25th Anniversary trip taken at 26.5 years-December to Remember-NEW 6/11 - Pg 19

Jkay and I exited the magical, mystical secret guest tent and decided to stroll over to Main Street and do something we are really good at – shop.

I really wanted Jkay to see the mosaics in the castle along the way. It had been completely blocked off when we were in the MK a couple of days ago and earlier in the day it seemed as if they might be moving some of the blockade. Sure enough, we were able to get in and spent a little time inspecting the handiwork.

Then it was directly to Main Street and shopping. I had explained to Jkay that even though we were starting at the far end that the shops interconnected and she could pay for everything at the end. This was, I thought, a simple concept.

Shoppers on your mark get set, go! Meet you at the other side.

I had a few missions. Christmas being around the corner and since I have these two beautiful grandbabies that I adore, I thought I would find Christmas stockings and fill them with trinkets from WDW. I had a plan and only needed to execute it. That was easier said then done.

Now – I raised four kids in my house and let’s throw in a couple of extras for a year or two here and there. As of today, the whole slew of them range in age from 35 to 12. Do you think fair was a word used in my home? NOT – life isn’t fair, get used to it. If one needed shoes, one got shoes, not however many were actually parking their feet under my dinner table. Just because your curfew is 11 doesn’t mean anyone else’s is. This was the only way to operate in the mad house we have called home for years.

Somewhere, somehow, someway since the grandbabies have come along calculators and Cliffs notes have come into play. My Lord, do not, I repeat, do not give one of those grandbabies a quarter for the gumball machine unless you plan on working into your day a time to pick up the other one, go to the same store, and give them a quarter for a gumball.

It is not my grandbabies that have devised this craziness. NOPE, it is my kids. They seem to be on a mission to even every score, ever. Even the ones without kids are keeping notes. It is this craziness that has caused me to be nuttier than I already am.

So with this thought in mind, the search for the stockings begins. They must be nearly equal in size, or the sound barrier might be broken. This is the part that gets crazy. It won’t matter what is in the stocking – just that they are the same but different. Got all of that, because I am still confused.

The point is this – I handled every stocking in the Magic Kingdom. Found a great one with Minnie on it. I knew the Princess would love it but it was about 4 inches longer than the Pirates one for my boy. I thought, I stewed, I picked them up, turned them over, and still did not purchase.

Just because you don’t have the stocking doesn’t mean you can’t start filling them. Found lots of goodies that I wanted for the little ones, a couple of gifts for my daughters and a beautiful Mickey and Minnie pin for my Mom. I talked to the CM and she told me that the Christmas shop downtown had both the Minnie and matching Mickey stockings so I figured I would just pick them up tomorrow.

I checked out and waited for Jkay. And waited. And waited. The parade was coming down Main Street so I stood by the door and watched. And waited some more. Pulled out my cell and gave Jkay a ring. Of course, there was no answer because she didn’t have the blasted thing on.

I slowly started back through the store. Slowly as not to miss her. Past the pins, the figurines, the stuffed animals, the jewelry, the clothing, the photo albums, the pet gifts, all the way back till I got to the Princess room. There stood Jkay, frazzled, dazed and confused. “You left me!” I thought for a moment she was going to hyperventilate. “I told you I would meet you at the end.” She HAD NOT left the Princess room – where we had last crossed paths. I couldn’t help laughing, even though it was wrong.

Anyway, we finished up shopping on that side of Main Street. I stood right by her side the whole time. She was happy and I made a mental note to look for the wrist things on a string as we wondered through the store.

We started to walk out and across the street to continue our shopping extravaganza, jabbering along the way. Once you live in NJ you must have a way of pronunciation that never leaves you, because this happened next.

MawWaw.jpg


As soon as we walked out she grabbed Jkay by the arm and said “You ladies are from NJ, right? I know that accent anywhere.” She had a friend from Mahwah, NJ and loved saying Mahwah. We chitted, we chatted, we exchanged phone numbers, we talked about the weather, sports and politics. Then we said goodbye and promised to write.

Crossing towards the land of confection we ran into photopass so…

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Later, much later, we have tried to figure out what is all over my shirt? We are still clueless – whatever it was washed out.

Time was passing quickly and we needed to meet the guys at The Contemporary for dinner. Walls of people were pouring into the MK for the Christmas party and we made our way out of the MK for the last time on this trip. We turned, we waved goodbye, I promised I would be back soonish and Jkay promised she was coming back too.

I was filled with mixed emotions looking down Main Street. I had waited so long to see it in all its holiday finery. The trip was almost over. I really couldn’t believe it had flown by so quickly and we had only one more full day. I seared the picture of Main Street in my mind and knew that next year I would be standing here again with my kids and my grandbabies. That put a smile in my heart and I was able to leave without shedding a tear.

The crowds were unbelievable both coming and going. Imagine my shock when I heard Grampy’s voice calling my name. He and R had just gotten off the bus and were heading up the ramp towards the monorail. The crowd seemed huge but when we got to the top of the ramp there were only 2 people in line. Grampy immediately went over to the CM and came back to tell us we would get to ride shotgun to the Contemporary. I hadn’t even thought about it! This is kind of a tradition with us - trying to get to ride up front on our last day on the monorail. Somehow, it has always worked out and we have. Thankfully Grampy had his wits about him and made the request because I plum forgot.

My mind must have been elsewhere because I didn’t think about taking a picture either. At the last minute before getting out, Jkay asked our driver to take a picture of her. He went to the same school of photography as Jaky. You can see her cheesy smile though.

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We were seated as soon as checking in to the Concourse. We ordered and then talked about what we had done since last we were together. Grampy was happy that I had done a little shopping. Picture to prove it – or not!

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R was not as happy that I had told Jkay about the ship to home method. Exhibit A – fake smile.

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The Concourse was OK - not the best – not the worst. The service was excellent. The guys had the lobster bisque and said it was so-so. We all had steaks, rib eyes and filets, they were OK. Dessert was OK too. Jkay and I had crème brulee and I have had much better. I really have no idea what the guys had but it must not have stood out because no one remembered what it was. Would I go back – sure I would. The company at dinner was excellent so it made it a 4 star dinner in my book. I have had 5 star dinners in lesser places due to the company alone.

We spent a little time exploring The Contemporary and then hopped on the monorail for one last ride. Passing the Poly and the Grand Floridian and then hopping off at the Magic Kingdom to catch a bus home. I took in every possible view, wanting to remember this trip forever.

Jkay and R were walking ahead of us toward the bus stop and there was hardly a sole around. Grampy and I stopped for one last view of the MK. Grampy (who has hardly ever engaged in what would be called a public display of affection) engaged me in a public display of affection. Told me how happy he was, how much he loved me and then offered me his last Andes Mint as a token of his affection.

That folks is why I love the man so much. He would give me his last chocolate and act as if it were jewelry :love:

Up next – WOW could this morning be more exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3:
 
Grammy good to see another installement. :banana:

You two are so much in love....it just glows off the page. And to have two friends to share your magic is the icing on the cake.

Can't wait to hear about your last day. Hope it holds just as much magic as your last night. Hope you wished upon a star that night....
 
Just finished reading & realized how much I've missed hearing from you -- I also realized I haven't been hearing you w/ a NJ accent, so I'll have to work on it. Trying to pull that off now has me channeling Tony Soprano & that's just not working out so well. :goodvibes
 
Grammy said:
Grampy and I stopped for one last view of the MK. Grampy (who has hardly ever engaged in what would be called a public display of affection) engaged me in a public display of affection. Told me how happy he was, how much he loved me and then offered me his last Andes Mint as a token of his affection.

Awwwww! That's just sweet, Grammy! I'm glad y'all were finally able to take this trip. Sounds like a blast to celebrate your marriage at the Mouse. Especially with good friends. Because we all know the men aren't great shoppers.

Love the pics of JKay. She looks like she is having so much fun.

Looking forward to more!!

NM :flower3:
 

That folks is why I love the man so much. He would give me his last chocolate and act as if it were jewelry :love:

Awwww... ya went and made me all misty! :hug:

PS: I totally "get" the whole stocking search ... did you eventually find what you needed? Or should I just shut up and be patient because that info is forthcoming? :hippie:

PPS: I still want you to find your original cane!! :teeth:
 
Told me how happy he was, how much he loved me and then offered me his last Andes Mint as a token of his affection.

Awww! :flower3: Grampy is so sweet! Only a real man would offer to share his last Andes. ::yes::
 
Grampy and I stopped for one last view of the MK. Grampy (who has hardly ever engaged in what would be called a public display of affection) engaged me in a public display of affection. Told me how happy he was, how much he loved me and then offered me his last Andes Mint as a token of his affection.

That folks is why I love the man so much. He would give me his last chocolate and act as if it were jewelry :love:

Awww,Grammy, how sweet is that!

Have a fabulous time whereever you are going!
 
Thanks for posting another fun installment. I love hearing about other shopping experiences. We sure love those stores on Main St. Last trip we met the nicest CM, almost had my sister and I heading to Central Casting to apply for part time job. LOL

Also love to hear about the shotgun riders on the Monorail, it is a short trip to CR, did you do another circle tour before getting off? Not sure if they let you do it, but it is fun. I will be ready to read the next installment whenever you are ready.......
 
Still catching up..I am only on page 8! I wanted to tell you that I love your TR and hope to be caught up tomorrow. :thumbsup2
 
Well I am glad to see you back - thought you had fallen off the earth! :rotfl: It is hard to write the last days of the TR's though, isn't it? You just hate for the whole thing to end, and that kind of comes through. :confused3 Glad your good times are continuing. :cutie:
 
Just finished reading & realized how much I've missed hearing from you -- I also realized I haven't been hearing you w/ a NJ accent, so I'll have to work on it. Trying to pull that off now has me channeling Tony Soprano & that's just not working out so well. :goodvibes

Personally - I don't think I have an accent :rotfl2: but then who does? I am pretty sure it is not Tony Soprano though:upsidedow

Awwww... ya went and made me all misty! :hug:

PS: I totally "get" the whole stocking search ... did you eventually find what you needed? Or should I just shut up and be patient because that info is forthcoming? :hippie:

PPS: I still want you to find your original cane!! :teeth:

:lmao: You crack me up!

I am sooo glad somebody "gets" it! Yes, you should be patient. Sometime before this Christmas these and other questions will be answered.


Awww! :flower3: Grampy is so sweet! Only a real man would offer to share his last Andes. ::yes::

In my search for the perfect man :rolleyes1 allowing me to eat off his plate was like #2 or #3. After being married to me for like forever, Grampy beilieves that should have been #1. Chocolate is the way to my heart. I am such a cheap date :flower3:

Awww,Grammy, how sweet is that!

Have a fabulous time whereever you are going!

Off to the estate, Marita. Sand and surf and sun are calling. Back next week sometimeish

Thanks for posting another fun installment. I love hearing about other shopping experiences. We sure love those stores on Main St. Last trip we met the nicest CM, almost had my sister and I heading to Central Casting to apply for part time job. LOL

IF my parents and kids weren't here, I would be working somewhere in WDW. I have even looked at available jobs, many, many, way to many times :banana:

Still catching up..I am only on page 8! I wanted to tell you that I love your TR and hope to be caught up tomorrow. :thumbsup2

Thanks for jumping aboard :cheer2:

Well I am glad to see you back - thought you had fallen off the earth! :rotfl: It is hard to write the last days of the TR's though, isn't it? You just hate for the whole thing to end, and that kind of comes through. :confused3 Glad your good times are continuing. :cutie:


Seeing it end is almost the same the 2nd time around. Crap I start thinking about leaving after the 1st day. I am a ninny like that. But the last day is FILLED to the brim :)

NAB and NM - :banana: :banana: My personal :cheer2:

I am going to try to work on the next chapters while lying under a beach umbrella. One full day is left and it was a busy one.

Or I may take my knitting needles :scared1:

See ya on the flip side

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3:
 
Sorry so late again. Sounds like a fun last day at the MK.

RE: fair......that is something that happens once a year out at the park. We're not "fair" here either and I tell the kids that all the time..... but then we don't have grandchildren so that could all change.

And I love that sweet Grampy giving you a PDA and an Andes candy. You are a lucky girl!

And Jkay! You must turn on the cell phone at WDW woman! :laughing:

OK...ready for more. popcorn::
 
great trip report!
i'm all caught up and anxiously awaiting another installment..

congrats on the new grandbaby!:cutie:
 
Wow - life has really gotten in the way of finishing this up.

I have a few days off and I have got to finish this before I start my Christmas shopping for this year :lmao:

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3:
 
Woo hoo a new chapter coming soon!!!! :dance3:

Good do know you do have a life......hope summer has been good to you.
 
Ah life, can't live with it, can't live without it. Can't wait to hear more about your trip, hope your summer has been wonderful. Mine went way too fast.
 
Wow! Just finished catching up, and now can't wait for the next installment! Looking forward to it.
 











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