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

[brookelizabeth]

What a lovely dinner you and Joe had at CG. How fitting that someone from WI makes a football joke to a couple from MN. So not surprising. Was it a Vikings/Packers joke? Ha! Great update Brook!! The photos are beautiful. I too saw that large wreath and loved it!

I hope Henry feels better. RSV is rough! There is a lot going around in our area lately too. Yuck!

Oh yes, it was a Vikings/Packers joke....of course! But if I remember correctly it involved either a recent game, or a player we didn't recognize, so we were utterly confused. Happened to us later in the trip too, in New Orleans.

Our Ped. said nearly every child she has seen recently has RSV. She has a 6 month old who has it along with the stomach flu! Poor woman and poor baby!

Hope Henry is doing better! I loved him and "Dut Dut" in your last trip report! !

Aw, thanks! He is still a big fan of Dut Dut. He said Donald for the first time the other day though....so it will probably become Donald Dut.

Haven't heard from you in a few days, Brooke----Hope Henry is feeling better!

there is a reason...sigh. See a few posts back.

First off, so glad to hear Henry is doing better... just saw on FB that he wasn't doing too good... not fun stuff when your baby isn't feeling well.... lots of hugs and prayers to him (and you guys too!)

So sad to admit I just found your TR today - a combo of not being on the boards much in general lately paired with a trip for work left me seriously lacking in the DIS lately! So much fun to read all about your trip today, and dreaming about our family trip this next December! Your pictures capture some magical moments - so fun to see!!

Looking forward to the rest! (And just let me know about the sweatshirt! Still willing to make one for you!)

Hey you!!! Glad you found me! I understand about life getting in the way! I keep meaning to PM you back on FB about the sweatshirt. I even looked at JoAnn's a week or so ago and found some great material.

Thank you! It really does stink having a sick child. He's never been sick like this before.

Just caught up. LOVED the OFL photos from DHS. I SO want to go during Christmas and see those. The meal at Cali Grill looked and sounded awesome. And that it was free? Well you just can't be that my friend. I was cracking up at your BLT security breach. Looking forward to more!

If you guys can arrange First Lady Biscuit's work schedule to go around Christmas I would encourage it! It's really beautiful! The Osborne lights were spectacular!

Oh, I'm so glad to hear your little guy is on the mend! Isn't it so sad to see your normally active child laying low with sickness?? My DD6 is like the energizer bunny, constantly on the go and when she's sick it's so sad to see!

I hardly EVER pass up a dessert that includes the words molten chocolate! But to have paired that with peppermint ice cream! That's a serious taste bud party right there sister. Like a giant gourmet peppermint patty! After seeing your CG review, I'm really wanting to give it a try. Are there a lot of kids there too or is it strictly a couples only restaurant? It looks fabulous and the view is amazing!

It is very sad to see him so sleepy! He just sits around, has little interest in anything.

I am with you on the molten chocolate and peppermint! I am the queen of all things mint! Starlite mints are even my favorite candy. I am sure it was just heavenly. It was not easy to pass it up. I sat there and contemplated for a bit. But, as I mentioned in another reply, I did NOT want to repeat the Great Ohana Debacle of 2008. I had to resist!

There were a lot of children there, no problem on bringing them!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Poor Henry! I was reading the updates thinking that he was really on the mend. Having a setback makes it even worse to have a sick kid in my mind. I bet a shamrock shake would help him feel better!

I'll keep praying that he improves quickly!

Thank you mop! I was thinking we were going to get an all clear on Friday until he woke up that morning and I could just tell...

I laughed out loud at your Shamrock Shake comment!!! Trust me, I have been watching McDonald's like a hawk now that it's Feb.

 

[micandminforever]

Sorry Henry had a relapse, he will continue to be in by prayers. Hopeful soon you will be writing about what he has gotten himself into, and other cute Henry stories. I know it is a relief that you are home with him now instead of trying to go to a job and meet the needs of a sick DS. May Henry be blessed with good health soon.

 

[VAisforDisneyLvrs]

So sorry that Henry is not better yet! I hope the meds kick in soon and he is up and about. Then you'll have a much different (and better) reason to not have too much time on the computer.

Your meal looked great. DH and I are probably going to hire one of those sitters that comes to your room for our trip in August. I am still trying to decide where we are going to go....I better hurry b/c I can make ADRs on FRIDAY!

Also, I showed my soon-to-be 9 year old daughter your pics of the Butterfinger cupcake. She told me Butterfingers are her favorite candy, so I am sure that the cupcake is now "on the list." (SO many TRs I read have people with lists of things to do/buy/eat on their upcoming trips-I am glad I am not the only one!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Henry update: I apologize for leaving mid-replies the other day, Henry has taken a turn for the worse. He was up for 2 days, and then yesterday went straight downhill. We were back the doctor yesterday, the RSV and pneumonia are still hanging on AND he has an ear infection. More meds (which he DOES NOT like!), and a very sad little boy. He woke up today around 7:45 and then fell back asleep around 9:00 am, and has been napping since. It's almost noon here. He's just crashed out on the couch. So, please continue to pray for him! It stinks seeing my little guy feeling so yucky.

Oh no! I'll be sure to pray for sweet little Henry. Oh, your poor little guy! Ear infections are a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y no fun. He must be miserable. I hope he gets better lickety split! It is awful to see your child so sick and feel helpless because all you want to do is make them feel better. Hang in there and as I said, I'll pray for Henry to recover quickly! Darn, I wish there were a 'mint chocolate' smilie cause I'd put it in right here for you!

 

[MeMom]

Thinking of all of you and hoping that this will all be a fading memory very soon. It wears on everyone to have a sick little one. There were times when my three would take turns being sick and we'd have a 'sick house' for a long stretch of time!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Great updates. I hope Henry gets better. I know alot of kiddos with that right now. Poor little guy. I too found Cali grill atmosphere kinda different than I thought. The food is good it is just not intimate. Great description. Try Narcoosees you will love the fireworks view and atmosphere. Much better IMO. The shots of BLT are cool. I would love to look in there. So neat. I cant wait to hear the rest.

 

[blessedby3]

Praying for Henry....and mom and dad too

 

[brookelizabeth]

Sorry Henry had a relapse, he will continue to be in by prayers. Hopeful soon you will be writing about what he has gotten himself into, and other cute Henry stories. I know it is a relief that you are home with him now instead of trying to go to a job and meet the needs of a sick DS. May Henry be blessed with good health soon.

Oh, thank you! And yes, you are very right that it's a relief to be at home with him and not have to worry about taking so much sick time for a job and all that.

So sorry that Henry is not better yet! I hope the meds kick in soon and he is up and about. Then you'll have a much different (and better) reason to not have too much time on the computer.

Your meal looked great. DH and I are probably going to hire one of those sitters that comes to your room for our trip in August. I am still trying to decide where we are going to go....I better hurry b/c I can make ADRs on FRIDAY!

Also, I showed my soon-to-be 9 year old daughter your pics of the Butterfinger cupcake. She told me Butterfingers are her favorite candy, so I am sure that the cupcake is now "on the list." (SO many TRs I read have people with lists of things to do/buy/eat on their upcoming trips-I am glad I am not the only one!

Thank you for the get well wishes! I am hoping I start to see glimpses of my normal active 2 year old today and tomorrow...if not, back to the doctor.

I have thought about the sitters that come to the room before too, I have only read one review of it before and it was all positive. The CM took the kids around, played games, etc. They didn't want her to leave! Her name just happened to be Stacy too, so they thought she was Stacy from TV.

Ahhhh, Friday is your ADR day, that means your trip is getting closer and closer! It feels more real after you make ADRs and pay for airfare it seems!

I am pretty certain your DD (and whomever she shares the cupcake with) will NOT be disappointed by that beauty!! And part of the excitement of going to Disney is the FOOD! At least it is for us. I have food lists too!

Oh no! I'll be sure to pray for sweet little Henry. Oh, your poor little guy! Ear infections are a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y no fun. He must be miserable. I hope he gets better lickety split! It is awful to see your child so sick and feel helpless because all you want to do is make them feel better. Hang in there and as I said, I'll pray for Henry to recover quickly! Darn, I wish there were a 'mint chocolate' smilie cause I'd put it in right here for you!

He is miserable. He woke up this morning crying and screaming. He usually wakes up with a big smile, sometimes even laughing. He says his ears don't hurt, but he just feels yucky all over....poor dude! He just looks at me with his sad eyes like he's saying "help Mommy", ahhhh, it stinks!

A mint chocolate smile though....I like that idea!

Thinking of all of you and hoping that this will all be a fading memory very soon. It wears on everyone to have a sick little one. There were times when my three would take turns being sick and we'd have a 'sick house' for a long stretch of time!

Thank you! I have heard awful stories of sicknesses being passed between all the kids...ugh. Not fun! I know I've come down with a cold and have been running a temp for days, but I really don't even feel it because I'm too concerned about Henry! Hopefully mine goes away too and Joe doesn't catch anything.

Great updates. I hope Henry gets better. I know alot of kiddos with that right now. Poor little guy. I too found Cali grill atmosphere kinda different than I thought. The food is good it is just not intimate. Great description. Try Narcoosees you will love the fireworks view and atmosphere. Much better IMO. The shots of BLT are cool. I would love to look in there. So neat. I cant wait to hear the rest.

It seems to be going around everywhere, tis the season, I suppose! Yuck!

That is the second recommendation for Narcoosees! It's going on the short list for our next Disney Date Night...whenever that might be. Or maybe we'll just bring the little one!

Praying for Henry....and mom and dad too

Thank you!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Geez, we have been home for over a MONTH and I'm not even done with the first full day....sorry folks! I'll try to speed it along a bit more, we have many more days in front of us...and a whole 'nother City!

We last left off as Joe and I had met up with KK right at the MK turnstiles. We had one goal tonight, the same as Joe and I had the previous night but failed to accomplish...and that was Space Mountain or BUST!!!

At this time, it was about 11:00 pm. The park wasn't hopping, but it certainly wasn't dead either. We walked down Main Street and I wistfully looked over at Casey's, but knowing my stomach in no way could handle my golden nuggets this evening. Onward to Tomorrowland where we approached Space Mountain and a wait of 90 minutes.

90 stinkin' minutes at 11:00 pm!

Well, the park didn't officially CLOSE for non-property guests until midnight. So we figured we'd scope out other rides for an hour and hope for a drop in the wait time after midnight.

KK wanted to hit the teacups, so that's just what we did! There was just a short line for the teacups, maybe 1 or 2 rides before we were let on.

We tried to get a self portrait of all three of us...didn't quite work!

Look at the mischievous grin on Joe's face! He had us spinning so fast I could hardly walk off the ride! I loved it!

We passed through the rest of Fantastyland

and made our way over to BTMRR. I believe the wait time was listed around 20 minutes, normally I don't like to wait at ALL for a ride, I love me a FP. However, all the FPs were long gone and we had no toddler with us, and it was the busiest week of the season. So all factors combined we we didn't think that was too bad, and in we went.

I haven't been through this queue in 3 years, again, I love me a FP. I forgot how much it winds around and around. The line was moving pretty steady, slowly, but steady and at one point if you looked over the crowds zig zagging through the queue it almost made your eyes cross. Sorta like we were all square dancing or something!

Tempting...

During the BTMRR square dance.

The wait was the full 20 minutes, but between conversation with all three of us it went by quickly.

We're next, we're next!

Joe and I really enjoy this ride, and KK thought it was great too. Her first Disney coaster!

When we exited the ride it was getting close to midnight so we made our way over to Space Mountain to see if the time had dropped.

Yep, it did. By a whole 10 minutes.

Now an 80 minute wait.

Well, this is what we came to do, so let's just do it! In we went! We landed behind a young couple. The female only had one shoe on....she was carrying the other. Generally kids without shoes doesn't bug me too much (sometimes you can't keep them ON their feet ), but an adult, it sorta weirded me out - and one thing about this week is we saw more garbage than I EVER have at Disney. More people means more germs, means more garbage. And she was half barefoot. Ew, ew, ew. Just grossed me out!

I digress....The line was moving along pretty good and soon we were at the area with the new video games. It took a couple seconds to realize how they worked for the various games that would pop up, but soon we were all shooting lasers, and getting quite competitive about it.

The line moved on, and so did we.

The games aren't continuous, sometimes it shows this screen

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Nerd Alert! When Joe and I saw the Windows error on the screen we roared with laughter....and of course I took a picture. Joe shouted "Get a Mac!"

Before we knew it we were in the main room. We were led to the left side, which now winds behind the wall. Kinda odd. The right side stays in the main area. After walking behind the wall you come back out into the main room and load into a car. The vehicles are still 3 in a row, but are new - and a tad cushier - and no glow in the dark stripe along the side.

From the moment we walked in, to when we loaded it was 40 minutes. Half the time listed!

The ride was well worth the wait. Love, love, love this ride! Always a blast. Joe and I thought the ride seemed the same but perhaps a bit less rough, darker and had more stars. We got off and made our way out, the exit queue at that time was only half done so the TVs were not there yet, but from what we did see of the exit queue it was fairly similar, just updated and cleaner looking.

KK was quite impressed with Space Mountain, she would have loved to ride again, but the wait time was only down to 70 minutes and we were getting sleeeeeeeeeeeepy, the time was now around 1:30 am. However, because EMH had started they re-opened the FP machines. We grabbed some for later that day, after all it was now technically Monday...and we knew we'd be back at MK just a sleep later. Would this work? I had NO idea. I figured not, but doesn't hurt to try, right?!

We headed to the front and got greatly distracted by the beautiful Castle. How can you not?!?!

It is just breathtaking....!

I thought of Great Biscuit when I saw this lighting rig:

I'm a Princess!

So is KK!

Slowly we made our way down Main Street,

Despite it being almost 2:00 am, there are still plenty of people! I remember the feeling of it being empty though. It felt like we had the park to ourselves that night!

I just love that popcorn garland!

I remember Joe and KK being quite a ways ahead of me by this time, it was so hard to leave MK!!

Good-night MK, thank you for a wonderful evening!

It was after 2:00 am when we boarded the bus back to AKV, my mind was foggy, but my soul was happy.


*********************************
And I want to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day. Or as I like to call it, "Lovey, Mush, Mush Day". We are pretty simple this year, Henry and I gave Joe a homemade card, Joe gave me a card and a chocolate rose (very nice to wake up to this morning!), and we got Henry a little toy. Henry's toast at breakfast was also heart shaped. It's been a pretty good day, despite the little man being so sick, we've just hung out at home and gotten some stuff done....like an update! Hope you are all able to enjoy today with your loved ones!

 

[MHTeacher]

but every time I am tempted to stuff in more Disney food I think back to my Great Ohana Debacle of 2008. And I am NOT willing to repeat that.

Well, that definitely got my curiosity roused.....So, I went back and read your TR , and may I just say, you were probably wise NOT to eat the cake at Cali then!

Hope Henry is feeling better. He's had a pretty rough time of it, poor little fellow!

 

[disneyfan61]

How is Henry doing? Praying for him to get better!! Great update!! Love the castle pics.

 

[KristiMc]

The parks are so pretty at Christmas - I hope to see the decorations someday. We just got home from our trip yesterday. We stayed in a studio at BLT and loved it.

I hope Henry starts feeling better soon!

 

[claryche]

I just love your night time pictures. Especially the Dumbo ones and the one of all the Teacups. I really need to take more pictures at night. You have inspired me. Thanks.

Hope Henry is doing better. And it's so nice when you are a stay at home mom and you don't have to to call into work or worse yet have to try to find someone to take care of your sick child. The only downfall, is when you are sick, there is no sick leave for a stay at home mom. So take care of yourself.

 

[gellybean]

Great update Brook! Love the idea of being toddler-less in MK after midnight! Sounds like so much fun!

for Henry feeling well enough that you can get to more important stuff.... like Dis'ing!



You know I kid! Seriously though. So thankful Henry is doing better. Having a sick baby is nooooooooo fun. Worst feeling for a mom!


I, for one, am glad your TR is taking a big longer than your normal super speeds. Means it'll last longer!


Happy Valentine's Day you guys!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Valentine's Day, Brook! I hope Henry feels better soon! We had a pretty simple Valentine's Day as well -- Chelsea got the new OPI Alice in Wonderland nail polish, Connor got some Toy Story army men Legos, and Charles and I did the candy thing.

Beautiful night photos in Fantasyland! I love your teacups one, but then, that ride is my favorite Fantasyland ride!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Well, that definitely got my curiosity roused.....So, I went back and read your TR , and may I just say, you were probably wise NOT to eat the cake at Cali then!

Hope Henry is feeling better. He's had a pretty rough time of it, poor little fellow!

I remember thinking "How in the world am I going to report this eloquently in a TR?" Answer: Anyway ya write it, it's still baaaaaaaaaaaaad. That whole trip was interesting. And embarrassing. Yet, held some wonderful moments too!

Henry has had a rough week....I really hope we get an upswing soon.

How is Henry doing? Praying for him to get better!! Great update!! Love the castle pics.

Thank you!!! Henry is doing about the same today. It was a rough morning, he's been down for a nap for almost 4 hours now though - so that's good. Hopefully he will wake up feeling a tad better! I figure we'll be at the doctor tomorrow though...

The parks are so pretty at Christmas - I hope to see the decorations someday. We just got home from our trip yesterday. We stayed in a studio at BLT and loved it.

I hope Henry starts feeling better soon!

Welcome back!!! How was your trip? I've heard only good reviews of BLT so far, I hope we get to try it within the next few upcoming trips! I love that it's right on the monorail.

The parks at Christmas are so beautiful. The Castle makes me stop in my tracks every time. I really need to tally up how many pictures I took of it!

I just love your night time pictures. Especially the Dumbo ones and the one of all the Teacups. I really need to take more pictures at night. You have inspired me. Thanks.

Hope Henry is doing better. And it's so nice when you are a stay at home mom and you don't have to to call into work or worse yet have to try to find someone to take care of your sick child. The only downfall, is when you are sick, there is no sick leave for a stay at home mom. So take care of yourself.

Your welcome!! I love doing night shots if I can stand still enough to get them. I was pretty pleased with the Dumbo ones! LL had mentioned getting a "blurry Dumbo shot" a few trips ago and it has been stuck in my head to get one since, and I finally did!

It's VERY nice to not have to worry about work! But, that one downfall is hitting me...I've been battling a cold and a low temp the past few days. It's hard to take care of me when there is so much other stuff to do. I think it's a common problem for Mommies!

Great update Brook! Love the idea of being toddler-less in MK after midnight! Sounds like so much fun!

for Henry feeling well enough that you can get to more important stuff.... like Dis'ing!



You know I kid! Seriously though. So thankful Henry is doing better. Having a sick baby is nooooooooo fun. Worst feeling for a mom!


I, for one, am glad your TR is taking a big longer than your normal super speeds. Means it'll last longer!


Happy Valentine's Day you guys!!!

I missed my baby terribly, and almost felt guilty being there without him, BUT, we had a blast - and I knew he just loved being with his Poppa. Though, by that time he was fast asleep!

It has been a rough time with Henry - not sure if you saw the last update on him, but he's taken a downward turn. He has an ear infection now too, and the RSV is hanging on. He's been just miserable.

I'm glad you appreciate the slower speed of the TR! I so understand, I get far behind on so many TRs when real life interrupts and then it takes me centuries to get caught back up!

Happy Valentine's Day, Brook! I hope Henry feels better soon! We had a pretty simple Valentine's Day as well -- Chelsea got the new OPI Alice in Wonderland nail polish, Connor got some Toy Story army men Legos, and Charles and I did the candy thing.

Beautiful night photos in Fantasyland! I love your teacups one, but then, that ride is my favorite Fantasyland ride!

Sounds like a lovely Valentine's Day! Chelsea and Connor's gifts reflect them so perfectly!

I love the teacups too! Joe had us just FLYING in that thing, I could tell I handle it differently than I did just a few years ago...but I still loved it!

 

[gellybean]

I didn't see the last update on Henry! Poor little guy!!! I bet the ear infection challenged his immune system even more and made it harder to fight off the RSV!

I sincerely hope it gets over all this nastiness soon!

The only thing worse than a sick baby is a sick baby that stays sick!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow - after a big meal like that, if someone had me spinning on the Tea Cups like Joe had you guys going......well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty!

Gorgeous pics of the castle!!


Happy Valentine's Day - hope Henry feels better soon!