Our 1st FAMILY vacation... We survived! 6/20 - 6/27 at POFQ (pg 9) LAST DAY

[catherines_mama]

Looking back its interesting which days were our favorites. This day, was definitely a favorite for us all. We were having breakfast at Crystal Palace and our ADR was for 8:20 We’d be in the park before opening.

This was of course a 1st for Steve and the kids and we were all so excited.
Up early, dressed and ready to go! We headed down to the bus stop at around 7:00. We did not have to wait long for a bus and were on our way in no time.

Jack is wearing Steve's fitted Bucs cap... LOL big for him, but cute!

At MK we got in the breakfast line and before long were let into MK! We took our time enjoying the uncrowded paths and areas.

Please look beyond my highly in need of a workout self

Then we headed up Main Street and for whatever reason, the boys were enamored with the Indian Chief.

We continued up Main Street for some pics of the castle.

As we approached the castle we noticed them doing a press event for the Celebrate Parade, it was fun to watch, but we had to get going to CP for our breakfast. We checked in early (8:05 for 8:20) but luckily they took us right away.

 

[catherines_mama]

Inside CP we were sat to the left of the foyer. I’d never eaten on that side. We had an amazing location off to the side and under the windows. Our window looked out to the Baby Care center, there was a lot of greenery in a garden just outside so it was a very pretty view. Our waitress was amazing and shortly after she took our drink orders we hurried up for food. We didn’t want to miss the characters.

At CP they have a great concoction as part of the childrens offering. It was like a cinnamon puff. It was really good!!! While we were in line for hot food, Pooh came out and had to cut through us to get through. Emma just could not stand it. She ran up and hugged him. I felt so bad. I know you are supposed to leave them alone unless they are visiting your table, but she got away from us. Pooh was great about it and high-5ed kids as he walked by them.

Once at our table we ate while the characters made their way around. Steve and I felt kind of sorry for them. They direction they came from was right behind Jack & Emma so they would both jump up and attack them, pushing their books and pens at them. After the 1st one we had to tell them and almost make them sit still, take their time and go one at a time.

Poor Catherine was on the far side of the table from where they walked up and was always last and most of the time Emma was between she and the character. She’s a vet at it and didn’t really mind, but I felt bad that she’d gotten the short stick. We’d had breakfast here every trip that I can recall. By the last character we told both kids to sit down and let Catherine have 1st dibs at them. LOL They were good about it.

Poor Pooh being bumbarded

Catherine got some alone time with Eeyor

And the whole fam

Breakfast eaten, characters greeted we paid our tab quickly… or more like Steve did – he figured it all out so well and I just had to sign my copy. We then headed out into Magic Kingdom. The park was just opening so the crowd was not bad at all. We had a specific plan for this day – Frontierland. While we walked in that direction I had a little conversation with Steve about Tom Sawyers Island. I told him about the paint brushes and we decided that would be our plan.

*my laptop battery is low. I will pick up on this when I get home tonight *

 

[catherines_mama]

Sorry I've been MIA lately. Life has gotten in the way of me reading TR's. But I'm catching up now.

We had a day where we split up also. It worked well for us and everyone seemed much happier to see each other after getting to spend the day apart.

You mentioned the putt-putt golf....have you ever played? We've thought about it, but never have.

We were in the World Showcase that day. I remember us hearing about Michael Jackson while eating at Teppan Edo.

No worries about being MIA. Sometimes I think Summertime is crazier then school time.

I kind of liked splitting up, I mean - I missed the boys but it was nice to have some small group time too.

A friend had sent me a txt about Michael Jackson that day, we were at teh room resting so Steve & I turned the TV on, it was all that was on any channel at all. Crazy. Hey, its all thats on any channel still it seems.

Cat and I had done Summer Winterland a few yrs ago, and we really liked it. Steve and I were just so blah by this point. LOL Kind of warn out and the sky was looking iffy. Nobody missed out really, living at a tourist beach, we have fun courses here, so its no big deal.

I love the days off with nothing planned. I always need them and do love them as we do any thing or nothing. This way it feels like a vacation instead of going all the time and coming home and needing a vacation from the vacation. Enjoying your TR.

It was really relaxing to take that half day to do nothing much of anything. Having a longer vacation makes that feel so much more do-able without feeling like you are missing anything.

Glad you are enjoying it... check out my latest chapters... More pictures and more exciting. Our last full day was probably one of my favorite of the trip, tied with our 1st full day

 

[dd50]

All the times that we have been there I have never eaten at CP. Will have to try it.

 

[catherines_mama]

All the times that we have been there I have never eaten at CP. Will have to try it.

I JUST realized you have 2 wks til your trip! -Jealous!

Yes, CP is wonderful. It is beautiful to begin with, and the characters and food are great. This is pretty much the only thing we do on EVERY trip.

 

[dd50]

Yes, 2 more weeks. The best part is that my oldest daughter is meeting us there. Her and my 2 grandchildren are coming from CA.

 

[MagicShell]

I have have gone a while. I am caught up now. It sounds like you all were having a wonderful trip. I would choose to take a nap instead of see the stunt shows at DHS. Good choice. We love CP as well. Pooh is my favorite. I have never been able to see Wishes from in front of the castle. I really want to do that next time.

 

[catherines_mama]

I have have gone a while. I am caught up now. It sounds like you all were having a wonderful trip. I would choose to take a nap instead of see the stunt shows at DHS. Good choice. We love CP as well. Pooh is my favorite. I have never been able to see Wishes from in front of the castle. I really want to do that next time.

You have to see Wishes from there, its amazing! If you have the time, grab the sidewalk for Spectro and just stick around. If not, its okay, people walk up and watch Wishes just before it starts

 

[catherines_mama]

Upon getting to Frontierland we grabbed FPs to Splash and rode Thunder Mtn before getting inline for Tom Sawyers Island.

We were the 1st family in line and made sure that made us the 1st family on and off the raft. We were splitting into 2 teams – boys vs girls. We’d filled the kids in and they were very excited. I also explained that IF we found 2, we’d rehide ONE for another family to find – all agreed.

Off the raft the girls go right, the boys go left. I had Emma on my back – for like 2 minutes. We looked EVERYWHERE. Up, down, all around. We took 45 min searching that island. Other families who were on the raft with us ALSO found nothing.

We were all passing eachother (us and the other families we'd seen on the raft) asking, looking for help – nothing! Well, by now we were hot tired and just DONE! We reboarded the raft to go back. Hey, we had Splash FPs anyway. In unloading the boat captain asked some in charge looking man if they’d hid the paint brushes that day. His response “they just headed over to do that” at 10:45. Sigh! Oh well, we still had fun.

We took advantage of our Splash FPs and got in line. We walked all the way up and boarded with no stopping. This was Jack’s 1st time and he was a bit nervous. Every incline he’d ask “is this it?” In the end he enjoyed it. The kids were annoyed they did not get more wait, but not to worry – looking up we saw the dark grey sky would probably get them wet instead of the ride. LOL

We walked in the direction of POTC and saw a crazy line. Yes, it was starting to rain, but wow! We kept walking and considered Jungle Cruise but it was closed for the storm. The kids played in the spitters, yes in the rain, who cares they were wet anyway, then we decided to stop for a snack.

We went to Aloha Island and got dole whips and coke floats. it was a wonderful snack. We relaxed in that sitting area off to the side and just took a load off for awhile. We watched the people walk in the rain, the people wondering why the tree house was closed. We saw a few “we’re at Disney, you have to have fun” parent/children exchanges.

As the rain let up we were finishing our snacks and wandered over to some shopping kiosks. Jack got a pooka-shell necklace while Catherine got a charm for her Disney Charm bracelet. On the way out we ducked into a shop and Steve bought an aentenna ball for his truck. This amazed me – I was shocked! But he was in the Disney magical bubble – at the time. Since getting home it’s been put on my car. Once the Disney magic wore off he as like “umm no” about putting it on the truck. Too funny!

It was about 11:30 when we left Magic Kingdom. We were on our way back to POFQ to relax and get ready for our last night at Disney!

Having had snacks, the kids weren't really hungry so we just headed back to the room for a nap. On the way I took some pics. Steve really loved this fountain, and I thought it might be nice to frame and hang somewhere.

Next up: Our last night at Disney, dinner at LeCellier & Illuminations. The end to another perfect day!

 

[LuvnDizney]

All caught up on your trip report. sounds as though you are all having a great time and not stressing about getting this or that done. Can't wait to read about your dinner!!


Melissa

 

[pooksma]

Great updates. I love those quiet down days. Sometimes they help rejuvenate you.

CP breakfast looked liked it was a blast. That's a family tradition and DH loves to take "seemingly empty" park pics. Sad to hear this is coming to an end but excited to read about your wedding!

LC is my homegrown food- looking forward to your review

 

[catherines_mama]

As the kids rested, I packed. I left out their outfits for that night and the next day. I hate packing to go home – it sucks! After their rest the kids got up, showered and dressed. They had some snacks in the room to help them hold off until dinner. We all dressed up a little this night because we were going to LeCellier for dinner.

Our dinner reservations were at 6:55pm but we headed over around 5:00. The bus ride was quick and easy, even though we did run through POR.
Once into Epcot we stopped and did some photo ops then Steve took the kids to the bathroom while I doublechecked our ADR with guest services. I hadn’t remembered to verify the time before leaving oops. But I was right and she said not to mention too loudly we had ADRs there, people might get jealous. Lol

Meeting back up with the family we decided to ride Spaceship Earth – again. It was fun because this time I got to ride with Emma. She’d fallen asleep her 1st ride and it was fun to explain it all to her etc. After the ride we stopped to enjoy Project Tomorrow. We hadn’t stopped the other day we were here so this was really fun. The 2 big kids played the energy game while Emma did Super Driver.

Finishing up at Project Tomorrow we exited and realized we had to go AROUND to get the stroller. Steve went and did that and met back up with us. We headed to Club Cool to enjoy the Coca-Cola from around the world. Knowing what I know, I had the camera primed and ready for....

...Beverly!

Now this one is funny because she KNOWS its nasty and still tasted it, just to get the money shot.

We took a relaxed walk to World Showcase. Along the way everyone needed a potty break, except Emma and I. We sat and enjoyed the view while we waited. Finally we made it to Canada and checked in for dinner. Probably 10 minutes after checking in, leaving the stroller outside and waiting inside, it rained… stroller probably got soaked, I don’t know. By the time we got out it was dry, so I was happy, but I did worry about it.

We did have to wait about 20 minutes total for our table, but we were indoors in the A/C and dry from the rain. Finally called, we were escorted to our seat, a very nice booth. Kids fit into one side, while Steve and I sat in another.

We had an amazing waitress who helped us chose items to get. Kids all got steaks. Steve got the Veal Tbone and I got the Mushroom Filet minus the mushrooms. When the food arrived, we did what all parents do. Put ours aside and cut the kids up. While cutting we both took a bite… Oh-My-Gosh! The kids steaks were amazing! Usually the kid steak on any steakhouse menu are dry and really tasteless – these steaks were almost better than any adult steak most places. YUMMO!

Once we had the kids taken care of we got to enjoy our own meals. I took a bite and … delicious. WOW! It was really good! I mean – GOOD! Steve took a bite and I sat watching him… waiting. He just stared off into no where. “well honey, what?” He could not even find words, it was THAT GOOD! He was in heaven! When the waitress returned, he told her just how amazing his meal was and thanked her! She’d recommended it after all!

When we were finished, we got a box for the bone – yes, she looked at us oddly also, but he was hoping to be able to bring it home to the dog. He loves his dog.

Then, it was time for DESSERT! The best part of any meal, even after that amazing steak!! Steve ordered Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey cake

and I ordered the mouse

both were wonderful!

It was truly a wonderful dinner, one of our favorites!

Leaving LeCellier, Steve just loved this pavilion, he spent probably 10 minutes taking pictures

We then found spots at the rail, just off to the side of Canada. There was a tree partially obstructing the sky, but we had a perfect view of the water and the branch in the way was not that bothersome at all. It made it great b/c people weren’t crowding us for our spot.

It’s been years since I’ve seen Illuminations. Catherine went through a fear of fire. We could do other fireworks, but with the fire in the ball in the middle of the lake, she refused to sit through Illuminations. Thank goodness kids get older and grow out of things. As it started Steve and I stood behind Jack and Catherine with Emma to our side in the stroller. It was an amazing show and we all truly loved it!

Once the show was over, we joined the masses and headed to the bus. The ride home was uneventful but a bit sad. This was in fact our last night. And this time the next day, Catherine would be with her grandparents, gone for 5 weeks

We get back to POFQ and head straight to bed. I completed some packing and got to bed myself.

 

[catherines_mama]

All caught up on your trip report. sounds as though you are all having a great time and not stressing about getting this or that done. Can't wait to read about your dinner!!


Melissa

I swore I'd not stress out (too much) and just go with the flow. I had to show Steve I could be relaxed

Great updates. I love those quiet down days. Sometimes they help rejuvenate you.

CP breakfast looked liked it was a blast. That's a family tradition and DH loves to take "seemingly empty" park pics. Sad to hear this is coming to an end but excited to read about your wedding!

LC is my homegrown food- looking forward to your review

Well, we did LOVE LeCellier - it was amazing!

 

[tinkgurl]

Oooh yum Le Cellier! We ate there last year and loved it.

 

[catherines_mama]

HI EVERYONE!!!

Wow have I been MIA lately, I am SO sorry!!! And I only have a little bit left to report on.

Last week Steve was in and out of town on business. And I was pretty sick all week too. Luckily he was home Tuesday night and we got to go to the Rays/Yankees game *GO RAYS*. Being sick, I probably should have stayed home, but it was a GREAT game and I didn't scream at all - Promise!

This past weekend we drove to SC to pick Catherine up after her 5 wks with my parents. It was so wonderful to see her. We snuck in the backdoor and I suprised her. She hugged me and cried. She decided that next year - 3 wks is more then enough. LOL

While in SC my mom threw us a big party. Invited all my friends & family from SC/NC to meet Steve and celebrate our engagment/upcoming marriage. It was SO wonderful to see everyone and the party was amazing!

Our weekend went like this. 12noon - leave our house 10pm get to my parents, Saturday AM nails and party prep, Saturday PM party, Sunday 4am leave parents 2pm get home.

Can we say LONG WEEKEND that went by VERY fast.

Now we are home will ALL the kids. Its so great to have them all under the same roof at the same time. It's been too long. The big kids started practice this week, Cat - cheer, Jack - football. Its 5days/week right now, so that owns our evenings.

Needless to say we are BUSY! But I will sit down soon and finish this thing up. This weekend is another wedding filled weekend between our final meeting with the pastor, my shower from Steve's mom, and an alterations appt. I am just ready to have a NOTHING weekend... maybe in late September LOL

Miss ya'll!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hey Girl!

I've been MIA,too! It's tough in the Summertime to DIS with all going on and keeping up on all the PTR/TR's!! I just noticed on your ticker that one month from today is the BIG DAY!!!!!!!!!!!! You must be getting SO excited!! Your party back at your Mom's sounds so nice, how thoughtful of them to give you that!!!

Sounds like you're in full schedule with the kids now and their activities! We are on borrowed time here, ourselves. School doesn't start until 9/1 but that is sneaking up on us and FAST!

Loved all the recent update and pics, you're doing a great job! Can't wait to hear more!!!!

 

[catherines_mama]

I PROMISE promise that I will post a Trip Report update this weekend.

But 1st I have a Wedding crisis!

While Catherine was away for 5 weeks she gained some weight. I decided to let her try on her dress last night and..... it was .... TOO SMALL!!!

It zipped up but it puckered in the back and she had some issues with the straps in the front. 30 days before the wedding!!!!

I called David's (which is 1 hr away) and they said her dress/color has been discontinued!

I CAN exchange it but I have to change her dress and color. I found a color I like that goes with my scheme - Palm Beach Coral and luckily, its just her and Emma, so I can just get Emma a new sash for her dress.

So, tonight Catherine and I have to journey to Tampa to find a new dress. Much.. much too much stress.

 

[bigsis1970]

it's ok --- big deep breaths --- everything will be just fine.. Catherine will get the new color dress, you'll get Emma the new color sash and it will all be OK!! don't fret ..

 

[princess&her4princes]

Oh no!! Remember, things work out for a reason, it will all work out, you're going to walk in there today and find an even better dress for Catherine and a new sash for Emma and it will all fall together!!! Keep us posted!!! Good luck!!

 

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh, good luck with the dress situation!