All in the Golden Afternoon... Epcot's Flower & Garden

[3prettyprincesses]

Thank you guys for understanding about the bug. I've realized there are very few bugs that don't make squirm - that would be the itty bitty ones like ants or very tiny spiders.

So Paul the Palmetto (yes I decided to name him) must have been traveling with his cousin Patrick because two nights later while watching DWTS with my fiancee, we had company. Thankfully DF was here. I ran out of the living room and into the bedroom with one of the cats. DF appreciated that I left him alone to battle the bug. I told him I dealt with Paul the other night, Patrick was all his.

Is anyone else excited about the Royal Wedding? Or are you tired of hearing about it? Tomorrow is a double excitement day for me - Royal Wedding in the morning and a shuttle launch in the afternoon. I'm hoping to be able to see something with the shuttle launch. I'm so sad to hear the space shuttle program is shutting down over here.

Oh, I am very excited about the Royal wedding! My girls and I are getting up early and I've already made scones for breakfast for us to eat with our tea. I cannot wait! I'm actually watching the Style channel right now, it's a special called Inside The Royal Wedding!

 

[smileycrissy]

Woo-hoo! Another person excited!! I've seen a lot of my friends on facebook complaining and saying they can't wait for it to be over but I think its something fun. I told my sister she should've kept her girls home in honor of the wedding. It's a history lesson - .

Ooh, I've got BBC on and its a special on the jewelry Diana wore/owned. I don't know which channel I want to watch the wedding on.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Woo-hoo! Another person excited!! I've seen a lot of my friends on facebook complaining and saying they can't wait for it to be over but I think its something fun. I told my sister she should've kept her girls home in honor of the wedding. It's a history lesson - .

Ooh, I've got BBC on and its a special on the jewelry Diana wore/owned. I don't know which channel I want to watch the wedding on.

Oh, I'm like a giddy school-girl! I have friends too who are like, meh, it's just a wedding. Hello!?!? This is going to be the big wedding of our generation, just like Princess Diana's was for my mom's. So I'm all into it.

I'm debating what channel to watch it on too. Unfortunately I don't get BBC.

My girls are excited too, they keep asking if Prince William is a real Prince!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Here's a schedule I found online too that details what time everything is happening:
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Between 3:15 am and 4:45 am EST, 12:15 am and 1:45 am PST: The general congregation will arrive at the Great North Door of Westminster Abbey.


From 3:50 am EST, 12:50 am PST: Governors-General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries,the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey. Victoria Beckham is among the wedding's high-profile guests, but it's unclear if she is considered "distinguished."


5:10 am EST, 2:10 am PST: Prince William and Prince Harry leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 5:15 am EST, 2:15 am PST.


5:20 am EST, 2:20 am PST: Members of foreign royal families—including Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho—arrive at Westminster Abbey.


5:20 am EST, 2:20 am PST: Kate's mother Carole Middleton and her brother James leave the Goring Hotel. They arrive at the Abbey at precisely 5:27 am EST, 2:27 am PST.


5:25 am EST, 2:25 am PST: Lesser known members of the royal family, including Lady Amelia Windsor (29th in line to the throne) depart for the Abbey. They arrive at 5:30 am EST, 2:30 am PST.


5:35 am EST, 2:35 am PST: The members of the royal family who you might actually recognize depart. They arrive at the Abbey at 5:40 am EST, 2:40 am PST, and include Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and Prince Edward.


5:38 am EST, 2:38 am PST: The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House. They arrive at the Abbey at 5:42 am EST, 2:42 am PST, assuming they avoid a repeat of the riot mob attack on their Rolls Royce that slowed them down last December.


5:40 am EST, 2:40 am PST: The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at 5:45 am EST, 2:45 am PST.


5:48 am EST, 2:48 am PST: The bridesmaids and pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at 5:55 am EST, 2:55 am PST.


5:51 am EST, 2:51 am PST: Kate Middleton and her father Michael leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey.


6:00 am EST, 3:00 am PST: The service begins.


7:15 am EST, 4:15 am PST: The Carriage Procession of the Bride and Bridegroom with a Captain's Escort of the Household Cavalry, followed by The Queen's Procession with a Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry, leaves Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace.


7:30 am EST, 4:30 am PST: Kate and William arrive at Buckingham Palace.


7:40 am EST, 4:40 am PST: Members of the royal family and members of foreign royal families arrive at Buckingham Palace.


From 7:40 am EST, 4:40 am PST: Other guests for the reception arrive at Buckingham Palace.


8:25 am EST, 5:25 am PST: Kate and William, and their families, appear on the balcony. The bride and groom stage their much-anticipated kiss.


8:30 am EST, 5:30 am PST: The Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly by.

 

[smileycrissy]

Holy smokes!

Could you imagine having to wait 3 hours for a wedding to begin! Thanks for posting that information Molly.

I totally agree with your comment about the wedding for our generation. You did hear that Disney is having a royal sleepover right? I sooo wanted to do that but the only other girl I could've gone to it with was DF's sis and she looked at me like I had two heads when I asked.

I was toying with the idea of making something special to eat while watching the wedding but I wasn't sure what.

 

[blessedmom4]

Hi Crissy,
I am sorry another bug came to your house; however, so Happy DF was there to take care of it! Have wonderful day watching the wedding and the Launch. I had NOT heard about the Royal Sleepover, I am so going to Google that. You could make little cupcakes and stack them like a wedding cake...you make pretty cupcakes and I saw something similar on cupcake wars (the girls LOVE to watch that show)!!! Have fun!!!

 

[mommy2mrb]

naming your bugs.... you are too cute Crissy!

we have been watching all the wedding stuff this week....however, we will be watching the "re-runs" of the wedding, no way I am gettin up that early!!!
and Megan has school!

what type of dress do you think Kate will have? I'm thinking something a bit more modern, figure flattering but with a bit of tradition thrown in! maybe lacey or light fabric.

 

[mommy2mrb]

naming your bugs.... you are too cute Crissy!

we have been watching all the wedding stuff this week....however, we will be watching the "re-runs" of the wedding, no way I am gettin up that early!!!
and Megan has school!

what type of dress do you think Kate will have? I'm thinking something a bit more modern, figure flattering but with a bit of tradition thrown in! maybe lacey or light fabric.

wow....am I good or what?!? only got to see the kiss, but they look so happy and I LOVE her dress.....am going to wait to watch the whole thing tonight when Megan's home!

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for the bug story.

I am one of those who is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad the wedding is over...had no interest in it (it was a tie between that and Oprah to which I am more sick of hearing about).

Miss you...hope you are doing well.

 

[smileycrissy]

Hi Crissy,
I am sorry another bug came to your house; however, so Happy DF was there to take care of it! Have wonderful day watching the wedding and the Launch. I had NOT heard about the Royal Sleepover, I am so going to Google that. You could make little cupcakes and stack them like a wedding cake...you make pretty cupcakes and I saw something similar on cupcake wars (the girls LOVE to watch that show)!!! Have fun!!!

LOL, yes the chain of bug killing is him at the top, followed by Shakes and then Hemi (the cats) and me way at the bottom.
I opted to have some tea (pinkies in the air, although I have a tendency of doing that no matter what I drink ) with some cookies.

They scrubbed the shuttle launch today and are hoping to launch on Monday. I'm debating asking DF if he wants to make a trip to go see it.

wow....am I good or what?!? only got to see the kiss, but they look so happy and I LOVE her dress.....am going to wait to watch the whole thing tonight when Megan's home!

Way to go with your prediction Lisa!!! I loved her dress, nice, simple and romantic.

I got your thank you card today, thank you so much for it! A hug for you and a hug for Megan.

Thanks for the bug story.

I am one of those who is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO glad the wedding is over...had no interest in it (it was a tie between that and Oprah to which I am more sick of hearing about).

Miss you...hope you are doing well.

LOL, sorry Kathy. I started off feeling that way about the Royal Wedding at the beginning but I must say all the hype made me excited about it. All day yesterday was talks about the Royal Wedding and the shuttle launch. Then last night the space coast area had some bad storms with golf ball sized hail so most of the news shifted to whether the shuttle would launch. I can imagine how annoying it can be about Oprah, I mean it's not like she's not going to be on TV, technically she's just moving to another station.

 

[smileycrissy]

I was tossing out the garbage earlier and noticed that the magnolia trees are blooming in the area. I love those trees, the flowers are so beautiful. Unfortunately the property doesn't do much to upkeep the trees so they don't bloom as well here. But I was happy to know that at least on Disney property - particularly the Swan & Dolphin, the trees must look BEAUTIFUL. I've got weddings on the mind, I was invited to attend a vow renewal at the Swan & Dolphin this coming Weds. It's a British bride I met in the Wedding section and I'm super excited! I thought I would only witness the vow renewal but the bride has asked me to stay for the cake & champagne toast. I thought that was so sweet of her. I can't wait to see an actual wedding at the S/D because its up there on my list of possible places to plan our wedding.

 

[mommy2mrb]

LOL, yes the chain of bug killing is him at the top, followed by Shakes and then Hemi (the cats) and me way at the bottom.
I opted to have some tea (pinkies in the air, although I have a tendency of doing that no matter what I drink ) with some cookies.

They scrubbed the shuttle launch today and are hoping to launch on Monday. I'm debating asking DF if he wants to make a trip to go see it.

to bad it got delayed....hope you get out to see it!

Way to go with your prediction Lisa!!! I loved her dress, nice, simple and romantic.

pretty good huh!

I got your thank you card today, thank you so much for it! A hug for you and a hug for Megan.

thanks for our hugs! it was so much hanging out with your at Epcot and getting our gifts!


LOL, sorry Kathy. I started off feeling that way about the Royal Wedding at the beginning but I must say all the hype made me excited about it. All day yesterday was talks about the Royal Wedding and the shuttle launch. Then last night the space coast area had some bad storms with golf ball sized hail so most of the news shifted to whether the shuttle would launch. I can imagine how annoying it can be about Oprah, I mean it's not like she's not going to be on TV, technically she's just moving to another station.

I'm getting tired of Oprah too....esp all the well wishes from her guests....okay people we know she is wonderful, etc.

I was tossing out the garbage earlier and noticed that the magnolia trees are blooming in the area. I love those trees, the flowers are so beautiful. Unfortunately the property doesn't do much to upkeep the trees so they don't bloom as well here. But I was happy to know that at least on Disney property - particularly the Swan & Dolphin, the trees must look BEAUTIFUL. I've got weddings on the mind, I was invited to attend a vow renewal at the Swan & Dolphin this coming Weds. It's a British bride I met in the Wedding section and I'm super excited! I thought I would only witness the vow renewal but the bride has asked me to stay for the cake & champagne toast. I thought that was so sweet of her. I can't wait to see an actual wedding at the S/D because its up there on my list of possible places to plan our wedding.

love the magnolia's too!
have fun at the renewal....get lots of ideas!!

 

[blessedmom4]

I can't wait to see an actual wedding at the S/D because its up there on my list of possible places to plan our wedding.

Don't forget my invitation... Mi-Ocotber looks like a great time for a wedding, I am just saying....

Glad you enjoyed the wedding, I was actually up with the TV on when they began the actual vows so I watched for a bit. Love your fancy Tea for the wedding.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Holy smokes!

Could you imagine having to wait 3 hours for a wedding to begin! Thanks for posting that information Molly.

I totally agree with your comment about the wedding for our generation. You did hear that Disney is having a royal sleepover right? I sooo wanted to do that but the only other girl I could've gone to it with was DF's sis and she looked at me like I had two heads when I asked.

I was toying with the idea of making something special to eat while watching the wedding but I wasn't sure what.

No problem Crissy. That schedule was certainly specific too. Wasn't it fabulous?? The girls and I all watched while we ate scones and drank tea. We loved it and I thought it was a picture perfect ceremony, just gorgeous! And hello, my wedding dress was very similar to hers as I was going for the Grace Kelly look too. Such a classic style, don't you think? I just love weddings.

Oh, a royal sleepover?!?! Bummer that your DF's sister thought you were insane. That sounds like it would've been incredible!

So how was your tea and cookies then? Aren't you glad you got up to watch? I am, it was worth it.

Have a great weekend Crissy, try to stay bug free if you can.

 

[smileycrissy]

No problem Crissy. That schedule was certainly specific too. Wasn't it fabulous?? The girls and I all watched while we ate scones and drank tea. We loved it and I thought it was a picture perfect ceremony, just gorgeous! And hello, my wedding dress was very similar to hers as I was going for the Grace Kelly look too. Such a classic style, don't you think? I just love weddings.

Oh, a royal sleepover?!?! Bummer that your DF's sister thought you were insane. That sounds like it would've been incredible!

So how was your tea and cookies then? Aren't you glad you got up to watch? I am, it was worth it.

Have a great weekend Crissy, try to stay bug free if you can.

Yes, I was very glad to watch it. I can't believe that TLC was re-broadcasting the wedding again today. Did they think that there were people out there that hadn't seen it yet?

My tea and cookies were delicious. Even DF joined in with it - although he wasn't doing the pinky thing.


On a side note I attended the wedding today at the Swan/Dolphin. The bride looked so beautiful. Her family and guests were so kind to me, chatting with me and making me feel like one of the group. The photographer was even nice enough to take a photo of the two of us together. How awesome is that! I'd have to say that the S/D has moved up to the top of my list of potential places for us to get married.

I'm having a lot of fun meeting my fellow Disboarders.

 

[smileycrissy]

And without further ado, I present the last group of my photos (which is also my favorite group). I realized it’s taken me 2 months to do this one day’s adventure.

So folks my favorite spot from the F&G was the butterfly exhibit. I remembered the Museum of Natural History in NY had a Butterfly exhibit when DF and I were first dating( so many years ago). I remember that we had a wonderful time together checking out the butterflies and all the other exhibits in the museum. The butterfly exhibit at the Museum was completely different there than at the F&G. For the museum they had to control the temps so the room was very warm – for F&G it’s already warm here, so they have the butterflies in a big tent that you can walk thru. It’s really amazing.

Check out the giant butterfly waiting to greet you right outside the tent.

Depending on which side you enter this may be the first thing you see or the last thing. It’s a topiary for Bambi. I was only able to capture Bambi’s head off to the side because of the crowd at the front.

I’ll try to keep the pictures big for these next few photos so you can easily spot the butterflies. I had a lot of fun taking these photos. Some of the butterflies liked to stay still and others would land on a flower in front of you and then fly away.

This was a little house that had some cocoons in them:

Check out the caterpillar!

Here is where you might want to tell some little children to leave the room. I snapped a photo of these butterflies because I was like ‘how cool, two together’ and then I realized that perhaps they were in the middle of some hanky panky. You be the judge

Alas my dear friend’s ,tis the end of our magical journey thru the F&G. I hope you enjoyed the photos and skipping thru the magical garden. I suggest that everyone tries to plan a Disney vacation at least once around the F&G. It really is a beautiful event to check out and as you see gives you an opportunity to take lots of interesting and amazing photos.

 

[mommy2mrb]

those are beautiful photos!

I only got to go in there for a few minutes....for some weird reason, Megan doesn't like butterfly houses, she's afraid they will land on her! so I only got a few photos, mostly of the topiaries!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Wow Crissy! These are your best pictures yet, they're stunning!

The butterfly garden reminds me of the time I took my girls to one by our house. They were little then, maybe 4, 5 and 7? Anyhow, we walk into the tented area and they start shrieking at the top of lungs! Apparently they only like butterflies from afar! It was a nightmare because they kept landing on them. Ugh, do you have any idea how hard it is to shepherd three screaming girls back out while they're trying to climb up into your arms? Not fun.

I'm sad your TR is over now. Don't you have anything else you could add? Maybe some bug pictures??

 

[KatMark]

Chrissy, your photos are spectacular and I thank you so much for sharing them with us. Simply beautiful.

 

[smileycrissy]

those are beautiful photos!

I only got to go in there for a few minutes....for some weird reason, Megan doesn't like butterfly houses, she's afraid they will land on her! so I only got a few photos, mostly of the topiaries!

Poor Megan, although that seems to be a common fear since Molly mentioned her girls had the same reaction. Well you can show her these pics so she doesn't feel like she missed out on it.

Wow Crissy! These are your best pictures yet, they're stunning!

The butterfly garden reminds me of the time I took my girls to one by our house. They were little then, maybe 4, 5 and 7? Anyhow, we walk into the tented area and they start shrieking at the top of lungs! Apparently they only like butterflies from afar! It was a nightmare because they kept landing on them. Ugh, do you have any idea how hard it is to shepherd three screaming girls back out while they're trying to climb up into your arms? Not fun.

I'm sad your TR is over now. Don't you have anything else you could add? Maybe some bug pictures??

Thank you Molly. How interesting that your girls and Lisa's daughter Megan had the same reaction.

Do you really want to see bug photos? Let me see if I can convince DF to try to go to Disney one of these days this week to take some more photos to upload of things for you. Perhaps the new queue of Haunted Mansion (which is awesome to play around with!!).