You Said What to Alice and the White Rabbit?-the end, 1/10 pg 15

[martinolichfamily]

Hey Erika!
Hope all is well with you and your family!
We are good and yes! we did finally get moved...it's been about a month and half...now we are just waiting for baby! Oh...and school is starting in a week for DS (4th Grade) and then DD will be going to preschool that following week.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Just checking in... I can see that you're around today... maybe an update??

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

The Rest of Arrival Day and Day 2

It has been over a month since I last updated. I hope I still have a few followers out there. I do apologize. We got home from Disney in July and have been on the go ever since. Tom and Jeremy went to Fun with Son scout camp. Then the boys went with me on a quick business trip to Charlotte, NC. We had a great time and met a wonderful Dis friend, Poolrat Pat. Then we all went on another scout camp the first of August. PTO and Cub Scouts have kicked into full swing again! To say I have been overwhelmed and exhausted lately would be an understatement.

Jeremy started fourth grade a week ago today. Our school system started a dual bus system this year so he is now riding the bus to school. He loves it but the downside is the elementary students go to school from 9-4. He is exhausted when he gets home!

I actually had to go back and read my prior post to see where I left off so let's get this trip moving along.....

After finding out we had a wonderful savanna view room, we headed to Boma for dinner.

I had every intent of showing food porn this trip but once again, Tom drew the line when I started to take a picture of our plates. So, no food porn! You can thank Tom for that. Boma was okay. It seemed like they didn't have a lot of the dishes I liked before.

With our bellies full, we wondered through the gift shop where Jeremy found his first purchase---Stitch gloves! Remember me mentioning that I had left my diamond earrings at home and something next to it! Well, it dawns on me that I never unpacked Jeremy's envelope of souvenir money. He had been saving for quite a while and had a pretty hefty loot. That sinking feeling sets in especially after I remembered throwing away some things out of the side of the suitcase I had found from other trips. Tom had already took a bag of garbage to the bins with all the food packaging I had unpacked. I calmly tell Jeremy that I left his cash in the room and we would have to go up and get it.

On the way to the room, I fill Tom in that 1. I left the money at home or 2. I threw it away! We get to the room and the money is nowhere to be found. My friend was watering my flowers for us so I called her to see if she had been over for the day. She hadn't and was heading over in a few minutes. I told her how to get in the house and she said she would call me as soon as she did so we could see if in fact I had left it. Jeremy was soo upset. He didn't throw a major fit but there were some tears shed that mommy lost his money. I calmly told him that if it was not at home that Mommy would make sure he had the money from her stash for his souvenirs.

We passed part of the waiting time looking out the balcony.

We loved watching these birds. Tom had a theory about what they were up to in these pictures, and for once, he was right. More to come on that later.....

My nerves were starting to get the best of me. I was soo worried that I had thrown that money away. It was getting the best of me. So, Jeremy and I decided to go explore Kidani Village. Tom was yet again asleep. And, of all places, he was asleep on the balcony. I did wake him up and got him to go inside so he wouldn't have the neighbors calling for help because of his snoring.

It was a nice walk to Kidani. We looked around but I didn't take any pictures. On the way back to Jambo house, my friend called. I told her to look where I thought I had put the money bag and it wasn't there. She looked around my bedroom and guess what was next to my diamond earrings---the money bag! Crisis averted! I thanked her profusely and promised her and her daughter a special souvie would be on its way home to them. Jeremy was happy, I was happy so off to the gift shop we headed.

We got back to the room and Tom was still asleep. He hadn't even remembered that we had gone to begin with. I think the man was just worn out. He works so hard and does too much that I think this vacation was just what he needed.

Continued in next post.....

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

My only complaint about Animal Kingdom lodge would be the beds. Well, what goes squeak squeak in the night at AKL is not a mouse or any animal for that matter, but the bed. Every time one of us rolled over, it squeaked and woke the other person up. It was very annoying to say the least. Jeremy did not like the pull out sofa at all there. Tom and I agreed with him that it was very uncomfortable.

I awoke on Saturday morning June 25th very early. I got dressed as I knew the boys wouldn't be up for a while so I head out for a 30 minute walk around the property. It was nice but was starting to get very hot and humid! I went and got our mugs filled up and the boys were still asleep when I returned.

I got breakfast and headed to the balcony when I spotted this.....

Tom had thought the African cranes were making a nest in the grass. For once, he was right. The mommy crane had laid an egg. I was soo excited and ran in to tell him. He and Jeremy started getting up then as they wanted to see it as well.

I just love the wildebeast! There was only one on the Arusha savanna when we were there but over at Kidani they had a whole herd. I think I have a picture from later on.

Jeremy finally made it out of bed!

Enjoying breakfast on the balcony!

I loved watching these guineas. They can move very fast and are always in a group. The crane didn't like them in this picture.

While we were there, one of the cast members who takes care of the animals comes out onto the savanna. She was making noise to get the guineas to come back and eat. She saw us out and struck up a conversation. We told her what direction the guineas had went and then she asked if we had seen the cranes.

We told her about the egg. She was excited and glad we let her know as I guess the cranes can be aggressive and tend to take after the workers. She proceeded to tell us about all the animals on the savanna and gave us the names of the giraffes and how they were related to each other.

It was a wonderful experience. We learned a lot and really enjoyed it. She told Tom he was the official egg watcher the rest of our stay.


Up Next:

What will we do our first day?
What restaurant will become our least favorite?
Update on the Thanksgiving Trip

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Hey Erika!
Hope all is well with you and your family!
We are good and yes! we did finally get moved...it's been about a month and half...now we are just waiting for baby! Oh...and school is starting in a week for DS (4th Grade) and then DD will be going to preschool that following week.

Hi Heather! Great to hear from you. Hope you are doing well. Oh my, sure hope you survived DD's first day of preschool!

Just checking in... I can see that you're around today... maybe an update??

I was updating when you sent this. Thanks for sticking around!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Yay!! An update!!

We start school tomorrow (was supposed to be today) & I do the PTO thing too so I know what you mean about things being crazy! I'm lucky to have my good friend & next door neighbor, Laura, to co-chair the PTO with. Lots of other activities on the verge of starting up soon too - soccer, trumpet & swimming!

I'm soooo glad you found the money!!! I can't imagine how you were feeling when you thought you might have thrown it away!!!

The savannah is so beautiful. So cool that you found that egg!!

Can't wait to see what's next.

 

[Poolrat]

How stressful! I know that sick feeling when either it is there or you threw it away and you have to wait to find out!!! I am so glad you found the money - and the earrings.

I was able to score AKL sav view during the NYE trip.

Can't wait to see what the day brings.

 

[shan23877]

following along- I cannot wait to find out what Jeremy said to the white rabbit! So glad you found the $. Thank goodness!

 

[MeMom]

I'm lovin' all the AKL pictures.

So glad the money was found. I know that was a sick feeling for a while.

You got a nice morning walk! I love walking around in the quiet of a Disney morning.

I hope Jeremy has a good school year.

 

[momof2TNboys]

Love the pics of AKL. We just bought DVC also and I cannot wait to stay there. I am from Kentucky also and actually graduated from UK. Great report. Can't wait to hear more!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

I had to post a quick little update today to share some exciting news! As most of you know, we are heading back to Disney World to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I love Disney at Christmastime and can hardly wait to get back and soak up all the holiday cheer. Originally, our plans had been to arrive on Sunday, November 20th - Monday, November 28th and do MVMCP on Sunday, November 27th.

A couple of weeks ago, we changed our minds and decided we would leave on Thursday, November 17th after school and stay through Saturday, November 26th. It would give us more time in the parks before the Thanksgiving crowds arrive and a day to rest before we have to head back to work. We are doing MVMCP on Friday, November 18th--what better way to kick off our vacation!!!

So, when I made the change I had us at three resorts, OKW for 2 nights, BW for 2 nights, and SSR for 4 nights. To say Tom was not happy was an understatement! Well, guess what happened today................................................................................................











my



Waitlist




came


through!!!! We are at the BW for the first 4 nights and SSR the last 4! I am bursting with excitement. Jeremy can't wait to stay at the BW. He was bummed we couldn't stay there the entire trip. He is going to be sooooo excited when I tell him tonight. He can't wait to swim in that scary clown pool!

It would be nice if the last 4 nights waitlist came through but I will not complain if it doesn't. Look for another update later today!!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

That's fantastic news!!!

I don't think it's going to happen at this point, but I'm hoping our waitlist comes through for our November trip. We are currently booked at BWV but are waitlisted at BCV. I'll be completely happy with BWV but I've stayed at BWI before & DH would REALLY prefer BC over BW.

DVC reservations have to be canceled 30 days out in order to keep the points, right? I'm hoping someone will cancel their reservation around that time so our waitlist comes through!

Here's some pixie dust that the rest of your trip opens up at BW!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Yay!! An update!!

We start school tomorrow (was supposed to be today) & I do the PTO thing too so I know what you mean about things being crazy! I'm lucky to have my good friend & next door neighbor, Laura, to co-chair the PTO with. Lots of other activities on the verge of starting up soon too - soccer, trumpet & swimming!

I'm soooo glad you found the money!!! I can't imagine how you were feeling when you thought you might have thrown it away!!!

The savannah is so beautiful. So cool that you found that egg!!

Can't wait to see what's next.

I like doing PTO but we have a new supt. who is making life difficult for us. We can no longer do anything during the school day (ie. Santa Shop, Mother's Day Flower Sale) unless we do it at lunch time. The students barely have enough time to eat their lunch let alone do those things as well. If this continues, I am afraid he is going to make a lot of parents want to quit PTO. It is very frustrating. What fun activites does your PTO do? I am always looking for new ideas!

It made me sick to think I could have thrown that money away. I was glad it was found!

I love the savannah. I could have spent all day on the balcony watching the animals.

How stressful! I know that sick feeling when either it is there or you threw it away and you have to wait to find out!!! I am so glad you found the money - and the earrings.

I was able to score AKL sav view during the NYE trip.

Can't wait to see what the day brings.

Guess what......I lost one of the diamond earrings a couple of weeks ago! I know it is in the house somewhere. I need to get the vaccuum bag out as I think I may have sucked it up in there! I used to never be this careless!!

You will love savannah view!!! I am so excited for you. Be sure to take lots of pictures!

following along- I cannot wait to find out what Jeremy said to the white rabbit! So glad you found the $. Thank goodness!

It will be toward the end of the trip as to what he said. It is funny at that age the things they learn and how they have no idea the true meaning of them. He has been back in school one week and the things he comes home telling is awful! I think some parents never screen what their child sees or hears.

I'm lovin' all the AKL pictures.

So glad the money was found. I know that was a sick feeling for a while.

You got a nice morning walk! I love walking around in the quiet of a Disney morning.

I hope Jeremy has a good school year.

I actually thought of you the morning I was walking around AKL. My texting is not the best in the world or I would have sent you some pictures! I am almost cellphone illiterate.

School should be interesting this year. Jeremy is in 4th grade and they switch teachers. He seems to be adjusting fine. The district has placed a lot of expectations on the teachers and went so far to tell some that if their test scores don't come up, they would have to find another job next year. In reality, I think they are putting more pressure on the students. He doesn't go to school now until 9 and gets out at 4. He is exhausted when he comes home and often times has homework. He only has 10 minutes of recess a day and 30 minutes lunch. Beyond that, it is all instructional time. They are not allowed to have anything "fun" during the day that is not instructional in nature. Will see how it goes.....

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Love the pics of AKL. We just bought DVC also and I cannot wait to stay there. I am from Kentucky also and actually graduated from UK. Great report. Can't wait to hear more!!

It is always nice to have a fellow Kentuckian here! I am a huge UK fan, however, I graduated from Morehead State. Glad you are here.

We loved staying DVC. It was the best decision we made. I think you will really enjoy it.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

That's fantastic news!!!

I don't think it's going to happen at this point, but I'm hoping our waitlist comes through for our November trip. We are currently booked at BWV but are waitlisted at BCV. I'll be completely happy with BWV but I've stayed at BWI before & DH would REALLY prefer BC over BW.

DVC reservations have to be canceled 30 days out in order to keep the points, right? I'm hoping someone will cancel their reservation around that time so our waitlist comes through!

Here's some pixie dust that the rest of your trip opens up at BW!!

I am going to send you some pixie dust for your trip!!! I would love to stay at the BCV also! Sure hope it somes through for you.

Not sure about the cancellation policy. For some reason, I think you are right. I really need to read up on all this stuff a lot more!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Phew! I am so glad you found that money. I hate that sinking feeling that you get when you realize something like that. Eeek!!!

How cool about the nest and egg, very cool!

You are going to love Boardwalk, it is just so awesome.

 

[lbuzz52]

i am still laughing about the snoring. you can hear my husband snore in every room of the house, so i can relate.
i'm so glad you didn't lose the money! those stitch gloves are pretty cool
glad your waitlist came through. i think that is a great combination of resorts/ resort areas!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Phew! I am so glad you found that money. I hate that sinking feeling that you get when you realize something like that. Eeek!!!

How cool about the nest and egg, very cool!

You are going to love Boardwalk, it is just so awesome.

We are soooo excited about the Boardwalk. Jeremy is so looking forward to that clown pool!

i am still laughing about the snoring. you can hear my husband snore in every room of the house, so i can relate.
i'm so glad you didn't lose the money! those stitch gloves are pretty cool
glad your waitlist came through. i think that is a great combination of resorts/ resort areas!

We are looking forward to the BW and SSR. We have never stayed at either so it should be lots of fun.

 

[Sooze]

I'm still here Erika! I am JUST as bad with my own updates right now, so no apologies necessary!

So GLAD you found (or your friend found) that money!! What an awful feeling!!

We are staying at AKL for our very first time in October and I sure hope we get to see some of the great things y'all did!

Congrats on the waitlist coming through. I always LOVE getting those DVC envelopes in the mail when I'm on a waitlist.

Ready for more... whenever you are!

 

[martinolichfamily]

Yay Erika! So glad to find an update!

Glad you found Jeremy's Souvie $$! At least it was at home and not in a trash can!

The view from your room is so cool! I so want to stay there one day!

I'm doing good..counting doen these weeks til baby arrives...I;m ready! The 100 + degree days here in TX are no fun...i basically stay in the house!

I did survive DD's first day of preschool this week! There were tears but I came home and took a nap! Tomorrow is day 2 for her! She loved it...hope she does as well tomorrow as she did on the first day!

Can;t wait to read more updates! I'm going through those Disney Blues right about now!

Yay for you getting the waiting list to come through!