

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I think I've got that same "frugality" as you...only our locations make the math come out different. You've got fewer miles to drive and higher airfare than us. Gas would be more than airfare for the two of us (we don't pay for airport parking, we won't be checking bags, we don't rent a vehicle, etc.).

I will say, with the exception of the protein spill, your family makes the drive look pretty easy And I love the canine co-pilots!

Oddly enough, Grandma & Grandpa used to live up your neck of the woods, up in Champlain (NW Suburbs). It was about a 6 hour drive from here, and that's what Bambi swore was her limit in a car. Anything longer than that we fly. I was pretty shocked when she suggest driving for last October's trip. Turned out pretty well.

Oh that's right, I'm on the thin line of psychosis anyway, and now you make me wait

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I'll be finished before you deploy again.

I was going to quote you Barry but did not want a long post and was to lazy to cut out things.I agree with you at least for my family.We are also drivers,With 7 of us airfare would be well over$1400 (and thats getting a sale price of $199 which I can never seem to get).However the last few yrs we have stopped and to get a room.We are only in the room for like 3,4 or 5 hrs,just enough for a power nap and nice breakfast.Even with our stopping we get down there in less then 24hrs.We also stopped at every welcome station from Maryland on.To me the drive is part of the trip we make it fun.

7 people? What do you fit all of you in? A bus?

...writing down "baby wipes and febreeze" on our list...

A wise man learns from other's mistakes. An even wiser one packs puke bags.

How about, "Evan tries to make a new friend" ?

You're the leader so far. You're also the only entrant, but you're still the leader!

I like the way you used quotes to call your FIL "responsible".

If you met him, you'd understand.

And where's the proof of said candy? You did bring enough back for all of us, right?

Ha! I had half of it gone by the time we got back to the van!

Great Pics Barry!

Waffle House guess you didn't want to run into Pizza the Hut

Would love to have that golf cart.

My son now wants a cupcake, that I don't have & want's to go to what he calls Lego station ( I got to put him to bed before looking at TR again)

Ahhh... food porn.

 

[Disney Commando]

I would be scared in that bathroom

 

[unclescrooge_0707]

The Mural in the bathroom captioin:
"more beans mr. taggert?"
"I'd say you boys have had enough"

Park Caption contest:
"Evan keeps his distance, not knowing when she'll pounce."

Random Quote:
"The fog's getting thicker" "And Leon's getting LAAARGER!!!"

 

[that's nice]

Well you started the day off right with the Waffle House...ever get the trash plate? It is soooo good at 3am!!!!! I'm not sure how good it is at a normal breakfast time? LOLOL

That park looks awesome!!!!!

The pic in front of the lego monster is great!

How can a rice krispy treat cost $50? I mean come on... habe you ever seen anyone buy one? I haven't!!!

 

[cj9200]

Sorry I am late to the party but I got stuck at Emma’s Dad TR waiting for it to finish. Looks like you guys were having a great time. Minus of course the protein spill.

 

[goofy's_gurl]

Whoo! sounds like a great day! I dont know how it is to cringe when the kids are opening all the presents when Im usually on the other side of things watching them open all the presents mom gave them. Dont worry your time will come when you can do that too.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I would be scared in that bathroom

I actually didn't even have to "go". My father in law came out laughing about the mural, so I grabbed the camera and went in!

The Mural in the bathroom captioin:
"more beans mr. taggert?"
"I'd say you boys have had enough"

I'm quite sure I can't quote my favorite line from that movie here in the family-friendly forum, so I'll just go with "Badges? We don't need no stinking badges."

Park Caption contest:
"Evan keeps his distance, not knowing when she'll pounce."

Nice!

Well you started the day off right with the Waffle House...ever get the trash plate? It is soooo good at 3am!!!!! I'm not sure how good it is at a normal breakfast time? LOLOL

That park looks awesome!!!!!

The pic in front of the lego monster is great!

How can a rice krispy treat cost $50? I mean come on... habe you ever seen anyone buy one? I haven't!!!

Never got the trash plate - but you have me intrigued!
The park really is cool. Let me know if you want directions for next time you're down there. Its not too far out of your way from Tampa to Orlando.
As far as the Rice Krispy treat, there's not much to compare the size of those too, but the sugar cookies above them are about 4" across. I'm guessing the Rice Krispy treats were easily a foot! Not sure what the rest of my family would eat if I got one...

Sorry I am late to the party but I got stuck at Emma’s Dad TR waiting for it to finish. Looks like you guys were having a great time. Minus of course the protein spill.

Did the cricket noise drive you crazy over there?
Welcome!

Whoo! sounds like a great day! I dont know how it is to cringe when the kids are opening all the presents when Im usually on the other side of things watching them open all the presents mom gave them. Dont worry your time will come when you can do that too.

After shedding all of the packaging, we were able to get most of the stuff packed into the van without a problem. We did have to leave behind a bunch of Christmas decorations that Bambi and I got, but Grandma and Grandpa will bring those up with them this summer.

 

[trennr]

I'm quite sure I can't quote my favorite line from that movie here in the family-friendly forum, so I'll just go with "Badges? We don't need no stinking badges."

"You use your tongue prettier than a..."

Is that the one?

I think my favorite...and I used parts of it at WDW a few times.

"C'mon boys...the ways yous lolly-gagging around here with dose picks and dem shovels...you'd think it was 120°...can't be more than 114!"

 

[trennr]

Did this girl get caught climbing?

I've got too many swirling around in my head to come up with a clear, concise (and funny as hell) caption for this one, so we'll have a caption contest. Please post your caption(s). A winner will be selected and awarded absolutely nothing.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

"You use your tongue prettier than a..."

Is that the one?

I think my favorite...and I used parts of it at WDW a few times.

"C'mon boys...the ways yous lolly-gagging around here with dose picks and dem shovels...you'd think it was 120°...can't be more than 114!"

That's the one!
...and I may have to borrow the 120° quote next time.

Did this girl get caught climbing?

Interesting!

 

[Emma's Dad]

I can't believe I got on the ride this late into the TR!! This is AWESOME! My cube-buddies are wondering why I'm in the fetal position with tears streaming down my eyes... laughing uncontrollably!! There are too many one-liners to quote here... but just know that I'm loving it!

I've got too many swirling around in my head to come up with a clear, concise (and funny as hell) caption for this one, so we'll have a caption contest. Please post your caption(s). A winner will be selected and awarded absolutely nothing.

"This is how my daddy does it when he's 'crop-dusting'..."

 

[DisneyDadC]

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