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

[amandaw]

OMG - you and Willow have the same birthday!!!! I had no idea! Obviously, we are going to have to shoot for a super-duper-birthday-palooza-blow-out-all-the-stops-Disney-trip-of-some-sort-extravaganza!!!!

WHAT?!? How did I not know that Willow & I have the same birthday? If you've mentioned the actual date of her birthday, I must've skipped right over that very important fact. Indeed we need a birthday palooza!

Oh, I totally understand. But poverty and crime - they go hand in hand, right? Ugh - it is such a depressing thought especially when you are dosing it out to yourself in connection with the happiest places on earth. I am pretty sure Orlando has a huge crime and poverty rate too, right? Maybe I have that wrong. Regardless, the juxtaposition of wealth and opulence in this country versus abject poverty and crime-ridden neighborhoods is playing out all over.

Oh, I'm sure WDW has some sort of bad area nearby. It is very sad what's playing out in the country right now. And if nothing is done about the job situation, it's only going to get worse. And the thing is, no matter what city you live in, there's going to be crime & poverty. It's like a talk I had with our realtor. We had signed the papers on the house we're building and then someone tried to talk me out of it because they said they heard thru the grapevine there was someone arrested for drugs once who lived in this neighborhood. Mind you, this neighborhood is very nice. I brought this up to my realtor who told me two things: 1. she didn't know anything about that & has sold a lot of the houses in there and 2. "I don't know where I'm going to find you a house that has absolutely no possibility of crime or drugs being around it."

If she becomes any more commando, I will drop dead. You know, I have actually toyed with the idea of canceling our cruise the last month or so. I don't even know if we still be here then!!! Ugh - I need to figure out what to do. I have until mid-April to make the final payment. I need to figure out what the heck I am doing with our little family. Sometimes being 100% in charge of all decisions for a family is a total nightmare - really scary.

Hmmm....that's true about y'all possibly not being there by the time of the cruise. I guess if you kept it & then y'all moved, you could still cancel but you wouldn't get all of your money back. That's a tough call for sure. I can't imagine having to make all of the calls by myself for me & Reid. But, I can tell that you do a really good job for both you & Willow!

Really, I was so worried the last couple months before we left. Let me tell you a little story. When I put DD to bed every night, we have this little routine about how her princess carriage (her bed that looks like a carriage) will take her off to a world of dreams, and I ask her where her first stop will be that night. For years, it has been "Disney World." Since we got back in January, every single night has been "Disneyland" even if I try to sway her to Disney World or the cruise. She LOVED Disneyland - I actually think she liked it better than WDW.

That is too cute! And I love that she has a carriage bed. I've seen those & they are just so adorable for little girls.

I would LOVE to see that picture. I think I could get married if I knew there would be healthy competition like that!

His expression was GREAT! Here's the secret - marry someone who is also your best friend. I love my husband dearly & I can honestly say that he is one of my best friends. We've been through highs & lows and we've gotten through everything because we can really tell each other everything. This past December made 12 years we've been married.

Exactly! These boards are amazing. Sometimes I try to imagine what our first Disney experience would have been like without these boards. Frankly, I just cringe at the thought!

They truly are. Unfortunately, I didn't discover them until last January. Actually, Ed found the site & told me about it. I wish I had known about this place before Reid's 1st trip. It would have helped me prepare much better for taking a little one.

I will try to find it. I recently upgraded my iPhone - I think all the videos made the transition, but I'm not sure. It is really a stupid video - like 5 seconds, I think - just shows DD's love of Lotso! hahaha

Lotso is just one of the bad guys that you just can't completely hate. I think it's the accent.

Exactly. I know I should take the practice. But I feel guilty to waste someone's time. I know how hard it is to find good attorneys in a government office of counsel. I don't want to mess with anyone. Or burn later bridges. It's a tough call. San Antonio would be SO much better for us. I would be singing from the rooftops if I got that interview - the cost of living there is about $20,000 less a year than here and if I got the job I would be making significantly more money than here. I could feel really secure in my ability to support my family, send my child to college, etc. The big weight around my neck would be eased significantly.

I say if you know you absolutely don't want to move to DC, then cancel that interview. You have a good point about not wanting to burn bridges. The difference in the cost of living between where you are & San Antonio is incredible. I know there are places in the south that are expensive to live but overall it's pretty affordable. I can't imagine living anywhere else.

 

[RGirl]

Finally caught up....again!

I must say that I've never been super interested in going to DL, but after reading and viewing your pictures, I'm sold! The crowds were ridiculously low!!! What in the world?? Now the hotel doesn't look as 'Disney' as WDW's resorts, but the theme park looks great! And I thought that the castle was just fine...not sure what people don't like??? I can't get over Willow's dress! Unbelievable!!! And what made the experience so perfect was the meeting of Mary Poppins! That will be something that she never forgets.

I'm glad your trip went so well! I know you were not as excited about this trip as your WDW trip....but looks like everything is moving along without flaw.

Looking forward to more!
Heather

Hey! Good to see you! I hope all is going well with you and your family.

Yeah, the resorts are definitely not as Disney as the WDW resorts. But the parks are awesome.

More coming up in a minute!

 

[RGirl]

WHAT?!? How did I not know that Willow & I have the same birthday? If you've mentioned the actual date of her birthday, I must've skipped right over that very important fact. Indeed we need a birthday palooza!

I don't think I ever mentioned the actual date before!

Oh, I'm sure WDW has some sort of bad area nearby. It is very sad what's playing out in the country right now. And if nothing is done about the job situation, it's only going to get worse. And the thing is, no matter what city you live in, there's going to be crime & poverty. It's like a talk I had with our realtor. We had signed the papers on the house we're building and then someone tried to talk me out of it because they said they heard thru the grapevine there was someone arrested for drugs once who lived in this neighborhood. Mind you, this neighborhood is very nice. I brought this up to my realtor who told me two things: 1. she didn't know anything about that & has sold a lot of the houses in there and 2. "I don't know where I'm going to find you a house that has absolutely no possibility of crime or drugs being around it."

Yep - very sad. We currently live in a small, quaint college town surrounded by vineyards. And we have GANGS! It's ridiculous. I have seen the guy across the street engaging in deals that can only be the sale of drugs. CRAZY!

Hmmm....that's true about y'all possibly not being there by the time of the cruise. I guess if you kept it & then y'all moved, you could still cancel but you wouldn't get all of your money back. That's a tough call for sure. I can't imagine having to make all of the calls by myself for me & Reid. But, I can tell that you do a really good job for both you & Willow!

Oh, I don't know about that - I just do the best I can! I am going to hand tight until next month (when payment is due) and decide then. If we don't move ridiculously far away, we will just plan to fly up to Seattle and do the cruise. I think........

His expression was GREAT! Here's the secret - marry someone who is also your best friend. I love my husband dearly & I can honestly say that he is one of my best friends. We've been through highs & lows and we've gotten through everything because we can really tell each other everything. This past December made 12 years we've been married.

12 years - that is amazing! I honestly just can't imagine that. I guess I am just not the marrying kind!

They truly are. Unfortunately, I didn't discover them until last January. Actually, Ed found the site & told me about it. I wish I had known about this place before Reid's 1st trip. It would have helped me prepare much better for taking a little one.

I was so lucky that a friend of mine told me about the boards years ago before I was even planning a trip. By the time we finally went, I was so well educated!

Lotso is just one of the bad guys that you just can't completely hate. I think it's the accent.

For me, I think it's his snuggliness and strawberry scent.

I say if you know you absolutely don't want to move to DC, then cancel that interview. You have a good point about not wanting to burn bridges. The difference in the cost of living between where you are & San Antonio is incredible. I know there are places in the south that are expensive to live but overall it's pretty affordable. I can't imagine living anywhere else.

I still haven't decided about DC. The San Antonio job would be a dream come true - a lot of financial pressure would melt away. I would love that. Given the current economy, however, I know I will be competing against 100s of people for every job.

 

[RGirl]

17. Some New Attractions and Some New Characters (First Installment)

The next day (or Day 2 of DD’s Birthday) was a Friday. DL was opening at 9, and CA was opening at 10. Our plan was to hit ToT pretty hard today, but given the park openings, we thought we would do DL for an hour before heading to CA. So we headed out. It was another beautiful day - sunny and high 60s. So much better than the snow and ice at home!

We got to the monorail before it opened. We were in line behind some WDW veterans who were also pretty surprised at the crazy hand-stamp system; they also failed to get stamped the day before and had to show the CM pictures! Soon we were on the monorail and headed to Tomorrowland.

Since the monorail dropped us off right next to the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, we decided to do that for the first time. While we were waiting for the ride to get loaded, I snapped a picture of the under-refurb Matterhorn - man, they are doing a TON of work on that attraction!

We really enjoyed this Nemo ride. It is a re-do of the old submarine ride that they had here when I was a kid. I actually liked it better than the Epcot version - just a little more interesting and different. Definitely slow-loading though, so it is something I would think you would want to hit early in the day if the parks were crowded.

Our submarine porthole:

After that adventure, we headed across Tomorrowland to Space Mountain!

Again, no wait whatsoever.

We were placed in the front row. I figured it wouldn’t be very different since the ride is completely dark. Wow - was I wrong. The front row is SCARY on Space Mountain - it feels like you are just out there in the dark high above the ground and going faster than fast. DD loved it; I thought I was going to die. But it was fun! After that, we needed a little sustenance, and we wanted to get to CA by 10:00. So we headed to Main Street and stopped at the Jolly Holiday Bakery.

DD got a giant cookie for breakfast.

I had coffee. We did stop at the little guest relations kiosk near there to confirm what time Mary and Bert would be doing their castle show. When I asked if it was at noon, the CM said “yes, every day.” Hmm, that seemed odd since Mary had been pretty clear the day before that the show was not happening that day. But maybe she just knew that it would be a different “Mary” or something?

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

18. Some New Attractions and Some New Characters (Second Installment)

Anyway, we headed over and into CA. (You can see the “construction walls” - they are building Cars Land or whatever it is going to be called.)

We headed straight to ToT.

We rode with no wait. And then rode again. Picked up FPs (thinking it might be busy later in the evening given that it was a Friday) and then rode again!

I loved the look of the FP area here.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

19. Some New Attractions and Some New Characters (Third Installment)

After doing as many turns on ToT as we possibly could handle right then, DD wanted to do A Bug’s Land. This is an area with pretty boring carnival-like rides but amazing theming. DD loved it.

Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train was pretty cute - it takes you by various things that he has munched on, and you can smell the cookies and stuff. Quite cute. And empty - we had an entire train to ourselves.

One of the rides was basically bumper cars - Oh My Goodness! DD is a TERRIBLE driver!

The theming here was amazing. I loved these popsicle stick benches.

And the center of this ride was a pie plate and yogurt container.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

20. Some New Attractions and Some New Characters (Fourth Installment)

At this point, we needed to hop back over to DL if we were going to see Mary and Bert’s show. Of course, we spotted Minnie on the way and had to stop.

Soon we were back at DL.

But we couldn’t make our way to the castle just yet, because we spotted the Queen of Hearts - we had never met her before!

She was MEAN - it was awesome. As we were leaving, I called her “your majesty” - she liked that a LOT. And then Geppetto was right near by; having never met him either, we got in line.

And a few of my favorite PP stock photos.

Up next: 21. Will We See Mary and Bert Again?​

 

[shan23877]

Wow! You girls sure got a lot done in a short amount of time!

I can't believe the crowd levels, that's crazy.

Bug's Land looks adorable even if the rides are blah. The benches are so cute!

How cool to meet the Queen of Hearts and Geppeto! Was Willow scared of the Queen?

 

[amandaw]

I love all of the updates! The Bug's Life area looks very cute. I didn't even know about that area until I downloaded the Explore Disneyland app for iPad for Reid.

And how cool that y'all got to meet some new characters! I love the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland! We saw her in the Animation building in DHS during Reid's 1st trip. There was absolutely no one in line for her but he refused to go meet her. I regret not going by myself.

I don't think I ever mentioned the actual date before!

I didn't think you had but sometimes I miss things.

Yep - very sad. We currently live in a small, quaint college town surrounded by vineyards. And we have GANGS! It's ridiculous. I have seen the guy across the street engaging in deals that can only be the sale of drugs. CRAZY!

It is sad & scary. Sometimes it makes me want to homeschool Reid. But, I know I can't keep him in a bubble.

Oh, I don't know about that - I just do the best I can! I am going to hand tight until next month (when payment is due) and decide then. If we don't move ridiculously far away, we will just plan to fly up to Seattle and do the cruise. I think........

Well, it sounds like you're doing a terrific job! I think that's a good idea about the cruise. Hopefully, y'all will still be able to go on it because I think y'all will have fun.

12 years - that is amazing! I honestly just can't imagine that. I guess I am just not the marrying kind!

Thank you! Just never say never.....I used to say I would never get married. Well, I got married at 21. Then, I said I would never have kids. I am glad I changed my mind on both.

I was so lucky that a friend of mine told me about the boards years ago before I was even planning a trip. By the time we finally went, I was so well educated!

It is very helpful here. I just helped my best friend plan her family's 1st trip to Disney. They went over Mardi Gras week. Even though I was helping her, I made sure she still registered here to do additional research.

For me, I think it's his snuggliness and strawberry scent.

"He smells of strawberries" That's one of my favorite lines from that movie. When we went during Flower & Garden Festival last year, there were topiaries at the front of Epcot of Woody, Buzz & Lotso. The flowers they used to make Lotso actually smelled like strawberries!

I still haven't decided about DC. The San Antonio job would be a dream come true - a lot of financial pressure would melt away. I would love that. Given the current economy, however, I know I will be competing against 100s of people for every job.

I'm keeping you & Willow in my prayers for whatever is best to come y'alls way!

 

[pas130]

OMG - you and Willow have the same birthday!!!! I had no idea! Obviously, we are going to have to shoot for a super-duper-birthday-palooza-blow-out-all-the-stops-Disney-trip-of-some-sort-extravaganza!!!!
Really, I was so worried the last couple months before we left. Let me tell you a little story. When I put DD to bed every night, we have this little routine about how her princess carriage (her bed that looks like a carriage) will take her off to a world of dreams, and I ask her where her first stop will be that night. For years, it has been "Disney World." Since we got back in January, every single night has been "Disneyland" even if I try to sway her to Disney World or the cruise. She LOVED Disneyland - I actually think she liked it better than WDW.

You have been BUSY with updates this weekend. Great pick me up on a Monday morning when I have been working all weekend Very cool amanda and Willow have the same birthday. My DS 11 is jan 25th Sounds like Texas is the way to go, best wishes with your decision. You are an excellent mother, and it must be very hard to do it solo, but you are doing an amazing job So far Willow's fav is DL/is mommy's fav still WDW

Finally caught up....again!

I must say that I've never been super interested in going to DL, but after reading and viewing your pictures, I'm sold! The crowds were ridiculously low!!! What in the world?? Now the hotel doesn't look as 'Disney' as WDW's resorts, but the theme park looks great! And I thought that the castle was just fine...not sure what people don't like??? I can't get over Willow's dress! Unbelievable!!! And what made the experience so perfect was the meeting of Mary Poppins! That will be something that she never forgets.

I'm glad your trip went so well! I know you were not as excited about this trip as your WDW trip....but looks like everything is moving along without flaw.

Looking forward to more!
Heather

Hi heather!!!!

Hi Amanda!!!

 

[amandaw]

Hi Amanda!!!

Hey Jeanette!

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'm back- and I got all caught up on the end of your WDW trip and your DL trip!

It looks like Willow is having a wonderful birthday! What an amazing trip, I'm so glad it all came together despite the bad weather.

I'm also loving how you guys have run into ZERO crowds! I think that is making everything extra magical. The one time I went to DL was new years eve 1998, so needless to say I ran into more than a few people. I'd love to go back to DL, and I'll have to be sure to plan around when you went!

 

[RGirl]

Wow - if I get any more busy during the week, I am going to lose my mind! I hope some of you will stay with me - I will finish this TR and soon!

Wow! You girls sure got a lot done in a short amount of time!

I can't believe the crowd levels, that's crazy.

Bug's Land looks adorable even if the rides are blah. The benches are so cute!

How cool to meet the Queen of Hearts and Geppeto! Was Willow scared of the Queen?

We really lucked out with the time of year we went! Another reason that I will be so sad to be a slave to the school calendar next year

Bug's Land is really, really cute. The theming is amazing. It does make up in large part for the somewhat lame rides.

Nope - Willow was not scared of the Queen. She was a little shy at first, but she got into it.

I love all of the updates! The Bug's Life area looks very cute. I didn't even know about that area until I downloaded the Explore Disneyland app for iPad for Reid.

There's an Explore Disneyland app for the iPad?????!!!! How did I not know this????

And how cool that y'all got to meet some new characters! I love the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland! We saw her in the Animation building in DHS during Reid's 1st trip. There was absolutely no one in line for her but he refused to go meet her. I regret not going by myself.

If you get the chance again, go for it. This one, at least, was hilarious - I love the way she held her hand over Willow's head as though she couldn't quite bring herself to touch a child.

Well, it sounds like you're doing a terrific job! I think that's a good idea about the cruise. Hopefully, y'all will still be able to go on it because I think y'all will have fun.

The more I think about it, the more I feel certain that we will just fly to Seattle from wherever we are if we are gone by then. At the pace that federal jobs move, there is a VERY good chance that, even if I eventually get hired by someone, we won't be moving for ages and ages.

Thank you! Just never say never.....I used to say I would never get married. Well, I got married at 21. Then, I said I would never have kids. I am glad I changed my mind on both.

It's just a little hard to imagine at my age!

"He smells of strawberries" That's one of my favorite lines from that movie. When we went during Flower & Garden Festival last year, there were topiaries at the front of Epcot of Woody, Buzz & Lotso. The flowers they used to make Lotso actually smelled like strawberries!

That is so cool about the flowers!!! The Lotso who used to spend sun-down hours in my room smells like strawberries - I hate to admit it, but I have been unable to resist the desire to sniff him from time to time.

I'm keeping you & Willow in my prayers for whatever is best to come y'alls way!

Thanks!

You have been BUSY with updates this weekend. Great pick me up on a Monday morning when I have been working all weekend Very cool amanda and Willow have the same birthday. My DS 11 is jan 25th Sounds like Texas is the way to go, best wishes with your decision. You are an excellent mother, and it must be very hard to do it solo, but you are doing an amazing job So far Willow's fav is DL/is mommy's fav still WDW

Hey there! And thank you!

I don't know that DL is Willow's favorite, but she definitely loves it - she says she won't bother riding Pirates at WDW anymore. I could not choose a favorite - there are things about each that are better than the other. I hope that I am lucky enough to be able to continue visiting both as frequently as possible!

I'm back- and I got all caught up on the end of your WDW trip and your DL trip!

It looks like Willow is having a wonderful birthday! What an amazing trip, I'm so glad it all came together despite the bad weather.

I'm also loving how you guys have run into ZERO crowds! I think that is making everything extra magical. The one time I went to DL was new years eve 1998, so needless to say I ran into more than a few people. I'd love to go back to DL, and I'll have to be sure to plan around when you went!

Welcome back!!!! We missed you!

I can't imagine DL (or WDW) on NYE! I don't think our timing could have been any better. The crowds were so low that I would actually consider flying down for just two days for another birthday trip.

Okay, now I am going to start updating again!!!!!!

 

[RGirl]

21. Will We See Mary and Bert Again? (First Installment)

We still had a little time before noon, so we decided to check in at guest relations again just to make sure we had the right spot. On the way there, we spotted a marching band.

It was a different CM from this morning, and she said that the show was not until 1:15 and the other CM (who, as you may recall, had said that it was every day at noon) must have had the old times guide.

We decided to do a few things in Fantasyland until closer to 1:15. Peter Pan was our first stop. And I lied in an earlier update - this was our longest wait of the trip, 20 minutes.

Next, DD liked the look of the Storybook Land Canal Boats, so we did this. I remember loving this as a kid! It was really cute, and DD got to sit on the bow of the boat with another child. I told the teen boy sitting next to them that he better get ready to do a water rescue if there were any issues.

We decided to head back towards the castle to wait for Mary and Bert. We took one of the side paths in hopes of finding a princess. And we did! Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother were out with a very short line and, again, no handler in sight. I just loved how the characters seemed to be wandering around in a less scripted way. Later, I saw these two wander to the other side of the castle briefly where Snow White was meeting guests by her wishing well. Then Ariel showed up over there too and eventually wandered to the other side.

We had a seat in front of the castle while we waited for Mary and Bert.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

22. Will We See Mary and Bert Again? (Second Installment)

Eventually, we spotted Mary and Bert strolling through the Hub. They remembered DD (even without her Jolly Holiday dress) and told her to wait in front of the castle for them to come back and do their show. So we waited.

Actually, we waited a LONG time. Finally, we spotted them coming back. Mary walked by us to meet and greet with some people. But Bert stopped and sat down with DD. He told her that their band wasn’t going to be able to play today because of a nearby guest band that was performing, so there would be no show after all. It was disappointing, but Bert was so nice just hanging out and chatting with DD.

Up next: 23. Tasty Treats, Princesses, Toon Town, and Wild Rides​

 

[amandaw]

Love the updates! So, is the Peter Pan ride like the one in WDW? The Storyland boats (I think that's what you called them) look cute. And that really is neat how y'all kept happening upon characters - it's like it really is magical! But, what a disappointment that Mary & Bert weren't going to be having their show!

There's an Explore Disneyland app for the iPad?????!!!! How did I not know this????

Oh, yes! And it's free! Reid loves it! It talks a lot about the different attractions but there are a few mini-games built into the app.

If you get the chance again, go for it. This one, at least, was hilarious - I love the way she held her hand over Willow's head as though she couldn't quite bring herself to touch a child.

I will go for it! I think I'm also going to have to go for it when it comes to meeting the princesses. Reid is still resisting meeting them.

The more I think about it, the more I feel certain that we will just fly to Seattle from wherever we are if we are gone by then. At the pace that federal jobs move, there is a VERY good chance that, even if I eventually get hired by someone, we won't be moving for ages and ages.

I think that's a good plan! Y'all need to do the cruise - I think y'all are both going to enjoy it.

That is so cool about the flowers!!! The Lotso who used to spend sun-down hours in my room smells like strawberries - I hate to admit it, but I have been unable to resist the desire to sniff him from time to time.

That's too funny! I have this image of you picking him up & looking around to see if anyone is watching & then taking a big whiff of him with a big smile on your face!

 

[shan23877]

Aww, that's too bad that you didn't get to see the show! How nice of Bert to stop and visit for a while though.

How is the job hunt going for you? I hope that you girls will go ahead with the cruise, you'll have earned it!

 

[RGirl]

Love the updates! So, is the Peter Pan ride like the one in WDW? The Storyland boats (I think that's what you called them) look cute. And that really is neat how y'all kept happening upon characters - it's like it really is magical! But, what a disappointment that Mary & Bert weren't going to be having their show!

You know, I think Peter Pan may be exactly the same! I am not a true WDW Peter Pan vet, so I can't say for sure, but I don't remember having a distinct sense of "different" on that ride! You spotted another "it's the same attraction" that I didn't note!

It was a little disappointing about the dancing with Mary and Bert, but Bert was sooooo amazingly sweet with DD that neither of us left feeling too disappointed. We did wait a VERY long time for a barely-5-year-old child who had been promised by two favorite characters, but she handled it really well.

Oh, yes! And it's free! Reid loves it! It talks a lot about the different attractions but there are a few mini-games built into the app.

Oh, I am totally going to have to look this up and download. DD will love it! Hmm, I might rather enjoy it myself......

I will go for it! I think I'm also going to have to go for it when it comes to meeting the princesses. Reid is still resisting meeting them.

Oh, you should. They are really fun! If we become southerners in the near future , we should try to overlap a trip. You can get your princess fix with us - I have MORE than had mine!!!

I think that's a good plan! Y'all need to do the cruise - I think y'all are both going to enjoy it.

Yep - totally agree. I have to get over the money issue and go for it. If I actually am lucky enough to have a new job by then (which is really pushing it given how slowly the feds move), it will be because that job will allow us more flexibility. So there is nothing wrong with adding on some air fare and going ahead with our vacation plans! And there is no way out now - I didn't think DD was all that interested in the cruise until tonight when she started going on and on and on about how excited she is to go. She even said, "I think there might be characters on the cruise." So, hey, we are going!

That's too funny! I have this image of you picking him up & looking around to see if anyone is watching & then taking a big whiff of him with a big smile on your face!

Um, well, that image is not that far from reality..........

Aww, that's too bad that you didn't get to see the show! How nice of Bert to stop and visit for a while though.

How is the job hunt going for you? I hope that you girls will go ahead with the cruise, you'll have earned it!

Bert was lovely. I think both DD and I were a little smitten.

I had an interview this week for a great job in the DC area, but I really don't want to move us there - I think the increased cost of living would negate any benefit of the higher grade. So I probably would not accept if I was actually offered a second interview on that one. I have about 4 applications out there for jobs I would seriously consider (I am only applying for positions that are truly good fits because I have a good job now so why leave that for something that wasn't truly great?). Some of those application windows haven't even closed yet, so it will be a while before I even know whether I will be interviewed. Federal jobs take FOREVER, so I am in this for the long haul. I am just so grateful that I am able to do the search with the luxury of having a truly good job right now. I have been in the position of searching after being laid off - that is so stressful, and I feel blessed not to be in that position right now. At this point, I am just looking to better our financial situation - that is truly a luxury in today's economy, and I understand that. Thank you so much for asking after our situation!

 

[RGirl]

23. Tasty Treats, Princesses, Toon Town, and Wild Rides (First Installment)

When I last left you, we had visited with Bert who gave us the disappointing news that he and Mary would not be able to do their show that day.

By this point, we were hungry! All DD had eaten today was a cookie (albeit a huge one), and I had had nothing but coffee. We decided to get a (what must have been very late) lunch at a CS Mexican restaurant in Frontierland. DD had the kid’s burrito meal and learned that she loves burritos!

I had the fish tacos. The food here was delicious!

We headed to BTMRR next - of course!

But DD decided she had to go potty soon after we entered the line, so we exited. The line had grown a lot when we returned, so we just picked up some FPs - they were good in a half hour! So we wandered a little ways off and enjoyed another awesome cruise with our pirate friends.

I love the area near Pirates - New Orleans Square. It is beautiful!

I believe that we picked up a second autograph book at this point - man, DD can fill an autograph book like no one else!

We headed back to BTMRR to use our FPs and pick up another set.

There are a lot more stairs in DL than WDW!

DD got some cotton candy to eat on the walk over to Toon Town.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​

 

[RGirl]

24. Tasty Treats, Princesses, Toon Town, and Wild Rides (Second Installment)

As we were making our way to Toon Town, we spotted the Disney Princess Fantasy Faire. DD just had to meet the princesses! Again! I think the posted wait time was something like 30 minutes, but we waited about 8 minutes at most.

First up was Ariel. This was the same Ariel we had met at Ariel’s Grotto in CA the day before. And she remembered DD and that she was dressed as Mary Poppins the day before! They chatted for quite a while, and then Ariel walked DD over to meet Belle.

DD asked Belle her standard Belle question - “Where is the Beast?” Apparently, Belle told her that he was making dinner for her! Hmm, I'm thinking I need to find a Beast of my own!

Really cute PP stock photos:

DD was super-excited that the third princess was Tiana. Like many of the characters, Tiana even gave her a “high five for five” for her birthday!

And more awesome PP stock photos:

We then checked out Toon Town, which was really crowded compared to the rest of the park.

(Next Installment Coming Up Soon.)​