A Ten Day Ride on A Magic Camel - Almost Finished Trip Report

[reelmom]

Hey MeMom,
We went to Disney on Ice last night. You were so right( as if I ever doubted you) about the Tinkerbell/Fairy portion. I tried to get them to leave during the intermission but the boys(including DH) wanted to stay because it was such a good show. Afterwards, they kept asking why we stayed. It was pretty but I don't think it flowed as well as the others.

 

[declansdad]

I can't believe I missed that Donald tshirt. That's a cool tshirt.

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

Im sitting here at work waiting for DS to get off work so we can go home. I am hungry and the bakery pics just about made me cry. I would have anything in that store...the mickey rice crispy treat did look yummy.

That girl obviously wasnt thinking very smartly to be in the parade with that top undone. It could have been quite a different kind of show.

kschafer -Sorry to hear your ribs are sore, pain meds are a blessing!!!:flower3

Hope you are having a good week, I am after seeing all the shopping pics. Yippee !!!

My hearts desire is to be able to go to WDW whenever I want and have the $$$ to buy whatever I want.

 

[MeMom]

No...he has to sleep at an incline now. So he has been sleeping in his car seat. But if he is not asleep when you put him down...then he screams. But he was sleeping lying down until we went to the doctor so that was the reason why he was not sleeping before. We just can't get him to go to sleep if he is already in his swing or car seat (unless we are in the car...then it is no fail)

I can empathize, because Brooklynn cried a lot, too. Poor Jill was exhausted and frustrated and miserable. Just hang in there as well as you can. There is an end to it, and he'll be able to eat and sleep normally in time. That's not much comfort right now, but it is all I can offer. I hope those around you are helping out so that you can get some alone time to rest and take care of yourself.

Yes, I was in a ton of pain yesterday so I had an appointment first thing this morning. Turns out I have a small rib fracture and torn cartilidge between 2 other ribs. The doctor said that with all the swelling and contracted muscles in response to the injury, it was being held together. Now that the spot is healing, that natural "splint" is going away and the pain is kicking in. The pain medication is helping a lot, when it wears off, the pain is almost unbearable.

Luckily, Dising requires no exursion on my ribs

I hope you get through this soon. I remember those days, one day I just broke down in tears because my DH was napping on the couch, I was exhausted and the baby was awake. thankfully, DH woke up, took the baby and sent me to bed. I assume you are home right now, try to sleep whenever possible to keep your head on straight.

I have a friend who recently adopted a child and was only given 5 days of paid leave while someone who gives birth is given 6 weeks of paid leave. Her employer says the difference is that a woman who gives birth is under doctor's care and an adoptive mom is not. I don't care how that baby got to your home, it is a HARD adjustment for everyone!

Hope you figure out how to post pics soon. I'd love to see the little guy. If you want some help, PM me and I'll try to walk you through it.

Most of us know what she's going through, and we all wish we could hop over there and help her out and make sure she's got some time to take care of her own self physically and mentally. I hope that us sending her good wishes is enough to brighten her spirits at least a little bit.

I was still a SAHM when Drew arrived, so that was nice, but it was only a few months after his arrival that my ex called me from work and told me he was leaving. Going back to school full-time, working part-time jobs, and babysitting in our home on weekends, along with doing all my Mommy things was a huge adjustment! Our lives went from one extreme to another in a very short time. I am lucky that the kids were too little to remember most of the hardship, though. Jill remembers more than I'd like, and they had to do without a lot, but I think it has made her very aware of where to put your priorities and how to manage money, and I'm pretty sure it has made her be a more appreciative and giving person.

Sorry for the side story. Something she said on the phone a couple of days ago about the past has been sticking with me. I kind of wish she never remembered the lean times, yet I think it is, in a way, a good part of who she has become.

i was just getting ready to say, "um.......i wonder if that girl knows her top is falling off????" before i saw your comment below the picture. it's one of those times you just have to say.....WHAT ARE PEOPLE THINKING???? why in the world would you walk down main street at magic kingdom like that?

I think she knows it and I think she thinks it's cute!

Neat pictures MeMom! Wonder what that girl was thinking!

Thinking she was cool in front of her friends, probably. One day, she'll probably grow up and talk about how 'un'thinking she really was.

I do remember watching my babies sleep and making sure they were breathing. Even now when Connor sleeps late (Chelsea never does because she apparently has her Nebraska farmer ancestors' ability to wake up at the crack of dawn), I sneak into his room to make sure he is okay.

That girl! Wonder how she could slap that tambourine and not worry about what might happen!

Even with big boys who come in after I go to bed, I still listen for them to be okay. I wake up early, and it's a comfort to see their doors shut and hear their fans running, because I know they made it safely home.

The girl in the parade... I don't understand how someone could walk around with their top like that!

I've missed Dising. I don't have midterms, thankfully, but I have a project due Monday and a decent amount of homework and reading besides, so I've been trying really hard to catch up and stay on top of everything. Also, my dad recently bought a Nikon D60 DSLR (he won "points" to Best Buy via his work.) It came kind of late in the afternoon yesterday, but today after work, I took a break from my homework and went out to take pictures. I think I'm in love.

I can't believe your Thanksgiving trip is just five weeks away! I also can't believe that Thanksgiving is five weeks away. The time has been flying!

Trent has been bogged down with school work, too. He only has a short time left, so he is hanging in there, but he will be so, so glad when school is over!

Congratulations on getting a new camera. Drew is looking to start his classes in January, and he went by the school a couple of days ago. It's all the stuff he likes - taking pictures and film and doing special effects and editing and all.

Five weeks from right now, I will probably be walking around All-Star Music taking pictures!

MeMom... just head on up here for Luke duty. He did cooperate great today for his pictures. Eight weeks old. My goal is not to let the last one have no pictures someday...here is hoping for a good night of sleep!

I agree about the picture thing. The first one gets a ton, then you slack off somewhat on the others.

I'll be there tonight for Luke duty. When I get to Ohio, do I take a right or a left?

I hope your little one out grows his AR. Poor little dude. (and poor Mommy too!)

Serious hijak...sorry MeMom! I just can soooo understand!

No problem. Hijack whenever. Hopefully, it's helping her to hear that we're all understanding and sending good thoughts her way.

WOW! Whoop whoop, look out there little missy. You're about to show the world whatcha got under that shirt!
The view from the train station is great. I've never watch a parade from that view. It's a totally different perspective.

It's a good place to take some different pictures. Usually the pictures you get aren't quite as PG-13 rated, thankfully. I really didn't even realize the girl was like that until I later looked at the pictures.

The Family Fun Day Parade looks really cute! I haven't seen that one yet. I'll have to check it out on my next trip.

This, on the other hand, was not so cute...
OMG. I mean, that's not a good look anywhere, but in WDW? When you're IN the parade??? I agree with everyone else, what can she have been thinking???

I think the Family Fun Day Parade is being put to pasture as YOAMD ends. That's what I read on the parks board. I can't say if it is true, but I did read that recently.

Well I already changed my reservation from WL to AKL. I want to stay at WL during Chritsmas time. I love that Eyeore. I may have to get that for my mom as he is her favorite.

Wilderness Lodge at Christmas is just beautiful! Just think of sitting out at the fireplace with that huge Christmas tree in sight sipping on a cup of hot chocolate and reading a book or people-watching.... or taking pictures. Awesome!!!

i was going to say the same thing. I almost had a Janet Jackson moment once when I was wearing a tube top (have not wore one since) -- but this girl literally has her halter off...
Memom -- Please tell me it stayed on...

As far as I know, it did. I didn't hear any shocked screams in the crowd!

I can't believe you got a pic of me leading the parade in my un-halter top!

Just kidding!

Julie, Julie, Julie!!!

Hey MeMom,
We went to Disney on Ice last night. You were so right( as if I ever doubted you) about the Tinkerbell/Fairy portion. I tried to get them to leave during the intermission but the boys(including DH) wanted to stay because it was such a good show. Afterwards, they kept asking why we stayed. It was pretty but I don't think it flowed as well as the others.

Yeah, the Fairies part was a little long. The one we went to in Huntsville last weekend was better, but they were still both very nice Disney touches, and it was fun to see them both.

I can't believe I missed that Donald tshirt. That's a cool tshirt.

Just remember there's a chick limit for married college professors! Right, Ma?

Im sitting here at work waiting for DS to get off work so we can go home. I am hungry and the bakery pics just about made me cry. I would have anything in that store...the mickey rice crispy treat did look yummy.

That girl obviously wasnt thinking very smartly to be in the parade with that top undone. It could have been quite a different kind of show.

kschafer -Sorry to hear your ribs are sore, pain meds are a blessing!!!:flower3

Hope you are having a good week, I am after seeing all the shopping pics. Yippee !!!

My hearts desire is to be able to go to WDW whenever I want and have the $$$ to buy whatever I want.

Well, it's a good week now, because it is Friday!


**************************************

After the Family Fun Day Parade, I left Magic Kingdom.

I'm not sure what was going on while I was leaving, but there was some kind of action out front.

Today's date and weather, as a reference point.

I met back up with Jill, John, and Brooklynn, and we made our way to Animal Kingdom.

Our mission:

As you can see, not many other people had that mission, so it was a walk-on.

I did Brooklynn patrol while Jill and John rode. I took these pictures while she played with plastic dinos and read books.

Jill and John on the ride.

A little closer.

John took this picture while Jill and I rode.

And this one.

And this one.

I think it was an accident, but I thought it was funny, so I kept it...because I do stupid things like that.

Jill and I on our mission.

And that's the last MeMom picture there will be for this trip.
Look at the lady behind us covering up her little one.

 

[kschafer]

I was still a SAHM when Drew arrived, so that was nice, but it was only a few months after his arrival that my ex called me from work and told me he was leaving. Going back to school full-time, working part-time jobs, and babysitting in our home on weekends, along with doing all my Mommy things was a huge adjustment! Our lives went from one extreme to another in a very short time. I am lucky that the kids were too little to remember most of the hardship, though. Jill remembers more than I'd like, and they had to do without a lot, but I think it has made her very aware of where to put your priorities and how to manage money, and I'm pretty sure it has made her be a more appreciative and giving person.

Aw, MeMom

My parents were very frugal when I was growing up, largely by choice. They knew that not spending money on excess things was money they could save for special things and save for the future. It taught us all how to make choices and look for the rewards.

I have heard lots of stories from you about the times your kids were little. They were always surrounded by love and that's the most important thing you can give your kids. Those of us in the education business know what happens to the kids who are indulged with everything their heart desires except time with their parents. Your kids turned out much better than those other kids!

Now look at what you have. A close relationship with your kids, and now the opportunity to share such magical experiences with them, Brooklyn and the next little one on the way.

I do believe that God does not give us more than we can handle. Hardships are the things that help us appreciate the blessings in our lives.

I hope you have a great day.

 

[declansdad]

Now tell the truth. Did you cover up your face on purpose in that final MeMom pic?

 

[brookelizabeth]

Jill and John on the ride.

A little closer.

This is a GREAT PICTURE!!!!!!!!!! I love Jill's reaction!

And this one.

I think it was an accident, but I thought it was funny, so I kept it...because I do stupid things like that.

You crack me up! Maybe he was just trying to be artistic?

Jill and I on our mission.

And that's the last MeMom picture there will be for this trip.
Look at the lady behind us covering up her little one.

Did you both plan to have the exact same reaction? Love it!

I have not ridden this ride (yet), but after always seeing these completely terrified faces, and everyone raving about the ride, I have to Baby Swap it!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have heard lots of stories from you about the times your kids were little. They were always surrounded by love and that's the most important thing you can give your kids. Those of us in the education business know what happens to the kids who are indulged with everything their heart desires except time with their parents. Your kids turned out much better than those other kids!

Yep, exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself. You are a very, very, very good Mom MeMom-it is evident in your grown children and in the relationship you continue to have with them! I cannot imagine how difficult things would be as a single-Mom (it's are hard with ONE baby and TWO parents!). I admire your tenacity and your dedication to raise your children right!

 

[punkin413]

I think she knows it and I think she thinks it's cute!

bleh! i think she looks gross. not being mean but you'd probably want to be more well-endowed in order to pull that look off, not so skeletal! not that anyone should be trying to pull that look off at disney world.

Jill and John on the ride.

that guy in the lower left with the white shirt on......

And this one.

I think it was an accident, but I thought it was funny, so I kept it...because I do stupid things like that.

GREAT photography there!

Jill and I on our mission.

And that's the last MeMom picture there will be for this trip.
Look at the lady behind us covering up her little one.

like the dinosaur is REAL and she's protecting her little one from it.

 

[MeMom]

Now look at what you have. A close relationship with your kids, and now the opportunity to share such magical experiences with them, Brooklyn and the next little one on the way.

I do believe that God does not give us more than we can handle. Hardships are the things that help us appreciate the blessings in our lives.

I hope you have a great day.

I surely do love them more than anything, and to know God loves us more than that - that's hard to comprehend.

Trent was just listening to a sermon about going through trials and coming out where God intends for us to be. That's something I need to hear more often.

Now tell the truth. Did you cover up your face on purpose in that final MeMom pic?

I was going to expose my beauty, but I thought you had already had enough!

This is a GREAT PICTURE!!!!!!!!!! I love Jill's reaction!

Did you both plan to have the exact same reaction? Love it!

I have not ridden this ride (yet), but after always seeing these completely terrified faces, and everyone raving about the ride, I have to Baby Swap it!!

You have to ride this! It is a fun ride! We planned to act silly, but didn't plan what to do exactly. I guess we just think alike.

I appreciate your kind thoughts. I did try to be a good mom, and if you look back at page 1 of the first report, you'll know that I wanted to have even more kids. I think that will be a regret I will always have - that I didn't get to have more. But, I know there are many people who would love to have even one, and that hasn't happened for them, so I cannot be greedy.

that guy in the lower left with the white shirt on......

like the dinosaur is REAL and she's protecting her little one from it.

I saw that person as being a girl.

Yep, that good mother is protecting her baby from that menacing animatronic animal.

Did you get my text back about Disney on Ice? It's about two hours. I hope you guys enjoy it. Is it the one with Tinkerbell Fairies at the end or the one with Peter Pan?

**********************************

Next up, we're going on safari.

That might not be until Sunday or Monday, or maybe even Tuesday. Jill, John, and Brooklynn will be here this weekend. They're going to the zoo with John's family and out to eat for John's brother's birthday. Then we're going to do trunk-or-treat at church tomorrow night. After they leave Sunday, I'll have school work and housework to do that I didn't do while they were here. I hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay safe, and I hope some of you will get the rest you need after all your hard work with those sweet babies.

 

[punkin413]

I saw that person as being a girl.

i think you're right. i think i see a bra through that shirt. her face looks like a man. oops.

Did you get my text back about Disney on Ice? It's about two hours. I hope you guys enjoy it. Is it the one with Tinkerbell Fairies at the end or the one with Peter Pan?

yep, i got it. i think it's the one you saw in nashville with tink. our tickets say "worlds of fantasy." now that i know there's one with peter pan i'm bummed.

 

[Megablocks]

I love the Dinosaur pictures! I find it so hard to pose on that ride because it scares me, but I love it. Our picture has my parents and brother posing in the front, and my sister and I in the middle row, with her face buried in my arm. Afterwards, my dad (always looking for photo ops), had the idea of me standing in front of the sign warning you about "dark places and scary dinosaurs," looking horrified. It was pretty amusing. If I can find them, would you mind if I posted them?

Have a great weekend! I'm going up to New Hampshire with my dad tomorrow...er, today. He bought a 2000 Jeep Wrangler last month with the "play money" that he'd been saving up, joined a local "Jeepers" group, and tomorrow a bunch of them are meeting to go out on some trails. He asked me to go with him a while ago, and I said I would, but now I'm looking forward to the picture opportunities.

Again, have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy your time with everyone.

 

[MeMom]

i think you're right. i think i see a bra through that shirt. her face looks like a man. oops.

yep, i got it. i think it's the one you saw in nashville with tink. our tickets say "worlds of fantasy." now that i know there's one with peter pan i'm bummed.

I think you'll enjoy the first part more than the part after the break, then. The first part was great - everybody loved when Mickey and his pals came out. Tow Mater came out in the first act, and the audience we were with went nuts. I figured the little boys were especially relieved to see some dirt and rust after an hour of looking at princess dresses. Lion King and Little Mermaid were good, too. It was only the Tinkerbell Fairy part that really didn't excite us, but we haven't really gotten familiar with them, so that's why. I'm sure it was great for the people who knew the story a little better.

At the one in Huntsville, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy changed outfits more often as they came out between the acts, so that was neat. Plus, we were completely familiar with all four acts - Lion King and Little Mermaid (different than the ones here in Nashville) and Lilo and Stitch, and then the whole second part after zamboni time was Peter Pan. There was a gator and a ship and a fight with hook and flying and all kinds of fun stuff. So, overall, we liked Magical Journeys better than Worlds of Fantasy, but they are both plenty good for a Disney fix when you are far away from Disney.

*******************************

Jill, John, and Brooklynn got here around 9:30 last night. Brooklynn has been into playing dress-up lately, so I must tell you that she was looking quite Punky Brewsterish. Underneath two blonde pigtails sitting high on her head, she was wearing black leggings, a Little Mermaid t-shirt, a thick pink sweater, a lime green Tinkerbell skirt, and a nightgown over all of that. She was also sporting a very fashionable set of five dollar jewelry which included two very large silver and purple diamond-studded earrings, a matching necklace, and a matching ring which was big enough for two of her fingers. She was quite the sight!

 

[MeMom]

I love the Dinosaur pictures! I find it so hard to pose on that ride because it scares me, but I love it. Our picture has my parents and brother posing in the front, and my sister and I in the middle row, with her face buried in my arm. Afterwards, my dad (always looking for photo ops), had the idea of me standing in front of the sign warning you about "dark places and scary dinosaurs," looking horrified. It was pretty amusing. If I can find them, would you mind if I posted them?

Have a great weekend! I'm going up to New Hampshire with my dad tomorrow...er, today. He bought a 2000 Jeep Wrangler last month with the "play money" that he'd been saving up, joined a local "Jeepers" group, and tomorrow a bunch of them are meeting to go out on some trails. He asked me to go with him a while ago, and I said I would, but now I'm looking forward to the picture opportunities.

Again, have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy your time with everyone.

Absolutely feel free to post your pictures! I love seeing all of you guys with your families and friends doing fun things! Everyone, please, always feel free to join in and share your pictures and comments with us.

That sounds like fun for your dad this weekend. It's just so good to have fun and enjoyable times when you can to get your mind and body away from work and bills and everyday stresses and worries in life. Give that camera a workout and come back and show us what you did!

My play money is going to Disney World in a few weeks. I need to stop playing and put in new flooring in my kitchen, hallway, bathroom, and three bedrooms, but playing is so much more fun!

 

[punkin413]

and then the whole second part after zamboni time was Peter Pan. There was a gator and a ship and a fight with hook and flying and all kinds of fun stuff.

I WANNA SEE THAT ONE!!!!!!

just kidding. i know i should be grateful to see any of them but peter pan's my fav. the show is tomorrow at 4:00 so you can imagine you're there with us tomorrow afternoon. not exactly as exciting as being in disney world with us, but still pretty cool.

Jill, John, and Brooklynn got here around 9:30 last night. Brooklynn has been into playing dress-up lately, so I must tell you that she was looking quite Punky Brewsterish. Underneath two blonde pigtails sitting high on her head, she was wearing black leggings, a Little Mermaid t-shirt, a thick pink sweater, a lime green Tinkerbell skirt, and a nightgown over all of that. She was also sporting a very fashionable set of five dollar jewelry which included two very large silver and purple diamond-studded earrings, a matching necklace, and a matching ring which was big enough for two of her fingers. She was quite the sight!

so cute!!!! i wish i could get that thrilled about dressing up! brooke, my sister, used to do this with my clothes. she is technically my half-sister (my dad and stepmom's first child) so i didn't live with them but would come to visit all the time. well, every time i'd come over when she was brooklynn's age she'd get into my suitcase and try on EVERYTHING i brought with me and walk around in it with my shoes on and gobs of her play jewelry. i'm 7 years older than her so of course my clothes and shoes were ginormous. it was really cute!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Awww...Brooklynn sounds so cute!

I LOVED to play dress up when I was her age.

Actually, I kinda still do!!!

 

[Megablocks]

Absolutely feel free to post your pictures! I love seeing all of you guys with your families and friends doing fun things! Everyone, please, always feel free to join in and share your pictures and comments with us.

That sounds like fun for your dad this weekend. It's just so good to have fun and enjoyable times when you can to get your mind and body away from work and bills and everyday stresses and worries in life. Give that camera a workout and come back and show us what you did!

Thank you sooo much Yeah, the Jeep thing was a lot of fun! My dad had a blast driving over all the trails and is now loathe to wash off all the mud. We are definitely city folk, so being in a rural, country area of N.H. was awesome and sooo different. I'm not sure I could live there, but it's gorgeous.

Brooklynn sounds adorable all dressed up! I hope that you get some pictures of her playing dress-up.

Oh, and these are the Dinosaur pictures that I mentioned!

I'm the one next to the guy in the yellow shirt (he kept on laughing at me), and my sister is the one with her head buried in my arm. My parents and brother are in the front. They are able to pose on this.

This was my dad's idea Just realized it's from a day or two before. I didn't get a good picture-of-a-picture on this one.

 

[lmillercrew]

My sister and I used to play dress up all the time!! We would even dress up our poor dog and put her in our baby buggy and push her around the neighborhood. She would have that look of total embarassment, as much as a dog can give.

And as far as play money goes... Flooring, schmooring. We need flooring too, but I'd much rather create memories with my family than have new flooring that my dogs can tear up. When the kids are gone and out of the house, then I can get new flooring. They're only "mine" for so long.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Loving Brooklyn's dress-up outfit. One of my favorite Connor stories of all time was when he put on his Batman costume followed by his sister's sparkly sequin dress and high heels. He then proudly whispered to me that he was Batman in disguise. I told him, "Yes, honey, and it's a very good disguise."

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

Loving Brooklyn's dress-up outfit. One of my favorite Connor stories of all time was when he put on his Batman costume followed by his sister's sparkly sequin dress and high heels. He then proudly whispered to me that he was Batman in disguise. I told him, "Yes, honey, and it's a very good disguise."

Since you brought up the Batman costume I have to share with you that when we were little I made Trent a Batman costume. Out of construction paper. It was the greatest costume ever. I will try to find the picture and post it because the construction paper underpants are hilarious!