22nd anniversary trip

[olbear]

I posted this on the wedding board, but thought I'd include it here as well.
We did a private vow renewal at home, then went on a Disneymoon for the week. It was wonderful. Here is my trip report etc. Enjoy!
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07/14/2006

DH Fred and I, Winnie have had a roller coaster year. Our 22nd anniversary is July 28th. It has been over-all a fantastic 22 years!! This past year was full of challenges that I will not bore you with.

DH & I met while on a singles trip to WDW in August of 1983. EPCOT was still new then and so our group decided to spend the day there. Let me preface this day by saying, that at this particular time in my life, I was pretty much over guys in general. I was almost 24 and so tired of the ignorance, selfishness, and just stupid stuff that guys were playin on me. I had dated nothing but Christian guys, and found they were just as anxious to do the "wild thing" as any Tom Dick or Harry outside of the church. No thank you. I always saw my virginity as the most precious gift I would ever give my husband. Because I would be giving myself, body and soul 100% unused and untouched. This meant alot to me. So no one was gonna get dessert till they had paid for their dinner...ahem!!

As a matter of fact, the last guy I had been dating was such a dweeb, I broke up with him. This was new to me, and I rather enjoyed it!! When I got home that night after breaking up with said dweeb, I told God, "If that's the best we can do, let's just forget it!". And yupper, I meant it.

I got so busy working in ministries at my church, it just ceased to matter to me. I still hung out with our church singles group, but was too busy to date and just didn't care! We were always doing something and I really enjoyed getting out and having fun.

So back to my story, So we were of to EPCOT as a group of about 20 or so singles. I had this wonderful guy friend in Texas and missed that part of my life, and although I was NOT interested in a serious dating relationship, I was looking for a "guy pal". So I was being friendly with this one fella that was with us. Oh my word, you would have thought I was trying to drag him to the alter. Oh brother! Get over yourself, no thank you!!

So I just kept to the several female friends on the trip. Then later that evening, we stopped and ate at Germany as a group. YUM!! I love it! It is one of my favorites ever since. Not just for the food but sentimantal reasons as you will see.

So quiet, backward, red-neck DH Fred, was trailing the pack allllll day. Not saying anything to anybody. See, he was new to the church and had a buddy that was supposed to come that day, but had to work at the last minute. DH almost backed out too, but decided to come along in case anything happened to the church van we were in. He was a mechanic by trade. Sure nuff we no sooner left the church getting of I-95 on to I-4west and we had the most horrible noise. Pulled over and the compressor fell out of place. DH Fred got underneath and fixed it in a jiffy and we were on our way!! Gee he was handy!!

So anyway, we had a great meal and fun at Germany. We left and continued around world showcase. We got stopped at the bridge right before China. They were letting the barges through with the fireworks for the night. We were there for quite some time actually, so I struck up a conversation with Mr. Cute but quiet. We talked & talked and he told me he was a mechanic. SWEET!!! My AC in my car was broke. This guy could come in handy. hmmmm. We kept talking as the bridge went down. He had just come out of a rotten marriage of less then 1 year recently. She kicked him to the curb so she could have fun with some other guy. She told him he didn't have to divorce her, just give her some time to figure out who and what she wanted. DH Fred, said...movin on!!! And he did. I'm so glad!

So I told him about all the frogs I had dated. We agreed we were both tired of the relationship scene, but were ready for some nice companionship. Someone to catch a movie , go bowling, grab a bite. Then at the exact same time we both said as we walked up the steps to mexico, "NO STRINGS ATTACHED"!!! Wowzers!!

We continued chatting for the rest of the evening. As we were leaving World Showcase, we had agreed he would come to my house that following week and check out my AC in my car. I in return for this favor would cook him a home made meal.

So he came over the next week, and the meal was great. But to my dismay, my AC was dead. And I was POOR! He told me to bring my car to the station that saturday so he could check my power steering. Okie dokie. I showed up no make up, hair wet, jeans and a t-shirt. He had no idea who I was till I spoke up. TA DA!! He invited me to sit down in front of a fan while he "fixed my AC"!!! I said no! I cannot pay you, I am poor. No no no! Then he quietly said, "don't worry , the Lord will take care of it"!! My jaw dropped and I was smitten in an instant!! Oh my!

 

[olbear]

07/14/2006

Ok, so now you know how we met and why WDW is so very special to us. It is our escape, and our place of magic. Oh in case you're wondering, DH Fred asked me out on our first official date about three weeks after fixing my car. Oh! And on our 3rd date, while driving in my nice cool car, from Daytona to Deland, my water pump went out. WAAAHHHHH!!!! This guys is gonna drop me like a bad habit!! NOPE! He pressed on regardless. WHEW!

In November of that same year, he left for Navy bootcamp. Ya know this guy never did propose. He did buy me a promise ring after dating about a month. So I was getting warm! But right before he left, one night I was sitting on the hood of my car (with it's new AC and water pump) And DH Fred was leaning up against the car with his arms around me and he sweetly asked, "will you wait for me". And I romantically responded, "you betcha"!!

So while DH was gone and learning to march in the snow at "Great Mistakes", Illinois, I began planning a wedding. After boot camp he went to Millington, Tennessee for A-School. He flew me up for Valentines weekend. He made arrangements for me to stay with this sweet lady from the church he was going to. It was a fantastic weekend. I had missed him so much! I could not wait to be his wife. And I just knew I was gonna come home with an engagement ring..................uh...NOPE!

DH Fred finished all his training and I pick him up in Jacksonville. We came home and he drove straight to Wilson's and bought my engagement ring. Woohoo He would not put in on my finger , he said I had to wait!

We went to family night supper and were having dinner with my family. My sis kept making signals about a :ring". I played stupid. I can do this with little effort sometimes, especially since I hit 40 So this kept up and finally, thank goodness, DH said he had something to ask my dad. He said, "Dad, I'd like to ask for your daughters hand in marriage". Dad got all serious looking and said, "No". Then he said, being the samrty pants he is, "Sorry son, if you want her, you'll have to take the whole package, not just her hand". Someone hand me a stick please!! DH Fred put my ring on my finger and we were off!!!

 

[olbear]

07/14/2006

Here's DH & I on our 21 year anniversary at WDW.

 

[olbear]

07/14/2006

We spend most of our anniversaries at WDW. We never get tired of it. It is the perfect escape from reality.

So back to my story. (fast forward 22 years) As I said in the beginning, this has been a roller coaster year. With lots of marriage challenges. So, about 3 weeks ago, I tossed the idea of a vow renewal at DH. We had always dreamed of doing a vow renewal at WDW for our silver anniversary, but it is so expensive. and with all we've been through in recent months, we didn't want to wait another 3 years to do it.

So anyway, DH didn't give me much of a response when I mentioned the idea. But about a week later he was waiting to see someone after church on a sunday night. I asked him who he was waiting for, and he said he wanted to ask our pastor about doing our vow renewal. I was like Alright!! I was so surprised since he hadn't said much when it was mentioned. So, we have printed the invitations and have been giving them out. Too little time to mail.
The response has been incredible. Our chapel holds a little less than 100. I hope it's big enough.

Our anniversary is July 28th, but we're doing the renewal on the 22nd, the day before we leave for WDW. I've gotten alot done this week. I made my bouqet and DH's boot. I decorated little votives cups with candles. After DH & I light our unity candle. we'll invite all the couples to come forward and light a votive together and keep it as a memento. Oh and I made our unity candle with our invitation. Yes, I'll be posting pics of all this stuff.

I've secured our Cypress Point GV timeshare for the week, and have made some ressies for special dinners. One is a surprise for DH. I made on my first try, ressies for dinner at CRT, on our last night. Can't wait to be smack dab in the middle of the magic.

I also made lunch ressies for Germany, for sentimental reasons, and the food is wonderful. On our actual anniversary I made ressies for 1900 Park Faire, with a custom anniversary cake. We had such a fantastic time here last year, and the cake was extroidinary. And delish!!

So I am on my way. DH & I have been busy with our homework. We are writing something special to read to each other right before our vows. We are keeping what we are writing secret and special.

More later. And I will try to do a live trip report while we are on our Disneymoon as well.

Blessings,
Winnie
__________________

 

[olbear]

07/18/2006

Well, I got a bit more done today. I set up some things in our church's chapel where our ceremony will take place. I set up some ficas tree's with twinkle lights that will be in back of us to make it better for pictures. Plus it will add some ambience. I also set up a very pretty glass table in front of us where I will put our unity Candle, tapers, and votives w/candles. It is a big table so I will probably put one of our wedding pictures on one end and a portrait picture of me that I had done about 10 years after we were married. I had lost weight to get back into my gown, and since I never had the fun of getting a fancy portrait done, this was my chance. It was done on Daytona Beach. Very pretty.

I also got tables set up for cake and punch, and a recieving table for our wedding album and other photos, as well as a signing mat with a nice picture we had done of Fred & I. We decided to do this instead of a guest book.

I also got my cake baked today. Strawberry! I froze them, and will ice them with buttercreme icing on friday while they are still frozen. This is a little trick I do. Keeps moisture in cake as it thaws. Makes it extra yummy. I will put strawberry filling in between the layers.

That's it for today. Tomorow is my last to work. Yea!!!! Thursday I do laundry, get car detailed, start packing for our week at Disney World, shop for last minute things at good ol wally world!

I can't wait!!
Blessings,
Winnie
__________________

 

[olbear]

07/22/2006

Well, I just got home from having my hair done, got my nails done on thursday. I've gotten our special outfits together and jewelry. I've been keeping a list of things NOT to forget and keep adding to it. I did our cake yesterday. It turned out so pretty. I'm using our orginal cake topper. The Precious Moments B&G. Instead of icing being white with a color to decorate. I switched and frosted it a light pink, and decorated with white. I'll post pics later. A friend of mine from church that is a professional make up artist is doing my make up at 1PM.

This was supposed to be small and simple! Oh well. It is alot of fun. Oh another friend of mine bought us sandals that make an imprint in the sand when you wear them. Mine says,"he loves me" and Fred's says, "she loves me". They are too cute. This same friend ordered bookmarks for us to give as mementos as well as personalized napkins. And she did programs for us as well.

Hubby should be home pretty soon. He is a truck driver and does an overnight run every other day. He'll hit the house running!! I have to trim his beard and mustache then we'll leave for church.

BUSY BUSY BUSY!! But also very HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!

Blessings,
Winnie

 

[olbear]

07/22/2006

Thank you everyone!! The ceremony was so beautiful, and more special than I ever imagined! DH was so handsome!! We had about 50 friends that shared it with us. After the ceremony, about 16 of us went for dinner at Olive Garden.

We had several that shared with us what an inspiration our ceremony was. You know at our original wedding 22 years ago, neither DH or I cried a drop. We were all grins. But tonight it was different and very sweet but very emotional. We both cried. Me especially as I read my special letter to DH. And also as I heard my Dad's voice as he welcomed our guests. It was from the recording of our 1984 wedding. he went home to be with Jesus December of 2002. But he was still there with me tonight. So special. I love you daddy!!

One awesome part of the ceremony was after DH & I lit our unity candle, we stood there and invited other couples to come up and even the singles, to light a candle and keep it as a memento. Almost everyone who came to me for my taper to light there candle had tears in there eyes, and thanked DH & I for such a special moment. I will never forget it! Fred said he experienced much the same thing as people shared his taper to light their candle. It was definately magical.

One thing I never thought about or expected was ...gifts. We recieved some beautiful cards, beautiful gifts and some spending money for our trip as well. Very special indeed as we never thought about the possibilty. We were just so into the day and what it would hold.

I am still so full of the joy of the day and will hold it in my heart forever. And yes I will be sharing pics when we gat back and I recieve the photo's. If all goes well at our resort, I will continue with a trip report while at WDW for the week.

God bless you all as you plan and dream. I pray your day will be everything you wish it to be and more!!

Blessings,
Winnie & Fred

 

[olbear]

07/23/2006
Well, we here at Cypress Point. This is such a nice resort. We have mainly been relaxing. We just got back from the grocery store to pick up food stuffs for the week.

We'll leave for Kona Cafe in about an hour. We love it there. I alreadt know what hubby will be ordering. The coconut chicken with side salad. It is very yummy. I'm tempted to get it as well.

I'l take pictures. Then I gotta figure out if I can post pics while i"m here from my camera to laptop. Wish me luck. I am so not computer savy. LOL!!


More later!
Blessings,
Winnie

 

[McDISer]

Okay,
Now I know why my wife sends me here, but wait till I tell her what I just found.

Our wedding anniversary is August 22, 25 years-I know she is expecting something big. She even gave me that book to read by Nicholas Sparks, "The Wedding".
You just gave me some great ideas. Maybe I should go checkout the Wedding Board, are their other anniversary people over there. I thought it was just for people getting married.

Nice report.

 

[olbear]

Definately, Go for it!! You will get some great idea's on the wedding board for sure!!

Blessings,
Winnie

 

[olbear]

07/25/2006

Well, I'm not gonna be able to post pics till after I get home. I did not download info for camera before I left..DUH!!

Kona Cafe was wonderful sunday night. Fred got his favorite Coconut chicken with the side salad with pineapple and strawberries. For our anniversary they brought us out a beautiful decorated plate with 2 chocolate puffs I think they called them. We were stuffed, so we took them back to our condo for later.

Monday, we slept in, boy was that nice!! We got up at about 8:30AM and had some breakfast bread, yogurt and fruit. We relaxed and watched a movie. I was tired of resting, and so we went shopping at the Florida Mall. We found the Build A Bear store, and they had a new bear to stuff...POOH!!! He turned out so cute. We fitted him with a cute red hat and hubby got him a cool pair of shades. Actually the first store we went into was a newer store, M&M World. This store is so much fun!! Lots of really neat stuff. If you come to Orlando you've gotta go see it. Anyway, we hung out in the mall till about 4PM. On the way back to our condo we stopped at an outlet and bought some new DMX Rebok's. But one get one half off. Plus no tax!! Sweet!!

Then we came back to our condo and I made dinner. A nice London Broil. We relaxed for the evening and just enjoyed being together! Grrreat!

Today, tuesday, We had to get up early and make it to the MK for breakfast at the CP with Pooh and Pals. It was wonderful as always. When we got to our table, there was a heart on our table made of Mickey confetti. Too cute!They had something new on the buffet, a vegetable fritata. Really good. Of course I had to have a bit of the breakfast lasagna. Yummo!! At the end of our breakfast, our server brought out a cupcake with a candle, and a certificate to commemorate our Magical moment, signed by all the Pooh characters.

We then went on a few rides, did some lanyard searching for pins, then at 1 O'clock we went to Scoop Sanderson's Pin talk. He was fun as always, and everyone went away with a special pin.

We can back to the condo around 3:30PM to relax. I made us some homemade pasta fagioli. Turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Relaxed some more, then about 7:30PM we headed to DTD to look for an Pooh Photo album I had seen at MK. We wanted out 10% off so waited to go to DTD to get it. Then we went to Earl of Sandwich for a snack. Hubby got an oatmeal raisin cookie and coffee. I got a pineapple coconut smoothie and p-nut butter cookie. The smoothie was so good!!

Now we're back in condo, relaxing again!! You see a trend here? One things for sure,we don't have the energy we had on our original honeymoon. We've slowed down ALOT!!

Well, that's about it for now. Take care everyone!

Blessings,
Winnie

 

[olbear]

07/28/2006

Well, hello everyone,

Today is our anniversary, 22 years! We're fixin to leave and go to EPCOT to get our yearly photo done at our Bridge. The spot where we first officially met and started chatting.

Last night some friends of ours came over, and we had dinner with them at "Shutters" at the CBR. It was pretty good. Not fab, but good. The resort is beautiful. We walked around and got some great pictures. The cute rabbits were out all over. So cute!

Then we went to DTD for some shopping. Afterwards we went back to Yacht Club and had ice cream at Beaches & Cream. YUM!!

Just been relaxing this morning at condo this morning. Going to EPCOT & MGM today. Tonight we'll have dinner with friends at 1900 Park Faire.


Talk to you all soon,
Blessings,
Winnie

 

[olbear]

07/30/2006

Hello again everyone,
Well, we are back home in Ormond Beach, Florida. We were so sad to leave Orlando and WDW. We had such a great relaxing time. We had no pressing schedules outside of a few reservations here and there. We just took things as they came.

Dinner at 1900 Park Faire on our anniversary night was just scrumptious. Our friends who went with us loved it as well. DH got both of us ladies a beautiful red rose from the GF arrangements. He has always asked before. But 2 years ago a very nice manager told DH he needn't ask, just to help himself. So he does! Anyway, It was our friends first time having dinner at Park Faire. We were smart, and didn't over stuff ourselves with the buffet either. Oh and the characters were so wonderful, very inter-active. I got some really fun pictures that I will be sharing soon.

Our custom cakes like, wowzers!! It was so very pretty. And delish as well.
I can't wait for you all to see.

As for the day itself, well, we didn't get to MGM, we got up kinda late. Being lazy again!! hehehe! We only made it to EPCOT. Boy was it a scorcher. We got out too late. That afternoon sun will fry your brain to be sure. We never made it to our spot by the bridge. Just to stinkin hot...Ugghhh!!

We did get a nice photo in front of the ball. Well, kinda good, I think I looked terrible. Hair was like.... well, just not that great ok! LOL! And of course DH eyes were about closed! He always shuts his eyes! Makes me crazy.

After dinner at 1900, we went outside and watched the water pageant with our friends. It was a nice night to be out temp wise.

The next morning we met our friends and some others at Cape May for breakfast. That was so much fun. Again the characters were so interactive and playful. Really great!! And of course, the breakfast grub wasn't bad either. Especially the chocolate croissants. YUMMO!! After breakfast we walked around the Yacht & Beach Club and took some nice pics. I got to chatting with a really sweet manager, Stephanie. I asked her if we could get the anniversary pin for our friends, who had just celebrated their anniversary a little over a week ago. She said she would see if they still had them. When she cam back a few minutes later, she had 2 boxes. A pin for them, and a pin for us! Yippee!! We're Disney pin collector's so this was wonderful!! Our friends were so surrpised and thrilled when we gave them theirs. By the way, DH told Stephanie, the manager, that we would be staying at the Yacht Club for my birthday. She gave me her card and told me to be sure and e-mail her shortly before we came, and she would see about doing something special in the way of an upgrade!! OH MY!! Now I'm really looking forward to my birthday!

Anyhooo....we then took the gang back to our timeshare condo, and made everyone root beer floats and fruit smoothies. And we enjoyed them while watching "Hook" on our 48 inch screen TV. It was great!!

We then had to get ready really fast to make it for our evening Ressie for dinner. We said our goodbyes to our friends, and headed to the MK. DH didn't know where we were going. We were headed to CRT for dinner. On our way we stopped at the wishing well for a kodak moment. Awwww! As we got closer to castle entrance DH had figured it out. We we ushered right in. Got pic with Cinderella. DH closed his eyes as usual. And they took 5 pics!! Not one had his eyes open. Unreal!!

We went upstairs where they seated us at a table pretty much in the center of the room. I was hoping for a window seat. No luck. Won't complain. I felt lucky to get the ressie as I made it less then a week before we left, and got it on my first try. The Fairy God Mother and the 2 mice were there and entertained us. FG pointed out those who were celebrating some magic that day. And of course we were one of many celebrating a special occasion. Our server then came out and presented me with a box with 2 flutes engraved with the CRT logo. So pretty, and a nice surprise!

Dinner was superb. This place has gotten mixed reviews, but I have worked in food service for 17 years, and this was quite well done I think. Even for what we paid. And in addition to the tasty food, and flutes, we were also given a limited edition lithograph as well, as a nice picture in a nice portfolio. Of course our 20% dicount with DDE made it an even better value! Over all, a great experience. We both by the way, got the salmon and were quite pleased. And although it had a nice flavor, the Blueberry buckle with lemon ice cream, was actually just okie dokie. Not superb like the rest of the meal. DH was ok with it, just not overly impressed. It was pretty much a blueberry muffin warmed up, with lemon ice cream on top. My Chocolate mousse cake on the other hand was quite yummy!!

After dinner, we caught a ride on the monorail and rode it around the resorts. We got off at the GF and walked around for a bit.Then we went back to our timeshare to unwind.

This morning we lazily and reluctantly got up about 8 AM. Finished packing everything up, loading the car and we were off.. BOO HOO!! DH took me to Perkins for my fav breafast, Eggs Benedict. YUM! Afterwards we went to Character Premiere in the Prime Outlets. Bought a few gifts to take home, and DH bought me the EPCOT , Adora Bell Tour Guide doll. She was designed by Marie Osmond. Very cute, and a nice momento of our week, and our favorite park.

Then we hit I-4 west and headed for home. Now tonight, I have to work a reception at my church, and DH will be off in his 18 wheeler at Mid-night heading for Salem, N. Carolina with a load. So yes, we are back to reality and it BITES!!!!

But hey! It's truely all good. I am married to the most wonderful man. And just spent a relaxing, incredible week with him all to myself. From our vow renewal to today, it's been a wonderful journey. I just can't wait to see what the next 22 years have in store!!

And yes, I will be posting pictures soon. Keep checking back!
Magical wishes and tons of blessings to you all!!

Winnie & Fred

 

[averill94]

What a wonderful trip! Congratulations.

Thanks for posting.

 

[DebbieinWA]

I love your trip report! And your "love story" is so sweet! Thanks for sharing!