*8/7 Chp.7* The Incredible Shrinking Woman Turns 40...TWO trip reports in one!

[shannn]

I am loving your report! I especially love your AHA moment. I've been losing weight as well, and have lost just over 60 pounds. But I've done it slowly, so I don't see the difference. I can wear smaller clothes but don't SEE the difference.

Congratulations on your weight loss!! Give yourself time to see the changes and my biggest advice~~ take LOTS of pictures. Every month or every 10 pounds or something. Your brain can see things better with comparison. I took monthly pictures and I'm so glad I did. I've lost a few more pounds since this, but here's my one year before/after collage:

What great pictures, and a great story!!!
I love your AHA moment as well!
What a great way to spend your birthday! I will get to F&W someday and nibble my way around. I'll probably be dragging kids with me though. It will be a while before we get to go to WDW without them.

The only way we got away with a no kids trip is that mine knew that we were all going at Spring Break as a family. And, also, my amazing motherinlaw was taking them back to their farm to spend the long weekend with them and they were excited about that.

I just started reading your TR. First I want to say I'm sorry about your mom. I hear alot about you and your family over on Dawn's threads. Second, congrats on all the weight loss! You look amazing.

I haven't even made it that far back in your story and I'm sitting on my couch just absolutely bawling now. My very best friend's mom is in hospice right now with only a few days left of metastatic breast cancer. I know what she is going thru right now and it must have been so hard for you. I'm glad you got the extra wonderful time you did while she lived with you.

Thanks for reading and for the kind words! Cancer sucks~~ there's no other way to put it. Having my mom taken away from us so early was unfair and awful. Hug your friend extra hard for me.

Dawn's big role in my TR is coming up. Stay tuned!

Shann, I'm so glad to see you back on the DIS! I love reading your trip reports and I'm really looking forward to following your amazing transformation (and your trips, of course).

Thanks so much! I'm glad you're following along. More on the way!

 

[shannn]

So, you all now know our big secret. YES, we nap at Disney even when we don't have the kids with. I don't know what we're going to do when they outgrow the naps. Hopefully, they'll be old enough to head to the pool by themselves while us old folk catch some shuteye! There's just nothing better than an early morning rope drop following by a leisurely nap and a latenight party.

And that's what we had planned. Since this was my birthday night, I had planned my perfect Disney night. First, dinner at my all-time favorite Disney restaurant. Those of you who've been around my trip reports for a while probably know what you're going to see, but we'll save it for those of you who don't.

The other amazing news was that my bestest DIS friend, who's become my wonderful IRL friend, Dawn (DizneyDawn) & her fiance Dan were also at WDW. We had hooked up momentarily earlier in the day at Epcot (and I don't know why I don't have photo evidence. I think Dawn does in her TR.), but now they were meeting us for dinner and I couldn't wait to catch up. Dawn & Dan & her wonderful kids have been family to us. She had been there for me through my mom's cancer and (crazy nut that she is!) they had driven from Minnesota to Tennessee to attend mom's visitation after her death. She is a wonderful friend, and I'm so happy to have her in my life. In fact, a few weeks ago I was honored to get to attend their wedding on the beach in South Carolina. Here's a couple of pictures:

their beautifully photogenic family

me and Dawn

Back to October (why do I have images of Wayne's World in my head? Anyway, I'm old. Where was I?) ... I changed into a dress and we headed for the car. Yes, the car. I wasn't doing the bus thing at midnight on my 40th birthday. We were headed to the Contemporary for my favorite dining:

Stolen picture...all I can find is food porn from that night!!

We parked in front of BLT and walked around the lobby of the Contemporary for a little while until we met D&D in the lobby. We were soon on that special elevator to the top of the CR~

While we were waiting on our table we headed to the observation deck to get a few pictures as the sun was going down.

This is the most amazing view of the MK I think that there is. I can just stare at it for hours. The water...the lights...it's just incredible. I'm glad that we bought DVC, but when I look at the Poly I do get a little twinge. It's honestly my happy place. I'm really interested to stay at BLT and see if I get that same feeling being there.

This was an amazing meal (food porn in a minute; I promise), but the company was the most incredible part. We talked about anything and everything the way that good friends can. Lots of talk about my surgery and our kids and our pasts. We shared our love of Duran Duran and 80s hair bands. We talked about college and it's trials & tribulations. We talked about marriage and relationships and there were no boundaries. I have tears in my eyes as I remember the lovely night that it was. If I had to spend my first birthday without my mom in some way, this was the way~~ remembering that there is still joy to be found in the world and love to be shared. And, lest you think we are not human, making fun on the people around us including the 6 foot tall blonde perfect goddess who was seated at the table next to us. But Dawn tells it much better, so here's a link to her post about the night.

What? Food? Oh, okay. I don't have much commentary on this food because honestly what can I continue to say about perfection.
Sam and I shared the lobster bisque to start. This was seasonal and isn't on the menu now so I don't have a description.

Dawn had the steak: Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Mascarpone Potatoes, Roasted Delta Asparagus, Spring Onion Oil, and Teriyaki Barbecue

Dan had the ravioli: Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli - with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Basil

Sam & I shared my beloved pork: Grilled Pork Tenderloin - with Goat Cheese Polenta, Roasted Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze, and Sage

Still my all time favorite entree of any restaurant ever anywhere

We also shared the chocolate cake: Valrhona Chocolate Cake

OOPS...forgot to take the picture first!!

And they brought me this for my birthday:

We had to visit the observation deck one more time now that it was fully dark and see the amazing sights:

But then, we had to jet because we had more birthday night ahead!

(Continued in the next post)

 

[shannn]

My first trip to WDW as an adult was in 2006. As a child, I had been to Disney for many day trips and then as a college student to march in MK parades. But 1996 was my first on-the-grounds Disney experience. My kids were 5 and 3, and we had the full-on kid experience. We hit every rope drop, ate with the princesses, and fell into bed by 9:00 every night. Since that time, I had been twice in 2009 ~ the first time I'd seen Hallowishes at MNNSHP and from California Grill and Holiday Wishes from a Fireworks Cruise. Do you see where I'm going with this?? I'd never seen Wishes from Main Street, where it was meant to be seen. This was my big wish for my birthday. I wanted to be on Main Street for the fireworks.

So, we hopped on the monorail and headed for the Magic Kingdom.

As we passed the Kodak store, we saw a frustrated man yelling at his friend. "She always pees on Main Street at Magic Kingdom!" he was screaming. Seriously. We stopped and looking at each other and then just started laughing. We were gasping for breath and the men just stared at us blankly as they came up behind us. As always, Dawn tells it better so follow that link up there if you didn't already.

YES, it was crowded. NO, wait...it was CROWDED. The CMs had no sense of humor. They were squeezing us together like there was no tomorrow. Dawn and I were holding on to each other for dear life. Sam, of course, was clicking away with that camera of his and I was just taking it all in. It was crowded. It was hot. I was sweating like a pig. And I loved it. I felt alive. All these people were waiting for something amazing to start. They were on vacation and happy. And in that minute I felt the love again. Maybe my heart was beginning to thaw just a bit, because this just made it so full that I thought it might burst:

There was still joy in the world.

See the joy? I honestly am crying right now. This kind of love was what I needed on this night.

And, of course, no trip report of mine would be complete without Sam's firework pictures:

It was a wonderful night, and I think I've made it clear how much I loved it. And, our vacation was just beginning! We still had 3 more days and a rope drop in the morning. We sauntered through the shops as I dreamed of more Dooney & Burkes and tried to hide the prices of the ones I already had from my wonderfully clueless husband. The crowds were pushing and shoving and I was so glad that we weren't trying to get on a bus to the Boardwalk!

We parted ways with Dawn & Dan after walking back to the Contemporary, looking forward to meeting up with them the next night for Mickey's big party. (Y'all can say it's a Halloween party, but I prefer to think of it as my awesome birthday party. ) It was a short trip to drive back to the Boardwalk for our "Welcome Home."

In the elevator, sweaty and tired, but so happy after a perfect turning-40 evening!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hey Shannon! I'm still here reading along!!! Your birthday evening sounded simply delicious in every way!! Calif. Grill is a GREAT place to enjoy good food, and an even better view, and that whole bit about peeing on MS is just hilarious!!

 

[tlenzendorf]

I remember reading about that night in Dawn's TR. I'm glad you all had such a wonderful night

I just realized, you guys are S&S and Dawn and Dan are D&D....

 

[Mndisneygirl]

What an AWESOMELY FABULOUS way to celebrate your birthday! I really think it would be a good idea to do that every year!!!

Great pictures too! I LOVE the excited one of you and Dawn!

Your before and after pictures are incredible! You look awesome and look like you feel great too! Congratulations!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Your night sounds like the PERFECT way to celebrate a birthday. I'm so glad it was a good one for you.

 

[Native NYer]

I am so glad you had a perfect 40th at WDW. There really is no better place to celebrate.

 

[ortholablady]

Looks like a great way to celebrate. I really want to try California Grill one of these days. And I have to mention that yes eventually the kids are old enough to go swim by themselves. I've had some nice afternoon naps while my DS went to the pool. Though sometimes he wouldn't go without me. That's ok too. I cherish those times. Then they get old enough to go to the pool at night alone while you go to bed after an exhausting day. LOL! He's an almost 19 year old college boy now!

 

[MaryAz]

Joining in

I am very sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. I also lost mine just over 2 years ago. it does get easier. Like you said i just take it one day at a time. I also cherish the time she had with my children. Especially my older one..

A huge congrats on your weight loss. I am sure it has been quite a journey. You look fabulous!! I hope that you will share some of your family pics with us.

I am loving your TR, I remeber reading about parts of it on Dawn's TR. Sounds like a great start to your 40th year.

Thanks for sharing all the ups and downs with us.

 

[TarzansKat]

I got chills looking at your fireworks photos. What an amazing birthday! I love CG as and had an amazing meal there with my DIS best friend turned best IRL friend as well!

This is shaping up to be quite the trip!

 

[LoriH91]

Ok, so now that I've committed to this running thing, I have to read everyone's TRs!! You look fabulous!! Congratulations! Now I'll tell you the same thing I told TarzansKat, you are on the right road! Remembering & getting thru it. You know all that from having lost your dad, too. I lost mine 9 years ago. I don't know what I'll do if I lose my mom!! I'd get thru it, but I know it has to be doubly hard to have lost both parents so young. I'm so glad you've come back to share your story tho!

 

[shannn]

I remember reading about that night in Dawn's TR. I'm glad you all had such a wonderful night

I just realized, you guys are S&S and Dawn and Dan are D&D....

Yep, people have been calling us S&S for years. Sam's mom even makes us S-shaped biscuits (or at least she did until the kids came along and now they get all the good stuff! ) I hadn't thought about D&D too...just proud that they were meant to be, I guess!

What an AWESOMELY FABULOUS way to celebrate your birthday! I really think it would be a good idea to do that every year!!!

Great pictures too! I LOVE the excited one of you and Dawn!

Your before and after pictures are incredible! You look awesome and look like you feel great too! Congratulations!!

Thank you! It was an awesome birthday. I've had 2 birthdays with Mickey the past 2 years...this year is probably going to be a tough one for me!

I love that picture of me & Dawn too. We had such a great night catching up. A long dinner was just perfect rather than trying to rush through touring a park together.

Your night sounds like the PERFECT way to celebrate a birthday. I'm so glad it was a good one for you.

It was my perfect evening! I can still close my eyes and remember the excitement of the night perfectly.

Looks like a great way to celebrate. I really want to try California Grill one of these days. And I have to mention that yes eventually the kids are old enough to go swim by themselves. I've had some nice afternoon naps while my DS went to the pool. Though sometimes he wouldn't go without me. That's ok too. I cherish those times. Then they get old enough to go to the pool at night alone while you go to bed after an exhausting day. LOL! He's an almost 19 year old college boy now!

I loooove Cali Grill!! It's the best. Sending the kids to the pool without us sounds heavenly right now, but I can imagine that these are the times that I'll miss when they're gone, so I try not to wish them away too fast.

Hey Shannon! I'm still here reading along!!! Your birthday evening sounded simply delicious in every way!! Calif. Grill is a GREAT place to enjoy good food, and an even better view, and that whole bit about peeing on MS is just hilarious!!

Hey girlfriend! I'm glad you're still here. My birthday night was just wonderful. That amazing view of the lake and the MK spread out before us and then joining in the mass of humanity around the castle... even the peeing on MS part gave us a quote we'll remember forever.

I am so glad you had a perfect 40th at WDW. There really is no better place to celebrate.

There really isn't. It was just magical.

 

[shannn]

Joining in

I am very sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. I also lost mine just over 2 years ago. it does get easier. Like you said i just take it one day at a time. I also cherish the time she had with my children. Especially my older one..

A huge congrats on your weight loss. I am sure it has been quite a journey. You look fabulous!! I hope that you will share some of your family pics with us.

I am loving your TR, I remeber reading about parts of it on Dawn's TR. Sounds like a great start to your 40th year.

Thanks for sharing all the ups and downs with us.

'

Thanks for joining in. I do cherish the times we had with my mom. I still miss her daily but it's not quite the ache that it used to be. Earlier in the year one of my 7 year old daughter's friends lost her grandfather very suddenly. She came to me and said, "Mama, I can understand and help Ellie because she has a hole in her heart just like I do." And that's how it feels ~ there's a hole in my heart, but I can continue on living even though the hole is there.

I got chills looking at your fireworks photos. What an amazing birthday! I love CG as and had an amazing meal there with my DIS best friend turned best IRL friend as well!

This is shaping up to be quite the trip!

Sam is such a good photographer, and he's great with fireworks pictures especially. Believe it or not, it was hard to choose just a few because he had so many good ones. It was a great trip and just what I needed at that time!

Ok, so now that I've committed to this running thing, I have to read everyone's TRs!! You look fabulous!! Congratulations! Now I'll tell you the same thing I told TarzansKat, you are on the right road! Remembering & getting thru it. You know all that from having lost your dad, too. I lost mine 9 years ago. I don't know what I'll do if I lose my mom!! I'd get thru it, but I know it has to be doubly hard to have lost both parents so young. I'm so glad you've come back to share your story tho!

Thanks so much for joining in and for the compliments. Losing my mom after having lost my dad was really difficult. In a way, it was like being orphaned; even though I know that I have my husband and kids. I worry a lot about my brother (y'all will meet him in the second part of my trip. He went with us in March) because he doesn't have a spouse or kids. We're 4 hours apart and I hate that his "family" is getting smaller and smaller. We do take time to remember our parents when we're together though. I think it's really important to not shy away from mentioning them, but instead to remember and share our memories, especially with my kids. I talk to them about my mom and dad all the time.

 

[shannn]

We were up bright and early to make our first rope drop of the trip! Now, I'm not a morning person usually; in fact, my friends laugh that they used to think that I was mad at them because I didn't smile in the morning. But...at Disney...all that changes!! Rope drop is my favorite time of the day. There's something about getting there with the first crowds; the excitement; the ceremony; it gives me the shivers just to think about it!!

We headed to the Boardwalk Bakery to get Sam a croissant for breakfast. I already had my protein shake coffee so I was good to go. I don't see a picture, so I guess we didn't get that culinary delight on film. I don't remember much of a comment from him.

We headed for our private entrance and were quickly herded through an empty World Showcase. (not a great picture but you get the point)

This guy came over to say good morning to the small crowd gathered by the "back door rope"

After the first family welcomed us (not my favorite welcome ceremony by any means!), we were off in the Soaring Stampede!! I can't believe this rush. It's amazing to see grown women dragging their children along like they are cattle. I think some of them actually have retread coming off the bottom of their crocs! I get that it's busy, but really lady! You're here at rope drop. I promise they're not going to run out of fast passes!

I grabbed us some Fast Passes and Sam jumped in line. (Remember how well that worked here because tomorrow we hit DHS.....) I quickly joined him and we were soon waiting for our flight. I always wait for the front row and I really think it makes a difference here. My favorite is the orange orchard...wait. let me try and recreate it. Mmmmmmm.....

When we got off of Soarin', we stopped for a moment to regroup. I noticed the Living with the Land didn't have a line, and we had never been on it. I had seen lots of pictures on the boards, but had never thought my kids would be interested. Now was the time to check it out! I thought it was fascinating, and judging by the number of pictures Sam took, so did he! Here's a few of them:

I always imagined vanilla as a vine not a tree.

Sam loved this as he grows tomatoes in our backyard, but never this successfully!

We wanted to go Spaceship Earth (another thing we'd never done...gasp!) and decided to go that way next. I was thrilled to see there wasn't much of a line since there always seems to be a long line in the hot sun. Unfortunately, when we got closer we realized that the reason was because it was down. It wasn't to be again...oh well, maybe in March.

So, next on my list of never-dones was Captain EO. I vaguelly (is that spelled right? Spell check doesn't think so.) remember hearing about this as a kid when it was made (I think maybe I saw it when I was younger...) When I was in the 8th grade, the Thriller album came out. I was IN.LURVE. with Michael Jackson at this point. Now, this was before he turned himself white and started hanging babies off of balconies (Blanket?? Really, dude??) But in 1984 he was the height of wonderfulness. So, I was really looking forward to revisiting with my one true love. ("Love. True love." Name the movie.)

I wish I could say it was a magical reunion. Y'all know when you run into that guy from high school? The one who made your heart go pitter pat...whose name was written in the margins of all your notebooks...who had a starring role in your daydreams.... and then; he's not all that anymore. Mine is a mechanic who lives in a trailer ~ no joke! (OMG....my mother was right about him!) That was this Michael Jackson for me. Not the love that I remembered. It was soooo cheesy. The singing, the dancing, Sam and I just sat and laughed. Bad. In a hilarious way. Would I recommend it? Not if you had to wait or miss anything else for it, but if you wanted a I<3the80s kind of break, I guess.

We hit up Test Track for a FP and then rode Ellen's Energy Adventure (as cheesy as ever, but I just adore Bill Nye the Science Guy! This is a geeky teachery treat for me) Then it was time for our Test Dummy experience. I love this ride, mostly because I love speed. Gimme a fast car/ fast boat/ fast motorcycle/ fast elevator anyday! I'm not so fond of upside down or spinning around, just go FAST!

It was getting time for our ADR for Rose & Crown and we hadn't used our Soarin' FPs. We decided that we didn't want to come back to Future World after lunch so we found a cute little honeymoon couple and gifted them with some Fastpasses. I love spreading the magic like that!

We were up bright and early to make our first rope drop of the trip! Now, I'm not a morning person usually; in fact, my friends laugh that they used to think that I was mad at them because I didn't smile in the morning. But...at Disney...all that changes!! Rope drop is my favorite time of the day. There's something about getting there with the first crowds; the excitement; the ceremony; it gives me the shivers just to think about it!!

We headed to the Boardwalk Bakery to get Sam a croissant for breakfast. I already had my protein shake coffee so I was good to go. I don't see a picture, so I guess we didn't get that culinary delight on film. I don't remember much of a comment from him.

We headed for our private entrance and were quickly herded through an empty World Showcase. (not a great picture but you get the point)

This guy came over to say good morning to the small crowd gathered by the "back door rope"

After the first family welcomed us (not my favorite welcome ceremony by any means!), we were off in the Soaring Stampede!! I can't believe this rush. It's amazing to see grown women dragging their children along like they are cattle. I think some of them actually have retread coming off the bottom of their crocs! I get that it's busy, but really lady! You're here at rope drop. I promise they're not going to run out of fast passes!

I grabbed us some Fast Passes and Sam jumped in line. (Remember how well that worked here because tomorrow we hit DHS.....) I quickly joined him and we were soon waiting for our flight. I always wait for the front row and I really think it makes a difference here. My favorite is the orange orchard...wait. let me try and recreate it. Mmmmmmm.....

When we got off of Soarin', we stopped for a moment to regroup. I noticed the Living with the Land didn't have a line, and we had never been on it. I had seen lots of pictures on the boards, but had never thought my kids would be interested. Now was the time to check it out! I thought it was fascinating, and judging by the number of pictures Sam took, so did he! Here's a few of them:

I always imagined vanilla as a vine not a tree.

Sam loved this as he grows tomatoes in our backyard, but never this successfully!

We wanted to go Spaceship Earth (another thing we'd never done...gasp!) and decided to go that way next. I was thrilled to see there wasn't much of a line since there always seems to be a long line in the hot sun. Unfortunately, when we got closer we realized that the reason was because it was down. It wasn't to be again...oh well, maybe in March.

So, next on my list of never-dones was Captain EO. I vaguelly (is that spelled right? Spell check doesn't think so.) remember hearing about this as a kid when it was made (and maybe I saw it once...but I don't think so) When I was in the 8th grade, the Thriller album came out. I was IN.LURVE. with Michael Jackson at this point. Now, this was before he turned himself white and started hanging babies off of balconies (Blanket?? Really, dude??) But in 1984 he was the height of wonderfulness. So, I was really looking forward to revisiting with my one true love. ("Love. True love." Name the movie.) See?

I wish I could say it was a magical reunion. Y'all know when you run into that guy from high school? The one who made your heart go pitter pat...who's name was written in the margins of all your notebooks...who had a starring role in your daydreams.... and then; he's not all that anymore. In fact mine is a mechanic who lives in a trailer~ true story! That's how I felt about Michael Jackson here. It was so cheesy. Is it worth your time? If you have to wait in a line or miss something else? No. But in a 1<3the80s cheeseball kind of way? Sure.

From there we went to FP Test Track and then rode Ellen's Energy Adventure (this is a geektastic treat for me. I heart Bill Nye the Science Guy!) We rode Test Track and got our test dummy on. I love to go fast...give me fast cars/ fast boats/ fast motorcycles/ fast elevators and I'm there!! Upside down or circles; not so much, but I have a need for speed!

We realized then that our lunch ADR time was almost upon us and we hadn't used our Soarin' FPs. After talking about it we decided that we didn't want to come back to Future World after lunch, so we found a cute honeymoon couple and gave them away. It's so much fun to spread a little pixie dust!


Continued in the next post.

 

[shannn]

At Rose and Crown we once again shared. The biggest difference I saw between signature and regular restaurants is that signature restaurants actually split the entrees onto two different plates with smaller portions. Usually I was able to eat about 1/2 of my 1/2 of each plate and then I passed the rest to Sam. At regular restaurants we just got one regular portion and split it ourselves.

Unfortunately, the lighting in R&C wasn't very good and 2 of our pictures didn't come out so great so I'll just have to tell y'all what we have instead of showing. Sam got a Boddington's Pub Ale to drink. He didn't have much of an opinion of it~ as he expected, I guess.

We got a Cheese and Fruit Plate - trio of English cheeses - Mushroom Brie, Irish Cheddar, and Stilton - with grapes, apples, and sun-dried cranberries. I remember this being really good, fresh with great flavors. I love all three of these cheeses so it was a perfect choice for me. And appetizers are always good because they're small portion of different things.

Then we shared the Sunday Roast - with Yorkshire Pudding, Roasted Potatoes, seasonal Vegetable, and Shallot Gravy.

Yummy!! This was so delicious! Everything was perfectly cooked and perfectly seasoned. I like traditional English food, even if everything on the plate is usually one color!

With our TIW discount, this lunch was $43.33.

After leaving lunch, we took one last walk around the UK. Alice was out meeting people. She was great with the kids, but you could just see the mental eye rolling whenever she had to interact with an adult so, I just took a picture of her with someone's cute little girl.

Then, I saw her...my heart started "beatin' like a big brass drum" ~~ Mary!! I have loved Mary Poppins since I was a little girl. I loved the books, the movie, and, last year, even the Broadway play! So, there was no question that I had to meet her!

She was very gracious, congratulated me on my birthday, and was in perfect character the entire time.

We decided that it was time for our quiet time, so we went out to walk to the Boardwalk. On our way, we encountered a family with 2 small kids. Their daughter was probably around 7 or so. They were dressed in swimsuits and carrying towels. Or at least the rest of them were. Miss WhineyButt had decided she didn't want to carry her towel and she was letting them know it very loudly. When no one responded she dropped it on the boardwalk and kept walking. The mother said that if she didn't pick it up and carry it for herself she would be going back to the room for a rest instead of swimming with the family. Now, there's a problem with drawing a line in the sand (get it? Sand? Swimming? See how I did that?) like that. You have to be willing to follow through. If you're really going to give up your swim time to take WhineyButt back to the room, great. Give the ultimatum. In fact, she sounds like she needs a rest. But, if you're not, then don't make the threat. Sure enough, the mom threatened a few more times, screamed at WB, and ultimately ended up going back and carrying the towel herself. And, eventually, picking up Miss WB too!! If the towel's not a dealbreaker to you, I respect that too. Just pick it up and carry it yourself and don't fuss at the kid about it. I'm definitely not a perfect parent, but it just drives me nuts when parents set precedents of not really meaning what they say and then expect kids to believe that they mean things.

And, with that small rant over, I'll end this chapter as our heroes go back to their room for a much needed rest. Because, later on, they had a PAR-TY to go too!

 

[TarzansKat]

I'm guessing the quote is from the Princess Bride?

And you know what? I actually opted not to see Captain EO when I was there on my last trip. I was so excited, and so amped up, and then when I was there, I thought, you know what? This will never be as good as it was in my memory. So I chose not go.

Therefore, I still think it's cool!

And I loved Michael. I was so sad when he passed.

Splitting an entree at Rose and Crown looks like it was a good idea, it looks so filling!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I never saw Captain EO before but like you, I thought it was hilariously bad but I will never get those minutes back.

I love that you love Mary Poppins! She is my favorite character to meet in the park, she is practically perfect in every way.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

When we have met Mary Poppins in the parks, she has always been so great! She commented once on my tiny "carpet bag" and how did I fit everything into it? I should have said, it's just like yours. But I just told her that my DH had the larger bag. She was TOTALLY in character with everyone she met. She reminded my girls to stand up straight in the picture, even said "spit spot", which I LOVE!

Very cool that you shared the magic by handing off your FPs.

And I wholeheartedly agree with you on the parenting follow through. I have had to make my DD miss a school party because of that. It was almost as hard on me as it was on her. But I had no choice if I wanted to maintain any integrity as a parent.

 

[momof2TNboys]

I am signing on!! We share a hometown and I love hearing about your report. I too had read about your mom on Dawn's report. I am so sorry. I feel the same as you about just waiting for the next bad thing to happen.
I lost my brother suddenly 2 years ago, my father became very ill and was put on dialysis and had an amputation, my mother is not well either and my youngest son had a scary accident that sent him in an ambulance to the ER. So, you can say I have a little bit of issues with anxiety. I am constantly worried about everyone. It is hard losing a loved one or seeing them become ill and not the person you remember. You will have your times, but it does get better. I still think of my brother everyday and I still have my moments. I went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Maui last week and had to leave the store because I burst in to tears. It hit me that I always made sure my Mom bought my brother his certain Hard Rock t-shirt where ever we went and I would not be doing that anymore. It is tough. I have constant anxiety about my parents, but I realize that I just have to love them while they are here and cope as much as I can.
Sorry for being a downer! Love the trip report and congratulations on the weight loss. I am a physician here in Knoxville and you are an inspiration to me! Can't wait to hear more!!
BTW, the quote has to be from Princess Bride. One of my favorites, but I like to say, "Wove, true wove". LOL