For the First Time in Forever-

[mdsouth]

Well hello there mdsouth, I've been patiently waiting for another update I LOVE Haley's purple zebra print outfit! Perfect for AK and she looks adorable

Thanks for not giving up on me. I actual have half the next chapter already written so I will post it tomorrow.

 

[mdsouth]

Chapter 23 – Kicking Back at Animal Kingdom
After the Safari, we explored Africa a bit and Haley got her Wilderness Explorers handbook. During this trip, I tried taking Haley’s picture with some of the CMs working at Disney. The CMs we encountered seemed to enjoy their jobs and shared interesting facts with us. For the ones we encountered in EPCOT and at Animal Kingdom, we would ask them questions about their home country. They were happy to share tidbits about their home countries with us. The CMs I asked to be in photos with us, seemed surprised and pleased at the same time. Looking back at my photos of the trip, these photos really tell the story of our trip.





This is the time when it was really nice that it was just the two of us. I was able to let Haley explore all she wanted without having to move her along before she was ready to go. We enjoyed watching the birds fly back and forth overhead as they found bits of branches and grasses to use in the building of their nests.




All in all, it was a great way to spend the morning at Animal Kingdom.
Up Next: Visit with Safari Mickey and Minnie and our leisurely afternoon

 

[ariane37]

I like the idea of asking CM's to be in pictures. I'm always looking for something new for my DS's to do when we're there, and I think they may like having their picture taken with a CM from each country in EPCOT . It's also great that you found friendly CM's who seemed to enjoy their jobs; lately there are so many reports of unfriendly or seemingly uncaring CM's working there now
We had positive experiences with CM's on both our trips last year, but we did notice a few times where 2 CM's would be talking and their conversations weren't typical of ones CM's would have had in public in years past. IDK, but it's just so much better when you feel that "magic" coming from them, too!

And seeing more pictures I have to say again how much I LOVE Haley's purple zebra print outfit!!!

 

[mdsouth]

I like the idea of asking CM's to be in pictures. I'm always looking for something new for my DS's to do when we're there, and I think they may like having their picture taken with a CM from each country in EPCOT . It's also great that you found friendly CM's who seemed to enjoy their jobs; lately there are so many reports of unfriendly or seemingly uncaring CM's working there now We had positive experiences with CM's on both our trips last year, but we did notice a few times where 2 CM's would be talking and their conversations weren't typical of ones CM's would have had in public in years past. IDK, but it's just so much better when you feel that "magic" coming from them, too! And seeing more pictures I have to say again how much I LOVE Haley's purple zebra print outfit!!!

I agree with you that CMs have a big impact on one's experience. We were fortunate that almost all the CMs we encountered exemplified the Disney philosophy. I have seen the side conversations and reluctance to stop their personal conversations to help guests in the past so I know it does happen. And that really affects a guest's experience and decision to return in a negative way.

Haley's outfit was something that just came together. We found the hat at one place and the dress at another
Months apart. I can't remember where we bought them. But I loved how she wanted to dress up for the parks and it was my favorite outfit of the trip!

 

[mdsouth]

Chapter 24 – A Leisurely Afternoon

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 - Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost -- 9:45 - 10:45 am

Kilimanjaro Safaris® -- 11:15 - 12:15 pm

Finding Nemo - The Musical -- 12:40 - 12:55 pm


After our Safari ride, it was time for our first FastPass of the day, to meet Mickey and Minnie at the Adventures’ Outpost. Our scheduled time was from 9:45 to 10:45. We headed over and went to the FastPass lane. We were the only ones waiting. No one was there but I could see in the window on the door. It looked like it was a back entrance that lead to a short hallway. I was beginning to wonder if we were in the right place, when a CM came to the door. He told us it would be about five minutes before we would be let in.

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The CM came back and escorted us directly into the room with Mickey and Minnie! I loved the setup and as you can see, Minnie and I were wearing the same hat!

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After our meeting with Mickey and Minnie, we used our second Fastpass and went on our second safari of the day!

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Then it was time for our lunch. When I was planning, I had read reviews about a sandwich that Tamu Tamu had for a limited time I wanted to try. But during our trip, they were not serving it. So, we had to just wing it.

We ended up at Pizzafari. It was our first time eating at this restaurant.

I had the Italian Sandwich with chips that I gave to Haley and she had the children’s macaroni and cheese lunch. The sandwich was just the thing that day. I was happy that they had something other than pizza.

Pizzafari had an Animal Kingdom insulated mug with your choice of a soft drink you could buy for $5.00. It is similar to the resort mugs but is specific to Animal Kingdom. I ended up buying one. It made a great, relatively cheap souvenir. At home, I drink out of one of my Disney mugs each day. It is my little touch of Disney while I am dreaming of my next trip.

We at in one of the little rooms off the main room. We practically had the whole room to ourselves! It really was nice to experience the parks without the huge crowds I normally see in summer. When my husband and son arrived on Thursday the crowds really picked up since it was the weekend leading up to Presidents’ Day. I thought I had a photo of Haley at lunch but I it is not uploaded. I will have to find it and add it later.

After lunch we headed over to Finding Nemo: The Musical. There was a huge line waiting in the stand-by line and even the Fastpass line was busy. I was glad I had made a Fastpass selection for this. I think everyone in Animal Kingdom was waiting to see the show!!! I think it probably was busier than usual since The Lion King show was on hiatus while the new auditorium was being built. Missing the Lion King show was a huge disappointment for this trip. We had never been before and Haley the movie is one of Haley’s top Disney movies.

I guess it is just one reason why we must go back again sometime soon!

We had never seen the Finding Nemo musical either so it was a nice treat for us.

We sat in the upper level, near the middle. At first I wished we had been able to get seats in the lower level to be closer to the action but the seats actually turned out to be good ones as it gave us a clear view of the entire stage and surrounding sides. I didn’t take any pictures.

When the musical was over, Haley and I headed out of the park. Before we left we got a couple of nice photographs. I even remembered to get a photo of Haley in front of the Animal Kingdom entrance. Since we were leaving in midday, there wasn’t anyone else around.

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Back at PORFQ we immediately got into our swimsuits. We were excited to be able to swim OUTDOORS in FEBRURARY! Since the pool at FQ was being renovated we headed to POR to swim. The resort had a golf cart that carried resort guests back and forth. We had a pleasant driver who was a college intern. It was apparent that she was really enjoying her experience in the college program.

The weather was absolutely perfect! Nice and warm! The entire time we were at the pool, I just had a surreal feeling, knowing we were swimming outdoors in the beautiful sunshine while my husband and son were back home in Central Illinois were the highs for the day was going to be around negative 12 degrees!

I didn’t get any pictures since it was just the two of us and I knew we would be in the pool most of the time. I didn’t want to take my camera and leave it sitting by the deck chairs when I was in the pool. I don’t know if POR has little pool lockers or not but it would be nice if there were. I just don’t leave my valuables out.

I had to drag Haley out of the pool to return to our room to get ready for our dinner that night at 1900 Park Faire. In hindsight, I wish I would have made our dinner reservation for a much later time, or just planned to have a quick service dinner at either POR or PORFQ’s food courts. Then we could have stayed and enjoyed the pool longer. When I planned the trip, reports I read were really iffy about the February temperatures and I knew there was a big chance it wouldn’t been warm enough to go swimming. Also, I tend to try to pack a lot into my days at Disney since we only go every four years or so. I think this is what makes taking a trip to Disney a lot harder than going to other places, because of the popularity of WDW and the crowds you a lot of the spontaneity of making decisions as the last minute based on your moods is gone unless you want to wait in really long lines for a table at dinner or a ride.

Next: We meet Prince Charming and get caught in a huge rainstorm![/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url][/url]

 

[mdsouth]

This exact time last year, I was arriving at MCO (Orlando's airport) and heading down to the Magical Express area to start our WDW trip! I wish I was back there today! I miss it!

I guess I will have to look for a trip report from someone that is there right now to compare notes.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

I plan to post another chapter by tomorrow.

 

[ariane37]

This exact time last year, I was arriving at MCO (Orlando's airport) and heading down to the Magical Express area to start our WDW trip! I wish I was back there today! I miss it!

I guess I will have to look for a trip report from someone that is there right now to compare notes.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

I plan to post another chapter by tomorrow.

So funny to read this, I was just thinking earlier today (on ANOTHER snow day) that a year ago yesterday WE were flying in to MCO for our awesome 10 day stay and I wish we were back there, too! Granted DH and I are going for a quick trip in 24 days but I have no idea when we'll get another 10 day family trip
It would also be nice to be somewhere warmer and without snow! I normally don't mind the kids having snow days or 2 hour delays, but they haven't had a full week of school since before the Xmas break. And now they're saying more snow Thurs. morning........ It's getting a bit ridiculous! Sorry I hijacked your TR but I had to vent; going stir crazy lol

 

[captaindavidhook]

OK just got here and I plan on reading everything. Looking forward to it. I found you on POFQ thread. I stayed at Pop Century for ten days from the 3-12 for my first time solo. Hopping to getting some pointers about POFQ. The pictures look beautiful and wondering if staying there is worth it. Ok, going back to page one. Catch up with you.

 

[captaindavidhook]

I would have to agree! I am sure some people would love a Dole Whip for breakfast too while at Disney.

I really want to try some Tonga Toast some time for breakfast. It just has never fit into our plans very well.

We did have the beignets one morning at PORFQ! They were fluffy, powdery mess!



So, what is everyone's favorite thing to eat on vacation for breakfast?

I love Mickey Waffles with eggs and sausages...

 

[mdsouth]

Ah, Mickey Waffles! Why is it anything you eat tastes better if it is in the shape of Mickey?
I actually bought a Mickey head cookie cutter when I was at Disney. It was around four dollars but is great. It has a deep metal base so you can actually cut sandwiches too. I make grilled cheese sandwiches all the time with it. I do it for myself as much as for my daughter! Tee Hee

 

[mdsouth]

Thanks everyone for hanging in there! Life really has been hectic for me here. As a teacher, I have been swamped with lots to do and then we are in the process or buying a new house so it has been a crazy month. I should have my next update finished and posted tomorrow. I

 

[mdsouth]

So funny to read this, I was just thinking earlier today (on ANOTHER snow day) that a year ago yesterday WE were flying in to MCO for our awesome 10 day stay and I wish we were back there, too! Granted DH and I are going for a quick trip in 24 days but I have no idea when we'll get another 10 day family trip
It would also be nice to be somewhere warmer and without snow! I normally don't mind the kids having snow days or 2 hour delays, but they haven't had a full week of school since before the Xmas break. And now they're saying more snow Thurs. morning........ It's getting a bit ridiculous! Sorry I hijacked your TR but I had to vent; going stir crazy lol

ariane37 - Yes, The DIS and TR's are my escape from reality! It looks like I am not the only one! So how is the weather where you are now? Did you get some of the latest batch of snow or the extreme cold?

We have the extreme cold but we are still in school. I guess that is a good thing - otherwise we would be still in school in July! We were expected to get a lot of snow this weekend but it missed us. My niece lives 50 miles south of me and they got 8 inches! So, I am grateful we missed it.

I need to get caught up on your TR. A short adult trip sounds like fun. Will you be staying someplace new?

OK just got here and I plan on reading everything. Looking forward to it. I found you on POFQ thread. I stayed at Pop Century for ten days from the 3-12 for my first time solo. Hopping to getting some pointers about POFQ. The pictures look beautiful and wondering if staying there is worth it. Ok, going back to page one. Catch up with you.

PORFQ was wonderful. I can't really compare it to the values since I have only stayed at mods. Each time I have planned a trip, I started by planning on staying at a value and then I have able to use a discount that came out to move up to a mod. The mods are nice in that they do not seem as crowded as the values. I did spend part of a day just walking around and touring the All-Star Movies, and foodcourt so I would have some idea what they were like. For myself, I think the room size is a bit bigger and they have queen beds over doubles so that is a positive. Also, my daughter liked the POR pool slide and CSR's pool slide so that is a plus over the values.

 

[jwwi]

Awe swimming in February in warm sunshine. Lovely....

 

[mdsouth]

Chapter 23 – Drenched in a Downpour

We dressed up a bit since we were heading to the Grand Floridian for our dinner with royalty, The 1900 Park Faire. We had never been to this dinner experience before but one I wanted to try after reading lots of reviews on the DIS about it. Haley put on her blue sparkly dress and we headed out the door.


My original plan was to take the boat to Downtown Disney and then catch a bus to the Grand Floridian. I thought it would give us a chance to enjoy the river view along the way since it was still light outside. But when we were heading to the boat dock, I noticed HUGE storm clouds overhead and the wind was picking up. I was afraid that we would get drenched on the boat ride with the fierce wind if the rain did not hold off. So, we headed to the bus stop instead and snagged a bus to the MK.

Not long after we boarded the bus, it started to rain. Once at the Transportation Center, we had to get in line for a bus to the Grand Floridian since the monorail was not running. The entire time we were at WDW, the monorail was closed during the day for maintenance and only ran after 7:00 pm and in the early morning hours. We ran through the rain and got wet but not to bad. There was already a large line but we were partially covered by the awning.

Moments later there came a huge downpour! The storm had hit WDW. Along with the strong wind there was thunder and lighting. Masses of people started to pour out of MK and headed to the bus stops. It was crazy! People started to cram into the lines, pressing against each other trying to get under the awning. With the fierce wind, the little bit of awning we were under did little to keep the rain off of us. Haley and I both had light jackets on so that helped a bit with the top of our clothes. Eventually, we made it to the front of the bus line and got a seat on the bus.


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Even with all the rain and waiting extra time for the different busses, we arrived early for our reservation. So, I took the opportunity to take pictures of Haley in from of the carriage and vintage car in front of the Grand Floridian. Haley was just wanting to get to dinner, so she wasn’t the most cooperative. You can see this in her expressions.

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[ariane37]

Hi there! Can't wait to read more about your PF dinner. That's one we've never done either, but I'd really like to! I always read such good things about the interactions with the stepsisters

We leave for our anniversary trip in 4 days!! We'll be at the BWV which we've stayed at twice before, but not since 2012. We tried booking BC for something new but no standard rooms were available there or YC, and DH and I really wanted to be on the boardwalk since we plan to spend alot of time at EPCOT. I don't have a TR - never done one and I'm a little nervous to! But I'm actually considering doing one for our Thanksgiving trip this year. As for the weather, it's snowing (again) as I type this However all looks good for Thursday when we leave, crossing my fingers the forecast doesn't change![/QUOTE]

 

[mdsouth]

Hi there! Can't wait to read more about your PF dinner. That's one we've never done either, but I'd really like to! I always read such good things about the interactions with the stepsisters

We leave for our anniversary trip in 4 days!! We'll be at the BWV which we've stayed at twice before, but not since 2012. We tried booking BC for something new but no standard rooms were available there or YC, and DH and I really wanted to be on the boardwalk since we plan to spend alot of time at EPCOT. I don't have a TR - never done one and I'm a little nervous to! But I'm actually considering doing one for our Thanksgiving trip this year. As for the weather, it's snowing (again) as I type this However all looks good for Thursday when we leave, crossing my fingers the forecast doesn't change!

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ariane37,

You must be super excited! Only two days and you will be at WDW strolling along the boardwalk with your hubby! Sounds like an ideal way to spend your anniversary. You will have to tell me all about it. You can share info here about your trip or else start your own TR and I will be the first to subscribe!

Today, our schools are closed due to ice. Ugg! March is a crazy month here. Just two years ago, my DD had a snow day on her birthday and her birthday is March 25!!!

Hopefully, the crazy weather will not delay your traveling plans. Are you driving or flying?

 

[ariane37]

ariane37,

You must be super excited! Only two days and you will be at WDW strolling along the boardwalk with your hubby! Sounds like an ideal way to spend your anniversary. You will have to tell me all about it. You can share info here about your trip or else start your own TR and I will be the first to subscribe! a

Today, our schools are closed due to ice. Ugg! March is a crazy month here. Just two years ago, my DD had a snow day on her birthday and her birthday is March 25!!!

Hopefully, the crazy weather will not delay your traveling plans. Are you driving or flying?[/QUOTE]


Ugh, we are flying out Thurs. afternoon and the weather looked GREAT until a couple days ago. Now they're saying snow Wed. night into Thurs. morning I'm crossing my fingers and refusing to look at the weather again until tomorrow evening! But when DH comes home, we're going to try coming up with a plan in case we get delayed until Fri. that will have us staying until Tues. instead of Mon. Leaving the kids home makes it harder. They're in different schools and go in/come home different times, so it means figuring out who would stay with them Mon. night and get them off bus Mon. Hopefully we won't have to worry. We've been looking forward to this so much!!

March can go either way for us here. We've had years with no snow at all for the whole month, and then like you we'll have years where we use a bunch of snow days! Yesterday the kids went in late b/c of snow Sunday night and today they're being dismissed early b/c of snow coming later this afternoon - which will most likely lead to at least a delay tomorrow!

 

[mdsouth]

ariane37,

Ugh, we are flying out Thurs. afternoon and the weather looked GREAT until a couple days ago. Now they're saying snow Wed. night into Thurs. morning I'm crossing my fingers and refusing to look at the weather again until tomorrow evening! But when DH comes home, we're going to try coming up with a plan in case we get delayed until Fri. that will have us staying until Tues. instead of Mon. Leaving the kids home makes it harder. They're in different schools and go in/come home different times, so it means figuring out who would stay with them Mon. night and get them off bus Mon. Hopefully we won't have to worry. We've been looking forward to this so much!!

March can go either way for us here. We've had years with no snow at all for the whole month, and then like you we'll have years where we use a bunch of snow days! Yesterday the kids went in late b/c of snow Sunday night and today they're being dismissed early b/c of snow coming later this afternoon - which will most likely lead to at least a delay tomorrow!

Ugh, is right! I remember being super anxious right before my trip due to a big storm hitting a few days before our trip. But it worked out okay for me and I am sending pixie dust your way to hope things are fine for you too! I can understand about the pressure to figure out someone to help with the kids. What a bummer. Perhaps the kids could stay with friends (most likely at different places or at least go home with friends and hand out until later.

Just remember, "Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase.
Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze

It means no worries for the rest of your days

It's our problem-free philosophy

Hakuna Matata!"

 

[mdsouth]

Chapter 24 – Our Encounter with Royalty

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When you check into the 1900 Park Faire, they have a Disney photographer take a picture of your group in front of a background with a castle in the scene. I gave my camera to the photographer and she graciously took our picture with it as well as the Disney one. So, I was able to save money and not buy the Disney photo when they brought it around to the table at the end of our dinner.

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Fortunately, I had worn a black shirt that night so even though it was pretty soaked you couldn’t tell it by just looking at me. Haley had faired better since she had worn her purple sweatshirt hoodie jacket and then I had put my somewhat waterproof jacket on top of it when we were in the downpour.

I remember my pants being pretty soaked too and throughout the dinner we were a bit uncomfortable since they had the air conditioning on and with our wet clothes it was a bit chilly.

Now that we were inside and Haley had a plateful of her favorite, mac and cheese in front of her, her spirits and attitude picked up. We both enjoyed the antics and interactions with Lady Tremaine and her two daughters, Drizella and Anastasia.

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Anastasia was a hoot! A little boy had fallen asleep at a table with a bench. He was curled up with his legs under him and his bottom high in the air. Anastasia climbed up on the bench next to him and laid down in the same pose with the bustle of her dress sticking up high in the air! I wish I could have snapped a photo but I missed it. http://s594.photobucket.com/user/mdsouth/media/WDW Feb 2014 Trip/CopyofDSC_1067_zpsea18ea54.jpg.html

Cinderella and of course, Prince Charming were indeed charming, but they certainly were not as entertaining as Drizella and Anastasia!

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After our dinner, we went out onto the porch. It was still raining but we were able to see the fireworks under the protection of the roof on the porch. I snapped a few photos of the gazebo. We then headed back to PORFQ for the night.


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[mdsouth]

Chapter 25 – Redo at the Zoo – Animal Kingdom Day 2!

Today we were headed for our second day at Animal Kingdom. Most people spend only half and day or one whole day at this park, but it was Haley’s request we go for a second day. She is a total animal lover and fascinated with all forms of animals. She is a junior zookeeper at our local zoo and since she is very realistic in her perspective of animals, she might pursue a career working with animals in the future.

On our way into the park, we stopped for a photo.

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When we first got to the gate, Haley’s magic band would not read right. We had minor trouble with her band a few times during the trip. One of the CMs pulled us aside and whipped out her ipad. To verify that the band was indeed Haley’s and not someone who found it and was trying to use it, she asked us a few questions. The first thing she asked was what park did we attend the previous day. We replied, “Animal Kingdom”. The CM smiled and asked us the question again thinking that we must have misunderstood. I am guessing that she does not see very many people return to Animal Kingdom immediately after they had been there the day before. We politely told her that we had been to Animal Kingdom the day before and it was our second day at the park. She confirmed this with the ipad and then we were allowed to enter.

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The first thing Haley wanted to do was head towards the Safari.
It was a beautiful sunny morning and the animals were out and about. I managed to get quite a few great photos. I have limited storage on photobucket so I just chose some of my best photos to upload since I took so many on our various Safaris. We ended up going on the Safari ride six times total in two days! So, my photos are out of order and are in no particular order.
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After our Safari adventure, we took the Wildlife Express Train to Rifiki’s Planet Watch and the Conservation Station. This was the first time we had ever been to this part of the Animal Kingdom. On our two previous WDW visits with the entire family we skipped this part and went to Asia and Dinoland. This was the exact opposite of what Haley and I did on our own. We skipped Asia and Dinoland all together, even though we were at AK two days! We chose to spend more time checking out the different wilderness paths and areas of the park we had never been to. That is what I really loved about this trip. Instead of going commando and trying to squeeze in as much as we could, I was able to just pick and choose things that I thought Haley would enjoy the most. And that is what we did!
We both liked the quick glimpses of the behind the scenes we caught as the train took us to Rifiki’s Planet Watch. On our first day at AK, Haley had bought a Simba stuffed animal as her souvenir. So, of course he was touring the park with us today! I was able to recreate a few scenes out of The Lion King!
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Just in case, one EVEN two poses of Haley holding Simba out to Rifiki to bless, here is a third!

We stopped for a close up animal encounter with a crocodile. At least, I think that is what it is. Haley would know for sure.
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And then we were able to have a great photo op with Rifiki himself!
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We also checked out the petting zoo area.
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Haley tried her hand at brushing the sheep’s wool.
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And chased a few goats around
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From there, we went into the Conservation Station and went through the various areas. Being a junior zookeeper at our home zoo, Haley already knew a lot of the information about the different diets of the animals. She was able to identify all the animal waste products correctly! We watched the nutritionists doing their jobs and had hoped to see some veterinarians at work but they were not in the building at the time. It was around that area that we talked at length to one of the CMs who gave us information about the College Intern Program and the Professional Intern Program for those interested in the Animal Science fields. Even though Haley is only in sixth grade now, she gave us a business card with information on it about the website so we could get more information.
If Haley does indeed maintain her interest in animals, the college program might just be the thing for her. AND of course, if she does get into the program, as the good mother that I am, I would just have to come visit her often!!!