~And It All Started With a Wish...and a Quarter and a Fountain~TR link, page 32!

[punkin413]

How sweet. How precious. Those are special moments. Treasure every one. Before you know it you are celebrating their 20th birthday. Just got home after having dinner with he family for DD's 20th. I cannot believe I only have 1 teenager now. It seems like yesterday I was in labor waiting for her to be born.


I posted over on MeMoms that there is a stroller 5K in Oct. They are doing the route in AK this year. I am hpoing I can get to the MK 40th anniversary opening, if they do something special afterwards. Then I will bail b/c of the crowd.

Very cool! Thanks for letting me know. I went to check it out and I'm seriously considering it. The only hesitation I have is that I don't know how Seth will be in a stroller at that point. I think right now he'd be great. But by then he may be walking and I'm worried he may want to get out during the race and obviously he couldn't. So I e-mailed Disney to ask them if I could change my registration closer to time if I thought he wouldn't be good with it. Still waiting to hear back from them.

Looks like you guys had a great time in Savannah! Great food, wonderful scenery, just about perfect!

Those pictures of Seth at the beach were adorable. I don't think we've ever taken Everett to the beach, we really need to get on that! We might be going to Ft. Walton Beach in April, so I guess that could be it!

Well, he got to see it but I know he won't remember. Next time we go to the beach hopefully it'll be warmer and he can enjoy it more!

The pictures of Savannah are beautiful! I'd love to go there someday. I would also love to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant!

Seth is absolutely adorable. I love the pictures of you guys looking out at the ocean together.

Thanks! We love eating at Paula's!

Love Seth's expressions while he watches the ocean!

We have eaten at Uncle Bubba's before, and I never realized it was Paula Deen's brother's place!

That's too funny! They now have pictures of her and their entire family all over the walls. But that may not have been there when you went.

I am really enjoying your trip to Savannah. Makes me really want to go over spring break but with two Disney trips planned this year I know DH will say no.

DH was gracious enough to get up for us and wait in line at Paula Deen's when we were there. He got there at 7:30 a.m. in the morning and was at the end of the building right before the line started to loop around. It was August so the heat was unbearable. I can't believe he didn't grumble or anything. I think he was looking forward to that scrumptious fried chicken!

I love your son's expression looking at the ocean. Boy, he will have a lot of fun there when he gets older.

Thanks! Wow....I can't believe the line was that long! I always get there right at 9:00 and I'm usually only about 15 or 20 people back. I guess it's busier during the summer. We've been during the summer once and we'll never do it again.....too hot!!!!!

I just got back from WDW and had to catch up! Great pics! We were thinking of stopping in Savannah because we drove from NY..after seeing your pics we should have went..

It's a great place to visit. Maybe next time!

One of my dreams is to eat at the Lady and Son's. I love Paula Dean! Savannah looks really pretty. Those moss trees are

I LOVE the Spanish moss in the trees. It makes it feel so old and romantic. It's just a beautiful city!

I love all the Savannah pictures. We are headed to Savannah this weekend DH nephew has just moved to a new house near the Savannah airport. We going down to see the new house and visit, while his mother, DH sister is visiting. I have a cousin that lives on Tybee Island so we may drive over Sunday afternoon.

Seth is really growing and becoming more aware of everything around him. He has the cutest expressions.

Paula has a cousin Johnny Gabriel that has a restaurant in Marietta that has the best desserts if you are ever up that way. Her red velvet cake is wonderful and was served at Paula's brother Bubba's wedding. The restaurant is only about a mile west of downtown Marietta, and on the main road leading out.

Cool! Hope you had fun! I didn't know that about the restaurant in Marietta. I'll have to look it up next time I'm over that way. Thanks!

 

[punkin413]

When facing the ocean, this was to the right of the pier, correct? If so, thats where we got married! Not right on the water but where you could see it. Its good to see it!

Great update!!

Yep, that's it. Cool!

I thunk I already commented on these last pictures, but apparently I just thunk wrong.

This is sweet. He's so cute. Looks like you guys had a great time. We still haven't made it to a real beach with the girls.

Maybe I commented on FB?
I dunno.

You guys need to get to a beach soon....they'd love it! I bet the Gulf Shores area isn't too far for Jill. You should do a long weekend trip!

Dawn, I'm finally here.

Seth looks adorable with his fauxhawk. Congrats on getting VWL! He looks so precious staring off into the water.

Thanks for joining in!

Your mini-TRs of Savannah always makes me want to go there! I keep making notes of what you all do (especially the paula Deen reservations!).

It really is a great place to experience!

Seth's facial expressions watching the ocean are adorable. Has he felt sand yet? When we went to visit my boyfriend's family in California, we went to Santa Cruz and that was his 1 year old cousin's first time to the beach. When he fell onto the sand he'd look at his hands covered in sand and start screaming as if to say, "what is this stuff?" Lol. His mom would wipe off his hands but then he'd fall onto the sand and start crying again It was pretty hilarious.

No, he didn't feel the sand. It was just too cold and windy so I didn't take off his shoes. My little brother didn't like the ocean when he was little, either. I think he was like 2 the first time we went and he just sat there and screamed!

Loved the update Dawn! Seth's expression is priceless! I still remember the first time I took my little brother to the beach/ocean! He was scared of the water! I stood and held his hands and as soon as the water rushed up onto his feet he'd start crying! I've always wanted to go to Savannah! I love Paula Deen! One day i'll make it there!

I think all kids just don't know what to think of it!

I am subbing! Saw your Savannah update and checked it out. My GF's and I are staying in Hilton Head (DVC) in October and we hope to do a side trip into Savannah for a day and also a side trip to Charleston. We have never been to either town, so we are looking for creative ways to spend the day in both places.

Congrats on your upcoming trip. My DH and I just purchased a VWL DVC contract so as soon as the points are in the bank we hope to make a reservation. We stayed there last May in a 2BR and really enjoyed it. We learned that the villas are modeled after an early 1800 roundhouse and the reason the furniture is so mismatched is because that is the way people traveled then. They couldn't move large amounts of furniture at once, so they would just pick up odds and ends while on the road.

I highly recommend you take the lodge tour with Ranger Joe. It's offered at 9am on most mornings and it is REALLY GOOD. Plus, that man loves his job! Seriously, that tour is a hidden treasure.

PS - Your son is ADORABLE!

Sounds fun! If you want to eat in Savannah, be sure to get there early so you can put your name down to come back later. Then you can just take the morning to walk around the historic district, go to City Market to shop, and hit River Street at some point. Although River Street is more interesting at night - lots of artists and street performers down there.

Very cool about the idea behind the decor at VWL! I'd love to do the tour but I don't know how Seth would do with it. I don't want to be the parent who brings a baby to something that's not really for babies and then you have to hear him talking or crying through it. I'm sure we'll be back though so maybe someday down the road!

Thanks for joining in!!!

 

[MEK]

Sounds fun! If you want to eat in Savannah, be sure to get there early so you can put your name down to come back later. Then you can just take the morning to walk around the historic district, go to City Market to shop, and hit River Street at some point. Although River Street is more interesting at night - lots of artists and street performers down there.

Thanks for the information. This is really helpful. It would definitely be fun to eat at Paula Dean's. How is the parking there? Do they have a lot of public lots that are accessible to the historic district? I don't mind walking, but I am terrible at on street parking.

Very cool about the idea behind the decor at VWL! I'd love to do the tour but I don't know how Seth would do with it. I don't want to be the parent who brings a baby to something that's not really for babies and then you have to hear him talking or crying through it. I'm sure we'll be back though so maybe someday down the road!

Here's the thing about the tour - somedays nobody shows up. I ended up with a private tour. So you can basically make it as long or short as you want and if you have to leave early, its so informal. Ranger Joe actually asked me if there was anything I wanted to do. I asked to go to the roof. AMAZING! So I lucked out on getting the private tour.

But even if you go to the beginning of the tour you get the whole history on the totem polls and the huge fireplace. It's really interesting stuff. I would not be worried at all about bringing a baby. It really exceeded my expectations. It's really a shame that more people don't take advantage of it. If DH and I go back this winter I am definitely taking it again. It's that good.

 

[punkin413]

Thanks for the information. This is really helpful. It would definitely be fun to eat at Paula Dean's. How is the parking there? Do they have a lot of public lots that are accessible to the historic district? I don't mind walking, but I am terrible at on street parking.



Here's the thing about the tour - somedays nobody shows up. I ended up with a private tour. So you can basically make it as long or short as you want and if you have to leave early, its so informal. Ranger Joe actually asked me if there was anything I wanted to do. I asked to go to the roof. AMAZING! So I lucked out on getting the private tour.

But even if you go to the beginning of the tour you get the whole history on the totem polls and the huge fireplace. It's really interesting stuff. I would not be worried at all about bringing a baby. It really exceeded my expectations. It's really a shame that more people don't take advantage of it. If DH and I go back this winter I am definitely taking it again. It's that good.

Parking isn't too horrible. There are several public lots there. Just get a map and know where they're at before you go. I'd park there the whole day and just walk everywhere. And if you get tired of walking just grab a cab or one of those little pull-along carts pulled by a bike (I can't remember what they're called). Have fun!

Thanks for the info on the tour....I'll definitely consider it!

 

[punkin413]

So I wanted to get an update done since October park hours came out on the travel agent website a few days ago and I've been in major planning mode, plus I get to make my ADRs next Saturday!!!!

Back to the Savannah trip.....

After we got back from the beach, we all took a break (tried to get Seth to take a nap but he wasn't having it) and then headed back out towards City Market. There's always something going on there - usually live entertainment - and lots of shopping.

Carl ended up being the stroller guy the entire trip! But he loved doing it so it worked out.

Some interesting candied apples in one of the candy stores....

We found a bench and I gave Seth a bottle while we listened to the live music and people-watched. The weather was definitely better on this day...not as chilly! But there was still a nip in the air.

As soon as we started walking again I looked down and saw this. I knew he was sleepy!!!!

After exploring City Market we decided to head down to River Street again. There was a festival going on that day (I'm thinking they do this the first Saturday of every month now) so we wanted to walk around and look at all the booths and just see what was going on. There was a booth with a teepee for a dog and I told Ray that Eli would loooooove that! He loves to be enclosed.

When we got down to the stage area they were playing some song - I think it may be called "Cupid's Shuffle". Well, my mom got all excited b/c she knew it and said she and her girlfriends danced to it at the country club, so she got out there and joined in!

See the woman behind her in the grey sweatshirt? She didn't even put down her hot dog the entire time she was dancing!

Seth slept through all that noise and craziness.

Around 5:00 we decided to head back up to Paula's place and check in early. That's her restaurant with the red and white awning.

Mom and Paula....

The buffet....

We checked in early and waited only a few minutes before they sat us around 5:30. Seth woke up while we were waiting.

Now this was the only part of the trip that Seth got really fussy. As soon as we sat down at the table, he started crying. It was time for his dinner so I got out some carrots and the server offered to warm his bottle for me (the first time that's EVER happened anywhere - usually I have to ask). He just wasn't really feelin' Paula's for some reason. We all ended up having to take turns walking around in the gift shop with him. At one point I was downstairs in the lobby giving him a bottle and Ray came to check on me. We were sitting there on a bench in a room full of people and I was bouncing him on my knee trying to get a burp out and boy, did I get one! He burped SO LOUD....everyone in the room started laughing!

Here's the one plate of food I had....

Clockwise from bottom: Mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, zucchini casserole, roast beef and gravy, creamed corn, green beans and new potatoes, collard greens and sweet potato casserole in the middle. It was all SOOOOO YUMMY!!!

I have found that with having a baby I eat less b/c I'm so focused on him that I eat slower and get full before I have time to get a second helping. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing!

For dessert I had chocolate chip gewey butter cake - forgot to take a picture but it was yummy!

After dinner Ray and I wanted to head back down to River Street to get some pralines and another drink at Wet Willie's (you can take them to go) and so Mom and Carl stayed in one of the parks with Seth and just walked him around. He loves being in his stroller!

Ray decided to get artsy in the candy store. His beloved pralines....

Caramel apples - can you see me in the background paying for our pralines?

We headed back to the condo, watched a little TV and hit the hay. The next day we got up and headed home, only stopping once at McDonald's for lunch and gas. Seth did so great on the trip. Here he is enjoying the ride!

When we got home and checked the mail guess what we found??? Mickey had sent Seth a post card from Disney World!!!!!

(Thanks Memom and Jill! )

Well, that was our little weekend getaway to Savannah. Hope you enjoyed! I'll be back in a couple of days with some ADR discussion and planning details!!!

 

[k_reile]

what is your jogging stroller dawn? Do you like it?? Dh wants to get a new stroller and I was thinking about a jogging one to go out with Caleb this spring/summer! But i have no idea about any of them?

 

[punkin413]

what is your jogging stroller dawn? Do you like it?? Dh wants to get a new stroller and I was thinking about a jogging one to go out with Caleb this spring/summer! But i have no idea about any of them?

It's the one we took to Savannah so it's in the pictures but here's the link for it:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3887645

I had a 20% off coupon at Babies R Us so it was a good deal. I haven't actually ran wih it yet b/c I'm waiting for the weather to get nice enough and ease myself back into running. But Seth LOVES it and it rides really smooth. Plus you can plug your ipod/iphone into it and it plays music through the speakers right near the handles.

 

[JenAusty]

Hello. I'm here and surprisingly all caught up. I've been doing a great job these last 2 days getting caught up on new PTRs and TRs. I love the pictures of Seth- he is absolutely adorable. Thanks for sharing your Savannah pictures. I would love to visit there sometime and your food at Paula's looked yummy!

 

[JenAusty]

Hello! I've finally started my PTR for May. Here is the link you would like to follow along. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40489079#post40489079

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

It looks like you had a nice trip to Savannah! As usual, Paula Deen's looked yummy. I can't wait to get back there in the next few years.

That was too cute about your mom dancing.

Pralines---a must in our family as well! They are a little too sugary for me but the boys love them.

Can't wait to hear all about your ADR plans.

Erika

 

[MeMom]

Your food looks good! I hope we can get down there one day.

Mickey thought Seth needed the 2011 card in honor of his impending first visit.

I have seen a lot of caramel and chocolate covered apples before, but I don't think I have ever seen blue ones!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Your praline pictures practically had me drooling on the keyboard! I love pralines They are my favorite candy. When I used to live in Pensacola Florida, I used to make the drive over to New Orleans frequently and I would always bring home boxes of delicious pralines! I really miss living on the Gulf Coast!

 

[DisneyFanLauren]

Hey Dawn! Im new to the boards but have subscribed to your PTR! I am from Georgia as well! And little Seth is super cute! Can't wait to finish reading your report! I hope you dont mind me subscribing!
~Lauren~

 

[DisneyLaura]

Oh Dawn! Now I really want to go to her restaurant. The food looks really yummy. Glad you enjoyed yourself with your little guy. I agree about the heating of the bottle I ALWAYS had to ask for a cup of hot water to heat up the bottles.

 

[DisneyFanLauren]

Ahh I should have read more before I posted. I am from and still currently live in Savannah! Thats exciting that you took a trip down here! It is a pretty nice city!

 

[punkin413]

Hello. I'm here and surprisingly all caught up. I've been doing a great job these last 2 days getting caught up on new PTRs and TRs. I love the pictures of Seth- he is absolutely adorable. Thanks for sharing your Savannah pictures. I would love to visit there sometime and your food at Paula's looked yummy!

Thanks for getting caught up! I'm always behind so I know how you feel!

Hello! I've finally started my PTR for May. Here is the link you would like to follow along. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40489079#post40489079

Thanks...I'll check it out!

It looks like you had a nice trip to Savannah! As usual, Paula Deen's looked yummy. I can't wait to get back there in the next few years.

That was too cute about your mom dancing.

Pralines---a must in our family as well! They are a little too sugary for me but the boys love them.

Can't wait to hear all about your ADR plans.

Erika

I love me some pralines but Ray can't get enough of them. He's going to try to make some at home. We'll see how those turn out!

Your food looks good! I hope we can get down there one day.

Mickey thought Seth needed the 2011 card in honor of his impending first visit.

I have seen a lot of caramel and chocolate covered apples before, but I don't think I have ever seen blue ones!

Well, Seth appreciates Mickey's thoughtfulness. That case full of apples was very interesting!

Your praline pictures practically had me drooling on the keyboard! I love pralines They are my favorite candy. When I used to live in Pensacola Florida, I used to make the drive over to New Orleans frequently and I would always bring home boxes of delicious pralines! I really miss living on the Gulf Coast!

You and Ray would get along nicely! Oh, except you'd be fighting over the pralines.

Hey Dawn! Im new to the boards but have subscribed to your PTR! I am from Georgia as well! And little Seth is super cute! Can't wait to finish reading your report! I hope you dont mind me subscribing!
~Lauren~

Of course....welcome! Glad to have you!

Oh Dawn! Now I really want to go to her restaurant. The food looks really yummy. Glad you enjoyed yourself with your little guy. I agree about the heating of the bottle I ALWAYS had to ask for a cup of hot water to heat up the bottles.

Maybe you'll make it there one day....convince your hubby to take a LONG road trip to Disney and make a pit stop in Savannah!

Ahh I should have read more before I posted. I am from and still currently live in Savannah! Thats exciting that you took a trip down here! It is a pretty nice city!

Cool! We love Savannah and usually visit at least once a year.

 

[punkin413]

Before I get to the ever-important ADR plans, I'll share a few pictures.

Ray and Seth brought me buttercups the other day.....

Two milestones have happened recently. One, Seth is sort of sitting up on his own now. I have to position him but he stays there for a few seconds before he falls over. And each time he stays there a little longer. I took this the first time he did it about 2 weeks ago....

Secondly, we have teeth!!!! It's about time, too. He's been a drool monster for at least 2 months now and I've been wondering when one would pop up. And now we have 2! I took this last Saturday and they've come up even more since then.

A couple of cute videos:

One, Margot saying hi to Seth and telling him she loves him....so sweet! And her "Seth" sounds like "Beth."



Secondly, well, just watch. I love that laugh!!!!!



Okay, back to the pre-TR. So guess what Saturday is?????? ADR DAY!!!!! I don't know why I get so excited but I do.

And of course, in order to make ADRs you have to *kind of* know what your plan is going to be. So, ladies and gents, I present to you the latest version of THE PLAN. ADRs to be made are in bold.

Thursday, September 29th:
~Dawn, Anna, Seth and Luke leave town around 3:00pm
~Arrive at Pop Century hopefully by midnight
~SLEEP!

Friday, September 30th:
~Sleep in (as much as the boys will let us)
~Animal Kingdom
~Dinner at Boma around 6:00pm
~Early to bed

Saturday, October 1st: (Ray drives down this day - arrives sometime this evening)
~Dawn does 5K at 7:00am
~Anna/Luke to MK; Dawn/Seth to rest or have pool time
~Meet at EPCOT around noon; graze F&W Festival
~Dinner at Kouzzina around 5:00pm
~Dawn/Seth/maybe Ray early to bed; Anna/Luke return to MK for MSEP and Wishes

Sunday, October 2nd:
~Breakfast at Cape May Cafe around 10:00am
~Check into VWL
~Anna & Luke leave
~Relax/expore resort
~DHS - Fantasmic! Dining package at Mama Melrose and Fantasmic! at 8:30

Monday, October 3rd:
~MK
~Breakfast at Crystal Palace around 10:00am
~Seth’s 1st haircut
~Free evening/early to bed

Tuesday, October 4th:
~Free day/evening
~DTD for shopping and lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express
~Dinner at Flying Fish around 6:00pm
~Early to bed

Wednesday, October 5th:
~Free morning
~Dinner at Kona Cafe around 5:00pm
~MK for Wishes & MSEP

Thursday, October 6th:
~Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare around 10:00am
~Free day/RELAX!!!
~MNSSHP

Friday, October 7th:
~Breakfast at WCC around 10:00am
~Check out and hit the road


Where you see anything that says "free", that is UNPLANNED time. Yes, unplanned time at Disney World. Who woulda thunk it? But with having Seth, I don't want to have too many plans set in stone. I want to be able to just go to whatever park we want to that day or just relax at the resort or do some shopping - whatever!

Also, let me explain the late breakfast times. When we're at home on the weekends, Seth tends to get up around 6:30, take a bottle, play for like an hour and then he usually goes back to sleep for a little while. So I don't want to do early (like 8:00) breakfasts b/c that's usually when he's taking his little morning nap. Plus Ray is NOT a morning person and food to him before 10:00 is just not possible.

Thoughts? I'm so excited!!!!!

 

[micandminforever]

Your plans sound wonderful. The ADR are making so hungry. I am not a breakfast eater, but breakfast at Disney is always special.

The videos of Margot and Seth are so cute. Hey for teeth.

 

[Wonders10]

Those look like great restaurants, Dawn! And the perfect amount of planned Disney time, especially with a little one. I can't wait to hear how you like Cape May - it is probably my favorite character breakfast for lots of reasons - characters, food, location. I just love it!

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

I completely understand your excittement about your ADR Day..I had mine a few days ago!

Looks like our paths may only cross at POP. Your plans for the parks are different than mine.

Your ADR's look great!

I was so tempted to book a bkfst at Cape May but decided to save that one for the NYE trip.

I'm now a big fan of Kona. It's sooo good!
Ever since I read MeMom and your reviews, I knew I had to try it.
I did and it was one of the best meals I had.

I hope you get everything you want on Saturday!

Oh my...Seth is so cute when he laughs!
Gotta love babies giggling! How can you not laugh too...it's automatic.