Auto Train to College Program w/24hr at MK & SWW(new!SWW '14 rope drop/sci fi brkfst)

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[poison ivy]

Awkward moment #1...Let's pose with Marie...ok, where do I put my hands? She has no shoulders! Anywhere else would be inappropriate. Oh well, that's what pockets are for.

The park was just sparkling and seemed to be all ours. The car ride was fun...where's the coffee? You can tell I was hopped up on caffeine when I was practically running into Buzz Lightyear. IMHO, it's one of the greatest rides ever made, along with Toy Story Mania. I can beat her from either side!

Ok, the one time she beat me was a fluke.

It was a great start to a great day.

I've got 3 things to say here -

1.who knew Marie was such a challenge?
2.it's the action, not the caffeine.
3. I believe I sat on the right side and worked the control when I won.

Stopping by to say I am enjoying your trip report! You are a good writer, I feel like I am on the trip with your family!

I have to ask DH if he remembers the book of tickets, I don't! lol Our first visit was in 1977 on our honeymoon!

Our DS did the college program in 2003 and LOVED it! Hope your DS enjoys his time at Disney!

thanks so much! Glad to have you along. If you two honeymooned in '77 you would have been able to purchase either the ticket book or a mk 2 day passport - good for all rides. The passport was introduced in 1977.

That's great you son did the college program in 2003. We never knew about it until recently or I probably would have pushed my daughters to apply back then. Our oldest graduated in 2004

I am really enjoying your report!

I love your break down of the day and the reason behind it.

The Buzz Lightyear photo is great! I try to play like your husband but I mostly wind up doing what you do.

thanks so much and welcome! I'm seriously going to have to up my game with Buzz. Problem is, JQ will too.

Great pics!

thanks wiigirl! glad you're enjoying them.

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - 5/24/13

24 - Take IV

An "A to E" ticket to paradise!

......................continued

So here we are in a practically non-existent line for the Astro Orbiter.

It's 8:05 am

Two hours into the day and Tomorrowland is amazingly quiet and peaceful.



This never happens.


Let me repeat.


This never happens.

After a 5 min wait to transport, we're next.












Such a cool view! The park looks practically empty







Now that's a tough act to follow!

We check out the coaster. Wait time was posted as 10 mins. (we knew that meant walk-on)



Since both sides of Space Mountain were operational this morning, you had to immediately break right or left upon entry. The brain steers right. The mind corrects it. Go left people - Left!!







Yes. This is a DARK RIDE! (One per car) I know - clearly were on the right side in this next photo. Why? because it was empty and those pesky (I mean efficient) ride attendants made us walk around to the other side!!





My subconscious draws us right here to the next big ticket item!





JQ looks at me grits his teeth and mumbles thru a cheesy smile "the speedway?!?! not the speedway?!?!" to which I reply in my Si from Duck Dynasty voice "Hey!"

I tell James, look, weve got 24 rides to conquer. we should go on anything and everything we see, and definitely include all the stuff we've passed on for the last 15 years - good, bad or indifferent. "It'll be fun" "You can drive."

His reply (mimicking Si) - "Hey! that's a race car!"

There was a posted 20 min. wait. We make a note of the time.



7 minutes later, two adults climb in to a little car!!



Which apparently had no steering. Our car was defective as you can see by the hood angle in this next shot. We just crashed into the rail and rode the tires against it the entire time.



JQ felt very cheated.

Me? Not one bit. Why?

Ticket C


I took this photo to try to determine if all the vehicles were broken but it does look like some were maneuvering the curve fairly well. Who knows?



Next on our journey. I spot JQs number 1 of all time AVOID attraction.

I bait him by saying, "look! no wait."



To which he immediately replies without hesitating, "lets go!"

This is a big deal. We're talking the "dreaded" spinning ride here.

Sure - look who's all calm, cool and collective when we climb in. (excellent color choice - btw)
Yeah, we'll see once the ride gets going...........





We are having a ball! Too funny!!!

Ok so where is everybody? The park has been open for close to 3 hrs by now. It's the Friday morning of Memorial Day Weekend - not exactly off-peak. We saw a ton of people at 6am. Where the heck did they go? We must have been walking around behind them at this point.

And why hasn't there been that steady stream of guests arriving all morning?

Here is a guess at what I think may have occurred.

(Disclaimer: This is based on no evidence whatsoever. It is pure conjecture and mere speculation on my part entirely. In otherwords, its a lot of B.S. for your reading enjoyment)

I believe those that really wanted to participate in the big "24" made the effort to be there at rope drop.

As for everyone else? take you pick:

1) they knew it was a 24hr day, decided to sleep in, maybe grab some breakfast; take their time - who knows? But they planned to drop by at their leisure. (probably a big mistake in retrospect)

2) they thought it was going to be mobbed and chose to avoid it. (bad call)

3) they're diehard Star Wars fans and got stuck waiting in a ridiculous line at the Studios to get a pre-dawn fastpass for Ray Park and Warwick Davis' autographs and will park hop over later. (tough decision - but they did have all weekend for that)

4) they're locals and would head over from work. (understandable)

5) they didn't bother to check the hours; didn't follow any advertisements and missed out entirely. (very unfortunate)

6) they're just not interested. not a fan of Monsters Inc. don't care that much for the MK and can't understand why anyone would waste their time doing something like this. (too bad for them)

Whatever the reason, our morning in the MK was one of the most amazing experiences we've ever had.

Thanks Disney!!


Up next morning wrap

 

[Johnny Quest]

The Tea cups are secretly my favorite ride of ALL TIME! (don't tell PI). I did pick the coolest cup too.

Also, Space Mountain Disneyland is waaaaaaay better than Florida. I prefer the teacups to Space Mountain in the MK.

The Speedway is a joke...they need to make those cars go a lot faster and remove the rails and get rid of the kids. Make it a MAN RIDE.

All I know is...we were having the best day ever at this park!

 

[howlongtildisney]

Enjoying your TR! My theory on why the park was empty - there are only a special few of us who will get to the park that early. We went Christmas week in 2009, and opened the MK at 7am. We accomplished pretty much everything we wanted by 10 am, sat down and had a leisurely coffee while watching all the lazy folks stream into the park. Funnily, we followed almost the exact same path as you, complete with the Astro Orbiters. Watching the sunrise from that ride is spectacular!

 

[heaven2dc]

The Tea cups are secretly my favorite ride of ALL TIME! (don't tell PI). I did pick the coolest cup too.

Also, Space Mountain Disneyland is waaaaaaay better than Florida. I prefer the teacups to Space Mountain in the MK.

The Speedway is a joke...they need to make those cars go a lot faster and remove the rails and get rid of the kids. Make it a MAN RIDE.

All I know is...we were having the best day ever at this park!

Love your way of thinking! (esp for the Speedway )

 

[poison ivy]

Enjoying your TR! My theory on why the park was empty - there are only a special few of us who will get to the park that early. We went Christmas week in 2009, and opened the MK at 7am. We accomplished pretty much everything we wanted by 10 am, sat down and had a leisurely coffee while watching all the lazy folks stream into the park. Funnily, we followed almost the exact same path as you, complete with the Astro Orbiters. Watching the sunrise from that ride is spectacular!

Thanks so much and congratulations on your baby boy! Born on the 4th of July. How beautiful.

Love your 2009 Christmas story. Looks like it was before starting your family so just the two of you hanging out in the Magic Kingdom on Christmas morning. What a great idea! Never dawned on me that Dec 25 would also be an exceptional park experience as the day begins - but I can picture it so clearly, thanks.

JQ and I will be waking up in a Grand Floridian villa Christmas morning this year - a big first for us. A beautiful day watching the sunrise over the MK is something well worth considering.

Love your way of thinking! (esp for the Speedway )

Too funny! He really does think this way.
btw - JQ is right about Space Mountain. Our girls are settled in San Diego and we've been to DL quite a few times. We are so jealous you have that coaster in CA. I could ride it all day.

And now you have Cars Land too!

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - 5/24/13

24 - Take V

Morning wrap up

Where were we? Ah yes! Exiting the dreaded spinning ride.

Mark sends a text he's at the Laugh Floor so that is our next stop. Somehow we wind up in the show after his.

It was great fun but didn't have much "incorporated" considering the theme of the day. Too bad.



The new plan was to meet up by the peoplemover. Well Iron Man never managed to show up there either and at this point his phone had died. I knew he was hiding in Tomorrowland somewhere, but we didn't see any sign of him.

So we soldiered on in hopes he'd eventually show up at the Plaza for lunch.

We grab a couple fastpasses for Winnie the Pooh



and drop by for a very important date:





Time check



Great! Still about an hour before lunch. Here's how we start it off.






And then the fun begins. Look who walks by.



All of a sudden, Drizella stops dead in her tracks and jumps over that puddle. The Stepmother pulls her away and gives her a lecture. The two go back and forth and don't even notice Anastasia is at the ice cream window trying to get a cone. She gets caught - gets lectured too, and they disappear behind closed doors. We all laughed so hard. It was too funny.






We go in search of Gaston. Nope. Just missed him. But I believe we found everybody else.





We keep walking toward the Little Mermaid looking for a fastpass. Which apparently is not where the fastpasses are for this attraction. Who knew?



Ok those were 2 dead ends. The New Fantasyland is a bust right now.

While walking out, a construction skier catches my eye. Think they'll have that on the tour?



Be our Guest just opens for lunch.



Bye for now. Time to head to Main St.

While everyone else seemed to be walking toward Peter Pan and Small World.



We manage to find the little mermaid fastpasses. Not sure how we missed this? But the return times conflict with lunch. another bust.

Now the day is getting interesting.



Make a Wish!



On our way toward the Hub, we stop and catch this show at the Castle. It's excellent. Great dancing. Great entertainment.









that's a morning wrap!

continued on the next post: lunch at the Plaza

 

[poison ivy]

Day 3 - 5/24/13

‘24” – Take VI

Lunch at The Plaza

I had made an 11 am lunch reservation at The Plaza as soon as Disney announced the 24hr event. Really glad I did, as the restaurant was completely booked the entire day and all walk-ups were being turned away at the door.

The Plaza is one of the best places in the Magic Kingdom to sit down, relax and enjoy a good sandwich or light meal.

It has always been a welcome respite for us -– whether to cool off on a really hot day or for a warm haven on a chilly night in the park.

We love everything about it - the atmosphere; the décor; the location; the sandwich shop menu; and above all - the fountain desserts from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor next door!!!

It'’s a hidden gem.

So check it out sometime.





Here'’s the menu from 5/24/13. You'’ll notice they had a commemorative dessert that day. We didn'’t try it though.







JQ starts off with a tall refreshing coke



And a Cheese Steak Sandwich -– shaved beef grilled with onions, mushrooms, red peppers and white American cheese served on a hoagie roll. $ 11.99

Great Sandwich!



And tops it off with one of his favorites - a black and white shake. The best!!!



I order a glass of ice water with lemon



And the Chicken Strawberry Salad -– fresh garden greens, grilled chicken breast, cucumbers, fresh strawberries and gorgonzola tossed in a white zinfandel vinaigrette dressing. $ 14.99

This was excellent. Light, delicious and perfect . I wrapped half to go.
(and no, that pink you see is not undercooked chicken. It is a white zinfandel vinaigrette.dressing -– enjoy!)



All of a sudden The Mayor walks in!



He announces to everyone he has a special proclamation to read and chooses a child to appoint deputy Mayor for the day. It was great! He then walked around a bit, shook some hands and signed a few autographs.



We recap the standings for “24”

Attractions - 8
Main Street Vehicles
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Astro Orbiter
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
Mad Tea Party
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Winnie the Pooh


Characters - 9
Mickey _ Rapunzel _ Aurora _ Cinderella _ Marie
Alice in Wonderland & White Rabbit
Winnie the Pooh & Tigger

Food and Beverage items - 8
Coffee & Orange Juice
Coke & Ice Water
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Cheese Steak Sandwich
Fries
Black & White Shake


Other events/experiences - 10
6am Countdown, welcome show and Rope drop
Commemorative Button
First guests of the day to call and greet Mickey
Main St. Vehicle photo op
Magic Kingdom opening ceremonies
Witness the Train and Trolley Roll out for the day
Main St. Trolley Show
Encounter with the Stepmother and Stepsisters
Dream Along with Mickey Show
Visit from the Mayor

And Iron Man?

Paging Iron Man………

"Dude, where's my son?"

Yes, those are crickets you hear alongside a dead cell phone. Mark was a no show and not en communicado. We had lost contact without a sufficient back up plan in case we got split up.

Normally this wouldn'’t be a problem but today was his “D-Tech Me” appt in the Studios at 4 and we planned to drive.

So now what?

We kept hoping to spot his gray hat thru the windows during lunch, but that was pointless. The crowds were growing exponentially at this point.

We start devising plan B and conclude Mark won'’t miss that appt for anything – since he prepaid it himself. He'’ll just take a bus if he doesn'’t manage to find us. But we should at least make some attempt to reconnect, since he's likely to show up figuring we’'re in the vicinity.

We decide to head to the fire station and check if that game he’'s playing has a tracker. Hoping for a clue.

The Main St. clock reminds us of the time -



Almost 6.5 hours into the day. We'’ve been keeping a steady pace behind the fray and enjoying every minute of it. We figure we can hang ‘til about 2:30.

I'’m pretty concerned at this point that Mark'’s not going to find us. We just left the last place any of us knew to be, which is the wrong thing to do. But he does have to go to the entrance to leave the park – Eventually. (of course, that could be anytime within the next 2-3 hrs)

So we'’re back at Town Square. I ask the Sorcerer CM’s if they can track a guests gaming activity. They said yes! All they need is the park ticket or room key used to sign-up.

Yeah, well take a wild guess where those are. - on Mark’s person of course. (that’s 3 for 3 on the dead ends)

They tell me all they can recommend is check with guest services.

This should be fun, I'’ll tell them I lost my son and when they ask me how old he is, I'’ll win the stupid guest request of the day award.

I decide to get in line. Why? I have no idea. I have nothing to ask. I can'’t think of anything to say. What am I doing? This is dumb. Thankfully the line was deep enough, I could just stand there and buy time while mulling over a ton of useless lines to deliver when it'’s my turn.

Meanwhile, JQ'’s outside scoping for Mark and getting caught up in all the action! Apparently Mike and Sully had just arrived followed by an MU marching band and the place was going crazy!









Back inside, I'’m fresh out of ideas. So I do what any good Catholic does when they can’'t find something and say a prayer to St. Anthony. (yes, I did.)

Also, the whole time I’'m waiting in this ridiculously long line, I notice a woman all alone with a handicapped child in an adaptive stroller standing off to the side. It looked like she wanted to approach the front but she quietly just kept in place to not butt in line.

Nobody seemed to pay any attention to make eye contact or even take notice of her, yet her child had a notably severe disability. So when I finally got to the front, I asked her if she needed to go ahead and she thanked me explaining that because her child could not wait outdoors she was unable to get in the line. I couldn'’t imagine what she was going through but was happy to give what little help I could.

Ok so now I’'m next – this is gonna be good. I walk over to a smiling CM and with a big grin start off with, “Hi. I don'’t know how to quite say this, but I seemed to have lost my s……………..”

and before I finish the sentence I hear, “"Hey mom"” and there’'s Mark standing right next to me. I couldn’'t believe it. I was shocked! I gave him a big hug and turned to the CM and said, "“Wow! I lost my son, but it looks like you found him!” ‘Thank you so much!!”"

The CM replied,“"you’'re welcome”. “Have a magical day”."

Unbelievable.

To this day, I will never know if it was my prayers, mental telepathy or that gifted mother and her blessed child who played a hand in our reunion but it was an amazing experience.

I still can'’t get over it.

And where was Mark exactly?

Stay tuned………………………

 

[jwgm2012]

Wow! Great updates! I loved the last one especially - with the story of the mother. Thank you for letting her in... or at least for asking her... (not that you owe ME anything but for all mankind, I thank you)

We're huge duck dynasty fans too! Can't wait for their return on the 14th - Si is just a comic session all on his own... I love the pics of your son with the princesses! I have a 16 year old (kinda) step son and he'd be the exact same way! I'd do it for the entertainment alone! In your son's pic with Rapunzel, it almost looks like he's trying to do the smolder that Flynn Ryder does... but clearly it's more of the this-is-stupid smirk...

keep it coming!

 

[snowmanlover]

Loved the updates!

THANKS for posting the menu from the Plaza Restaurant. I am going to show that to my DH who is a VERY picky eater since I see a few things on there he might enjoy! One being the sandwich your DH had! Your salad looks yummy, too!

So glad you found your "lost son!"

 

[Johnny Quest]

Poison Ivy has such great planning skills...this was the perfect place and time for lunch that day. Relaxing atmosphere and great food. You can't go wrong having a meal here. We've done both lunch and dinner. The best though is that they give you the overflow from the shake in the metal mixing cup. Made my day!

I knew Ironman would show up, since he pre-paid for the Star Wars figure.

 

[jwgm2012]

so this is crazy... I just went and read your TR on the F&W trip you did earlier this year and like you all we did a last minute reservation for Tusker House. I really liked it a lot too - I thought all the food went well together... but that's not really the interesting part... lol... we were seated in the EXACT same place as you and JQ... we even commented how two feet further back and we'd be on the outside of the exit door! I'm hoping to scrounge up a pic - but our pics have the same exit sign as yours.

 

[jane2073]

I had to laugh at you about to ask the CM about your lost son! Years (and years) ago-before cell phones-my forteen year old brother and I (19) were shopping at a huge mall while on vacation. My brother and I ducked into a store and about twenty minutes later I realized my parents weren't there and problably did not notice where we had gone.
I came outside and almost immediately found them. My mom said she had talked to the nearest security guard about her two missing kids. She said he gave her a funny look when she got to how how tall we were.

Loving your report!

 

[jwgm2012]

Finished your F&G (yes, I know in my previous post I put F&W but I prefer wine to garden...) anyway, we're huge baseball fans too... when I read your posts on the game and the energy, I immediately called my dbf and said, for your birthday we're going to F&W and a baseball game... his response? what the heck is F&W... now granted, we can't tell our kids we're going without them AGAIN... because frankly, we were lucky to come back from our adults only trip in December and still have a home where our belongings weren't on the curb... but since they're still in school during F&W and well, basically they're not coming...

as I read your reports - part of me feels like it would be exactly what I'd write too...

 

[Johnny Quest]

That's funny.
Did you think the table was small? We felt like we had a kids table or something. There was hardly room for the food.

Since we were both last minute ressies it makes me think that they don't give this table out unless it's absolutely necessary. Doesn't matter though...the food was good and we enjoyed breakfast very much.

so this is crazy... I just went and read your TR on the F&W trip you did earlier this year and like you all we did a last minute reservation for Tusker House. I really liked it a lot too - I thought all the food went well together... but that's not really the interesting part... lol... we were seated in the EXACT same place as you and JQ... we even commented how two feet further back and we'd be on the outside of the exit door! I'm hoping to scrounge up a pic - but our pics have the same exit sign as yours.

 

[poison ivy]

Wow! Great updates! I loved the last one especially - with the story of the mother. Thank you for letting her in... or at least for asking her... (not that you owe ME anything but for all mankind, I thank you)

We're huge duck dynasty fans too! Can't wait for their return on the 14th - Si is just a comic session all on his own... I love the pics of your son with the princesses! I have a 16 year old (kinda) step son and he'd be the exact same way! I'd do it for the entertainment alone! In your son's pic with Rapunzel, it almost looks like he's trying to do the smolder that Flynn Ryder does... but clearly it's more of the this-is-stupid smirk...

keep it coming!

Thanks! That mother with her precious child simply waiting there so patiently was a real testament. It's hard to understand how we have become so invisible to one another anymore.

Glad to meet another duck dynasty fan! We've been waiting for the 14th, too!

the smolder? Is that what he's doing? Now I'm wondering if he was acting out all those princes. (not sure about the prince phillip pose) I'm going to have to find out.

Loved the updates!

THANKS for posting the menu from the Plaza Restaurant. I am going to show that to my DH who is a VERY picky eater since I see a few things on there he might enjoy! One being the sandwich your DH had! Your salad looks yummy, too!

So glad you found your "lost son!"

that's great! Glad you found the menu helpful! I hope your husband decides to check it out. It's a very peaceful place to dine, as you can see from the guests in the photos.

The best though is that they give you the overflow from the shake in the metal mixing cup. Made my day!

I knew Ironman would show up, since he pre-paid for the Star Wars figure.

Bet you wish you were having that shake right now! No question iron man would show up - but where?

 

[poison ivy]

so this is crazy... I just went and read your TR on the F&W trip you did earlier this year and like you all we did a last minute reservation for Tusker House. I really liked it a lot too - I thought all the food went well together... but that's not really the interesting part... lol... we were seated in the EXACT same place as you and JQ... we even commented how two feet further back and we'd be on the outside of the exit door! I'm hoping to scrounge up a pic - but our pics have the same exit sign as yours.

Ok that's amazing and too coincidental to be an accident that we had that exact same table with last minute reservations. It must be the one they leave unassigned until that morning. perfect for the unsuspecting couple like us! That's what I love about the Dis - we share and learn! thanks

I had to laugh at you about to ask the CM about your lost son! Years (and years) ago-before cell phones-my forteen year old brother and I (19) were shopping at a huge mall while on vacation. My brother and I ducked into a store and about twenty minutes later I realized my parents weren't there and problably did not notice where we had gone.
I came outside and almost immediately found them. My mom said she had talked to the nearest security guard about her two missing kids. She said he gave her a funny look when she got to how how tall we were.

Loving your report!

that's a really funny story! I just knew I'd be giving someone a laugh and probably on video!

Finished your F&G (yes, I know in my previous post I put F&W but I prefer wine to garden...) anyway, we're huge baseball fans too... when I read your posts on the game and the energy, I immediately called my dbf and said, for your birthday we're going to F&W and a baseball game... his response? what the heck is F&W... now granted, we can't tell our kids we're going without them AGAIN... because frankly, we were lucky to come back from our adults only trip in December and still have a home where our belongings weren't on the curb... but since they're still in school during F&W and well, basically they're not coming...

as I read your reports - part of me feels like it would be exactly what I'd write too...

Awesome! Yes definitely check out a spring training game at WWoS if you're baseball fans. It's so cool to be at a ballpark in Disney World . I would love to do it again! I don't think the Braves host Texas or Houston, but they have a pretty decent schedule to pick from.

And the Festival is a great time. You guys will love it. They had a ton of drinks for the season to compliment all the food. Everyone was having fun.

Wow! you really have a house full of teenagers! How the heck did you manage to sneak away in Dec? Sounds like a wonderful trip.

 

[jwgm2012]

That's funny.
Did you think the table was small? We felt like we had a kids table or something. There was hardly room for the food.

Since we were both last minute ressies it makes me think that they don't give this table out unless it's absolutely necessary. Doesn't matter though...the food was good and we enjoyed breakfast very much.

I'd never thought of it that way but I can see the reasoning... two people, last minute, oh well... meeting the characters was a little tough - there wasn't any room for Daisy's booty or Goofy's feet! And of course, it was far from the food! But definitely made for a quick escape when we were done!

Thanks! That mother with her precious child simply waiting there so patiently was a real testament. It's hard to understand how we have become so invisible to one another anymore.

Glad to meet another duck dynasty fan! We've been waiting for the 14th, too!

the smolder? Is that what he's doing? Now I'm wondering if he was acting out all those princes. (not sure about the prince phillip pose) I'm going to have to find out.

In regard to the mom with the disabled child - sometimes I wonder if because we try not to give unwanted attention to physical disabilities, we end up ignoring the whole situation altogether? Does that make sense? When my kids were young I'd hear myself saying all the time "don't stare. Have compassion but not pity..." those types of things and sometimes I feel like for certain individuals they've taken that to mean "don't see them" which is completely different?? Not sure, either way - always good to do a good deed...

Ok that's amazing and too coincidental to be an accident that we had that exact same table with last minute reservations. It must be the one they leave unassigned until that morning. perfect for the unsuspecting couple like us! That's what I love about the Dis - we share and learn! thanks


Awesome! Yes definitely check out a spring training game at WWoS if you're baseball fans. It's so cool to be at a ballpark in Disney World . I would love to do it again! I don't think the Braves host Texas or Houston, but they have a pretty decent schedule to pick from.

And the Festival is a great time. You guys will love it. They had a ton of drinks for the season to compliment all the food. Everyone was having fun.

Wow! you really have a house full of teenagers! How the heck did you manage to sneak away in Dec? Sounds like a wonderful trip.

We're baseball fans all the way (football is first for me then baseball, but boyfriend is baseball more) so we'd likely find a team to watch just for the experience. We're headed to San Fran in a few weeks to watch a Giants and Oakland A's game. While we're Rangers' fans first, we have plenty of love for all...

We definitely have a house full but sometimes we don't... short story - he has two and I have two and we have all of our kids on the same weekends which means the other weekends are just ours with no kids. That's when we travel... and the kids HATE.IT. but we love it... J planned our Christmas Disney trip as a gift for our anniversary last year... it was an amazing four days... but yea, the month leading up to the trip and the month after were tense... it ranged from the Spanish inquisition to the cold shoulder from all of them... then it quickly turned into "fine, since WE'RE not going - here's the list of things YOU need to bring back... " I think the works "or else" we're in there somewhere too!

 

[poison ivy]

In regard to the mom with the disabled child - sometimes I wonder if because we try not to give unwanted attention to physical disabilities, we end up ignoring the whole situation altogether? Does that make sense? When my kids were young I'd hear myself saying all the time "don't stare. Have compassion but not pity..." those types of things and sometimes I feel like for certain individuals they've taken that to mean "don't see them" which is completely different?? Not sure, either way - always good to do a good deed...

You're right and it makes perfect sense. It's a fine line between allowing a family their privacy and exchanging a smile or lending a welcome hand. I'm just glad I was able to help. And we taught our kids the same rule about staring.

We're baseball fans all the way (football is first for me then baseball, but boyfriend is baseball more) so we'd likely find a team to watch just for the experience. We're headed to San Fran in a few weeks to watch a Giants and Oakland A's game. While we're Rangers' fans first, we have plenty of love for all...

Yeah, JQ said it was the Rangers for San Antonio. I rooted for you guys in 2010 and 2011. your team reminded me of the Phils around 2008. We kept driving to make the playoffs but couldn't get past the division series. Until 07 and 08. I'm sure the Giants aren't a fan fav - we're playing them tonight. Felt good to break our 8 game losing streak against them last night.

We definitely have a house full but sometimes we don't... short story - he has two and I have two and we have all of our kids on the same weekends which means the other weekends are just ours with no kids. That's when we travel... and the kids HATE.IT. but we love it... J planned our Christmas Disney trip as a gift for our anniversary last year... it was an amazing four days... but yea, the month leading up to the trip and the month after were tense... it ranged from the Spanish inquisition to the cold shoulder from all of them... then it quickly turned into "fine, since WE'RE not going - here's the list of things YOU need to bring back... " I think the works "or else" we're in there somewhere too!

this is a great story. You have the perfect set up for a spring training weekend! I can see why the kids are jealous. I would be too!! did you do a trip report in Dec?