Can I Survive another 11 days in WDW w/ Disney-Resistant Husband? *11/25 SURPRISE!!**

[MEK]

Finally read your V&A account - wonderful update. Your meal sounds fabulous and I'm so glad you had an awesome evening. I will admit, I would be a little up tight about having someone escort me to the bathroom. The quietness of the restaurant might be a little unnerving as well!

I love your twilight pictures of GF. It really is a gorgeous resort and I am so thrilled that the DVC portion of the resort should open up around a time when my DH and I will become empty-nesters (with two boys in college), so we can actually do a point splurge and stay there off season or any season. Our schedules will become so much more flexible when we aren't tied to a school schedule. Oh - I totally see GF DVC in my future!

Really enjoyed your TR!!!! So great!

 

[cdotla]

It seemed so strange to be at WDW on the anniversary of 9-11. The parks were flying the flag at half staff, which I thought was very nice.

Wow - I never thought about how it would feel to be at WDW for the anniversary!

Did you listen to the recent WDWToday podcast where they had Jim Hill on to talk about the actual day of September 11th and how Disney cleared the parks....it was very interesting. Apparently Bob Iger (who was working under Michael Eisner at the time was up at 4:30am as usual for his morning workout and watched things unfolding in real time from California. That's when the made the immediate call not to open CA, and to close FL right away.

I also recently watched a video with Diane Sawyer and Michael Bloomberg speaking about Bob Iger personally, and Disney's contribution to the 9-11 memorial. Bob Iger was there at ground zero in the days following the attacks, and also spent time with the memorial site getting it ready for opening. Apparently Disney also contributed company knowledge for crowd control/lines as they prepared to open the memorial. The video was posted over on the community board.

I'm planning a stay at GF for our 50th anniversary. I told DH that is where we will be staying so he had better start saving.

Atta Girl!

I agree with your comments on buying into DVC, but it dosen't make sense for us. If I were a few years younger I would go for it. Our kids are not into Disney so would not use it after us.

Don't beat yourself up so much, everyone sets goals, but few manage to meet them. I have gained a middle in the past year which I did not have before. A lot of my clothes do't fit anymore. I never had a weight problem in my life & find it hard to adjust to a changing body. I will because in the grand scheme of things it's not that impotant.

Doris

Thanks so much for your comments Doris! Yes, you are right - in the whole scheme of things there are far more important things to worry about than weight!

 

[cdotla]

9/11 is weird for me. Tom and I were on vacation in London when it happened. Since we're both surgeons, we had this overwhelming desire to get home (we lived in NYC at the time) and help. Everyone who was in NYC had this surreal experience of getting the trauma centers ready for lots of injuries only to have rows and rows of empty stretchers. That may have been worse. When we got home from London (oddly we returned on our regularly scheduled flight which was the Sunday after 9/11), it felt like we had returned to a different world from the one we left! I just remember walking around in a daze for weeks. I quickly reached the point where I wouldn't watch tv or listen to the radio because it just made me cry and cry. We were lucky that we didn't lose anyone close to us.

Amanda

Oh Amanda...I am almost glad for your sake you weren't there at the time. It wld have been so terrifying feeling attacked right in your own home.

I can't imagine how surreal it must have been to see all those stretchers lined up with no one in them.

But my goodness the heart of New York showed so strongly that day, and in the days to follow!

wow - Trish - I keep wanting to read about your V&A update, but I always remember at work and never when I can see the pictures. I am bumping you so I will remember to read and get the "full effect" tonight.

But let me just say that your 9/11 pictures of the Hailifax airport are really amazing. Thank you for posting them and I regret I didn't see them sooner. I have to tell you that I have always wanted to go to Hailifax and someday I will. Really moving pictures!

Be back soon to get updated!

Hey Mary Ellen - apart from some pretty typical photos of the GF (variations of which you have likely seen a million times), you weren't missing anything from my V&A review without the photos. I didn't take a single photo inside the restaurant.

It was really surreal seeing Halifax Airport like that! Since I posted I discovered that Halifax took in 47 unscheduled planes that day. Which is pretty amazing, but overall we have a larger city to support something like that. Gander, a small little town in Newfoundland, which ironically has huge runway capabilities left over from early flying days when it was a North American military stop-point for travel to Europe, took in slightly less than Halifax, but in the process ended up more than doubling their town's population!

The stories out of Gander are what shines about Canada the day of 9-11. People in the community took numbers of complete strangers into their homes to feed them, clothe them, provide hot showers, and most of all, human support and compassion. The Americans and Europeans who found themselves in Gander that day (and many days thereafter) have some pretty incredible things to say about Gander and the people of Newfoundland.

Gander also received one of the pieces of steel from the collapse of the Trade Center Towers, and has been visited again countless times by the people who were delivered there that day, and by many US officials. It is generally acknowledged that Gander represented the very best of Canada, and the very essence of human compassion and generosity in the aftermath of 9-11.

 

[cdotla]

Lion King 3D

Last nite we went to see the Lion King 3D premiere. So glad we went!

The theatre was packed. People were really excited, and even taking photos of the screen with their cell phones at the start of the movie...not sure I have ever seen that before!

Huge applause and cheering erupted during the credits....I LOVE that!!! And one grown man in the audience was singing along with Elton John to "Can You Feel the Love Tonite" as we were walking out of the theatre.

I was surprised how much 3D enhanced the movie. From the first scene when the animals were rathering at Pride Rock for the reveal of Baby Simba...starting with the birds, then the zebras, giraffes and the ants, the 3D effects really added to the movie. So if you are hesitating at all, wondering if it would be worth it since you have the DVD at home - JUST GO! It was so great to see it on the big screen in 3D!

Great way to kick-off the weekend!

My Task Today:

Chris is already at hockey with Declan, and I am out the door soon to take Katie to dance. Then all 4 of us will meet up for Piano, Chris will head to the airport, and I will then take the kids to gymnastics before heading home for supper. Phew! I forgot how exhausting weekends can be during the school year!

Fortunately I will have some downtime while the kiddos are busy with their activities, so instead of chatting with the other moms like I normally do I am going to grab a coffee and sit down to go over our dining plans and figure out whether to get the Dining Plan or just go with Tables in Wonderland. I expect that the math is going to suggest the Dining Plan because we have sit-down meals for every lunch (except Flame Tree) and every dinner (many of them at 2 credit restaurants). Our last trip it came out to $400 cheaper to do the dining plan, so I expect it will be very similar this trip. However, I will still do the math to be sure!

I hope to have a couple brief updates over the weekend about our final plans for the trip given that we are now LESS THAN 2 WEEKS away from our departure day! Yay!!!

 

[cdotla]

Glad they enjoyed it! And I would LOVE one for Henry! He gets very excited whenever he gets mail...and Mickey Mail is the best! (aside from a package from Grandma ) I'll PM you my info. Thank you for the offer!!

Wonderful V&A review! I believe I have only ever read one other review of it - and it's never really been on my radar until recently. Henry is now old enough for the kids clubs! It won't be anytime soon, but someday... I will keep the Kobe Beef in mind!

Isn't OKW beautiful? We loved our stay there! I hope you enjoy it as well. A rental car will be VERY nice to have there, it seems to be almost designed in favor of the car versus pedestrian like the other resorts.

Beautiful pictures from the airport as well. I had forgotten that your DH is a pilot. I cannot imagine how extra scary it all is to you!

Hey Brook...great! I would love to send Henry some Mickey Mail! I can only imagine what his reaction will be! He is such a little sweetheart!

V&A's wld be a great little treat for you one of these trips. And I bet Henry wld have a swell time at the kids club! (Definitely keep that Kobi beef in mind!)

Finally read your V&A account - wonderful update. Your meal sounds fabulous and I'm so glad you had an awesome evening. I will admit, I would be a little up tight about having someone escort me to the bathroom. The quietness of the restaurant might be a little unnerving as well!

I love your twilight pictures of GF. It really is a gorgeous resort and I am so thrilled that the DVC portion of the resort should open up around a time when my DH and I will become empty-nesters (with two boys in college), so we can actually do a point splurge and stay there off season or any season. Our schedules will become so much more flexible when we aren't tied to a school schedule. Oh - I totally see GF DVC in my future!

Really enjoyed your TR!!!! So great!

Thanks Mary Ellen! And yes...I am right there with you! Can't wait to enjoy a DVC stay at the GF once it opens!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Thanks for the review of Lion King 3D, I was wondering if the changes would be big enough to be worth going, then I thought it would just be fun to see it on the big screen again, regardless! Of course, now I have to try and talk one of my big kids into going to see it with me.....

 

[kate_wdw]

What a great TR!

Thank you for reporting back on your D23 experiences. I am so jealous hearing about “The Walt Disney That Never Was” I would have loooved to have seen that, though it would be torture to hear about all of the “could have beens.” I would love for WDW to do one of the exotic themed hotels you mentioned (like the Asian or the Persian). It made me seriously consider going to D23 in the future.

Just the thought of this makes me feel emotional.

I loved hearing about your experience dining at V&A. I would also find it very awkward to be accompanied to the ladies’ room and “tucked back in” upon my return.

I can relate to your feeling as if you don’t “deserve” your trip. I don’t know why, but I always feel the need to put my life in perfect order before leaving on vacation, which puts tremendous pressure on myself and makes it that much more difficult to relax and enjoy.

 

[micheypl]

Oh how I enjoyed reading about your fabulous trip and looking forward to reading along with this trip....I am a disney lover as well and we are going Oct 25th until Nov 5th....just can't wait

 

[zipadeepixie]

Oh I saw the Lion King with my kids last night too!! I usually don't like 3D movies but I found it really enhanced this one! My kids, 7 and 10, have never seen the movie becuase it hasn't been available on DVD for so long! The only problem was this little girl sitting behind us singing ALL the songs at the TOP of her lungs! It was driving my poor son crazy! He said he wants to see it again becasue she ruined it for him!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I had no idea Chris was a pilot, I can't even imagine what that must have been like for your family.

Interesting review of V&A and I have to admit, it's not really on my list to go to. I've done that type of dining before and while lovely, it's a bit much on every level. If I were with a group, perhaps of all women, then maybe.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I think you've convinced me to go see Lion King 3D. I'm not a big fan of 3D movies...because I wear glasses, the 3D glasses do not sit comfortably on me. But I love the Lion King! It's school holidays coming up.....wonder if DS will go with me?

 

[cdotla]

Thanks for the review of Lion King 3D, I was wondering if the changes would be big enough to be worth going, then I thought it would just be fun to see it on the big screen again, regardless! Of course, now I have to try and talk one of my big kids into going to see it with me.....

To be completely honest, I wasn't all over this film, and wasn't entirely sure we would attend. This weekend and next is jam-packed (especially being the last 2 weekends before our trip), but it just worked out that we went out for dinner and were literally right beside the theatre at 6:30, with the show starting at 6:55pm.

Now, of course, I am so glad we went! This movie really was made for 3D!

Do you remember when the Lion King music and film comes onto the screen at Mickey's PhilharMagic, and how you immediately start tapping your foot to the music? Remember all those fabulous songs from the movie? Now imagine it on the big screen...in 3D to boot! It really is worth going. Highly recommend!

Hopefully you can talk one of your boys into going...

What a great TR!

Thank you for reporting back on your D23 experiences. I am so jealous hearing about “The Walt Disney That Never Was” I would have loooved to have seen that, though it would be torture to hear about all of the “could have beens.” I would love for WDW to do one of the exotic themed hotels you mentioned (like the Asian or the Persian). It made me seriously consider going to D23 in the future.

I loved hearing about your experience dining at V&A. I would also find it very awkward to be accompanied to the ladies’ room and “tucked back in” upon my return.

I can relate to your feeling as if you don’t “deserve” your trip. I don’t know why, but I always feel the need to put my life in perfect order before leaving on vacation, which puts tremendous pressure on myself and makes it that much more difficult to relax and enjoy.

Thanks so much for posting, and thanks for your comments! So glad to have you along!

The Destination D event really was "all that". I would be very keen on attending another event like that in the future.

So glad someone else can relate to not feeling "worthy" of a vacation...I am trying not to dwell on it too much, and just enjoy the trip, but home organization and exercise and diet are certainly going to be high on the priority list when I return. I am so tired of saying this before and during each trip, but never following through when I return home. Not this time!

Oh how I enjoyed reading about your fabulous trip and looking forward to reading along with this trip....I am a disney lover as well and we are going Oct 25th until Nov 5th....just can't wait

Thank you so much for posting, and welcome! October really is great for visits to WDW, isn't it?

Oh I saw the Lion King with my kids last night too!! I usually don't like 3D movies but I found it really enhanced this one! My kids, 7 and 10, have never seen the movie becuase it hasn't been available on DVD for so long! The only problem was this little girl sitting behind us singing ALL the songs at the TOP of her lungs! It was driving my poor son crazy! He said he wants to see it again becasue she ruined it for him!!!

Glad to hear you enjoyed the movie as well! Too bad some of the experience was diminished by the singer in the audience. Hopefully you can enjoy another viewing before it leaves in 2 weeks!

I had no idea Chris was a pilot, I can't even imagine what that must have been like for your family.

Interesting review of V&A and I have to admit, it's not really on my list to go to. I've done that type of dining before and while lovely, it's a bit much on every level. If I were with a group, perhaps of all women, then maybe.

You know...I think you are onto something with that "group of women" suggestion! I would love to do that - especially at the chef's table! I think a certain someone we both know and love (ahem - Christine) might be doing just that next month. I can't wait to hear her reviews of it!

I think you've convinced me to go see Lion King 3D. I'm not a big fan of 3D movies...because I wear glasses, the 3D glasses do not sit comfortably on me. But I love the Lion King! It's school holidays coming up.....wonder if DS will go with me?

Now there you go! Perfect timing! I know you will love it...I too am not a big fan of 3D movies, but this one really is enhanced by the extra effects!

 

[cdotla]

SUMMER RE-CAP

Now that the last official weekend of Summer is upon us, and before I get going with some trip planning updates, I thought I would fill you in on how we spent our Summer, and perhaps explain what kept me busy and away from the Dis.

Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo

The Nova Scotia Tattoo is an annual week-long event which has been running since 1979.

What is it? Here is the description from the official website:

The cast of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo includes people of all ages and backgrounds. Featuring military, police and civilian performers, the show is a true partnership. You will see and hear pipes and drums, military and civilian bands, historic re-enactments, dancers, acrobats, choirs, military displays and competitions, drama, comedy and more. The participants are without a doubt, the best in the world at what they do and they come from all over the world to take part.

Chris & I hadn't attended in about 18 years or so. Clearly, we were well overdue. This year seemed the perfect opportunity to take the kids along as well, who were probably the right age to attend. We also bought tickets for my parents for their anniversary - which was the very night we attended - July 3rd.

What a great time we had! The show was absolutely incredible, featuring performers from all over the world.

At the start of the show, they played some clips from the royal wedding on the big screen. The wedding had just taken place, so people really enjoyed this, cheering when those images came up on the big screens.

The entire show was spectacular! Here were just a few of the acts:

The Band of America's Few:

Military Obsticle Race

Australian Dancers:

Acrobats from Germany

Rollerskaters from Estonia:

Motorcycle police from France. These guys were awesome! Their precision on those bikes was incredible!

Acrobats from Denmark

And the grand finale:

I had such a great time that I actually bought tickets to take a client who was in town from Montreal the very next night. And I still enjoyed every last minute of it!

Every night at the end of the performance, the flags of Canada and one of the participating countries is raised, and both national anthems are played. The night I attended with my client was July 4th, so of course, this was the night that USA was honored. The American Ambassator was also in the audience, which was nice.


Make-A-Wish Pirate Cruise
I have been a volunteer Wish-granter for Make-A-Wish for a number of years now. One of our annual fundraisers is a pirate party, which is hosted on two boats - a tall ship, and the ever-lovable Theodore Tugboat. Everyone dresses up in pirate attire and we go out in the Halifax Harbour for water gun fights! So much fun!

While Chris was working, the kids and I had a blast!

15th Anniversary
In July, Chris & I officially marked 20 years together as a couple, and then in August, we celebrated 15 years of marriage. My parents took the kids, and we went out for sushi and a non-animated movie.

We actually saw Crazy, Stupid Love with Steve Carell and Julianne Moore. It was so great...first time I enjoyed a movie that much in ages. Very original, lots of unexpected twists and turns, and plenty of tear-jerking scenes. I LOVED it! Highly, highly recommend this movie!!!


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[cdotla]

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Halifax International Jazz Festival
In my childless days, this was an event I quite enjoyed...in fact, it was always one of the highlights of every summer. Unfortunately, since I had kids, I really haven't attended too much. This year I decided to take the kids along, both to outside free concert performances, as well as to two performances at a local pub where they bring in some of the acts. I was really impressed with how much the kids enjoyed it. I was so happy one Friday night after work, sitting enjoying a great meal, listening to live jazz inside a great little neighbourhood pub. And with my kids at the table with me to boot! Yes, they are finally growing up. Before I know it, they will be kicking back a pint of Guinness with me!

Halifax International Buskers Festival

While Chris was unfortunately working for most of the Buskers Festival (an annual event where street performers from across the world gather in Halifax each August), the kids and I got downtown to enjoy some of the acts.

These guys were actually from Montreal, and so funny!

I was holding my breath for this one:

These guys were from Ireland. Absolutely hysterical!

Here is the kids watching them:

Check out the scenery nearby, and that yacht in particular!

This was our favourite act....firethrowers from Australia. We watched them in the daytime, and then came back for their nighttime act, which was INCREDIBLE!!!

This team of acrobats were from the States, and were also very good. Apparently they have also been on David Letterman.

Notice Katie & Declan engaged in some kind of serious conversation...

Can you see Beavertails? They were out in full-force. Both at the portable location seen in the photo, as well as their regular, permanent location on the Halifax waterfront.


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[cdotla]

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Last Family Trip Before Disney...to PEI

In addition to Disney, one of the places our family consistently enjoys visiting year after year is Prince Edward Island.

We normally travel with my parents, and rent a 2 Bedroom "cottage" at Kindred Spirits, which I would highly, highly recommend to anyone. (And no, I don't have any relationship whatsoever with the owners - I just absolutely adore the place!)

I say "cottage" in quotations, because this is what it looks like:

Living room

Kitchen

Main Bath

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

While I don't have a photo of it, there is a large jet shower in there as well.

2nd Bedroom

Deck...

...with jacuzzi!!!

There was such a lovely tree-lined pathway up to the "cottage":

 

[cdotla]

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If you have never been to Prince Edward Island, you are surely missing out. It is one of my absolute favourite places. But...if you are going to go, just be sure it is in either July or August. Otherwise, things are fairly quiet.

Some may know that Prince William & Kate visited PEI as part of their Canadian & Los Angeles trip this summer. Rumour has it that PEI was the highlight of their trip.

While Wil & Kate visited a week or two before we made it over to the Island, we did get over to have high tea at Dalvay By the Sea, one of the spots they toured. Actually, you may have heard that Wil landed a helicopter in Dalvay Lake, and then both Wil and Kate got into dragonboats for a race against each other across the lake.

While my family wasn't lucky enough to be there to see it, I know someone who was....our close friend Andrea, who will be going to WDW with us!

Andrea is actually a champion paddler on the Canadian national team, and got to be in the boat which carried Prince William. She was stroke for the boat. Here is a photo of Wil with his team. Andrea is the one kneeling down beside him wearing the black bandana. (By the way, their boat beat Kate's! )

(Photo: CBS News)

Here is Kate, all decked out and ready to paddle:

(Photo: CBS News)

Wil getting ready to take off:

(Photo: CBS News)

Kate watching him:

(Photo: CBS News)

Kate & Wil both hitting the water in their boats:

(Photo: CBS News)

Kate giving it the old college try...she definitely wanted bragging rights:

(Photo: CBS News)

Andrea said that right after he beat her, Wil didn't spend any time bragging. Instead, he went right over to his wife to give her a hug and congratulate her. Awwwww!

(Photo: CBS News)

(Photo: CBS News)

(Photo: CBS News)

And of course, the Royals couldn't leave without a PEI lobster dinner on the beach. Just like Regis & Kelly enjoyed last year!

(Photo: CBS News)

(Photo: CBS News)

Nor would their visit be complete without meeting Anne of Green Gables!

(Photo: CBS News)


When we arrived at Dalvay By the Sea for high tea about a week or two after the Royals had cleared out, there were still strong signs of their presence....

Totally cheesy, but I still had to get a photo of the kids beside it!

 

[cdotla]

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Dalvay By the Sea is an absolutely gorgeous property, located in front of beautiful Dalvay Lake and adjacent to the pristine, unspoiled white, sandy beaches and impressive sand dunes.

Tranquil anyone????

We had booked high tea at Dalvay as well as a tour and history of the Hotel. It was a fascinating history walk around the resort which the kids quite enjoyed.

I can't even explain how delicious everything was!!! It was well, well worth the cost.

After tea, we retired into the main lounge area, and the kids took an opportunity to play the piano.

I was a little nervous with the kids playing the piano as there was a group of 4 adults having conversation in the room, but they were so nice to us. After Katie finished a short little song, they immediately broke out in applause and yelling "Bravo!" and "Encore!" So she played another quick little ditty, and then we bid our farewells. They made special care to tell Katie how much they enjoyed her playing, and how wonderful it was to have live entertainment as they were enjoying their tea. It was such a nice moment, and Katie was just beaming.

Katie & Declan beside one of the many, many fireplaces, which were still lit, despite the hot August weather!

After we were finished touring the hotel, we headed over to the Beach:

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[cdotla]

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Of course, one of the most fascinating aspects of Prince Edward Island is the fictional (but very real in our hearts) character of Anne of Green Gables from the books written many years ago by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

You can travel to PEI 3 ways: (1) by plane, (2) by ferryboat from Nova Scotia, or (3) by car from New Brunswick, travelling over Confederation Bridge. We took the Bridge over and the Ferry back.

Literally just set foot on the red, PEI soil as you drive off the Bridge, there is a little village with tourist information and a ton of little shops. As well as PEI famous Cows Ice Cream. It is well worth the stop!

One of the little shops has an area where you can pay $2 (yes, $2!!!), dress up like Anne of Green Gables, and have your picture taken. Recognize anyone????

Standing outside Cows Ice Cream

See all the Disney-related Cows merchandise:

And more Anne Gables transformations:

Raspberry cordials...a drink made famous in the Anne of Green Gables books:

And of course, on our first evening on the Island (as well as our 2nd, and 3rd), we had to indulge in a delicious traditional lobster supper:

We also stopped by to pick up some Beavertails on our way home to enjoy back at the cottage that evening:

The next morning we were up bright and early, and made our way over to the Main House for a home-cooked breakfast. The menu changes each day, but every day there is always a healthy selection of a variety of juices, as well as plenty of fresh tea and coffee.

Once again, the kids enjoyed some piano time, and a little time at the playground, before we were off for our first full day of activities.

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[cdotla]

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On our first morning in PEI, we headed over to Avonlea, an historical recreation of the town where Anne lived.

I will let the pictures do the talking, but this place is incredible. It is like stepping back in time. And all of the actors are in character and stage live performances throughout the day all around the park. Very interactive and fun!

A fishing shanty with a merry band inside. These guys are so talented. Had the whole crowd clapping their hands and stomping their feet to the music. And lots of audience participation!

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[cdotla]

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Can you guess what we did in here???

You guessed it!

Completely free and included with admission!

My Dad, trying his hand at walking on stilts. Looks easy, but it was really quite challenging!

Every evening Kindred Spirits offered all guests homebaked cookies, iced tea and hot tea in the Main House. Needless to say, it was always very popular!

On our second day, we headed over to Shining Waters, an amusement and water park.

We were quite underwhelmed with the amusement park, and feeling like it was a waste of time and money (the only real disappointment of the trip), but then the waterpark more than made up for it! There were 2 main rides, and you rode in a large tube down each one. They were both so much fun! After this great experience, I can't wait to try our hand at the Disney waterparks for the very first time next month!

After we left the waterpark, we stopped for gas and I noticed the cemetary where Lucy Maud Montgomery was buried across the street. I left Chris to fill up, and took the kids over to see if we could find her grave. We walked around, and around and around, and came up with nothing. Finally I found it and felt so silly when I realized that there was a little path leading to it from the main entrance of the cemetary.

Chris was a little disturbed that I took the kids into the cemetary in bathing suits, but we had just come from the water park. And it was scorching hot!

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