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

[nancy drew]

Coffee!

I am addicted to Dunkin Donuts coffee. The 5x's more expensive coffee while we are at it. I can't drink anything else, I try, but I just cry.

There is something in it, probably crack, and I can't part with it.

I also have to have the carnation french vanilla "pump" creamer in it. I have tried others and again, I cry.

I purchased a coffee pot, sent it to Pop two years ago so I could have my own coffee in the morning. Yes I am that bad.

I try not to drink pop at all. If I do, it's coke, another product with crack.

Well, that's almost true... or at least it used to be almost true.

 

[Disneyworld2122]

Welcome to my first ever trip report!

I mostly lurk on the DIS, but I love me some trip reports, let me tell you. And this year, I decided during our trip that I was going to write one. Not only are they fun, and hopefully informative to people planning, but I would love it as a souvenir of sorts. I obviously have no idea if anyone is going to read it but I'll attempt to write it anyway.

So. On with the show!

Introductions!

Since I'm writing this beauty, let's start with me. My name is Meribeth. I'm a 36 year old who, in addition to handling the day to day affairs of my family, works full time. It's a juggling act, that's for sure. I love to knit, obsess over LOST (yes I know it ended 2+ years ago thankyouverymuch), work out, and plan Disney trips, of course.

I have to say, though, that I have a terrible habit (terrible to others--not to me) of bringing just about everything around to LOST. So, if you hated that show, you'll probably hate my TR.

This is me.

My hair doesn't look that good when I style it myself.

My favorite parks at Disney are Epcot and Animal Kingdom. My favorite rides are the Safari, Soarin', and BTMRR. My favorite LOST episode is The Constant.

(See?)

Next up is my DH, Tim. He is a network administrator. He likes Disney, but doesn't quite love it as much as I do, but he is a good sport. He likes pirate music, watching cartoons with the kids, taking our dogs for walks, and hopes to get back into doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (he had shoulder surgery last year that has been difficult to recover from).

Here he is, sharing his seat with everyone's favorite fruity drink from the Poly: The lapu lapu!

His favorite parks are the same as mine because I'm awesome, his favorite ride is POTC, and his favorite LOST episode is...I have no idea. He doesn't love the show like I do.

[Insert sad violin music]

The third member of our family is Liam, age 9. If Liam could do one thing for the rest of his life, it would be play games on the PS3. If I could do one thing today, I'd throw the PS3 out. You might guess that we clash over this regularly. Liam is a sweet, smart kid who does a really good job of putting up with his brother.

Liam's favorite park is the Magic Kingdom. His favorite rids are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. His favorite LOST episode is--Okay, that joke has long run its course.

Our last (human) family member is 6 year old Quinn, who we all love dearly even though he never stops talking. Seriously, this kid spouts every thought that enters his little head. Quinn basically loves anything that Liam loves.

They fight a lot.

Quinn's favorite park is the Magic Kingdom, and his two favorite rides are Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan. Oh, and Aladdin. And Dumbo. And Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.

Can you tell he is feeding me this information as I type?

So, that's us.

Oh, and we also have two rescue dogs. I can't forget them. They are Moxie (2) and Doobie (3). (Before you start making assumptions here, Quinn insisted that Doobie's name be Doobie, as in Scooby Doobie Doo. Of course, he isn't the one who has to call the vet and make appointments for "Doobie" and sound like a complete imbecile, so thanks for that, there, little guy.) They spent almost two weeks boarding at the vet, but were returned none the worse for wear, and are back to their regular slothful selves.

Here is The Doob, as we lovingly call him (He's the Doob. Not Jeffrey Lebowski!)

And Moxie

Now you know the players, so let's get to the setting. We're looking at June 5 - 16, 2012. First five nights: Caribbean Beach, pirate room. Second five nights: Boardwalk Inn, club level. Last night: Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Are you with me?

No?

Well, let's get this party started anyway!

Can't wait to read.

 

[nancy drew]

Yup, just double checked with Liam (lest I lead you astray) and he confirmed that youtube, internet, etc are fine on the Droid at home. I assume you'd be able to pick up wifi while you're out and about.

What are you going to get??

Well now I don't know. I was just drooling over phones online and it looks like I might need to change my plan, which means an increase in monthly cost. I really hate how they do that. I found another new toy I'm drooling over, though, so maybe I can live with my perfectly-good-but-not-the-latest-technology phone.

 

[monymony3471]

Well, that's almost true... or at least it used to be almost true.

I remember hearing the stories, whether it is true or not, it is so addicting! I was being silly! I need my coffee most definitely each and every day!

Shameless plug alert:

Please read my TR!

 

[mirage0306]

Okay people, I don't have time to do the second half of day 7 tonight

Readers:

because I am taking my boys to see my dad in AZ tomorrow

Readers:

And I have to finish packing

Readers:

So I IMPLORE YOU, don't give up on me. K?

I'm actually super duper excited. Yeah, I have to endure a 7+ hour car ride with my kids, with no backup

Readers:

BUT I haven't seen my dad in 3+ years, and I am so excited. And the boys are, too. And, we're going to see the Grand Canyon on the way back. Despite having lived here in the American Southwest for the past fifteen years, I've never been!! So we are rectifying that now. I am sad that Tim can't join us, but he used up all his vacation time at Disney, so it's a no go this time.

Anyway, don't give up on me. I'll be back. With bells on.

I'm just going to throw this one in here because I can. And because I love Ben. And Hurley. And hot pockets.

Coffee!

I am addicted to Dunkin Donuts coffee. The 5x's more expensive coffee while we are at it. I can't drink anything else, I try, but I just cry.

There is something in it, probably crack, and I can't part with it.

I also have to have the carnation french vanilla "pump" creamer in it. I have tried others and again, I cry.

I purchased a coffee pot, sent it to Pop two years ago so I could have my own coffee in the morning. Yes I am that bad.

I try not to drink pop at all. If I do, it's coke, another product with crack.

Mony, I used to only drink DD coffee!! I got kind of weaned off of it when I moved to socal, though, because there was only one DD in the entire San Diego county area (WHAT???). And now I like it, but I no longer love it.

Sniffle.

Well, that's almost true... or at least it used to be almost true.

Hey, that's really interesting!

Can't wait to read.

Thank you!!

Well now I don't know. I was just drooling over phones online and it looks like I might need to change my plan, which means an increase in monthly cost. I really hate how they do that. I found another new toy I'm drooling over, though, so maybe I can live with my perfectly-good-but-not-the-latest-technology phone.

Ugh. Yes. I got grandfathered into my unlimited data plan with Verizon, but otherwise I don't know who I'd use. I hate how they nickel and dime you. It's already crazy expensive.

What else are you drooling over? Inquiring minds want to know...

I remember hearing the stories, whether it is true or not, it is so addicting! I was being silly! I need my coffee most definitely each and every day!

Shameless plug alert:

Please read my TR!

 

[orangecats2]

Have fun, be safe, good luck and let us know how it was when you get back.

 

[nancy drew]

Have an awesome time visiting your Dad and the Grand Canyon! Can't wait to hear about it!

Ugh. Yes. I got grandfathered into my unlimited data plan with Verizon, but otherwise I don't know who I'd use. I hate how they nickel and dime you. It's already crazy expensive.

What else are you drooling over? Inquiring minds want to know...

If they'll grandfather me in, I'd get a new phone. But if I don't get a new phone, I'm getting a Sonos.

<--- That's me, dancing to music that is being wirelessly streamed to my Sonos. See how cool I look?

 

[monymony3471]

Have fun!

I vote for a mini-side trip report of your trip to see your dad and the Grand Canyon when you get back.

 

[laura74]

Have fun!

I vote for a mini-side trip report of your trip to see your dad and the Grand Canyon when you get back.

Me too! Have a great time!

 

[mermaidblue!]

Looking forward to the rest of your story! You make every little thing so funny. Have a good trip

 

[havingadisneyday]

Don't get lost! Looking forward to your return,
Love,
Sawyer.
ummm I mean, I love Sawyer..... Tom Sawyer's Island, yes, that is it. Gotta run, late for my LLL meeting.

 

[mirage0306]

We're back! And had a great time! AND I AM SO BEHIND ON ALL YOUR TRIPS REPORTS ZOMG.

I will do a mini trip report soon--maybe even tonight. Yeah, that's right. I might live it up writing a trip report and doing laundry.

Have fun, be safe, good luck and let us know how it was when you get back.

It was so great! More to come!!

Have an awesome time visiting your Dad and the Grand Canyon! Can't wait to hear about it!



If they'll grandfather me in, I'd get a new phone. But if I don't get a new phone, I'm getting a Sonos.

<--- That's me, dancing to music that is being wirelessly streamed to my Sonos. See how cool I look?

You look totally cool. Like, rad, even.

Have fun!

I vote for a mini-side trip report of your trip to see your dad and the Grand Canyon when you get back.

your wish is my command

Me too! Have a great time!

Thank you!!

Looking forward to the rest of your story! You make every little thing so funny. Have a good trip

You are so sweet!!

Don't get lost! Looking forward to your return,
Love,
Sawyer.
ummm I mean, I love Sawyer..... Tom Sawyer's Island, yes, that is it. Gotta run, late for my LLL meeting.

 

[CatNipRules]

Yay!! I'm glad that you are back!! I hope you do write a trip report!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[monymony3471]

Welcome back!!!!!!!!

 

[mirage0306]

Welcome back!!!!!!!!

Thank you!!

Yay!! I'm glad that you are back!! I hope you do write a trip report!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

And thank you! I am working on it right now.

 

[shan23877]

Welcome back!

 

[RGirl]

Welcome back!

I might live it up writing a trip report and doing laundry.

I am so glad someone knows how to party as hard as I do!

 

[mirage0306]

Welcome back!

thanks!!

Welcome back!

I am so glad someone knows how to party as hard as I do!

we party hard over here.

 

[mirage0306]

We interrupt this trip report to bring you...

Another trip report.

I apologize for the delay. We actually got back Thursday, but I caught up on True Blood instead of updating. Do any of you guys watch? WHAT IS WITH THIS SEASON?? Fifty zillion plot lines. Oh, but hey, there is a smoke monster, so yeah for that.

Meribeth, Quinn, and Liam road trip it to Arizona

Highlights include:
Oppressive AZ summer heat!
Lots of fabulous pool time!
IN N OUT BURGER!
And, of course, a visit to a place everyone should see (I mean it): The Grand Canyon.

Join us on this brief, rather non Disney related trip through a bit of America's southwest, where Meribeth clocked over 1K miles on her already not new Subaru, driving from New Mexico to Phoenix, from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, and from Flagstaff to Santa Fe.

Tired yet? I was.

Actually, it wasn't bad.

Okay, let's get going.

My backseat companions.

Well, they were in the backseat. I was driving, of course.


So, Saturday morning. We set off about 9 am. First stop: Local coffee shop for (more) coffee (you didn't think by 9 am I hadn't had any, did you?) and breakfast. Then we hit the road. On the freeway on ramp at 9:31 am.

I have to say, at this point I was wary. I have one kid (Liam) who gets carsick, another kid who has convinced himself he too gets carsick (though I have never seen it), and a 7+ hour drive in front of us. They had their sea bands on, though, and I was armed with both the regular and kids' dramamime, if things got bad. We had snacks, water, DSs, phones, the DVD player, and headphones. It was go time.

We made it to Albuquerque (just under an hour) uneventfully. Switched from I-25 south to I-40 west. My plan was to stop in an hour at a town called Grants, but when we got there no one had to pee and i didn't need gas, so we kept on truckin.'

Actually, it became kind of a badge of honor for my kids to tell me how little they had to pee.
"Mom, I only had two sips of water and i'm fine. I don't have to pee at all."
"Well, I only had ONE sip of water and I really don't have to pee!"

Right.

Anyway, after about another hour we stopped in Gallup for a restroom stop and gas fill up. This is Gallup.

I think we were there for about seven minutes.

Gallup is only about 20 miles from the AZ border, so it wasn't long until we crossed. Liam had the camera.

He also snapped some not bad shots of the surrounding southwest scenery.

 

[mirage0306]

We drove for a bit, and then Liam exclaimed, "Mom! Your phone is wrong!"

Confused, I asked him to hand it to me. I checked the time, which was an hour earlier than the time on my dashboard and...wait a minute...SCORE. AZ doesn't observe Daylight Savings Time, so are an hour earlier than NM and we just gained an hour.

Killer weak sweet.

The rest of the ride was great. Kids napped, kids didn't kill each other. Kids snapped pics of saguaro cacti as we approached Phoenix.

It took Quinn the entire trip to stop calling them "sombrero" cactuses.

So we made it to my dad's house slightly ahead of schedule, having only stopped once the entire 7+ hour trip. There was minimal arguing and, really, everything was much, much better than I'd anticipated.

The trip itself was really great. Although my dad and his wife are not that far from us, we hadn't seen them in three years (my mom and dad had a really messy divorce when I was in my early 20s and things got kind of awful). I was really, really excited to get there. I'm so happy we were able to make the timing work.

That night, we just went down the street to Chili's (hot chilis, as Q calls it—does this kid have a nickname for everything?) in which we narrowly avoided getting blow away by a crazy dust storm. Santa Fe is in the desert, but it's the high desert, so while we get monsoon season (as the Phoenix area does), dust storms don't happen around here. Seeing the sky all brown was pretty intense.

That night, we just went back to their house and went to bed early. I'm sure none of you will be surprised to learn that I was exhausted.

The next day, we got up and had some pool time. My dad and his wife have a CRAZY awesome pool and the kids swam every day. These pics are possibly from the next day, but trust me that it doesn't matter—the pool looked the same every day we were there.