A Tale of [family madness in] Two Cities - Final Thoughts & PTR Link!

[PopArtGal]

ok, found it on page 23.

It happened to people I know too. And mine, to think of it. But the bank put everything back in.

We also have a 500$ limit per day. But I never spend that much, so that's what triggered it.

 

[blessedby3]

Great updates Brook. That cupcake was oh so lovely looking!! May have to try one of those when we are there.
Loved seeing Henry in Playhouse Disney. Glad you were able to get in at the last minute. I am looking forward to Alexa seeing this in May. She has never been before (she was sleeping in the stroller last time we were there and in that area and we never made it back).
Looks like your inlaws are enjoying themselves a lot. We have been with both grandparents and they really love seeing WKW through our kiddos eyes.
One day I would love to see those Osbourne Lights. We were there a few years ago and when they had the lights and on our only MGM day, we waited until after Fantasmic to see them. We had been told on the dis that they let you walk back through after Fantasmic, but that was not the case for us. They refused to let us go back through and said we had to exit the park

I couldnt believe it. They were right there and we missed them. Oh well, Im sure we will get to see them in person one day.
Looking forward to the next update

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Awww, this update was SO cute! DHS is one of our favorite parks, actually they all are come to think of it! I can't believe you haven't done VOTLM! It's super cute and not too girly either.

I think my 2 favorite pics are the one with Henry in his hats and you and Bo together! Is it just me or was Bo blushing??

Love the pics of you in your glamorous outfit! Honey, you totally pulled off that look and don't let anyone else tell you differently! What a sweet entry about sitting in DHS, eating your freakishly large cupcake and soaking in the 'familyness' of it. That's what it's all about, those little moments that you'll remember forever. You really do have a sweet little family.

We did Playhouse Disney 2 years ago when my DD was4. Boy, it was like she had ants in her pants the whole time! She was up and dancing and it totally made up for the fact that we were sitting on cold concrete floors. What the heck Disney, spring for some chairs or even a bench. Love that Henry was thrilled with his free Disney leaf. Although, those 2 words don't usually go together, Disney and free! Ah, kids, they're happy with even the simplest of things. For Christmas we bought my DD8 an american girl doll bed (which ain't cheap!) and she spent most of the morning coloring and playing with the box!

Looking forward to your CG dinner date!

 

[All7OfUs]

Looks like a fair amount of us missed the debit card post. I had to go back too and find out what the dealy-o was. So glad it wasn't too hard to get fixed and I hope they get caught!!

 

[disneyfan61]

Great update Brook!! First off:

Very scary about your debit card. I always worry about that. I usually check my account online every other day just to make sure everything is ok.

That Butterfinger cupcake looks so good!!! May have to give that a try in May.

GREAT videos of the Osborne Lights. I did not realize they play TSO music. We LOVE TSO here. We go see them every year in Nov. when they tour. They put on an awesome show!!! We also have a few of their CD's.

Cannot wait to hear about Cali & your date night!!

Love the pic of Henry with the paper leaf in Playhouse Disney He just looks so happy!!

 

[VAisforDisneyLvrs]

I finally made it back and read through everything you have posted so far. It looks like your trip got off to a great start despite the illnesses. It seems like your MIL is having a great time-I am betting that you have converted her into a traveler!

I loved the picture of Henry with the hats. Also, the butterfinger cupcake looks good. I may have to try that one out.

Don't you just love those moments when you are sitting there enjoying something as mundane as a cupcake, and you realize you are in the happiest place on Earth with the people you love the most. It just doesn't get any better!

I can't wait to read more!
PS Sorry about the debit card hassle.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Oh, I got a little behind again!

Yikes about the debit theft! That must have been so scary! I'm glad the bank caught it and it's being taken care of! You mention rarely using your debit card. I know this is kinda a personal question, so don't answer if you don't want to I won't be offended , do you pay cash for everything? I'm finding it much easier to stay on track if I take out a set amount of cash and pay for things with that! Just wondering if I'm the only one

Sounds like great afternoon! Glad Henry felt better!!!

Those pictures with Handy Manny are too darn cute!!! I love them! Of course, so did Ryan! We haven't got to met him yet! We saw him walking away from meet and greet area, but we didn't get to meet him!

All of the Osbourne Lights pictures are beautiful! I can't wait to see them again!!!

Can't wait to hear all about date night!!!

 

[claryche]

I have been waiting for your trip report, and I checked the pre-trip report a couple of times and couldn't find it. So I thought wow she must really be busy. And you were, you were busy doing your trip report, which I finally got smart enough to search for and found it. I'm so happy. Sounds like you guys are having a great time as usual. Your room really makes me want to buy into DVC. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.

 

[ladybugmom]

What a fabulous update, Brook!! I love that Henry got to meet Handy Manny AND got to enjoy the Playhouse Disney Show!! How magical!! And that butterfinger cupcake looks AMAZING--YUM!! And then the Osborne lights!! Incredible!! I cannot wait to see this in Dec!! Can't wait to hear about your date at the Cali Grill!!

 

[TyRy]

Brook - LOVED the videos from the lights...told DH we really really need to see that in person. He'll probably tell me to go stand outside of our house

Henry was so adorable meeting Handy Mandy and how excited he was at Playhouse Disney...he is getting big.

Sorry about the debit card, but I'm glad your bank was on top of it. I once opened a credit card statement to find that I had suddenly spent $12,000 over a couple day period!! Not only was that about six times my limit, the company never once called. Turns out the number had been stolen and it was used in Austraila. They asked are you sure you didn't spend it? I informed them I didn't even have a passport. Thankfully they finally cleared that mess up.

 

[jenseib]

LOL! Um yeah, Iliked ot be in Australia too and I think I would know if I was there.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi everyone!
I'm sorry for disappearing the past few days, it's been busy around here. Yesterday I took Henry to the zoo, we had a blast! I am attempting to make a little video about our day for YouTube. I'll share it should I ever get it completed. Tomorrow and Saturday I will be away for a ladies-only church retreat. I'm going to try and get replies done today...and if I get that done, an update!!

What a fantastic update, and what an enterprising girl you are, wearing two outfits at once and carrying extra shoes!

So glad you all had a quiet moment to sit and feel the Disney magic and love (and of course enjoy your butterfinger cupcake!)

This picture is precious!

I was pretty pleased with the planning for that outfit. In NO way was I going to brave it around the parks without something more on my legs than tights!! It was chillyyyyyyy! The bag check kinda laughed when he saw there was ONLY shoes in my bag!

The meet with Handy Manny was very sweet. Henry was so excited!

Wow Brook - another monster update!! Judging by the FP return time shown on TSMM, we missed you guys by about 40 minutes

I love the pics of Henry with Handy Manny and the Playhouse Disney ones, so much joy on that cutie's face! I also love that your inlaws put him in a pink hat with bling!

That butterfinger cupcake looks so good! It's going on my snack list for May!

Weren't the Osborne Lights AMAZING?? I think your MIL is right, they are worth the trip all on their own!

Oh man! That stinks! It's amazing how many people I knew were at WDW at that time, but yet never saw anyone except on planned meets. Yet, I ran into one family three times!

Isn't that hat picture hilarious! I burst out laughing when going through the pictures!

The Butterfinger cupcake was amazing. So, so good. And HUGE!!!!!

Yes! The Osborne Lights were such a great experience! I knew it was going to be cool, but just being there, in the middle of it all, I had goosebumps almost the entire time. It was beautiful!

Once again wonderful pictures, my favorites are the ones with Handy Manny and Playhouse Disney. The Henry in the hat pictures were special also.

The Butterfinger Cupcake looks delicious, I will have to try it in June.

I really love those Handy Manny pictures too - the close-up was from the Photopass Photographer. I tried to put a frame on it, but I just felt like it ruined the picture! It's so sweet as is.

You gotta try that cupcake, it's so very good! And it's great to share (or save some for later )

Great update Brook! Glad you got the butterfinger cupcake!! Osbourne Lights are gonna have to be a must do for us in the next few years!! Can't wait to hear about y'all's date night at Cali Grill ! It's on my must do list too !

Henry's getting sooooooooooooo big!!!! Oh my gosh!

I was thrilled to finally see the Osborne Lights! They are amazing! I was really glad the crowds weren't too bad either, I expected wall to wall people.

And Henry is even bigger now! It's crazy to see him grow... I know you know the feeling!

Brook
An awesome update. The Osborne Lights are quite a thing to see. I cannot wait to go back someday! Henry is darling as ever...glad he got to see Playhouse Disney.

I am shocked no baby swap for TSM. I totally agree about it being a bit much for little guys. Luke was hard to handle on it this summer.. and lots would not like it.

Sorry about Handy Manny. That is something I am not sure I get. We do all the kids together, never separate for Characters, at meals or in line. I know others do though.

Excited for your date night... I totally understand it is hard to leave your baby though...


Oh my I almost forgot that cupcake. Too bad I am not a butterfinger fan... because that looks delicious!

I was really surprised by the no swap at TSM too....I think it's kinda silly! There have got to be lots of kids who don't want to ride it/don't like it - and it's such a long line, to have to wait twice. Ugh. Maybe they will change that someday when the ride isn't quite so popular? Who knows!

I see a lot of families get pictures done with the characters, each kid separately. And usually I don't care...but this was excessive. All together, each separate, this one with that one, etc. I could even tell the PP person was getting a tad annoyed! All well!

You don't like Butterfingers! Ahhhh! It doesn't quite compute in my head.... Just kidding! This didn't have a HUGE taste of Butterfingers, but the element was definitely there with some crumbled on top.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi I am not sure if I am a lurker or not- feels weird cause I have read ALL of your PTR's and TR's but not sure if I ever posted!

Your pics are amazing! The lights...oh those lights! I hope that we get to at least once during those lights! I have to say that the Handy Manny ones are my fave so far! I was cracking up at Henry's pics with the cars because he wasn't sure what to do- but with Handy Manny it just came naturally to him! Those are by far the stinkin cutest! Glad it all worked out though and you got to go into Playhouse Disney. Gosh I miss those days- my DS is 10 now- Playhouse Disney used to be Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley, Pooh and something else- i cant remember.

Anyhow really enjoying this TR so far- your family is soooo sweet! I love when the Grandparents come along as my mom was part of all of our Disney trips! I cant wait to hear about California Grill- I have that one planned for our upcoming April trip and I timed it so that we can watch Wishes while we are there.

Oh and the butterfinger cupcake is also on my snack list for the upcoming trip! That looks to die for!

Your screen name seems familiar to me...but I cannot recall for sure either! regardless!

Isn't that funny about Henry not knowing what to do with the Cars, but ran up to hug Handy Manny?! Must be a combo of the cold and being star struck! The child hugs the stove when I'm baking cakes and the TV when Mickey is on it...so he's very used to hugging inanimate objects. Maybe next trip he'll remember what to do!

It will be very sad in a way when Henry outgrows Playhouse Disney....our trips will re-focus from the tame rides and the shows to the thrill rides...it will be very different! And I'm sure it will be here before we know it.

The cupcake is amazing!! I think it might be a regular snack for us at DHS!

If you need/want any suggestions on fun stuff to do with Henry in St. Louis I'd be glad to share some tips. There's a lot of great stuff that's off the beaten path -- in addition to all the stuff ON the path. When and for how long will you be here?

Yes! I will need some info on St. Louis! I have never been there...and we are just starting to plan some now. We will be there in July, so far we don't know the exact dates, but the wedding is on Saturday the 17th, so either a day or two before and/or a day or two after. We are trying to avoid staying two weekend nights in a hotel to save money - we have a free room in Chicago with my Aunt. So might be driving down on Saturday DAY, depending on when the wedding is, and then staying a couple nights. Any ideas/suggestions you have will be welcomed with WIDE OPEN ARMS!

Woo-hoo... a humongous update!

Brook, those are some of the best pictures of the Osbourne Lights that I've yet to see on the TR board! And thanks so much for sharing the video clips... they really do make you feel like you're right there!

I'm laughing about that chocolate Butterfinger cupcake! I mentioned it in my PTR and then completely forgot about it when we visited the Studios! I will have to try it next time...

Weird about not having a child swap option on TSM... I never knew that, either.

I'm looking forward to hearing all about your date at the Cali Grill... I'm thinking of planning a date-night dinner there for our NYE anniversary!


Kathy

Thank you!!!!! I was thinking of you as I posted them, being you will be there in 2011! I wanted to give a taste...but not spoil it either. It's truly an amazing experience, pictures cannot capture it!

I recall you mentioning it on your PTR! Then I saw it posted a few other places and it stuck in my head. I knew it would be a winner with us---and it was! You definitely have to get it next time. So very yummy!

I think an anniversary date-night at CG would be excellent! Especially if you were able to snag a later time and watch Wishes in the warm comfort of a beautiful restaurant.... I'll share more in my next update!

Fantastic update! And no you do not look like a dork with the red dress over your pants...I think it looks rather stylish .

I am definitely going to have to try that cupcake! YUM!

Love the picture of Henry in the pink Minnie Hat!

What a great Disney magic filled day! Can't wait to hear about your anniversary dinner!

Thank you! I didn't mind the dress/jeans look-actually kinda like that and I know Joe does too, but then with the gray jacket....but, I'm glad to hear it doesn't look too bad! I was warm, and that is what really mattered that night.

I am certain that was my FILs doing with the pink/rhinestone hat! He's such a goof!

 

[brookelizabeth]

What a wonderful long update, Brook!

First off, I love the picture of you hugging all up on Bo! I can't believe that TSM was a 170 minute wait!!! Standing in line for three hours??? Really??? There is nothing I can think of that I would stand in line that long to see!

The picture of you and Mickey in Starring Rolls is great! That cupcake looks delicious! I wasn't jazzed about the outside, but the picture of the inside had me drooling!

Henry is so adorable in his excitement over Handy Manny and Playhouse Disney!

I have decided there is no such thing as too many Osborne Light pics! So pretty!

Can't wait to hear about your date night!

After I took that picture with Bo I thought "Uh, oh...I hope Chelsea doesn't mind!"

I agree about the 170 minute wait! That was NOT uncommon as the week went on...the wait times on NYE were UNREAL! I took a picture of the board at Epcot...just wait. My jaw dropped!

It does just look like a normal huge cupcake with butterfingers crumbled on top, but then you cut it open and it has this smooth chocolate and cream inside...droooooooooooool.

There truly isn't a thing as too many Osborne Light pictures, I have to agree! And that wasn't all that I took...you've seen how many pictures I take of random things like bathroom signs and garbage cans...the count for the Osborne Lights was near 100!

Great update!

Even though DHS is not my fave during the summer, I have to say the lights make it all change during the holidays.

The Streets of America were something else with the dancing lights, the music, and the snow! I hope I get to see it again someday.

Loving this last update! Someday- someday, those lights have to be seen! I"m sure the pictures everyone posts here show nothing of the magnitude and sheer number of what's really there.

Henry is just the cutest little thing. He looks so happy with "his" Handy Manny" and at the Playhouse. I love seeing happy kids in Disney!

I also love to see the "older generation" having fun on the rides. So neat that your MIL enjoyed TSM and raved about it for days.

I"m not much of a super sweet dessert person, but I'll admit that cupcake sure looked good! That and a good cup of coffee looks like it would be the perfect combo.

Yes! You gotta see the lights someday! Pictures and videos just don't do it justice, I remember saying "I can't capture the feeling." over and over again. The experience is fantastic.

I think my MIL loved TSM and Soarin' the best. Soarin' will be on our last full day, but her reaction was great! She was all lit up and glowing. I think she truly got bit by the "Disney bug" and wouldn't hesitate to come again. Not entirely sure on my FIL...I think he enjoyed it, but once was good enough for him.

You are very right about the cupcake. I am not much of a sweets person either - and even less of a chocolate person! For my sweets I prefer minty things. But, this was GOOD STUFF. A cup of coffee (non-Disney ) would have matched very, very well. Kinda like the chocolate lava cake (if you've had that) and a cup of coffee. Drool.

I loved this update!!

I think your sweater dress with jeans is a fashion statement. And no, it didn't look bad at all, it just looked like you had a longer sweater on.

It sounds like your inlaws are just loving this trip, it's so nice to read about.

The Osborne lights look amazing as always. I will get to see those someday!

Oh, good point with the longer sweater thing. I never even thought about that....!

The Osborne Lights were awesome. I wish they would do them all year - maybe just change the music. I think they would go well with patriotic music during the 4th of July too! I get why they don't though, that has got to be crazy expensive to run!

What a great update! I loved it!!!

Gotta love the mother who tells the kid to hide her bag under her shirt.

You and Bo are adorable. I'm starting to worry that Bo's ego may be getting out of control with all the attention he's getting these days.

H looks positively giddy with Handy Manny (love the fist bump!) and at Playhouse Disney. Who knew a paper leaf was going to be that exciting!!

I just love how excited your in-laws are with everything. You can really tell they had a great time. How great that through DVC you and Joe got to share this with them. I'm sure it was the trip of a lifetime (and the first of many more!).

Osborne Lights are amazing, aren't they? I'm so glad you didn't have a sea of people to compete with when you were there.

Can't wait to hear about Cali Grill!!

We experience quite a few "interesting" moments this trip like the bag under the shirt. I guess it just came with the territory of more people, closer proximity to other people, etc.

about Bo!! I think his heart still belongs to Chelsea though.

The family really did enjoy it all!! We were very happy to have them along, despite it making me INCREDIBLY exhausted by the end of the trip. Playing Tour Guide for that many days did me in!

Yes, Osborne Lights were breathtaking! I was so excited to see after just missing them by days last year. I was expecting more crowds, but that day at DHS was just right, we hit the crowds really well. Can't say that as much for later in the week though....

 

[brookelizabeth]

there is just something about this tr i love, i think because it reminds me of my sons first trip and how we had so many people with us, and he was like the little prince. we had me and dh, my mom, dad, my brother, my (now ex) sis in law, and my grandma. there is something about watching everyone hanging out with henry that reminds me of that trip.
i love the mom saying hey hide that bag under your shirt, gotta love people.
awesome pics of osbourne lights, i could have stood there for hours.
cant wait to hear about date night.

I love how it reminds you of your DS' first trip!! It's such a sweet age, isn't it? Each trip has been different with him, and better in their own way-seeing him grow and experience "Mickey's House"!

I could have stood there for hours too! I wanted to stay...but didn't want to miss our date night either. I wished we had gone back to DHS later in the week, but it never worked into the plans.

All Brooklynn and I have to say is:

You have to see this next time.

Shhh! Don't tell Brooklynn! I think I WILL drag the boys to the show next time. Henry will still love it I'm sure, Joe will tolerate-and probably secretly enjoy it! He did like Beauty & the Beast!

He was sharing his happiness with Mommy!

And I ate it all up, every second!!

Such simple fun for the little ones. Bubbles and crepe paper leaves.
We have Playhouse Disney leaves, too. Nice for scrapbooking.

I love it. Those little things that make them so, so excited. Good idea about the paper leaves! I haven't scrapbooked since my scrapbook weekend...but even if I just slide them into an album...

Definitely large.
Maybe extra large.

I would say extra large. But by Disney Standards, perhaps just large!

Aw, shucks, you're making me cry. I picture us sitting at Starring Rolls wolfing down humongous snacks and talking and laughing and just letting the thousands of other people in the park pass us by while we are pretty much unaware that there is anyone around but us. It is one of those small, magical moments.

Don't ya just love it?! Those are my favorite moments of the trip.

This is so cute!

I'm certain that was my FIL's doing!!!

Wow!! Awesome update

I just love watching kids faces at Playhouse Disney. The show is really cute but it's the reaction of the kids that is really the entertainment I think

I loved your FIL's video of the Osborne lights. We have dancing lights at the courthouse in our town that is always a treat to go watch but they pale in comparison to WDW of course!!

I'm with you Brook, 20 feels like a heat wave in December but there is NO way I would have gotten in that pool!!! (must have been silly canadians )

I agree with you about Playhouse Disney! I hardly watch the show anymore, I just watch Henry and those little ones around me. I recall during our 2nd time there was a little girl just DANCING HER HEART OUT during the songs. It was adorable!!

We have a dancing light house in our town too, it's always fun to drive up and see...but you are right - they pale in comparison! When it's surrounding you, it's just an experience like none other. I think a town would need to do a whole City block to make it comparable!

those goofy Canadians! When it was 70 back on our January trip we had some native Floridians look at us like we were nuts when we went swimming. They asked where we were from and "ooooh!" with a nod was their response.

Great update!!! That butterfinger cupcake is going to the top of my MUST try list for May, thank you

No child swap on TSM? I had no idea!

I dont think there can ever be picture overload!!! The Osborne lights look amazing...hmmmm maybe I can talk Dh into a December trip

Cant wait to hear about the CG...a date night in Disney, now that is a wonderful thing!!

You are welcome! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! I don't know how anyone could not though!

Isn't that strange about TSM? I thought it was pretty much available for any ride...

Early December is a great time to visit Disney! You get all the perks of the Christmas stuff, it's value season (low crowds, cheaper cost), and the weather is usually pretty decent. Hopefully that is some good ammo to present to your DH.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Awesome update! That cupcake looks sooooo good.

Glad everyone enjoyed TSM. Such a great ride!

I love all your pictures of the Osborne Lights but I agree, pictures don't do it justice. You really have to see it in person to fully appreciate it! I liked the video with the TSO song. It was funny, after our trip in '08 we were in the car and heard that song on the radio...my sister and I both looked at each other and started laughing because it reminded us of the Osborne Lights.

That is crazy about the people in the pool. When we were in Disneyland a few years ago there were people swimming and it was only 50 degrees or so. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think 50 is cold but it definitely isn't swimming weather! I guess some people think that it's their vacation so they are going to swim no matter what.

OK, I think I'm done...sorry for all my stories.

Joe and I went to see TSO in concert in 2008 at the Target Center in Minneapolis - the experience was intense! It was like a mini-Osborne Lights sometimes! I think their music is perfect for that sort of thing.

I agree with you about the swimming. NO WAY could I do that! We saw teenagers running down the sidewalk later in the week, the girls wearing NOTHING but bikini's! I am sure they were going for the hot tubs, but wowsers. Brrrrrrrrr!

And no worries on the stories, I like 'em!

Great update. sweet pics. One day i will see the osbourne lights. sigh.

Yes! You gotta see 'em! They are really beautiful.

Great update Brook. That really sounds like it was one magical evening!

Henry really is such a cutie and I just loved the Handy Manny meet. I can hardly stand how much each picture and story of Henry makes me want to take Erin to WDW right NOW!

Okay. I admit that I mostly DIS while I'm at work and I always just breeze right past all the video links because YouTube is blocked at my office. And as I was reading your update this morning (at home), I nearly did the same thing, but I LOVE me some Trans Siberian Orchestra!! I had to check that one out. Thank you (and your FIL) for sharing that video. I love it!

Ya know, we saw the Osborne Lights when we were there in 2005, but somehow we missed the musical part. We didn't know they were "dancing" lights. I guess it was just a scheduling thing because they were just all steady-burning whenever we happened to be back there, but we saw some YouTube video of the musical dancing lights a few weeks after we got home. We were kinda bummed - and excited to go back and see them again - the right way!

Taking little ones to WDW is such a wonderful experience! I love living the trip through his eyes. I didn't get as many moments of that on this trip as I usually do because I was "in charge" of the group and being asked a lot of questions all the time, so I truly treasured those moments when I had them. Are you planning a trip anytime soon?

You are very welcome on the video! We love TSO as well, we saw them in concert last year and I loved every second! Incredible show!!! I wanted to go back this year, but we missed out on when the tickets were on sale, they sell out so quickly! Next year.

OH that stinks about missing the lights dancing! They are just normal for a while, then dance one song, so it can be hit or miss. They are still beautiful all lit up, but the dancing part is breathtaking to be in the middle of it all. I think missing them is a perfect reason to go back!!!

Aw, I think it's adorable how much Henry loved Handy Manny and Playhouse Disney! They are so fun and easy to please (like with leaves!) at that age.

The Osborne Lights are just perfect, aren't they? That cupcake looks yummy!

I am planning on milking the "easy to please" thing for as looooong as I can. Video games don't need quarters. A glow stick is just as cool as a light up Mickey wand. A paper leaf is a treasure. Love it! In all seriousness, it really is very sweet how little things make him so happy. He loves going to the bank because he gets a sticker every time. And to a local diner because he knows they have balloons.

The Osborne Lights are perfect! So so pretty! And the cupcake was equally as perfect and pretty!

An unnaturally large update to go with an unnaturally large cupcake!

I like it!

I love the pictures of Henry with Handy Manny; so adorable!

That Butterfinger cupcake looks so good and definitely enough to share!

Looking forward to hearing about your date at Cali Grill!

Denise

Thank you! Those pics of Henry are some of my favorite from the whole trip.

That cupcake is very much large enough to share, easily! We threw some away, 3 adults could much on it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

First off, so sorry to hear about the debit card fiasco! What a pain!

I love the pictures of the Osborne lights - they are so amazing! Yum for Butterfinger cupcakes - those are going on the "to-do" list. And yay for date night - can't wait to hear about it!

Thanks Leanne It was a pain! But, I'm glad it was found, caught and short-lived. Hopefully nothing comes back on us about it and it's over and done with.

The Osborne Lights were incredible! I am so glad we caught them after missing them just by a few days last year. And the cupcake, yes, that is a "must do"! I am thinking it will be a regular appearance on our WDW diet.

Your ticker is a definite trip, right? What are your dates? Hopefully you will catch the Lights!

WOW, what a fantastic update! Love all the pics both you and FIL got of Osbourne lights, hope you're sitting down for this one, we went last December, can you believe we never made it to see the lights?! We were there at DHS, had every intention of going over once it got dark but had admission to see F! and missed the lights!!!! Hopefully someday we'll get to see them.....I guess they are a good excuse to go back, right?!!

YUM for the butterfinger cupcake! Holy cow, that things is big!!! And the filling looked delish!!!!

Can't wait to hear all about date night, hope you got some pics, too!!!!

Oh bummer about missing the lights!!!!!!!!!! I understand though, its hard to fit everything in, gotta weigh your options and some stuff just doesn't get done. We never got RnRC or ToT done this trip, which was a big bummer for me!! I wanted my SIL to experience RnRC, I think she would have loved it. And yes, missing the Lights is a perfect excuse to go back at that time of year!

While I was too shy to take pictures in Shula's with the cousin and his then fiance in September, I was not too shy to do it in CG with Joe. Pictures were required!!

That update was amazing! I love Henry in the Minnie hat by the way!
I LOVE Trans Siberian Orchestra! I have a CD! LOL! Those videos were amazing. Claire climbed up on my lap and watched them over and over and asked if we can go to Disney for her birthday (which is in Dec). Boy! I would love to!
I am so hungry after seeing that cupcake, but I don't have any good junk in my house to satisfy that craving!

Isn't that a funny picture of Henry?! I burst out laughing when I saw it and commented to my FIL the other day.

I love TSO too!! They are so talented, and their music is perfect for the Osborne Lights. I'm glad you, and Claire, enjoyed the videos! I think a Mommy and Daughter trip would be a perfect way to celebrate.

We have WAY too much junk food in the house to satisfy those kind of cravings.... Maybe why I can't loose the weight I've gained back?!?!

What a bunch of great pictures and a wonderful update!!

I love the picture of Henry getting the leaf! So typical they like the "free" things, right? It reminds of a trip to take my DS to the beach and he was almost 3 I think. We took him to Build a Bear for the first time down there (of course paid for it too!), took him to a nice Carousel, played miniature golf, etc and at the end of the trip I asked what his favorite thing about the trip was and he said...... the seashells he found! I learned after that! Priceless.

That cupcake is just ridiculous! I'm not a sweets eater (only can stand about 2 bites) but it does look divine! I actually really like Butterfingers so perhaps I can twist my DH's arm to have one and I'll "sample" it!

Your outfit was just perfect and that was really creative of you! I don't blame you for doing what you did either. Swimming??? Yikes, some people are just nuts!! Brr...

Heather

That is GREAT about your DS and his seashells! It's true though! Kids like the hotel pool, or jumping on the beds more than the rides sometimes! Henry held onto that leaf for a loooooong time! I'm sure it's still here somewhere, probably left in the suitcase.

The cupcake was delish! I'm not huge on sweets, I have to be craving them to truly enjoy them-and often prefer savory over sweet-but this was so good! I think your DH would agree to it, if he's a chocolate man/sweet eater, he'll like this!

Thanks for the props on the outfit! At first I was going to take a long skirt and shirt, but the more I thought about it, the more this would work better, and it did-it was perfect! Changing was a breeze and I was warm while park touring!

Great updates. I can not believe how big Henry is getting. Geez I remember when you had your honeymoon trip report and when you found out you were pregnant. I love that you shared such a great trip with your family it is so special to have those memories. On a side note. OMG that cupcake is huge. I cant wait to hear the rest and as usual amazing pics!!

It's NUTS to see how big he's getting and how much he learns everyday. Just yesterday he counted to five for the first time. I love it, and I'm proud of him...but where did time go? I was SO UPSET when I found out I was pregnant, I wasn't ready! Are we ever though? I wouldn't change it for anything now!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brooke....that was the mother of all updates. I loved, loved, loved it. So much to comment on, I don't know where to begin.

Cute outfit....very functional....I would have done the same.

Amazing cupcakes....yummy!

Handy Manny?...is that his name....such cute pictures of him with the little guy. Glad you made it inside playhouse disney.

Glad your folks enjoyed TSM. That's so great.

Osbourne lights....so lovely....and you got lots of great pics.

Sorry to hear about your credit card or was it your ATM? Sorry, I am a little behind. I fear I may have missed a previous update as well.

Anyway....this was fantabulous. thanks!

Thank you! The outfit did serve me quite well, and I'm happy to hear people didn't think I looked like a total dork.

Yep, Handy Manny, you break it, he'll fix it! We watch it every.single.day. and have the toys. and pajamas. It was a very sweet time meeting him! I hope they update the other characters outside Playhouse Disney with some of the new shows they have introduced, Henry would flip to meet some of the others too!

It was my ATM card, so $500 was taken right out of our checking account. Thankfully we still had enough money in there we didn't bounce, but still... And our bank was so good about putting the money right back in that same day I went and spoke to them.

No worries on being behind, I'm so far behind right now on other reports as well. Real life interrupts sometimes!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow thats just mean putting a pink hat on a lil boy but it looks like something I would do to my nephews

to the debit card scare. Kudos to your bank for catching it so quickly. I must agree that if I stole a debit card I would def. hit up Target over Walmart. Heck I might even spring for the mall. I do love Kroger though so I can't fault them there.

I love Henry bumping Handy Manny. I just taught Brooklyn to bump it and she is adorable when she walks up and says "Bump it Momma". Lets hope on this upcoming trip she tries to bump the characters hands and not their noses like she tried on our first trip. Yes my child punched Mickey and somehow remembers it. I asked her if she was going to be nice to Mickey this time and she held up her fist and said "On the nose" I swear we did not teach her that.

Wow I am rambling on sorry, I am doing that a lot tonight all over the DIS. Love the pics of the light show! That must have been amazing!

one last thing must.try.butterfinger.cupcake

love your comment about Kroger! It's a grocery store right? I've never even seen one!

"Bump it Momma"! That is ADORABLE. Henry just says "bump! bump!"

Oh...it's bad, but really kinda funny about her bumping the on the noses! I hope she doesn't do it though...gotta be nice to Mickey! I'm with ya though, Henry does things too that we did NOT teach him. Like Spiderman. Not that I have a problem with Spiderman, but where in the WORLD did he find out who Spiderman was and that he was "cool"? Henry loooooooves Spiderman. He pretends he's Spiderman! No clue where it came from! He hits randomly too, despite us telling him no 48292 times. Thankfully he quickly got over the biting stage! That was NOT fun.

No worries about the story, I love it! And I can very much relate.

That Butterfinger cupcake is divine! I hope you get to it and enjoy it!

Coming out of lurkerdom to say that my sisters and I LOVE Yous Guys Moychindise! We found that hilarious, too, and sometimes still randomly say it to eachother.

Love your TR and Henry is just too cute. Looking forward to the next update!

Thanks for posting!!! The Yous Guys Moychindise is very clever, I remember seeing it for the first time and laughing...and every time I see it, I have to say it out loud for some reason. When I lived in NYC I knew people that really talked like this too! They thought I had the accent!

I have to go back a bit, I don't remember the debit card fiasco everyone is taking about.

ok, found it on page 23.

It happened to people I know too. And mine, to think of it. But the bank put everything back in.

We also have a 500$ limit per day. But I never spend that much, so that's what triggered it.

Isn't it awful?! I'm so glad the banks are cooperative and understanding. Our bank has a $200 limit, which is VERY annoying sometimes, but we are grateful for it now!

Great updates Brook. That cupcake was oh so lovely looking!! May have to try one of those when we are there.
Loved seeing Henry in Playhouse Disney. Glad you were able to get in at the last minute. I am looking forward to Alexa seeing this in May. She has never been before (she was sleeping in the stroller last time we were there and in that area and we never made it back).
Looks like your inlaws are enjoying themselves a lot. We have been with both grandparents and they really love seeing WKW through our kiddos eyes.
One day I would love to see those Osbourne Lights. We were there a few years ago and when they had the lights and on our only MGM day, we waited until after Fantasmic to see them. We had been told on the dis that they let you walk back through after Fantasmic, but that was not the case for us. They refused to let us go back through and said we had to exit the park

I couldnt believe it. They were right there and we missed them. Oh well, Im sure we will get to see them in person one day.
Looking forward to the next update

I bet Alexa is going to love Playhouse Disney! It's such a cute show!! And the bubbles, leaves and streamers just make it even more exciting for the little ones.

My in-laws really did enjoy the trip. I'm certain my MIL and SIL would go back in a heart-beat. I think my FIL would go back too, but not quite as eager. I know he enjoyed it a ton, but I just don't think he is that into traveling. But, maybe I am wrong! I would welcome them again on a trip!

Oh! That stinks about missing the lights!!!!! From the replies I have had on this update, you aren't alone...quite a few people have missed them. It's a great reason to go back though!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Awww, this update was SO cute! DHS is one of our favorite parks, actually they all are come to think of it! I can't believe you haven't done VOTLM! It's super cute and not too girly either.

I think my 2 favorite pics are the one with Henry in his hats and you and Bo together! Is it just me or was Bo blushing??

Love the pics of you in your glamorous outfit! Honey, you totally pulled off that look and don't let anyone else tell you differently! What a sweet entry about sitting in DHS, eating your freakishly large cupcake and soaking in the 'familyness' of it. That's what it's all about, those little moments that you'll remember forever. You really do have a sweet little family.

We did Playhouse Disney 2 years ago when my DD was4. Boy, it was like she had ants in her pants the whole time! She was up and dancing and it totally made up for the fact that we were sitting on cold concrete floors. What the heck Disney, spring for some chairs or even a bench. Love that Henry was thrilled with his free Disney leaf. Although, those 2 words don't usually go together, Disney and free! Ah, kids, they're happy with even the simplest of things. For Christmas we bought my DD8 an american girl doll bed (which ain't cheap!) and she spent most of the morning coloring and playing with the box!

Looking forward to your CG dinner date!

I have always liked DHS, but each trip I like it more and more. I think AK is still my favorite, because it's SO unique...but DHS has held some very special moments for us the past couple trips!

VOTLM is on my "must do" list for our next trip. I'm dragging Joe in!

I think Bo was blushing!!!!!!!!!!

I'm glad to hear the outfit wasn't bad! I looked in the mirror probably 50 times before we left AKV thinking "It's not bad, right?" and Joe just said "Nope, not bad." which made me think it wasn't very good either. But I rolled with it! And don't regret it! I was warm...and apparently, quite stylish by the responses here!

Those magical moments with family are what makes WDW so special. I love all the characters and the rides, but the real magic for me lies in those times. Seeing my little boy so excited, having time with just us 3, where we can do whatever we want. Ahhhh.

I SO AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT THE NEED FOR BENCHES IN THERE! Ugh! My MIL wanted to come with us, but I warned her - and she understood and quickly declined! I know she would have loved to seen Henry there, but the no chairs thing is not good. Even just benches along the back or sides would work I think.

That's hilarious about your DD playing with the box of the very expensive doll bed!!!!!!!! Just figures doesn't it?!?

Looks like a fair amount of us missed the debit card post. I had to go back too and find out what the dealy-o was. So glad it wasn't too hard to get fixed and I hope they get caught!!

I didn't post it as a real update, so that is probably why people missed it...sorry about that! I just had to ramble a bit and share my adventure! I hope they get caught too!

Great update Brook!! First off:

Very scary about your debit card. I always worry about that. I usually check my account online every other day just to make sure everything is ok.

That Butterfinger cupcake looks so good!!! May have to give that a try in May.

GREAT videos of the Osborne Lights. I did not realize they play TSO music. We LOVE TSO here. We go see them every year in Nov. when they tour. They put on an awesome show!!! We also have a few of their CD's.

Cannot wait to hear about Cali & your date night!!

Love the pic of Henry with the paper leaf in Playhouse Disney He just looks so happy!!

They play a few different TSO songs during the Osborne Lights - it's perfect music for it! We got to see them in concert last Christmas, INCREDIBLE show!!! I wanted to go back this year but missed it when the tickets were on sale. So hoping for 2010! I remember laughing and laughing during the show because it was sensory overload...loved it!