ABCs of Trip Reporting, Pt. 2-Life Can Be Crappy and Then You Move On (3/7)

[Flossbolna]

Liesa, wonderful updates, both the last WDW as well as the DL one.

DL is such a beautiful place, I really want to return there sometime again. While WDW has the resort feeling, DL is just so full of fun things to experience...

 

[jenb1023]

Just stopping in to say hi and I hope that everyone is having a great day!

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Hi Liesa! I'm all caught up after being here just hit and miss for the last few months. (like since April!) And it was because of major life suckyness at home with the girls. But things are getting better, not where they were and maybe not ever back to there but better. So take it one day at a time, thank God for the good and ask for his help with the rest. (Hmmmm, sounds like something I need to do more of.)

I'm glad you got to take a trip with your mom and aunty, memories are the best.
And love the low crowds that I see in your DW pics, gives me hope for the trip mom and I are taking at the end of this Sept.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Everyone!!! I am still here- limping along and reading. I was all set to spend the day on here, and play, but just realized I had invited my hubby's cousin over for dinner. Still I think I can start uploading the pix for the first part of DAY 4 and make some progress in writing.

Still, I have a zillion errands to run, so we shall see....

Speaking of writing, I put up another chapter on my blog- I am pretty motivated to spend a bit more time putting to words some of the things I am thinking about. Just click on that camel picture below to access the adventures we had in Crapistan.

Have a wonderful day Friends!

 

[that's nice]

Hey there Liesa!

Just getting caught up.....

There is so much to comment on but I must thank you for trying to take pictures of the construction for me. I'm glad you didn't get in trouble and get kicked out of the park or something..

I hope to keep somewhat caught up and I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

 

[All7OfUs]

Can you BELIEVE we’re already on Day 4?!


Astounding, I know.



OK, so just because we’re well onto almost a year ago that all this even happened, it doesn’t make Day 4 any less exciting. And I have some exciting news for you; I’m going to give you the entire first half of the day in one shot! Mainly because my camera wasn’t used that much, but also because, well, it’s time to get a move on here, as good as this story is…


And all good stories begin with breakfast, even if you’re not a hobbit. Yes, I know some people around here think I resemble one, but that’s beside the point. We decided to sleep in a bit, stalling off Mickey until 8:00.

All of you know that by Disney wake up standards that is late! But by 8:30 we were ready to roll,

and it was not too late to make our 8:40 ressie for:

And that we did. I was elected to set off to the laundry room to toss in a load, and that happened with GREAT pain. Those blisters of mine were unrelenting and something HAD to be done- but not just yet. Soon we all met up at “Coffee Paradise” and settled in for a luscious breakfast that looked something like this:

I say that because we divided it up and my bacon went somewhere?? Hmmm.... who stole the bacon?

OH, WAIT!! I remember now; I got the Macadamia Nut pancakes,and HOLY COW were those ever good!! The pink puke sauce that Cherie so lovingly refers to the strawberry stuff as was mighty fine eatin'! We split those up too.

We hailed the joys of Kona blend, toasting her royal goodness, while planning our day and looking back to a splendid evening before. The trip was only beginning for all of us together, and it couldn’t have gotten off to a better start- well, if you don’t count any of the prior travel nightmarishness.

Green pulled into the station sometime later

(my picture stamp says 11:09, and my notes say that we waited a LONG time for one), so we must have dinked around quite a while in the room reorganizing our stuffages and getting the laundry to dry. Apparently, from various TRs I’ve read recently, the dryer issue is a common one. I believe at this point I showed my blisters to the ladies, and they agreed that they were pretty large and nasty. So I put on my “missionary”. To help support that last sentence, I’ll just say that missionaries tend to be “fix your problems on they fly sort of folk”. So I grabbed my “I’m celebrating” button off my shirt and stabbed those suckers like a hungry man at a steak. They exploded something akin to Mt. Vesuvius and immediately felt so much better. Why I hadn’t done that before I have no idea!

So where was I? Oh yes, Green carried our happy little selves to EPCOT where we began by being pretty silly right out front. In fact, we chose these shirts just for today, to get this shot! (in case you can’t read it, it says¸ “What happens at Disney, STAYS in Disney”. I still love this shirt, and the memories we made wearing them!

The photographic evidence shows that before lunch we hammered out my favorite, The Land, got FiPs for Soarin’- which had an odd thing that surprised us: Those FiPs were pulled at the exact same time, but look what we came out with?- and hit up The Seas. At that point, when we were trying to get these pix:

I had my first GRRRRRRRRRRRR moment. Why IS it that people can’t SEE that there may be others Jones’in for the same photo?? We must have waited until at least 4 other families (all whose children were very cute, mind you, but not cute enough to cut in front of us while we were trying to get our photos!) tromped around in the landscaping taking 400 photos of Little Johny. We stood there for what seemed like an hour in the baking hot sun- and I admit, I was getting pretty hot under the collar. Ok, moving on… although, you have no idea how therapeutic writing this out really is…

So, all before lunch, we got in The Land, Crush, and the Clamshell ride, whose queue is so much better than the ride itself,

and now it was time to nosh. On this day, I had hoped to hit up one of the WS joints, but I could see that being that we’d only knocked up a small fraction of FW so far, we’d best stick with a closer place. And besides, Mary had raved about Sunshine Seasons for months.

My notes tell me that one of these was Spicy Asian Cashew Chicken. Indeed it was spicy, and pretty good. Not any better than your average Chinese place I’ve been to, but filling and tasty. I do recall that instead of focusing on the food, we were getting a bit concerned about Mary. She looked rather ragged and confessed that she was starting to not feel very good. She was really, really tired and was afraid that she might be coming down with something. Uh- Ooooooooooooooh…..

Just about the time lunch was done, our FiPs were up for Soarin’. But first I had to show LeeAnn Figment!

Tate called ahead to make sure Figment gave us an extra potent fart bomb.

NOW it was time for Soarin’. So we went on it. (Now that’s exciting writing, ain’t it?) Patrick Warburton is still hot. That is all.

Yep, that was all for Mary. She just didn’t feel well enough to continue on. Remember we had a super special dinner later that night, and she wanted to go back and rest and chill out so she could save her stamina for that. I didn’t blame her one bit. LeeAnn and I trudged on- there was still so much to be done!!! First up? TT FiPs. I decided to initiate LeeAnn in the art of FiP running, so sent her off in the right direction. Remember, my blisters were still hot (much like Patrick Warburton) so I opted to be a wienie. While she was off getting those, I staked out a spot near the entrance to Innoventions and found a speaker piping in BGM. I was able to get a small amount in between people who had to extol the virtues of their popcorn, how hot the weather was, or why Disney gets away with price gauging every single day. I know these are important conversations, but seriously, I was not getting very far with getting anything quality in my sound recordings, so gave up and visited the frogs again in Velcroland. OH yeah!! I ate another of my favorite snacks while waiting for her too!!

My beloved Strawberry Bar!! Yum! (this was one of the Master Predictor questions….)

Safely back, and thusly inaugurated into the FiP Runner Club, LeeAnn and I made it onto SE, which had a surprisingly longish line. Still worth it.

We headed then, over to the “other side” and noticed that TT only had a 10 minute wait, so we took a spin, and got another set of FiPs just in case. You never know.

You know what’s so hilarious about that picture??!!





I’m NOT EVEN IN IT!!! Yep, I rednecked me a photo that I’m not even in.

Then took an entirely different kind of spin on Mission: Space, where she only got slightly ill.

I told her I had just the cure, but she had to wait until we got to France for it…. Good thing we were headed there next!



**** I know I"m forever behind on replies, but was slammed with weekend company that was only slightly announced. So, at my earliest convenience, I'll get right on those!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wait a sec. The Poly rooms have a Mickey phone?! Seriously? That's amazing! I was so confused for a second and thought you were back at Pop, but it looked small and wasn't a rotary...

Love the shirts! Did you find those here on the DIS? Very cute pic of you and LeAnne cheersing your coffee. And I'm now looking at my August plans seeing if we can fit in Kona.

Great shot in front of SSE too!

on the redneck TT picture! That's HILARIOUS!!!

I hope Maroo starts to feel better....

No worries on the replies - take your time! I hope life is slower for you this weekend!

 

[marvali]

Well, all caught up again.......not that there was a whole lot new to read!!! J/K you Liesa.....I know you have been busy!

I believe at this point I showed my blisters to the ladies, and they agreed that they were pretty large and nasty. So I put on my “missionary”. To help support that last sentence, I’ll just say that missionaries tend to be “fix your problems on they fly sort of folk”. So I grabbed my “I’m celebrating” button off my shirt and stabbed those suckers like a hungry man at a steak. They exploded something akin to Mt. Vesuvius and immediately felt so much better. Why I hadn’t done that before I have no idea!

Well, I guess this just goes along with the shirts. What happens in Disney......

...and hit up The Seas. At that point, when we were trying to get these pix:

Nice Move! Do you also Mash Potato.........and Do The Twist???

I decided to initiate LeeAnn in the art of FiP running, so sent her off in the right direction. Remember, my blisters were still hot (much like Patrick Warburton)

I'm sure he would appreciate the analogy......

You know what’s so hilarious about that picture??!!

I did!!!

I told her I had just the cure, but she had to wait until we got to France for it…. Good thing we were headed there next!

 

[glennbo123]

Can you BELIEVE we’re already on Day 4?!

Honestly, no.

So I grabbed my “I’m celebrating” button off my shirt and stabbed those suckers like a hungry man at a steak. They exploded something akin to Mt. Vesuvius and immediately felt so much better.

Ewwww!

The photographic evidence shows that before lunch we hammered out my favorite, The Land, got FiPs for Soarin’- which had an odd thing that surprised us: Those FiPs were pulled at the exact same time, but look what we came out with?- and hit up The Seas.

Huh?

I had my first GRRRRRRRRRRRR moment. Why IS it that people can’t SEE that there may be others Jones’in for the same photo?? We must have waited until at least 4 other families (all whose children were very cute, mind you, but not cute enough to cut in front of us while we were trying to get our photos!) tromped around in the landscaping taking 400 photos of Little Johny. We stood there for what seemed like an hour in the baking hot sun- and I admit, I was getting pretty hot under the collar. Ok, moving on… although, you have no idea how therapeutic writing this out really is…

I completely understand, and feel your pain. That is very annoying.

Tate called ahead to make sure Figment gave us an extra potent fart bomb.

Tate always goes the extra mile.

You know what’s so hilarious about that picture??!!


I’m NOT EVEN IN IT!!! Yep, I rednecked me a photo that I’m not even in.

Yes, I noticed.

I hope Maroo feels better in time for dinner.

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm thankful for you that things are mending. God is Good. All the time.

The book is a kid's book, and it was fun but I don't think I'll read any of the sequels.

Apparently, the animatronics get loose at night and chase the CMs around - the pirates for instance, feel the need to "pirate" as that's who they are!

HI Tammie! Been ever so long since I've had a moment to spare for the DIS- it's not like FB where you can hop on for 5 minutes and move on. When I get on the DIS, I really need an hour or more to do what I want.

Yes, He is good- and things are mending well. I guess what we are going through are typical growing pains.

Hmmm... that book sounds very much like Night in the Museum. Cute, but pretty shallow. Might be worth a read just for fun though.

You made it through the gates! I think I know what the "fine print" is about

I can't believe they have that formaldehyde in your drinks without telling you! Carnation does look like a lovely place to eat, and the restroom area looks nice too, which is great since that is the theme here.

Yes, you can probably guess what that's about- not pretty for sure.

Diet drinks just aren't my thing. I know some people drink them all day long- and love it, but I just don't want the chemicals. They taste so bitter to me.

Carnation is so quaint! I love all the red and white! I loved having a bathroom right there, too!

I know so little about Disneyland....it's great to see all of your pictures and read the learnings you had.



We're not that hard to buy for.

Those are only the beginnings of my learnings- come along, Little Children, and she shall teach you well...

I know, but I had to choose well. In case of future contests around here, I may want to win on. Just sayin'.

Liesa, we have never been to Disneyland and I don't follow it much. But I am thoroughly enjoying your photos. Carnation looks like a quaint place to eat (kind of like the Plaza).

I'm so glad you're still here, Kathy! I'm afraid with my self-induced hiatus, I'm going to lose most of my readers... ah well... A TR is mostly for one's self anyway.

Yep, that IS what its all about!





Interesting point about the light fixture...I always seem to notice these things. For example, it annoys me to no end when people here in New England decide to slap (plastic, non-functioning) shutters on every conceivable style of house in some misguided effort to make things look more colonial. And how cool your aunt was an interior designer. I think that's one of my dream jobs and getting some input from her would be a wonderful memento.

Loving the pictures and tour of Disneyland, too!

Huh! Yes, interesting that they would New England-ify things without much heed. This reminds me, I still need to get her some photos of my big Kazakh rug.

How great that you all can be a soft place to land for Bek's friend!

We will, of course, miss you when you cant be here - but will be anxiously awaiting to hear about all of your adventures while you are away from us.

I always thought re-enacting looked like fun. When my boys were in scouts the Scout leader was involved with "Rendezvous" - it's not a Civil War re-enactment, it's more like traders and trappers. We had a scout meeting out at the campground one time right before their event was supposed to start so they were both already in their "period" clothes. What I got a kick out of was that they weren't supposed to have "modern" items - but Carla was addicted to Mt Dew, so she had a hand made pottery mug that she carried around with her filled with her Mt Dew.

I really don't know how that's all going to play out- whether she will move in or not- but I don't see as though she's going to be drawing a paycheck before the 1st- so chances are pretty high we're going to have a houseguest for a few weeks.

I should be back soon, but I have a massive camping trip coming up the first week of August, then things MIGHT settle down. We shall see.

The more I see of this whole re-enacting thing the more it mystifies me. The crowd in general can be so incredibly nit-picky about the tiniest details, so much that it actually becomes a hinderance to any fun that might be had. It seems they are constantly bickering about who had a zipper vs. a button, and then whether the button is brass or plastic. I don't know if it's something we will become highly involved in or not. Seems much of the fun is robbed by striving- much like a legalistic religion.

 

[All7OfUs]

I love the start of Disneyland! Sorry to hear about that icky lemonade. Aspartame never makes anything taste very good

ETA: Don't worry about not being around on our threads. Life happens. Take each day as it comes and enjoy life! We'll all still be here....we're DISers after all

More DLR report coming up in the next few days!

Thanks for the encouragement, Jen! You know how much I appreciate and love you all!

There is no "DITTO" smilie. But I agree with Jen. We'll be here always.

Love you, Kathy!!!

I would love to be in an empty park! What a great experience. I would have been really tired too. I also take flash pictures is we're on only ones on a ride. This has only happened a few times. I also read the first Kingdom Keepers and I will never see Small World or Pirates in the same light.

So happy you've make it inside Disneyland. Since I've never been there I'm absorbing everything. Of course seeing y'all have so much fun is great too.

I hope I don't get flamed but I actually like the taste of diet stuff. Always have even as a little girl. I use to sneak the Dt. Dr Pepper at my friends house. If given a choice of a drink out of a machine it was TAB.

Hang in there and we'll all still be here when you can make it on. I so understand not truly feeling like being on here. I went through that in Dec and Jan

It was so great being in that empty park! So much different than with hordes of peoples! AND you get to flash til your heart's content!

I really hope I can get some more DLR stuff up soon! After being away for a bit, I'd forgotten how long it takes to write and upload pix.

I don't know very many people who can really say they like diet and mean it- Kudos to you!!!

I remember your time out- and yes, we all seem to come back sooner or later- and everyone's still there!

Liesa, we understand - we all live "life" once in awhile! We'll be here when you get back. In the meantime, we'll have lots of quizzes on our threads J/K

haha!! You can have all the quizzes you want to- might make things more lively around here these days!

Well for me Duct Tape wood be good , for Dan a Kindergarten spelling book !!!fot Tim another Whip do I need to go on!!!

Oy! I can't even imagine what that might mean!! Someone control this woman!

Liessa I loved the pix of Disneyland , one of my consumers is going there in September !!!So I will get to see her Memory Book!!!

She will LOVE DLR!! It's smaller and easier to manage!

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, I totally understand life getting in the way.

Must be going around because things here are super busy. Some funand exciting, some exhausting and time consuming.

Hamg in there and we will be here when you are able. Don't forget you have my number if you need it.

Yes! I do have your number, Pat!!! You sound busy too, hope you are hanging in there!

From page 116 - I'm caught up!

That was quite a feat!!! congrats!

What a fantastic moment with the young girl dancing out the steps!!! How incredible.

I'll always wonder if this was a once in a lifetime thing for her, or if she was an AP holder...

And I'm sure there was much talk over the feet picture - but I just gotta say, one of these times you should buy some fake hair and take a picture....

I had actually thoguht of that! Wouldn't that be hilarious??!

I'm too late now, but I had sent mine via PM a loooong time ago. I haven't a clue what I answered! All well!

If you can find it and want to send it again- please do!! Or just PM me if you still want to play!

Oh my freakin' word! HILARIOUS!

One of my more creative, funny moments...

And your DA does look like a million bucks! She's just one of those women who have it all together, you can tell. She's beautiful!


I'd say that it is sad that life has robbed her of itself, but she is still so full of life and is SO eagerly looking forward to her REAL life to begin, that I just can't.


Sorry to hear about stressful family life "stuff" - but don't worry about us! We will be here when you get back to us. Focus on what is most important now...and don't forget the fun stuff. And perhaps, just maybe, I'll be able to stay caught up! BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I am truly enjoying your report - both WDW and DL!

Glad you're still enjoying the writing, Brook- lots more to come!

Sounds like the start of your trip with LeeAnn is going well, and the start of your DL experience is too!! I looooooove Disneyland, it's where I cut my first Disney teeth. <----See!

Lots of fun was had! I just wish I could hurry myself up in getting it all put up!

Liesa,

Focus on home and hearth, we'll all be here. I've not been good about being anywhere lately and need to improve all around. In fact I missed all your drama (though I did see the laptop post on FB briefly) due to 3 days of non stop yardwork in a lame attempt to mitigate months of neglect. I am grateful your laptop was found, losing pictures is heartbreaking (I accidentally deleted all of Evan's 6th grade graduation pics...) I'm so glad it turned up. Prayers that all works out as it's meant to with Bek's friend and...life...and kids...and all that!

THANK you for the Carnation pics. Oh that brings back sweet memories and wistful childish longings...wanting so badly to go in there.



That right there makes me want a DL trip!

Very glad no one choked, that drink sounds hideous, I tried something like that recently and had to go dump it out and refill with something like Sprite.

You always have just the right words to encourage me, Cynthia!! Thanks! Yes, it was time to step away and focus on closer things for a spell. Too many things being neglected around here- and you of all people KNOW how SHORT our summers are- MUST make hay while th sun shines!

DLR just holds something so special, esp. for those who grew up there!

I of course agree with everyone else! Take your time at home - we will all be here! I have taken many hiatuses myself when life got too crazy to keep up and I have always been welcomed back by everyone!

Love the Disneyland Report and photos! The Carnation Cafe looks so cute!

It's great to know there are good friends out there who you can count on to still be there when the going gets tough!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Liesa!

I haven't been around for a while, and I missed so many wonderful updates! I'm so glad you're posting about your dlr trip...I'm sure it was bittersweet, but how special to be someplace with so many special memories, with people you love. I can't wait to hear more!

Hi Nory!! Yeah, it HAS been a long, long while!! Seems both of us has entered a busy season- we'll catch up one of these days. Meantime, I'll keep writing a bit and post when I can. I really want to post some on my blog, as lately, I've been pretty inspired with material for it.

You know how I feel about you not being on the boards as much , as you know when we talked the other day I'm all for you taking a break and getting to a slower pace in life.

I knew everyone here would be supportive as they always have been. Do what you need to do girlie, we're always here.

Yes! Thanks for the reminder!! I am actually loving my break and tending to a few other things right now.

gift cards work just fine.

hahaha!! Too bad combined with shipping it all to you, it'd only be worth about a dollar.

Hey there Liesa

I hope things are going well at home for you. I completely understand how issues in real life get in the way of the disboards! Hang in there!

Thanks! I will, and I WILL be back soon as I can!

Loved the DL update! What a bittersweet trip for all of you. That Carnation Cafe looks utterly charming, though I'd have sent back that aspartame tea too! Blech, I hate articially sweetened stuff.

It really ended up being a really wonderful trip!! I loved it! Even though, it will be her last one...

Love all the fourth of July decorations too. It really added that American charm to Main Street!

To me, the 4th of July are the most authentic... those may actually have been found on a small town American street in 1900-1950...

That lamp was really beautiful, I think the Mission style is really charming as well and will look nice in your home. Did your Aunt offer any tips yet for how to decorate it? What a sweet idea Liesa.

Well, I need to get her a bunch more photos and she can start formulating some ideas. I know time is of the essence though!

Ok, you're all rapidly becoming Disney bathroom experts! The first couple of times we went to Disney, my youngest DD was constantly having to pee! My DH called her the bathroom inspector because it seemed we couldn't more than a few feet without another stop!

Looking forward to the rest of the DL review!

Yes, what can we say?? When you have TBS (Tiny Bladder Syndrome) you make sure you "know before you go"!

Just caught up with the beginning of the DL tour! Can't wait to see more of the park.

Sorry your lemonade was crappy. I know they keep trying with diet drinks, but they all just still seem a little "off". I find myself mixing Coke and Diet Coke at the fountain in order to cut calories and keep the taste from being too diet-y. Seems to work ok. That's not always an option, though.


Blue--no, wait!

Well, you'll have to wait at least another few days, cuz my in-laws (Mike's sister and fam) decided to show up for the weekend with 2 days notice. While nice, it is somewhat of a scramble to deal with.

I just avoid pop altogether most of the time. Water is surprisingly calorie free!

 

[jenb1023]

Love the shirts!!! So cute!

Kona looks great! Eating there is on my must-do-next-trip list.

You guys got some super fun photos! I agree - it is so hard to get a photo at the seas without other people hopping in front or taking a hundred years. I think last time I just grabbed a side shot.

Another Tate appearance! He is so clever and helpful!

Looks like you got in pretty many rides/attractions even with the late start.

Hope Mary feels better for dinner!

Enjoy your company this weekend!

 

[KatMark]

We used to have one of these!

Cute!

Absolutely love it.

You are so clever!

Liesa, a great update as always (comments in red above)

 

[Millie12591]

Loved your update! Looks like a good day was had by all!! I bet you loved getting a good cup of joe to start your day!

Have you read any of the TR's by Lurkyloo?

 

[Poolrat]

I believe at this point I showed my blisters to the ladies, and they agreed that they were pretty large and nasty. So I put on my “missionary”. To help support that last sentence, I’ll just say that missionaries tend to be “fix your problems on they fly sort of folk”. So I grabbed my “I’m celebrating” button off my shirt and stabbed those suckers like a hungry man at a steak. They exploded something akin to Mt. Vesuvius and immediately felt so much better. Why I hadn’t done that before I have no idea!

I did know that "secret" because well.....

I’m NOT EVEN IN IT!!! Yep, I rednecked me a photo that I’m not even in.

Yes! I do have your number, Pat!!! You sound busy too, hope you are hanging in there!

It's great to know there are good friends out there who you can count on to still be there when the going gets tough!

Hanging in there and starting to pull myself back up on the ledge and in the window. Now just to catch up and between life and work trying to get all to settle down.

 

[addictedtothemouse]

As soon as I saw your shirt I thought it would be cute to take a pic of the thre of you doing the "evil" pose. Lo and behold I scrolled down and there it was!

Hope Mary felt better in time for dinner.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

OK, so just because we’re well onto almost a year ago that all this even happened,

to think someone would take almost or OVER a year to write a report.

the nerve

Just about the time lunch was done, our FiPs were up for Soarin’.

okay i know that FP is fast pass, but you keep writing FiP's what does the i stand for?

hahaha!! Too bad combined with shipping it all to you, it'd only be worth about a dollar.

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa, wonderful updates, both the last WDW as well as the DL one.

DL is such a beautiful place, I really want to return there sometime again. While WDW has the resort feeling, DL is just so full of fun things to experience...

Thanks, Magdalene! It's been a lot of fun writing them I think you got the difference pretty well into words. The one being more of a resort, the other nicely full of unique "original" charm.

I did get your PM. And yes, a "date" for skyping would be fabulous! This weekend, I got slammed with out of town guests that were a bit of a surprise. I keep saying that things are going to slow down, but I never seem to be getting any breaks lately.

Just stopping in to say hi and I hope that everyone is having a great day!

I hope you are too- 2 days later.....

Hi Liesa! I'm all caught up after being here just hit and miss for the last few months. (like since April!) And it was because of major life suckyness at home with the girls. But things are getting better, not where they were and maybe not ever back to there but better. So take it one day at a time, thank God for the good and ask for his help with the rest. (Hmmmm, sounds like something I need to do more of.)

I'm glad you got to take a trip with your mom and aunty, memories are the best.
And love the low crowds that I see in your DW pics, gives me hope for the trip mom and I are taking at the end of this Sept.

Things are much better, and now I'm just plain busy! There's just a lot going on this summer, and the stress at home makes it seem so much more so.

I love that piece of advice you gave- so very true! And good words to live by!

Yep, the crowds were very low- I was actually rather shocked with how uncrowded it was for a summer day! The end of Sept should be fantastic crowdwise!!

Hey there Liesa!

Just getting caught up.....

There is so much to comment on but I must thank you for trying to take pictures of the construction for me. I'm glad you didn't get in trouble and get kicked out of the park or something..

I hope to keep somewhat caught up and I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

Hey there, Timbo!! Looks like we're both burning the candles at both ends. Makes it rather difficult to get on here for more than 2 minutes at a time.

That would have been disastrous getting kicked out of the park- glad I was able to oblige you! (and not get spanked!)

Shouldn't be too terribly difficult now to get and keep caught up... esp. since I'm not posting a whole not right now.