~A XMAS STORY~decorations, crowds, pixies..AND A BLOODY NOSE~ACTUAL UPDATE 11/9 p190

[punkin413]

Good pictures. Last time we were in Atlanta, the traffic was bumper to bumper for miles and miles and miles. That was the Sunday after Thanksgiving when we were trying to get home from WDW. That was a memorable (in a bad way) ride. I need to think good thoughts of Atlanta to offset that!

The food looks good!

You got lots of goodies for not much cost.
Kitchen shears - great things.
Baby blanket - yay!
What's the latest in baby news?
Glad to see your boo-boo is healing up!

i'm sure everyone and their mother was on the road with you that day. but going through atlanta, you're taking a chance of hitting traffic ANY TIME. it's just so ridiculous. not that you went through on a weekday but rush hour starts at around 7:30 in the morning and doesn't end until after 10:00 and then the afternoons are worse - it starts at 3:00 and ends around 7:00. i couldn't do it every day!

as far as baby news, the due date is april 12th. so far, so good, as far as i know. they're not together any more which is probably a good thing. but i'm pretty sure she's still going to let him be involved in everything. she's not my favorite person in the world so i figure if i can't say anything nice, i shouldn't say anything at all.

Hi Dawn!! Loved the mini TR!!

thanks!

I used to go to Atlanto every year to stay with my Aunt who lives in Buckhead. The last time I went was last year in January. We went to the Atlanta station and I HATED that place. The stores that were there weren't any different then you'd find in any mall and in the mall it isn't freezing.

That is scary about the homeless guy. You know you want to feel bad for people like that, but some of them seriously don't know how to act. I don't know how many times I've been stopped in Atlanta and asked for money .. it's sad.

atlantic station was just not my thing, but some people love it. yeah, atlanta can be bad for homeless people. when we went to see the lion king at the atlanta civic center last spring (which is where we're going this friday to see the killers concert), we saw LOTS of homeless people. it's just really a sad sight to see. luke kept walking ahead of us because he doesn't realize it might be dangerous and chris was telling him not to walk off and said something about "i don't want to have to drop kick a crackhead," which he probably shouldn't have said in front of luke but he wasn't thinking. so luke thought that was so funny and started yelling, "DROP KICK A CRACK HEAD!!!!!" with all these homeless people around. nice!

OMG!!! THAT IS TOO FUNNY!!!!
Amy is actually picking up our tickets at will call! So, we don't know where they are yet. She said that they were supposed to be really good seats, so we will see!
My niece is sooooooo excited!!!! She loves them!!
That will be cool to have a mini dis meet!!

cool! anna got our tickets pretty late so the good ones were all sold out and we had to get tickets the next level down. but like i said before, i don't think there's really a bad seat in the house.

That room looks nice. I need info for this place. I'm so picky about where I stay, esp in ATL but DD wants to go see the American Girl store. I could stay here...it looks clean and roomy. So send me the info girly.

The mac n cheese looks YUM! OMG. I want some!

My dream is to one day go to Disney on the next plan up after deluxe. Not the biggest package but the next to biggest where ALL meals count as 1 credit no matter where you go...even V & A'a! And you get all tours included....all recreation....OMG. One day I wanna do this! You should do it before you guys have kids. Even if you did it for 3 days. OMG could you imagine?

i will PM you with the website for the hotel. i have no idea where the american girl store is, but if allie says it's not close to the hotel you may want to look into that! this place was VERY close to the airport, as in we could see planes taking off from our window. the noise wasn't bad though.

i think we're going back to WPE on friday when we go to the killers concert and ray wants me to bring him back some of that mac-n-cheese! he's not going to the show. so i guess he'll get it in a to-go box that's about 5 hours old!

that's quite a plan! it doesn't sound wonderful. i doubt we'd get to do it before we have kids since we're hoping to start that process this year!

ok finally caught up ....again!! I love your pics at Epcot at night!! I just love it there after the sun goes down, its truly beautiful! I got a little teary eyed at the video of the christmas arch and the monorail going by...i loved it there at christmas time so much..and i just miss it ! ...But i am very happy to "re-live" it through your report!
Glad that the arm is healing nicely...and Atlanta looks fun, thats one city i have not been too yet! Ikea is magical and GINORMOUS..we have one about 30 minutes from us and we can easily spend 2 hours there!

it really is so pretty at night! i'm sure you'll make it back for the holidays someday soon. oh, i could spend way more than 2 hours at ikea - more like 2 days!

Thanks for the update Dawn! It made me a bit homesick though. My high school is having their last Basketball Homecoming this weekend. (next year it will start being during Football season) I sooooo want to go, but DS has a 4:45 basketball game and I have already missed two of his games so I don't want to miss anymore.

OneTreeHillAddict - I grew up in Atlanta, and where Dawn stayed and where the American Girl store is are FAR APART!!! You might want to find somewhere a little closer. Just a suggestion.

you're welcome! i'm sorry i made you homesick - hopefully you can come visit soon!

I might be a bit late but I found your TR...XOKTENOX mentioned your pictures of Teppen Edo--I went when it was a different name but from what I remember it was good

oh, no problem! i'm just finishing up day 1. thanks for joining in!

 

[punkin413]

Oh yeah! I forgot you're from there. Um..good question. Here's the actual name and street (I Googled it! haha) Hyatt Place Opryland: 220 Rudy's Circle.

cool! you're near opryland, i gather. that's a good area - near opry mills mall - although if the powers that be had any brains you would be near opryland instead!!!!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

OneTreeHillAddict[/B] - I grew up in Atlanta, and where Dawn stayed and where the American Girl store is are FAR APART!!! You might want to find somewhere a little closer. Just a suggestion.

How far would you say? We drive so it doesn't matter too much. What is something nice close to the AG store?

 

[katiebug86]

so luke thought that was so funny and started yelling, "DROP KICK A CRACK HEAD!!!!!" with all these homeless people around. nice!

Sorry but this made me laugh so hard Ryan asked me what the heck I was laughing at.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

We might do this Killers concert here. It's this week and we haven't called on it yet. Question...is that mac n cheese at the one in DTD? And is it included as a CS or is that sold at the TS one?

 

[Disneyfan71]

I see you're in Georgia...my other brother-in-law lives in Decatur, not too far from Buckhead and Atlanta!!! We were down there around Christmas---drove through Buckhead and saw were Elton John lives!!! I'd love to go to Lenox Mall or whatever it's called.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Dawn! Finally caught up. Thanks for sharing the fun pics of Atlanta! I wish I was having my convention there this year instead of last year now that i "know" you. I'll be in Vegas this April. That Ikea store sounds great - they need to have one of those next door to every Cabella's or Sportman's Warehouse!

 

[Charleston Princess]

did charles like the aladdin clip?

Yes, he did! He has been singing lines from it ever since.

i haven't heard that santa song! i need to go look it up. i LOVE their new CD - you should check it out. my favorite song on it (right now - it will probably change) is "dustland fairytale." i will take pictures and possibly video for you at the concert!

Yes, please, on the video and pictures! I will go check out the album -- I get most of my music from itunes -- I like being able to just buy the songs I want -- any song by the Killers with the word fairytale is bound to be good!

 

[MeMom]

i'm sure everyone and their mother was on the road with you that day.

as far as baby news, the due date is april 12th.

Sure enough - everyone, their mother, uncle, grandma, and third cousin twice removed! It also didn't help that Brooklynn chose that trip as her first time to really throw up. Not like baby spit up, but the real bleeeeeck thing. We had to stop twice to de-clothe her, clean up her and the car seat and everything that was surrounding her, and then get into the suitcases to get more clothes and blankets. Let's just say it was a trip we'll probably not soon forget.

She's due pretty much the same time as Jill, then. They've told her the 8th or the 11th at different times, but I think she's decided to just say the 11th so she won't be let down if it doesn't happen on the 8th. We'll make you an honorary aunt for this one, if you wanna be!

As long as your brother makes himself involved, he'll have her enough that you guys will be able to bond with her, and it should work out for you to fit in some Disney trips with her when she's ready for that. Make your presence known from the beginning, and let her know you will be around!

 

[Philadisney]

Wow that four cheese macaroni looks fabulous! And I totally know what you mean about IKEA. I don't like going there, I always get overwhelmed because there is SO much stuff and I can never make up my mind!

 

[IluvXU]

Okay Dawn... we have been watching Fantasmic via Youtube and I thought I remembered you had good video of it- am I crazy or right? If so what report--- Hannah is really interested in it and I think by watching some she won't get so freaked out if we see it this summer!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Living in ATL, I have to jump in here and give you my two cents' worth -- go to the World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium (it's right next to the World of Coke). I wouldn't bother with Underground Atlanta these days.

dan, i was just going to suggest the georgia aquarium but jackie beat me to it! we've never been (i know!) but it's something we really want to do soon. i hear it's REALLY cool. i bet parker would love it! and the last time i was at underground atlanta, about 3 years ago, it was nothing but a bunch of night clubs. it's not a mall any more. not sure if it's still the night club place but i definitely would skip it. it's not much of anything to see.

thanks guys, i did not know that it has been maybe 15 years since i have been to ATL and the sites with my aunt.

i would love to see the world of coke, and the aquarium sounds really neat, we might have to check that out.

 

[tinkgurl]

cool! you're near opryland, i gather. that's a good area - near opry mills mall - although if the powers that be had any brains you would be near opryland instead!!!!

Yep by Opry Mills Mall!

 

[disneygirl1972]

Subbing....more, more, more!!!! Please

 

[aldisneygrl]

How far would you say? We drive so it doesn't matter too much. What is something nice close to the AG store?

I would guess it is probably a 35 - 45 minute drive without traffic, which is pretty unheard of in Atlanta . She was down by the airport, which is S. Atlanta, and the AG store is in Alpharetta, which is N. Atlanta. I don't know of any hotels personally, but Alpharetta is a more affluent part of town, so I'm sure you could find something nice. (how'z that for a run-on sentence )

If it were me, I would try to stay on the North end of town. I haven't been to that AG store yet either. We have tried the last couple of times I came home, but just ran out of time. We'll do it soon. When were you planning on going?

 

[punkin413]

Sorry but this made me laugh so hard Ryan asked me what the heck I was laughing at.

We might do this Killers concert here. It's this week and we haven't called on it yet. Question...is that mac n cheese at the one in DTD? And is it included as a CS or is that sold at the TS one?

cool! let me know if you guys go. the one in atlanta is on friday.

according to the allearsnet.com menu, it's at the CS.

I see you're in Georgia...my other brother-in-law lives in Decatur, not too far from Buckhead and Atlanta!!! We were down there around Christmas---drove through Buckhead and saw were Elton John lives!!! I'd love to go to Lenox Mall or whatever it's called.

awesome! i'm near athens, northeast of atlanta. i've been to lenox many times - it's cool but not too much better than a standard mall. my favorite store in that place is crate and barrel!

Hi Dawn! Finally caught up. Thanks for sharing the fun pics of Atlanta! I wish I was having my convention there this year instead of last year now that i "know" you. I'll be in Vegas this April. That Ikea store sounds great - they need to have one of those next door to every Cabella's or Sportman's Warehouse!

vegas sounds good too!

Yes, he did! He has been singing lines from it ever since.

Yes, please, on the video and pictures! I will go check out the album -- I get most of my music from itunes -- I like being able to just buy the songs I want -- any song by the Killers with the word fairytale is bound to be good!

glad charles got a kick out of it! i will for sure have pictures and video unless my camera gets confiscated.

Sure enough - everyone, their mother, uncle, grandma, and third cousin twice removed! It also didn't help that Brooklynn chose that trip as her first time to really throw up. Not like baby spit up, but the real bleeeeeck thing. We had to stop twice to de-clothe her, clean up her and the car seat and everything that was surrounding her, and then get into the suitcases to get more clothes and blankets. Let's just say it was a trip we'll probably not soon forget.

She's due pretty much the same time as Jill, then. They've told her the 8th or the 11th at different times, but I think she's decided to just say the 11th so she won't be let down if it doesn't happen on the 8th. We'll make you an honorary aunt for this one, if you wanna be!

As long as your brother makes himself involved, he'll have her enough that you guys will be able to bond with her, and it should work out for you to fit in some Disney trips with her when she's ready for that. Make your presence known from the beginning, and let her know you will be around!

oh, no fun about the puke! i guess that's something that happens with everyone. poor little thing. sure, i'll be an honorary aunt!!! oh and don't you worry. my brother baffles me sometimes. i'm just trying to stay out of it. i pray for him every day and i just hope he ends up making the right decisions. it's nothing serious - just stupid things he does. but don't worry - i will definitely be very involved! i can fake friendliness long enough to be around her for my brother and my niece's sake. i just don't think i can every truly like her after some of the things she's done.

Wow that four cheese macaroni looks fabulous! And I totally know what you mean about IKEA. I don't like going there, I always get overwhelmed because there is SO much stuff and I can never make up my mind!

it was so good! yeah, you have to be in the right mood to go to ikea - i found that out saturday!

Okay Dawn... we have been watching Fantasmic via Youtube and I thought I remembered you had good video of it- am I crazy or right? If so what report--- Hannah is really interested in it and I think by watching some she won't get so freaked out if we see it this summer!

i posted some pieces of it on my april/may TR. here's the link to that installment:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=25613434&postcount=548

i'm finishing up day 1 of this TR soon and then day 2 is our DHS day. so i will eventually have more video of it. stay tuned!

thanks guys, i did not know that it has been maybe 15 years since i have been to ATL and the sites with my aunt.

i would love to see the world of coke, and the aquarium sounds really neat, we might have to check that out.

you should definitely check out the aquarium - i've heard really good things!

Yep by Opry Mills Mall!

cool!

Subbing....more, more, more!!!! Please

hi! thanks for reading!

 

[Disneyfan71]

I want to go back to Atlanta this summer--see a Braves game maybe But I love the Atlanta area so much--would also love to go to Six Flags. We stopped at the Wendy's right across from the park--I've got pics

 

[punkin413]

please ignore.

 

[punkin413]

just wanted to express my thoughts to anyone who lost their job or has a family member who lost their job today. it was a horrible day - 70,000-plus jobs lost. my thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

-----------------------------------------------
time to pick back up with the TR!

finally it was time for illuminations to start! i was the only one in my party who had ever seen the show. ray and i were dead tired last trip and left before the show started, so he had never seen it. and i had seen it in september with erica but the globe was being refurbished so i didn't get to see the full show.

right as the show started at 9:30 we noticed the MVMCP fireworks at MK. very cool! i'll go ahead and post the first video from illuminations just so you guys can see the MK fireworks. it made me excited for sunday when we'd be going to the party!



i will post the rest of the videos below. first i will show my pictures from the show. as i said before, i had discovered a new setting on my camera and decided to use it for illuminations. now this setting is VERY sensitive and if you move just a little bit the pictures will be blurry. because i had nothing to set my tripod on, these pics aren't as good as they could've been. just wait until you see the ones i take at MVMCP when i had my tripod! i love this new setting. i think it slows down my shutter speed so the fireworks turn out so much better!

the globe!

anna actually took this one and i'm not sure what it is but i think it looks really cool!

some of my favorite parts of illuminations...





some more of MVMCP in the distance....



the finale - i love how it looks like fireflies!



so after the finale a voice came over the intercom and said something about "during this time of year..." so i knew they were adding something for the holidays. here are some pictures from the extra holiday fireworks.

continued in next post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29917486&postcount=660

 

[punkin413]

here's the video of it. i didn't post the whole thing but about the last half. you can hear that they say "peace on earth" in every language around the WS. watch the whole thing - it gets REALLY good at the end!



WOW!!!! that's what i said, too! i was really surprised at how great that extra holiday bonus was. just beautiful and really moving.

after that was over we started heading back towards the international gateway. some pics along the way....

we headed back towards the boardwalk to go to the car. i love the boardwalk at night - it's sooooo pretty!

ray took some video as we were walking. i think this is cute! he loves that night vision feature.

luke noticed a pressed penny machine on the boardwalk so we stopped so he could make one.

a shot of the christmas tree in the courtyard on the way out....

we want a dream!!!!! this was my 5th trip to disney during the year(s) of a million dreams promotion and i hadn't won squat.

by the time we got back to the car it was around 10:30. back to the condo it was! we were all beat and wanted to head to bed. luke found the glow cubes that we had brought with us just for fun (from past trips) and he had lots of fun with those!

tired boys!

we all got to bed by around 11:30. we had a great first day at disney but we still had 75 percent of our vacation ahead of us. what a great feeling! tomorrow was our DHS day and we were all excited about that! anna, etc. had never been and ray and i were looking forward to the osborne lights.

up next.....ARE WE IN FLORIDA OR ALASKA??????