2 Kids,2 Dogs,1200 Miles: 2 More Weeks in FL 2 - Finished with a Blast! P40

[FreezinRafiki]

I hate to bring up 'old' stuff, but I am so sorry you had to go through this. I think at first it was an honest mistake and if the CM acted in a different manner and apologized right away, I'm sure there wouldn't been a problem. But to continue on and act like he (she?) did was uncalled for IMO.

I'm just glad that Madison didn't realize what was going on.

Bambi agrees with you (you have no idea how hard it was to type that), that it wouldn't have been a problem if the CM had just apologized and left it at that.

I'm pretty sure Madison knows a lot more than she is letting on and certainly knows we're a very special kind of family.

HAppy New YEar Nemesis!!!!!!<--- you decide what it is...

I'm number 1? Yes, yes I am.

Your golf outing look fun! You should of teed off on that gator!

If he would have came up on land, I would have.
Or I would screamed like a little girl and climbed up on top of the golf cart.

Maybe you should use the 'Saw of Destiny' picture for your Christmas card next year?

What? Didn't like the cruise picture?

Why is Evan eating my winnings? Although, since I have a lifetime supply, he should be able to get one whenever he likes. Put it on my tab!

To be fair, he was eating that while the lockout was still on.

We NEED to meet up again. We could put Madison, Evan, & Juliana on the tea cups together and let them have at it.

THAT sounds like a great idea! March 2013, be there! Dole Whips are on me. (duh)

Great Wishes pictures! Why are you standing in my spot?

Just keeping it warm. (I also farted. You'll smell it next time you stand there.)

I'm glad you were slacking Barry!!!! I see you have taken some of the heat off me!!!

I'm not slacking. I'm biding my time.

Great comeback!!!!!

You can get that on a t-shirt at Disney world.

Oh great, now I'm getting it here too. And I thought we were friends Andy?

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Or something like that...

Looks like you had fun at AK!!!

We always do.

So is it bad that we've never been on the River Rapids? I do hang my head in shame. What camera did you use on the ride?

If it were anyone else, I say no, it's not bad. But since it's you, then yes - it's horrendous.
The camera is an Olympus 770SW. Shockproof, water proof, able to be dropped from 5'.

How exciting that you got the kids on EE!!!! Evan is a thrill seeker now?

Oh, yeah! He's a little thrill demon!

How was dinner at GG? I mean you talked about the characters but nothing about the food. I've never eaten there so I was wondering..

It was really good. I recall asking for more of several things - I just don't recall what.

I'm all caught up now!!!!

Yaaaaaay!

Cute pictures of the kids on the 4th! (I guess your pic was cute too )

Madison looks very proud of her lei bracelet.

Can't wait to see mass quantities of meat being devoured!

Gosh, thanks Tim.
And yes, there may been some meat.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

By the way, this whole friend/nemesis thing is getting way too confusing. Does friend mean we like each other or don't like each other?

Ummm....both?

I think this whole nemesis thing is kinda like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader....You both have this "force" thing in common but you use it differently...and in the end you find out you're related and you have a hot princess for a sister!

Totally makes sense to me!

Tim clearly is the dark side.

I watched my then infant daughter sitting at the breakfast tables with cookies in front of her. My comment... " I never got cookies for breakfast." In fact I couldn't even have cookie crisp cereal.

Bambi's parents were up in the middle of December for almost a week. Around day number 5 of them taking the kids out to the diner for an after school snack of cheese fries, Madison even commented to us that she wanted things to get closer to normal because "Grandma and Grandpa spoil us."

 

[FreezinRafiki]

As Kathy was so nice to point out, that last "update" was more of a tease than an actual update. Well, all great literary works need to have a few slower sections to act as a bridge between the intensely awesome action sequences. Also, so does my trip report.

We ventured up stairs and got checked in. Our ADR was for pretty early - 5:30 - so it didn't take too long before our cousin was greeting us and walking us back toward out table. But first, we stop for some Pineapple Bread. Mmmm....Pineapple Bread.

And what's after the bread? FIRE!

Our "cousin" got pretty friendly with us, even taking a seat next to Madison to have a little chat and discuss her drink options.

A few pictures of our view for the evening...

(for those of you wondering, those last two pictures were not a visual menu. They serve other animals here, not those)

Soon after our drinks arrived, Evan decided to make his little more tropical with a pair of umbrellas...

...not to be outdone, Madison went for a trifecta

I suppose "hat trick" could have been used to describe those three umbrellas, but that's a hockey term, and the Polynesian just doesn't scream "Hockey" to me.

However, shortly after that the entertainment began for the evening, including the coconut races. Which Evan and I have begun calling "Hawaiian Hockey". So what do I know.

While munching away on the appetizers that come with your meal, Madison needed to do a little modeling.

Bambi went all "anything you can do, I can do better" and countered with this...

Madison laughed at the challenge, brought out the big cuteness guns, and fired with both barrels...

...even bringing in a sibling accessory into the mix

Soundly defeated, Bambi insisted that we get on with the meal. It's hard to argue with that, especially at a place who's name translates into "unlimited meat" (Yes, yes, I've seen "Lilo & Stitch" and I know that Ohana means Family. It may not translate into English as "unlimited meat", but maybe into Russian or something it does.)

The skewers just kept coming, and we just kept letting them. It's all in the wording, you know. They don't come around asking "would you like more?" They ask "how many more would you like?" We were raised as nice, polite mid-westerners, where it's not polite to insult your hosts. And answering "none" to that question would clearly insult our hosts. Or our cousins. Or whoever these people are that just keep bringing more food to our table.

Finally - finally - I had to give in. Not because I was full, mind you, but because the shrimp peel fort I was building was getting too tall and structurally unstable, even with a chicken bone foundation.

Between the meal and dessert, the kids were invited out to do the limbo.

(Limbo appears to be easy for those under 4 feet tall...)

That was nice, because while the kids were limboing, it gave me an opportunity to eat all of the bread pudding and ice cream! (Oh, stop judging - you'd do it too if given the chance! Besides, even the dessert was all you can eat, so I had more brought out for everyone else.)

Bellies full, we waddled/flopped/staggered/fell down the stairs to stake out a spot for the evening's entertainment.

Coming Up Next: The Calm Before the Storm

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

As Kathy was so nice to point out, that last "update" was more of a tease than an actual update. Well, all great literary works need to have a few slower sections to act as a bridge between the intensely awesome action sequences.

That’s one intensely awesome pile of… ummmm… words.

We ventured up stairs and got checked in. Our ADR was for pretty early - 5:30 - so it didn't take too long before our cousin was greeting us and walking us back toward out table.

Cousin? Isn’t that a different restaurant or did I miss something?

Mmmm....Pineapple Bread.

Yummmmmm

I suppose "hat trick" could have been used to describe those three umbrellas, but that's a hockey term, and the Polynesian just doesn't scream "Hockey" to me.

However, shortly after that the entertainment began for the evening, including the coconut races. Which Evan and I have begun calling "Hawaiian Hockey". So what do I know.

Sound like you should have gone with “hat trick” in the first place.

It's hard to argue with that, especially at a place who's name translates into "unlimited meat"

I believe you grabbed the wrong dictionary off the shelf there…
But translations are subjective… I like yours.

The skewers just kept coming, and we just kept letting them.

I can’t imagine why

(Limbo appears to be easy for those under 4 feet tall...)

I was about to say…

That was nice, because while the kids were limboing, it gave me an opportunity to eat all of the bread pudding and ice cream!

And I believe you too.

(Oh, stop judging - you'd do it too if given the chance! Besides, even the dessert was all you can eat, so I had more brought out for everyone else.)

So far as we know…

Bellies full, we waddled/flopped/staggered/fell down the stairs to stake out a spot for the evening's entertainment.

That’s pretty much sums up the aftermath of any trip to O’hana

 

[that's nice]

So the thread got closed... now I can come comment.

'Ohana is one of our favorites! The pineapple bread is soo good. But IT'S A TRAP!!! They want you to get filled up on bread so you can't partake in the good stuff!

I see you polished off a few shrimp.

Great pictures of the kids! (i think I type this every update) but hey, they are CUTE!

Last time I left 'Ohana, I was asking for a hand truck to get me to the exit.

 

[glennbo123]

Nice commentary on the modeling showdown. It sounded like a walk-off right out of "Zoolander".

And wow, what an impressive shrimp-peel fort! When I was a kid we made forts the hard way -- out of snow or couch cushions or stuff like that.

 

[Poolrat]

Bambi's parents were up in the middle of December for almost a week. Around day number 5 of them taking the kids out to the diner for an after school snack of cheese fries, Madison even commented to us that she wanted things to get closer to normal because "Grandma and Grandpa spoil us."

Out of the mouth of babes.....


My parents would bring so much stuff it was overwhelming. Add to that the food, and the kids were wondering when they would go home.

I think the point was finally made when my kids greeted my parents with open arms at the door, not for hugs but for stuff. That was the last time I allowed it.



As for O'hana, always a great meal and you always waddle out. Ate there on 12/29 and it was great as almost always. Only had one slow meal there. Way too slow, we actually had to ask several times to bring us more food.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The modeling contest pics are too cute! They should have taken their turns on the catwalk inbetween Hawaiian football .

So, you liked the shrimp?

Oh, if only other restaurants had distracting activities during dessert! I'd be VERY happy (and full).

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Barry. We've never been to Ohanas, but the more I see pictures, the more I think Mark would really, really like it.

You didn't have a few too many shrimp, did you?

Bambi is a doll, but there is no way anyone is going to beat Madison with that radiant smile of hers that lights up an entire room.

 

[afwdwfan]

Well, all great literary works need to have a few slower sections to act as a bridge between the intensely awesome action sequences. Also, so does my trip report.

Couldn't agree more! So when are we going to get to the intensely awesome action???

Our ADR was for pretty early - 5:30 - so it didn't take too long before our cousin was greeting us and walking us back toward out table.

Good time for an ADR. Always nice to beat the majority of the dinner crowd.

And what's after the bread? FIRE!

DId you eat that too?

A few pictures of our view for the evening...

Beautiful

Soon after our drinks arrived, Evan decided to make his little more tropical with a pair of umbrellas...

When in Polynesia...

...not to be outdone, Madison went for a trifecta

Competitive, are we?

So what do I know.

Bambi, here's your opening.

Madison laughed at the challenge, brought out the big cuteness guns, and fired with both barrels...

Wow, she has to one up everybody in the family. Did she eat more meat than you too?

(Yes, yes, I've seen "Lilo & Stitch" and I know that Ohana means Family. It may not translate into English as "unlimited meat", but maybe into Russian or something it does.)

I haven't seen Lilo & Stitch and I like your definition better.

Finally - finally - I had to give in. Not because I was full, mind you, but because the shrimp peel fort I was building was getting too tall and structurally unstable, even with a chicken bone foundation.

You know what that means. You need to take an engineer with you next time so that you can build a more solid structure and make it even taller. I'm sure Mark would be happy to volunteer.

(Limbo appears to be easy for those under 4 feet tall...)

Is this the version of the limbo that comes from the modern kids' sports theory that everyone is a winner?

(Oh, stop judging - you'd do it too if given the chance! Besides, even the dessert was all you can eat, so I had more brought out for everyone else.)

I'd be disappointed in you if you didn't.

Bellies full, we waddled/flopped/staggered/fell down the stairs to stake out a spot for the evening's entertainment.

Note to self: If we ever eat at Ohana, get a bigger stroller.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

As Kathy was so nice to point out, that last "update" was more of a tease than an actual update. Well, all great literary works need to have a few slower sections to act as a bridge between the intensely awesome action sequences. Also, so does my trip report.

I'm assuming "action sequence" in this case means Hawaiian hockey?

A few pictures of our view for the evening...

I guess you could do worse.

Soon after our drinks arrived, Evan decided to make his little more tropical with a pair of umbrellas...

...not to be outdone, Madison went for a trifecta

Start 'em young in Wisconsin, eh?

I suppose "hat trick" could have been used to describe those three umbrellas, but that's a hockey term, and the Polynesian just doesn't scream "Hockey" to me.

However, shortly after that the entertainment began for the evening, including the coconut races. Which Evan and I have begun calling "Hawaiian Hockey". So what do I know.

As far as I'm concerned, hockey falls into the same category as explosions, football, fart jokes, and Dole Whips: always appropriate as a conversation topic.

While munching away on the appetizers that come with your meal, Madison needed to do a little modeling.

She's got a future.

It's hard to argue with that, especially at a place who's name translates into "unlimited meat" (Yes, yes, I've seen "Lilo & Stitch" and I know that Ohana means Family. It may not translate into English as "unlimited meat", but maybe into Russian or something it does.)

You have improved on the original translation, therefore we will adopt yours.

Impressive.

That was nice, because while the kids were limboing, it gave me an opportunity to eat all of the bread pudding and ice cream! (Oh, stop judging - you'd do it too if given the chance! Besides, even the dessert was all you can eat, so I had more brought out for everyone else.)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

You know what that means. You need to take an engineer with you next time so that you can build a more solid structure and make it even taller. I'm sure Mark would be happy to volunteer.

I am always available for research trips such as these.

 

[E3yore]

Let me clarify a couple of things.

First, it was not a competition between Madison and I for who it the cuter one. I became aware almost 7 years and 3 months ago that she would forever win the cuteness award over me any day of the week for the rest of eternity. What happened here was that Madison wanted to take a picture of me with a crown, so she did.

Second, Barry is not still eating the shrimp and building his fort only because I nearly vomited watching him eat what he ate. What is not shown in the picture is the amount of steak, chicken and pork that he ate along with the shrimp and chicken wings.

Unrelated question...when are we going back to Ohana's? Madison keeps asking for the steak.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

That’s one intensely awesome pile of… ummmm… words.

Yup, a big steaming pile of .... words.

Cousin? Isn’t that a different restaurant or did I miss something?

It's part of the "Ohana means family" thing. Every waiter, waitress, hosts, bus boy, etc are your cousins.

Sound like you should have gone with “hat trick” in the first place.

Yeah, but I'm already scrapping the bottom of the barrel for wit. I have to use what I can. Hopefully no one will notice that I'm just throwing garbage until the TR is done.

I believe you grabbed the wrong dictionary off the shelf there…
But translations are subjective… I like yours.

I'd try translating in to Klingon, but I'm not that big of a nerd.

I can’t imagine why

Well, I already covered the "it's rude to say "no" angle, so let's go with "it tasted really, really good"

I was about to say…

At the doc last week, he said Evan would probably grow to about 6'1" or so. Evan didn't believe him.

And I believe you too.

Burp.

So far as we know…

I can guarantee I would not be around to type this if I didn't.

That’s pretty much sums up the aftermath of any trip to O’hana

It's a pity the elevators are so far away...

So the thread got closed... now I can come comment.

Well, at least I rate 2nd...

'Ohana is one of our favorites! The pineapple bread is soo good. But IT'S A TRAP!!! They want you to get filled up on bread so you can't partake in the good stuff!

Fill. Up. ? What is this concept you speak about?

I see you polished off a few shrimp.

Polishing takes too long. I just rip the peel off and eat them.

Great pictures of the kids! (i think I type this every update) but hey, they are CUTE!

Thanks!

Last time I left 'Ohana, I was asking for a hand truck to get me to the exit.

If Disney is really in a financial bind, they could rent those things at the podium. $15 for a ride to your car. People would pay it.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Nice commentary on the modeling showdown. It sounded like a walk-off right out of "Zoolander".

I'd have a witty come back, but I've never seen the movie. Better luck next time!

And wow, what an impressive shrimp-peel fort! When I was a kid we made forts the hard way -- out of snow or couch cushions or stuff like that.

I remember thinking as I got older that we must have had so much more snow when I was little, because the snowbanks were massive. Then I realized - I got taller.

My parents would bring so much stuff it was overwhelming. Add to that the food, and the kids were wondering when they would go home.

I think the point was finally made when my kids greeted my parents with open arms at the door, not for hugs but for stuff. That was the last time I allowed it.

My kids still get excited to see them, with or without gifts. That doesn't mean they don't get lots of gifts...

As for O'hana, always a great meal and you always waddle out. Ate there on 12/29 and it was great as almost always. Only had one slow meal there. Way too slow, we actually had to ask several times to bring us more food.

I don't think we've ever had to ask for more there. Luckily, I can't recall ever having subpar service at a Disney restaurant.

The modeling contest pics are too cute! They should have taken their turns on the catwalk inbetween Hawaiian football .

Don't give Madison the idea - she'd do it in a heartbeat.

So, you liked the shrimp?

Meh. It was Ok.

Oh, if only other restaurants had distracting activities during dessert! I'd be VERY happy (and full).

As I said before, burp.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Great update, Barry. We've never been to Ohanas, but the more I see pictures, the more I think Mark would really, really like it.

It's awesome! And you can't beat the view!

You didn't have a few too many shrimp, did you?

Shrimp? No. I think I had too much of the broccoli.

Bambi is a doll, but there is no way anyone is going to beat Madison with that radiant smile of hers that lights up an entire room.

I sure lucked out with two of the prettiest girls around.

Couldn't agree more! So when are we going to get to the intensely awesome action???

Probably not the next update, but the one after that will have stuff blowing up.

Good time for an ADR. Always nice to beat the majority of the dinner crowd.

Yup. Dinner at 4. Wheel of Fortune at 5:30 and in bed by 6!

DId you eat that too?

If they put it on a plate, I might try!

When in Polynesia...

Competitive, are we?

I'll bet I'm more competitive that you are! Oh...I guess that means I have a problem, huh?

Bambi, here's your opening.

Wow, she has to one up everybody in the family. Did she eat more meat than you too?

She doesn't do the shrimp, but I do believe she took down 3 or 4 cuts of steak.

I haven't seen Lilo & Stitch and I like your definition better.

Burp.

You know what that means. You need to take an engineer with you next time so that you can build a more solid structure and make it even taller. I'm sure Mark would be happy to volunteer.

Yeah, if I needed a road built out of shrimp. For a fort, I'll need to find a real engineer.

Is this the version of the limbo that comes from the modern kids' sports theory that everyone is a winner?

Well, the did seem to raise the bar when a kid was having trouble.

I'd be disappointed in you if you didn't.

Glad I could live up to your expectations.

Note to self: If we ever eat at Ohana, get a bigger stroller.

Now you're thinking!

 

[middlepat]

Barry, great update.

We love O'Hana's and have made a pact that we will always start any Disney trip with dinner there going forward.... now to get that next trip on the schedule.

Oh, and Bambi, this is a FreezinRafiki trip report, keep in mind that reality is suspended when you come in here so though his description of the modelling showdown wasn't accurate, none of us actually believe half of what he says anyways, so don't worry too much. Oh, and don't let him get too full of himself over the Packers, the Bears will show them up one day. (I hope)

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I'm assuming "action sequence" in this case means Hawaiian hockey?

Well, Evan did put some kid into the boards and came back missing a tooth...

I guess you could do worse.

Waffle House has a nice view of the interstate...

Start 'em young in Wisconsin, eh?

I can probably teach her to burp the alphabet by this weekend.

As far as I'm concerned, hockey falls into the same category as explosions, football, fart jokes, and Dole Whips: always appropriate as a conversation topic.

Did you catch the Winter Classic this year? Looks great on TV, but I have a feeling he fans in the upper deck of right field didn't see much of the game.

She's got a future.

I just hope she strikes it big while I'm young enough to enjoy the beach house in Florida that she's going to buy us.

You have improved on the original translation, therefore we will adopt yours.

Well, they always say language is a living organism, constantly changing and evolving. I guess I'll go ahead and scribble my name in history right next to Bill Shakespeare.

Impressive.

It's not Death Star, but it's close.

I am always available for research trips such as these.

Good. Secure funding and we'll start planning. Maybe CJ can write a grant proposal for us?

Let me clarify a couple of things.

Finally, giving the readers what they want.

First, it was not a competition between Madison and I for who it the cuter one. I became aware almost 7 years and 3 months ago that she would forever win the cuteness award over me any day of the week for the rest of eternity. What happened here was that Madison wanted to take a picture of me with a crown, so she did.

It was 6 months ago. My memory was a bit hazy - I was going off the picture clues.

Second, Barry is not still eating the shrimp and building his fort only because I nearly vomited watching him eat what he ate.

That's true.

What is not shown in the picture is the amount of steak, chicken and pork that he ate along with the shrimp and chicken wings.

And the pot stickers. And the noodles & broccoli stuff.

Unrelated question...when are we going back to Ohana's? Madison keeps asking for the steak.

August.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Barry, great update.

Thanks!

We love O'Hana's and have made a pact that we will always start any Disney trip with dinner there going forward.... now to get that next trip on the schedule.

We don't have a traditional "first dinner", but we sure do try to squeeze Ohana in on every visit!

Oh, and Bambi, this is a FreezinRafiki trip report, keep in mind that reality is suspended when you come in here so though his description of the modelling showdown wasn't accurate, none of us actually believe half of what he says anyways, so don't worry too much.

Can't really ague with that.

As Adam Savage from the Mythbusters says "I reject your reality and substitute my own"

Oh, and don't let him get too full of himself over the Packers, the Bears will show them up one day. (I hope)

Good luck with that.

 

[glennbo123]

I'd have a witty come back, but I've never seen the movie. Better luck next time!

Oh, you need to see that one. Kind of dumb, but lots of good quotes!

I remember thinking as I got older that we must have had so much more snow when I was little, because the snowbanks were massive. Then I realized - I got taller.

Yes, and it seemed like the snow stretched for miles and miles in each direction, but then I realized....oh never mind.