11 nights! 3 resorts! A goose egg at Biergarten! A 9 year old IN A STROLLER! New 8/6!

[mirage0306]

And then we got some lunch.

What we got was the world's best fast food ever. The best hamburgers, the best fries, the best shakes. And since you can only get them in CA, AZ, Utah and Nevada, as soon as we firmed up our plans I would not be deterred.

I would eat at In-N-Out.

Oh, In-N-Out. I used to eat there all the time when we lived in CA. (Oink.) There was one at the end of our street, for crying out loud. Oh, how I miss them. Yes, Five Guys is a decent substitute. But there is nothing like the real deal.

I kid you not. I was so happy I was near tears.

Double double animal style, fries and chocolate shake. That's where it's at.

Liam also shocked us all by eating a double double himself. That thing is huge! The boy is getting an appetite, I fear.

We had tentative plans to see a ball game at Chase Field, but unfortunately, my dad hadn't been feeling so hot the last couple days. He had what he thought was some sort of allergic reaction on one side of his forehead and his eye. So we opted out, and instead headed over to Barnes and Noble to browse a bit. The kids found a zillion books they wanted, somehow narrowed it down, and my dad treated them.
Quinn picked a Bad Kitty book (he loves those), and a Phineas and Ferb book. Liam picked a book called Zombie Chasers (he loves it, so whatever) and a TOTALLY AWESOME book called You Choose: World War II: An Interactive History Adventure.

Oh my word, people!! He LOVES war (WWII especially) and there is a whole series of these books that I'm sure we'll end up getting him. They have so many—Pearl Harbor, WWI, the Civil War, Titanic, Great Depression, etc. Liam is a good reader, but we have trouble finding things he'll devour and these seem to do the trick. So happy.

After B&N, we went to dinner at Peter Piper Pizza, which is a chain in the southwest much like Chuck E. Cheese. But being a Sunday night, the place was deserted and the kids had a total blast. The pizza was pretty good, too. The kids earned a lot of tickets, but of course Liam earned more than Quinn. Quinn was having a terrible time deciding on what little made in China toy to get, and Liam shocked the heck out of me by telling Quinn he could have all of his tickets. He said, “I was just playing for fun, Mom.”

Me:

Then Quinn, with his newfound wealth, bought a toy for his brother.

Me:

it just kills me when my kids do stuff like that for each other. Now, if only they wouldn't try to kill each other the other half of the time.

All in all, a really nice day!

 

[mirage0306]

Monday brought us more pool time. I did a Turbo Fire DVD because I had been eating terribly.
That afternoon, we went to the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix, a hands-on science museum that gets great reviews, and let me tell you, they are well deserved! There was a ton to do here. They have a planetarium and IMAX theater, too, that we didn't have time to do. You could easily spend a day here with elementary aged kids.

This exhibit measured brain waves. The goal was to be as relaxed as possible.

Quinn won twice. Color me shocked.

Dirt. Always a big hit.

Crank the lever and turn on a light bulb.

They really had a great time here. I was pretty impressed with the facility. Seriously, there was so much to do. Two thumbs up.

We left Phoenix early enough to miss rush hour traffic, and then went to dinner at Carrabba's, which was not bad at all. I also had two Sam Adams. Urp. And lobster ravioli.

The waitress brought pizza dough for the boys to keep them entertained, and guess what they made out of it? Mickey's head. Sniff sniff.

We then headed over to Half Price books, where the kids picked out a few cheapies. Then back to the house for a good night's sleep. One thing I can say about that pool—it wore my kids out something fierce.

Tuesday was our last full day in Phoenix, and we spent the morning and early afternoon in the pool. Well, the kids did—I read poolside. So relaxing. Terry (my dad's wife) went out and got us In N Out AGAIN (be still my heart). I packed away another 2000 calorie meal, Liam ate another double double, and Q had grilled cheese.

Then it was showers, and time to visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History in downtown Mesa.

Rocks, dinosaurs, panning for gold. Definitely a hit.

Here they are measuring their thigh bone length against that of a dinosaur.

Liam thought we could pretend the pterodon was eating his head here.

Then it was off to pan for gold. The kids got really into this!

 

[mirage0306]

When we got back out to the car, I took a pic of the (dusty) dashboard.

110 degrees, people.

Then, back home—and dinner at IHOP. They had never been to an IHOP before, and very much want to go again, because chocolate chip pancakes for dinner are awesome.

Another good day! And now it's time for bed, because tomorrow is another long-ish day of driving. We're going to the Grand Canyon!





Wednesday morning, we got up and loaded up the car. We said goodbye to my dad and his wife, and thanked them for everything. I hate goodbyes. But we were excited to trek up north to see one of the most amazing wonders of the world.

The car ride was around 4 or 4.5 hours, so not too bad. We stopped in Flagstaff, about 2.5 hours from Phoenix, for lunch, more coffee, and restroom usage. At this time, I learned that a facebook friend of mine, who also lives in Santa Fe, was traveling to CA with her family and was at a park in Flagstaff for a picnic. Pretty funny.

Back on the road, and about 1.5 hours later, we paid our entrance fee at the gates to Grand Canyon National Park (which, to be honest, really looked like Wilderness Lodge!) and drove in. It was really, really busy (I anticipated that) so finding a parking spot took a bit, but eventually we lucked out and headed over to the visitor's center.

We picked up the Junior Ranger activity books for the boys. Guys, these things are awesome. They have activities geared towards different age groups. The kids have to do at least four activities and attend a Ranger-led program. If they do, they get a Junior Ranger badge. Of course my kids wanted to earn that badge, so they worked hard on their activities! Here they are, checking for different rocks around the canyon.

We then walked over to the first viewing spot—Mather Point. To say the canyon is amazing is a ridiculous understatement.

 

[mirage0306]

See that tiny little brown triangle in the middle down at the bottom? That's the Colorado River, which is responsible for carving out so much of the canyon. Incredible.

Here they are, working on their activity books.

And attending the Ranger led program about animals at the canyon.

Junior rangers at last!

So here's what I have to say. If you are anywhere in the American Southwest, GO TO THE GRAND CANYON. Just go. It's amazing. We only had a few hours there and while it was nowhere near enough (I want to go back!), I am so glad we went. Next time I want to hike down into the canyon and see more of the lookout points. We walked around the rim some, but only stopped at areas where there are guard rails (lots of places are right in the wide open and no way was I taking the boys out there).

The beauty of the Grand Canyon is enormous. Go. If you can, go.

After our awesome afternoon, we hit the gift shop and were back on our way to Flagstaff by about 5:30. We made it to our hotel by 7 or so, checked in, brought our stuff inside and headed down the street to Five Guys, where Liam polished off peanuts, fries, and another double burger (with bacon). He ate more than I did. Quinn had another grilled cheese and actually ate quite well.

We went over to Target after that to pick out birthday presents. Both boys have parties this weekend and I thought it was a decent time to knock that off our to-do list for the weekend.

That Target had a Starbucks, and also sold wine and beer. The Target in Santa Fe has no Starbucks, and doesn't sell wine or beer. Life is simply not fair.

It was getting late, so we went back to the room and crashed. I wanted to leave by ten the next day.

Thursday, we woke up, the boys watched some tv

and we went downstairs to the continental breakfast, which was surprisingly good! They had madke your own waffles, eggs, cereal, muffins, etc. It was better than I'd been expecting.

We packed up our stuff, loaded the car again, hit Starbucks and the gas station and hit the road. We made it in about 5 hours (stopped once).

And that was that! Our six day driving extravaganza was done.

The kids found new Nerf guns on the kitchen counter when we got home, too. Tim had gotten them a present. He made me dinner (steak and potatoes), I had a tasty cider, threw the laundry in, and went to bed. I'm going to take a break from driving for a bit.

Thanks for reading my trip report within a trip report! Now, back to your regularly scheduled Disney chatter (or whatever else you people want to talk about).

 

[jedijill]

Sounds like a great trip! I love the Grand Canyon too...it is amazing. I flew over it a few years ago on my way to Vegas...amazing perspective from the air as well.

Jill in CO

 

[monymony3471]

Something my husband wants to do so much. The pictures were incredible. I bet way better in person though. I was wondering if they allow people to roam around the canyon freely? Or just certain areas?

My oldest is a history buff, knows everything about the Civil War and then some. His history teachers always love having him in their classes. They tell me he brings something new to class everyday.

What is the phonetic pronunciation of those Cacti? The sombrero ones?

Curious.

Great TR within a TR!

 

[Emteach]

Just climbing aboard the bandwagon! Just spent a couple of hours last night and this morning reading your TR and loving it! Looks like you had a good time, for the most part, other than a couple of hiccups.

Looking forward to hearing more and also loving the TR within the TR

 

[Kerrio929]

Love the trip report within a trip report! The Grad Canyon is on my bucket list, but living in upstate NY doesn't offer many chances to get out there! Lol

Can't wait for the rest of your DIS report. (do you even remember that trip? I sure as heck wouldn't be able to recall details from that long ago.)

 

[Backstage_Gal]

So here's what I have to say. If you are anywhere in the American Southwest, GO TO THE GRAND CANYON. Just go. It's amazing. We only had a few hours there and while it was nowhere near enough (I want to go back!), I am so glad we went. Next time I want to hike down into the canyon and see more of the lookout points. We walked around the rim some, but only stopped at areas where there are guard rails (lots of places are right in the wide open and no way was I taking the boys out there).

We took the kids way back when and were around those areas with no rails. My kids were old enough, but I spent my time pulling other peoples kids off the edge. I have fear of falling, and seeing those little kids run around on the edge of the canyon with miles to fall about gave me multiple heart attacks.

Sounds like a great trip, thanks for doing it.

 

[3timesmom]

Hi, Meribeth! Greetings from Brasil ! A litle late but here I am ! Can't wait to hear more....as for the PS3, I have the same opinion as you...unfortunately, my two sons are on your son's side . Tania

 

[nilla]

Apparently the mama gorilla was chilling with a baby gorilla in there somewhere, but I couldn't get a good pic because of all the gorilla oglers. You know who you are.

Present!

But really, who doesn't stare at the gorillas? In fact, this is the perfect lead in to MY trip report, which I could selfishly link to right here if I actually had that update done. But it's coming. I know, I ruined the splash, but I'll try to make it good. It's about gorillas.

Now what were we talking about? Oh, that's right - YOUR trip report. Which I am finally caught up on. Which I am enjoying tremendously!

So much to comment on, but I'll instead offer up and education. Bobcats are nasty "cats" (the DISboards censored my first noun). Don't listen to anyone who would try to tell you otherwise.

Great TR! Not sure I would agree that going to Magic Kingdom one day, New Mexico the next, Animal Kingdom after that, back to New Mexico a day later, then to another Disney Park is a very good touring plan. And how long did it take to get a New Mexico bus? I have to wait long enough for Hollywood Studios.

Not being mean, just being honest. But if you tell me that on the next day you Park Hopped from Epcot to the Grand Canyon, I'm outta here.

But still, great TR

 

[RGirl]

I really enjoyed your mini-TR! It sounds like you and the boys had a nice visit with your dad, and you really got out and did a lot in those few days. Your Grand Canyon pictures are amazing! I want to go there even more now. I will definitely have to add that to the list of places I want to take DD someday soon.

 

[shan23877]

Great mini-TR! Since I'm not outdoorsy, the Grand Canyon hold little appeal for me, but DH would love to do it. I believe we've discussed that he's all into history and such like you. You guys would get along great! n Nonetheless, great photos and it sounds like a really nice road trip with your boys.

Speaking of those adorable boys, how sweet that they were so nice to each other at the Chuck E Cheese type place! That's awesome. I don't think that I willingly bought anything for my younger brother until I was 21.

And not to brag or anything (who am I kidding, I'm totally bragging) my Target has Starbucks and hooch. Target is my favorite place in the whole world.

 

[CatNipRules]

i think that your pictures are wonderful! I'm hoping to get to the Grand Canyon one day. It's definitely on my bucket list. Although living in Alabama it might or might not ever happen. LOL!!

I admit that I did tear up at Liam and Quinn and the game tickets. Isn't it funny how kids can be so nice sometimes, but other times ready to kill each other? LOL!!

Definitely enjoyed reading about it!!

 

[laura74]

Meribeth, love the TR in a TR and the Grand Canyon looks amazing, as do the burgers at In & Out. Did you order yours "animal style"?

I am also very jealous of your dad's pool.

 

[mirage0306]

Hey guys!!

I promise, promise promise promise, to get back to my regular TR soon. IT IS NOT ABANDONED.

Sounds like a great trip! I love the Grand Canyon too...it is amazing. I flew over it a few years ago on my way to Vegas...amazing perspective from the air as well.

Jill in CO

It really was great. Wow--I have never seen it from the air! That must look awesome!

Something my husband wants to do so much. The pictures were incredible. I bet way better in person though. I was wondering if they allow people to roam around the canyon freely? Or just certain areas?

My oldest is a history buff, knows everything about the Civil War and then some. His history teachers always love having him in their classes. They tell me he brings something new to class everyday.

What is the phonetic pronunciation of those Cacti? The sombrero ones?

Curious.

Great TR within a TR!

Thanks!

The pronunciation is suh-gwar-oh. Quinn *finally* got it.

You know, I am not sure if there are areas that are off limits. I'm assuming that there are, but you are allowed to walk all around the rim, go on lookout points that don't have guard rails (no thanks), and hike down into the canyon. There are day hikes and overnight hikes, too. So much to do and see.

That's awesome about your son.

Just climbing aboard the bandwagon! Just spent a couple of hours last night and this morning reading your TR and loving it! Looks like you had a good time, for the most part, other than a couple of hiccups.

Looking forward to hearing more and also loving the TR within the TR

Hi! Welcome! Thank you so much for reading. So happy to have you along!

Love the trip report within a trip report! The Grad Canyon is on my bucket list, but living in upstate NY doesn't offer many chances to get out there! Lol

Can't wait for the rest of your DIS report. (do you even remember that trip? I sure as heck wouldn't be able to recall details from that long ago.)

Thank goodness I took (crappy) notes. And of course, looking at the pictures jogs my memory.

I hope you're able to get out to see the canyon sometime. It truly is an amazing experience!

We took the kids way back when and were around those areas with no rails. My kids were old enough, but I spent my time pulling other peoples kids off the edge. I have fear of falling, and seeing those little kids run around on the edge of the canyon with miles to fall about gave me multiple heart attacks.

Sounds like a great trip, thanks for doing it.

Oh lord, that would have made me so nervous. My kids did fine, and were great about staying right with me, which is part of the reason I didn't want to go when they were younger. I had visions of them propelling themselves off the edge.

Hi, Meribeth! Greetings from Brasil ! A litle late but here I am ! Can't wait to hear more....as for the PS3, I have the same opinion as you...unfortunately, my two sons are on your son's side . Tania

Hi!! So happy you've joined!!

Yeah, the PS3...ugh. My kids are okay if I put time limits on it, but if not they'll just play all day and i really hate that. Blurgh.

Present!

But really, who doesn't stare at the gorillas? In fact, this is the perfect lead in to MY trip report, which I could selfishly link to right here if I actually had that update done. But it's coming. I know, I ruined the splash, but I'll try to make it good. It's about gorillas.

Now what were we talking about? Oh, that's right - YOUR trip report. Which I am finally caught up on. Which I am enjoying tremendously!

So much to comment on, but I'll instead offer up and education. Bobcats are nasty "cats" (the DISboards censored my first noun). Don't listen to anyone who would try to tell you otherwise.

Great TR! Not sure I would agree that going to Magic Kingdom one day, New Mexico the next, Animal Kingdom after that, back to New Mexico a day later, then to another Disney Park is a very good touring plan. And how long did it take to get a New Mexico bus? I have to wait long enough for Hollywood Studios.

Not being mean, just being honest. But if you tell me that on the next day you Park Hopped from Epcot to the Grand Canyon, I'm outta here.

But still, great TR

New Mexico buses come far less frequently than the ones from Epcot to the Grand Canyon. Good thing my kids were in a good mood. It was far longer than the stated 20 minutes. Like, at least 45.

Who can I complain to? Maybe I can get some park tickets comped!!

I really enjoyed your mini-TR! It sounds like you and the boys had a nice visit with your dad, and you really got out and did a lot in those few days. Your Grand Canyon pictures are amazing! I want to go there even more now. I will definitely have to add that to the list of places I want to take DD someday soon.

Thank you!! We did have a nice time, and of course the Grand Canyon was just amazing. I hope you are able to visit someday. It's truly breathtaking IRL.

Great mini-TR! Since I'm not outdoorsy, the Grand Canyon hold little appeal for me, but DH would love to do it. I believe we've discussed that he's all into history and such like you. You guys would get along great! n Nonetheless, great photos and it sounds like a really nice road trip with your boys.

Speaking of those adorable boys, how sweet that they were so nice to each other at the Chuck E Cheese type place! That's awesome. I don't think that I willingly bought anything for my younger brother until I was 21.

And not to brag or anything (who am I kidding, I'm totally bragging) my Target has Starbucks and hooch. Target is my favorite place in the whole world.

OMG. You too?? It seems like everyone I know across the country has Sbux and wine in their Target and we have jack diddly. IT IS SO UNFAIR.

Yes, my boys can be incredibly kind and generous to each other. Too bad they can also be horrible. Just depends on the day, I suppose!

i think that your pictures are wonderful! I'm hoping to get to the Grand Canyon one day. It's definitely on my bucket list. Although living in Alabama it might or might not ever happen. LOL!!

I admit that I did tear up at Liam and Quinn and the game tickets. Isn't it funny how kids can be so nice sometimes, but other times ready to kill each other? LOL!!

Definitely enjoyed reading about it!!

Thanks!! And yes, I don't get it. Sometimes Liam complains to me that Quinn is ruining his life (hello drama) and other times he does stuff like that with the game tickets. I know my kids love each other underneath everything, but oof, there are times I question that!!

Meribeth, love the TR in a TR and the Grand Canyon looks amazing, as do the burgers at In & Out. Did you order yours "animal style"?

I am also very jealous of your dad's pool.

My dad's pool was incredible. Holy cow.

Yes, I did order my burger animal style!! It's my favorite. And a neopolitan shake. Oh, In-N-Out, I miss you already.

 

[CatNipRules]

Thanks!! And yes, I don't get it. Sometimes Liam complains to me that Quinn is ruining his life (hello drama) and other times he does stuff like that with the game tickets. I know my kids love each other underneath everything, but oof, there are times I question that!!

I couldn't stop laughing at this!!

As the oldest of 6 kids I can feel Liam's pain! I was constantly telling my parents that my sisters and brothers were ruining my life. I even asked my mom why my sister had to follow me everywhere. When she told me that she looked up to me I asked her why she couldn't look up to someone else. LOL!!

I even tried to lose my brother's at the playground one day. It didn't work and I got grounded for my efforts. I still say that it wasn't fair. LOL!

Now though, most of us are best friends and we can even stand to be in the same room at one time. LOL!!

 

[mirage0306]

I couldn't stop laughing at this!!

As the oldest of 6 kids I can feel Liam's pain! I was constantly telling my parents that my sisters and brothers were ruining my life. I even asked my mom why my sister had to follow me everywhere. When she told me that she looked up to me I asked her why she couldn't look up to someone else. LOL!!

I even tried to lose my brother's at the playground one day. It didn't work and I got grounded for my efforts. I still say that it wasn't fair. LOL!

Now though, most of us are best friends and we can even stand to be in the same room at one time. LOL!!

SIX kids!! Wow. So glad to hear you guys all get along now. You give me hope.

 

[mirage0306]

All right. If I don't post an update, I fear my friends will disown me.

Also, considering the trip is becoming a distant memory at this point, if I don't get back in the swing of things, the report will die a dismal death.

Day 7, Part 2: Yuck.

So, back before Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, I was doing laundry at BWI. We ended that saga on a happy note, because I beat the angry laundry gods. To quote Walter White, “I WON.” Except no one died in a nursing home explosion. In my world, there's just laundry hanging on every possible surface of our room.

It's mid afternoon, and it's time to walk over to Epcot. Which we do. We stop into Innoventions to see what the wait time is like for Sum of All Thrills. It's 20 minutes, so Tim and Liam get in line while Quinn and I explore some more. I really love Innoventions.

“I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, Mirage0306 likes me!”
--Innoventions

Then it's off to one of Quinn's favorites (despite getting stuck on it last year during EMH)--Spaceship Earth.

Note: Once, on Facebook, a friend posted asking that her kid wanted to know where roads came from. I immediately hopped on and commented “IT'S BECAUSE OF THE ROMANS!” Thank you, Judi Dench.

And now....Now, we get to part of our title. And you will surely guess which part after I post the picture letting you all know where we planned to dine that evening.

We didn't eat a the Biergarten last year, but I had heard/read really good reviews of it. Supposedly, it had some good choices for Quinn; it had lots of meat for Tim; and it had a polka band. I kid you not when I say we love polka. Chances are, we're the only family who actually listens to polka. On purpose.

Tim loves it, and was excited to eat real food (not fries) and listen to polka.

Sadly, both of those things would not happen. Or rather, would happen for a fleeting moment.

We waited in a really long check in line, and were finally seated with a quiet but nice family from I don't remember where. We got our plates and Quinn was being extra picky so all he really had was a roll and a little mac and cheese. At this point, I'm all, whatever.

I took small amounts of lots of things and was really blown away by the herring salad. It was amazing.

Tim went up to get his food when we got back, and was so happy there were so many things he could eat. We chatted with our neighbor family and settled in for some polka polka polka!

About this time, Quinn decided he wanted to go up for some more bread products. He was very excited, and when we got to the buffet area, it was empty (odd, since earlier the line to get food was pretty long). Quinn, in all his six year old excitement, made a beeline for the rolls...

And ran RIGHT SMACK DAB into the plexiglass divider that sits on top of the food (you know, so people don't spit in the salad).

It all happened in an instant. You know what I mean? I couldn't even react—before I knew it, he had smashed his forehead and was hysterical.

I scooped him up and managed to get a look at his forehead, Immediately, it was turning greenish purple and a huge, I mean super large, lump was growing. Right there in the middle of his forehead.

I carried him back to the table. It was really hard to talk, because the polka band was loud. I tried to brief Tim, and then went to find someone who hopefully would have an ice pack because this thing was huge. A server got me a manager, and she was able to track down an ice pack for us. I took him outside, and we sat on a bench together and I snuggled him while he cried.

After awhile, he calmed down, and wanted to go to sleep. I sometimes fear concussions with bumps on the head, but he never lost consciousness, reacted immediately to the pain, and his eyes looked fine, so I let him conk.

We went back into the restaurant, settled the bill, and left. Quinn barely ate, Tim didn't have enough (I think he could have had more when we came back, but wasn't feeling up to it). Back outside, we got Quinn comfortable in the stroller (as comfortable as you can be in a Disney stroller, I suppose) and walked around some. I stopped into Karamel Kuche for some caramel corn and THEY WERE SOLD OUT

so no caramel corn for me.

Seriously, this night SUCKED.

However, we figured we had one last chance to maybe turn things around and that was to stake out a decent spot for Illuminations and maybe, maybe we'd get to enjoy it. We walked over to one of those spots in Germany that kind of juts out into the water, and hung out there for a bit. Tim called my ILs, who were having dinner in Italy, and they came over to join us after they ate. Tim went and got himself a beer and then I went and got another grey goose slush--#4, maybe?

and then Quinn started to wake up.

We did have a really good view.

He was feeling better, but poor kid was, on top of everything else, embarrassed. I think Illuminations helped cheer him up some, though. By the time it was over, he was acting like himself again. Same old, same old, except with a goose egg.

We contemplated our options after it ended, and I clued my ILs in to the fact that Soarin' was open until 10 and that from what I'd been told on my boards, many people didn't take advantage of this (even though it was printed right in the Times Guide). I checked my WDW waits app, which had it at 5 minutes. We decided to walk over and check it out before going back to the BWI.

And, wouldn't you know it—15 min. wait when we arrived, and it changed to 20 just as we walked in.

Awesome.

As always, Soarin' rocked. And we were all so happy and grateful that Quinn was okay, and feeling fine. It was honestly a terrible night, but it had improved—and things could have been much worse, too.

Back at the BWI, the kids got pizza from the BW window (Quinn was especially starving, since his dinner had been about three bites of a roll and some mac and cheese). We went up to the room to relax, and waiting for me there was a tiramisu that I'd bought earlier and yes, it was every bit as delicious as I'd hoped.

So, that's that. The goose egg at Biergarten portion of the story. A lousy experience, lousy evening, but we did make the best of it. I won't lie and say we weren't bummed by the turn of events (especially since this was the restaurant Tim had been looking forward to most), but we were grateful and relieved that Quinn was all right.

You should have SEEN that bump though, guys. Big bump. Huge.

 

[shan23877]

OMG! How terrible! I have to know if you laughed a little though. Last week, I took DD to the doc for her physical. She kicked and screamed so much while the nurse tried to give her the shots that I was silently shaking with laughter.

This is totally the type of place where some one would pipe up and say "We love polka too!!" I am not that someone. I have never heard anyone (other than John Candy) claim to enjoy polka.

Great Lost pics! LOVE HURLEY!!

I'm so sorry that your day sucked. Will you make an ADR for Biergarten next trip?