A Mother-Daughter Trip! Now with BONUS BIRTHDAY Trip! (Final Thoughts Coming Soon!)

[RGirl]

28. Our Last-Day CA Must-Do’s (First Installment)

After Pirates, we headed over to CA where we quickly ran into Chip and Dale! We love them! Actually, this meet was pretty funny. I had recently told DD about how she could tell which one was which because Chip’s nose looks like a chocolate chip. Well, DD LOVES chocolate, so that little story resulted in a great love for Chip. At the expense of poor Dale who was not feeling the love from DD!

Of course, our intended destination was ToT. We enjoyed a ride - no wait, of course.

We zipped through A Bug’s Land and on over to TSMM. DD was really misbehaving at this point and actually earned a little time out on the way. We did eventually stop off to see Lightning McQueen and Mater.

By the time we got to TSMM, it was about noon. NOON, WDW people.

Check out the wait time.

Can’t make that out? Here.

That’s right 10 minutes. At NOON. On a Saturday. (And, yes, the people behind me thought I was totally insane for taking those pics, but I had to document it for you!)

Proof that there was no line.

We had a fun ride.

We were pretty hungry by this point, so we walked over to an area with several CS choices. DD chose the Mexican food and ordered another burrito.

I had a chicken rice bowl with Thai coconut curry sauce from an Asian CS.

This Fisherman’s Wharf (I think that was what they were calling it - it definitely had the feel of Fisherman’s Wharf) was really lovely.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

29. Our Last-Day CA Must-Do’s (Second Installment)

DD wanted to do The Little Mermaid ride again, so we headed over there. Again, we didn’t wait at all!

This time I tried to take some no-flash pictures for you all. Now, I have no idea whether the Ariel ride they are adding to MK is the same as this one. But in case it is, if you don’t want to spoil the surprise, please scroll by quickly.

Next up, we started back towards ToT.

But we spotted Pluto on the way! We LOVE Pluto, and we had not seen him yet this trip. So we had to stop. First, DD got to visit with Minnie again.

And then Pluto! DD thought it was hilarious and disgusting that Pluto licked her autograph book. Keep in mind that DD is used to a dog that drools a lot - she did not want drool on her book!

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[amandaw]

Those are cute pictures with Chip & Dale.

Good for you giving her a time out even if y'all were in Disney! So many times you see kids being bad & their parents just ignore it. I think it's because they don't want to interrupt the vacation. I get it - we all spend lots of $ & do lots of planning to go to Disney. But, they're not doing their kids - or themselves - any favors by letting them be bad. Reid knows my "Disney rules" and if he breaks one he knows that we will leave right then & there & go back to the resort. And, yes, he learned that the hard way. Ok, I'm stepping down from my soapbox....

I cannot get over the wait...or lack there of......for TSMM! Are you kidding me?!? That alone is making me want to go to Disneyland!

Oh, that would be so cool! Pre-paying the CD in October really got us in the habit of using PP. In DL, Willow was really the one who would remember about the PP photographers.

I went ahead & prepaid for our photopass CD yesterday! I saw on the boards that the price is going up come 3/21. Now, I just have to remember to use it!

It's good to know someone else who is content with one! I came very close to starting another adoption process last year, and then I realized I was losing my ever-loving mind!!!

I can imagine being a single mom with 2 kids is very hard. Although, I'm sure 1 isn't exactly a cake walk. People think I'm crazy that I'm choosing to only have 1 child. I don't know why people think you have to have more than 1. We are a very happy family & we feel complete. I have thought about whether Reid would be mad when he got older that he doesn't have a sibling. But, the fact of the matter is, no matter how many kids you have there is no guarantee that they will get along or be close. Ed has 3 sisters & I have 1. Neither one of us are close to our siblings. As long as you're happy with your family, that's all that matters.

That is so cute about Reid! I have to admit I had no idea what Willow was talking about and could not figure out how she had seen the commercial. I TIVO everything, so I don't watch commercials! But she probably saw it when we had the Food Network or something on in the background.

Just watch live TV for 3 minutes & you are bound to see a DCL commercial! We are in the early planning stages of our trip next year. We were thinking of going on the Fantasy during Thanksgiving week 2013. But, it looks like we may be moving it up to April or May.

Yep - I keep that in mind with the supervisors I advise. Move quickly - if for nothing else than that you will lose the best people!

So I got a second interview on the Alexandria job. I almost turned it down, but I am going to go ahead and do it - I can't possibly know if it is a possibility if I don't at least attempt to get an offer. I'm sure hoping that I get some other interviews though - in much less expensive parts of the country!!!

Congrats on the 2nd interview! You never know - they may make you an offer you can't refuse!

 

[amandaw]

Oops....I was posting when you were posting the next installment.

I love the pictures from the Little Mermaid ride! I cannot wait for this to get to WDW!!! Please, please, please let there be a miracle & this ride be open for our trip.

That's too funny that Willow didn't want Pluto to drool on her book.

Cute pics!

 

[RGirl]

Those are cute pictures with Chip & Dale.

Good for you giving her a time out even if y'all were in Disney! So many times you see kids being bad & their parents just ignore it. I think it's because they don't want to interrupt the vacation. I get it - we all spend lots of $ & do lots of planning to go to Disney. But, they're not doing their kids - or themselves - any favors by letting them be bad. Reid knows my "Disney rules" and if he breaks one he knows that we will leave right then & there & go back to the resort. And, yes, he learned that the hard way. Ok, I'm stepping down from my soapbox....

Yeah, I agree with you. And, really, if you don't correct behavior doesn't it just end up ruining even more of the trip????

I cannot get over the wait...or lack there of......for TSMM! Are you kidding me?!? That alone is making me want to go to Disneyland!

Oh, you would be in heaven with the no wait for TSMM. I had read that it was nowhere near as popular there as at WDW. Add to that the time of year we were there, and we could easily have ridden it all day, I think.

I went ahead & prepaid for our photopass CD yesterday! I saw on the boards that the price is going up come 3/21. Now, I just have to remember to use it!

Yay!!! If you are anything like me, having spent the money already will motivate you to get every PP pic possible!

I can imagine being a single mom with 2 kids is very hard. Although, I'm sure 1 isn't exactly a cake walk. People think I'm crazy that I'm choosing to only have 1 child. I don't know why people think you have to have more than 1. We are a very happy family & we feel complete. I have thought about whether Reid would be mad when he got older that he doesn't have a sibling. But, the fact of the matter is, no matter how many kids you have there is no guarantee that they will get along or be close. Ed has 3 sisters & I have 1. Neither one of us are close to our siblings. As long as you're happy with your family, that's all that matters.

You know, the only pressure that I felt was my own fear that Willow would be lonely without a sibling. I am very close to my brother, although I did keep thinking about all the siblings I know who really don't get along at all. But I worried even more about other things - that I wouldn't have as much time for her, that it would be so much harder financially, that vacations would be practically impossible (how in the world would I do that alone with 2 kids???), my ever-advancing age, and the HIGH cost of adoption. Yep - I am now VERY content with the size of our little family.

Just watch live TV for 3 minutes & you are bound to see a DCL commercial! We are in the early planning stages of our trip next year. We were thinking of going on the Fantasy during Thanksgiving week 2013. But, it looks like we may be moving it up to April or May.

How exciting!!!! I am really interested to hear what you think of the Fantasy (especially as we will have done the cruise on the Wonder by then). Some of the reports I read are glowing, and others make it sound like everything is so crowded because of the capacity of the ship. The pics are so beautiful that I just want to see everything in person!

Congrats on the 2nd interview! You never know - they may make you an offer you can't refuse!

Yep - that's exactly where I landed with the decision. Might as well find out what it would be *if* I were even to get an offer. It's not like a second interview immediately translates into an offer anyway!

Oops....I was posting when you were posting the next installment.

I love the pictures from the Little Mermaid ride! I cannot wait for this to get to WDW!!! Please, please, please let there be a miracle & this ride be open for our trip.

That's too funny that Willow didn't want Pluto to drool on her book.

Cute pics!

Oh, I hope it's open for you! It is really cute.

Pluto always cracks us up! Afterwards, Willow was all, "Mommy!!!! Did you SEE Pluto lick my autograph book????? "

 

[amandaw]

Yeah, I agree with you. And, really, if you don't correct behavior doesn't it just end up ruining even more of the trip????

You're absolutely right. But, most people would rather ignore the bad behavior.

Oh, you would be in heaven with the no wait for TSMM. I had read that it was nowhere near as popular there as at WDW. Add to that the time of year we were there, and we could easily have ridden it all day, I think.

It really does sound like heaven! I wonder why it's not so popular there. Is it just because there's not as much in DHS perhaps?

Yay!!! If you are anything like me, having spent the money already will motivate you to get every PP pic possible!

You are so right! And I already warned Ed that we would be stopping for lots of photos. I also threatened him that if I hear any whining or groaning from him that I will make him have a photopass photographer take a picture of him by himself in front of the castle. That would be torture for him!

You know, the only pressure that I felt was my own fear that Willow would be lonely without a sibling. I am very close to my brother, although I did keep thinking about all the siblings I know who really don't get along at all. But I worried even more about other things - that I wouldn't have as much time for her, that it would be so much harder financially, that vacations would be practically impossible (how in the world would I do that alone with 2 kids???), my ever-advancing age, and the HIGH cost of adoption. Yep - I am now VERY content with the size of our little family.

That has been my only fear for Reid. I hate it when other mothers make comments to me like, "Well, you only have 1. That's easy." Yes, I'm sure it's easier than 2 or 3 or 10. But, it doesn't mean all my moments with Reid are laid back & full of rainbows & sunshine. And I always want to tell them, "Don't be bitter towards me because I had enough sense to stop at 1."

How exciting!!!! I am really interested to hear what you think of the Fantasy (especially as we will have done the cruise on the Wonder by then). Some of the reports I read are glowing, and others make it sound like everything is so crowded because of the capacity of the ship. The pics are so beautiful that I just want to see everything in person!

I'm very excited to try out the Fantasy. I wish I could book it now. But, I want to wait until we've closed on our house. Even though I have the deposit, you never know what financial expenses could surprise you when buying a house. So, that night after closing, I'll be booking! I can't wait to hear about the Alaskan cruise. You know I was scared before we cruised on the Dream because of all the crowd reports. The cruise we went on was sold out. The only time we really noticed the crowds were at the pool and on the last night when everyone was trying to buy photos. But, we still had a great time at the pool.

Yep - that's exactly where I landed with the decision. Might as well find out what it would be *if* I were even to get an offer. It's not like a second interview immediately translates into an offer anyway!

I'll continue to pray for whatever's best for you & Willow to roll your way. You may be surprised by where y'all end up.

Oh, I hope it's open for you! It is really cute.

I would be over the moon excited if it was open, along with Gaston's Tavern and especially the Be Our Guest restaurant. But, I'm not getting my hopes up.

Pluto always cracks us up! Afterwards, Willow was all, "Mommy!!!! Did you SEE Pluto lick my autograph book????? "

That is so cute! We love Pluto in our house!

 

[RGirl]

You're absolutely right. But, most people would rather ignore the bad behavior.

I guess I just don't have it in me to ignore. And, quite frankly, ignoring has never worked with my DD. I remember reading all those books that say ignore a tantrum when they're toddlers, etc. That had the WORST possible outcome with my DD

It really does sound like heaven! I wonder why it's not so popular there. Is it just because there's not as much in DHS perhaps?

I have always theorized that TSMM is so popular because there are so few rides at DHS that are friendly to really little kids. Also, I think it takes longer to realize how fun DHS is, so people just focus on TSMM. We really didn't care for the park at all our first visit to WDW. And, as you know, last year, it was DD's favorite park, and I really warmed up to it as well. Just my lame theories....

You are so right! And I already warned Ed that we would be stopping for lots of photos. I also threatened him that if I hear any whining or groaning from him that I will make him have a photopass photographer take a picture of him by himself in front of the castle. That would be torture for him!

Is it wrong that I kind of hope he starts groaning so that I can see you post that pic?

That has been my only fear for Reid. I hate it when other mothers make comments to me like, "Well, you only have 1. That's easy." Yes, I'm sure it's easier than 2 or 3 or 10. But, it doesn't mean all my moments with Reid are laid back & full of rainbows & sunshine. And I always want to tell them, "Don't be bitter towards me because I had enough sense to stop at 1."

None of my friends dare say that to me! Not only am I an only parent but I have a very sure-of-herself little diva to run me ragged every day. On top of that, most of my friends (who all have more than one child) would say that, at least eventually, it is EASIER to have more than one because they play with each other. Don't know if that's true since I am happy with ONE!

I'm very excited to try out the Fantasy. I wish I could book it now. But, I want to wait until we've closed on our house. Even though I have the deposit, you never know what financial expenses could surprise you when buying a house. So, that night after closing, I'll be booking! I can't wait to hear about the Alaskan cruise. You know I was scared before we cruised on the Dream because of all the crowd reports. The cruise we went on was sold out. The only time we really noticed the crowds were at the pool and on the last night when everyone was trying to buy photos. But, we still had a great time at the pool.

Dang it! I forgot you had already done the Dream - so you know that it will be all good. DUH! When are you set to close???? How exciting!

I'll continue to pray for whatever's best for you & Willow to roll your way. You may be surprised by where y'all end up.

Thanks! I have learned over all these years that, no matter how things are going, eventually you end up where you are supposed to be. Struggling for years to achieve my dream of becoming a parent put everything in perspective for me. Sometimes I have to remind myself.

I would be over the moon excited if it was open, along with Gaston's Tavern and especially the Be Our Guest restaurant. But, I'm not getting my hopes up.

Oh, man, I cannot wait just to read TRs about the new attractions and restaurant(s)!!!!!!

 

[amandaw]

I guess I just don't have it in me to ignore. And, quite frankly, ignoring has never worked with my DD. I remember reading all those books that say ignore a tantrum when they're toddlers, etc. That had the WORST possible outcome with my DD

I can't ignore either....I have exactly less than zero patience. That's just the thing....all these books tell you what to do & what not do. Well, every kid is different. You have to figure out what works for your kid.

I have always theorized that TSMM is so popular because there are so few rides at DHS that are friendly to really little kids. Also, I think it takes longer to realize how fun DHS is, so people just focus on TSMM. We really didn't care for the park at all our first visit to WDW. And, as you know, last year, it was DD's favorite park, and I really warmed up to it as well. Just my lame theories....

I think you're right. They do need to put another kiddie ride there. There are enough shows to entertain the little ones. But, for the ones like Reid, there's need to more than just shows. And don't even get me started on that Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground or whatever it's called. I refuse to let Reid go play in there. I don't even show it to him. I can see us chasing him through there trying to keep an eye on him. Not my idea of fun.

Is it wrong that I kind of hope he starts groaning so that I can see you post that pic?

Not wrong at all! In fact, I told him specifically how I would make him pose. Okay, picture it:

A 36 year old man, standing by himself on Main Street with the castle in the background. Then, I'd have him tilt his head slightly down to the right. And then I'd make him put his hands (palms down) together under his chin. Think of a bad senior picture type pose. And I'd finish it off with a smile! Of course when I told him this, I just got a look. But, I told him I'm serious!

None of my friends dare say that to me! Not only am I an only parent but I have a very sure-of-herself little diva to run me ragged every day. On top of that, most of my friends (who all have more than one child) would say that, at least eventually, it is EASIER to have more than one because they play with each other. Don't know if that's true since I am happy with ONE!

I would hope no one would ever dare say that to a single mother! Now, my friends are not the ones who make those comments to me. But, my sister & other mothers I don't know too well....oh yes!

I agree....the ones with more than one kid have it easier. When I go to visit my 2 best friends who each have 2 kids, I don't have to bother with Reid hardly. They go off & play & I only hear from him when he really & truly needs something. It's like built-in babysitters.

Dang it! I forgot you had already done the Dream - so you know that it will be all good. DUH! When are you set to close???? How exciting!

I've bee a member here only a little over a year. But, I've come to see that there are some people here that just love to complain. I was so worried the cruise would be horrible after so many people whining about the crowds. Now we didn't find it that bad at all. So, I've come to take some people's reports with a whole shaker of salt. Also, I'd rather be on crowded Mickey boat than at home doing laundry, dishes, you name it any day of the week!

We are set to close May 1st. The house is really coming along. We put a contract on it in the early stages of it being built. In fact, the day we put in the offer, they were finishing putting on the roof. Now, it's starting to really feel like a home. We're all very anxious to get in the house.

Thanks! I have learned over all these years that, no matter how things are going, eventually you end up where you are supposed to be. Struggling for years to achieve my dream of becoming a parent put everything in perspective for me. Sometimes I have to remind myself.

I cannot even begin to imagine your struggle! I do believe everything happens for a reason. And it seems like it took you years because you needed it to be Willow. Y'all seem to have such a wonderful relationship. You are lucky to have her but she is also lucky to have you as her Mommy!

Oh, man, I cannot wait just to read TRs about the new attractions and restaurant(s)!!!!!!

Me, too! I was excited seeing the pictures from the soft opening of Storybook Circus this week. I have to say that I really like the re-theming of Barnstormer. And Dumbo is so cute! I just love all of the colors & details!

 

[RGirl]

I can't ignore either....I have exactly less than zero patience. That's just the thing....all these books tell you what to do & what not do. Well, every kid is different. You have to figure out what works for your kid.

Well, I am completely lacking in the patience gene. It is, hands down, my worst fault. I really dislike it about myself. I think that I have become more patient since becoming a mother - and I am glad that I waited and then was forced to wait even later so that I was older; I don't think I would have done well as a parent at all years ago. But, even so, I am still very impatient. I try and keep trying and trying. That's about all I can do! And, yes, you are very right about the books. I haven't looked at one of those books in over a year. They were very useful in the infant stages when all kids are at least a little bit alike, but now - pfft - they are individuals!

I think you're right. They do need to put another kiddie ride there. There are enough shows to entertain the little ones. But, for the ones like Reid, there's need to more than just shows. And don't even get me started on that Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground or whatever it's called. I refuse to let Reid go play in there. I don't even show it to him. I can see us chasing him through there trying to keep an eye on him. Not my idea of fun.

OMG - I have NEVER dared go anywhere near that playground. I am terrified of it! By myself with DD in there???? NO WAY!!!! We went to the boneyard in 2010 when my mom and friend were with us. My mom didn't even bother to come in, but thankfully my friend did. Even so, we lost DD several times. It was horrifying. I hated it - way too much stress for a vacation.

Not wrong at all! In fact, I told him specifically how I would make him pose. Okay, picture it:

A 36 year old man, standing by himself on Main Street with the castle in the background. Then, I'd have him tilt his head slightly down to the right. And then I'd make him put his hands (palms down) together under his chin. Think of a bad senior picture type pose. And I'd finish it off with a smile! Of course when I told him this, I just got a look. But, I told him I'm serious!

I LOVE IT!!!!!!

I would hope no one would ever dare say that to a single mother! Now, my friends are not the ones who make those comments to me. But, my sister & other mothers I don't know too well....oh yes!

That's just obnoxious. Seriously, why are people so concerned about other people's life choices? Why do they think that their choices are the only right ones? That makes me angry. There is something so special and wonderful about being able to put everything you have into one child. I know I love it - I would feel so stretched to the max with more than one. And I don't even mean the only parent side of it - I mean the emotional side. I love DD SO much - I don't think I could fit in another child! Perhaps I just don't have as much love in me as others!

I agree....the ones with more than one kid have it easier. When I go to visit my 2 best friends who each have 2 kids, I don't have to bother with Reid hardly. They go off & play & I only hear from him when he really & truly needs something. It's like built-in babysitters.

I think that is often true. DD and her friends, sadly, have reached that horrible girl stage (honestly, I had no idea that this happened so early ) where "play dates" are now all about the moms having to referee constant accusations of "Susie said she won't play with me" and "Debbie said I can't come to her birthday party" and "Jane said I'm not her friend anymore." It is AWFUL! Girls........ Who knew the Mean-ness started so young!

I've bee a member here only a little over a year. But, I've come to see that there are some people here that just love to complain. I was so worried the cruise would be horrible after so many people whining about the crowds. Now we didn't find it that bad at all. So, I've come to take some people's reports with a whole shaker of salt. Also, I'd rather be on crowded Mickey boat than at home doing laundry, dishes, you name it any day of the week!

Yeah, there are some people who just have to be negative. It's amazing to me how negative people can get about something so fun as the world's most care-free vacation! I'm so excited that you had such a great time on the Dream. I think we would too! Because we have the same attitude - um, hello!!! Real life?? Versus a CRUISE with Mickey????

We are set to close May 1st. The house is really coming along. We put a contract on it in the early stages of it being built. In fact, the day we put in the offer, they were finishing putting on the roof. Now, it's starting to really feel like a home. We're all very anxious to get in the house.

So exciting! That is awesome! I hope you will post pictures (somewhere) when it is all ready to move in!

I cannot even begin to imagine your struggle! I do believe everything happens for a reason. And it seems like it took you years because you needed it to be Willow. Y'all seem to have such a wonderful relationship. You are lucky to have her but she is also lucky to have you as her Mommy!

Yep, I will never forget my first (of four) trips to Guatemala and finally getting the phone call in my hotel room that her foster mother was downstairs. I have goose bumps just thinking about her foster mother handing me this huge bundle of blankets and searching through them to find this 5-pound 3-week old baby. My first thought upon seeing her in my arms? "Oh, thank goodness that none of those crazy fertility treatments worked. THANK YOU! Because THIS is my child." That has never changed. We have to trust that we will find our paths - that those paths will lead us where we are supposed to go in life.

Me, too! I was excited seeing the pictures from the soft opening of Storybook Circus this week. I have to say that I really like the re-theming of Barnstormer. And Dumbo is so cute! I just love all of the colors & details!

I haven't seen those pics! I have been totally DIS'less other than the weekend updates lately.

 

[shan23877]

Fun update! My MiL told Maddie about Chip having a chocolate chip nose so Maddie favored him as well!

Those non-existent lines for TSMM are shocking!! Shocking! That is inconceivable to me!

Minnie's outfit is really cute, I love when the characters are in different costumes. The Pluto pics are adorable! He's one of Maddie's top favorites. at the drool on the book! We have a beagle who's a slobber monkey so Mads would probably think the same thing.

Little Mermaid looks adorable. I can't wait to see the ride at WDW. To be honest, I can't wait to see all of Fantasyland completed.

Good for you for giving a time out at DL. I'll do one anywhere. People always give me a weird look when Maddie is getting a time out at Target or the grocery store though.

Good luck on the interview. Whether the job is a good fit or not, it never hurts to get some interview practice.

 

[RGirl]

Fun update! My MiL told Maddie about Chip having a chocolate chip nose so Maddie favored him as well!

Those non-existent lines for TSMM are shocking!! Shocking! That is inconceivable to me!

Minnie's outfit is really cute, I love when the characters are in different costumes. The Pluto pics are adorable! He's one of Maddie's top favorites. at the drool on the book! We have a beagle who's a slobber monkey so Mads would probably think the same thing.

Little Mermaid looks adorable. I can't wait to see the ride at WDW. To be honest, I can't wait to see all of Fantasyland completed.

Good for you for giving a time out at DL. I'll do one anywhere. People always give me a weird look when Maddie is getting a time out at Target or the grocery store though.

Good luck on the interview. Whether the job is a good fit or not, it never hurts to get some interview practice.

I love that Maddie had the same reaction to the wonderful Chip knowledge!

A drooling Beagle? WOW! I had a Beagle years ago and don't remember him drooling. However, to be fair, I had him at the same time as my first Bullmastiff (on my second now), and it is definitely conceivable that the Beagle could have been drooling and I would not have noticed it amongst the insane buckets of drool from the Mastiff!

So excited for the FL expansion too! Just wish I had a return date. Do you have a trip planned? (Sorry - can't see if you have a ticker as I type. )

Too funny about giving Maddie a time out at the store! You gotta do what you gotta do! I think my favorite time out for DD was in the lobby of the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas (we had gone there to visit the white tigers) - this horrible woman came up and kept trying to intervene. I was all, " She is in time out - leave us ALONE!!!"

Thanks for the good wishes!

 

[amandaw]

Well, I am completely lacking in the patience gene. It is, hands down, my worst fault. I really dislike it about myself. I think that I have become more patient since becoming a mother - and I am glad that I waited and then was forced to wait even later so that I was older; I don't think I would have done well as a parent at all years ago. But, even so, I am still very impatient. I try and keep trying and trying. That's about all I can do! And, yes, you are very right about the books. I haven't looked at one of those books in over a year. They were very useful in the infant stages when all kids are at least a little bit alike, but now - pfft - they are individuals!

That sounds exactly like me, too! I'm glad I didn't have kids right when we were married in our early 20's. That would not have been good.

Yeah, I quit looking at those books once Reid hit a year. I bought one about positive discipline when Reid was going through his terrible 2's. Never even opened it up!

OMG - I have NEVER dared go anywhere near that playground. I am terrified of it! By myself with DD in there???? NO WAY!!!! We went to the boneyard in 2010 when my mom and friend were with us. My mom didn't even bother to come in, but thankfully my friend did. Even so, we lost DD several times. It was horrifying. I hated it - way too much stress for a vacation.

That is my nightmare - losing Reid in one of those playgrounds. I've also managed to steer clear of the Boneyard.

I LOVE IT!!!!!!

I know, right?!? I figure that should scare him just enough to not complain about all the picture taking we'll be doing.

That's just obnoxious. Seriously, why are people so concerned about other people's life choices? Why do they think that their choices are the only right ones? That makes me angry. There is something so special and wonderful about being able to put everything you have into one child. I know I love it - I would feel so stretched to the max with more than one. And I don't even mean the only parent side of it - I mean the emotional side. I love DD SO much - I don't think I could fit in another child! Perhaps I just don't have as much love in me as others!

Ed & I were having a conversation about why people are so concerned about the way other people live one night this week. I think people are naturally curious but I think reality TV is making people worse. Don't get me wrong, I love a few reality shows. But, I think it has made people more nosy about what everyone else is doing. I have to say that, since becoming a mother, I have also realized just how judgmental other mothers can be - not all of them, just some. There are some mothers who just think they do everything right & if you don't do the same things they do, then you're wrong. I don't get it. But, then again my mottos is "Live & let live."

I think that is often true. DD and her friends, sadly, have reached that horrible girl stage (honestly, I had no idea that this happened so early ) where "play dates" are now all about the moms having to referee constant accusations of "Susie said she won't play with me" and "Debbie said I can't come to her birthday party" and "Jane said I'm not her friend anymore." It is AWFUL! Girls........ Who knew the Mean-ness started so young!

Oh goodness! I hope little boys don't go through that.

Yeah, there are some people who just have to be negative. It's amazing to me how negative people can get about something so fun as the world's most care-free vacation! I'm so excited that you had such a great time on the Dream. I think we would too! Because we have the same attitude - um, hello!!! Real life?? Versus a CRUISE with Mickey????

I mean, I can see reporting if something was really unsatisfactory. But, I think some people are just nit-picky.

So exciting! That is awesome! I hope you will post pictures (somewhere) when it is all ready to move in!

Thank you. We are very excited. I'm anxious to see it all finished & to be in there already.

Yep, I will never forget my first (of four) trips to Guatemala and finally getting the phone call in my hotel room that her foster mother was downstairs. I have goose bumps just thinking about her foster mother handing me this huge bundle of blankets and searching through them to find this 5-pound 3-week old baby. My first thought upon seeing her in my arms? "Oh, thank goodness that none of those crazy fertility treatments worked. THANK YOU! Because THIS is my child." That has never changed. We have to trust that we will find our paths - that those paths will lead us where we are supposed to go in life.

Awww, that's such a sweet story. Brought a tear to my eye. I cannot even begin to imagine what you felt finally getting to hold her in your arms. I'm so happy for the both of you that y'all were brought together.

I haven't seen those pics! I have been totally DIS'less other than the weekend updates lately.

There's definitely lots of pictures floating around. I think most of them I actually saw from postings on Facebook by WDWMagic & sites like that.

 

[RGirl]

Ed & I were having a conversation about why people are so concerned about the way other people live one night this week. I think people are naturally curious but I think reality TV is making people worse. Don't get me wrong, I love a few reality shows. But, I think it has made people more nosy about what everyone else is doing. I have to say that, since becoming a mother, I have also realized just how judgmental other mothers can be - not all of them, just some. There are some mothers who just think they do everything right & if you don't do the same things they do, then you're wrong. I don't get it. But, then again my mottos is "Live & let live."

Hmm, that is an interesting theory! I bet it has had an effect. I love reality TV (it is an embarrassing guilty pleasure), but I like the competition ones (Amazing Race, Survivor, etc.). I have never watched these weird shows like Kardashians (sp?), that New Jersey one, etc., so I can't really judge. But from the things I have read and heard, I would bet they have made people much more voyeuristic and into other people's lives.

I have noticed the Judgment Moms too. I am never sure if they are really judging or if I just perceive it that way because I feel inadequate. But Willow's new school has brought out a lot of those feelings for me - it is on a college campus, and many of the other parents are professors with professor schedules. So their kids are only there part of the day, they all have time to hang around and be super-interested in whatever the kids are doing when they arrive, etc. I feel very judged/inadequate because my kid is there ALL day, and I am like a crazy rushed fiend when I pick her up knowing that I have to cram in bath, cooking dinner, laundry, time to read stories, etc. before bedtime. [/QUOTE]

Oh goodness! I hope little boys don't go through that.

I am going to bet money that they do not!!!!

There's definitely lots of pictures floating around. I think most of them I actually saw from postings on Facebook by WDWMagic & sites like that.

I am going to have to find some time to poke around and find some. I don't know WDWMagic - I will have to check it out!!!

Going to try to get this TR done!

 

[RGirl]

30. Our Last-Day CA Must-Do’s (Third Installment)

Finally, we were in line for ToT.

But suddenly, DD decided she had to go potty. Out of line we got and headed to the giant tissue box that houses the potties in A Bug’s Land.

And then back to ToT. By this point, we knew the CMs at ToT personally, so we asked them for a picture. They seemed really surprised but kind of thrilled. There was still no wait for the ride.

After ToT, we watched the Incredibles go by.




And then we headed to the Monsters Inc. ride at DD’s request. Sully was out again, and DD insisted that she had to see him again because she would not be afraid at all and would give him a big hug. Fine with me! Sully was so funny - every time I went to take a pic, Sully would cover up DD almost completely.

After visiting with Sully, we rode the Monsters Inc. ride twice. My favorite thing about this ride is that, when you go through the sushi restaurant, you actually smell ginger, and when you go by the abominable snowman with his lemon sno-cones, you smell lemon. I love stuff like that. Again, I decided to take some non-flash pics for you all this time - if you don’t want to know what the ride looks like before you experience it yourself, scroll quickly through this part.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

31. Our Last-Day CA Must-Do’s (Fourth Installment)

When we exited the Monsters Inc. ride, we saw Mickey just finishing up a dance party. We took note that he would be out soon for autographs, so we obviously waited! Check DD out with Hip Hop Mickey!

As we proceeded along, we spotted Mr. Incredible. DD had no idea who he was, but she just had to meet him! He was funny. He kept trying to toss DD’s pen up with the autograph book and catch it, but he kept failing. He was pretty dejected about it, but I think he’s used to his failings.

On the way out of CA, we spotted Woody and Goofy. While waiting for Woody, Buzz came by and goofed around with the other characters and then headed off down to the end of the block for his own meet and greet. DD just HAD to meet Buzz (not that she hasn’t met him several times before in WDW). She waited long enough to meet Woody who gave her a high five for five.

But she wanted to skip Goofy in order to meet Buzz. Buzz had a pretty long line, but that would not deter DD. DD seems to have developed a bit of a crush on Buzz. The PP person could barely get a picture of her because she didn’t want to stop hugging him long enough to face the camera. As we were leaving, she kept saying, “Mommy, Buzz is so cute.”

Up Next: 32. A Quick Trip to DL and Some Last-Night Magic​

 

[shan23877]

I love that Maddie had the same reaction to the wonderful Chip knowledge!

A drooling Beagle? WOW! I had a Beagle years ago and don't remember him drooling. However, to be fair, I had him at the same time as my first Bullmastiff (on my second now), and it is definitely conceivable that the Beagle could have been drooling and I would not have noticed it amongst the insane buckets of drool from the Mastiff!

So excited for the FL expansion too! Just wish I had a return date. Do you have a trip planned? (Sorry - can't see if you have a ticker as I type. )

Too funny about giving Maddie a time out at the store! You gotta do what you gotta do! I think my favorite time out for DD was in the lobby of the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas (we had gone there to visit the white tigers) - this horrible woman came up and kept trying to intervene. I was all, " She is in time out - leave us ALONE!!!"

Thanks for the good wishes!

Oh yes, beagle drool. His is special, it's more like glue. Like it could actually glue the pages of a book together.

We're going to WDW in 35 days!! From what I read, the train station and the "new" goofy coaster should be up and running, and at least one side of Dumbo is supposed to be operating. I'm dying to see the princess stuff though. I may have to convince DH that we need to go back as soon as it opens

Time out in Target is my specialty. People always stare as though they've never seen a kid disciplined before. What I really hate is when they give you that 'look', you know the one that says "my kid never misbehaves, especially in public, and you're letting your child sit on that filthy floor?" Gotta love the judgemental moms

Love that you did a time-out at the Mirage! I'll just bet that buttinski was super helpful

 

[shan23877]

Such wonderful character meets!! I know a lot of people hate waiting in the lines for them, but honestly they'll never be this age again. Who knows how long they'll care about getting a hug or high five from a character. It's totally worth it in my opinion.

Sully is too cute, and I love that Willow was so determined to be brave. We have a similar photo of DD and cookie monster. I love that it looks like he's eating her.

The Monsters Inc ride looks really fun. I'm totally with you on the little details like the scents. That's my favorite part of Soarin.

 

[RGirl]

Oh yes, beagle drool. His is special, it's more like glue. Like it could actually glue the pages of a book together.

We're going to WDW in 35 days!! From what I read, the train station and the "new" goofy coaster should be up and running, and at least one side of Dumbo is supposed to be operating. I'm dying to see the princess stuff though. I may have to convince DH that we need to go back as soon as it opens

Time out in Target is my specialty. People always stare as though they've never seen a kid disciplined before. What I really hate is when they give you that 'look', you know the one that says "my kid never misbehaves, especially in public, and you're letting your child sit on that filthy floor?" Gotta love the judgemental moms

Love that you did a time-out at the Mirage! I'll just bet that buttinski was super helpful

I have always said that I could bottle and sell Bullmastiff drool to those people for whom Super Glue is just not effective enough!

Oh, I am so excited for your trip!!!!! Are you going to do a TR?????

You know what I've recently learned about those perfect kids who are so quiet and timid? (DD has a friend like this - a friend and I were feeling kind of embarrassed because our kids are so wild and crazy and feisty and this child is so demure and quiet.) At least SOME of those kids are just SNEAKY!!! I have recently learned that every nasty phrase and term that my daughter has learned at school is from this lovely, quiet, delicate child!!!!

Such wonderful character meets!! I know a lot of people hate waiting in the lines for them, but honestly they'll never be this age again. Who knows how long they'll care about getting a hug or high five from a character. It's totally worth it in my opinion.

Sully is too cute, and I love that Willow was so determined to be brave. We have a similar photo of DD and cookie monster. I love that it looks like he's eating her.

The Monsters Inc ride looks really fun. I'm totally with you on the little details like the scents. That's my favorite part of Soarin.

You know, we didn't stand in line for any characters our first trip because I didn't want to inconvenience are traveling companions. I really regret it. Those lines never (in my experience) take long at all - they move so quickly, and the joy that the kids get from it is MORE than worth the short wait.

I bet the Cookie Monster pic is so cute!

 

[shan23877]

I have always said that I could bottle and sell Bullmastiff drool to those people for whom Super Glue is just not effective enough!

Oh, I am so excited for your trip!!!!! Are you going to do a TR?????

You know what I've recently learned about those perfect kids who are so quiet and timid? (DD has a friend like this - a friend and I were feeling kind of embarrassed because our kids are so wild and crazy and feisty and this child is so demure and quiet.) At least SOME of those kids are just SNEAKY!!! I have recently learned that every nasty phrase and term that my daughter has learned at school is from this lovely, quiet, delicate child!!!!


You know, we didn't stand in line for any characters our first trip because I didn't want to inconvenience are traveling companions. I really regret it. Those lines never (in my experience) take long at all - they move so quickly, and the joy that the kids get from it is MORE than worth the short wait.

I bet the Cookie Monster pic is so cute!

I bet that our Cooper and your Bullmastif would make quite a drooly pair.

I totally agree about the "perfect" children. There's one in Maddie's ballet class-in fact I refer to her as the "Golden Child" because I'm like that . The child's mother and the teacher seem to think that the kid can do no wrong, but she's so sneaky and mean! Poor Maddie may be a handful at home, but she'd never ever be intentionally mean to others. Luckily DD goes to preschool at a church, so the language doesn't come into play yet.

I read some of what you and Amanda were commenting on, and I too was shocked at how early the mean girl stuff starts. It's really silly stuff at this age, but Maddie will come home from school telling me about how the school golden child doesn't like her shirt, or made fun of the fact that she calls the movie Tangled Rapunzel instead. I am kind of dreading what kindergarten and public school will bring!

I probably will do a TR. I have tacked a PTR onto the end of my last TR if you're interested! We're really excited for the trip, and will have earned it after all of this rigamaroll trying to sell the house.

We'll be character stalkers as long as Maddie wants to. Those memories are so precious, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

The Cookie Monster pic is pretty great...

 

[RGirl]

I bet that our Cooper and your Bullmastif would make quite a drooly pair.

I totally agree about the "perfect" children. There's one in Maddie's ballet class-in fact I refer to her as the "Golden Child" because I'm like that . The child's mother and the teacher seem to think that the kid can do no wrong, but she's so sneaky and mean! Poor Maddie may be a handful at home, but she'd never ever be intentionally mean to others. Luckily DD goes to preschool at a church, so the language doesn't come into play yet.

I read some of what you and Amanda were commenting on, and I too was shocked at how early the mean girl stuff starts. It's really silly stuff at this age, but Maddie will come home from school telling me about how the school golden child doesn't like her shirt, or made fun of the fact that she calls the movie Tangled Rapunzel instead. I am kind of dreading what kindergarten and public school will bring!

I probably will do a TR. I have tacked a PTR onto the end of my last TR if you're interested! We're really excited for the trip, and will have earned it after all of this rigamaroll trying to sell the house.

We'll be character stalkers as long as Maddie wants to. Those memories are so precious, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

The Cookie Monster pic is pretty great...

The Mean Girl stuff is tough, isn't it? I'm sure that DD doles out plenty herself, but she also has so much absolute love for her friends. I am dreading the full onset of all this stuff - it is bad enough now! The "perfect demure friend" of DD's says some wild stuff (at least according to DD) - DD and I were chatting softly at bedtime the other night and she told me that this friend says, "I hate my Daddy." Ugh! We try not to use the word "hate." And now this friend has taught her to call things "big fat X" and "big fat Y." I explained to DD that "fat" is not really a nice word, and she isn't using it anymore, but I catch her about to say "big fat" all the time. She has no idea what she is saying, but honestly, I would rather she be swearing than using words like "hate" and derogatory words about others like "fat."

And BTW, we call "Tangled" "Rapunzel" too!!! So there, Mean Girl!!!!

I am so glad you will be doing a TR - I will be stalking it all the time! And I must get over and check out your PTR plans!